Action, Adventure, Excitement, Part 4
                              Chapter 19

Date: Thu, 12 Mar 1998 01:02:39 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: Lightfall

On Thu, 12 Mar 1998 02:44:49 -0600 In Message # 00003118
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001331 Michael Jon Knight said:

>On Wed, 11 Mar 98 23:15:29 -0800 In Message # 00003116
> In alt.callahans Post # 00001329 Roland X said:
>
>   Roland sighs.
>   *Armagedon, please attempt to find those frequencies that the
>resistance is using and restore them. And why would we need to jam
>magickal communication? The Greys don't have any magick, as far as
>_I_ can tell.*

Knytt's portion of the link mutes itself again as he says, "Nemo just
informed us that humans are just 'disappearing' on a planet-wide
scale. I presume in a similar fashion to the ones who PHOENIX couldn't
get to during the riot in Picadilly."

<OOC: I presume the extermination option isn't being practiced yet, as
Jadis should have no trouble making magical contact with his troops.>

>   "what?" Roland whispers.
>   Suddenly, Green Lantern Roland Phoenix is standing where the
>Freelance Immortal had been a moment ago.
>   "No."

Knytt just steps back out of the way, with a quiet sigh.

<snip of Roland and morgan attempting to protect those left.>
>   "DAMN IT!" Roland shouts at the universe at large. "Leave them
>alone! Cowards! What is WRONG with you?! Haven't the people of this
>world had _enough_ grief!? LEAVE THEM ALONE!"
>   Finally, overloaded, exhausted and overcome with emotion, Roland
>collapses and the emerald energy fades. The sigil stops glowing.
>   "Leave them alone..."

Knytt glances toward Zia, with a sad expression as if to say, "You can
see why I thought it was him." He then turns the link 'volume' back to
normal.

<snip of various news from afar>
>A handfull of peanuts forms in Morgan's hand, and she lobs them at
>Roland as she continues. <*I think there's enough sofa and spare room
>space for anyone else who wants more comfortable crash space*> Her
>mental 'voice' mutes for a moment as she adds a comment on her
>private link to Roland, followed by him exhibiting his trademark
>blush. <eg>

Knytt smiles as a Tarot card appears in his fingers with a flick of
the wrist. The card is labeled "The Lovers" and has a picture of
Roland and Morgan on it.

/I have some other business to attend to, but how about breakfast
tomorrow?/ Knytt grins at Roland, /I'll bring the tacos./
===========================

Date: Thu, 12 Mar 1998 07:02:23 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: Lightfall

On Thu, 12 Mar 1998 08:56:12 -0600 In Message # 00003119
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001332 Zia said:

<ooSC: Is Roland psychic in RL, too? <grin> I just read his type about
the dearly oily Mr. Morden in THIS game - and when I watch the newest
epi of B5, there he is!>

<Since Zia gets none of the Link communications, and the only speech
is Roland's horror as GL, Zia has not much to react on other than
watching and G'Kars appearance and message.>
| Knytt's portion of the link mutes itself again as he says, "Nemo
| just informed us that humans are just 'disappearing' on a
| planet-wide scale. I presume in a similar fashion to the ones who
| PHOENIX couldn't get to during the riot in Picadilly."

Zia sighs for some reason. (The riot was her fault, she thinks.)

|>   Finally, overloaded, exhausted and overcome with emotion, Roland
|>collapses and the emerald energy fades. The sigil stops glowing.
|>   "Leave them alone..."
|
| Knytt glances toward Zia, with a sad expression as if to say, "You
| can see why I thought it was him." He then turns the link 'volume'
| back to normal.

Zia's face, a bit indistinct in the dimness, simply nods. It's hard to
say if it's 'yes, I can see why.' or 'yes, it was him.'

<Watching the byplay of Morgan and Roland and the house, Zia begins to
look troubled.>

Finally, when they relax and start smiling, (remember, Zia isn't
getting any of the link anymore at all, and still has full shields).
She clears her throat noisily, "May I ask what your current plans are?
If I am any judge, a new attack... or more likely two is due at any
time in the near future. If your plan is to retreat because your
reserves are too low to protect a world-wide virtually defenseless
population, or some other better strategy now eases your concerns?"
===========================

Date: Thu, 12 Mar 1998 07:36:22 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Aae:touring London on a silver piece a day.

On Thu, 12 Mar 1998 09:03:06 -0700 (MST) In Message # 00003120
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001333 Driscoll said:

 Driss hung around the church for a while observing the CaoL and the
rebels but finally couldn't stand it much longer and headed outside.
 He paused for a breath of the cold night air, breathing in
re-freshened air and thinking how it smelled and tasted too sterile.
Almost like that of a starship rather than a city. Of course the
purple stuff would be no better to breathe either.
 [Driss? You're going out on your own aren't you?]
 Driss couldn't help but jump a bit as Roscoe's thoughts projected
themselves into his mind shattering his own. [Yeh. I couldn't stand it
in there anymore. I know it's not a practicing church anymore but it
still stands to me like a reminder that people believe in, trust, and
even worship the most worthless things. That makes me wonder about why
I'm still with this group. It's not for Morgan anymore obviously since
she doesn't want anything to do with me.]
 Roscoe was silent for a moment as he pondered how to reply.
[Because... this is the closest thing you'veever had to a family, even
in the short time you've known them?]
 Driss spit a wad of phlegm onto the pavement.. [Oh great. Just what I
need. Look how much trouble got caused in Quaren just to my sense of
duty towards my brothers. Like I _really_ need anyone close enough for
that to happen again. Look at how worried everyone's getting over
John. The guy's dead for Pete's sake and we're still running from
dimention to dimention grasping at straws trying to find him.]
 [There's more to this than that and you know it. And if you don't
want anyone close then why are you still here anyways? You could have
left at any time you wanted after the Wedding but you stayed. You
could have even left after finding Isla so you wouldn't have to deal
with her, but you stayed. I know you Driss. I know you perhaps even
better than you know yourself. I've observed you and talked with you
for a thousand years now. I've seen your highs, and your lows. Face it
Driss, whether you want to believe it or not, you're no less social an
animal than any other human. You want that companionship and that's
why you're here. because you've finally found some people who can
understand what you've gone through and who can care about you Driss.
You've found people you can't steal from because what they have they
give away freely to those who need their help. You've found people who
can understand both the wonders you have seen in your dimention
walking, as well as the pains and lonliness of being a lone immortal
in worlds of mortals. You're here because you've found a Home Driss.]
 [I'm going to do some scouting outside this cylinder Nemo made and
see what I can find out. I'm sick of sitting on my backside.]
 Roscoe sighs. [OK I'll be right out to go with you.]
 [NO! You need to stay and watch Squee. Who knows what Isla might be
plotting and putting into his head. I can do this one alone.]
 [Don't you think you've been alone for long enough Driss?]
 [Get out of my head!! Goodbye!]
 With that Driss took a moment to change his clothing in favor of a
thermal insulated black sneak suit, His Rapier strapped to his back
and a 15mm sub machine gun hanging from a sling over his shoulder.
Then becoming one with the shadows the former God of Theives
disappears into the night.
 TBC
===========================

Date: Thu, 12 Mar 1998 07:36:32 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: Lightfall

On Thu, 12 Mar 1998 09:09:48 -0700 (MST) In Message # 00003121
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001334 Driscoll said:

> Finally, when they relax and start smiling, (remember, Zia isn't
> getting any of the link anymore at all, and still has full
> shields). She clears her throat noisily, "May I ask what your
> current plans are? If I am any judge, a new attack... or more
> likely two is due at any time in the near future. If your plan is
> to retreat because your reserves are too low to protect a
> world-wide virtually defenseless population, or some other better
> strategy now eases your concerns?"

 Roscoe pipes up. "Driss has already gotten impatient as usual and
gone out scouting on his own. We might want to figure that in the plan
as well. Though with this jamming it's hard for me to keep a lock on
his mind and he's not on the link to call in if he finds something
without it so we might just want to keep considering him a wild card.
Personally how I feel right now I vote for a nap."
===========================

Date: Thu, 12 Mar 1998 08:02:22 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: Lightfall

On Thu, 12 Mar 1998 07:45:43 In Message # 00003122
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001335 Morgan said:

>On Thu, 12 Mar 1998 08:56:12 -0600 In Message # 00003119
> In alt.callahans Post # 00001332 Zia said:
>
><ooSC: Is Roland psychic in RL, too? <grin> I just read his type
>about the dearly oily Mr. Morden in THIS game - and when I watch the
>newest epi of B5, there he is!>

<OOC: He's working on it :-), and I commented on the same thing to him
last night. Hm, we'd better watch what we write.... ;-)>

><Since Zia gets none of the Link communications, and the only speech
>is Roland's horror as GL, Zia has not much to react on other than
>watching and G'Kars appearance and message.>

<OOC: Actually, almost everything in "Lightfall" was spoken, and
that's the major stuff since you're last IC post, so you didn't miss
much. But (see below).>

<snip of Roland going balistic over people getting hurt>
>Finally, when they relax and start smiling, (remember, Zia isn't
>getting any of the link anymore at all, and still has full shields).
>She clears her throat noisily, "May I ask what your current plans
>are? If I am any judge, a new attack... or more likely two is due at
>any time in the near future. If your plan is to retreat because your
>reserves are too low to protect a world-wide virtually defenseless
>population, or some other better strategy now eases your concerns?"

Morgan, still happily snuggled up to Roland, blushes herself. "Oops,
see what I mean about how we get with the link? Sorry about that. You
didn't miss much, really, mostly some discussion on how we're going to
handle our downtime." On the link, she asks, <*Are we ready yet to
have one of the usual suspects include Zia in most link conversations,
subject to people asking for privacy? Pending the general comfort
level reaching the point of offering her one of the rings?*>

<OOC: Roland may make the offer IC, but he was in a hurry to get to
work and said he'll post his stuff later tonight. Don't look for
anything from him before around 8-ish PST, though, because when he
gets home we go straight to Dylan's kindergarten Open House.>

"You heard the news about the Greys." Morgan continues as the link
discussion no doubt goes on. "So I guess the plan is for the organics
to get some rest, and then we decide in the morning what to do about
the Greys and Borg and who/whatever was excercising negative
population growth." She looks at her companions, her expression asking
'anything else?'.
===========================

Date: Thu, 12 Mar 1998 18:10:54 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: Lightfall

On Thu, 12 Mar 1998 20:46:54 -0500 (EST) In Message # 00003123
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001336 Shadow <pookie> said:

> On Thu, 12 Mar 1998 07:45:43 In Message # 00003122
>  In alt.callahans Post # 00001335 Morgan said:
>
> Morgan, still happily snuggled up to Roland, blushes herself. "Oops,
> see what I mean about how we get with the link? Sorry about that.
> You didn't miss much, really, mostly some discussion on how we're
> going to handle our downtime." On the link, she asks, <*Are we ready
> yet to have one of the usual suspects include Zia in most link
> conversations, subject to people asking for privacy? Pending the
> general comfort level reaching the point of offering her one of the
> rings?*>

  Rhiannon looks over from the window she was staring out of, /I..
would be willing to do this. Perhaps it will help take my mind off
of.../Here she trails out.

OOC: And if there wasn't a window with a sill for her to sit on and
look at the stars she had asked for one after asking Zia about John.
===========================

Date: Thu, 12 Mar 1998 18:11:14 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: Lightfall

On Thu, 12 Mar 1998 20:58:56 -0500 (EST) In Message # 00003124
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001337 Shadow <pookie> said:

> On Wed, 11 Mar 98 23:15:29 -0800 In Message # 00003116
>  In alt.callahans Post # 00001329 Roland X said:
>
>    (Assuming someone explains the disappearances and the murders-
> Roland didn't know IC)
>    "what?" Roland whispers.
>    Suddenly, Green Lantern Roland Phoenix is standing where the
> Freelance Immortal had been a moment ago.
>    "No."

Jadis looks up after Rolands outburst. "Oh, what fun. I _must_ see
this." He gestures and a window appears, on it is Roland. Jadis
settles back in a countoured chair he conjures, then leans forward and
conjures himself a bag of popcorn as well. He doesn't look entirely
happy, as the picture tends to break up, but there is a hint of
satisfaction about him.

OOC: The energy he's expending to do this is phenomenal, so it won't
last long.

>    "NO."
>    The sigil lights up like a miniature sun. Roland draws on it
> deeply, pushing himself to the limit and beyond, increasing his
> mental capacity to divide his attention and protect all the victims.
>    Still not enough.
>    "NO!"

Jadis tosses some popcorn into his mouth, then conjures a fruited
drink as well. He seems to be enjoying himself.

> "'No longer _acceptable_'?" Morgan's voice hovers between indignant
> and disbelieving. "What, he isn't honest and brave enough for you
> any more?"

Jadis, beginning to show some strain, remarks to a nearby aide, "This
is good stuff. I'll have to include it in my memoirs."

>    Roland turns away, shaking, and misses the stricken look on the
> Oan's face. Before Roland can notice (but not before Morgan notes
> it) the image vanishes.

Jadis lets the image fade. He pulls a large scrapbook out of midair,
takes something resembling a videocassette out the air as well, places
it in the book and puts the book back. "I think a montage of the best
scenes," he muses, "I could show it at parties."
===========================

Date: Thu, 12 Mar 1998 18:11:26 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE: Metaplot

On Thu, 12 Mar 1998 21:06:25 -0500 (EST) In Message # 00003125
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001338 Shadow <pookie> said:

> On Wed, 11 Mar 98 19:09:31 -0800 In Message # 00003110
>  In alt.callahans Post # 00001323 Roland X said:
>
>    The Adversary stops fading.
>    "No pawn are you, then. A schemer." He nods in approval. "We
> shall do business, if it is profitable to us both. What do you have
> in mind?"

Jadis smiles, "I shall be coming into a bit of power shortly. Tell me,
have you ever heard of a being called the Beyonder?"

>    (OOC: Oookay, then Jadis _wasn't_ interested in Roland until now.
> Due to some seriously messed up resonance nass that went on in AAE
> I, Roland is the only being that the Adversary can use as a host for
> a while-like the next few centuries. Jadis is probably powerful
> enough to _fix_ that, but it would take a considerable portion of
> his power. So it's either that, grab Roland, or get creative. <EG> I
> was going to _get_ creative with the situation anyway, so if you
> have a cool idea, I'm listening...)

OOC: Well, what would the Adversary say to the power of a universe?
<EG>
===========================

Date: Thu, 12 Mar 1998 22:32:42 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: Lightfall

On Thu, 12 Mar 1998 21:41:18 PST In Message # 00003128
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001341 Nemo said:

In mail you write:
>    But Roland doesn't have _nearly_ the willpower to protect all of
> Jadis' targets.

A thought struggles to get thru to him.

/Roland..... Stop! It is .... being handled .../
===========================

Date: Thu, 12 Mar 1998 23:02:34 -0800 (PST)
Subject: AAE IV: A Gathering of Storms

On Thu, 12 Mar 98 22:59:50 -0800 In Message # 00003129
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001342 Roland X said:

>On Thu, 12 Mar 1998 02:44:49 -0600 In Message # 00003118
> In alt.callahans Post # 00001331 Michael Jon Knight said:
>
>Knytt's portion of the link mutes itself again as he says, "Nemo just
>informed us that humans are just 'disappearing' on a planet-wide
>scale. I presume in a similar fashion to the ones who PHOENIX
>couldn't get to during the riot in Picadilly."
>
><OOC: I presume the extermination option isn't being practiced yet,
>as Jadis should have no trouble making magical contact with his
>troops.>

   (OOC: This was meant to happen when the killing started. It's
rather important, character-wise. It's quite easy to fix, however.)

>>   "what?" Roland whispers.
>>   Suddenly, Green Lantern Roland Phoenix is standing where the
>>Freelance Immortal had been a moment ago.

   Once in GL mode, the ring informs him of the interdimensional
kidnapping ceasing, and the beginning of the assassinations.

>>   "No."
>
>Knytt just steps back out of the way, with a quiet sigh.
>
><snip of Roland and morgan attempting to protect those left.>

    Note: Roland goes at it for as long as the attacks do. The below
occurs once the survivors are safe and the rest...well...

>>   "DAMN IT!" Roland shouts at the universe at large. "Leave them
>>alone! Cowards! What is WRONG with you?! Haven't the people of this
>>world had _enough_ grief!? LEAVE THEM ALONE!"
>>   Finally, overloaded, exhausted and overcome with emotion, Roland
>>collapses and the emerald energy fades. The sigil stops glowing.
>>   "Leave them alone..."
>
>Knytt glances toward Zia, with a sad expression as if to say, "You
>can see why I thought it was him." He then turns the link 'volume'
>back to normal.
<snip>

Then, Zia said:
><Watching the byplay of Morgan and Roland and the house, Zia begins
>to look troubled.>
>
>Finally, when they relax and start smiling, (remember, Zia isn't
>getting any of the link anymore at all, and still has full shields).
>She clears her throat noisily, "May I ask what your current plans
>are? If I am any judge, a new attack... or more likely two is due at
>any time in the near future. If your plan is to retreat because your
>reserves are too low to protect a world-wide virtually defenseless
>population, or some other better strategy now eases your concerns?"

   Roland scowls for a moment, but his better nature quickly takes
over; it _is_ a valid point, after all. "Three things are going for us
at the moment. One: the gang-style murders have stopped. Two: through
the Ring, before it was taken, I realized that magic was used
somewhere in all of that. Which means that outside forces are aiding
the Greys, whether they called on them or not. Three: I now have a
reliable outside ally base to call on."

"Love, tread that ground carefully," Morgan says slowly. "If the Greys
don't _know_ that these others are attacking, they may well take
offense at what looks like _our_ dishonor."

   "Don't worry, my heart," Roland replies with a smile, "if it comes
to that, I'll ask the Legion to only oppose the _outside_ forces until
we learn whether or not the Greys have doublecrossed us. Either way,
what matters is that the reinforcements are there _to_ call." Roland
smiles ferally, and his eyes crackle with St. Elmo's Fire.
   "To put it bluntly...all bets are off!"

   [End of CAoL Comics #49]
   [Next issue blurb box:]
   [CAoL #50: Thorne, The Controller, Jadis, the Adversary,
and-because you demanded it-THE LEGION OF JUSTICE!]
   <VBG> OOC: I imagine that last line being the last panel, with a CU
of a face being lit up by electric energy...who, ME, a fanboy?
===========================

Date: Fri, 13 Mar 1998 07:34:56 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: Lightfall

On Fri, 13 Mar 1998 06:24:31 -0500 In Message # 00003130
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001343 Caprice said:

>On Thu, 12 Mar 1998 21:41:18 PST In Message # 00003128
> In alt.callahans Post # 00001341 Nemo said:
>
>In mail you write:
<snip>
>A thought struggles to get thru to him.
>
>/Roland..... Stop! It is .... being handled .../

Legion's thoughts echo more than usual as she speaks to Nemo /We are
shielding part of New York State if you/i/we joined efforts the strain
would be less on you/i/us./ With that one of her selves extends a
mental hand to Nemo, offering a private link so they can combine
efforts.

[OOC: Legion is quiet capable of stopping Magical communication as
well with some help. With the power the stardragon offered, and Nemo
drawn into link with her to help carry the burden of focus... it could
probably be done for the whole earth. On her own, of course, she'd be
only able to block a small area.]
===========================

Date: Fri, 13 Mar 1998 07:35:05 -0800 (PST)
Subject: AAE: Wards and Peace

On Fri, 13 Mar 1998 01:44:22 PST In Message # 00003131
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001344 Nemo said:

Nemo "feels" Legions efforts, and when he sees that they are adequate,
relaxes his "grip" to something equivalent. But not before Roland's
"display".

At the new level, Nemo can once again interact "normally". He first
sends a thought of thanks towards Legion. He'll make no attempt to
intrude, just send a thanks. If she is receptive, he'll let her know
how much help she was.

Meanwhile, back at the church.

"We seem to have the psi bands blocked, except for those we use
ourselves. Anyone attempting to use *those* bands will be immediately
noticed by at least one of us. And I see that the natural specta are
blocked from hyperwave clear down to subspace. And what is open in the
EM spectrum we can easily monitor."

"But we still need to protect the planet magically. I have a thought,
but I need those who are skilled in magic to implement it. Have any of
you ever encountered the human subspecies known as Deryni? What I have
in mind is attempting to enclose the entire planet in a Ward Major.
The materials for the cubes are easy to obtain, but I cannot charge
them."

Then to everyone on the link *except* Armageddon.

/I also have a possible attack on the Greys and other interlopers, but
it should be reserved as a last resort. We could create a field effect
that will destroy DNA and what the Greys use from the same purpose.
But first we screen all the creatures we can detect that belong here.
I consider it a last resort because it would kill with no hope of
saving them. And don't mention the idea to Armageddon, as I fear he
would attempt it on his own as soon as he hears the idea./
===========================

Date: Fri, 13 Mar 1998 07:35:15 -0800 (PST)
Subject: AAE4: Rubies and Revolvers

On Thu, 12 Mar 1998 20:37:54 -0600 In Message # 00003132
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001345 Michael Jon Knight said:

SOMEWHERE IN SOUTH AMERICA...

The party slashed and hacked its way through the jungle brush. Strange
animals, nothing like the ones that would normally inhabit this
ecosystem, called out from all around the small band of explorers.
Even the bearers, who grew up in this country, felt as if they were in
a foreign land. Strange plants and animals prowled the countryside
now. Twelve bearers entered the jungle, 5 were left now. They were
wanting to turn back, and the deeper they got, the worse the party's
mood. The guide didn't want to continue either, but his payment was
big enough that he didn't grumble too badly. The group leader was the
only one who didn't seem to care about the alien environment.

"Senorita," the Guide said, "The men, they do not want to go any
further. The jungle is full of terrors now. We should turn back."

"I don't care what the men want. They are being paid well enough," she
said, "We continue."

Reaching into her pack, the woman pulled out a rolled map. Unrolling
it, she stared at the contour lines. "There should be a river coming
up, cross it, and we come to the temple."

A gun cocked behind her. She didn't move. The man holding the gun, one
of the bearers, said simply, "Give us the map, and you will live. We
are leaving this place. Nothing is so important here that it is worth
dying for."

The crack of the whip broke the silence of the forest as it coiled
around the barrel of the gun, an old service revolver, and pulled it
from the man's hand. With a flick of the wrist, it flew out of his
hand and landed in the woman's. She took the gun, and shot the stunned
man between the eyes.

"We go forward." she said, slipping the gun into a pocket inside a red
leather jacket. "Bring the inflatable canoes forward. At the bottom of
this hill is the river."

The guide stared at the dead man. "Si, Senorita."

All arguements for turning back ceased. Better to chance the jungle
than the Senorita. The river crossing was uneventful. On reaching the
other side, the bearers discovered an ancient statue that seemed to
terrify them. They didn't want to continue, but when they turned, they
saw the Senorita and seemed to change their minds. She looked at the
statue, snorted and told them to drop their packs there.

"Take only the essentials. Rope and pitons and hammers, torches with
extra bulbs and batteries, the medic kit, and a day's rations. Our
goal is just over the hill, but may as well plan ahead."

The guide and the remaining four bearers followed the Senorita up and
over the hill. At the top was a small clearing where they saw that a
stone step pryamid lay in the valley before them. The bearers took one
look at the temple, turned and ran. The Senorita methodicly took
careful aim and fired twice, shooting two of the bearers before the
other two stopped.

"Take their packs and get back here. You either take your chances with
the temple or you die, guarenteed. There is no magic, or whatever you
think might be protecting that place. The only way you will wind up
dead is by disobeying -me-."

The Senorita put the gun away as the final two bearers returned to the
crest of the hill. The foursome wound their way into the valley, the
guide clearing the path, the two bearers in the middle, and the
Senorita bringing up the rear. A few hours later, they stood before
the temple. The Senorita pointed to the entrance, "Inside."

The first bearer entered the temple. The second one hesitated, then
followed. The guide looked at the Senorita, then walked up the stairs
and into the temple. The Senorita muttered something in a foreign
tongue then went inside.

A long corridor stretched out before them, filled with cobwebs. An
archway at the top of the corridor was engraved with ancient
pictograms. Two identical corridors stretched out to the left and
right. The bearers seened to want to avoid the center corridor. The
guide looked between the left and right, unsure of which was the
correct path. The Senorita looked up at the ceiling, then back the way
they came and to the center corridor.

"The center corridor is the way."

"Senorita, the keystone at the top of the arch is a symbol of death.
The left is wealth, the right is power. Surely one of those is the
right way."

"Look at the arch above the way we came in. The symbol of life," the
Senorita said, "Now look at the ceiling. It says to seek the treasure
is leave life in search of death. The center is death. That is the way
we go. Break out the torches."

Four halogen beams pierced the darkness. The bearers stayed up front,
the guide and Senorita next. The sound of wind echoed from in front of
them, and became stronger as they pressed forwardinto a mass of thick
cobwebs. Suddenly, the cobwebs cleared. The reason was a gaping hole
in the floor that opened in front of them. A strong updraft tore
through the cobwebs. Heat and the distinct smell of sulfur rose up
from the pit. One of the bearers dropped a stone. After a long fall,
the sound of water splashing reached their ears.

"How will we get across?" the guide asked.

"Rope bridge." the Senorita said. Working with the four ropes and
pocket knives, the group fashioned a sort of upside-down pyramid
bridge with two hand guides and a single rope to walk on. The Senorita
tied one end of the rope handrail to a piton driven into the wall. She
followed suit with the second handrail, then tied the foot rope to the
floor.

"How do we get it across?" The guide asked.

"Ever seen _Raiders of the Lost Ark_?" she asked, tying the three
ropes around her waist. The Senorita took out her whip, cracked it,
lashing the business end around a beam and swung across the chasm.
With a flick of the wrist, the whip came loose, and she coiled it back
up. Fastening the opposite ends to the walls and floor, she motioned
for the guide to come across. The bearers followed, quickly passing
across, obviously not wanting to stay on the bridge too long.

The party continued down the corridor, the dirt floor changing to
stone. As one of the bearers walked along, a hissing caught his
attention as something sharp hit his neck. He stopped, pulling a short
splinter of wood from the side of his neck. Then he collapsed forward
on the floor, which prompted more hissing and the clatter of several
more wooden needles hitting the floor. The guide picked one up.

"Poisoned," he said, "Something like the local tribes used to use."

The Senorita rested a hand on her hip. "Probably air bladders under
the cobblestones that propel the darts when too much weight is
applied. Pick up the body."

The guide and the one remaining bearer drug the body from the floor,
careful not to step on the cobblestones. Beneath the body, there were
thin cobblestones, slightly lower than the rest of the floor. Small
skin sacks were just visible beneath the stones.

"Drop the body on the same cobblestones."

"Senorita?"

"We need past this patch of floor. Air bladders under the stones are
propelling the darts from the holes in the wall when weight is
applied. But once they are deflated, we can pass through. If we use
the body to deflate the airbladders, we can clear a safe path."

"But Senorita!"

"What? He's dead, what will he care?"

"His spirit will care."

"He doesn't need the body anymore. We do. Unless you would rather walk
across the floor yourself, like sheep across a minefield."

In reply, the guide crossed himself and did as instructed. The plan
worked, but it took 4 hours to clear the 2 foot wide path through the
100 yards to the final room.

The floor was dirt and the guide and bearer quickly went in. The
Senorita trailed behind, running her hands briefly over an arch at the
entrance. A small groove was carved into the archway. She looked up at
the top of athe arch, shining her light upward.

"Senorita!"

She looked toward the guide, who was standing with the bearer around a
waist high pedastal in the center of the room. In the center of the
simple stone pedestal was a ruby slightly larger than a person's head.
The Senorita walked over.

"This is incredible!" the Guide said. Even the bearer was no longer
scared, transfixed instead by the jewel.

"Yes," the Senorita said, looking around the room. As her back was
turned, the Guide reached out and attempted to pick up the stone. He
was surprised at just how heavy it was. He lifted it off the pedastal,
as a rumbling was heard. The pedestal rose from the floor, growing
into a tall column. A loud grinding came from the door as a stone slab
slid into place.

"What did you do?" the Senorita said, angrily.

"I just picked up the stone."

"Stupid," the Senorita said, drawing the gun and shooting him in the
stomach. "It was counterweighted to lock the door if removed."

The bearer looked between the two in horror. "Blue-haired Amazon
She-devil!" The Senorita shot him in the stomach as well, then once in
the head, silencing his curses.

"He is right, you are a devil," the Guide said, clutching his stomach,
"My wife warned me about you. She said you would be the death of me."
The Guide laughed. "I thought she meant you would work me hard. At
least put me out of my misery."

The Senorita didn't reply, instead her black hiking boots and the
quiet sound of her black leather pants flexing were the only sounds in
the room as she kneeled, picking up the large ruby.

"Well," the Guide said, "At least you will die here, too. Soon, the
batteries in the lights will go out, and the rations will run out, and
you will starve with your precious jewel."

The Senorita didn't reply, just fished in the red leather jacket's
breast pocket, retrieving a car alarm keyring. As she tapped the
button, a strange sound filled the room. A sort of grinding-wheezing
that echoed against the stone walls. As the Senorita shone her light
toward the noise, a strange new square stone pillar stood in the
corner of the room. The Senorita took the stone in her left hand,
hefting it easily, something that had taken the Guide both hands and
had still been very heavy. She walked toward the stone pillar, stuck a
key into a small crack in the side, and opened a door inward. Light
from within brightened the room, showing ancient weathered paintings
of wars fought long ago.

As the Senorita, with a wave, entered the interior of the stone
pillar, the Guide came to realize that somehow she was leaving.

"Who are you," the Guide shouted, "that I might curse your name in
Hell?"

"Anna Mahloy," the Senorita said, "They are very familiar with it
there."

The noise started again, sounding to the Guide very much like a death
rattle or someone taking their final breath. Maybe like he would soon.
Then the strange pillar was gone, taking Anna Mahloy with it and all
was dark.
===========================

Date: Fri, 13 Mar 1998 08:53:26 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE: Wards and Peace

On Thu, 12 Mar 1998 22:21:35 -0600 In Message # 00003133
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001346 Michael Jon Knight said:

>On Fri, 13 Mar 1998 01:44:22 PST In Message # 00003131
> In alt.callahans Post # 00001344 Nemo said:
>
>/I also have a possible attack on the Greys and other interlopers,
> but it should be reserved as a last resort. We could create a field
> effect that will destroy DNA and what the Greys use from the same
> purpose. But first we screen all the creatures we can detect that
> belong here. I consider it a last resort because it would kill with
> no hope of saving them. And don't mention the idea to Armageddon, as
> I fear he would attempt it on his own as soon as he hears the idea./

Knytt shudders a bit at the mention of destroying DNA, remembering a
lifetime ago when his own DNA had been so badly damaged his body had
regenerated. The experience had been extremely painful, both
physically and emotionally, and had haunted him for a long time
afterwards.

As Nemo had, Knytt excluded Armageddon in his reply, /Yes, it has
potential, but definitely as a -last- resort./
===========================

Date: Fri, 13 Mar 1998 08:53:38 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Fw: AAE IV: A Gathering of Storms

On Fri, 13 Mar 1998 10:45:13 -0600 In Message # 00003134
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001347 Zia said:

<Second attempt to send this.>

<snipped most of Roland and Morgan's answer.>
call." Roland smiles ferally, and his eyes crackle with St. Elmo's
Fire. "To put it bluntly...all bets are off!"

Zia stands, and shoots a single short glance up to the dark nave of
the church's dome. "Since you are listening but not hearing, I'll
repeat myself one last time, and then leave you to whatever you choose
to do. You are met here by at least two outside forces, although I
have a feeling that both are organized by a third not directly
involved. They appear to know you well, and are studying you in great
detail to find your weaknesses. Judging their exquisite timing,
another attack might occur about 15-20 minutes after you decide to
relax and rest. Or as I said, more likely two. One from each of your
external opponents. The objective seems to be wearing you down and
destroying your morale."

She turns and continues softly to the only one of the group she has
been relatively at ease with, "The girl child, Knytt, will be here in
a few moments. She in a carrier of darkness, for all the intent of her
towards good." Zia's mouth twists, ruefully, "But then again, who can
say that isn't true of themselves?" Then back to the room at large, "I
am leaving an ... ally to keep watch, but she cannot interfere with
your fate. Please do not shoot at the angel; she is a nice singer and
wouldn't harm a fly. Even if it deserved it. For now, I think I need
some time actually doing something. I take it outsiders cannot
interfere between the Greys and yourselves, but the humans I may
assist with their efforts and work for. Think I'll try to locate
Drisscoll."

"Raver, I don't believe any demons of whatever type I've ever met have
needed sleep, either. Rhiannon, worrying won't help. Sleep or come
with me. Open invitation, barring perhaps if your leader does not wish
you to go along."
===========================

Date: Fri, 13 Mar 1998 10:02:40 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: A Gathering of Storms

On Thu, 12 Mar 1998 23:58:01 -0600 In Message # 00003136
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001349 Michael Jon Knight said:

>On Fri, 13 Mar 1998 09:24:45 -0600 In Message # 00003133+?
> In alt.callahans Post # 00001346 "Ziactrice Keenan" said:
>
>>"Don't worry, my heart," Roland replies with a smile, "if it comes
>>to that, I'll ask the Legion to only oppose the _outside_ forces
>>until we learn whether or not the Greys have doublecrossed us.
>>Either way, what matters is that the reinforcements are there _to_
>>call." Roland smiles ferally, and his eyes crackle with St. Elmo's
>>Fire. "To put it bluntly...all bets are off!"

"Ah, an optimist." Knytt replies, sounding for all the world like
Brent Spiner as Data.

>Zia stands, and shoots a single short glance up to the dark nave of
>the church's dome. "Since you are listening but not hearing, I'll
>repeat myself one last time, and then leave you to whatever you
>choose to do. You are met here by at least two outside forces,
>although I have a feeling that both are organized by a third not
>directly involved. They appear to know you well, and are studying
>you in great detail to find your weaknesses. Judging their
>exquisite timing, another attack is due for about 15-20 minutes
>after you decide to relax and rest. Or as I said, more likely two.
>One from each of your external opponents. The objective seems to be
>wearing you down and destroying your morale."

"Actually," Knytt adds, "The Grey are likely gathering intelligence on
us right now, using our other enemies to gauge our skills. At least if
they are intelligent beings. The Controller's Borg had some intent
here, assimilation of the humans here would be quite silly. The
Controller has far more populated planets for that. Our third enemy
(and correct me if I am wrong, there are folks more knowledgable about
the Controller than I) is the one with the magic. I don't think that
that is up the Controller's alley at all. And, if Zia is correct then,
we have a fourth puppet master pulling the strings of the other three.
With four enemies, are you certain the odds are with us in our typical
straight up fight, Roland?"

>She turns and continues softly to the only one of the group she has
>been relatively at ease with, "The girl child, Knytt, will be here
>in a few moments. She in a carrier of darkness, for all the intent
>of her towards good." Zia's mouth twists, ruefully, "But then
>again, who can say that isn't true of themselves?" Then back to the
>room at large, "I am leaving an ... ally to keep watch, but she
>cannot interfere with your fate. Please do not shoot at the angel;
>she is a nice singer and wouldn't harm a fly. Even if it deserved
>it. For now, I think I need some time actually doing something. I
>take it outsiders cannot interfere between the Greys and
>yourselves, but the Borg I many work against, and the humans I may
>work for. Think I'll try to locate Drisscoll."

"Zia," Knytt adds, "To the best of my knowledge, the Grey consider
-us- outsiders. I doubt one more will hurt, unless you are in
possession of semi-phenominal cosmic powers. Not to make light of your
abilities, but that is pretty much what it would take to get the local
Gods uptight. Planet wrecking abilities. There are wars going on here
on more than one level. But, with them, as long as one side doesn't
pull a hand grenade out of its sleeve and call it a pawn in their
chess game, I think one more piece on the board won't hurt.

"As for the little girl, I'm still wide awake. I'll go meet her
halfway. Ironman, if you haven't need of sleep and have no plans of
your own, I would appreciate the company. I think you'd like to meet
the young lady."

>"Raver, I don't believe any demons of whatever type I've ever met
>have needed sleep, either. Rhiannon, worrying won't help. Sleep or
>come with me. Open invitation, barring perhaps if your leader does
>not wish you to go along."

Knytt telekineticly 'whispers' to Zia, "Watch yourself against those
altered Borg pawns, or you won't get to meet the Black 'King' in the
morning."

<OOC: Not that we would know, perhaps, but hasn't the Controller
pulled all his Borg out?>
===========================

Date: Fri, 13 Mar 1998 10:23:45 -0800 (PST)
Subject: AAE: Holy Tabloids Batman!

On Fri, 13 Mar 1998 11:45:29 -0700 (MST) In Message # 00003137
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001350 Driscoll said:

 Driss made his way through the streets of London quickly and thanks
to his own theif skills as well as his Cloak of Shadows he went
completely unnoticed.
 As he looked about the city he rememebred a dozen other such war torn
planets. Some falling into rot and decay due to their own failings.
Others were victims of invasions similar to this one, strugglign just
to survive. Some Driss had helped rebuild. Others he had helped
destroy. Most he simply sat back and watched unwilling to get
involved. Now here he was again. Involved for no apparent reason, yet
reveling in it.
 Soon he found himself lost in the purple misted city, but that was
exactly where he wanted it be. No answers could be found in the
cleared area. He needed to be out here in the thick of htings. Yet it
also surprised him how much the grey-forming adn the battle scars to
the city made it so unreconisable.
 As he pondered his next movements a pair of forms turned the corner.
"Slightly apish is appearance, htey stood at least 7' tall and were
covered in long redish brown hair. Their overly long arms held strange
looking weapons at port arms, but not for long. The guns snapped down
perfectly in unison to train themselves on Driss.
 Driss raised his hands over his head and yelled to them, "Stop! We
come in peace!" Then with a speed five times that of any human he
grabbed his Sub-gun and fired several bursts of depleted uranium
ammunition at the pair riddling them with holes.
 Moving towards the pair, he kicked the rifles away from them and was
about to examine hte bodies when a blast nearly ripped his right arm
from its socket. The sub-gun clattered to teh ground and Driss looked
up to see a dozen more of the bigfoot monsters. Bone crackled and
muscle hissed as the arm repaired itself and he drew out the rapier
form his back. "That was a bad choice on both our parts."
 More shots rang out but Driss managed to avoid them neatly, his body
seeming liquid as me moved and manuvered, dodging ray blasts and
getting into hand to hand range with the hairy beasts.
 The mithril rapier flashed out and cut through one of the rifles. The
effort was rewarde with a large explosion that hurled Driss through a
nearby plate glass window and also killed three Yeti. Driss shook his
head to clear it as hundreds of lacerations closed up. The other
beasts decided not to wait for his return to the battle field and
began to fire at the building itself attempting to collapse it on
Driss.
 Realizing their plan at the last second, Driss hurls himself back out
to the street just in time as the ceiling over his head begins to
collapse and the building starts to fall in on itslef. Driss pulls out
3 daggers from behind his back and hurls them with perfect accuracy as
he looks for his lost rapier.
 Suddenly he is grabbed by two amazingly strong and hairy arms.
Striking quicky at the radial nerves he makes them release him. He
falls and drops into a low crouch, sweeping out with his leg to sweep
kick behind one knee, hten snapping out to shatter the other. The
beast roars in pain as it falls back and away adn Driss gets back to
his feet with 5 more monsters in a semi-circle around him.
 TBC
===========================

Date: Fri, 13 Mar 1998 10:23:57 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: A Gathering of Storms

On Fri, 13 Mar 1998 11:50:57 -0700 (MST) In Message # 00003138
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001351 Driscoll said:

> On Thu, 12 Mar 1998 23:58:01 -0600 In Message # 00003136
>  In alt.callahans Post # 00001349 Michael Jon Knight said:
>
> "As for the little girl, I'm still wide awake. I'll go meet her
> halfway. Ironman, if you haven't need of sleep and have no plans of
> your own, I would appreciate the company. I think you'd like to meet
> the young lady."

 "Not at all. I sat around more than my share in that other world. I
really don't have any desire to do more of it here. I'll even fly us
there if you'll give directions of where you're going."

> Knytt telekineticly 'whispers' to Zia, "Watch yourself against those
> altered Borg pawns, or you won't get to meet the Black 'King' in the
> morning."
>
> <OOC: Not that we would know, perhaps, but hasn't the Controller
> pulled all his Borg out?>

 <OOC: Nope. they're still under the effects of the Xenon gas and when
they awake they'll pretty much stand there trying to figure out what
to do without the spirdoids to tell them, at least once they finish
the bit of building plans still in their memory. TC condiered the Borg
expendable. >
===========================

Date: Fri, 13 Mar 1998 15:04:37 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: A Gathering of Storms

On Fri, 13 Mar 1998 17:50:19 -0500 (EST) In Message # 00003139
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001352 Shadow <pookie> said:

> On Fri, 13 Mar 1998 09:24:45 -0600 In Message # 00003133+?
>  In alt.callahans Post # 00001346+? "Ziactrice Keenan" said:
<snip>
> "Raver, I don't believe any demons of whatever type I've ever met
> have needed sleep, either. Rhiannon, worrying won't help. Sleep or
> come with me. Open invitation, barring perhaps if your leader does
> not wish you to go along."

"As if I can sleep right now anyway," Rhiannon mutters under her
breath as she unfolds and walks over to Zia. "As for our esteemed
leader," /half-hearted rasperry to Roland/, "He can try to stop me.
_This_ particular cat feels like actually doing something."
===========================

Date: Fri, 13 Mar 1998 16:05:38 -0800 (PST)
Subject: AAE IV: Hunting Season in London Town

On Fri, 13 Mar 1998 17:37:27 -0600 In Message # 00003143
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001356 Zia said:

Zia grins at Rhiannon and Raver, the expression easily subtracting
enough years from her face to make her seem more the teenager than
adult, and nods, "All right, then. Let's go and see how much trouble
this Driscoll fellow feels like sharing." She turns and follows them
(and whomever else joins the group).

Once they're out in the streets, Zia will lead the way and just HAPPEN
to pick the most safest and least time route to Driscoll's firefight.
Noticing the weapons discharging, she will motion for the three to
separate and not approach bunched and from the same direction, at
least.
===========================

Date: Fri, 13 Mar 1998 16:05:48 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: A Gathering of Storms

On Fri, 13 Mar 1998 17:48:21 -0600 In Message # 00003144
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001357 Michael Jon Knight said:

>On Fri, 13 Mar 1998 11:50:57 -0700 (MST) In Message # 00003138
> In alt.callahans Post # 00001351 Driscoll said:
>
>> On Thu, 12 Mar 1998 23:58:01 -0600 In Message # 00003136
>>  In alt.callahans Post # 00001349 Michael Jon Knight said:
<snip>
>> "As for the little girl, I'm still wide awake. I'll go meet her
>> halfway. Ironman, if you haven't need of sleep and have no plans of
>> your own, I would appreciate the company. I think you'd like to
>> meet the young lady."
>
> "Not at all. I sat around more than my share in that other world. I
>really don't have any desire to do more of it here. I'll even fly us
>there if you'll give directions of where you're going."

"Just following should suffice," Knytt said with an easy smile, hands
jammed in his largish 'bookshelves-coat' patch pockets, toes not
touching the floor by about three inches, "I'll be being led by the
twins, so it will be easier just to tag along."
===========================

Date: Fri, 13 Mar 1998 16:05:58 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: A Gathering of Storms

On Fri, 13 Mar 1998 17:48:26 -0600 In Message # 00003145
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001358 Michael Jon Knight said:

>On Fri, 13 Mar 1998 17:50:19 -0500 (EST) In Message # 00003139
> In alt.callahans Post # 00001352 Shadow said:
>
>"As if I can sleep right now anyway," Rhiannon mutters under her
>breath as she unfolds and walks over to Zia. "As for our esteemed
>leader," /half-hearted rasperry to Roland/, "He can try to stop me.
>_This_ particular cat feels like actually doing something."

"Sleep -is- important, though, so try not to neglect it due to worry."
Knytt said, "Personally, when I arrived, it was 8am in Ottawa, so this
is about late morning/early afternoon by my internal clock. That's the
only reason I am not crashing with everyone else. I now know even Time
Lords need the occassional nap."
===========================

Date: Fri, 13 Mar 1998 18:14:17 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: Hunting Season in London Town

On Fri, 13 Mar 1998 18:09:51 -0800 (PST) In Message # 00003146
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001359 The Lone One said:

On Fri, 13 Mar 1998, Samatha Cooper wrote:
> Zia grins at Rhiannon and Raver, the expression easily subtracting
> enough years from her face to make her seem more the teenager than
> adult, and nods, "All right, then. Let's go and see how much trouble
> this Driscoll fellow feels like sharing." She turns and follows them
> (and whomever else joins the group).

   Raver turned from where she had been staring out the window, and
nodded at Zia, a half smile hovering around her mouth. "With
pleasure."

> Once they're out in the streets, Zia will lead the way and just
> HAPPEN to pick the most safest and least time route to Driscoll's
> firefight. Noticing the weapons discharging, she will motion for
> the three to separate and not approach bunched and from the same
> direction, at least.

   Her eyes narrowed as she acknowledged Zia's order. With no more
than a very quiet scrape of claws, she scaled one of the surrounding
buildings. Crouching on the roof, the dark demon took a deep breath
and exhaled slowly as she took in Driss defending himself against five
overgrown creatures. Silver chain mail shimmered into being over her
frame, and she took advantage of a brief lull in the battle to jump
off.
   Wings spread wide, teeth and claws bared, Raver landed on top of
one of the creatures. The impact sent him reeling backward, and she
ducked her head in a quick, almost involuntary motion. Leaping off him
to avoid the gout of blood from his torn throat, she grinned ferally
at the surviving creatures. "Who wants to be next?"
===========================

Date: Fri, 13 Mar 1998 21:05:35 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE: Metaplot

On Fri, 13 Mar 98 21:01:27 -0800 In Message # 00003149
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001362 Roland X said:

>On Thu, 12 Mar 1998 21:06:25 -0500 (EST) In Message # 00003125
> In alt.callahans Post # 00001338 Shadow said:
>
>> On Wed, 11 Mar 98 19:09:31 -0800 In Message # 00003110
>>  In alt.callahans Post # 00001323 Roland X said:
>>
<HUGE snip>
>>    The Adversary stops fading.
>>    "No pawn are you, then. A schemer." He nods in approval. "We
>> shall do business, if it is profitable to us both. What do you have
>> in mind?"
>
>Jadis smiles, "I shall be coming into a bit of power shortly. Tell
>me, have you ever heard of a being called the Beyonder?"

   The Adversary stops cold.
   The humanoid form fades, shifts, and becomes a pair of glowing red
eyes, each a meter across. "I have. The question is, why would you
share such power with me? For that matter, why should I trust you to
divide the power equally when you are clearly willing to betray the
spider?"
===========================

Date: Fri, 13 Mar 1998 21:05:44 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: A Gathering of Storms

On Fri, 13 Mar 98 21:01:33 -0800 In Message # 00003150
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001363 Roland X said:

>On Thu, 12 Mar 1998 09:09:48 -0700 (MST) In Message # 00003121
> In alt.callahans Post # 00001334 Driscoll said:
<snip>
> Roscoe pipes up. "Driss has already gotten impatient as usual and
>gone out scouting on his own. We might want to figure that in the
>plan as well. Though with this jamming it's hard for me to keep a
>lock on his mind and he's not on the link to call in if he finds
>something without it so we might just want to keep considering him a
>wild card. Personally how I feel right now I vote for a nap."

   "Don't worry, Roscoe," Roland chuckles, "this time going off
half-cocked is _part_ of the plan. The idea is to get the Greys to
think we're out of our minds while _we_ gather intelligence on _them._
The hard part comes later, when we actually have to use teamwork."

>On Fri, 13 Mar 1998 09:24:45 -0600 In Message # 00003133+?
> In alt.callahans Post # 00001346 Ziactrice Keenan said:
>
<snip>
>Zia stands, and shoots a single short glance up to the dark nave of
>the church's dome. "Since you are listening but not hearing, I'll
>repeat myself one last time, and then leave you to whatever you
>choose to do. You are met here by at least two outside forces,
>although I have a feeling that both are organized by a third not
>directly involved. They appear to know you well, and are studying
>you in great detail to find your weaknesses. Judging their
>exquisite timing, another attack is due for about 15-20 minutes
>after you decide to relax and rest. Or as I said, more likely two.
>One from each of your external opponents. The objective seems to be
>wearing you down and destroying your morale."

   "Apparently, listening but not hearing is a flaw we share," Roland
responds dryly. "I just _said_ that it's covered. And those of us who
need sleep won't do anyone _any_ good unless we get it."
   He shrugs. "As for the rest, we have so many enemies that _someone_
attacks us every two hours or so. You get used to it. But whether it's
five minutes or five hours, I AM going to get some rest. Our enemies
should know better than to try to ruin our morale, but they don't, so
I want as many of us to have as much sleep as we can get."

<snip II>
> Then back to the room at large, "I am leaving an ... ally to keep
>watch, but she cannot interfere with your fate. Please do not shoot
>at the angel; she is a nice singer and wouldn't harm a fly. Even if
>it deserved it. For now, I think I need some time actually doing
>something. I take it outsiders cannot interfere between the Greys and
>yourselves, but the Borg I many work against, and the humans I may
>work for. Think I'll try to locate Drisscoll."

   "I don't shoot at angels; it's bad karma." Roland grins. "Don't
worry, she'll be quite safe." *Folx, try not to blow up the nice
angel,* Roland sends, adding a chuckle through the link.

>On Fri, 13 Mar 1998 17:50:19 -0500 (EST) In Message # 00003139
> In alt.callahans Post # 00001352 Shadow said:
<snip>
>"As if I can sleep right now anyway," Rhiannon mutters under her
>breath as she unfolds and walks over to Zia. "As for our esteemed
>leader," /half-hearted rasperry to Roland/, "He can try to stop me.
>_This_ particular cat feels like actually doing something."

   *After _that_ display, I'm tempted to try,* Roland replies, *but
you're a grown woman now. Just stay on the link. Remember,
_every_five_ _minutes._ Just a pulse will do.*
===========================

Date: Fri, 13 Mar 1998 21:05:55 -0800 (PST)
Subject: AAE4: Blowing steam

On Fri, 13 Mar 1998 20:59:02 In Message # 00003151
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001364 Morgan said:

<OOC disclaimer: This is all being said IC, folks :-). If anyone wants
to assume that some of it 'leaks' to the psiweb go ahead, but none of
it should get to those _not_ on the link unless someone specifically
forwards it. Also, assume that the more emotional she is the stronger
the brogue. I just don't feel up to trying to type everything in it
tonight :-).>

As the others go to their rest, or leave on their various recon
missions, Morgan and Roland find a sheltered spot not far from the
church to set up the house.

Once inside, Morgan mutes her link to the group, finds her practice
sword and starts 'practicing' on the indoor pell. The blows falling
punctuate as she finally says all the things she's been thinking but
bit her tongue about to keep the peace.

^D'ya ken, the more I listen to Zia, the more I see your point about
Amberites and their attidudes. 'I'll repeat myself one last time,'
indeed. She takes that superior attitude and acts as if she knows our
adversaries and what's going on around here better than we do, and we
poor simpletons need _her_ to point it out to us. Those Greys didn't
know we _existed_ until Chaos and his "Let Make a Deal" doors dropped
us in this mess. To be sure, the Controller's most likely just
tweaking us to see how we'll respond, but he knows our abilities
pretty well by now.^ She trails off, concentrating on technique. After
a few moments, though, another rant bubbles to the surface.

   Roland thinks about replying, but one look at his beloved's state
and wisely keeps his mouth shut.

^And why is it the people who insist on staying on the fringes are the
ones that do most of the bitching when someone tries to keep us
focused? 'Come along unless your leader won't let you....'^ Morgan
mentally approximates Rhiannon's raspberry. ^'Our esteemed leader can
try to stop me.'^ She stops and turns to Roland. ^Why can't they see
that you only took the job of 'party leader' because you _care_, not
for some kind of power trip? Doesn't she know you well enough by now
to know you wouldn't try to stop her if she wanted to go recon?^
Morgan sighs, and her voice has a faint tinge of sadness. ^Sometimes I
find it hard to remember that's she's practically my daughter.^

   ^Morgan, love, all you share with Rhiannon is a genetic structure.
She's John's daughter, for all intents and purposes. You can't blame
yourself for her rants.^ Roland smiles. ^Of course, it's not like she
doesn't have good reason to _be_ emotional. John may be a comrade in
arms to us, but for her it's 'dad' we're trying to rescue.^

^Well, that dusna' mean she has to take it out on _you_.^ She sits
down and begins polishing Aramegil. The blade doesn't need it - it's
obviously something she does almost ritualistically, almost a
meditation. ^I know she's a clone, but when she took on my face at the
wedding.... it hit a nerve.^

   Roland _carefully_ hugs Morgan from behind. ^Those maternal
instincts kicking in, huh?^ Morgan smiles sheepishly in response to
Roland's gentle grin. ^Morgan my heart, I think you've just reached
what Seker called 'maximum nonsense' level. We have at least two
tyrannical forces trying to turn us into hero dip, an Amberite who
could be using us or genuinely helping us, Primals waltzing in and
out, and a bunch of tired Callahanians. When we're this slow on the
pun, we _must_ be tired. When was the last time someone had to throw
peanuts, other than that batch you threw at me for 'Better Homes and
Arsenals?'^

^An' that was a _weak_ one,^ Morgan adds quietly, though she reduces
the claidheamor to dagger length and sheathes it just before standing
and returning Roland's hug.

   ^How sharper than a serpent's tooth,^ Roland replies dryly, though
the smile is evident in his mental voice. ^I can't force the others to
get some rest, even if I _wanted_ to. Can you imagine trying to tell
Armagedon that he has to sleep?^ He adds an image of himself wagging a
finger at 40+ feet of war machine and pointing at a pair of pajamas.

Morgan can't help but giggle. ^No, you _can't_ order them around. And
I don't think you would if you _could_. They're our friends. It's not
your way.^

   ^Ha! Like the authority I have isn't _enough_ responsibility?!^
Roland sighs and drops wearily into a chair. ^I can drive myself for
as long as I have to without sleep, but lack of REM state affects my
kind almost as much as mortals. I've been just a _little_ emotional,
after all.^ <g>

^A _little_?^ Morgan sends an image of Roland going ballistic as GL,
though he looks like a green genie (think Robin Williams) in the
projection.

   Roland scowls. ^I think I was justified _there._ When I get my
hands on whoever _killed_ those people...^ His PK begins to flow
around him seemingly of its own accord.

Morgan stands behind him and begins massaging his shoulders, adding
her magickal talents to the effort. ^There's other ways to relax
besides _sleep_,^ Morgan responds, trying to get Roland's mind on a
different track.

   It works. <VBG> Mindshields lock into place around them, with a 'Do
Not Disturb' sign astrally hung on them, and the psychic equivalent of
an emergency button below it in case the frag hits the fan while the
two newlyweds are...resting. <eg>
   (OOC: We're aware of the yeti fight OOC, but IC we figure no one's
'pushed the button' yet. If someone wants to, go for it.)
   Sil smiles up at the pair, then wanders off to see who's still in
the church.
===========================

Date: Sat, 14 Mar 1998 00:34:09 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: Hunting Season in London Town

On Sat, 14 Mar 1998 02:16:41 -0600 In Message # 00003153
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001366 Zia said:

Timed to match Raver's drop from the air, Zia moves from the shadows
with a speed no greater than a well trained human martial artist. Just
as the demon lands, she distracts the targets again with an erily
animalistic kia yell (think very LOUD loon call, weird, high toned but
almost musical). There is a flash of blade and one falls... half THAT
side, top half THE other side of Zia. Her sword is already back in the
scabbard.

She stands, relaxed, but feet spread slightly and ready to fight, as
Raver states the girl's position QUITE effectively...

<snippage of Raver also demolishing a baddie>
Leaping off him to avoid the gout of blood from his torn throat, she
grinned ferally at the surviving creatures. "Who wants to be next?"

Softly, Zia comments, "Why Driscoll-san, imagine meeting you here."
She then smiles, the grin of someone who enjoys killing.
===========================

Date: Sat, 14 Mar 1998 07:19:47 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Aae:Now that's GOTTA hurt.

On Sat, 14 Mar 1998 08:28:26 -0700 (MST) In Message # 00003156
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001369 Driscoll said:

 As Driss faced his last five opponents his hand slipped back into his
cloak and returned with a small handheld explosive device. He was
about to ready it when a streaking figure landed on top of one of the
monsters. Then another figure came running up behind a second monster
slicing him in two. The other beasts took advantage of Driss's
momentary distraction. One swung its claws low, disembowling the
immortal while the other's claws caught Driss's jawbone below the ear
and ripped his head apart. Zia's words became lost in pain as Driss
fell. Hitting concrete he felt his hand brush his rapier under some
rubble. Instinctively, he grasped the hilt and swung the blade out,
slicing a monster in half from the bottom up. (OOC; By now I expect
the other two are toast as well).
 Pain winning out over muscle control the rapier clatters to the
ground and Driss lays there coughting up blood as his intestines
slowly fuse themselves back together and draw themselves back inside
his body and skin muscle and bone slide back into the normal places on
his face. Five minutes later there is no sign of injury to Driss save
the pool of his own blood mixing with that of the beasts, and the
sneak suit in rags on his body.
 Still Driss lays there for a moment clearing his mind of the memories
of the pain before picking himself back up onto his feet. "You just
can't go for a leasurly stroll anymore without some big gorilla trying
to see how much guts you have. Thanks for the assist though. But for
your future reference, I'm not honorable so you should not degrade the
term by placing it behind my name." Picking himself up he slides the
Rapier back into its scabbard on his back and goes to retrieve his
other dropped weapondry.
===========================

Date: Sat, 14 Mar 1998 13:03:53 -0800 (PST)
Subject: AAE4: BBL, Meeting Oracle at Deli...

On Sat, 14 Mar 1998 14:39:19 -0600 In Message # 00003157
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001370 Michael Jon Knight said:

<OOC: In case gamer was waiting on me, here is how Knytt intended to
find the girl.>

Knytt stepped out of the church (presumably followed by Ironman) and
looked up into the purple haze that passed for sky. He reached into a
pocket and pulled out a white silk handkerchief that had faint off
white writing all over it. Closing his eyes, he felt his feet lift off
the ground as he rose into the air.

"This way." Knytt said, sailing through the air toward the twins and
the small girl they were following.

The course Knytt followed was mostly a bee-line, until they got in the
girl's general area, then it changed to ensure he was not spotted.
Landing in an alley next to a delicatessan, Knytt paused momentarily.

"Let's make this look like a meeting with the girls," Knytt whispered,
nodding toward the opposite alleyway where the twins had just arrived,
"No sense letting our quarry know we came to meet her. Might make her
nervous. I'd rather she thought everything was normal. This is the
second planet where we've seen her. I'd like her to say her piece as
she is picking some dangerous travel spots in following us."

Knytt waved to Melissa and Grep as he strolled out into the street
before the small girl; meeting the twins, who approached from the
opposite side, in the center of the road.

"Any Borg trouble on your way?" Knytt asked quietly.

The twins shook their heads, "None, they are still out cold." they
both said at once.

"Spot any Resistance or Greys?"

Again, the twins shook their heads.

<OOC: They'll keep up the general conversation on Borg and other
scouting matters until the child speaks up, then turn and try and get
more information from her. (Politely, of course.)>
===========================

Date: Sat, 14 Mar 1998 17:04:29 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: Lightfall

On Sat, 14 Mar 1998 19:59:11 -0500 (EST) In Message # 00003158
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001371 Xzerrion said:

<OOC : I know this is well late, but Xzerrion isn't likely to let some
of this go by.>

On Wed, 11 Mar 1998, Roland X wrote:
<snip>
>    The sigil lights up like a miniature sun. Roland draws on it
> deeply, pushing himself to the limit and beyond, increasing his
> mental capacity to divide his attention and protect all the victims.
>    Still not enough.
>    "NO!"

Tezrantha begins glowing with a bright blue aura as she steps to
Roland's side, knowing her power is probably insignificant by
comparison, but considering it worth it if she saves just one life.
Dantris begins glowing as well, as he joins his mind and powers to the
link. As he settles completely into the link, Roland and Morgan get a
momentary impression of the eternal perspective of creatures of
Faerie.

>    "I'm afraid it _must_ be now. As you are not of our reality, you
> are not eligible to be a Green Lantern. I must request that you
> relinquish your Power Ring."

Xzerrion steps in momentarily, calling momentarily on his elven
dignity and sheer Presence. "Shall I tell you where you can stick your
Green Lantern ring, your battery, *and* your self-appointed
Guardianship of the universe?" Despite the likely difference in
heights, Xzerrion seems to be staring down at the Oan, his red eyes
glittering dangerously.

>    The Oan looks almost embarrased, though he is doing his best to
> look officious. "Green Lanterns defend what you call 'Earth-1,' of
> which Roland Phoenix is not a native. Naturally, Guardian Hal Jordan
> will be informed at the proper time. If you wish to keep the ring
> for...personal reasons, that will be acceptable, but its power must
> return."

Xzerrion's gaze does not shift, or even blink. "Some would call
acceptance of those who are worthy of the task and willing to accept
it, regardless of their origins, a mark of diversity and a benefit to
such a broad minded group," he points out.

>    *Man, what else can go wrong,* Roland says.
>
> <*Oh, no, don't say that,*> Morgan mutters as she hugs him.
<snip>
> A handfull of peanuts forms in Morgan's hand, and she lobs them at
> Roland as she continues. <*I think there's enough sofa and spare
> room space for anyone else who wants more comfortable crash space*>
> Her mental 'voice' mutes for a moment as she adds a comment on her
> private link to Roland, followed by him exhibiting his trademark
> blush. <eg>

Xzerrion and Tezrantha glance at each other. "Good idea," says
Xzerrion. "We can make further plans on the morning, after being more
fully rested."

A distincty equine-sounding voice sends over the link, * I don't
suppose your hospitality extends to alfafa, grain, and carrots? *
===========================

Date: Sat, 14 Mar 1998 17:35:15 -0800 (PST)
Subject: AAE IV: Blood, Guts, and Honor

On Sat, 14 Mar 1998 19:04:22 -0600 In Message # 00003159
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001372 Zia said:

Zia's face is a bit white in the purplish dimness of this Earth's
night, as she listens to Driscoll's reply. And watches his guts and
face slowly repair themselves. (ooSC: Assuming the others take out the
last two bad guys first; otherwise, Zia will help clean up first.)

She swallows, once. "Honor isn't everything, but I wouldn't have much
at all if I couldn't keep what remains of mine. Although, " she adds,
starting to look less pale, "there are plenty of folks who'll state
with great assurance that none of my kind have any honor at all,
either. I hope you don't mind me making this observation - " she
offers him a hand off the ground when he seems ready to stand once
more, "but I'm beginning to see some real benefits of being mortal."

"If I got hurt that bad, the shock alone would have killed me. I
really cannot imagine how you deal with it."

"Say," she looks for the first time at the chopped up beasties, "who
sent these to the party? They don't seem to fit the other hostiles
profiles much. Orangatun based? Nice weaponry, too. They didn't use it
right, but still... impressive. Was your plan to attempt flushing
these out? Why? Who do you think sent them?" She catches herself after
the last question, and grins ruefully, "Curious, that's me. You can
explain, or not, as we go. I believe the other women were QUITE
impatient for some action, and this didn't provide enough to satiate
mine, so I'd guess they're still, ah, 'in the mood', so to speak." Her
teeth flash white in an amused smile.

"Rhiannon, Raver, can we mop up the downed Borg soon, too? They'll
probably be trapped, though, so be careful. I'll try to keep a watch,
and psionically TK any probes or nano-spore bombs from hurting or
infecting us."

When the group starts moving however, Zia saves her breath for
running, to keep up with the others.
===========================

Date: Sat, 14 Mar 1998 20:33:42 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: Lightfall

On Sat, 14 Mar 1998 19:43:35 PST In Message # 00003160
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001373 Nemo said:

> On Fri, 13 Mar 1998 06:24:31 -0500 In Message # 00003130
>  In alt.callahans Post # 00001343 Caprice said:
>
> Legion's thoughts echo more than usual as she speaks to Nemo /We are
> shielding part of New York State if you/i/we joined efforts the
> strain would be less on you/i/us./ With that one of her selves
> extends a mental hand to Nemo, offering a private link so they can
> combine efforts.

/Link accepted. Power feed ON./

Nemo "sends" a power tap over the link along with the briefing (canned
subroutine :-).

/Legion? You do far better than you suspect. You appear to be blocking
most of the northeastern portion of North America./

Nemo and Legion expand the coverage and jamming to encompass the
globe.
===========================

Date: Sat, 14 Mar 1998 20:33:52 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: Hunting Season in London Town

On Sat, 14 Mar 1998 23:11:41 -0500 (EST) In Message # 00003161
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001374 Shadow <pookie> said:

> On Sat, 14 Mar 1998 02:16:41 -0600 In Message # 00003153
>  In alt.callahans Post # 00001366 Zia said:
>
> Timed to match Raver's drop from the air, Zia moves from the shadows
> with a speed no greater than a well trained human martial artist.
> Just as the demon lands, she distracts the targets again with an
> erily animalistic kia yell (think very LOUD loon call, weird, high
> toned but almost musical). There is a flash of blade and one
> falls... half THAT side, top half THE other side of Zia. Her sword
> is already back in the scabbard.

Rhiannon begins to move with the other two, then stops. 'Why am I
doing this?' The thought flashes through her mind, bouncing around
awhile without getting any good answers. 'I don't even _know_ what
these creatures are, whether they have a beef with us or just Driss,
and I'm ready to kill them.' She can only whisper quietly, "I.. can't.
I can't do this. I'm sorry."

> She stands, relaxed, but feet spread slightly and ready to fight, as
> Raver states the girl's position QUITE effectively...
>
> <snippage of Raver also demolishing a baddie>
> Leaping off him to avoid the gout of blood from his torn throat, she
> grinned ferally at the surviving creatures. "Who wants to be next?"

Rhiannon continues to be lost in her thoughts, 'It's all so godDAMN
USELESS. Why am I waiting here? I should be out there looking for him.
He's out there _hurting_, and I'm playing around here. Of course, I
have no clue where to look, guess that makes _me_ kinda useless.'

> Softly, Zia comments, "Why Driscoll-san, imagine meeting you here."
> She then smiles, the grin of someone who enjoys killing.

'All those years, he's always been there for me. Even when I was mad,
or we quarreled I had but to call. Now he needs me, and I CAN'T HELP
HIM. God, all these powers, all these abilities, _worthless_. All I
can do is kill, take out my pain on others. Hurt everyone around me. I
should leave. I should just go. Go out and try to find him on my own.
One way or the other.'

OOC: Her thoughts are not public, but there might be some slippage on
her emotions. She's going into a major downward spiral here. This is
not where I had planned for this to go, and I can't say I'm happy
about it, but this is where it's gone.
===========================

Date: Sat, 14 Mar 1998 22:05:35 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: Blood, Guts, and Honor

On Sat, 14 Mar 1998 23:19:41 -0700 (MST) In Message # 00003165
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001378 Driscoll said:

> On Sat, 14 Mar 1998 19:04:22 -0600 In Message # 00003159
>  In alt.callahans Post # 00001372 Zia said:
>
> Zia's face is a bit white in the purplish dimness of this Earth's
> night, as she listens to Driscoll's reply. And watches his guts and
> face slowly repair themselves. (ooSC: Assuming the others take out
> the last two bad guys first; otherwise, Zia will help clean up
> first.)
>
> She swallows, once. "Honor isn't everything, but I wouldn't have
> much at all if I couldn't keep what remains of mine. Although, " she
> adds, starting to look less pale, "there are plenty of folks who'll
> state with great assurance that none of my kind have any honor at
> all, either. I hope you don't mind me making this observation - "
> she offers him a hand off the ground when he seems ready to stand
> once more, "but I'm beginning to see some real benefits of being
> mortal."

 "Trust me. I learned the value of mortality over a hundred years ago.
when Chaos first cursed me it was a kick being able to withstand
anything and live. But that was a lot of deaths ago."

> "Say," she looks for the first time at the chopped up beasties, "who
> sent these to the party? They don't seem to fit the other hostiles
> profiles much. Orangatun based? Nice weaponry, too. They didn't use
> it right, but still... impressive. Was your plan to attempt flushing
> these out? Why? Who do you think sent them?" She catches herself
> after the last question, and grins ruefully, "Curious, that's me.
> You can explain, or not, as we go. I believe the other women were
> QUITE impatient for some action, and this didn't provide enough to
> satiate mine, so I'd guess they're still, ah, 'in the mood', so to
> speak." Her teeth flash white in an amused smile.

 "I don't have a clue who they are. The first two just kinda fo
stumbled on me and I acted refexively. then the main group showed up."
Driss picks up one of the rifles and examines it. "Seems to be some
sort of organic tech. Never was much on the technical aspects of such
things." He tosses it back down to the ground and walks over to the
crippled Yeti. "Of course this one might have some answers. Heaggu
leshan get kobo. Yeti fro shek?" The crippled Yeti looks up at him and
growls something in a language Driss doesn't know, then lashes out in
vain towards the immortal. With a seeming flick of his wrist, Driss's
rapier is in his hand again and the monster's head is rolling in the
street.
 Cleaning off his blade on one of hte bodies, driss notices his ragged
attire and begins fishing in his cloak for another outfit. "As for a
plan I didn't have one. I don't know what I was expecting to do out
here. I just had to get out. Go think. You know how it is. But
wherever I go, trouble never seems to be too far behind. really makes
me look forward to eternity you know?" He steps back into his cloak
and it drifts to the ground again as he vanishes. A moment later he
re-appears dressed in a slightly differnt sneak suit and with a
cybernetic device covering over one eye and his ear. "Hopefully this
will keep me from stumbling blindly into hostiles again."
===========================

Date: Sat, 14 Mar 1998 23:19:56 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: Lightfall

On Sat, 14 Mar 1998 23:02:30 In Message # 00003169
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001382 Morgan said:

>On Sat, 14 Mar 1998 19:59:11 -0500 (EST) In Message # 00003158
> In alt.callahans Post # 00001371 Xzerrion said:
>
>On Wed, 11 Mar 1998, Roland X wrote:
>
<Snip Fu>
>>    "NO."
>>    The sigil lights up like a miniature sun. Roland draws on it
>> deeply, pushing himself to the limit and beyond, increasing his
>> mental capacity to divide his attention and protect all the
>> victims.
>>    Still not enough.
>>    "NO!"
>
>Tezrantha begins glowing with a bright blue aura as she steps to
>Roland's side, knowing her power is probably insignificant by
>comparison, but considering it worth it if she saves just one life.
>Dantris begins glowing as well, as he joins his mind and powers to
>the link. As he settles completely into the link, Roland and Morgan
>get a momentary impression of the eternal perspective of creatures of
>Faerie.

   A part of Roland's mind recognizes the timeless nature of the
power, and its ramifications for an immortal, but cannot focus further
on the thought. His concentration is on far more important matters...

Morgan, having spent a fair amount of time in Arcadia, mainly gets a
warm, homey feeling. Being an even 'younger' immortal than Roland,
though, she does notice the sense of eternity, and files it away for
later contemplation.

<Snip Fu: The Legend Continues>
>Xzerrion steps in momentarily, calling momentarily on his elven
>dignity and sheer Presence. "Shall I tell you where you can stick
>your Green Lantern ring, your battery, *and* your self-appointed
>Guardianship of the universe?" Despite the likely difference in
>heights, Xzerrion seems to be staring down at the Oan, his red eyes
>glittering dangerously.

   <OOC: You GO, Xzerrion! <G>)
   The emerald projection darkens slightly. "This does not concern
you, Lord of Faerie."

<snip>
>Xzerrion's gaze does not shift, or even blink. "Some would call
>acceptance of those who are worthy of the task and willing to accept
>it, regardless of their origins, a mark of diversity and a benefit to
>such a broad minded group," he points out.

   "Perhaps," the ex-Guardian admits finally, "but the fact remains
that only a Green Lantern may wield the power of the Battery, and
Roland Phoenix may not be a Green Lantern."

<snip of Roland throwing the power back at the Oan>
>A distincty equine-sounding voice sends over the link, * I don't
>suppose your hospitality extends to alfafa, grain, and carrots? *

   *Don't know about the alfalfa,* Roland notes with a little surprise
(how much depending on whether or not Dantris had announced him(?)self
to the entire link) *but carrots are one of the few veggies I'll eat,
and if we don't have rice I'll eat my cape.*

Morgan smiles. <*I'm sure we can come up with something to your
liking. The house _was_ created with Fae magick, after all.*>
===========================

Date: Sat, 14 Mar 1998 23:20:16 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: Hunting Season in London Town

On Sun, 15 Mar 1998 01:10:24 -0600 In Message # 00003171
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001384 Zia said:

[ooSC: Now, I don't have clue one about the real status of John... or
when it's best for the storyline to find him. So, if I need to stall
this out or whatnot, just let me know. :) ]

Zia frowns in self-reproach when Driss answers, seeing how much he
disliked the question. Seeing as the others don't immediately take
off, she drops back to pick up one of the rifles from the attackers to
study later. She scans it for booby traps, then takes quite a bit of
the slack out of the sling to make it fit her.

Then she quietly walks up to Rhiannon, "You shouldn't be sorry. If
everyone was a killer, who would make life worth living? Besides." She
grins, "With the kind of enemies y'all seem to attract, straight out
slaughter probably wouldn't do that much good in the long run. Why are
you so upset? You need to... find something? No. Someone? I might be
able to help you with that. But not until this place is stabilized to
some form of minimal safety."

"Should we take you back to the church again? You could talk to S- my
ally. She has a very sympathetic way about her. If it's the fact that
you didn't want to kill, don't be upset. I like combat, and I love
bladework... but the fact that I end something as beautiful as
another's life has never been pleasing to me."
===========================

Date: Sat, 14 Mar 1998 23:34:57 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: Blood, Guts, and Honor

On Sun, 15 Mar 1998 01:20:00 -0600 In Message # 00003172
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001385 Zia said:

[Driss]
> "Trust me. I learned the value of mortality over a hundred years
>ago. when Chaos first cursed me it was a kick being able to withstand
>anything and live. But that was a lot of deaths ago."

Zia quirks a self-reproachful grin and immediately drops that subject.

<snip of Zia asking a blizzard of questions>
[Driss]
>I just had to get out. Go think. You know how it is. But wherever I
>go, trouble never seems to be too far behind. really makes me look
>forward to eternity you know?"

Zia answers as if the question weren't rheotorical. "No, I really
don't know - I'm a long way short of eternity and I like trouble. Of
course, I liked that Chaos fellow, too." She grins, as she turns to go
back and check on Rhiannon. "But then, I am just plain insane, as
well, so you shouldn't really take that too seriously."
===========================

Date: Sun, 15 Mar 1998 02:33:40 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: Blood, Guts, and Honor

On Sun, 15 Mar 1998 02:28:47 -0800 (PST) In Message # 00003174
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001387 The Lone One said:

On Sat, 14 Mar 1998, Samatha Cooper wrote:

   Seeing that Rhiannon didn't seem to be in any condition to help,
Raver turned toward the nearest yeti. The killing claw (OOC: Her feet
look like a deinonychus's -- they prolly were in Jurassic Park) on one
foot slashed up and across its belly, through flesh and bone to the
softer innards. A clawed fist sailed into its face, smashing the nose
and delivering the coup de grace, as splinters of bone drove into its
brain.
   Zia finished the last yeti, and Raver bent to pick up the rifle
that one of the yeti had dropped. "I prefer hands on, personally, but
this does quite well." After examining it for a few moments, Raver
shrugged and sheathed the rifle in a metal scabbard that shimmered
into being between her shoulderblades, seemingly part of her armor.
   She licked the blood off her claws and mouth, watching Driss's
healing with interest until Rhiannon made her comment.

> ground when he seems ready to stand once more, "but I'm beginning to
> see some real benefits of being mortal."

   Raver's eyes flickered and darkened slightly, at this, but she said
nothing.

> "Rhiannon, Raver, can we mop up the downed Borg soon, too? They'll
> probably be trapped, though, so be careful. I'll try to keep a
> watch, and psionically TK any probes or nano-spore bombs from
> hurting or infecting us."

   "You do not have to do that for us, as we have our own defenses,"
she replied with a courteous nod.

> When the group starts moving however, Zia saves her breath for
> running, to keep up with the others.

   And Raver takes to the air again, flying slightly in front to keep
watch for any surprises.
===========================

Date: Sun, 15 Mar 1998 07:34:00 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: Blood, Guts, and Honor

On Sun, 15 Mar 1998 09:00:10 -0700 (MST) In Message # 00003176
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001389 Driscoll said:

> On Sun, 15 Mar 1998 01:20:00 -0600 In Message # 00003172
>  In alt.callahans Post # 00001385 Zia said:
>
> Zia answers as if the question weren't rheotorical. "No, I really
> don't know - I'm a long way short of eternity and I like trouble. Of
> course, I liked that Chaos fellow, too." She grins, as she turns to
> go back and check on Rhiannon. "But then, I am just plain insane, as
> well, so you shouldn't really take that too seriously."

 "I liked him too. At first. Just never accept any "gift" from him, or
you'll be paying for it for a longer time that I like to contemplate."
With that he begins to stride off.
===========================

Date: Sun, 15 Mar 1998 12:08:53 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: Blood, Guts, and Honor

On Sun, 15 Mar 1998 13:59:11 -0600 In Message # 00003180
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001393 Zia said:

> "I liked him too. At first. Just never accept any "gift" from him,
>or you'll be paying for it for a longer time that I like to
>contemplate." With that he begins to stride off.

"Oh, yeah! I learned long ago to never take a gift I couldn't return
in like kind. Who need that sort of gomen?" Zia remarks with a tone of
definite agreement. ((For the curious, I think gomen means a kind of
debt of honor, LARGE one that is almost impossible to repay. Also, it
is used as kind of "heavy, resented burden" word.))

Once Rhiannon seems settled again, Zia will catch up with Raver and
Driss; or if she doesn't setlle, she'll walk with her back to the
church, skragging any Borg that lie helpless in their path.

Behind the departing members, the weapons that no one took along
slowly grow a coral-like encrustation of metals, some growth taken
from the weapon's shells themselves. Rendering the weapons (and any
other electrical/metal based gear) completely useless.
===========================

Date: Sun, 15 Mar 1998 12:37:27 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: Hunting Season in London Town

On Sun, 15 Mar 1998 15:35:18 -0500 (EST) In Message # 00003181
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001394 Shadow <pookie> said:

> On Sun, 15 Mar 1998 01:10:24 -0600 In Message # 00003171
>  In alt.callahans Post # 00001384 Zia said:
>
> Then she quietly walks up to Rhiannon, "You shouldn't be sorry. If
> everyone was a killer, who would make life worth living? Besides."
> She grins, "With the kind of enemies y'all seem to attract, straight
> out slaughter probably wouldn't do that much good in the long run.
> Why are you so upset? You need to... find something? No. Someone? I
> might be able to help you with that. But not until this place is
> stabilized to some form of minimal safety."

Rhiannon's sheilds clamp down hard as she's realizing she's been
'projecting', "How do you do that? Be able to just tell things about
someone?" She draws a deep breath, "I'll be all right. It's just...
very hard for me right now." While her emotions no longer 'leak', her
voice is still ragged.

OOC: How can I put this: Engage defensive mechanmisms deflect, evade,
avoid. It's a toss-up right now as to whether or not she'll break down
again, though for different reasons this time.
===========================

Date: Sun, 15 Mar 1998 18:34:16 -0800 (PST)
Subject: AAE4 - Another county heard from...

On Sun, 15 Mar 1998 20:30:20 +0000 In Message # 00003182
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001395 The Doctor said:

   Knytt, the twins and Ironman heard a quite familar sound - the
grinding roar that signals the rending of time and space - the arrival
of the TARDIS. Knytt, it might be supposed, was a big confused. When
last hard from, the Doctor and Ace were off for pastures new. But when
the door opened ....

   Out stepped a tall fellow, with a crimson greatcoat, crimson pants,
paisley vest, white shirt, black shoes and an impossible long scarf.
On top of this abundance sat a head covered with an unruly mop of dark
brown hair, and a face that looked entirely out of custom to the
expression currently on it - a deeply concerned frown. He spoke
directly to Knytt...

   "There you are. I believe it's time you and I had a little chat."
===========================

Date: Sun, 15 Mar 1998 20:05:01 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE IV: Blood, Guts, and Honor

On Sun, 15 Mar 1998 21:50:16 -0600 In Message # 00003183
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001396 Michael Jon Knight said:

>On Sun, 15 Mar 1998 13:59:11 -0600 In Message # 00003180
> In alt.callahans Post # 00001393 Zia said:
>
>Behind the departing members, the weapons that no one took along
>slowly grow a coral-like encrustation of metals, some growth taken
>from the weapon's shells themselves. Rendering the weapons (and any
>other electrical/metal based gear) completely useless.

Elsewhere in London...

Knytt and the twins discuss scouting matters. As they talk, Knytt is
forced into a desperate internal struggle to suppress a huge wave of
laughter. As he watches his "daughters", he starts noticing small bits
of body language he knows weren't programmed into them.

Grep is glancing around quickly, her eyes not resting anywhere for
very long. In addition, her arms shift from being crossed to behind
her back to buried in her pockets and back in quick succession (sp?).
And she keeps shifting her weight back and forth from one leg to the
other.

Meanwhile, Melissa has her arms folded and is drumming her fingers
rapidly as she sways faintly from side to side. She is also looking
around as she talks, her tone of voice indicating distraction.

"Alright," Knytt says in barely a whisper, a smirk slipping through
his defenses, "You two can go play with Zia, Rhiannon, Raver, and
Driss. Perhaps if we head back for home slowly, the girl will follow.
Lord knows I am impatient for something to happen too."

As the twins turn for the alley, a gateway appears in it. The girls
run through to arrive at the site of the Yeti fight.

"Hey, wait up!" they say as one, "We want to have some fun, too!"
===========================

Date: Sun, 15 Mar 1998 20:05:15 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: AAE4 - Another county heard from...

On Sun, 15 Mar 1998 21:50:23 -0600 In Message # 00003184
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001397 Michael Jon Knight said:

>On Sun, 15 Mar 1998 20:30:20 +0000 In Message # 00003182
> In alt.callahans Post # 00001395 The Doctor said:
>
>    Knytt, the twins and Ironman heard a quite familar sound - the
>grinding roar that signals the rending of time and space - the
>arrival of the TARDIS. Knytt, it might be supposed, was a big
>confused. When last hard from, the Doctor and Ace were off for
>pastures new. But when the door opened ....
>
>    Out stepped a tall fellow, with a crimson greatcoat, crimson
>pants, paisley vest, white shirt, black shoes and an impossible long
>scarf. On top of this abundance sat a head covered with an unruly mop
>of dark brown hair, and a face that looked entirely out of custom to
>the expression currently on it - a deeply concerned frown. He spoke
>directly to Knytt...
>
>    "There you are. I believe it's time you and I had a little chat."

Knytt waves the twins off <as per my other post>, then pivots on his
heel to look at the Doctor.

"You're early," Knytt replies, "I haven't met you yet. Then again,
perhaps I have later. What's up, Doc?"

<OOC: Knytt knows OF this Doctor, but hasn't met him. On the other
hand, with two time travelers, who can really say WHEN the first time
they meet really is. It is actually a bit amazing that this didn't
happen to the Doctor more than it did.>

>"That man does NOT want to know all the things I can do to him with a
>butter knife!!!" - Brigadier General Adrienne Kramer, Time Rift
>
>Doc Raven 03/16/66

<OOC: It's probably already been done, but I can't help envisioning a
large black bird in a scarf saying "Nevermore, Romana, nevermore.">

>"The nice man with the scarf is a TimeLord. Now lie on your back and
>do everything the nice TimeLord tells you."

<OOC: That's what got Knytt into this mess that he calls a life to
begin with. <snicker>>
===========================

Date: Sun, 15 Mar 1998 23:04:14 -0800 (PST)
Subject: AAE IV: Some Wheres in the Night (was: Blood, Guts and Honor)

On Mon, 16 Mar 1998 00:54:27 -0600 In Message # 00003186
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001399 Zia said:

In London Town: <ooSC: Where Iron Man is going to notice a bomb or
dozen soon, I hope!>

Zia grins at Rhiannon, although it does look somewhat forced. "How can
I do that? I'm what used to be called a sensitive. Or perhaps a
medium, do you understand that term? I'll drop it if you want me too;
especially if you'd rather discuss this with a friend rather than a
stranger. But you should recall the Callahanian prescription for
pain." Then, just seconds before the twins form their gateway, Zia
spins to where it will be, looking alarmed for a moment.

As it takes form, however, she relaxes again.

>As the twins turn for the alley, a gateway appears in it. The girls
>run through to arrive at the site of the Yeti fight.
>"Hey, wait up!" they say as one, "We want to have some fun, too!"

"However you decide Rhiannon, I don't believe a combat situation is
where you need to be while you ponder about your problem." She looks
up to Melissa and Grep as they arrive, "Driss and Raver went that way;
better hurry or there won't be much left." Then back to Rhiannon,
"Walk back to the church and chat with me, or faster transport and
talk to someone else, milady?" She takes a slim deck of large cards
from her pocket as she inquires.

Prague, in a cemetery:

James wakes the others from their naps, "Sera is here. She'll take
London. Zia has the Timbuktu Trump."

The large man nods, and says in a surprisingly smooth mellow voice,
"I'll be taking the Gold Coast."

The woman nods, and smiles, kidding him with, "You like being Down
Under, don't you, Morgan?" She ponders a moment as the two men attempt
to ignore the pun. "Let me see.... support the spiral best ... Canada
is too northward. Russia? Mongolia. I'll have to do some riding to
reach the proper spot. You're taking the southernmost, James?"

He nods, "I've got the best chance for either grounding or radiating
as needed, Sheila, although you're the best psi we have, yours is too
technologically oriented for this particular job. Get your Trumps
ready, and we'll cold them simultaneous with Zia's next; she says one
for sure, maybe more of the CAoL can detect them, although so far it
seems only at a limited range. We cannot overlook the chance their
enemies might also be able to track such. You're clear on the Round
File procedures?"

Sheila says, "How sure is Zia that there will be a reinforcement
geospell to work inside?"

James just shrugs, "Not perfectly, but there is no plan we can make
that can cover everything; if things get really crazy, this is our
best shot for the worst possible outcome, if I understood what little
she would explain correctly. I don't think she actually expects us to
have to act at all. She said just to play it by ear. Keep the Trumps
open unless it becomes dangerous."

Both of the others nod, and James without further comment, goes back
to monitoring Zia's Trump link to him. He waits for the next Trump
starting and then all three will move where stated.

<ooSC: No, I'm not making this up - go to my site, look at Zia's
Trump. Then click on it. You can see Sheila, Sera, and Morgan's
Trumps, along with poems specially selected for each. Just a
coincidence that it's the same name (or they're both named after
Morgana/Morgause, really.>
===========================

Date: Mon, 16 Mar 1998 05:34:17 -0800 (PST)
Subject: AAE4 - Knytt Rider

On Mon, 16 Mar 1998 07:25:31 +0000 In Message # 00003187
 In alt.callahans Post # 00001400 The Doctor said:

(OOC - Okay, so I'm no good at at titles :))

>Knytt waves the twins off <as per my other post>, then pivots on his
>heel to look at the Doctor.
>
>"You're early," Knytt replies, "I haven't met you yet. Then again,
>perhaps I have later. What's up, Doc?"

   The Doctor said nothing at first, merely turns and watches the
twins bog off. He then turned to Knytt, features creased in concern.

   "It seems there's been a spot of trouble about you. Oh no, those -
how do they say it these days - clueless oafs The High Council still
know nothing about your little disappearing act from the Matrix, and
likely they never will. But I'm afraid it alerted some old enemies of
mine - and yours - who don't quite follow, shall we say, the accepted
norm of knowing about things."

   Then, as mercurial as this incarnation could be, he fished a
wrinkled bag out of one of the greatcoat's voluminous pockets and
proffered it to Knytt and Ironman. "Jelly baby?"
===========================