Action, Adventure, Excitement, Part 4 Chapter 24 Date: Mon, 23 Mar 1998 06:05:03 -0800 (PST) Subject: AAE 4: Trying to Help - Zia's Node - Timbuktu, Africa On Mon, 23 Mar 1998 07:48:18 -0600 In Message # 00003377 In alt.callahans Post # 00001590 Zia said: >>Zia continues in just her own voice, "Not that it would have held >>you, but there is a reason that some call me Mathemagician. Such >>things are so old in my thoughts as to be instinctive at times. I >>had no intent to attack you. Or even merely hold you like that - it >>was a mistake." > > "Understood," Sil replies, regaining her bearings at flank speed. >"Please accept apologies of my own; that resonated so strongly with >my own essence that I thought it was a direct call. Zia starts, her eyes widen a bit, and then she blushes. >I trust, then, that you are safe? Given defenses like that, it seems >that any aid _I_ could have provided would have been...redundant." >Sil chuckles ruefully. "For future reference, I entered through >astral space; quite frankly I didn't think that possible with this >body." It is worth noting, however, that she doesn't stop scanning >the horizon, nor does the chain-gun reenter her back. > "At least, I _think_ I did..." "Oh, no, I was only able to because the Seal has made the Symbol so much easier to sustain; before that I, er, we were all quite busy and terrifyingly vulnerable." The young Amberite turns and regards the four-armed Driss and the normal Driss' damaged aura with notably dismay, "Is there anything we can do for him? I can't do any real work dealing with Chaos until the Seal goes down - it'll just drain into here. Do you have any ideas? And, call me Zia, by the way." Automatic bow. "I don't believe we've met yet." =========================== Date: Mon, 23 Mar 1998 06:05:22 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE: Closing the Circle: Solomon's Seal On Mon, 23 Mar 1998 07:56:56 -0600 In Message # 00003379 In alt.callahans Post # 00001592 Zia said: >> Sheila, And are the magical creatures and effects normal to this >> place safe from adverse affects?" {flash memory of Dantris' call, >> and some real concern for the unicorn's safety & continued >> well-being}"/ > >"It seems to be operating properly, There have been no signs of > adverse effects on non-hostile entities, Though It does appear that > a few entities with links to the Negative Prime Material Plane have > been locked into some kind of limbo, keyed to their Names." Sheila, "I can live with that. Any ideas on helping Driss? That chaos fellow is rather abrupt." =========================== Date: Mon, 23 Mar 1998 06:05:32 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE 4: An Angelic Answer to a Knytt's Plight - London On Mon, 23 Mar 1998 08:02:21 -0600 In Message # 00003380 In alt.callahans Post # 00001593 Zia said: >Knytt turns to Sera and looks puzzled for a moment. "I'm sorry, if I >heard your name I have forgotten it. Does your crew need anything?" >Then through a TK 'whisper', "I think our friend in Antarctica may >appreciate at least some coffee. A warm day at the south pole in >their summer/London's winter is still -50 degrees fahrenheit, if >memory serves from my last visit." "I am of the Seraphim. I have been called the Angel of Love, although I thought that the Cupids were more famed in that fashion. My crew?? Oh, you mean my other selves. No. The Seal stands upon us and we may not leave until it is no longer needed - it might be that James' Node will require aid soon against the cold. He is not yet suffering, but is far from comfortable." > Considering the size of the thing, I am not sure what it would do. >But the Coriolis force in the Northern hemisphere causes a deflection >to the right and in the Southern hemisphere it is to the left. This >makes, say, a hurricane spin clockwise North of the equator and >counter clockwise south of it. Might tend to want to shape your >spiral into some odd figure 8, mayhaps? > I'd just let it spin however it pleases you to have it spin. > The Geology Minor Strikes Again! /OOC> =========================== Date: Mon, 23 Mar 1998 10:05:50 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AEE IV: Faster than a Speeding Bullet On Mon, 23 Mar 1998 09:35:20 In Message # 00003381 In alt.callahans Post # 00001594 Morgan said: >On Sun, 22 Mar 1998 20:53:09 PST In Message # 00003364 > In alt.callahans Post # 00001577 Nemo said: > >/Roland. Don't bother porting, just tell your tap to listen to me for > a second./ > >The tap procceds to create a sort of cross between a van/bus, an >aircraft, and a space shuttle. (It's basicly a Type S scout from >Traveller with *lots* of modifications) > >/Board up. Refreshments are on the house. ETA London 30 minutes./ > > and enjoy the trip> Morgan sends, <*I don't know if we want to be out of circulation for that long. Too much going on, and we haven't even _heard_ from the Grey's yet.*> .) Roland responds, *It's not like we can't get back in a hurry if we have to. I could use the rest.* Morgan smiles. <*OK, Nemo, two for London. Three if Xzerrion needs a ride.*> =========================== Date: Mon, 23 Mar 1998 10:06:01 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE 4: An Angelic Answer to a Knytt's Plight - London On Mon, 23 Mar 1998 09:35:23 In Message # 00003382 In alt.callahans Post # 00001595 Morgan said: >On Mon, 23 Mar 1998 02:56:44 -0600 In Message # 00003374 > In alt.callahans Post # 00001587 Michael Jon Knight said: > >Knytt looks up at the twins standing guard over him. > >"Okay, you two Technobrats," Knytt says quietly, annoyed amusement in >his voice, "If you won't leave London, you can at least go and make >some breakfast for the battle-weary folks coming back from the U.S. I >could stand a meal myself. /Morgan, can the twins use your kitchen?/ >Then added privately direct to Morgan: ^PLEASE? They're driving me >NUTS!^ Morgan bristles slightly (and good-naturedly). <*Who says it's _my_ kitchen?*> Roland chuckles. *Actually, I do most of the cooking. My beloved makes a few dishes really well, but those aside, as a cook, she's an excellent warrior.* Raspberries echo over the link. *Of course you can use the kitchen. But I would like to accompany you.* Excluding the Twins, he adds, *Besides, I want to make sure that those two are OK.* There is vaguely paternal concern in his 'voice'. >"But DAD..." the girls whine. > >"Girls," Knytt sent, "Your concern is touching, and I appreciate it. >But you are...literally....hovering over me and I am not going to get >any rest this way, which is what you want me to do. You two can be at >my side in under a second. I think rustling up some breakfast is >safe." Morgan sends, <*Girls, he's right. Men can make lousy patients to begin with, and hovering over them just makes them crankier. Just remember the kitchen is a combination of regular tech and fae magick. It's very helpful if you ask.*> Roland blushes (tm). *Yeah, _I_ keep forgetting. It's really unnerving watching food occasionally prepare _itself_.* =========================== Date: Mon, 23 Mar 1998 10:06:11 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE 4: Trying to Help - Zia's Node - Timbuktu, Africa On Mon, 23 Mar 1998 09:35:27 In Message # 00003383 In alt.callahans Post # 00001596 Morgan said: >On Mon, 23 Mar 1998 07:48:18 -0600 In Message # 00003377 > In alt.callahans Post # 00001590 Zia said: > >>I trust, then, that you are safe? Given defenses like that, it seems >>that any aid _I_ could have provided would have been...redundant." >>Sil chuckles ruefully. "For future reference, I entered through >>astral space; quite frankly I didn't think that possible with this >>body." It is worth noting, however, that she doesn't stop scanning >>the horizon, nor does the chain-gun reenter her back. >> "At least, I _think_ I did..." > >"Oh, no, I was only able to because the Seal has made the Symbol so >much easier to sustain; before that I, er, we were all quite busy and >terrifyingly vulnerable." > >The young Amberite turns and regards the four-armed Driss and the >normal Driss' damaged aura with notably dismay, "Is there anything we >can do for him? I can't do any real work dealing with Chaos until the >Seal goes down - it'll just drain into here. Do you have any ideas? >And, call me Zia, by the way." Automatic bow. "I don't believe we've >met yet." Sil returns the bow. "My designation is Silver Phoenix, but that's a mouthful." She smiles. "Everyone calls me 'Sil', it's easier on the tongue. As for Chaos...." Her smile vanishes and her eyes narrow as she regards the wounded Driscoll. "Yes, I believe I _can_ help with that." Zia recognizes the energies that Sil channels, though Sil is a much purer conduit than Roland was. This time, however, it is through _Sil's_ personality that PHOENIX is filtered. "CHAOS! You (several inventive expletives deleted) trickster! This plane has been poked at quite enough. Stick to the proxies, or I will consider this carte blanche to act myself," Sil's voice grows cooler with each word, "and you know what _that_ means. We'd better not have this discussion _again_." Sil then goes over to Driscoll, all anger gone from her face, and offers him her hand. =========================== Date: Mon, 23 Mar 1998 12:43:04 -0800 (PST) Subject: AAE4: Reluctant Cooks, Dirty Looks, And Comic Books. On Mon, 23 Mar 1998 14:18:52 -0600 In Message # 00003386 In alt.callahans Post # 00001599 Michael Jon Knight said: >On Mon, 23 Mar 1998 09:35:23 In Message # 00003382 > In alt.callahans Post # 00001595 Morgan said: > >>On Mon, 23 Mar 1998 02:56:44 -0600 In Message # 00003374 >> In alt.callahans Post # 00001587 Michael Jon Knight said: >> >>"Okay, you two Technobrats," Knytt says quietly, annoyed amusement >>in his voice, "If you won't leave London, you can at least go and >>make some breakfast for the battle-weary folks coming back from the >>U.S. I could stand a meal myself. /Morgan, can the twins use your >>kitchen?/ Then added privately direct to Morgan: ^PLEASE? They're >>driving me NUTS!^ > >Morgan bristles slightly (and good-naturedly). <*Who says it's _my_ >kitchen?*> Knytt sends the image of himself contorted enough to fit his foot in his mouth. /I plead the fifth yer honor. I redirect the question to the gender-unspecific one or ones who might feel the girls' presence the most strongly as an intrusion./ > Roland chuckles. *Actually, I do most of the cooking. My beloved >makes a few dishes really well, but those aside, as a cook, she's >an excellent warrior.* > >Raspberries echo over the link. /Hmmm, yeah, I think that rings a bell from Quaren./ Knytt sends, adding hastily, /Er, Roland doing most of the cooking, that is./ > *Of course you can use the kitchen. But I would like to accompany >you.* Excluding the Twins, he adds, *Besides, I want to make sure >that those two are OK.* There is vaguely paternal concern in his >'voice'. Knytt also excludes the twins. / Well, I think they were mainly just caught off guard, but they know a "chink" in the armor when they see it. That's a hole that needs patching if they intend to travel with the rest of us. Come to think of it, its a bit of a hole in MY armor as well. This'll require some thought./ >Morgan sends, <*Girls, he's right. Men can make lousy patients to >begin with, and hovering over them just makes them crankier. Just >remember the kitchen is a combination of regular tech and fae magick. >It's very helpful if you ask.*> Knytt's chuckle echoes through the Link. /Excuse me, -Men-?/ > Roland blushes (tm). *Yeah, _I_ keep forgetting. It's really >unnerving watching food occasionally prepare _itself_.* The twins brighten at this. /Prepare itself? Cool!/ The twins lean their surfboards against the back wall of the church and head out the door. Knytt sends after them. /And don't you cheat and just set boxes of cold cereal on the kitchen table unless someone requests it!/ /Aww rats...Yes, dad./ /And don't actually cook anything until your Uncle shows up. I know you have the know-how, but I still want adults around./ /Well,/ Melissa sends, starting to sound frustrated, /then -why- are we going?/ /To.../ Knytt suddenly feels an odd nervousness about sending the twins into a kitchen unsupervised. He grunts, pulling himself up to a sitting position on the bench. /You're right. Come back to the church./ Knytt waves a hand toward another pew which uprights itself. About 20 three-foot high stacks of comic books appear on the pew with just enough room on the far end for two people to sit. As the twins stomp back in, which Knytt notices and surpresses a chuckle over, he points to the comics. "Why don't you both sit and read those. That should just barely keep you busy until everyone gets back." They frown faintly then look at the books. Muttering something about not understanding parents, they sit down on the far end of the pew and start reading. Excluding the twins, Knytt sends with a bit of an embarrassed grin, /Just hit me, by sending them into the kitchen, -I- was going to get less rest than with them hovering around. My head knows its safe, but tell that to the rest of me./ From the comics pew: "What's the 'power cosmic?' And how can the Silver Surfer hear without any ears?" =========================== Date: Mon, 23 Mar 1998 19:07:29 -0800 (PST) Subject: AAE4: Infinity Arc Meets Solomon's Seal On Mon, 23 Mar 1998 21:00:13 -0600 In Message # 00003389 In alt.callahans Post # 00001602 Zia said: >> > posing on the nature of Earth's magnetic fields that'll twist into >> "a figure eight"! And recall that Zia is a Mathemagician. You all >> are just TOO smart, you can see me palming cards. Er, Trumps! >> > >In RL, I have a very refined sense of humor, or at least I'd like to >think so. However, here I'm going have to admit I don't get it. * * * As the Spiral drifts counter-clockwise, a huge line of thunderstorms and violent weather piles up around it. The previously round diatmeter (a few miles across now, thanks to pigging down on Jadis' fury), begins to flatten, becoming more 'ribbon-like'. The leading 'half-curl' slows, and begins to twist. The north-most 'beginning piece thus slowed dips earthward from the stratosphere, for all in the world like wax droops as it warms. Simultaneously, the lower section is whirled about faster by the 'lever arm' effect, and is then also slowed down by some strange seeming resistance where it moves faster through the lower atmosphere of the planet. But it rotates the OTHER way, putting a single half twist. The Sealed Link, with focus through James and Morgan, continue to monitor and 'tweak' the Spiral, working hard - as if against some deadline. From space, if anyone has such a viewpoint, it's apparent that this will form a Mobeius strip in the shape that mathematics uses for 'infinity' (an object with only one surface, or a single dimensional object, if you will. Well, sorta, but I don't want to get in too deep for myself, here). >From the speed of the movement, however, it looks like it may take a day or two - and the eventual 'center' will end up deep inside the Earth - maybe where the Solomon's Seal center also is? The Ward Major, of course, will probably be complete before the 'Spiral' reaches what any observer might predict as it's 'intended' final state. =========================== Date: Mon, 23 Mar 1998 21:07:52 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE4: A fragment of the Arc of Infinity On Mon, 23 Mar 1998 23:36:43 EST In Message # 00003390 In alt.callahans Post # 00001603 Dane0R0A said: << Nemisis wrote: \I will try, But I am not sure such functions are working at present\ Nemisis proceeds to try to open a Pocket space, Victorian Drawing Room. >> (OOC: it fails. Unless Nemisis has somehow gotten "stonger" than The Stardragon. Time is a differant subject, since The Stardragon didn't lock approach through time. That is how "the doctor" was able to get in.) << If that Fails she will try again with the Spacial Defintions set to be within her own mass volume. ie Same pocket but totally contained within Nemisis... >> (OOC: that would work.) =========================== Date: Mon, 23 Mar 1998 21:08:01 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE4: Reluctant Cooks, Dirty Looks, And Comic Books. On Mon, 23 Mar 1998 23:52:37 EST In Message # 00003391 In alt.callahans Post # 00001604 Dane0R0A said: << The AI twins said: From the comics pew: "What's the 'power cosmic?' And how can the Silver Surfer hear without any ears?" >> Through the link, that he hasn't yet closed, Hydra tells them, "The power I gave you was high order power cosmic. The Stardragon IS power cosmic." Then he closes the link (but keeps the blocks, that hold their X-Window to their brain, intact). =========================== Date: Mon, 23 Mar 1998 21:08:12 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE 4: A Soul Called Home - London Cathedral On Mon, 23 Mar 1998 23:03:24 -0600 In Message # 00003392 In alt.callahans Post # 00001605 Zia said: >If Isla gives her permission, Sera places a hand above the Greatsword >(not actually touching it) and one on the 'made' girl's forehead. She >sings ** New Stuff in These ** <> William in his castle lay, Sword and Shield beside him A lovely Lady at his side, but alas he lay there dying Far away the sounds were heard, the screams of men and fighting The ring of steel rang through the air, his castle lay in ruins Closing his eyes he lay back his head, clutching his Lady to him And he Dreamed a last Dream of an age that might come When the sword would be laid down for good His Lady washed away the dirt, on his face, from the dust of battle But even her tender gentleness, did ought to soothe her sorrow In the courtyard below, the enemy swarmed, in droves of hundreds to thousands Destroying resistance wherever it came, the battle would soon be over Life by the Sword is noble at best, But higher is the price you pay And the one who will win is the one who's named Death Till the Sword is laid down for good Now all that stands of his castle today, is a pile of stones and rubble The bones of the men have long since decayed, their glories been forgotten Life by the Sword is noble at best, but higher is the price you pay And the one who will win is the one who's named Death Till the Sword is laid down for good ** End of New Stuff ** >Soon, she is bright enough looking at her is difficult. There is a >snap like that of a lightning bolt in a summer storm, and the same >sudden ease in the air after as Sera slowly stands. The girl... >moves, with a gasp her eyes shoot open and she sits up. Sera sings a >momentary phrase of calm and the girl does... =========================== Date: Mon, 23 Mar 1998 22:08:00 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE4: Reluctant Cooks, Dirty Looks, And Comic Books. On Mon, 23 Mar 1998 22:02:51 In Message # 00003393 In alt.callahans Post # 00001606 Morgan said: >On Mon, 23 Mar 1998 14:18:52 -0600 In Message # 00003386 > In alt.callahans Post # 00001599 Michael Jon Knight said: > >Knytt also excludes the twins. / Well, I think they were >mainly just caught off guard, but they know a "chink" in the armor >when they see it. That's a hole that needs patching if they intend to >travel with the rest of us. Come to think of it, its a bit of a hole >in MY armor as well. This'll require some thought./ *I should note that actually being able to _perform_ magick is not required in opposing it; knowing the principles, and having some tool against it, is enough.* Roland thinks for a moment. *Though magick comes in many styles, in general I have noticed that magick is the alteration of the laws of reality; _how_ that alteration takes place is dependent on the style of magick. Stabilization of reality has always worked for _me_ in resisting magick, though my experience is admittedly limited.* >"Why don't you both sit and read those. That should just barely keep >you busy until everyone gets back." Roland chuckles. *Knytt, the kitchen is perfectly harml-* and stops cold. *Comic books? _Which_ comic books?* Morgan sighs, but the impression of a large, indulgent smile is felt on the link. >From the comics pew: "What's the 'power cosmic?' And how can the >Silver Surfer hear without any ears?" *The power cosmic,* the fanboy begins gleefully, *is the ability to absorb ambient energy from the universe and do just about anything with it. The answer to the second question, of course, follows from the first. *Is there anything else you'd like to know?* Roland asks eagerly. Excluding Roland, Morgan adds, <*Girls, if there are any Green Lantern comics there, you might hide them from your uncle. That's a sensitive subject for him just now.*> =========================== Date: Mon, 23 Mar 1998 23:06:53 -0800 (PST) Subject: Semi-OOC: re: AAE4: Reluctant Cooks, Dirty Looks, And Comic Books. On Tue, 24 Mar 1998 01:40:29 -0500 In Message # 00003395 In alt.callahans Post # 00001608 Martin Gerster said: >>>On Mon, 23 Mar 1998 09:35:23 In Message # 00003382 >>> In alt.callahans Post # 00001595 Morgan said: > > > Roland chuckles. *Knytt, the kitchen is perfectly harml-* and > stops cold. *Comic books? _Which_ comic books?* > > Morgan sighs, but the impression of a large, indulgent smile is felt > on the link. (OOC: This comes from one who, even in RL, knows how to warp time;just walk into a comic book shop or a bookstore) /Now, now, Brother/ sends Dhyrclhanc, privatly to addopted sib /Can we afford to loose you for an untold number of hours while you're caught up in those "graphic novels"?/ };=8) > Excluding Roland, Morgan adds, <*Girls, if there are any Green > Lantern comics there, you might hide them from your uncle. That's a > sensitive subject for him just now.*> (OOC: Not to mention a sore spot for your uncle Dhyrclhanc, especialy considering our recent uninvited guest) =========================== Date: Mon, 23 Mar 1998 23:07:03 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE 4: Trying to Help - Zia's Node - Timbuktu, Africa On Tue, 24 Mar 1998 00:34:27 -0700 (MST) In Message # 00003396 In alt.callahans Post # 00001609 Driscoll said: > On Mon, 23 Mar 1998 09:35:27 In Message # 00003383 > In alt.callahans Post # 00001596 Morgan said: > > Sil returns the bow. "My designation is Silver Phoenix, but > that's a mouthful." She smiles. "Everyone calls me 'Sil', it's > easier on the tongue. As for Chaos...." Her smile vanishes and her > eyes narrow as she regards the wounded Driscoll. "Yes, I believe I > _can_ help with that." > Zia recognizes the energies that Sil channels, though Sil is a > much purer conduit than Roland was. > This time, however, it is through _Sil's_ personality that > PHOENIX is filtered. > "CHAOS! You (several inventive expletives deleted) trickster! > This plane has been poked at quite enough. Stick to the proxies, or > I will consider this carte blanche to act myself," Sil's voice grows > cooler with each word, "and you know what _that_ means. We'd better > not have this discussion _again_." Sil then goes over to Driscoll, > all anger gone from her face, and offers him her hand. The negative Driss laughs heartily obviously not intimidated in the least. "Driscoll is _my_ avatar. He has been marked as mine since birth. He took my power freely, and used it as he chose. And even after he refuted my power he continued to call on it, fully knowing the price he would one day pay for that use. Well the day to pay the piper finally came. I have nothing to do with these Proxies or the struggle for this universe. I care nothing about it one way or another. I am here completely because Driscoll called upon me to help create this." he gestures to the magical formation. "You have no force that you can use against me that will not rip the very multiverse itself apart and even then I will survive. Begone and bother me no more." > PHOENIX will then depart, leaving 'only' Sil.> (OOC: No it won't. I have reasons for this) =========================== Date: Mon, 23 Mar 1998 23:35:02 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE4: Reluctant Cooks, Dirty Looks, And Comic Books. On Tue, 24 Mar 1998 01:12:00 -0600 In Message # 00003397 In alt.callahans Post # 00001610 Michael Jon Knight said: >On Mon, 23 Mar 1998 22:02:51 In Message # 00003393 > In alt.callahans Post # 00001606 Morgan said: > >>On Mon, 23 Mar 1998 14:18:52 -0600 In Message # 00003386 >> In alt.callahans Post # 00001599 Michael Jon Knight said: > *I should note that actually being able to _perform_ magick is not >required in opposing it; knowing the principles, and having some tool >against it, is enough.* Roland thinks for a moment. *Though magick >comes in many styles, in general I have noticed that magick is the >alteration of the laws of reality; _how_ that alteration takes place >is dependent on the style of magick. Stabilization of reality has >always worked for _me_ in resisting magick, though my experience is >admittedly limited.* /Well, you've had more experience with it than me. 'Stabilization of reality may work for me, not sure about the girls, though./ > >>"Why don't you both sit and read those. That should just barely keep >>you busy until everyone gets back." > > Roland chuckles. *Knytt, the kitchen is perfectly harml-* and >stops cold. *Comic books? _Which_ comic books?* > >Morgan sighs, but the impression of a large, indulgent smile is felt >on the link. /Marvel comics mostly./ Knytt sends, /Lots of X-titles. A few Superman and Batman, but I was mostly a fan of Xavier's Children. Wolverine especially...until I missed one issue and found in the next he was little more than a Neanderthal. Make that a dog. I've met a few Neanderthals./ >>From the comics pew: "What's the 'power cosmic?' And how can the >>Silver Surfer hear without any ears?" > > *The power cosmic,* the fanboy begins gleefully, *is the ability >to absorb ambient energy from the universe and do just about anything >with it. The answer to the second question, of course, follows from >the first. > *Is there anything else you'd like to know?* Roland asks eagerly. /Not yet,/ the girls reply, already moving to the second comic apiece. /Neat, that danger room looks fun.../ >Excluding Roland, Morgan adds, <*Girls, if there are any Green >Lantern comics there, you might hide them from your uncle. That's a >sensitive subject for him just now.*> Excluding Roland also, the twins reply, /Okay, Aunt Morgan. We'll keep an eye out./ Knytt gestures and three of the stacks shrink by about two issues each. Knytt sends, excluding Roland, /I never was a fan. That should have taken care of crossovers, though./ =========================== Date: Tue, 24 Mar 1998 00:35:26 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE: Legion's Travels (Tying this baby up) On Tue, 24 Mar 1998 00:18:22 -0800 (PST) In Message # 00003399 In alt.callahans Post # 00001612 fuzzy said: > On Mon, 23 Mar 1998 01:01:06 EST In Message # 00003363 > In alt.callahans Post # 00001576 Dane0R0A said: > > << Fuzzy wrote: > Once everyone who can and will join in does so >>> > Armagedon joins, the link (since it deals with both defense, and > attack, he is able to deal with it), leaving enough of his "minds" > free to deal with the "thing" sent by Jadis to attack the weak point > of the Pentagram. With Armagedon, Rhianon & Sword, Etc involved, this will, I think take about 10 Minutes Max... "\#Done...#\" Fuzzy falls back where he had been sitting on his HoverCyclone... A small device attached to the Vehicle lights up and extrudes filiments which probe at Fuzzy for a few Seconds, then The Whole Vehicule seems to Melt and Reform as a cocoon around Fuzzy... The only Visible feature is a small Diagonstic Read-out and Control Panel =========================== Date: Tue, 24 Mar 1998 06:35:57 -0800 (PST) Subject: AAE 4: Wards Major Charging On Tue, 24 Mar 1998 08:08:52 -0600 In Message # 00003400 In alt.callahans Post # 00001613 Zia said: >On Tue, 24 Mar 1998 00:18:22 -0800 (PST) In Message # 00003399 > In alt.callahans Post # 00001612 fuzzy said: > > The point at which the eddies in the flow being shaped are > stronger than the Shaping Forces... > Would seem to me to be the Limit at which the Shaping Forces are > Swamped/Saturated and therefor Fail > I think it could be shifted, but if you don't, It is no big deal.> >Fuzzy falls back where he had been sitting on his HoverCyclone... >A small device attached to the Vehicle lights up and extrudes >filiments which probe at Fuzzy for a few Seconds, then The Whole >Vehicule seems to Melt and Reform as a cocoon around Fuzzy... > >The only Visible feature is a small Diagonstic Read-out and Control >Panel Morgan will have the Nemesis split monitor this, and report Fuzzy's condition through that communications link to the CAoL, /"IS there anyone else handy to Mongolia that would care to help this one back to the London re-grouping point? This thing might be capable of taking him alone, but we'd rather not see him so vulnerable to attack."/ =========================== Date: Tue, 24 Mar 1998 09:36:30 -0800 (PST) Subject: AAE 4: Wards Major Charging On Tue, 24 Mar 1998 09:07:28 +0800 In Message # 00003401 In alt.callahans Post # 00001614 Nemisis said: > On Tue, 24 Mar 1998 08:08:52 -0600 In Message # 00003400 > In alt.callahans Post # 00001613 Zia said: > > Morgan will have the Nemesis split monitor this, and report Fuzzy's > condition through that communications link to the CAoL, /"IS there > anyone else handy to Mongolia that would care to help this one back > to the London re-grouping point? This thing might be capable of > taking him alone, but we'd rather not see him so vulnerable to > attack."/ "\The readout indicates that he is suffering from massive Nuerological damage in most of his outer Nerve Nets, Significant Damage to the physical structures supporting all but the Crown Chakra, General Exaustion, And Shock... The AutoDoc indcates full treatment will require 30 Minutes, And 8 hrs of sleep after release.\" "\Review of the Wards Major Matrix Project, Shows that, The Cube Set is in Orbit Fully Charged, But not yet Activated... Morgan Greywolf and Roland, have instruction booklets that are applicable to the Activation process. Lord Fuzzy indicated earlier that a Mage or Esper will be reqired at each vertex, To set the Wards.\" =========================== Date: Tue, 24 Mar 1998 15:08:13 -0800 (PST) Subject: AAE4: Pyewackett Makes an Appearance.. On Tue, 24 Mar 1998 16:13:01 -0600 In Message # 00003402 In alt.callahans Post # 00001615 Michael Jon Knight said: The twins sat reading through the comics Knytt provided them. Knytt had been resting for fifteen minutes. He finally sat up, looking better, though still tired. "I wish Pyewackett were here," Knytt said, "I could actually use his advice." >From a shadow under the pew, the black cat Zia saw earlier emerged. "I am not sure whether to be pleased or offended," he said, hopping up into Knytt's lap. The cat put his front paws on Knytt's chest and rubbed his forehead against Knytt's. The feline pulled back and looked at Knytt. "Your aura has grown stronger." The cat looked at the vest Knytt was wearing. "So that's where the boost is coming from. I saw you take out Jadis. Nemo and Hydra helped a lot, but there was a lot of energy coming straight from you. And your teleporting is almost as good as mine." The cat put a paw over Knytt's heart. "This is what I've been trying to show you all these years. Luck magic. That nice Amberite girl would call it probabilities or some such fancy term. But whatever you want to call it, that's it." "We call it 'dreaming'," the Twins say, engrossed in the Phalanx Covenant X-titles crossover. Pyewackett turns, "Hmm, not a bad description at that. At your strength, it is almost like that. Kinda like that Lunitic character in results, but different methods." "Yeah, and it's exhausting," Knytt says with a yawn. Pyewackett chuckles, "Course it is, you're really trying to make unlikely events happen. Stay fairly simple, keep it to things you have a clear knowledge of. Dinensional gates, teleportation, that stuff is easy enough because you have been studying it for so long. If you want to get out of your field, keep the ideas vague and let the Universe work out the methods. Like I did in Quaren with that uh...disrupter?" Knytt nods, "The disrupter with the busted trigger." Pyewackett says, "Sure, I didn't know how it would fail, I just tried to make it fail in some way. May as well save your strength for things that have to happen a certain way. Like escaping. Oh, that reminds me. C'mere, girls." The twins get up and walk over to the pair. Pyewackett turns and closes his eyes, purring. A faint halo of energy surrounds them. "Remember that energy field. It will make you immune to direct magical attacks. Won't help if a magical blast causes a building to fall on you, but stuff like that globe of disintegration won't hurt you. Sort of a magic shield. Should confuse that creep you were fighting earlier." Knytt, who is well used to his feline friend knowing more than he would seem to, says, "What about attacking?" If the cat could shrug, he would have. "We can try, but it will take more time than they probably have right now. When this whole deal is over, I'll see what I can teach them." The cat hops down and wanders under the pew. "I'll be lurking around. Later." The feline vanishes into the shadows. Knytt looks under the pew to find the cat gone. /Aren't you going to stay and help?/ he sends through the link. /Why?/ the cat replies from elsewhere, /You folks have got everything you need already if you'd just use it all to its best effect. But, I may pop in if things get too dull./ =========================== Date: Tue, 24 Mar 1998 16:08:31 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE4: Reluctant Cooks, Dirty Looks, And Comic Books. On Tue, 24 Mar 1998 15:34:50 -0800 (PST) In Message # 00003403 In alt.callahans Post # 00001616 The Lone One said: On Mon, 23 Mar 1998, Michael Jon Knight wrote: >>Excluding Roland, Morgan adds, <*Girls, if there are any Green >>Lantern comics there, you might hide them from your uncle. That's a >>sensitive subject for him just now.*> > > Excluding Roland also, the twins reply, /Okay, Aunt Morgan. We'll > keep an eye out./ > > Knytt gestures and three of the stacks shrink by about two issues > each. Knytt sends, excluding Roland, /I never was a fan. That should > have taken care of crossovers, though./ At that moment, the church doors swing open to admit a lone figure that the CAoLers immediately recognize as Raver. She pauses in the doorway, taking in the new situation(and people). With a slight headshake, she comes further into the church. With a grateful sigh she drops into a pew near the twins', her armor disappearing to reveal slightly worse for wear civvies. "My kingdom for a bottle of painkiller. That Ward Major or Spiral...that much power flux is giving us a migraine. And..." Raver catches sight of Sera the angel, and shoots her with a glare from frostbitten ruby eyes. Without further words, she slides down marginally in her seat, hooking her elbows over the back with a faint smirk. -An *angel*.- -Raver. She's on *our* side.- -I do not work well with their kind.- Raver's tone is one of utter finality, and Mandy's only reply is a mental sigh. "..." speech *...* Link speech -...- mental conversation =========================== Date: Tue, 24 Mar 1998 16:36:10 -0800 (PST) Subject: AAE4 Stranger things have happened... On Wed, 25 Mar 1998 00:17:07 -0800 In Message # 00003404 In alt.callahans Post # 00001617 Gareth L Owen said: Mr Black was just south of Birmingham when Roland detonated the nuclear bomb in the stratosphere, he almost fell of the Harley he'd 'borrowed', but he didn't have time to mess about having accidents. As he approached London he could feel the power in the air, big things were happening, titanic energies were being unleashed, epic battles were about to be fought, there were even gathering stormclouds. Probably there would be a bit of coruscating later on, he thought. Yup, the Army of Light were here, and as stealthy as ever. He pulled over just outside London for a cigar, and he sat looking across at the cylinder of something that had formed in central London (OOC: Nemos normality field). He wasn't sure what it was, but he was willing to bet it had something to do with the CAoL. He discarded the stub of his cigar and gunned the cycle forwards, down the embankment and back onto the remains of the motorway, weaving around the occasional crater and burnt out wreck. It was the quietest he'd ever seen the M1. Half an hour later he was approaching the edge of the enrgy field. It definitely looked friendly, he'd soon be there. The energy blast came from nowhere, ripping off the front forks of the bike. He laid it down and pushed away from it, sliding along the tarmac, he tried to twist himself away from the remains of the bike. "Bugger!" Eventually he slid to a stop, pulling out his lightsaber and a Beretta 92, he rolled into a crouching position. Around him, standing in wordlessly in a semicircle were eight Greys. "Uh-oh." Each of the Greys was armed with an energy rifle of some sort. He contemplated the odds, eight of them and he knew from experience he couldn't parry their energy bolts. He smiled, this was gonna be real brief, it looked like they had him, well, they'd tried often enough. The shot that rang out, dropping one of the Greys, surprised even Mr Black, but he decided to make the most of it, he dived sideways, firing rapidly, two Greys fell to his gunfire and the unknown sniper felled another, as he rolled onto his feet he threw his lightsaber, which neatly decapitated a fifth. A couple of hurried energy bolts blew holes in the pavement around him as he felled a sixth with his beretta and the sniper nailed a seventh. the last one turned and ran, but after a few yards the sniper killed him too. Mr Black got to his feet and looked around, a figure emerged from a nearby building and walked over to him. The figure walked right up to him, and almost in unison they each raised their guns and held them to the others face . They circled a while, assessing each other, neither let their gun waver from other face. Eventually Stranger broke the silence "What the hell are you doing here Gruber?" ... =========================== Date: Tue, 24 Mar 1998 18:36:43 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE: Finally, the Spiral in Flight (super-long) On Tue, 24 Mar 1998 18:31:01 In Message # 00003405 In alt.callahans Post # 00001618 Morgan said: >On Mon, 23 Mar 1998 01:27:23 -0500 In Message # 00003366 > In alt.callahans Post # 00001579 Martin Gerster said: > >> On Sun, 22 Mar 1998 12:29:57 In Message # 00003348 >> In alt.callahans Post # 00001561 Morgan said: >> Sil appears at Zia's side, her chain-gun protruding from her >> back and ready to defend the sorceress. "You call?" she asks with a >> wide smile. (OOC: How did she get there? Beats me. ) > >Dhyrclhanc /Greetings Phoenix Shard-Phoenix' Child, howfare thee?/ *Better than I expected, cousin,* she replies, seeming to mean the last part literally. >and on a separate telepathic frequency /Brother Roland, I think we >may need to have a talk, I caught bits and pieces of your recent >stunt with the Phoenix Force and I'm begining to believe that the two >"Phoenixi" that we "serve" may not be as similar as I once tended to >believe./ *Related, I'd wager, but almost certainly not identical,* Roland agrees. *Phoenix is not the same as the Phoenix Force that I think you mean, for starters. More than that, however, I'd rather not try to guess-I can just hear Mentor now, lecturing about 'loose and turgid' thinking. Can you describe to me the aspect of Phoenix with which you are most familiar?* =========================== Date: Tue, 24 Mar 1998 19:06:22 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE 4: Trying to Help - Zia's Node - Timbuktu, Africa On Tue, 24 Mar 1998 18:53:05 In Message # 00003406 In alt.callahans Post # 00001619 Morgan said: >On Tue, 24 Mar 1998 00:34:27 -0700 (MST) In Message # 00003396 > In alt.callahans Post # 00001609 Driscoll said: > > The negative Driss laughs heartily obviously not intimidated in the >least. "Driscoll is _my_ avatar. He has been marked as mine since >birth. He took my power freely, and used it as he chose. And even >after he refuted my power he continued to call on it, fully knowing >the price he would one day pay for that use. Well the day to pay the >piper finally came. I have nothing to do with these Proxies or the >struggle for this universe. I care nothing about it one way or >another. I am here completely because Driscoll called upon me to help >create this." he gestures to the magical formation. "You have no >force that you can use against me that will not rip the very >multiverse itself apart and even then I will survive. Begone and >bother me no more." > >> > PHOENIX will then depart, leaving 'only' Sil.> >> > (OOC: No it won't. I have reasons for this) (OOC: No prob. But the complications in this setting almost require the following. 8^) Phoenix blinks. "To attempt to destroy you would be absurd, if not lunacy itself. That would cause ripples throughout the multiverse. Besides, most of the time your games are harmless enough. To be honest, the are often quite diverting." Sil smiles briefly, then returns to her cool gaze. "If you wish to act through avatar, of course I will not impede you. I suggest, however, that you _remain_ at the level of an avatar. I will not 'begone,' and rest assured that I will bother you so long as you place this reality at risk." The HIT Mark's body glows briefly. "I have invested my daughter with a portion of my own power. That power will coincide exactly to that of the form you now wear." She looks at the real Driscoll sadly, then back to Driss-C. "As much as she would like to, she will not disturb you so long as that power level remains below that of this reality's representatives of Order and Chaos." The presence of Phoenix departs as Sil blinks woozily. "As Roland would say...'holy sprocking grife!'" Sil looks at Zia and the two Driscolls. "Lady Zia, Mom doesn't usually drop loads like that on me...you're used to wielding this stuff. What the heck am I supposed to _do_ with it?" (OOC: Roland's gonna LOVE this! ) (OOC2: This is primarily for Gareth's benefit, so he doesn't have to deal with _two_ sets of Order/Chaos primals. Doesn't mean _I'm_ not gonna have fun with it, though .) =========================== Date: Tue, 24 Mar 1998 20:08:32 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE 4: Wards Major Charging On Tue, 24 Mar 1998 22:52:27 EST In Message # 00003408 In alt.callahans Post # 00001621 Dane0R0A said: In a message dated 98-03-24 09:36:33 EST, you write: << Zia wrote: Morgan will have the Nemesis split monitor this, and report Fuzzy's condition through that communications link to the CAoL, /"IS there anyone else handy to Mongolia that would care to help this one back to the London re-grouping point? This thing might be capable of taking him alone, but we'd rather not see him so vulnerable to attack."/ >> Armagedon, locks on the location, and (using an advanced Star Trek type subspace transporter) transports the cocoon and fuzzy back to the church in London. =========================== Date: Tue, 24 Mar 1998 20:36:19 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE 4: Solomon's Seal - Zia's Node - Nemo Arrives (slight On Tue, 24 Mar 1998 20:13:14 PST In Message # 00003409 In alt.callahans Post # 00001622 Nemo said: > On Mon, 23 Mar 1998 00:12:59 -0600 In Message # 00003365 > In alt.callahans Post # 00001578 Zia said: > >>>Sahara. And at Mach 50 (30,000 mph), Nemo will get there in >>*minutes*.> > > spiral-ish. I had a globe and picked the points out on. Then, typing > at three AM I messed up. BUT.... Tezrantha already scotched the > attack - and she was closer, I think. So... I'll mark us both down > for a "Whoopsie, and re-read" apiece, eh? And try to write around > this. I think Tezrantha was closer to the origin point of the icky > horse corruption blast by Jadis (patent pending). Somewhere in North > America, maybe Canada. So, Nemo at Mach 50 (wow!) will be the first > to arrive at Zia's Node of the Solomon's Seal in Timbuktu, Africa. > Excepting Driss, and Driss, and the Chaos little green man who were > already in the company of Zia.> Mach 50 was merely to keep the shock wave manageable. :-) > As Nemo (presumably slowed far enough away to prevent deafening Zia) > lands, Zia looks away from Sil a moment, "Thank you for coming." She > greets him with a formal bow, the regulation 4 centimeters deep one. > There is only the faintest carryover of song and the others speaking > in her voice, but of course, Nemo can detect it anyway. She gestures > to the ten foot (roughly) scorched 'earth' ring. Driss, or at least > the one streaming energy to her (now much more gently) is within it, > as is the Nemisis split she is using to buffer the load between > herself and him - and telepath the CaoL link. Nemo returns the the bow, and then settles into a lotus seat floating several feet off the ground. > "I am interested in further safeguards to the Nodes as I believe > this last encounter was merely a strong feint. The Sealed Link used > it to better our position, but the help from various members of your > group has need of balancing the debt. If you wish to interface at > computer speeds, lower ones, that is, you can do so through the > split. We will show you what is currently being done with the > security measures." Nemo will intewrface with the split. If it'll help, he'll "split" again to provide a nemo at each point of the diagram. =========================== Date: Tue, 24 Mar 1998 21:10:43 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE 4: An Angelic Answer to a Knytt's Plight - London On Tue, 24 Mar 1998 20:33:21 PST In Message # 00003411 In alt.callahans Post # 00001624 Nemo said: > On Mon, 23 Mar 1998 09:35:23 In Message # 00003382 > In alt.callahans Post # 00001595 Morgan said: > > *Of course you can use the kitchen. But I would like to accompany > you.* Excluding the Twins, he adds, *Besides, I want to make sure > that those two are OK.* There is vaguely paternal concern in his > 'voice'. Nemo will refrain from mentioning the fact that there's a full galley aboard the ship heading to London. =========================== Date: Tue, 24 Mar 1998 21:36:45 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE4: Reluctant Cooks, Dirty Looks, And Comic Books. On Tue, 24 Mar 1998 20:49:06 PST In Message # 00003412 In alt.callahans Post # 00001625 Nemo said: > On Mon, 23 Mar 1998 22:02:51 In Message # 00003393 > In alt.callahans Post # 00001606 Morgan said: > > *I should note that actually being able to _perform_ magick is > not required in opposing it; knowing the principles, and having some > tool against it, is enough.* Roland thinks for a moment. *Though > magick comes in many styles, in general I have noticed that magick > is the alteration of the laws of reality; _how_ that alteration > takes place is dependent on the style of magick. Stabilization of > reality has always worked for _me_ in resisting magick, though my > experience is admittedly limited.* Nemo comments. "My experience with Magick is limited, but I have studied much. Magick seems to have several 'schools'. In some, the mage implores Powers for aid. This covers everything from the shaman to the classical Gnostic mage such as my training. In others, he makes 'deals' with Powers in which he trades something for their aid. This tends to be the classical mage dealing with 'demons'. The former school may deal with such Powers as well, but they *compel* co-operation, rather than treat the 'demons' as equals." "Then there are those whose power is strictly internal. The best description I've heard of such is 'Believing something strongly enough to force the universe to agree'. Though perhaps 'willing' is a better word than 'believing'." =========================== Date: Tue, 24 Mar 1998 21:36:55 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE4: Reluctant Cooks, Dirty Looks, And Comic Books. On Tue, 24 Mar 1998 21:05:27 PST In Message # 00003413 In alt.callahans Post # 00001626 Nemo said: > On Tue, 24 Mar 1998 15:34:50 -0800 (PST) In Message # 00003403 > In alt.callahans Post # 00001616 The Lone One said: > > Raver catches sight of Sera the angel, and shoots her with a > glare from frostbitten ruby eyes. Without further words, she slides > down marginally in her seat, hooking her elbows over the back with a > faint smirk. > -An *angel*.- > -Raver. She's on *our* side.- > -I do not work well with their kind.- Raver's tone is one of > utter finality, and Mandy's only reply is a mental sigh. "Raver? I can show you how to cast a simple circle of protection. It ought to shield you from any unwelcome magickal influences. You'll have to draw it yourself, but I see no reason why you should be unable to do so." =========================== Date: Tue, 24 Mar 1998 22:38:24 -0800 (PST) Subject: AAE IV: Rings On Tue, 24 Mar 1998 22:03:15 In Message # 00003415 In alt.callahans Post # 00001628 Morgan said: Roland and Morgan snuggle together in the shuttle, leaning back, watching the in-flight cartoons, and munching contentedly on the provided snacks. There was a _lot_ to do, and the world was so thoroughly sealed that even the CAoL would have a hard time getting out later, but for now things were as peaceful as they get around... ...Roland feels a familiar throb around his right ring finger. "Bloody sprocking nass," he mutters, and shifts into the now-depowered GL form. The ring is glowing. "What the-?!" Roland stares at the ring incredulously. The ex-Guardians were many things, but sloppy they were not. "Honey?" Morgan asks, mildly concerned. Roland shrugs back. "Not a clue, love. Ring, if you are active, explain." The ring begins to glow more brightly, and for a long moment, simply sits there throbbing. Then... "...is this thing on?" the image of Guardian Hal Jordan asks, smiling down on the couple. "HAL!" Roland nearly leaps out of his seat, deciding against it at the last moment to avoid dumping his beloved on the shuttle floor. "How-why-of course I know why, duh, but-" Hal laughs. "Easy, Roland. I might have been able to punch through the screening your friends put up, but that would have weakened it, it would have burned power unnecessarily, and there was, as you can see, a much easier way of 'arriving' here. A method that your enemies have about as much chance of duplicating as making an Arisian Lens." Hal briefly becomes somber. "I heard about what the Oans did. I'm sorry." "I'm not sure _I_ am," Roland replies savagely. "If the 'see all, tell zip' bunch is back in charge, I'm well rid of them." "They've learned their lessons, kid," Hal shrugs. "They just don't want to get tangled up in extradimensional issues. That's where we come in." Again Hal smiles. "Take off the ring." Roland blinks, confused, but complies. "Now switch to your Flash form and give me _that_ ring." Roland does so. "And finally, your Legion ring." Again. Hal nods. "Good job." He concentrates, and all three rings glow. Soon, all three rings have merged into what most closely resembles the Legion ring, though with a lightning bolt in place of the star, and the ring as a whole shaped into the form of the GL symbol. "There you are, Roland. You've just been issued your Legion of Justice power ring." Hal gestures, and the ring flies on to Roland's finger. He changes into his Blaze form. "Legion _power_ ring?" Hal nods. "Each one is unique. _Yours_ gives you a power that, according to Barry, you've always wanted. Congratulations, Blaze; you're a human thunderbolt." Roland stares wide-eyed at the ring, then concentrates. His cape vanishes, and his form becomes luminous and indistinct. He rockets from place to place around the shuttle, returning to his place of origin and material state. "...wow!" Hal claps him on the shoulder. "You can move at lightspeed, of course, and can take the form of electromagnetic energies. You do have one weakness: extreme heat will disrupt the energy form. Anyone scanning your form will be able to deduce that with elementary physics, but then anyone who _can_ scan your form _should_ have an elementary knowledge of physics. So watch your back." "That's my job," Morgan replies with a smile and a kiss on Roland's cheek. Hal smiles back and bows to Morgan, taking her hand and kissing it chivalrously. "Hey," Roland objects halfheartedly, still dizzy from the enormity of the gift. "What's wrong with a gentleman kissing my hand?" Morgan asks with a raised eyebrow and a gentle smile. ^You know where my heart is given.^ "When it's Hal the ladykiller?" Roland replies with a glance at said ladykiller. ^Besides, better safe than sorry. I _never_ intend to take you for granted.^ He is rewarded with a slight flush in his lady's cheeks. Hal chuckles. "Carol finally pinned me down long enough for a marriage proposal, Roland. You'll get the invitations as soon as you get back to your own dimension. Although that _does_ remind me..." he turns again to the Highlander. "Do you have the Philosopher's Stone handy, Lady Morgan?" Morgan blinks, and takes the Stone out of its pouch. Hal concentrates, and the Stone shrinks and shifts, becoming an exact match for Roland's ring. "Yours, unsurprisingly, will do exactly what the Stone did-transmute matter. It can turn any sort of material into any other, and allows for a small amount of control of such items, but the process-according to Iris-becomes steadily more complex as the atomic weight or the chemical structure does. It also includes the usual Legion communicator, tracker, ad infinitum. Welcome to the Legion." Roland smiles and hugs his beloved at the sight of her speechlessness. "I think that's a 'thank you' trying to work its way out, Hal." "There _are_ advantages to sharing a brain," Morgan laughs. "Thank you, Guardian Jordan," she says with a graceful bow of her head. Hal nods, almost hiding his smile. "A pleasure, I assure you." He looks out at something in another time and place. "Well, gotta go-Sinestro's trying to take over the Mad Sector again. Have fun with your new toys." The image fades out. "Look," Morgan says, holding her hands next to Roland's. "_Two_ matching sets of rings." Looking at her new Legion ring, an idea dawns and her face lights up. "Oh, I _gotta_ try this." She looks around, and picks up an empty glass. She concentrates, and the cup turns to chocolate. "COOL-ness," she beams. Roland laughs as the shuttle approaches London. "I _knew_ that there was a reason I love you." =========================== Date: Wed, 25 Mar 1998 00:35:41 -0800 (PST) Subject: AAE4: Knytt of Wands On Wed, 25 Mar 1998 02:26:23 -0600 In Message # 00003417 In alt.callahans Post # 00001630 Michael Jon Knight said: Thanks to Pyewackett, the girls had some measure of protection against magic. This left Knytt's mind much more at ease, and as he still felt tired, he laid down on the pew to try and get some more sleep. Folding his arms across his chest, he closed his eyes, wondering what sort of protections he should take for himself and what his recent changes in abilities would mean once his immediate problems were reconciled... Knytt stood on a long dock that struck him as being familiar, though he couldn't place where he had seen it. An island was behind him, endless ocean surrounding him. A Chinese Junk was docked in front of him with a gangplank leading on board. He looked on the bow and read the name. It was in Chinese, but Knytt could read a few of the pictograms of that language, "Wild Goose". Walking on board, Knytt looked down below for some sign of life, but other than three bedrooms, a galley, and a largeish cargo hold, there wasn't much to see. In what looked to be the Captain's quarters, Knytt discovered, among the maps and charts, a book written in old-high-galifreyian. The worn blue cover read "Actualization Through Visualization Journal." The hastily scratched calligraphy struck him as familiar. Looking through the entries, he recognized places he had traveled and noted there was advice which he had found helpful in his own travels. About half the book was blank, with a thick red ribbon denoting the first blank page. Flipping back a couple of pages, the final entry was on the subject of alternate earths and a particular one overrun by grey aliens. The last line read: "For a race capable of using hyperspace, their base technology isn't too far removed from this world's humans." A black pen was clipped to the spine. Knytt took the pen and wrote "Perhaps with a few advances, the humans might have won." He knew he recognized the writing, it was his own. Knytt took the pen and book with him and returned to the dock. A gentle breeze blew out from the land, taking the heat away to the sea. A set of stone stairs led up to a house that reminded Knytt of an earth-home. Partly buried underground, the house faced south, its entrance flanked by large floor to ceiling windows set into a concrete frame. The door was ajar, so Knytt looked in. This house seemed familiar to him as well and the draw inside was unresistable. The windows let in the southern sun and as Knytt entered, his hand brushed against a flat black panel, and a gentle breeze seemed to pass through the windows. Lightly stained wood floors were lit from large skylights, and with the breeze, the place had an open airy feel. "Hello? Anyone home?" Knytt said, hoping to draw the place's owner. No such luck. Knytt looked to his right and found a large living room with an adobe fireplace set into the far wall. Opening in front of the fireplace, a large pit group surrounded a low, square, dark glass coffee table on three sides. Some cards were laid out on the coffee table, a small post-it note beside them. Knytt walked around to the open end of the enormous sofa and took a seat facing the fireplace to examine the cards laid out on the table. Someone was having their Tarot read. 10 cards lay out on the table, face up. 6 cards formed a large 'plus', four more formed a vertical line to the right. In the center of the plus, one card was laid sideways atop another one laid normally. All the cards had paintings with cats and people on them. The box the rest of the cards were housed in read "Tarot of the Cat People." Knytt looked at the cards in the reading. The card beneath the card turned sideways was the Knight of Wands. On top of it, laying sideways, was the Page of Wands. To the "north", above those two cards, was the Three of Cups. To the "east", or right, of the Knight of Wands was the Five of Wands; below, or to the "south," was Death. On the left, or "west", of the Knight of Wands was the Nine of Wands. The cards on the right in the vertical line were, from top to bottom: Four of Cups, Rejuvenation, Queen of Swords, and the Tower. Knytt looked at the note. It read "Make yourself at home." and was in Knytt's handwriting. Wondering what the future held for the one receiving the reading, Knytt rose and went back the way he came, past the entrance and through another large space that functioned as a dining room with a large kitchen filled with wood counters and white cabinets. The large appliances were stainless steel. Passing down a hallway, Knytt went into a bedroom. The scent of lilacs hit his nose as he entered. Again a very open room lay before him, with a wonderful view of the ocean out the western balcony. A suit of clothes was laid out on a king sized four poster bed. A post-it note was stuck to a pair of calf-high mocassins. This one read "Freshen up and get changed." Never one to not listen to himself, Knytt cleaned up, shaving off his beard with a straight razor and mug of shaving soap he found in the adjacent bathroom. After a hot shower with a bar of soap he recognized as a favorite of his he had only seen in Canada, Knytt returned and got dressed, feeling much more refreshed than when he arrived. He slipped into a pair of loose-fitting light tan pants, chuckled as he laced up the mocassins which he had tucked the pant legs into. The calf-high boots had the words "Mile-Walk" imprinted in the leather of the sole which brough the old saying to his mind. Tucking in a white silk shirt, Knytt took a red sash and wrapped it around his waist, knotting it for a belt. A rod about the length of a closed lightsaber lay atop a brown duster. Knytt picked up the rod and examined it. Two gold inch-round spheres were separated by a dark-blue ribbed grip made of some sort of plastic or rubber. A smooth area of the grip had the words "A pen may be mightier, but don't bring one to a swordfight." etched into it in Hebrew. "An odd weapon," Knytt said, slipping it in his sash. He looked at the coat lying on the bed. It was a dark brown with an olive green collar and lapels, cuffs, and flaps covering the large patch pockets. On the left lapel, someone had embroidered in brown thread "Coat of Arms". Under the coat was an olive satchel with a brown leather shoulder strap. The cover flap was leather also and had "Bag of Plenty" imprinted in a Gaelic script into the leather. Another post-it note on the satchel directed Knytt to put the journal inside and sling it over a shoulder. A sheet of paper lay on the bed. Knytt picked it up and read it. "Wake up!" Knytt awoke to Melissa shaking him gently. She looked a bit concerned. "Dad, are you ok? You did that shifting thing again." Knytt looked at himself. His appearance had shifted again, to the clothes he had donned in his dream. He scratched his beard, only to find it was gone. "I'm fine, dear. I was just...recharging myself." "Well, you scan as being better. Whatever you did, it seemed to help." Knytt nodded. "Let's go meet the shuttle, it should be arriving soon. I could do with a short walk beforehand anyway." After the twins shifted into their pre-wetsuit outfits, Melissa in dress and cloak, Grep in slacks and peacoat, Knytt and the twins strolled out of the church and into the cool morning air. =========================== Date: Wed, 25 Mar 1998 05:35:56 -0800 (PST) Subject: AAE4: Demon and Angel - London Town (was Reluctant Cooks, On Wed, 25 Mar 1998 07:11:52 -0600 In Message # 00003418 In alt.callahans Post # 00001631 Zia said: > Raver catches sight of Sera the angel, and shoots her with a >glare from frostbitten ruby eyes. Without further words, she slides >down marginally in her seat, hooking her elbows over the back with a >faint smirk. > -An *angel*.- > -Raver. She's on *our* side.- > -I do not work well with their kind.- Raver's tone is one of >utter finality, and Mandy's only reply is a mental sigh. Sera, for her part, returns only a beautific smile for Raver's ruby-eyed glare. She helps the newly re-bodied young woman off the ground, and entrusts her to Squee's care. She is careful not to let the girl near Soulreaver again. "Thank you." She nods to both Isla and Squee, "Souls are much better suited to their proper places." And the red-winged angel jumps back to the rafters again, with a single feathery swish. Almost as though she were trying not to impose to much on the mortals (and immortals) below. The lines of blue electric-looking power from the Solomon's Seal follow her motion, remaining focused through her. =========================== Date: Wed, 25 Mar 1998 05:36:06 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE 4: Trying to Help - Zia's Node - Timbuktu, Africa On Wed, 25 Mar 1998 07:22:59 -0600 In Message # 00003419 In alt.callahans Post # 00001632 Zia said: > Phoenix blinks. "To attempt to destroy you would be absurd, if not >lunacy itself. That would cause ripples throughout the multiverse. >Besides, most of the time your games are harmless enough. To be >honest, the are often quite diverting." Sil smiles briefly, then >returns to her cool gaze. "If you wish to act through avatar, of >course I will not impede you. I suggest, however, that you _remain_ >at the level of an avatar. I will not 'begone,' and rest assured that >I will bother you so long as you place this reality at risk." Zia looks gravely concerned. She stands at the edge of her focus point for the Solomon's Seal, and regards the two Driss with very troubled eyes. /"I always did hate a bully."/ She remarks, almost to herself, as Driss' plight becomes more clear to her. /"Shouldn't have asked them for help; they've both been hurt by it."/ > The HIT Mark's body glows briefly. "I have invested my daughter >with a portion of my own power. That power will coincide exactly to >that of the form you now wear." She looks at the real Driscoll sadly, >then back to Driss-C. "As much as she would like to, she will not >disturb you so long as that power level remains below that of this >reality's representatives of Order and Chaos." The presence of >Phoenix departs as Sil blinks woozily. Zia grimaces, /"Wonderful. Just wonderful. Definitely need that backup Ward Major at some point. I hate pissing contests."/ > "As Roland would say...'holy sprocking grife!'" Sil looks at Zia >and the two Driscolls. "Lady Zia, Mom doesn't usually drop loads like >that on me...you're used to wielding this stuff. What the heck am I >supposed to _do_ with it?" Both Zia's eyes widen slightly, despite her incredible control of her face, and she takes an involuntary half-step back. It looks like surprise and horror, mixed. "I - well, first, I'm not addressed by 'Lady' - my rank is somewhat lower. If you must, my rank is knight, and the title is Dame Corey. I never use it. And whatever the power of Order and Chaos may be here, it's not the same as what I wield. And I wouldn't presume to give you instructions. Though I would ask that you try and not damage this place too severely. It is already near destroyed." > (OOC: Roland's gonna LOVE this! ) (ooSC: Giggle. Have Sil still asking questions and such about her power whenever Roland is in 'hearing' range of Zia agina. Poor Zia, she doesn't even know how all HER powers work, and someone wants her to teach them? SNICKER. Good job! (wink) Threw Zia, and that doesn't happen often.) =========================== Date: Wed, 25 Mar 1998 05:36:16 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE 4: Solomon's Seal - Zia's Node - Nemo Arrives (slight On Wed, 25 Mar 1998 07:28:15 -0600 In Message # 00003420 In alt.callahans Post # 00001633 Zia said: At 08:36 PM 3/24/98 -0800, you wrote: Nemo: >Mach 50 was merely to keep the shock wave manageable. :-) >> As Nemo (presumably slowed far enough away to prevent deafening >> Zia) lands, Zia looks away from Sil a moment, "Thank you for >> coming." She greets him with a formal bow, the regulation 4 >> centimeters deep one. There is only the faintest carryover of song >> and the others speaking in her voice, but of course, Nemo can >> detect it anyway. She gestures to the ten foot (roughly) scorched >> 'earth' ring. Driss, or at least the one streaming energy to her >> (now much more gently) is within it, as is the Nemisis split she is >> using to buffer the load between herself and him - and telepath the >> CaoL link. > >Nemo returns the the bow, and then settles into a lotus seat floating >several feet off the ground. Zia, after another irritated and helpless look at the two Driss, does the same. It's obvious that she would LIKE to do something for him, but can't even try as long as she holds this Node in the Solomon's Seal. >> "I am interested in further safeguards to the Nodes as I believe >> this last encounter was merely a strong feint. The Sealed Link used >> it to better our position, but the help from various members of >> your group has need of balancing the debt. If you wish to interface >> at computer speeds, lower ones, that is, you can do so through the >> split. We will show you what is currently being done with the >> security measures." > >Nemo will intewrface with the split. If it'll help, he'll "split" >again to provide a nemo at each point of the diagram. Zia looks abruptly thankful, "Good - I'm worried about James. If you can make any arrangements to shelter him in that environment, I would be most indebted to you. We can tell he is under some discomfort now, and it looks like it will be several more hours at least before this wreaking reaches it's natural conclusion. He is too pig-headed to admit he could use help. I just have to be more careful how much help I ask for." With a troubled look at Driss again. =========================== Date: Wed, 25 Mar 1998 06:05:38 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE 4: Trying to Help - Zia's Node - Timbuktu, Africa On Wed, 25 Mar 1998 07:57:57 -0600 In Message # 00003422 In alt.callahans Post # 00001635 Michael Jon Knight said: >On Wed, 25 Mar 1998 07:22:59 -0600 In Message # 00003419 > In alt.callahans Post # 00001632 Zia said: > >Zia looks gravely concerned. She stands at the edge of her focus >point for the Solomon's Seal, and regards the two Driss with very >troubled eyes. /"I always did hate a bully."/ She remarks, almost to >herself, as Driss' plight becomes more clear to her. /"Shouldn't have >asked them for help; they've both been hurt by it."/ Pyewackett trotted out of a shadow beneath an overturned barrel. "They would've offered anyway. It's in their nature. Admittedly, for different reasons, but the results would be the same." The black cat said, passing Zia's focus point. The cat darts under a car and vanishes. =========================== Date: Wed, 25 Mar 1998 07:06:45 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE 4: A Soul Called Home - London Cathedral On Wed, 25 Mar 1998 08:43:57 -0700 (MST) In Message # 00003423 In alt.callahans Post # 00001636 Driscoll said: > On Mon, 23 Mar 1998 07:19:35 -0600 In Message # 00003376 > In alt.callahans Post # 00001589 Zia said: > > There is a mild fluffing sound as Sera's wings flutter and resettle, > and she looks sadly at Isla. "Do you truly think I would slay anyone > by any means?? Very well." She bows her head, the halo dimming a > moment, then looks back up with it bright, "I promise that he shall > not die from anything I do within these walls. But sending the girl > home to Quaren must wait until the angry Child called Stardragon has > released the Ways out of this world." Then with a resigned tone, and > a clearly displayed hurt, the angel continues, "Are these assurances > good enough that I might release the poor innocent soul made > captive? Or do you prefer her held in darkness until every turning > in the Universe meets your satisfaction and judgments?" A sad angel > is an odd sight indeed. Isla inclines her head towards the Angel. "The girl was chosen by divine right. But I believe your actions are inspired by the same beliefs that the Goddess teaches and I bid you to do your magics." > If Isla gives her permission, Sera places a hand above the > Greatsword (not actually touching it) and one on the 'made' girl's > forehead. She sings under her breath in the same non-word way she > did just after she appears. Soon, she is bright enough looking at > her is difficult. There is a snap like that of a lightning bolt in a > summer storm, and the same sudden ease in the air after as Sera > slowly stands. The girl... moves, with a gasp her eyes shoot open > and she sits up. Sera sings a momentary phrase of calm and the girl > does... "Wh-where Am I?" she asks meekly Isla steps up towards the girl and caresses her cheek. The girl flinches in obvious fear but doesn't run. "You duty to the Goddess has been performed admirably young one. And for it I thank you again. We are in a forgien land and will return you home when we may. Until then I place you under my personaly protection." =========================== Date: Wed, 25 Mar 1998 07:06:58 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE 4: Trying to Help - Zia's Node - Timbuktu, Africa On Wed, 25 Mar 1998 08:50:48 -0700 (MST) In Message # 00003424 In alt.callahans Post # 00001637 Driscoll said: > On Tue, 24 Mar 1998 18:53:05 In Message # 00003406 > In alt.callahans Post # 00001619 Morgan said: > > (OOC: No prob. But the complications in this setting almost > require the following. 8^) (No prob I expected you to try to do SOMETHING. But if you want to have fun with this you'll probably have to do it quick. I wasn't planning on Chaos sticking around long.) > The HIT Mark's body glows briefly. "I have invested my daughter > with a portion of my own power. That power will coincide exactly to > that of the form you now wear." She looks at the real Driscoll > sadly, then back to Driss-C. "As much as she would like to, she will > not disturb you so long as that power level remains below that of > this reality's representatives of Order and Chaos." The presence of > Phoenix departs as Sil blinks woozily. The Negative Driss winks and his body explodes into a pillar of liquid sending out a fine spray all around him before he soaks into the ground. Then standing where the larger one just was, stands a 2" tall negative Driss with Grasshopper legs. With a leap he jumps onto Sil's head. "OK sounds like fun." =========================== Date: Wed, 25 Mar 1998 07:08:42 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE 4: Trying to Help - Zia's Node - Timbuktu, Africa On Wed, 25 Mar 1998 08:54:21 -0700 (MST) In Message # 00003425 In alt.callahans Post # 00001638 Driscoll said: > On Wed, 25 Mar 1998 07:22:59 -0600 In Message # 00003419 > In alt.callahans Post # 00001632 Zia said: > > Both Zia's eyes widen slightly, despite her incredible control of > her face, and she takes an involuntary half-step back. It looks like > surprise and horror, mixed. "I - well, first, I'm not addressed by > 'Lady' - my rank is somewhat lower. If you must, my rank is knight, > and the title is Dame Corey. I never use it. And whatever the power > of Order and Chaos may be here, it's not the same as what I wield. > And I wouldn't presume to give you instructions. Though I would ask > that you try and not damage this place too severely. It is already > near destroyed." Driss's shivering slackens and finally stops and he lays there just breathing in and out deeply. Finally he strains to pick himself up again and opened his eyes to look around. "Ummexcuse me I know this sounds silly and I know I should know the answer, but who are you two and where am I?" =========================== Date: Wed, 25 Mar 1998 16:43:00 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE4 Stranger things have happened... On Thu, 26 Mar 1998 00:25:27 -0800 In Message # 00003426 In alt.callahans Post # 00001639 Gareth L Owen said: Stranger and Gruber faced each other, guns held firmly into the others face. "What's happened Stranger? Where's this purple shit come from?" "What's wrong Gruber you look like you almost care?" "Don't push me Stranger!" he held up his off hand, it was clearly cybernetic "Look what you did to me! You bastard!" "You were trying to kill me." It started to rain, large fat, lazy drops of purple water. "So give me one good reason why I shouldn't do tht now?" "I've got two. Firstly, I'd spasm, pull my trigger and kill you too. Secondly, I'm the only person who can reverse what's happened here." Gruber looked aghast. "Hah, I was right," continued Stranger "this is your home dimension isn't it?" "No, it's, it's just important to me." "You want to help me?" Stranger wasn't sure why he said that, Gruber hated him with a passion, but he detected doubt in him too, maybe this world was important enough to Gruber, for whatever reason, that he would help him. "Your going soft Stranger. Last time we met you'd have killed me by now." "I got a hunch, gotta go with that." Stranger looked down at Grubers pistol, a Colt 45, Gruber always preferred a larger caliber handgun. Stranger let his gunhand fall to his side. "For fuck's sake Gruber, I don't have time for this, either kill, join me or get the hell out of my way!" Gruber holstered his gun. "You can really reverse this?" "Yes!" "OK then, my enemy's enemy can be my friend. A truce until we get this planet put right." Gruber held his hand out and Stranger shook it. Together they headed for the 'safe' zone that Nemo had created and Stranger started to explain. =========================== Date: Wed, 25 Mar 1998 16:43:13 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE 4: Solomon's Seal - Zia's Node - Nemo Arrives (slight On Wed, 25 Mar 1998 16:13:31 PST In Message # 00003427 In alt.callahans Post # 00001640 Nemo said: > On Wed, 25 Mar 1998 07:28:15 -0600 In Message # 00003420 > In alt.callahans Post # 00001633 Zia said: > > Zia looks abruptly thankful, "Good - I'm worried about James. If you > can make any arrangements to shelter him in that environment, I > would be most indebted to you. We can tell he is under some > discomfort now, and it looks like it will be several more hours at > least before this wreaking reaches it's natural conclusion. He is > too pig-headed to admit he could use help. I just have to be more > careful how much help I ask for." With a troubled look at Driss > again. "I believe I can handle that. In fact it'll make an interesting defense.". Nemo becomes a quadruple image momentarily, and then the three "new" Nemos streak into the sky, each destined for a diferent node. Upon reaching position in Antartica, Nemo nods to James and proceeeds to create a "Maxwell's Demon" type effect. Heat is pumped from the surrounding environment into a spherical area surrounding the node. Soon temperatures are quite comfortable. Of course, this means that the temperatures surrounding the node have dropped even farther. Anyone attacking physically will encounter a region of near absolute zero before they can get to Nemo and James. "James, could I offer you some refreshment? Coffee, tea, hot soup?" =========================== Date: Wed, 25 Mar 1998 18:37:05 -0800 (PST) Subject: AAE IV: Finally, the Greys! On Wed, 25 Mar 1998 18:13:42 In Message # 00003429 In alt.callahans Post # 00001642 Morgan said: Once upon a midnight dreary, I said: > "You-you're-" > "I am." Roland Phoenix looked calmly at the terrified underling. >Except for the blue lines marking the temples, he was identical to >his counterpart. "My enhancements will allow me to meet the invaders >on their level. You WILL obey my instructions. We will test their >defenses, harry their scouts, and eventually, we will destroy >them...utterly." (OOC note: This post has been checked and approved by Gareth. Also, from here out, the counter-Roland will be referred to as the Reborn, unless his being Blaze's cognate is relevant.) The Reborn examines Armagedon's forcefield passively. Aside from Pembroke and his Bonebears, there are three platoons of once-human soldiers and a full brigade of highly intelligent-though non-sentient-robots. Each of the platoons has a different alteration, one with some sort of natural camouflage, one with cybernetic combat abilities, and one with indeterminate biological powers. The robots appear Grey-style humanoid (tall and thin) and emanate a soft hum. Each carries something that looks like a cross between a rifle and a Swiss army knife. "Bring the probe," the Reborn says. Four robots walk forward, pushing a large energy-cannon on a wheeled platform between them. They set the cannon in front of one of the shield projectors. "Fire." The cannon unleashes a hellish torrent of force on the forcefield, which wavers briefly then snaps back into place. Small apertures appear in the field, and Armagedon's automatic weapons melt most of the cannon's functioning components, though not its armor. Of the four attending robots there is no trace. "Hm," the Reborn says, no concern evident in his voice. His black bodysuit opens along the chest, then his chest opens as well. A glowing green sphere is revealed, and the four robots are reconstituted from their component molecules. "Salvaging the probe will be too lengthy a process. Activate the platform's pressors." Three reactionless thrusters activate in the rear of the probe's wagon, and the entire machine rockets into the forcefield. A titanic display of energies ensues, as the Grey armor and kinetic thrusters attempt to pierce the forcefield. If the battle that is no doubt going to begin any moment does not interrupt the process, Armagedon's autodefenses slag the probe in about five minutes. Meanwhile, as the shuttle comes in for its final approach, this discharge is clearly visible. Roland almost smiles. *"It's about da-"* he begins, cutting off his words with a glance at the church. *"Some action, finally,"* he finishes with relief, switching to the Darkangel armor. <*"It seems Zia's friend is having a positive influence on you,"*> Morgan notes with a smile. Roland suppresses the urge to swat her in the stern; in the armor, it could be dangerous to her. (Not to mention that it would be dangerous to _him_ later, when he's _out_ of the armor. 8^) *All right. Sounds like either a feint or an intel run, but play it safe just to be sure. Everyone lock onto your sigils so those of us with teleportational abilities can haul you out if necessary.* Now Roland _does_ smile. *Better hurry if you want some,* he finishes, and changes into his superhero form. He concentrates, the ring glows, and in a flash of light he's gone. Morgan heads for the church HQ. <*Let the high-tech types handle this one. I'll be here if anyone needs backup.*> What Roland just sent sinks in, and she asks, <*Will the teleporters be _able_ to haul folx out? Just what _is_ the current status of the various shields we've had up?*> He sends a kiss to his beloved through the link. *Be back soon, love.* He then materializes well to the right of the blast and switches back to his Darkangel form, and discovers that the explosive energies nearby scramble his armor's scanners. When he clears his visor, he sees the gathered forces. *Ouch. If this is a recon force, I don't want to see what happens when they arrive in numbers.* He whips out the rifle slung across his back and aims at the robots. The forcefield parts for Roland's attack as microscopic crystals hurled at relativistic speeds turn one platoon of robots into a crater. "Eat _that,_ you walking scrap piles," Roland laughs. "Curious," the Reborn blinked, removing his hood. "Your voice-print matches mine to five decimal places. Very odd." Roland gasps and steps back, then finds his bearing once more. "So my counterpart here is a Traitor. Big deal." He continues to unload into the robots, who have long since scattered. They take whatever cover is available first, then use their own defensive screens. "Traitor? No. I have been Reborn. As Roland Phoenix, this body was a moderately successful rebel. I, however, now exist, and he does not. Your opposition, therefore, is illogical. You will fail; it has already happened." Roland smiles again, and another squad of robots is defeated. This time, however, they are not destroyed; instead, they are turned against their master through EK. "I have a few advantages that he didn't." Their rifle/kits, however, do not even faze the Reborn. His eyes glow faintly, and the robots come apart molecule by molecule. They then reform and continue their assault. "Your strange, psychically-based powers alter the equation, but not the conclusion." "Says you!" Pembroke snaps, and his skimmer retreats far from the field of battle. "I'd get back a-ways, if I were you!" "You are not me." The Reborn concentrates again, this time on the apertures that open for Roland's portable railgun. His eyes glow once more... ...and the shield generator becomes a new platoon of Grey robots. *"Oh, grife,"* Roland groans... (OOC: Okay, who else wants to blow things up? ;^) <*"I think this qualifies as 'needing backup,"*> Morgan quips, and is at her husband's side in a flash. ).> ^Teleporting sure is a useful skill,^ she sends with a smile as she assesses the situation. <*"One of you techies will have to take on the robots, but let's see what I can do with those soldiers."*> She studies the three groups, checking out their apparent specialties. The camo-group was obvious, to her life sense if not her eyes. The cyborgs are easily spotted by the gleaming chrome implants. And the third group... Shapeshifters. She could do something about any of these, but a particularly interesting idea springs to mind. <*Cover me, love,*> she asks Roland needlessly, and begins to focus on the shifters. One by one, she makes a slight change in their bio-pattern. Eventually, it is noticed that every shift they make takes them _down_ the evolutionary ladder. While that platoon is still trying to figure out what's wrong, she turns her attention to the others.... =========================== Date: Wed, 25 Mar 1998 18:37:22 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE 4: Trying to Help - Zia's Node - Timbuktu, Africa On Wed, 25 Mar 1998 18:14:29 In Message # 00003430 In alt.callahans Post # 00001643 Morgan said: >On Wed, 25 Mar 1998 08:54:21 -0700 (MST) In Message # 00003425 > In alt.callahans Post # 00001638 Driscoll said: > >> On Wed, 25 Mar 1998 07:22:59 -0600 In Message # 00003419 >> In alt.callahans Post # 00001632 Zia said: >>> The HIT Mark's body glows briefly. "I have invested my daughter >>>with a portion of my own power. That power will coincide exactly to >>>that of the form you now wear." She looks at the real Driscoll >>>sadly, then back to Driss-C. "As much as she would like to, she >>>will not disturb you so long as that power level remains below that >>>of this reality's representatives of Order and Chaos." The presence >>>of Phoenix departs as Sil blinks woozily. >> >> Zia grimaces, /"Wonderful. Just wonderful. Definitely need that >> backup Ward Major at some point. I hate pissing contests."/ "Well, I _was_ pissed," Sil comments dryly as she regains her bearings...and realizes what just happened. >> Both Zia's eyes widen slightly, despite her incredible control of >> her face, and she takes an involuntary half-step back. It looks >> like surprise and horror, mixed. "I - well, first, I'm not >> addressed by 'Lady' - my rank is somewhat lower. If you must, my >> rank is knight, and the title is Dame Corey. I never use it. And >> whatever the power of Order and Chaos may be here, it's not the >> same as what I wield. And I wouldn't presume to give you >> instructions. Though I would ask that you try and not damage this >> place too severely. It is already near destroyed." Sil sighs. "Mom's power almost always preserves, and what she destroys, she replaces. It's literally her nature. I _think_ I can use this to counteract any major collateral damage Chaos inflicts, and- thank the Light-he doesn't seem inclined to be his usual one-entity wrecking crew. IOW, don't worry-I'm not the type to blow away large chunks of the scenery." She smiles. "I prefer to blow away _small_ chunks of the _enemy._ More stylish. "As for the title...with a 'name' like Silver Phoenix, I truly sympathize. I'll stick to Zia." >> (ooSC: Giggle. Have Sil still asking questions and such about her >> power whenever Roland is in 'hearing' range of Zia agina. Poor Zia, >> she doesn't even know how all HER powers work, and someone wants >> her to teach them? SNICKER. Good job! (wink) Threw Zia, and that >> doesn't happen often.) (OOC: Thanks, and of _course_ Roland's got to hear about this. Only problem I can see is that there might not be much left for Zia to do once Sil's done with him. ) > Driss's shivering slackens and finally stops and he lays there just >breathing in and out deeply. Finally he strains to pick himself up >again and opened his eyes to look around. "Ummexcuse me I know this >sounds silly and I know I should know the answer, but who are you two >and where am I?" *"Oh GREAT!"* Sil looks out into the distance, reaching out for the link. *Morgan! Roscoe! We've got a problem...an all-powerful amnesiac named Driscol1!* She tries to look up at Chaos, grimaces, and creates a four-inch tall hologram of herself next to the Chaosling. "Very bad karma, grasshopper." Morgan chuckles at the image as she replies, <*Roscoe will probably be _much_ more help than me at this point, but you might try to find out what he remembers. If we can figure out where he thinks he is in _his_ timeline it might help.*> "Okay," Sil begins slowly. "My name is Sil. This is Zia. You are on Earth-an Earth under attack by aliens. Now...do you know who _you_ are, and what's the last thing you remember?" =========================== Date: Wed, 25 Mar 1998 20:36:52 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE 4: Trying to Help - Zia's Node - Timbuktu, Africa On Wed, 25 Mar 1998 22:07:38 -0700 (MST) In Message # 00003431 In alt.callahans Post # 00001644 Driscoll said: > On Wed, 25 Mar 1998 18:14:29 In Message # 00003430 > In alt.callahans Post # 00001643 Morgan said: > > *"Oh GREAT!"* Sil looks out into the distance, reaching out for > the link. *Morgan! Roscoe! We've got a problem...an all-powerful > amnesiac named Driscol1!* She tries to look up at Chaos, grimaces, > and creates a four-inch tall hologram of herself next to the > Chaosling. "Very bad karma, grasshopper." > > Morgan chuckles at the image as she replies, <*Roscoe will probably > be _much_ more help than me at this point, but you might try to find > out what he remembers. If we can figure out where he thinks he is in > _his_ timeline it might help.*> [I'll see what I can do but my powers aren't as powerful as they once were. I can't do anything at this distance. I need him back in London] Roscoe replies over the link. > "Okay," Sil begins slowly. "My name is Sil. This is Zia. You are > on Earth-an Earth under attack by aliens. Now...do you know who > _you_ are, and what's the last thing you remember?" Driss rubs his temples trying to concentrate. "Ummmm that girl. uhhh Zia and I were doing something..." He takes a quick look down at his clothing, "And I'm not sure what since all my clothes seem intact. Uhh then Chaos showed up and it felt like an atom bomb blew up in my head. I don't remember where you came from though. Where's Roscoe?" =========================== Date: Wed, 25 Mar 1998 21:38:14 -0800 (PST) Subject: Re: AAE IV: Finally, the Greys! On Wed, 25 Mar 1998 23:25:40 -0600 In Message # 00003433 In alt.callahans Post # 00001646 Michael Jon Knight said: >On Wed, 25 Mar 1998 18:13:42 In Message # 00003429 > In alt.callahans Post # 00001642 Morgan said: > Meanwhile, as the shuttle comes in for its final approach, this >discharge is clearly visible. > Roland almost smiles. > *"It's about da-"* he begins, cutting off his words with a glance >at the church. *"Some action, finally,"* he finishes with relief, >switching to the Darkangel armor. > ><*"It seems Zia's friend is having a positive influence on you,"*> >Morgan notes with a smile. /It isn't on father,/ Melissa sends as Knytt lets out a rather strong string of expletives in several languages. The twins run back to the church. Knytt looks around quickly in the middle of the street and runs off on a tangent. "Dad? Where are you going?" Grep asks, delaying momentarily. Knytt digs out an ANCIENT motorized bicycle from a pile of trash and rubble. "Commandeering a ride." Straddling the burnt and broken machine, Knytt lays a hand on the engine and the machine seems to ripple under him, suddenly looking brand new. Grep watches, intrigued. "Indian motorcycle, V-twin, circa 1913." the AI says, matter-of-factly, "Chain drive, top speed: 60 mph." "Which would put me there in 17 minutes. What this thing needs is more power." "And you can provide that?" Grep asks, looking toward the church as Melissa returns with their surfboards. "Aroo?" Knytt asks, reaching into his "Bag Of Plenty" slung over his shoulder. He pulls out what looks like two gold canisters welded into a backpack, with small jet nozzles on the bottom. Then he pulls out a second of the jet-packs. "Oh yeah, I think I can do something for it." As the twins shift into their wet-suits and mount their boards, Knytt says, "You two go ahead, I'll play cavalry." > "You are not me." The Reborn concentrates again, this time on the >apertures that open for Roland's portable railgun. His eyes glow >once more... > ...and the shield generator becomes a new platoon of Grey robots. > *"Oh, grife,"* Roland groans... "Yeah, he's not you, he is a bear of Much More Brain!" the Twins reply, as they tilt their surfboards sideways, pinning five of the grey robots between them and Armageddon's shielding resulting in a rather violent explosion. ><*"I think this qualifies as 'needing backup,"*> Morgan quips, and is >at her husband's side in a flash. gives her a ride through the Astral Plane (she's _still_ not sure how >she does that ).> ^Teleporting sure is a useful skill,^ she sends >with a smile as she assesses the situation. <*"One of you techies >will have to take on the robots, but let's see what I can do with >those soldiers."*> /With pleasure, Aunt Morgan./ Melissa sends as the twins fall back a bit to select a new target. >Shapeshifters. She could do something about any of these, but a >particularly interesting idea springs to mind. <*Cover me, love,*> >she asks Roland needlessly, and begins to focus on the shifters. One >by one, she makes a slight change in their bio-pattern. Eventually, >it is noticed that every shift they make takes them _down_ the >evolutionary ladder. "Aww, look at the cute widdle monkeys," Melissa says, as she grabs a Grey robot by an arm and swings it into two others. Its arm pops off in her hand. "Oops," she says, "I bwoke it." Grep meanwhile, kicks one of the Grey robots in the chin, sending its head bouncing. An impressive feat, considering the distinct height advantage the Grey had. "Wonder where dad is?" /Behind you./ Knytt sends as the distinct roar of rocket engines approaches. The small Indian motorcycle tears down the strip of road, its new jet saddlebags propelling it several times faster than the 60 miles per hour the manufacturerer intended. Hitting a small pothole just right, the little cycle took to the air, as Knytt let go, landing and rolling to a stop on the pavement. The rocket bike flew over the girls, bounced, turned over end once and hit three of the grey robots from the back as its jets sent it back at about a thirty degree angle from the way it had come, exploding with its trio of unwilling passengers a safe distance away. Knytt sat up, "Damn! I wanted to keep that!" ===========================