Action, Adventure, Excitement, Part 6 Part 1 - Chapter 4 Date: Mon, 4 Oct 1999 01:03:51 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Hunter and The Actress On Mon, 04 Oct 1999 00:40:05 -0700 Rio Said As CAoL Message # 00007278 >On Mon, 4 Oct 1999 01:13:50 -0400 >Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00007274 > >>On Sun, 03 Oct 1999 17:41:05 -0700 >>The Hunter Said As CAoL Message # 00007268 >> Eric shrugs. "So long as you understand my actual meaning. >>Misunderstandings can be deadly in a combat situation, and I would >>not be here if Roland were not expecting such. I've found threats to >>be very effective with some, and supremely foolish with others." > >Zia shrugs, "You seem eager to press your point home, yes. I didn't >know this was a lesson I would be forced to acknowledge your >correctness of view within. I mistook it for a conversation between >equals." "Eh?" Eric looks at her in confusion. "Again, my apologies. That was not my intent; I only wished to ensure that I am expressing myself clearly. The matter of threats and such was meant as a separate comment from the matter of understanding." He smiles sourly. "I can be pedantic on occasion, but rest assured that it was not my desire in this instance." >> "Finally, my lack of knowledge of my sister's capabilities >>requires me to allow her to make her own decisions, else I become a >>hypocrite. I am a slayer of monsters on my world, though my purpose >>has since passed vengeance and become the promotion of freedom from >>the conspiracies of secrecy that thread through the world's >>societies like foul marbling. There is nothing in honor or duty that >>requires me to like her endangerment, however. I have shown nothing >>but the most studious politeness to those whom I am not yet >>acquainted, save to Mr. Nishikawa, to whom I have apologized. >>Familiarity permits a certain leeway, else I would not tolerate the >>commentaries of either Roland or my sister, nor, I suspect, would >>they tolerate mine. In other words, madam, issues between my sister >>and myself are none of your business, and I'll thank you to mind >>your own." > >"It is my business if it endangers lives, sir; at least when one of >those lives is my own, I can see where I'd have an interest. As you >just mentioned moments ago, misunderstandings are deadly in combat. I >AM used to fighting as a group. As for my logic being weak, it isn't. >Merely because you don't like it and discount it out of hand doesn't >make it incorrect." She shrugs, again. "Excuse me," Rio interjects, "but your logic sucks." Eric, who had been livid and about to respond coldly, stops in amazement at his sister leaping to _his_ defense. "Kiri..." "You assumed Eric was the leader when no one had said anything of the kind. You assumed he'd insulted me when he referred to me as something I'd called _myself_ a few minutes earlier, if you'd been paying attention. And he didn't say he didn't have experience _fighting_ in a group, only in _leading_ one. If you'd open your damn ears, maybe you wouldn't have so many problems with people 'threatening' you." "Kirsten..." Eric tries again, fruitlessly. Then Zia continues, and gains his undivided (and annoyed) attention again. >"You don't want to hear about it, that's fine; I've heard there were >plenty of single warriors who were too good to fight with a group. So >kind of you to live the part as such an underwhelming example. Pardon >me, of course, for over-crediting your skill to the point where >Roland would have named you as a pro-tem leader. I didn't intend to >flatter you so extravangantly, of course." She says with an icy edge >of polite restraint to the ironic phrasing. Rio's eyes blaze, and between her indignance and the fact that she's not used to answering to her birth name anymore, her brother's call goes unnoticed. "Gaia, woman, can't you open your mouth without twisitng a person's words? All he did was correct your mistaken assumption the Roland had put him in charge, and you turn it into an insult!" "RIO." Eric's voice, combined with his use of her nickname, breaks through Rio's annoyance enough to register. >She gives Eric the shallowest bow one could still call a bow, and >removes herself from his presence quickly. Eric responds in equally sparse fashion. Then, when Rio turns to face him, her rant only paused, he replies mildly, "Don't you think you're being a bit harsh?" That almost-smile that seems to be his greatest expression of genuine amusement creeps onto his lips. "No!" Rio's tear may have slowed, but it's not gone. "I don't know if she's baiting you, or deliberately being dense, but I'm tired of listening to her take everything you say in the worst possible sense. Roland _said_ that no one was in charge, so where'd she get the idea you were? I called _myself_ a groupie, then she says you're insulting me be inferring I am one." She glares at Zia. "Maybe she just has trouble with the fact that not _everyone_ is like her scheming relatives." "So? If she's going to defend a bad argument with a worse one, why care what she has to say?" Eric's amusement fades quickly. "Kiri...Rio...are you still sure you want to continue with this group? I would have left already, but I have a debt to repay." Rio's glare slowly becomes a coy smile. "Yeah. Because I know more about the CAoL than you do...and _somebody's_ got to watch your back." Eric 'hmphs' at her. "_Now_ you're just being silly." Rio nods and bats her eyes at him, obviously a well-practiced "little sister cute" routine. Then she throws her arms around his neck and gives him a hug. "And thanks for calling me 'Rio,' big brother." Eric shifts a little before his sister reaches him, and those with the training might recognize something of jujitsu in the way he moves, but when she reaches him, his only reaction is to return the hug and sigh. "I suppose you're going to expect that _all_ the time now, Ki-'Rio,'" he replies dryly. (OOC: Unless specified otherwise, assume his tone is dry. 8^) Rio nods and smiles at him, and he sighs again. "Mother should be happy, anyway." When they disengage, he reaches into his coat and pulls out a black matte Glock 9mm. "Do you know how to use one of these?" Rio chuckles. "You know Dad. As soon as he noticed that his 'little girl' wasn't so little anymore, I got dragged out to the range." She shrugs. "I got to be a decent shot, but it's been a while." Eric nods. "I wouldn't recommend firing it here; all my ammo is incendiary, for obvious reasons." He reaches in again and pulls out a cunningly designed holster. "The safety is on; I've trained myself to switch it off when drawing it, but I'm sure Dad already gave you the standard gun lecture. "'Whenever you pick up a gun, immediately engage the safety device if possible,' falls under '#3. Always keep the gun unloaded until ready to use.'" Rio's affected deep voice makes it fairly clear she's imitating their father. Either him, or George C Scott ;-). "In your line of work, I imagine 'ready to use' is a 24/7 thing." Eric's almost-smile returns as he pulls out two extra clips. "Anyone else could probably hide that holster under a shirt. As it is, the holster can be strapped to a number of places; with your clothing, the only viable place seems to be your calf, and you shouldn't be trying to do a 'fast draw' at any rate. Given your talents, the Glock should be a last resort...what?" he asks, noting her dubious expression. "You actually think I _need_ that thing? I've kept ahead of HIT-Marks and MIB's without one so far, not that they're as much of a problem anymore," Rio says. Eric doesn't react visibly, except to reply, "You know full well that there are some creatures against whom a bullet is more effective than a 'rote.'" He stands there, still (carefully) holding out the gun and clips. "But...." Rio sighs heavily. "You've got that look in your eyes. There's no way I can win this one, is there?" His lack of response speaks volumes. "Hmph," she pouts, as she takes the weapon, plops herself on the ground, and makes a show of fumbling to get her pant leg out of the way enough to strap on the holster. Eric nods. /Roland? I need a replacement for a Glock 17 9mm and two incendiary ammunition clips.../ ================================= Date: Mon, 4 Oct 1999 03:34:07 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Hunter and The Actress On Mon, 4 Oct 1999 06:31:07 -0400 Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00007279 >On Mon, 04 Oct 1999 00:40:05 -0700 >Rio Said As CAoL Message # 00007278 >>On Mon, 4 Oct 1999 01:13:50 -0400 >>Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00007274 >> >>Zia shrugs, "You seem eager to press your point home, yes. I didn't >>know this was a lesson I would be forced to acknowledge your >>correctness of view within. I mistook it for a conversation between >>equals." > > "Eh?" Eric looks at her in confusion. "Again, my apologies. That >was not my intent; I only wished to ensure that I am expressing >myself clearly. The matter of threats and such was meant as a >separate comment from the matter of understanding." He smiles sourly. >"I can be pedantic on occasion, but rest assured that it was not my >desire in this instance." >>"It is my business if it endangers lives, sir; at least when one of >>those lives is my own, I can see where I'd have an interest. As you >>just mentioned moments ago, misunderstandings are deadly in combat. >>I AM used to fighting as a group. As for my logic being weak, it >>isn't. Merely because you don't like it and discount it out of hand >>doesn't make it incorrect." She shrugs, again. > >"Excuse me," Rio interjects, "but your logic sucks." Zia pauses, and lets Rio interrupt her with only a slightly raised eyebrow. > Eric, who had been livid and about to respond coldly, stops in >amazement at his sister leaping to _his_ defense. "Kiri..." > >"You assumed Eric was the leader when no one had said anything of the >kind. You assumed he'd insulted me when he referred to me as >something I'd called _myself_ a few minutes earlier, if you'd been >paying attention. And he didn't say he didn't have experience >_fighting_ in a group, only in _leading_ one. If you'd open your damn >ears, maybe you wouldn't have so many problems with people >'threatening' you." > > "Kirsten..." Eric tries again, fruitlessly. Then Zia continues, >and gains his undivided (and annoyed) attention again. Zia just nods, since this was all inserted in the middle of her previous speech. >>She gives Eric the shallowest bow one could still call a bow, and >>removes herself from his presence quickly. > > Eric responds in equally sparse fashion. Then, when Rio turns to >face him, her rant only paused, he replies mildly, "Don't you think >you're being a bit harsh?" That almost-smile that seems to be his >greatest expression of genuine amusement creeps onto his lips. > >"No!" Rio's tear may have slowed, but it's not gone. "I don't know if >she's baiting you, or deliberately being dense, but I'm tired of >listening to her take everything you say in the worst possible sense. >Roland _said_ that no one was in charge, so where'd she get the idea >you were? I called _myself_ a groupie, then she says you're insulting >me be inferring I am one." She glares at Zia. "Maybe she just has >trouble with the fact that not _everyone_ is like her scheming >relatives." "To answer, I was baiting him, Rio, although in fact the groupie thing was a joke on my part, if a poor one. It wasn't meant to drag you in as well." She frowns thoughtfully. "Although I'd appreciate it if you'd not bring up my family; I can't say much about that subject. However, you would be better off considering yourself a full member of the CAoL; you don't have the .... limitations that I am forced to acknowlege. Not that I expect you to want my advice, under the circumstances. I am pleased to see both of you have enough clarity of mind not to let something merely unpleasant drive you into making threats prematurely, or other reactions." "I apologize for being so harsh, so unexpectedly. It does get me threatened quite a bit, but it also serves a purpose. I suppose I should go back and ask those who taught me if there is a better way to judge another martial artist other than self-control of temper - but I haven't found a better indicator of skill as yet. You shouldn't allow my actions to discredit the CAoL; as you implied, I'm more tolerated than enjoyed. That is rather the normal case, and I don't expect otherwise." > "So? If she's going to defend a bad argument with a worse one, why >care what she has to say?" Eric's amusement fades quickly. >"Kiri...Rio...are you still sure you want to continue with this >group? I would have left already, but I have a debt to repay." Zia just gives Eric a look, but doesn't bother to explain herself, or attempt further defenses. Rio's glare seems to set her more at ease than upset her. ================================= Date: Mon, 4 Oct 1999 05:03:54 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On Sun, 3 Oct 1999 19:44:49 PST Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00007280 >On Sat, 02 Oct 1999 23:34:25 -0700 >Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00007254 > >>LucFrench wrote: >>Scott says "Matter to energy, then energy to matter; at least, >>that's how I saw it done once." > >Harlock arches an eyebrow. "And where," he asks, "are you going to >store the energy? Even one kilogram of matter works out to almost ten >to the twentieth Joules. Multiply that by 20 trillion cubic miles and >again by however many kilograms per cubic mile...that's a _lot_ of >energy." Nemo answers. "You 'store' energy as matter, of course. You *transport* it as energy. Like this..." Nemo points at a rock, and a beam of almost palpable energy shoots forth, only to stop several meters away. At the "stopping" point, an intricate gemlike structure takes form. It'll take an hour or so to complete, if anyone cares to hang around. There's a force field that'll prevent any but the most powerful entities from contacting the beam, the rock or the "gem". It is possible to use various senses and sensors thru the field. ================================= Date: Mon, 4 Oct 1999 08:36:54 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: FuzzyHome and Questions On Mon, 4 Oct 1999 08:19:33 -0700 (PDT) Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00007281 >On 10-03-1999 at 23:45:38 >FailSafe Said As CAoL Message # 00007276 > >>On Sun, 3 Oct 1999 22:57:08 -0700 (PDT) >>Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00007275 >> >>"Two questions, then. Do you know of anybody who has dimensional >>travel within the Matrix Cosm, besides yourself? > >"Quite a Few Natives... > A Number of Individual, or Small Team, Science based groups, > Perhaps 3 or 4 percent of the tech civilizations, > A Large number of mages... > Including some fairly large Magic based Civilizations..." Rob scribbles something on his notepad. "So there is the possibility of somebody trying to grab the artifacts..." >>"I'd hate to deal with the usual theme of the MacGuffin being stolen >>several times before one side manages to exploit it." > >"At Least we have been told that once we get them into this Sphere, > They can not be removed..." "...but they can't be pulled out of here once they get here. Moved around, but not transferred out. Is there anything I've missed so far?" "Don't all speak up at once. I'm just playing secretary so I won't forget anything important." ================================= Date: Mon, 4 Oct 1999 09:21:27 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: FuzzyHome and Questions On 10-04-1999 at 09:19:55 Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007282 >On Mon, 4 Oct 1999 08:19:33 -0700 (PDT) >Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00007281 > >>On 10-03-1999 at 23:45:38 >>FailSafe Said As CAoL Message # 00007276 >> >>>On Sun, 3 Oct 1999 22:57:08 -0700 (PDT) >>>Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00007275 >>> >>>"So, to summarize the situation somewhat brutally, we have nine >>>MacGuffins, some located, but most not. One location to drag them >>>to, with hopes that they can be used to restore Fuzzy. No >>>instruction manual. Standard level of defense for a MacGuffin >>>presumed." >> >>"We have been told that they 'Can' be used to restore Fuzzy, >> As for the rest I agree that sounds probable." "From the tales I heard while Lord Fuzzy was Visiting Lord Rudygore, One of the Characteristics of the MacGuffin was that, It was a single use device, That seems to be untrue of these... Except that Restoreing Lord Fuzzy, Must logically be a one time function..." >>>"Two questions, then. Do you know of anybody who has >>>dimensional travel within the Matrix Cosm, besides yourself? >> >>"Quite a Few Natives... >> A Number of Individual, or Small Team, Science based groups, >> Perhaps 3 or 4 percent of the tech civilizations, >> A Large number of mages... >> Including some fairly large Magic based Civilizations..." > >Rob scribbles something on his notepad. "So there is the possibility >of somebody trying to grab the artifacts..." "It has been Implied that, Some of the Artifacts are Already in the Possesion, Of several somebodies, Who can be expected to be displeased, With anyone who wants to take it..." "Perhaps FailSafe will give us an Example?" >>"At Least we have been told that once we get them into this Sphere, >> They can not be removed..." > >"...but they can't be pulled out of here once they get here. Moved >around, but not transferred out. Is there anything I've missed so >far?" > >"Don't all speak up at once. I'm just playing secretary so I won't >forget anything important." "Those are the Points I have noticed so far.." ================================= Date: Mon, 4 Oct 1999 10:01:41 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: FuzzyHome and Questions On 10-04-1999 at 09:54:29 FailSafe Said As CAoL Message # 00007283 >On 10-04-1999 at 09:19:55 >Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007282 > >"From the tales I heard while Lord Fuzzy was Visiting Lord Rudygore, > One of the Characteristics of the MacGuffin was that, > It was a single use device, > That seems to be untrue of these... > Except that Restoring Lord Fuzzy, > Must logically be a one time function..." "That is Correct, And to the best of my knowledge, No one else in the Matrix Cosm, Knows about the possibility, Of Restoring Fuzzy..." >"It has been Implied that, > Some of the Artifacts are Already in the Possesion, > Of several somebodies, > Who can be expected to be displeased, > With anyone who wants to take it..." > >"Perhaps FailSafe will give us an Example?" "Very well, One of the Artifacts Publicly known to be in regular use, The Object Called The Gauge of Infinity." " True Synchronous Co-Location, Is not possible within the Matrix Cosm, However allowances are made for Various methods of Distinction. A Difference that makes no Difference, May be a very important Difference indeed." " The Artifact called 'The Gauge of Infinity' splits physical objects into Two Synchronous Manifestations in Real-Space..." {Image: A Simple Rod, Touch one end to any Object, and the Object exists at both ends } " The Gauge is known to be in the possession of the Ansible Guild, For the last few millennia, they have used it to manufacture instantaneous and interdimensional communicators..." " The political influence the Guild holds is such that all governments and organizations in the Matrix Cosm jointly protect its Neutrality." " Historically One attempt was made to use the Rod on a previously affected Item, The Explosion as all three manifestations dissolved into un-differentiated Energy shattered the planet." "The Last attempt to acquire this Artifact by Force, Was defeated by the Joint Fleets of over one hundred governments, The Cost of the Attempt counting both sides, Was in the neighborhood of 37 Billion Dead. :(" "The Best Method for Gaining this Artifact, Would seem to be, Infiltration and Subversion..." ================================= Date: Mon, 4 Oct 1999 10:04:45 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: FuzzyHome and Questions Found On Mon, 04 Oct 1999 09:48:23 PDT Tech Tonic Said As CAoL Message # 00007284 >"So there's no way to bring these items together within the Matrix >Cosm. The next question is, is joining them up a good idea at all?" > >"And if so, how to do it?" > >Rob places the washers back in his pockets, pulls out a pencil and >pad of paper, and begins scribbling something. The old man looks up intriqued. "Well, if the cosms are all congruent, if you lined up the artficats, and ran a great enough power flux, it should be easy." ================================= Date: Mon, 4 Oct 1999 11:05:43 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Hunter and The Actress On Mon, 04 Oct 1999 10:48:01 -0700 Rio Said As CAoL Message # 00007285 >On Mon, 4 Oct 1999 06:31:07 -0400 >Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00007279 > >>On Mon, 04 Oct 1999 00:40:05 -0700 >>Rio Said As CAoL Message # 00007278 >> >>>On Mon, 4 Oct 1999 01:13:50 -0400 >>>Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00007274 >> >>>She gives Eric the shallowest bow one could still call a bow, and >>>removes herself from his presence quickly. >> >> Eric responds in equally sparse fashion. Then, when Rio turns to >>face him, her rant only paused, he replies mildly, "Don't you think >>you're being a bit harsh?" That almost-smile that seems to be his >>greatest expression of genuine amusement creeps onto his lips. >> >>"No!" Rio's tear may have slowed, but it's not gone. "I don't know >>if she's baiting you, or deliberately being dense, but I'm tired of >>listening to her take everything you say in the worst possible >>sense. Roland _said_ that no one was in charge, so where'd she get >>the idea you were? I called _myself_ a groupie, then she says you're >>insulting me be inferring I am one." She glares at Zia. "Maybe she >>just has trouble with the fact that not _everyone_ is like her >>scheming relatives." > >"To answer, I was baiting him, Rio, although in fact the groupie >thing was a joke on my part, if a poor one. It wasn't meant to drag >you in as well." She frowns thoughtfully. "Although I'd appreciate it >if you'd not bring up my family; I can't say much about that subject. >However, you would be better off considering yourself a full member >of the CAoL; you don't have the .... limitations that I am forced to >acknowlege. Not that I expect you to want my advice, under the >circumstances. I am pleased to see both of you have enough clarity of >mind not to let something merely unpleasant drive you into making >threats prematurely, or other reactions." Rio's glare fades somewhat. "I won't bring up your family if you don't 'joke' about the honor of mine," she says quietly, and just a little petulantly. ================================= Date: Mon, 4 Oct 1999 13:34:36 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: FuzzyHome and Questions On Mon, 4 Oct 1999 16:06:29 EDT Scott Osborne Said As CAoL Message # 00007286 In a message dated 10/4/99 10:02:17 AM Pacific Daylight Time, FailSafe writes: >" Historically One attempt was made to use the Rod on a previously >affected Item, The Explosion as all three manifestations dissolved >into un-differentiated Energy shattered the planet." > >"The Last attempt to acquire this Artifact by Force, > Was defeated by the Joint Fleets of over one hundred governments, > The Cost of the Attempt counting both sides, > Was in the neighborhood of 37 Billion Dead. :(" > >"The Best Method for Gaining this Artifact, > Would seem to be, > Infiltration and Subversion..." "Recommendation: take the Rod last. Retrieval efforts may pose significant risks." a voice says from Scott's shoulder. Scott flicks a finger at the voice. ================================= Date: Mon, 4 Oct 1999 13:34:42 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Hunter and The Actress On Mon, 4 Oct 1999 16:24:18 EDT Scott Osborne Said As CAoL Message # 00007287 In a message dated 10/3/99 10:17:11 PM Pacific Daylight Time, samatha1 writes: >Once away, she'll mutter, 'Still making friends as well as ever, >aren't we?' in a sarcastic tone under her breath, for whomever could >overhear such a thing. [I wonder if I should just Trump myself out of >this adventure - I might need to learn from this group, but I don't >want to be a hindrance with all these debacles. Morgan has the >Trumps, though, and I don't think I have a Trump for anyone WITH the >CAoL on this one.] She looks around at faces, pondering, and takes >out a large Tarot-like deck to check whom she has cards of. She finds a card with a winking Scott on it near the top. "Talk to me" is written on a post-it note attached to the "trump". If she looks up, Scott is right in front of her. [OOC: For reference, it's just a card that looks like a Trump. Because this takes place before FailSafe asks "who's coming", Scott is still in the room.] ================================= Date: Mon, 4 Oct 1999 14:34:14 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: FuzzyHome and Questions Found On Mon, 04 Oct 1999 14:07:12 PDT Tech Tonic Said As CAoL Message # 00007288 The old guy strokes his long beard for a moment, then turns and chitters at his ferret. The creature looks at him, perplexed, then dives into the coot's backpack. Shortly, it emerges with a pair of glasses, which the mage dons with great ceremony. After taking a quiet look around he settles on Failsafe, and sighs. "Now comes the big question. Should we all go together to each of them, resulting in ahuge fracous as we all get in each other's way, or should we split up, making it much easier?" He looks about at every then blushes. "Sorry, I have this habit of speaking my mind" He tosses a small nut into the air, and the ferret grabs at it with a three foot long blue forked tongue. The mage nods and waits. ================================= Date: Mon, 4 Oct 1999 14:34:18 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: FuzzyHome and Questions On Mon, 04 Oct 1999 14:21:51 PDT Tech Tonic Said As CAoL Message # 00007289 >"The Best Method for Gaining this Artifact, > Would seem to be, > Infiltration and Subversion..." "but of course not the only. Somehow, i get the impression that this group could probably do it by force alone. But if we do infiltrate, it will half to be a small group or singular person, so we come back to my question about groups..." ================================= Date: Mon, 4 Oct 1999 16:39:25 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: FuzzyHome and Questions On 10-04-1999 at 16:35:41 Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007290 >On Mon, 04 Oct 1999 14:21:51 PDT >Tech Tonic Said As CAoL Message # 00007289 > >"but of course not the only. Somehow, i get the impression that this >group could probably do it by force alone. But if we do infiltrate, >it will half to be a small group or singular person, so we come back >to my question about groups..." "I am sure that the CAoL could take it by Force, But Would we Really want to Kill as many people as that would take, Especially when They would be trying to prevent an 'Armed' Robbery?" "I do not think the Lord Fuzzy would have Approved..." ================================= Date: Mon, 4 Oct 1999 17:03:23 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Hunter and The Actress On Mon, 04 Oct 1999 16:58:16 -0700 Rio Said As CAoL Message # 00007291 >On Mon, 4 Oct 1999 16:24:18 EDT >Scott Osborne Said As CAoL Message # 00007287 > >She finds a card with a winking Scott on it near the top. "Talk to >me" is written on a post-it note attached to the "trump". If she >looks up, Scott is right in front of her. > >[OOC: For reference, it's just a card that looks like a Trump. >Because this takes place before FailSafe asks "who's coming", Scott >is still in the room.] OOC: Sorry, Scott, but your "timing" is off here :-). Nemisis asked "Anyone care to Join me?" in Message # 00007225, Eric went through the gate in Message # 00007229; Rio in Message # 00007242, and the comments Zia made that started the, um, 'discussion' with Eric were in Message # 00007230. I had to go back to make sure, but I was assuming we were on the sphere side while this was going on :-). ================================= Date: Mon, 4 Oct 1999 17:34:23 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: FuzzyHome and Questions On Mon, 4 Oct 1999 20:30:26 -0400 Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00007292 >On 10-04-1999 at 16:35:41 >Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007290 >"I am sure that the CAoL could take it by Force, But > Would we Really want to Kill as many people as that would take, > Especially when They would be trying to prevent an 'Armed' Robbery?" > >"I do not think the Lord Fuzzy would have Approved..." "I agree, Nemesis." Zia was apparently much cheered by the answers to her earlier concerns and questions. "In fact, I would suggest not only subterfuge, but a replacement. A sufficiently skilled Artificer, given a detailed working knowledge of this artifact from Failsafe's data should be able to manufacture a replacement nearly as powerful as the 'true' Rod. Of course, I'd have to shadow walk to a much slower-timed place; not everyone here would like to wait the couple of decades such a feat would likely require. Of course, that is without the resources of the CAoL." She watches Nemo's 'crystalized' energy a moment, and adds faintly, "I believe it might be possible to run off a duplicate somewhat more quickly." ================================= Date: Mon, 4 Oct 1999 18:09:20 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: FuzzyHome and Questions On 10-04-1999 at 18:04:20 Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007293 >On Mon, 4 Oct 1999 20:30:26 -0400 >Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00007292 > >"I agree, Nemesis." Zia was apparently much cheered by the answers to >her earlier concerns and questions. "In fact, I would suggest not >only subterfuge, but a replacement. A sufficiently skilled Artificer, >given a detailed working knowledge of this artifact from Failsafe's >data should be able to manufacture a replacement nearly as powerful >as the 'true' Rod. Of course, I'd have to shadow walk to a much >slower-timed place; not everyone here would like to wait the couple >of decades such a feat would likely require. Of course, that is >without the resources of the CAoL." She watches Nemo's 'crystalized' >energy a moment, and adds faintly, "I believe it might be possible to >run off a duplicate somewhat more quickly." "That May well be Possible, We would have to provide something that works as well, For the Purpose that the Guild is using it, Without Violating any of the Matrix's Laws..." Addressing FailSafe "How do the Communicators the Guild Creates Operate?" [OOC: you realize this will raise the possiblity of, Breaking the Guild's Monopoly... ;) ] ================================= Date: Mon, 4 Oct 1999 18:14:24 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Hunter and The Actress On Mon, 4 Oct 1999 20:41:33 -0400 Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00007294 >On Mon, 04 Oct 1999 10:48:01 -0700 >Rio Said As CAoL Message # 00007285 > >Rio's glare fades somewhat. "I won't bring up your family if you >don't 'joke' about the honor of mine," she says quietly, and just a >little petulantly. intended :). She wasn't being facetious or snide, it was a legitimate >offer.> Zia gives Rio a serious look. "I never said that part was a joke. The groupie statement was, but little else. If I were forced to put a label on that bit of dialogue, Rio, I'd have to call it a warning, like a Gypsy's. How is it in English? Ah. An omen. Besides that, the comment was directed towards preserving your family's honor, not lessening same. I spoke it to your brother, not to you, nor to your family or clan entire. I cannot see how you say this is a 'joke' about your family's honor." Ziactrice thinks about it a moment, trying to consider all angles. Finally, she just says, in a 'live and let live' manner, as politely as she can make it sound. "If this is the 'price' of your 'deal' is that I must not speak warning when I see trouble forecoming, then I must of course, refuse. This means that you are free to 'bring up' my family as you see fit." She is completely untroubled bu the idea. "However, should you attract undue attention from any one of the forementioned, please have the justice not to attribute the fault of said appearances to my doorstep. Frankly, I hope I'm in a completely different universe when or if it happens, as well." She shrugs, and lets the subject go. ================================= Date: Mon, 4 Oct 1999 18:14:57 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On Mon, 4 Oct 1999 20:40:12 EDT SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00007296 In a message dated 10/1/99 8:15:18 AM Eastern Daylight Time, samatha1 writes: >"Audacity; always audacity." Ziactrice gives the Bard a grin. >Apparently, sound carries well through the portal, if not explosive >atmospheric gases. "Just don't think about tidal force equalizations. >I'm trying not to, myself." Roger, STILL watching from five minutes or so in the future, suddenly moans and grips his head tightly between his hands. "Ooooog....don't think of pink elephants, don'tthinkofpinkelephants -- Oh, Auntzie, you cruel, *cruel* woman, you....owie owie owie..." >"Oh, not really - there are also several other mind-bending factors." >She frowns, but doesn't elaborate. "However, given what is usually >encountered at the beginning of one of the CAoL's quests, the only >surprising thing here is it doesn't appear to be directly threatening >their survival. Yet." "Oh, LIGHT, Aunt Ziatrice," Roger whimpers plaintively (STILL from the future, so she (probably) can't hear any of this). "That ranks right up there with 'What else can go wrong?' and 'How could things possibly get any worse?'" ================================= Date: Mon, 4 Oct 1999 18:15:11 -0700 (PDT) Subject: OOC: Re: AAE VI: The Hunter and The Actress On Mon, 4 Oct 1999 20:40:31 EDT SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00007298 In a message dated 10/4/99 4:04:14 AM Eastern Daylight Time, rio writes: > > Eric nods. "I wouldn't recommend firing it here; all my ammo is >incendiary, for obvious reasons." He reaches in again and pulls out a >cunningly designed holster. "The safety is on; I've trained myself to >switch it off when drawing it, but I'm sure Dad already gave you the >standard gun lecture. OOC gun-groupie note: Unless I've suffered a major memory fault (entirely possible), the Glock series pistols do not have safeties that you "put on," so to speak. Unless they've changed things in the past couple years -- it's been a while since I've used a Glock in any caliber. The "safety" is the little lever built into the trigger, which is supposed to prevent discharge unless your finger is right there on the trigger. The theory is sound, but in Real Life I'm a little doubtful, being a devout member of the Church of Murphy. I'm more partial to the multiple-safety system on 1911-style .45s and clones. (Ok, Ok, I'll shut up now...) ================================= Date: Mon, 4 Oct 1999 18:15:18 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search for Fuzzy On Mon, 4 Oct 1999 20:39:55 EDT SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00007299 In a message dated 9/29/99 7:36:09 AM Eastern Daylight Time, samatha1 writes: > >Zia rolls her eyes in mostly fabricated annoyance. "It's this Place - >getting the last pun here is impossible. Now, someone will make a >Crack of Doom pun, likely enough." Then she grins and shrugs in a >'what can y'do?' manner. Roger, still watching from the future, rolls his eyes. "Hey, all the plumbing in Latveria looks the same, from inside the piping. How was *I* to know that I was sneaking in through Victor's personal Royal Privy?" OOC: Grin, Duck, and RUN LIKE BLAZES!! ================================= Date: Mon, 4 Oct 1999 18:15:23 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On Mon, 4 Oct 1999 20:39:53 EDT SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00007300 Five minutes ago: > "Thus, unsurprisingly, we propose a toast. TO LIFE!" Roland's >glass slams into the fireplace, no doubt followed by a cheer and many >other receptacles for liquid. > >"I just wish _Roger_ could've been here," Morgan says as they return >to their seats. > > "I don't know," Roland replies (deceptively) mildly. "He's >probably going to have conniptions as it is when he finds out you're >having twins." 8^> ) > >"Yes, and I want to see his _face_ when he hears!" Morgan laughs with >a wicked grin. OOC: Ask, and ye shall receive, dear lady. (He said generously, as Roger suddenly falls in through a convenient plothole.....) About five minutes from now, as the CAoL is trooping off through the gateway to join Stranger, Roger skids in through the door leaving smoking boot-tread trails, yells "Hold that elevator!" and another Roger appears from nowhere in particular and jumps through the gate as the original moseys on over to join his parents. "So. Sorry I'm late. Did I miss anything?" Roland rolls his eyes and sighs thunderously, while Morgan begins to giggle into her milkshake. "Why, oh WHY couldn't you have been here five minutes ago." "I inherited my sense of timing from you." Roger replies simply. While Roland does his fish-out-of-water impression [(:)], he continues: "Wait. Hold that thought." He concentrates for a moment and time ripples around them....and nothing happens. He scowls harshly, grits his teeth, and tries again. It's at this point that it may become apparent that Roger is not in good shape -- his halo is ragged and tattered around the edges, damaged down to a bout 20% of nominal, to those familiar with that sort of thing, and a Healer sense would show that he is still suffering the lingering affects of *major* physical wounds that haven't healed as fast or well as they should have due to the halo damage. On the second try, another Roger appears in the Place about five minutes ago, at the top of this post, of in an unobtrusive corner where no one notices him (thus satisfying causality, Wrinkle, Hawking, and Bullwinkle). As he reaches the present, Roger-then remerges with Roger-now, and the latter gets to relive everything that he missed....with his mind opened to Roland and Morgan sufficiently that they can see what he's reacting to. >"I think just about everyone who's going to get here is here," Morgan >says softly to Roland. > > Roland smiles. "I guess it's time then." > >Morgan turns to Eric, her smile matching her husband's. "There's >another tradition of the Place," she says, "when someone has >something they want to say." The Freelance Immortals stand in unison, >and take the remains of their drinks to the chalkline. > >"Roland has mentioned several times that we have a good reason why we >won't be accompanying the CAoL on this quest," Morgan begins as soon >as they have the attention traditionally afforded those who 'toe the >line.' > > "And with as many of the CAoL as seem to be able to arrive here, >it's time we told you why." Roland finishes his drink, then floats it >a centimeter out of his hand. The two immortals look at each other >for a moment, a mental conversation fairly obvious, then in unison, >they say happily, "We're pregnant!" Roger's face freezes solid, but his mind can be felt to spin up like a turbine trying to melt its bearings as streams of temoral calculations pour through the multiple tracks of his intellect, analyzing, comparing, and predicting. Oddly enough, his emotions seem to be a mix of sheer panic, manic hope, and "I wonder if they've registered at Nordstrom's yet?" The temporal playback reaches the point where Roland mentions twins.... And Roger's frozen expression shatters like glass. In a remarkably Jim Carey-style maneuver, his jaw drops, rebounds off the floor, and reattatches to his skull with enough force to snap his head back 90 degrees. When his face tilts back down level, his expression is one of stunned happiness, tinged with just a trace of sorrow and a deep, subliminal sense of relief. [Thank the Light, it's not me.] [Waaaaiiiiit a minute -- why did I just think that? Nevermind, work it out later....] >condition is IC ONLY! :-) We are _not_ expecting IRL, and don't plan >to be in this incarnation. Dylan's enough. ;-) > OOC: > Roland mock-sighs, and turns to the CAoL as he and Morgan sit. "It >should therefore be obvious why Morgan will be staying behind, and >with as many enemies as we've made since Z'On'Dar's gift, I'm loathe >to leave her behind." > "I can't imagine why," Lancer deadpans, looking more like (a tall) >Keanu Reeves than ever. > "Thus," Roland continues, apparently ignoring the comment, "I have >called in a favor. Hopefully, this shouldn't be _too_ hard on >anyone." The Hunter's neck throbs, but he adds nothing. For the >moment. 8^) "As there's no one else in charge at the moment, and I've >gotten over my previous...difficulties...I'll be 'riding' the >lens-link mentally until someone else takes over." He looks around >with faint hope. "Any takers?" Roger's right shoulder undergoes a pre-motion tremula, before he glances around and decides *not* to raise his hand. > (OOC: Yah, right. ) > The Hunter groans. "For one golden moment, I thought this wasn't >going to be so bad..." His eyes roll, clear even behind the >sunglasses. The especially observant (or with superhuman senses) >might notice that the lenses are actually superbly crafted, very thin >pieces of dark jade. "What else can go wrong?" > Even as Roland thinks, [Oh, Eric, y'shouldn't have said that]... Roger, reliving this from the future, simply sags into a seat and puts his face in his hands. >The front door opens, and a young woman walks in with the air of >someone walking into their usual neighborhood haunt. Average height, >average build (but proportioned nicely :-), long hair somewhere >between dark blonde and light brunette pulled to a ponytail on one >side, and dressed in a 90s interpretation of a 60's flower child, >complete with embroidered jeans and tie-dyed shirt. The retro >illusion is not complete, though. The small crystal sphere held by a >silver claw hanging around her neck it more New Age than 60s, and her >earrings are small bright-colored bits of integrated circuit board. >She looks around, then spots the folx at the CAoL table. Since Eric has no idea what's going on here-now, Roger indulges in a non-serious wolf whistle -- just to observe the forms, you understand.... >"Oh, wow, they're actually _here_!" There's just a hint of >post-valspeak in her voice. "I've been watching through the X-window >since the KnightMare War, and I've seen all the reruns. You guys are >_so_ elite!" "Oh, great....she's still in her groupie stage. I remember Eric telling me about this." He glances up at his parents(?). "Don't worry -- she gets better." He glances back at the replay. "In a manner of speaking." > Eric's sunglasses actually _slip_ down his nose a touch, and the >members of the CAoL feel reality object; that's just not supposed to >happen. He groans and holds his forehead, shaking his head as the >sunglasses shift back into place. "I don't BELIEVE I just saw that....." >"Kiri" looks at the immortals in awe. "I know _of_ them. I'm >_Kirsten_, by the way." She offers her hand to Morgan, and the >excitement starts to creep back into her voice. "Is the CAoL getting >ready to go out again?" > >"Yes, they are. Roland and I won't be going with them this time." >There's a slight note of resignation in her voice despite her >maternal glow. "We just found out we're expecting, so no hazardous >duty for me for a while. Roland asked your...friend?...to fill in for >us." > > "Not friend," Eric replies gloomily as Kirsten stifles a giggle. >"Her full name is Kirsten Riordan Lancer. She's my baby sister." > >Kirsten sighs. "I haven't been a _baby_ in _years,_ _Rikky_." She >pointedly ignores Eric rolling his eyes, and turns back to Morgan and >Roland. "Um, you said 'fill in.' Does that mean there's openings?" "Come one, come all, to the great Callahanian's Chaos Ball...." Roger looks agrieved. "Another mouth to feed. Then again, I shouldn't talk, I suppose." > Eric seems less amused, though he does have to fight a slight >smile. It's a short and easy fight for him, but there is a brief >effort. "Fine. You're coming. I don't like it, and if I could box you >up and send you home I _would,_ but even if I did you'd be here five >minutes later doing something reckless. You duck when I say duck and >stay behind..." He looks around quickly, and locks on Aurora. >"...her. Even with _this_ lot, I imagine a Celestine is going to be >pretty hard to hurt." > >Kirsten grins broadly, reaches over and pinches Eric's cheek gently. >"You're so _cute_ when you're in 'protective big brother' mode." [Always wondered what it would be like to be a big brother,] Roger muses. His eyes travel involuntarily toward Morgan. [And now I might just get the chance...] [ Eric manages to not look mortified. Barely. He does let out a >long-suffering sigh to make Seosaidh sympathize, though. "So. Is >there a plan, or have I joined the Han Solo school of strategy?" he >asks, changing the subject as quickly as possible... There's nothing else for it, after a straight line like THAT. Roger melts into a puddle of laughter and melts off his stool, limp as a dishrag and shrieking hysterically. "Well," he says about twenty minutes later, when he recovers, "I suppose I should remerge with the dupe I sent with them. Unless you'd like me to stay around...?" To anyone with the right kind of senses, it should be fairly obvious that maintaining his bipartite existence at this distance, on top of his wounds, is quite a major strain on his energies -- the drag on his halo regeneration is almost visible. ================================= Date: Mon, 4 Oct 1999 18:15:38 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: FuzzyHome and Questions On Mon, 04 Oct 1999 18:06:57 PDT Tech Tonic Said As CAoL Message # 00007301 >"I am sure that the CAoL could take it by Force, But > Would we Really want to Kill as many people as that would take, > Especially when They would be trying to prevent an 'Armed' >Robbery?" > >"I do not think the Lord Fuzzy would have Approved..." " I did not say that we should attack by force, merely that it was something we could do. I agree with you, We should be subtle. But who is best for said theft?" He carefully repositions his eyepatch, as his good eye flashes a deep blue. "And it is indeed a theft, for it is not truly ours." ================================= Date: Mon, 4 Oct 1999 18:45:10 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: FuzzyHome and Questions On Mon, 4 Oct 1999 21:27:21 -0400 Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00007302 >On 10-04-1999 at 18:04:20 >Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007293 >>On Mon, 4 Oct 1999 20:30:26 -0400 >>Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00007292 >>"I agree, Nemesis." Zia was apparently much cheered by the answers >>to her earlier concerns and questions. "In fact, I would suggest not >>only subterfuge, but a replacement. A sufficiently skilled >>Artificer, given a detailed working knowledge of this artifact from >>Failsafe's data should be able to manufacture a replacement nearly >>as powerful as the 'true' Rod. Of course, I'd have to shadow walk to >>a much slower-timed place; not everyone here would like to wait the >>couple of decades such a feat would likely require. Of course, that >>is without the resources of the CAoL." She watches Nemo's >>'crystalized' energy a moment, and adds faintly, "I believe it might >>be possible to run off a duplicate somewhat more quickly." > >"That May well be Possible, > We would have to provide something that works as well, > For the Purpose that the Guild is using it, > Without Violating any of the Matrix's Laws..." > >Addressing FailSafe >"How do the Communicators the Guild Creates Operate?" > >[OOC: you realize this will raise the possiblity of, > Breaking the Guild's Monopoly... ;) ] [OOC: Heh, yes. Zia doesn't like monopolies, or tyrants, or the like. But she is not sure that a 'break the monopoly' gambit would be the best idea.] "Either some ONE thing that works as well, and cannot be easily distinguished from the original..." Zia says rather more softly than her normal tone of voice as she thinks hard. An observer can almost see the smoke, by now. "Or LOTS of things that work almost as well, which would certainly place such a Rod in vastly decreased demand." Her brow wrinkles in concentration, and she gets up from her chair to pace. It's plain she sees little or nothing of her current surroundings as she mutters on, letting her idea play itself into completeion. "If a 'mad inventor' came up with a major technological breakthrough that would do such a thing, however, there would be much more risk to the mole than a mere subterfuge and replace theft mission. But I do like the idea of providing a society so constrained more inherent freedom - communication IS the backbone of civilization." Apparently, she is trying to talk herself into doing it, should it prove feasible. ================================= Date: Mon, 4 Oct 1999 19:17:55 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: FuzzyHome and Questions On 10-04-1999 at 19:16:23 Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007303 >On Mon, 4 Oct 1999 21:27:21 -0400 >Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00007302 > >[OOC: Heh, yes. Zia doesn't like monopolies, or tyrants, or the like. >But she is not sure that a 'break the monopoly' gambit would be the >best idea.] [OOC: Even if we just do the sneek and swap, there will be two, One that Can be analyzed, and the Guild will not know it... ;) ] >"Either some ONE thing that works as well, and cannot be easily >distinguished from the original..." Zia says rather more softly than >her normal tone of voice as she thinks hard. An observer can almost >see the smoke, by now. "Or LOTS of things that work almost as well, >which would certainly place such a Rod in vastly decreased demand." >Her brow wrinkles in concentration, and she gets up from her chair to >pace. It's plain she sees little or nothing of her current >surroundings as she mutters on, letting her idea play itself into >completeion. "Anything that we can Make one of, we can make multiples of..." >"If a 'mad inventor' came up with a major technological breakthrough >that would do such a thing, however, there would be much more risk to >the mole than a mere subterfuge and replace theft mission. But I do >like the idea of providing a society so constrained more inherent >freedom - communication IS the backbone of civilization." Apparently, >she is trying to talk herself into doing it, should it prove >feasible. "We would not want our mole to be the "Inventor", Since the Guild is sure to attempt to, Suppress Any such Threat to their Power..." "However it may make a suitable second string to this Bow, If their Monopoly is Broken then, The Governments would not feel the need to Defend them, Reducing the military forces that would be available, And Because of that much reducing to Death Count, A Smash and Grab maneuver would cause... It Might also provide our Mole with a usefull distraction, If we activate both plans, In the Proper sequence... Once we know who our Mole will be, We can decide what that sequence should be..." ================================= Date: Mon, 4 Oct 1999 19:20:47 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: FuzzyHome and Questions On Mon, 4 Oct 1999 19:07:16 -0700 (PDT) Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00007304 >On Mon, 4 Oct 1999 20:30:26 -0400 >Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00007292 > >"I agree, Nemesis." Zia was apparently much cheered by the answers to >her earlier concerns and questions. "In fact, I would suggest not >only subterfuge, but a replacement. A sufficiently skilled Artificer, >given a detailed working knowledge of this artifact from Failsafe's >data should be able to manufacture a replacement nearly as powerful >as the 'true' Rod. Of course, I'd have to shadow walk to a much >slower-timed place; not everyone here would like to wait the couple >of decades such a feat would likely require. Of course, that is >without the resources of the CAoL." She watches Nemo's 'crystalized' >energy a moment, and adds faintly, "I believe it might be possible to >run off a duplicate somewhat more quickly." Rob grins at Zia. "Brilliant. Now, for an artistic enhancement, we'd need somebody who has...mm...I'd say High Mastery in teleport gates would be necessary. Not dimensional gates or teleportation, but teleport gates. Lacking that, getting an artificer to duplicate it seems like an excellent plan." "Which only leaves the myriad number of things which can go wrong. Oh, well..." ================================= Date: Mon, 4 Oct 1999 19:59:43 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: FuzzyHome and Questions On Mon, 4 Oct 1999 22:34:16 EDT Scott Osborne Said As CAoL Message # 00007305 In a message dated 10/4/99 7:18:29 PM Pacific Daylight Time, Nemisis writes: >"We would not want our mole to be the "Inventor", > Since the Guild is sure to attempt to, > Suppress Any such Threat to their Power..." > >"However it may make a suitable second string to this Bow, > If their Monopoly is Broken then, > The Governments would not feel the need to Defend them, > Reducing the military forces that would be available, And > Because of that much reducing to Death Count, > A Smash and Grab maneuver would cause... > It Might also provide our Mole with a usefull distraction, > If we activate both plans, > In the Proper sequence... > Once we know who our Mole will be, > We can decide what that sequence should be..." The voice over Scott's shoulder says "Recommendation: a switch-and-bait plan." Scott points at the voice, and says "Quiet, you", and turns to the group. "I think there's a point there, though. Mayhaps the low-end replacement, and, just a touch later, a distraction while somebody replaces the Rod with a slightly less important version." Scott pauses. "Did anything I just said make any sense whatsoever? I'm having trouble keeping myself straight." ================================= Date: Mon, 4 Oct 1999 19:59:48 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: FuzzyHome and Questions On Mon, 4 Oct 1999 19:55:23 -0700 (PDT) FailSafe Said As CAoL Message # 00007306 >On 10-04-1999 at 18:04:20 >Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007293 >Addressing FailSafe >"How do the Communicators the Guild Creates Operate?" "Their first model was a single channel device, Basically two segments of wire were duplicated, Wire 1a was connected to the output terminals, Of a Standard intercom, Wire 1b to the input side of another intercom, and reversed for Wire 2a and 2b..." "The Current Models are base on Duplicating, Multi-Channel Bidirectional Buffer Array Chips, Providing between 1000 and 1000000 BiDirectional, Data Channels per Chip. The A Copy of these plugged into your Comms Net, on each Planet, and The B Copys concentrated in a master switching station, Provides real-time contact between planets, Even in Different Cosms... One recent test shows that this function works, Even when the Chips are removed from the Matrix Cosm. As you might guess the Paired Chips, Are worth a large percentage of the an industrial planet's Annual Product for a number of years... And are only availble from the Ansible Guild..." ================================= Date: Mon, 4 Oct 1999 21:31:53 -0700 (PDT) Subject: AAE VI: Freelance Responses On Mon, 04 Oct 1999 21:03:43 -0700 Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00007307 >On Sun, 3 Oct 1999 13:27:38 -0400 >Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00007260 > >>On Tue, 28 Sep '99 Morgan and/or Roland Said > >>"I think just about everyone who's going to get here is here," >>Morgan says softly to Roland. >> >> Roland smiles. "I guess it's time then." >Lastly, a Kirby-esque Boom-Tube opens up above the fireplace and the >20 foot-tall, multi-hued form of Dhyrclhanc the Sentinel/Lensdragon >falls out. A strange disc shaped object with a multi-colored yin-yang >symbol falls out of his grasp. > >The Lensdragon's eyes open slightly. "Damned Wights, I suppose that >will teach me to try and get home from the Elemental Planes via the >Negative Material Plane." > >Martin, still over by the bar, gulps. "Gods, Damned." > >The Lensdragon then gets up and opens his eyes again and swings his >head to look Martin. "Tiamat and Palatine." > >"Damned Gods!" utters Martin and vanished in a puff of logic. (OOC, R & M: LOL!) >"I guess that answers that question." says the draconic Lensman, >dryly. > >> "And with as many of the CAoL as seem to be able to arrive here, >>it's time we told you why." Roland finishes his drink, then floats >>it a centimeter out of his hand. The two immortals look at each >>other for a moment, a mental conversation fairly obvious, then in >>unison, they say happily, "We're pregnant!" > >"Congradulations, sibs." Then does a double take of Eric. "Ah, >Roland? What is Neo doing here?" Eric just peers over his sunglasses briefly, then pushes them back on. "Lousy movie," he mutters. Roland chuckles. "He's Eric. A Hunter. He'll be helping out in my abstinence(OOC: sic)." >>"I just wish _Roger_ could've been here," Morgan says as they return >>to their seats. >> >> "I don't know," Roland replies (deceptively) mildly. "He's >>probably going to have conniptions as it is when he finds out you're >>having twins." > >"Twins!?" The Lensdragon's eyes widen. > >>"Yes, and I want to see his _face_ when he hears!" Morgan laughs >>with a wicked grin. > >ooo^You are a wicked, wicked lady, sis. };=8) ^ooo sends the immortal >"adolecent" ruby fire hatchling. ooo^Why do you think I married her?^ooo Roland replies in the same deceptively mild tone. Morgan's smile indicates she's not inclined to argue with either gentleman. :-) >> Roland mock-sighs, and turns to the CAoL as he and Morgan sit. >>"It should therefore be obvious why Morgan will be staying behind, >>and with as many enemies as we've made since Z'On'Dar's gift, I'm >>loathe to leave her behind." >> "I can't imagine why," Lancer deadpans, looking more like (a >>tall) Keanu Reeves than ever. > >Dhyrclhanc does another double take at the Hunter. > >(OOC: Will the voice give it away, Roland?) (OOC: Not sure what you mean. He's _not_ Neo; his voice is two shades deeper and his skin a shade darker than Keanu's. And he's several inches taller. But still quite close, in scale.) >On Mon, 4 Oct 1999 20:39:53 EDT >SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00007300 > >Five minutes ago: >>"I just wish _Roger_ could've been here," Morgan says as they return >>to their seats. >> >> "I don't know," Roland replies (deceptively) mildly. "He's >>probably going to have conniptions as it is when he finds out you're >>having twins." 8^) >> >>"Yes, and I want to see his _face_ when he hears!" Morgan laughs >>with a wicked grin. > >OOC: Ask, and ye shall receive, dear lady. (He said generously, as >Roger suddenly falls in through a convenient plothole.....) > >About five minutes from now, as the CAoL is trooping off through the >gateway to join Stranger, Roger skids in through the door leaving >smoking boot-tread trails, yells "Hold that elevator!" and another >Roger appears from nowhere in particular and jumps through the gate >as the original moseys on over to join his parents. >"So. Sorry I'm late. Did I miss anything?" >Roland rolls his eyes and sighs thunderously, while Morgan begins to >giggle into her milkshake. "Why, oh WHY couldn't you have been here >five minutes ago." OOC-R: 'Sighs thunderously.' I like that. >"I inherited my sense of timing from you." Roger replies simply. >While Roland does his fish-out-of-water impression [(:)], he >continues: "Wait. Hold that thought." ^Oh, no,^ Roland and Morgan think in unison. >He concentrates for a moment and time ripples around them....and >nothing happens. He scowls harshly, grits his teeth, and tries again. >It's at this point that it may become apparent that Roger is not in >good shape -- his halo is ragged and tattered around the edges, >damaged down to a bout 20% of nominal, to those familiar with that >sort of thing, and a Healer sense would show that he is still >suffering the lingering affects of *major* physical wounds that >haven't healed as fast or well as they should have due to the halo >damage. Roland scowls. "Just what the nass-" he begins. >> "Thus," Roland continues, apparently ignoring the comment, "I >>have called in a favor. Hopefully, this shouldn't be _too_ hard on >>anyone." The Hunter's neck throbs, but he adds nothing. For the >>moment. 8^) "As there's no one else in charge at the moment, and >>I've gotten over my previous...difficulties...I'll be 'riding' the >>lens-link mentally until someone else takes over." He looks around >>with faint hope. "Any takers?" > >Roger's right shoulder undergoes a pre-motion tremula, before he >glances around and decides *not* to raise his hand. (OOC: Aw, nuts. 8^) >> Eric manages to not look mortified. Barely. He does let out a >>long-suffering sigh to make Seosaidh sympathize, though. "So. Is >>there a plan, or have I joined the Han Solo school of strategy?" he >>asks, changing the subject as quickly as possible... > >There's nothing else for it, after a straight line like THAT. Roger >melts into a puddle of laughter and melts off his stool, limp as a >dishrag and shrieking hysterically. >"Well," he says about twenty minutes later, when he recovers, "I >suppose I should remerge with the dupe I sent with them. Unless you'd >like me to stay around...?" To anyone with the right kind of senses, >it should be fairly obvious that maintaining his bipartite existence >at this distance, on top of his wounds, is quite a major strain on >his energies -- the drag on his halo regeneration is almost visible. "-do you think you're-oh, grife." Roland rolls his eyes. "You inherited my martyr complex too, didn't you? Don't answer that; I'd deny it too, in your place. What the sprock am I saying?" he mutters at the end, then concentrates. "Morgan may be the healer in this lot, but Haloes are _my_ end of the deal, and you've pushed yours way past tolerances. You get a warranty on that upgrade, Roger?" By now, as Roland's Halo slowly extends to touch Roger's, becoming visible (a beautiful rainbow-like effect, like a 'normal' aura on steroids _and_ speed 8^) as his effort becomes plain. "This lot can use all the help they can get, but you're not going anywhere until you look more like an immortal than Swiss Cheese." "_And_ you're going to let me work on the rest of that trauma," Morgan adds in a voice she's sure Roger has heard more times than he cares to ;-). "I care about all of you...," her voice softens as she indicates both Roger and the CAoL, "...too much to send you into who knows what at any less than full health, as long as there's anything I can do about it." ================================= Date: Mon, 4 Oct 1999 21:32:01 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: FuzzyHome and Questions Found On Mon, 04 Oct 1999 21:11:37 -0700 The Hunter Said As CAoL Message # 00007308 >On 10-03-1999 at 19:12:00 >FailSafe Said As CAoL Message # 00007270 > >>On Sun, 03 Oct 1999 16:13:27 -0700 >>The Hunter Said As CAoL Message # 00007264 > >>>On Sat, 2 Oct 1999 08:33:50 -0700 >>>FailSafe Said As CAoL Message # 00007243 > >>>"I will entertain Questions at this time if you like..." > >> "One, at the moment. Do you think the 'Nihilists' will oppose >>your attempt?" Eric asks. > >"Only if they become aware of it in time... > On the other hand, > Predicting the thoughts and plans of such, > Is difficult at best" Eric snorts. "I've been at it my entire adult life, and I can sometimes work out their tactics, but the Oblivion-Sworn _still_ make no sense to me. I suppose," he adds thoughtfully, "that that's a good thing..." >On 10-03-1999 at 19:12:00 >FailSafe Said As CAoL Message # 00007271 > >>On Sun, 03 Oct 1999 16:25:57 -0700 >>The Hunter Said As CAoL Message # 00007265 >> Eric sighs. "Good point. Though I am assuming, for the moment, >>that you would have _already_ informed us, Failsafe, if you knew >>where one of these things is." > >"That is Not Correct, > I am familiar enough with this team to, > Try and prevent precipitous action." Eric shakes his head. "I don't believe this..." >"I do indeed know where several of them are, > And at least one group which has another, But > I do not know where that one is based..." > >"I will share that information, > When we are ready to start our Planning. > After other more basic information has been digested..." "Exactly what kind of precipitous actions," Eric asks in a near-monotone, "are you trying to prevent?" ================================= Date: Mon, 4 Oct 1999 22:05:44 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Hunter and The Actress On Mon, 04 Oct 1999 21:37:11 -0700 The Hunter Said As CAoL Message # 00007309 >On Mon, 4 Oct 1999 06:31:07 -0400 >Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00007279 > >>On Mon, 04 Oct 1999 00:40:05 -0700 >>Rio Said As CAoL Message # 00007278 >> "Eh?" Eric looks at her in confusion. "Again, my apologies. That >>was not my intent; I only wished to ensure that I am expressing >>myself clearly. The matter of threats and such was meant as a >>separate comment from the matter of understanding." He smiles >>sourly. "I can be pedantic on occasion, but rest assured that it was >>not my desire in this instance." > >well, I'm used to talking myself out on the ends of the 'tree limbs. >I think I can bring this back.> (OOC: This was a completely separate conversation. Eric was simply trying to make sure they were 'speaking the same lingo.' She didn't lay into him, at least not so he'd care, until after this part.) >> Eric responds in equally sparse fashion. Then, when Rio turns to >>face him, her rant only paused, he replies mildly, "Don't you think >>you're being a bit harsh?" That almost-smile that seems to be his >>greatest expression of genuine amusement creeps onto his lips. >> >>"No!" Rio's tear may have slowed, but it's not gone. "I don't know >>if she's baiting you, or deliberately being dense, but I'm tired of >>listening to her take everything you say in the worst possible >>sense. Roland _said_ that no one was in charge, so where'd she get >>the idea you were? I called _myself_ a groupie, then she says you're >>insulting me be inferring I am one." She glares at Zia. "Maybe she >>just has trouble with the fact that not _everyone_ is like her >>scheming relatives." > >"To answer, I was baiting him, Rio, although in fact the groupie >thing was a joke on my part, if a poor one. It wasn't meant to drag >you in as well." Eric stares at her. He carefully does not react, but Rio at least certainly knows that he's suppressing an eye-popping jaw-dropping 'are you INSANE, woman?' gaze, and it probably isn't hard for attentive folx on the link to figure it out either. >She frowns thoughtfully. "Although I'd appreciate it if you'd not >bring up my family; I can't say much about that subject. However, you >would be better off considering yourself a full member of the CAoL; >you don't have the .... limitations that I am forced to acknowlege. >Not that I expect you to want my advice, under the circumstances. I >am pleased to see both of you have enough clarity of mind not to let >something merely unpleasant drive you into making threats >prematurely, or other reactions." /ROLAND./ Eric sends. /I'm working on it,/ Roland replies. /No. Why does this woman feel a need to test someone you've chosen to take your place?/ Eric snaps. Roland sighs, then chuckles. /No wonder you don't like her. You're too much alike./ /I BEG YOUR PARDON./ /You both adhere to one supreme philosophy, that I've noticed: 'If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself.' I'm glad it's a lifestyle I haven't embraced; paranoia doesn't strike me as a lot of fun./ Roland's tone becomes more mild. /Zia isn't good at first impressions. She's an acquired taste, but she's worth getting to know. I reacted to her even more poorly when we first met. She's one of my closest friends now./ /Phoenix,/ Eric sends coldly, /you are entitled to your opinion. But I don't think I like your taste in friends./ /I understand,/ Roland sighs. /By the way, this {} is how you send to a single person, as opposed to the entire link system./ He smiles and fades from the contact. Eric deliberately does not react. But the fact that he's rigid (normally, his motions are positively fluid) displays his frustration rather readily. >"I apologize for being so harsh, so unexpectedly. It does get me >threatened quite a bit, but it also serves a purpose. I suppose I >should go back and ask those who taught me if there is a better way >to judge another martial artist other than self-control of temper - >but I haven't found a better indicator of skill as yet. You shouldn't >allow my actions to discredit the CAoL; as you implied, I'm more >tolerated than enjoyed. That is rather the normal case, and I don't >expect otherwise." "Try sparring," Eric replies tersely, and looks for a good place to work out. (OOC: Assuming he finds one...) He takes a deep breath, and his eyes narrow. Anyone with 'chi' senses feels the chi that fuels his life burn, as if he opened an artery, and it flows into a pattern. A harsh, brutal method, but effective; he turns into a blur of motion, moving from one kata to the next at about a pace of nine to one to the fastest unenhanced human, all in perfect coordination. >On Mon, 4 Oct 1999 20:41:33 -0400 >Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00007294 > >"If this is the 'price' of your 'deal' is that I must not speak >warning when I see trouble forecoming, then I must of course, refuse. >This means that you are free to 'bring up' my family as you see fit." >She is completely untroubled bu the idea. "However, should you >attract undue attention from any one of the forementioned, please >have the justice not to attribute the fault of said appearances to my >doorstep. Frankly, I hope I'm in a completely different universe when >or if it happens, as well." Eric stops his katas in mid-spinning-thrust-kick, stops, and turns. "Should we prepare for...interference...from your relatives?" He says it with surprising mildness, as chi flows easily into him to replace that which burned away. In a less power-rich environment, such swift recovery would be far less likely. ================================= Date: Mon, 4 Oct 1999 22:05:54 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: FuzzyHome and Questions Found On Mon, 4 Oct 1999 22:02:14 -0700 (PDT) FailSafe Said As CAoL Message # 00007310 >On Mon, 04 Oct 1999 21:11:37 -0700 >The Hunter Said As CAoL Message # 00007308 > >>On 10-03-1999 at 19:12:00 >>FailSafe Said As CAoL Message # 00007270 >> >>>On Sun, 03 Oct 1999 16:13:27 -0700 >>>The Hunter Said As CAoL Message # 00007264 >>> >>> "One, at the moment. Do you think the 'Nihilists' will oppose >>>your attempt?" Eric asks. >> >>"Only if they become aware of it in time... >> On the other hand, >> Predicting the thoughts and plans of such, >> Is difficult at best" > > Eric snorts. "I've been at it my entire adult life, and I can >sometimes work out their tactics, but the Oblivion-Sworn _still_ make >no sense to me. I suppose," he adds thoughtfully, "that that's a good >thing..." "Very." >>On 10-03-1999 at 19:12:00 >>FailSafe Said As CAoL Message # 00007271 >> >>"I will share that information, >> When we are ready to start our Planning. >> After other more basic information has been digested..." > > "Exactly what kind of precipitous actions," Eric asks in a >near-monotone, "are you trying to prevent?" "In several prior incidents which I became aware of, Attempts at Planning to minimize incidental damage, Has been derailed by one or another of them, Deciding to take his or her Figits out on the Opponents..." "Very Few of the CAoL have not done this at one time or another." "Several of the Possible courses of action from this point, Could result in Massive avoidable death tolls, I am trying to prevent that." ================================= Date: Mon, 4 Oct 1999 22:38:36 -0700 (PDT) Subject: AAE VI: A Long Commute 8^) On Mon, 04 Oct 1999 22:19:13 -0700 Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00007311 >On Sun, 03 Oct 1999 22:22:44 -0400 >Caprice Said As CAoL Message # 00007272 > >Legion blinks back to the here and now. "We think we're going to use >the time here to focus ourselves a bit. There seem to be -no- echoes >or resonances here to reshape us, so we are both more balanced and >focused here." Essex seems surprised by this revelation. /"I am glad to hear it,"/ A familiar voice says happily. When people turn to react to the comment, a glowing energy form is visible in the approximate center of the CAoL's gathering. Roland, in his 'Blaze' form, made of nearly solid psychokinetic energy. /"I should warn you all, I'm 'hitching a ride' from the lens-link, and I'm not at all used to being in 'two places at once,' but if no one else is going to lead this lot then I'd better do _something._ Though I'd better appoint an XO pro-tem, since I could easily flicker out for any number of reasons. Morgan and the Wonder Twins have to be my first priority."/ His eyes literally sparkle with amusement. The Blaze-construct flinches slightly; apparently Morgan heard the "Wonder Twin" comment and retaliated appropriately . >As she has been ignored by the 'grown ups' Mischief has merrily >pranced off a short distance away... where she can be found curled up >on silk cushions after having stuffed herself on tuna steaks, >radishes, and cream, the remnants of her meal still scattered about. Roland smiles gently at the full, content kitten. >On 10-04-1999 at 09:54:29 >FailSafe Said As CAoL Message # 00007283 > >" Historically One attempt was made to use the Rod on a previously >affected Item, The Explosion as all three manifestations dissolved >into un-differentiated Energy shattered the planet." > >"The Last attempt to acquire this Artifact by Force, > Was defeated by the Joint Fleets of over one hundred governments, > The Cost of the Attempt counting both sides, > Was in the neighborhood of 37 Billion Dead. :(" > >"The Best Method for Gaining this Artifact, > Would seem to be, > Infiltration and Subversion..." "Not playing to our strong suits," Roland comments, apparently trying to prove to Eric that he can be just as dry as the next costumed avenger, "but considerably better than the only provided alternative at the moment." >On 10-04-1999 at 16:35:41 >Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007290 > >"I am sure that the CAoL could take it by Force, But > Would we Really want to Kill as many people as that would take, > Especially when They would be trying to prevent an 'Armed' Robbery?" > >"I do not think the Lord Fuzzy would have Approved..." /"And _I_ don't approve,"/ Roland says with finality, /"and since you lot stuck me back with the Command Decision post, we're not doing it unless we can at _least_ reduce loss of life by several levels of magnitude, _and_ avoid the collapse of a civilization. I want to help Fuzzy as much as anyone, but starting or causing a war with those uninvolved in his death is unacceptable."/ >On Mon, 4 Oct 1999 21:27:21 -0400 >Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00007302 > >"Either some ONE thing that works as well, and cannot be easily >distinguished from the original..." Zia says rather more softly than >her normal tone of voice as she thinks hard. An observer can almost >see the smoke, by now. "Or LOTS of things that work almost as well, >which would certainly place such a Rod in vastly decreased demand." >Her brow wrinkles in concentration, and she gets up from her chair to >pace. It's plain she sees little or nothing of her current >surroundings as she mutters on, letting her idea play itself into >completeion. Roland just smiles and 'favors' Eric with a smug expression. Eric ignores him in turn, continuing his katas with that insane speed and coordination. >"If a 'mad inventor' came up with a major technological breakthrough >that would do such a thing, however, there would be much more risk to >the mole than a mere subterfuge and replace theft mission. But I do >like the idea of providing a society so constrained more inherent >freedom - communication IS the backbone of civilization." Apparently, >she is trying to talk herself into doing it, should it prove >feasible. /"One of them, at any rate,"/ Roland replies. /"You'd have thought America was going to Defcon 2, the way some people moaned when Ma Bell broke up. It's a good thing it happened before our computer network 'exploded' the way it did."/ ================================= Date: Mon, 4 Oct 1999 22:38:44 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Hunter and The Actress On Mon, 04 Oct 1999 22:28:32 -0700 Rio Said As CAoL Message # 00007312 >On Mon, 4 Oct 1999 20:41:33 -0400 >Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00007294 > >>On Mon, 04 Oct 1999 10:48:01 -0700 >>Rio Said As CAoL Message # 00007285 > >>Rio's glare fades somewhat. "I won't bring up your family if you >>don't 'joke' about the honor of mine," she says quietly, and just a >>little petulantly. >intended :). She wasn't being facetious or snide, it was a >>legitimate offer.> > >"If this is the 'price' of your 'deal' is that I must not speak >warning when I see trouble forecoming, then I must of course, refuse. >This means that you are free to 'bring up' my family as you see fit." >She is completely untroubled bu the idea. "However, should you >attract undue attention from any one of the forementioned, please >have the justice not to attribute the fault of said appearances to my >doorstep. Frankly, I hope I'm in a completely different universe when >or if it happens, as well." "I didn't mean...." Rio begins, then sighs. "Oh, never mind," she mutters. >She shrugs, and lets the subject go. Rio looks down at her right pantleg, sprouts a broad grin, and goes off to one side of the group. Anyone paying attention will notice she's practicing quick-draws, using a combination of Time and Correspondence :-). Rio "Time sneaks up on you like a windshield on a bug." Jon Lithgow ================================= Date: Mon, 4 Oct 1999 22:38:48 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: FuzzyHome and Questions On Tue, 5 Oct 1999 01:31:35 EDT Dane0R0A Said As CAoL Message # 00007313 >FailSafe Said As CAoL Message # 00007283 > >"The Best Method for Gaining this Artifact, > Would seem to be, > Infiltration and Subversion..." /*"With an external distraction to assist in maintaining a state of concealment"*/ Aurora adds. ================================= Date: Mon, 4 Oct 1999 23:07:56 -0700 (PDT) Subject: AAE VI: Another Artifact Revealed On Mon, 4 Oct 1999 22:42:03 -0700 FailSafe Said As CAoL Message # 00007314 "The Artifact called 'The Game of IF' " " Time Travel is Possible, But any attempt to create a Paradox, Temporal or Otherwise, results in the creation of a small object which contains the moment of alteration..." " One of the Objects of Power seems to be a device, and is one of the two ways known to resolve the implications of these 'Paradox' Gems. The Most common Name for the Object is 'The Game of IF'. " :Begin Holo Image: This thing looks Like a Video Arcade Game just below the screen there are Three Buttons, Below those are 5 Dials, and a Hemispheric Socket about four inches in diameter. Button One shows a Y type branching, Button Two shows two opposing Arrows, Button Three is unmarked. The Dials are marked X, Y, Z, T, and Scale. :End Holo Image: " The First way found to resolve a Paradox Gem was to throw it through a gate to the Realm Between Universes, It will Expand into a Parallel Universe with no identifiable connection to its origin...Save that it Differs only after the Paradox Point." " The Second way uses the Artifact, The operator can view any place/time in the Universe the Paradox Gem Might Be... The First button causes the Gem to be realized as a Branch timeline of the original, The second causes the Gem's reality to be swap with the original, with only the Operator's memory unaffected, The third just causes the Gem to dissipate." "Incidentally, The Artifacts are not contained in the duplicate, Nor are they Affected by the Reality Swap, They Remain Real." "According to Rumor, A semi-Secret Society called, 'The Guardians of If', Have Possession of this Artifact, and a Time Machine, They Maintain an archive of Paradox Gems, 'In case the Night should come again' ." "I do not Know where this group are based, Several times there have been rumors, That someone trying to Acquire, Either the Artifact or the Time Machine, or Both, Have Failed to return..." "What their defenses are is unknown... Not even in Rumor..." ================================= Date: Mon, 4 Oct 1999 23:08:03 -0700 (PDT) Subject: AAE VI: Roger and retcons On Mon, 04 Oct 1999 22:55:42 -0700 Rio Said As CAoL Message # 00007315 (Re-ordered to match the order Rio experiences it :) >On Mon, 4 Oct 1999 20:39:53 EDT >SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00007300 > >>The front door opens, and a young woman walks in with the air of >>someone walking into their usual neighborhood haunt. Average height, >>average build (but proportioned nicely :-), long hair somewhere >>between dark blonde and light brunette pulled to a ponytail on one >>side, and dressed in a 90s interpretation of a 60's flower child, >>complete with embroidered jeans and tie-dyed shirt. The retro >>illusion is not complete, though. The small crystal sphere held by a >>silver claw hanging around her neck it more New Age than 60s, and >>her earrings are small bright-colored bits of integrated circuit >>board. She looks around, then spots the folx at the CAoL table. > >Since Eric has no idea what's going on here-now, Roger indulges in a >non-serious wolf whistle -- just to observe the forms, you >understand.... The woman looks at Roger, and her eyes widen. Then she smiles warmly, and her lips form a kiss at him. He actually _feels_ it ;-). >>"Oh, wow, they're actually _here_!" There's just a hint of >>post-valspeak in her voice. "I've been watching through the X-window >>since the KnightMare War, and I've seen all the reruns. You guys are >>_so_ elite!" > >"Oh, great....she's still in her groupie stage. I remember Eric >telling me about this." He glances up at his parents(?). "Don't worry >-- she gets better." He glances back at the replay. "In a manner of >speaking." (OOC-Roland: Er, there's no guarantee that Eric is staying with the CAoL. Or even that he'll survive. In fact, chances are he'll be going his own way after his 'tour of duty' is done, if he does survive. Plus, he's mortal. He likes it that way. More detail on him would be spoiling surprises. 8^) >About five minutes from now, as the CAoL is trooping off through the >gateway to join Stranger, Roger skids in through the door leaving >smoking boot-tread trails, yells "Hold that elevator!" and another >Roger appears from nowhere in particular and jumps through the gate >as the original moseys on over to join his parents. >He concentrates for a moment and time ripples around them....and >nothing happens. He scowls harshly, grits his teeth, and tries again. >It's at this point that it may become apparent that Roger is not in >good shape -- his halo is ragged and tattered around the edges, >damaged down to a bout 20% of nominal, to those familiar with that >sort of thing, and a Healer sense would show that he is still >suffering the lingering affects of *major* physical wounds that >haven't healed as fast or well as they should have due to the halo >damage. On the second try, another Roger appears in the Place about >five minutes ago, at the top of this post, of in an unobtrusive >corner where no one notices him (thus satisfying causality, Wrinkle, >Hawking, and Bullwinkle). As he reaches the present, Roger-then >remerges with Roger-now, and the latter gets to relive everything >that he missed....with his mind opened to Roland and Morgan >sufficiently that they can see what he's reacting to. Rio stops, turns, and stares at Roger. "Ohh, yeah," she mutters, "Roger from the Future. _This_ is going to be _interesting_." OOC: How's Roger at sensing Time abilities in others? Rio "It is one of the superstitions of the human mind to have imagined that virginity could be a virtue." Voltaire ================================= Date: Mon, 4 Oct 1999 23:08:09 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Hunter and The Actress On Mon, 4 Oct 1999 23:05:00 -0700 (PDT) Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00007316 >On Mon, 04 Oct 1999 21:37:11 -0700 >The Hunter Said As CAoL Message # 00007309 > >>On Mon, 4 Oct 1999 06:31:07 -0400 >>Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00007279 >> >>"I apologize for being so harsh, so unexpectedly. It does get me >>threatened quite a bit, but it also serves a purpose. I suppose I >>should go back and ask those who taught me if there is a better way >>to judge another martial artist other than self-control of temper - >>but I haven't found a better indicator of skill as yet. You >>shouldn't allow my actions to discredit the CAoL; as you implied, >>I'm more tolerated than enjoyed. That is rather the normal case, and >>I don't expect otherwise." > > "Try sparring," Eric replies tersely, and looks for a good place >to work out. (OOC: Assuming he finds one...) He takes a deep breath, >and his eyes narrow. Anyone with 'chi' senses feels the chi that >fuels his life burn, as if he opened an artery, and it flows into a >pattern. A harsh, brutal method, but effective; he turns into a blur >of motion, moving from one kata to the next at about a pace of nine >to one to the fastest unenhanced human, all in perfect coordination. Rob stares at this. "Zia, if I might offer a suggestion...don't spar with him. I knew his Ler - his Chi, to use a more recognizable term - was on a par with my Valdritkar - er, sensei's - ability, but I know that Rose would need more effort to reach that speed. And she uses the Psycho Whirlwind style - speed is a major component of it." > Eric stops his katas in mid-spinning-thrust-kick, stops, and >turns. "Should we prepare for...interference...from your relatives?" >He says it with surprising mildness, as chi flows easily into him to >replace that which burned away. In a less power-rich environment, >such swift recovery would be far less likely. Rob continues to watch Eric, but his eyes are the least part of it. For the most part, he's watching the energy flow. As Eric's energies return, he remembers something else he learned recently, and places his pen and notepad in a pocket. Wishing a block of stone into existence, he flares his Ler around his fists, shifts it from red to blue, and then focuses to an even greater extent. Three seconds later, the block of stone has been frozen, punched skyward, re-frozen, kicked sideways, frozen for a third time, and then slammed into the ground. It ends up in three large pieces driven halfway into the ground, with several rocks and a large number of pebbles scattered about. "That was...frightening. Power here comes too easily for my tastes." Pulling the washers back out, he begins tossing them at one of the pieces of stone, apparently using it for target practice. ================================= Date: Mon, 4 Oct 1999 23:08:15 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: A Long Commute 8^) On Tue, 5 Oct 1999 02:02:05 -0400 (EDT) caprice Said As CAoL Message # 00007317 >On Mon, 04 Oct 1999 22:19:13 -0700 >Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00007311 > >>On Sun, 03 Oct 1999 22:22:44 -0400 >>Caprice Said As CAoL Message # 00007272 >> >>As she has been ignored by the 'grown ups' Mischief has merrily >>pranced off a short distance away... where she can be found curled >>up on silk cushions after having stuffed herself on tuna steaks, >>radishes, and cream, the remnants of her meal still scattered about. > > Roland smiles gently at the full, content kitten. Mischief, of course, is all smug and sleepy purrs about now. >>On 10-04-1999 at 09:54:29 >>FailSafe Said As CAoL Message # 00007283 >> >>"The Last attempt to acquire this Artifact by Force, >> Was defeated by the Joint Fleets of over one hundred governments, >> The Cost of the Attempt counting both sides, >> Was in the neighborhood of 37 Billion Dead. :(" >> >>"The Best Method for Gaining this Artifact, >> Would seem to be, >> Infiltration and Subversion..." > > "Not playing to our strong suits," Roland comments, apparently >trying to prove to Eric that he can be just as dry as the next >costumed avenger, "but considerably better than the only provided >alternative at the moment." Essex clears his throat politely. "Not yours, perhaps... but might I suggest that it is one of mine?" ================================= Date: Tue, 5 Oct 1999 00:06:30 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: FuzzyHome and Questions On Mon, 4 Oct 1999 14:46:40 PST Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00007318 >On Mon, 4 Oct 1999 08:19:33 -0700 (PDT) >Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00007281 > >>>"I'd hate to deal with the usual theme of the MacGuffin being >>>stolen several times before one side manages to exploit it." >> >>"At Least we have been told that once we get them into this Sphere, >> They can not be removed..." > >"...but they can't be pulled out of here once they get here. Moved >around, but not transferred out. Is there anything I've missed so >far?" "Not that I've noticed," comments Nemo. "I don't think you have to worry about anyone messing with the artifacts once they are brought here. One of my selves can stay here, and 'anchor' them to the structure of this cosmos. That will render them effectively immovable until released." ================================= Date: Tue, 5 Oct 1999 01:04:15 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: FuzzyHome and Questions On Tue, 05 Oct 1999 00:54:47 -0700 Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00007319 Nemisis wrote: >"We would not want our mole to be the "Inventor", > Since the Guild is sure to attempt to, > Suppress Any such Threat to their Power..." > >"However it may make a suitable second string to this Bow, > If their Monopoly is Broken then, > The Governments would not feel the need to Defend them, > Reducing the military forces that would be available, And > Because of that much reducing to Death Count, > A Smash and Grab maneuver would cause... > It Might also provide our Mole with a usefull distraction, > If we activate both plans, > In the Proper sequence... > Once we know who our Mole will be, > We can decide what that sequence should be..." Harlock looks up with a grin. "Ah, but what if said mad inventor were working for one of the defending governments? He would thus be protected from overt molestation by the guild. Granted, said government would likely attempt to set up a competing monopoly, if such be not a contradiction in terms, but the resulting possibilities for espionage and trade wars could easily cause havoc enow to acquire the rod for ourselves." His face grows sober as he continues: "as for the question of theft that has been raised, it has been noted that possession is nine points of the law. If you would raise moral objections, consider: this guild is using the rod purely to pursue their monopoly on communications, a condition which I suspect has fostered no few tyrants, whereas we would use it to restore the life of somebody who was, by all I've heard, a fine being indeed. I would say that the greater good were served by acquiring this rod for our stated purpose." ================================= Date: Tue, 5 Oct 1999 01:04:22 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: FuzzyHome and Questions On Tue, 05 Oct 1999 00:54:55 -0700 Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00007320 FailSafe wrote: >>Addressing FailSafe >>"How do the Communicators the Guild Creates Operate?" >As you might guess the Paired Chips, > Are worth a large percentage of the an industrial planet's > Annual Product for a number of years... > And are only availble from the Ansible Guild..." Harlock grimaces. "An I understand your words correctly, this master switching station sounds like a prime place for Murphy to strike." He breaks off and looks thoughtful for a few minutes. His grimace slowly fades, to be replaced by a mischevious grin. "An I could...ah...'talk shop' with a techno-mage of some sort, I believe I know a spell which could be adapted to the purpose." ================================= Date: Tue, 5 Oct 1999 01:04:27 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Hunter and The Actress On Tue, 05 Oct 1999 00:55:03 -0700 Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00007321 Rio wrote: >Rio looks down at her right pantleg, sprouts a broad grin, and goes >off to one side of the group. Anyone paying attention will notice >she's practicing quick-draws, using a combination of Time and >Correspondence :-). Harlock looks startled. He wanders quickly (?!) over to Rio and mutters, "I hadn't thought of that application. Think you it could be adapted to a different system of magic?" He pulls the small (less than 3 inches per edge) grey cube from his belt pouch again and enters a complex code on the keypad. The opposite side of the cube...unfolds... into a softly glowing window the size of a textbook. Harlock reaches into the suddenly reavealed opening and pulls out a high-tech pistol of some sort, along with an appropriate holster, which he hangs on his belt. He then presses the pound key and the window folds up, leaving the cube as featureless as before. "I can use this to practice." ================================= Date: Tue, 5 Oct 1999 01:04:32 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On Tue, 05 Oct 1999 00:56:30 -0700 Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00007322 Leonard Erickson wrote: >Nemo answers. > >"You 'store' energy as matter, of course. You *transport* it as >energy. Like this..." > >Nemo points at a rock, and a beam of almost palpable energy shoots >forth, only to stop several meters away. At the "stopping" point, an >intricate gemlike structure takes form. It'll take an hour or so to >complete, if anyone cares to hang around. There's a force field >that'll prevent any but the most powerful entities from contacting >the beam, the rock or the "gem". It is possible to use various senses >and sensors thru the field. Harlock grimaces. "Yes, but if I understood my lessons in the arcane art of physics correctly, such a process will inevitably release waste heat at both conversion points. 'Twould seem rather silly to run through the conversion process twice, just to produce a lump of slag." =================================