Action, Adventure, Excitement, Part 7a Chapter 2 Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Past Imperfect (LONG!) On Sun, 01 Apr 2001 00:17:44 -0800 Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00009742 >On Sun, 01 Apr 2001 05:59:30 GMT, In alt.callahans >Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00009735 > >>On Sat, 31 Mar 2001 21:10:48 -0800 >>Dane Said As CAoL Post # 00007557 >> >>/^Roland I will keep the child busy, but please do hurry. Once the >>paradox reaches a critical level, it will act to 'scratch' the >>source of its discomfort. By that time it will be too angry to >>listen to much of anybody.^/ Oracle 'tells' Roland. > >Zia blinks. /Oh, dear. We seem to have a Seven-th Year Itch problem./ >She puns. It's a good thing this is the Place, after all. It seems a cloud of peanuts has taken up a semi-permanent station in the rafters above the CAoL. When provoked, they perform a strafing run on the perpetrator (this time Zia), then resume circling, waiting for the next outbreak of paronomasia. ;-) ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Past Imperfect On Sun, 01 Apr 2001 00:27:36 -0800 Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00009743 >On Sun, 1 Apr 2001 01:49:49 EST >Scott Osborne Said As CAoL Message # 00009736 > >>"Now that ah think about it, is eithah Nemo or Nemisis heah? From >>what mah daddy said, they'd probably be moah..." she breaks off, >>looking chagrinned. "Um...what ah mean to say is, you look busy, so >>if ah could just speak to one of them?" > >Scott walks up. "I don't know about them; but I could probably help, >if it's not too tricky a problem. What do you need?" Erindrea looks Scott over appraisingly. "And you must be the mysterious mistah Osbo'n. Well, the long and shoht of it is that mah daddy spent some tahm with me recently, but when he trahd (OOC: how _do_ you spell "tried" with a southern accent, anyway? ) to go home, somethin' intahfered with the spell and now ah cain't fahnd out what happened to him. Oh. Ah suppose ah should point out that mah daddy's name is Hahlock." The careful observer of body language would note that she was on the verge of flirting with Scott before she identified him. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Past Imperfect On Sun, 1 Apr 2001 08:17:04 EDT Scott Osborne Said As CAoL Message # 00009744 >In a message dated 4/1/01 1:36:58 AM Pacific Daylight Time, >Harlock writes: > >Erindrea looks Scott over appraisingly. "And you must be the >mysterious mistah Osbo'n. Well, the long and shoht of it is that mah >daddy spent some tahm with me recently, but when he trahd (OOC: how >_do_ you spell "tried" with a southern accent, anyway? ) to go >home, somethin' intahfered with the spell and now ah cain't fahnd out >what happened to him. Oh. Ah suppose ah should point out that mah >daddy's name is Hahlock." The careful observer of body language would >note that she was on the verge of flirting with Scott before she >identified him. Scott either didn't notice, or is a rather good actor. "Well, I can find him rather easily. Drawing him out might be a bit trickier, but not much." Scott pulls out two items; a small 1 foot by 1 foot piece of rigid cardboard, which he stands on a table, and a thick binder. He rapidly thumbs through the binder, and arrives at the page he desires. He presses the page against the back of the piece of cardboard, and an image of Harlock's current location appears on the front. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Sun, 1 Apr 2001 12:15:00 EDT Scott Osborne Said As CAoL Message # 00009745 >In a message dated 3/31/01 5:43:24 PM Pacific Standard Time, >RolandX writes: > > ^Oh, yeah, I 'only' had to deal with Mechanon, the Black Paladin, >the Scions of Caine, the Seeker barbecue disaster...^ Roland trails >off, but for all his grousing, he knows his duty. "I'm not sure what >Mike and Tink would prefer, but I do know that nine days of relative >certainty is better than an unknown technology that our enemy might >be better suited to dealing with. This 'Faraday Cage' will come in >handy as a backup if we run out of, er, time, though." "I'm willing to live with that, but I must make one protest; if Rassilon can attack it, I'll eat my trenchcoat. Unless he can wield time itself as a weapon, he won't be able to penetrate the Cage; and if he can wield time as a weapon, rather then as a tool, then he wouldn't need to bother with attacks located at any one point in time, he'd just cleanse the timeline of Michael Seven, and most of you wouldn't have been any the wiser for it." From his tone of voice, it's clear that he's seen this before, and is keeping a very tight lid on his emotions on the subject of 'cleansing'. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Sun, 1 Apr 2001 09:59:58 -0700 (PDT) Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00009746 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00009737 > > /"Mmm. On the other hand..."/ Roland considers the Pokemon's >situation--and determines rather quickly that trying to disguise a >Pikachu would be a lost cause. /Unless you think he'll disguise as a dog. Holoprojector, a 'bark synthesizer,' and a leash./ Rob grins at the image. /And his fur generates _lots_ of static electricity./ > And the light bulb goes off over Roland's head. > "ERIC. Duh. The man probably speaks every major language on the >planet, he certainly exudes authority, there isn't a weapon he >doesn't know inside and out, I don't think there's _anyone_ on my >planet better at hunting down dangerous things and keeping it >quiet..." He chuckles. "I think the hardest part will be keeping the >names straight, if he joins us. He'll probably be _glad_ to have folx >calling him 'Hunter,' come to think of it." > >"Calling him 'The Hunter' might not be a good idea, but 'Hunter' as a >surname should be fine," Morgan opines. /Jaeger might work,/ Rob suggests. /Although that might be a little too cute for Eric's taste./ /By the way, can you verify whether or not I'm in the correct universe? If I'm in the right place, then I'd recommend coming in through my hotel room. It'll be a little cramped, but at least you won't draw attention by your arrival. And there's a mirror and a TV here, in case somebody needs to gate in through one of those./ /And if I'm not, I'd like to take a nap until the team is ready to move./ ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) (LONG!)(sorry) On Sun, 1 Apr 2001 10:56:04 -0700 (PDT) Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00009747 >On Sat, 31 Mar 2001 22:19:56 -0600 >Martin and/or Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00009726 > >>On Sat, 31 Mar 2K1 Roland X Said >> >>>Ziactrice Said >>> >>>Then she gives Roland a look. >>> "Oh, with all these diversions, I forgot to tell you. The >>>Crown of Amber granted me permission. I'm joining the CAoL >>>'officially'. >> >> Roland STOPS, in the sort of way a car hitting a concrete barrier >>stops. He blinks, then raises an eyebrow. "Are you," he says >>neutrally. Then he looks at the shifting hologram, muttering "not >>the time" to himself more than anyone else. Zia's eyes just glimmer slightly. She has always been one for good timing. >@Should we feel honored, Ms. Keenan?@ sends Dhyrclhanc @I mean more >than usual?@ and he adds the teep version of a grin to the message. @Does your asking mean you don't, Big Guy?@ Zia promptly sends back. How anyone can manage to so injured in feeling on just a Lens, is quite a mystery. @Or that you always do, so it won't be any big change? I _hope_ that the fact I would actually take this step should signal somewhat of my respect for this group and it's purposes. I can think of worse people to add than a lady-Knight Errant of Amber, too.@ >>>"Do I have to like, use four colors and wear only spandex?" Zia >>>continues her planned joke without a blink. >> >>Morgan looks down at her own standard CAoL outfit, which is in muted >>tones and decidedly _not_ spandex, and back at Zia with a grin. Zia grins back. Yes, that was definitely a tease. >> Roland _does_ chuckle, at that, if only faintly. /"Okay, folx, >>CAoL dress code--wear something, in areas where there are laws >>regarding 'indecent exposure.'"/ Zia sniffs. /I have been regularly informed I have no 'decent' exposures. All mine are far and away beyond mere 'decent'. Wouldn't you agree, Nemo?/ ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Sun, 1 Apr 2001 11:27:00 -0700 (PDT) Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00009750 >On Sat, 31 Mar 2001 23:54:03 -0800 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00009737 > >>On Sat, 31 Mar 2001 22:19:56 -0600 >>Martin and/or Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00009726 >> >>>On Sat, 31 Mar 2K1 Roland X Said >> >>/Is that how it works?/ Sends the draconic Lensman, with the mental >>equivalent of a smirk. > > /Well, unless part of the op involves actually _getting_ >arrested,/ Roland replies with a grin. Ziactrice half-smiles ironically at that. /Prostitution is legalized in some parts of Germany of the period, but public dress is more 'prudish' than the American equivalents. And less flamboyantly expensive./ >>> And I don't even know how many of us speak German."/ /I do./ Zia comments quietly. > And the light bulb goes off over Roland's head. > "ERIC. Duh. The man probably speaks every major language on the Ziactrice gives Nemo a droll side glance upwards from the corner of her eye on the mention of Eric's name. "Running into old comrades is a good thing." She says, in fluent German, central Berlin accent. "Why don't you play 'big, mean-looking Ukranian' to back me up, Nemo? If you can eliminate your neck, and add about 80 pounds of muscle mass, you'd fit right in. And _you_ can manage THAT accent, where even I have trouble. The locals won't expect to understand you. Hmmm. Nichisky Tolstovelev, how do you like that for a name? >folx free rein most of the time, because that's how we work best. But >I _am_ the CO here, make no mistake. > "Any questions?" "A few." Zia says, still waiting for Roland to iron out the 'role call' before she asks about details though. >>"If my memory hasn't been too mangled by the things done to me to >>bring about my 'conversion to humanity,'" the android continues, >>"Interpol, wasn't allowed to break any of the laws of the country >>that they were operating out of. This means that we'll have to tread >>extremely lightly, won't we?" > > Roland takes a step back and nods. "Yep. But I'm not even going to > _try_ to have us impersonate whatever West Germany's equivalent of >the FBI is. So we smile nice at the locals, don't try pulling any >rank, and go on about our business as quietly as possible. Unlike >most of our adventures, I don't want the _mice_ to know we were there >after we leave." "Uhm, Roland? It just so happens 'impersonating' won't be strictly necessary. Although if you want me there in my official capacity, I'll need to have two to three days advance notice - to convince my boss that he wants to send me round with official orders. Plus, I'd have to use a certain name, and be in uniform - and arrange for papers for either two goons to go around with me, or for CAoLers to impersonate muscle. And a car, and a driver." Zia admits. "It would a tad complex to set up, and a bit inflexible about schedule, but it might be convenient if the 'arrests' happened. I could make 'em un-happen." >"How widespread was the use of security measures like metal detectors >at that point?" Morgan asks. > > "I don't think they were as paranoid as our time, love," Roland >replies, "but the 70s were when terrorism was really born. But >remember, we're _allowed_ to have guns. It'll just be an issue if >they examine the guns, and they're really TK projectors or something >inside." "Mmmm. Metal detectors perhaps not, but espionage is in high swing. Anyone who speaks English is reporting anything they can for extra money as an informant. It's considered 'partiotic' and so no one feels badly for doing so. They're encouraged to, at some strictness. The money is strictly controlled, and not much can be taken in or taken out. Border searches are very secure, and only the military on active duty, or high ranking security forces... not including the local police... are allowed to carry arms. Even so much as a handgun, Roland. You must have identity papers, and stay in certain hotels if you're a foreigner." Zia looks off into the distance, recollecting things. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Sun, 1 Apr 2001 14:10:24 -0400 Caprice/Legion Said As CAoL Message # 00009751 Legion sends over the link /Both Essex and I speak German, though I dare say mine is a touch better. If you wish, I can go to that reality at, oh, T minus 3 months, give myself time to adjust to that reality, and then rent a house in the city. I should be able to blend in well enough to avoid attracting attention, and it will give us a base of operations./ ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Sun, 1 Apr 2001 13:10:22 -0700 (PDT) Driscoll Said As CAoL Message # 00009753 >On Sat, 31 Mar 2001 16:53:54 -0800 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00009721 > > Roland _does_ chuckle, at that, if only faintly. /"Okay, folx, >CAoL dress code--wear something, in areas where there are laws >regarding 'indecent exposure.'"/ Jim cocks his head and shrugs, "We still don't understand what the distress is at other seeing us unclothed as it is the same matter as when we are clothed, but we will comply. Sometimes humans are just silly.." > /"If we're too open with our powers, we might cause a serious >paradox. Nass, some of us could cause a paradox by just being _seen._ >Rassilon doesn't have this problem. We can't tell the elder Sevens >anything for the same reason. Both you, Doctor, and Dhyrclhanc are >our remaining Time Lord experts--and your two Gallifreys are very >different both from each other and from Mike's. From what I >understand, there aren't any 'secret powers' societies in the >timeline we're going to that could help--well, except for Mr. >Seven's, proving once again that God is an iron. And I don't even >know how many of us speak German."/ Jim nods again, "We can facsimile clothing period to the era in question for ourselves and anyone else who may require it, and we are conversant in 378 various languages including two dialects of German. Given time for construction, holographic imagers could be come up with for some of the less human looking of the group to disguise them, or those who worry about being recognised in that time nad place and causing paradox by it..." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Sun, 1 Apr 2001 13:23:03 -0700 Fuzzy and/or Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00009754 >On Sun, 1 Apr 2001 09:59:58 -0700 (PDT) >Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00009746 > >/By the way, can you verify whether or not I'm in the correct >universe? If I'm in the right place, then I'd recommend coming in >through my hotel room. It'll be a little cramped, but at least you >won't draw attention by your arrival. And there's a mirror and a TV >here, in case somebody needs to gate in through one of those./ A little grey mousey beast climbs up on the bedside table, and Wiggles its whiskers at Rob... ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) (LONG!)(sorry) On Sun, 1 Apr 2001 13:34:11 -0700 (PDT) Driscoll Said As CAoL Message # 00009756 >On Sat, 31 Mar 2001 22:19:56 -0600 >Martin and/or Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00009726 > >Likewise, Nimrod shifts back into his "Nicholas Hunter" guise, only >the "Al Borland" flannel work clothes that the Hispanic Building >contractor usualy wears have been replaced by a set of clothes not >that different from Dhyrclhanc's only with a tad brighter colors and >what looks like a heavy cotton-blend shirt instead of a sweater. Jim looks over at the two and nods, "Yes, hologrpahic transmitting devices liek that... Hmmmm we should change clothing as well we think..." #Memory search. Fashion. 1975...# #searching... searching... searching...# #entry found.. downloading specifications for designs...# #beginning Alteration process, Nanite work groups asigned and dispatched# Jim's clothing begins ot shift and morph until after a moment or two he stands before you dressed in a white disco suit with black shirt with the top four buttons undone and revealing a large amount of blonde chesthair. Around his neck are several gold pendants and he appears to be a good four inches taller due to the high heeled platform shoes on his feet with clar heals, inside of whihc seem to be swimming goldfish. "Alright, we are ready." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Sun, 1 Apr 2001 14:14:34 -0700 (PDT) Driscoll Said As CAoL Message # 00009757 >On Sun, 1 Apr 2001 11:27:00 -0700 (PDT) >Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00009750 > >"Uhm, Roland? It just so happens 'impersonating' won't be strictly >necessary. Although if you want me there in my official capacity, >I'll need to have two to three days advance notice - to convince my >boss that he wants to send me round with official orders. Plus, I'd >have to use a certain name, and be in uniform - and arrange for >papers for either two goons to go around with me, or for CAoLers to >impersonate muscle. And a car, and a driver." Zia admits. "It would a >tad complex to set up, and a bit inflexible about schedule, but it >might be convenient if the 'arrests' happened. I could make 'em >un-happen." Jim looks over at Zia and nods, "Given some matter we could bring into ourselves, we could simulate a 1970's car for you to use to lower the conspicuousness of the group... we only ask you use good unleaded rather than the regualr... leaded gas tastes terrible..." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) (LONG!)(sorry) On Sun, 1 Apr 2001 14:54:21 -0500 Martin and/or Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00009758 >On Sun, 1 Apr 2K1 Ziactrice Said > >>Martin and/or Dhyrclhanc Said >> >>@Should we feel honored, Ms. Keenan?@ sends Dhyrclhanc @I mean more >>than usual?@ and he adds the teep version of a grin to the message. > >@Does your asking mean you don't, Big Guy?@ Zia promptly sends back. >How anyone can manage to so injured in feeling on just a Lens, is >quite a mystery. @Or that you always do, so it won't be any big >change? I _hope_ that the fact I would actually take this step should >signal somewhat of my respect for this group and it's purposes. I can >think of worse people to add than a lady-Knight Errant of Amber, >too.@ The now human-guised Dhyrclhanc makes a deep formal bow in the Amberite's direction. /My HUMBLEST apologies Milady; it is *always* an Honor and a Pleasure to have you amongst us and for this one to even _think_ to intimate otherwise would be both foolish and fool-hardy./ presuming Zia accepts The Big Guy's apology "If Eric is coming along maybe it would be wiser for me to use the surname 'Lance' rather than 'Lancer'. If only to avoid any potenial misunderstanings. Unless, of course, Eric feels up to the old 'no relation' shtick. Otherwise, whenever Sythea beams back down from the Xavier, sans Picachu, I think my team ought to be ready to leave." "On the other hand, has anyone seen Moonstone? She came here with my group." At which point, Sythea reapears in a transporter effect, wearing a fall-weight, light-colored, casual suit, the almost imperceptable bulge in the jacket gave away the fact that she was "carrying", too. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Mon, 2 Apr 2001 00:02:23 -0400 Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00009761 >On Sun, 1 Apr 2001 13:23:03 -0700 >Fuzzy and/or Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00009754 > >>On Sun, 1 Apr 2001 09:59:58 -0700 (PDT) >>Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00009746 >> >>/By the way, can you verify whether or not I'm in the correct >>universe? If I'm in the right place, then I'd recommend coming in >>through my hotel room. It'll be a little cramped, but at least you >>won't draw attention by your arrival. And there's a mirror and a TV >>here, in case somebody needs to gate in through one of those./ > >A little grey mousey beast climbs up on the bedside table, and > Wiggles its whiskers at Rob... The Mousey flashes green for a moment while Rob is looking at him. The snowbank was actually someone's shaved ice maker on the fritz left in the alley. ;) But, it was dark and hard to see. (Sorry Peter, missed that the first time through.) Weather in Germany is generally like it is in the mid to upper-ish midwest of the United States around August 30th. Harsher winters I'm told though. And the Rhine's just like Morgan and Roland described. I'll get to more ICish matters tomorrow, but wanted to give folks a little somethig to work with right now. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Sun, 01 Apr 2001 21:39:41 -0700 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00009762 >On Sun, 1 Apr 2001 11:27:00 -0700 (PDT) >Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00009750 > >Ziactrice gives Nemo a droll side glance upwards from the corner of >her eye on the mention of Eric's name. "Running into old comrades is >a good thing." She says, in fluent German, central Berlin accent. > >"Why don't you play 'big, mean-looking Ukranian' to back me up, Nemo? >If you can eliminate your neck, and add about 80 pounds of muscle >mass, you'd fit right in. And _you_ can manage THAT accent, where >even I have trouble. The locals won't expect to understand you. Hmmm. >Nichisky Tolstovelev, how do you like that for a name? "Er...I don't think that nationality is such a good idea. Anyone appearing to be from east of the Iron Curtain would probably draw more attention than we want," Roland notes unhappily. >"Uhm, Roland? It just so happens 'impersonating' won't be strictly >necessary. Although if you want me there in my official capacity, >I'll need to have two to three days advance notice - to convince my >boss that he wants to send me round with official orders. Plus, I'd >have to use a certain name, and be in uniform - and arrange for >papers for either two goons to go around with me, or for CAoLers to >impersonate muscle. And a car, and a driver." Zia admits. "It would a >tad complex to set up, and a bit inflexible about schedule, but it >might be convenient if the 'arrests' happened. I could make 'em >un-happen." Roland looks in disbelief at the coordinates--in a far corner of the multiverse--and back at Zia. "Sheesh. 'They ought to put you in missing persons, Strebeck, you know everybody.' Unfortunately," he continues, in more serious tone, "We only _have_ two days, and IIRC, time travel...isn't an option, for you. The offer _is_ appreciated, though." >"Mmmm. Metal detectors perhaps not, but espionage is in high swing. >Anyone who speaks English is reporting anything they can for extra >money as an informant. It's considered 'partiotic' and so no one >feels badly for doing so. They're encouraged to, at some strictness. >The money is strictly controlled, and not much can be taken in or >taken out. Border searches are very secure, and only the military on >active duty, or high ranking security forces... not including the >local police... are allowed to carry arms. Even so much as a handgun, >Roland. You must have identity papers, and stay in certain hotels if >you're a foreigner." Zia looks off into the distance, recollecting >things. "Are you thinking of West Germany, or West _Berlin_?" Morgan asks. "We're going to be in the Rhine Valley. The Doctor said it's a tourist area, and those aren't usually so tightly controlled. The border between East and West, yeah, that would be pretty locked down. But where we're going is closer to the border with France." "Well, either way, the Cold War is in full swing--thus, Interpol," Roland explains. "Unless things changed a lot in 25 years, or my world is rather different--a distinct possibility, I admit--Interpol agents can carry reasonable weapons in any allied nation. We're the ones who _find_ the Bad Guys people rat out." Roland's smile brightens somewhat. "Admittedly, it'll be complicated, but it gives us an excuse to be poking around, and I trust Fuzzy and Nemo to make our credentials impeccable. Of course, if you can actually get us a flesh-and-blood alibi, that'd be a considerable improvement." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Sun, 01 Apr 2001 21:18:40 -0700 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00009763 >On Sun, 1 Apr 2001 10:56:04 -0700 (PDT) >Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00009747 > >@Does your asking mean you don't, Big Guy?@ Zia promptly sends back. >How anyone can manage to so injured in feeling on just a Lens, is >quite a mystery. @Or that you always do, so it won't be any big >change? I _hope_ that the fact I would actually take this step should >signal somewhat of my respect for this group and it's purposes. I can >think of worse people to add than a lady-Knight Errant of Amber, >too.@ /For one so devoted to courtesy,/ Roland replies, again in even, neutral, measured tones, /you might have asked rather than assumed./ >Zia sniffs. /I have been regularly informed I have no 'decent' >exposures. All mine are far and away beyond mere 'decent'. Wouldn't >you agree, Nemo?/ /No doubt,/ Roland replies, /but the law tends to set a minimum and cares little for how far above it others strive./ He smiles faintly, getting back into the spirit of things. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Sun, 01 Apr 2001 21:44:46 -0700 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00009764 >On Sun, 1 Apr 2001 14:10:24 -0400 >Caprice/Legion Said As CAoL Message # 00009751 > >Legion sends over the link /Both Essex and I speak German, though I >dare say mine is a touch better. If you wish, I can go to that >reality at, oh, T minus 3 months, give myself time to adjust to that >reality, and then rent a house in the city. I should be able to blend >in well enough to avoid attracting attention, and it will give us a >base of operations./ /That,/ Roland replies, /would be perfect. However. Dr. Essex,/ he continues in the same calm tone, /what would be the effect on Legion, if she stayed in the timeline for three months rather than two days?/ If he gets a glare from Legion at that, he does a fair job of looking innocent. 8^) ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Sun, 01 Apr 2001 22:34:10 -0700 Rio Said As CAoL Message # 00009766 >On Sat, 31 Mar 2001 16:53:54 -0800 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00009721 > >>On Sat, 31 Mar 2001 02:55:28 -0500 >>Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00009701 >> >> "I hope that was enough of a 'doozy' for you, Mister Phoenix," >>the Doctor said with an impish grin. > > Roland nods emphatically. "Ohhh yes. My apologizes, Ms. Pendragon, >Mr Culhaim." He smiles wryly. "We get more than our share of allies >turning into enemies and vice-versa. Some days it's hard to tell the >players without a score card." Suddenly all business, his eyes >flicker, and the right sleeve on his longcoat grows a holographic >projector. There, a three-dimensional model that looks like a slow >moving variant of a (lightning ball) displays a series of readouts >below the slow-motion silver-blue lightning. "Ick. Not good. First >things first--gather the crew." On Earth 9, the corner of Rio's mind she has monitoring her new pseudo-lens alerts her to Roland's "call." >Then... >>On Sat, 31 Mar 2001 07:08:54 -0800 (PST) >>Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00009705 >> >>Do I have to like, use four colors and wear only spandex?" > >Morgan looks down at her own standard CAoL outfit, which is in muted >tones and decidedly _not_ spandex, and back at Zia with a grin. > > Roland _does_ chuckle, at that, if only faintly. /"Okay, folx, >CAoL dress code--wear something, in areas where there are laws >regarding 'indecent exposure.'"/ "Will this do?" Rio arrives in Callahan's, dressed in what would be retro at home but should fit into the '70's quite well. Then again, jeans and a t-shirt are always in style somewhere, it just depends on the details ;-). She finds a seat and listens to the briefing and planning session. >THEN... >>On Sat, 31 Mar 2001 13:38:23 -0500 >>Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00009711 >> >> The Doctor shrugs helplessly, "I wish I knew more. The attack >>will be in two days time, on the first of September, 1975, but from >>what direction it will come I can't say. The location is a tourist >>town in the Rhine river valley, around or on the Lorelei Rock. >>Mister Seven will be nine months old on that day. I'd suggest making >>contact with his family, beyond that, I can't really tell you where >>to begin. I dared not go there beforehand, and don't think it a good >>idea even without having to monitor their conditions for me to go >>now. Rassilon is, well, out of my league." > > "Mmm." Those members on the link can almost literally hear the >gears turning in Roland's head. /"Let's see. A time-travelling >adversary of immense power will attack the nine-month-old Mike Seven >in two days in 1975 Germany. Instead of spawning a separate timeline, >his success will obviate all of the changes Mike has made to the >multiverse. Z'On'Dar succeeding is one of the more pleasant options >in this case. > /"If we're too open with our powers, we might cause a serious >paradox. Nass, some of us could cause a paradox by just being _seen._ >Rassilon doesn't have this problem. We can't tell the elder Sevens >anything for the same reason. Both you, Doctor, and Dhyrclhanc are >our remaining Time Lord experts--and your two Gallifreys are very >different both from each other and from Mike's. From what I >understand, there aren't any 'secret powers' societies in the >timeline we're going to that could help--well, except for Mr. >Seven's, proving once again that God is an iron. And I don't even >know how many of us speak German."/ "Ja, ich spreche das Deutsch," Rio says with a passable accent. She adds with a smile, "Being a military brat _does_ have it's advantages. And hopefully my adeptness with Time will be of some use. Spotting fluxes and interference, stuff like that." >After folx answer _that_ part... >>On Sat, 31 Mar 2001 15:45:39 -0500 >>Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00009712 >> >> The Doctor looks momentarily baffled and unsure of just how to >>take Dhyrclhanc. "Uh, well, I'm not sure of what you mean, but yes, >>my TARDIS would be a bad idea. I didn't risk bringing the TARDIS >>here for fear of being trapped in this place's temporal nexus, my >>own twentieth century earth is enough of a repeat draw for the >>TARDIS to fight, let alone trying to fight this one as well, and I >>certainly would not want to provide ready transport for Rassilon by >> travelling there." He takes out a pen and scribbles a long string >>of coordinates in a spidery handwriting, labeling it "epicenter of >>temporal wave front" onto a bar coaster and then copies it onto a >>napkin, passing the coaster to Roland and the napkin to Dhyrclhanc. > > /"Ah,"/ Roland reples, making another gesture to the X-Window. >What looks like a floppy drive grows out of one side. He reads the >coaster carefully, copying the information into his own >timeline-monitoring hologram, then feeds it into the 'floppy drive' >in the X-Window. > The grayed-out screen comes to life, showing a beautiful green >valley through which a healthy river flows. (OOC: Morgan went looking >for information on that section of the Rhine. We got a view from >Lorelei Rock of the valley there. Wow. 8^) "Cool," the CoX comments. >On Sun, 1 Apr 2001 13:34:11 -0700 (PDT) >Driscoll Said As CAoL Message # 00009756 > > Jim's clothing begins ot shift and morph until after a moment or two >he stands before you dressed in a white disco suit with black shirt >with the top four buttons undone and revealing a large amount of >blonde chesthair. Around his neck are several gold pendants and he >appears to be a good four inches taller due to the high heeled >platform shoes on his feet with clar heals, inside of whihc seem to >be swimming goldfish. > "Alright, we are ready." Rio looks at the unknown member of the team. "Who's the Travolta-wanna-be?" It's not clear from her expression whether she's amused or horrified ;-). ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Sun, 1 Apr 2001 22:52:55 -0700 (PDT) Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00009767 >Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00009761 > >>On Sun, 1 Apr 2001 13:23:03 -0700 >>Fuzzy and/or Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00009754 >> >>A little grey mousey beast climbs up on the bedside table, and >> Wiggles its whiskers at Rob... > > The Mousey flashes green for a moment while Rob is looking at >him. Rob gives the mouse a scritch on the head before it scampers off. > The snowbank was actually someone's shaved ice maker on the >fritz left in the alley. ;) > But, it was dark and hard to see. (Sorry Peter, missed that the >first time through.) [OOC: Hey, I missed the part in your e-mail about _August_, or I would have rewritten to have Rob land in an open Dumpster, or the equivalent. So if we're going to be apologizing for bad writing, I get the front of the line. Sorry about that error.] /Looks like I'm in the right place after all. Roland, are you certain that Mike's home universe is the same as the one where 'Gary Seven' worked incognito?/ With that in, Rob turns his attention to attempting a small miracle - making hotel issue coffee into something drinkable. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Sun, 01 Apr 2001 23:02:46 -0700 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00009768 >On Sun, 1 Apr 2001 13:10:22 -0700 (PDT) >Driscoll Said As CAoL Message # 00009753 > >>On Sat, 31 Mar 2001 16:53:54 -0800 >>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00009721 >> >> Roland _does_ chuckle, at that, if only faintly. /"Okay, folx, >>CAoL dress code--wear something, in areas where there are laws >>regarding 'indecent exposure.'"/ > > Jim cocks his head and shrugs, "We still don't understand what the >distress is at other seeing us unclothed as it is the same matter as >when we are clothed, but we will comply. Sometimes humans are just >silly.." Roland fights off a chuckle valiantly. "Indeed we are, Jim. Indeed we are. Note, however, that I referred to the legal strictures in an area--most of the CAoL, unless I'm very mistaken, does not have that silly prejudice." Roland thinks for a moment, then gives in to the chuckle. "And why _that_ would remind me of...one moment." There's a brief burst of telepathic activity from the immortal, and an X-Window opens. Sil and Eric walk through, both looking rather singed. The barrel of the chain gun is still peeking slightly out of her back. Roland raises an eyebrow. "Partying a little too hard, Sil?" "You could say that," Sil replies dryly. "Your friend here sure knows how to show a lady a good time." This time _Morgan_ raises an eyebrow. ^This I've gotta hear,^ she sends to Roland. Eric actually looks faintly embarrassed. (This means, of course, anyone else would be blushing furiously.) "Your...sister, cousin, whatever...asked me to accompany her to a bar. I thought she wanted a bodyguard." Roland fights another chuckle. And the fact that Morgan is giggling in his head doesn't help. "A date. She asked you out on a _date._ And you didn't even notice?" "I was being subtle," Sil replies smugly. "Apparently," Morgan replies brightly, her smile broadening. "At _any_ rate," Eric continues, plowing through any further wisecracks, "it turns out we attracted some attention. The remaining Technocratic elements in the Order of Reason wanted their HIT-Mark back, and some of the Walking Dead decided I'd make a nice snack for their reps as well as their rotting forms. You can guess how well things worked out for them." "Gotta love superior firepower," Sil finishes. "Best date I've had in a while." "And _have_ you dated anyone since Ma'an?" Roland replies dryly. "Eric, you trying to get my Spirit Guide sent to the next life?" "Hey, it's not a party if there's a building left when you're done," Sil says, with a laugh that clearly shows that she doesn't mean it. Eric smiles his spooky little smile. "Nothing like a lady who knows how to have a good time." His eyes flicker briefly to Zia as he says it--though how anyone could tell with those sunglasses on is anyone's guess. "So, where's the latest soiree you're holding?" Sil asks, grinning. "And how dangerous is it?" Eric adds, this time letting the sunglasses slip so that his glance at Rio is obvious. "Earth. Germany. 1975," Rio explains in a self-satisfied tone. "If it was as simple as it sounds, this bunch wouldn't be needed," Eric retorts. Roland sighs (tm Seosaidh)... ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Sun, 01 Apr 2001 23:30:47 -0700 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00009769 >On Sun, 1 Apr 2001 22:52:55 -0700 (PDT) >Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00009767 > >/Looks like I'm in the right place after all. Roland, are you certain >that Mike's home universe is the same as the one where 'Gary Seven' >worked incognito?/ /Pretty sure,/ Roland replies dryly. /Gary Seven's Mike's father./ Any humor in his tone vanishes. /The man's got a cover so deep he makes MiB look flashy. If he's appearing in the papers, we already have a serious problem. Look at that article again, would you, Rob? I'd like to have one of the German-capable members have a look. We should keep a close eye on Mr. and Mrs. Seven, even if we can't make contact./ (OOC: I'll wait for Mike's update to send us through the X-Window, but I'm planning on bringing the team through then. We can retcon any further planning. Besides, Roland has an excuse to get the team in gear--the plot is ticking.) ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Past Imperfect On Mon, 02 Apr 2001 01:12:56 -0700 Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00009770 >On Sun, 1 Apr 2001 08:17:04 EDT >Scott Osborne Said As CAoL Message # 00009744 > >>Hahlock." The careful observer of body language would note that she >>was on the verge of flirting with Scott before she identified him. > >Scott either didn't notice, or is a rather good actor. "Well, I can >find him rather easily. Drawing him out might be a bit trickier, but OOC: based on what I saw in AAE6? Didn't notice. ;) >back of the piece of cardboard, and an image of Harlock's current >location appears on the front. Unfortunately, the view isn't very helpful: Harlock is shown playing his mandolin while floating in a pool of inky blackness. Erindrea doesn't seem to notice, however, as she stares avidly at the cardboard. "Mistah Osbohn, if ah could ask you to let me make the initial contact? You see, as near as ah can figyah, mah daddy's been in theh foh 'bout two months now, and ah'm...concerned about how he maht react to anyone else." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Past Imperfect On Mon, 2 Apr 2001 05:27:02 EDT Scott Osborne Said As CAoL Message # 00009771 >Unfortunately, the view isn't very helpful: Harlock is shown playing >his mandolin while floating in a pool of inky blackness. Erindrea >doesn't seem to notice, however, as she stares avidly at the >cardboard. "Mistah Osbohn, if ah could ask you to let me make the >initial contact? You see, as near as ah can figyah, mah daddy's been >in theh foh 'bout two months now, and ah'm...concerned about how he >maht react to anyone else." "Herm. Contacting him may be a touch difficult, from what I can tell. It'd be easier to just pull him from there to here. If he's where I think he is, he might find himself thinking your voice was a delusion; if we're just being blocked, then results are not guaranteed. But the decision is yours." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Mon, 2 Apr 2001 07:44:13 -0400 Caprice/Legion Said As CAoL Message # 00009772 >On Sun, 01 Apr 2001 21:44:46 -0700 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00009764 > >>On Sun, 1 Apr 2001 14:10:24 -0400 >>Caprice/Legion Said As CAoL Message # 00009751 >> >>Legion sends over the link /Both Essex and I speak German, though I >>dare say mine is a touch better. If you wish, I can go to that >>reality at, oh, T minus 3 months, give myself time to adjust to that >>reality, and then rent a house in the city. I should be able to >>blend in well enough to avoid attracting attention, and it will give >>us a base of operations./ > > /That,/ Roland replies, /would be perfect. However. Dr. Essex,/ he >continues in the same calm tone, /what would be the effect on Legion, >if she stayed in the timeline for three months rather than two days?/ > If he gets a glare from Legion at that, he does a fair job of >looking innocent. 8^) Legion, however, is not fooled by the innocent look. Mischief, after all, does it much better. Essex ponders the question /Physically, it will be better for her than this groups normal gadding about. Her body will have time to adapt completely to that reality, instead of a half-converted form with possibly incompatiable internal systems... I'll accompany her, of course, to make sure nothing goes wrong. Mentally... if her doppleganger is close enough to a reality she's visited before, there should be no problem. If it is sufficently different, however, she will have a new persona to adapt to. Both problems are a matter of a week or twos adjustment, part of the reason for her giving herself sufficent lead time./ ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) (LONG!)(sorry) On Mon, 2 Apr 2001 08:48:21 -0400 Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00009773 >On Sun, 1 Apr 2001 14:54:21 -0500 >Martin and/or Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00009758 > >"On the other hand, has anyone seen Moonstone? She came here with my >group." > >At which point, Sythea reapears in a transporter effect, wearing a >fall-weight, light-colored, casual suit, the almost imperceptable >bulge in the jacket gave away the fact that she was "carrying", too. At which point, "Derek" gets his answer as the transporter beam shimmers into existance again, and Moonstone arrives in her human form. She's changed her hair color, it's now an extremely light blonde instead of the normal white, and she's foregone the college wear of the millenium for college wear of the last quarter of the decade: bellbottoms, sandals, a college t-shirf with "Dalhousie University" printed on the front, and a dark blue nylon backpack with a Canadian flag sewn prominently on the back. Around her neck is an old Nikon camera with telephoto lens. An AM transistor radio is hanging from a belt loop. She blinks as she looks over the others going. "Whoa, narcs." then drops a thick folder on the table next to her. "There, all the usual paperwork for "Moon" Stone (including legal name change), student of Dalhousie University, freshmen class of 1974, parents are Michael and Adriann Stone of Ottawa. Little Moon is currently taking a semester off in her studies of Engineering to study medieval architecture and the amount of beer the average college girl can consume in one Oktoberfest. All ready to be slipped into the proper files across the planet, should anyone desire being thorough. And yes, I had a _very_ good forgery teacher." Anna and Finn are meanwhile quietly conversing. "I think," Anna says, "We'll stay here. Finn will be conspicuous of course, but so will I, considering there aren't many 6'2" women running around with artificial arms. And as you've got every aspect covered, it seems, we're not going to be of much use, either way." "I would offer two pieces of advice," the Doctor adds, "Both which some of you are already following: The less conspicuous, the better. And, if all else fails, trust time to sort itself out later." Moonstone tosses the Doctor a standard comm badge. "Keep in touch, Doctor, we might still need help from outside." At the few looks she's probably garnering, she adds exasperatedly, "Yes, it's a highly restricted, limited, secure link. I had some help with that. What are you worried about anyway, the Doctor and the Big Guy are old friends, remember?" ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Mon, 2 Apr 2001 06:24:30 -0700 (PDT) Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00009775 >On Sun, 01 Apr 2001 21:18:40 -0700 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00009763 > >>On Sun, 1 Apr 2001 10:56:04 -0700 (PDT) >>Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00009747 >> >>@Does your asking mean you don't, Big Guy?@ Zia promptly sends back. >>How anyone can manage to so injured in feeling on just a Lens, is >>quite a mystery. @Or that you always do, so it won't be any big >>change? I _hope_ that the fact I would actually take this step >>should signal somewhat of my respect for this group and it's >>purposes. I can think of worse people to add than a lady-Knight >>Errant of Amber, too.@ > > /For one so devoted to courtesy,/ Roland replies, again in even, >neutral, measured tones, /you might have asked rather than assumed./ Zia half-grimaces to herself, then looks back in the Freelance Immortal's direction, /Actually, I hadn't yet assumed you would accept. DC did that. All I said was, the Crown of Amber gave me permission, and that I don't think I'm the worst you could find. I have noted that as yet, you've said nothing. However, that doesn't mean I won't continue to aid your group, in whatever limited capacity is acceptable./ Despite her attempt at a light tone, the mental communication conveys that she is unwontedly serious, and about half-convinced Roland will decide against her 'actually' joining. She is wondering whether this will be the crux point where she is asked to leave, in fact. >>Zia sniffs. /I have been regularly informed I have no 'decent' >>exposures. All mine are far and away beyond mere 'decent'. Wouldn't >>you agree, Nemo?/ > > /No doubt,/ Roland replies, /but the law tends to set a minimum >and cares little for how far above it others strive./ He smiles >faintly, getting back into the spirit of things. /Note to self. Christmas preset for the Pheonix clan males this year is to be speedos with Morgan's clan tartarn - or other marking of her clan, not sure she HAS a clan plaid. So Morgan and Rio can enjoy their, er, indirect Christmas presents./ ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Mon, 2 Apr 2001 08:20:25 -0700 (PDT) Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00009777 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00009769 > >>On Sun, 1 Apr 2001 22:52:55 -0700 (PDT) >>Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00009767 > >>/Looks like I'm in the right place after all. Roland, are you >>certain that Mike's home universe is the same as the one where 'Gary >>Seven' worked incognito?/ > > /Pretty sure,/ Roland replies dryly. /Gary Seven's Mike's father./ >Any humor in his tone vanishes. /The man's got a cover so deep he >makes MiB look flashy. If he's appearing in the papers, we already >have a serious problem. Look at that article again, would you, Rob? >I'd like to have one of the German-capable members have a look. We >should keep a close eye on Mr. and Mrs. Seven, even if we can't make >contact./ /Got it. Oh, one more thing. Dhyrclhanc, would it be too much trouble to produce a few things for me? I think that {} would be a little more believable than the denim jacket. My current pair of jeans should be fine, though. Oh, and I'll need shoes. Diadora wasn't around before the eighties. Converse All-Stars will work, if you have a template for them./ Rob then turns to the paper. /This {} is the story. Let me know what it says./ ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) (LONG!)(sorry) On Mon, 2 Apr 2001 11:37:21 -0400 Martin and/or Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00009778 >On Mon, 2 Apr 2K1, Mike Knight Said > >>Martin and/or Dhyrclhanc Said > She blinks as she looks over the others going. "Whoa, narcs." >then drops a thick folder on the table next to her. "There, all the >usual paperwork for "Moon" Stone (including legal name change), >student of Dalhousie University, freshmen class of 1974, parents are >Michael and Adriann Stone of Ottawa. Little Moon is currently taking >a semester off in her studies of Engineering to study medieval >architecture and the amount of beer the average college girl can >consume in one Oktoberfest. All ready to be slipped into the proper >files across the planet, should anyone desire being thorough. And >yes, I had a _very_ good forgery teacher." "Someone's been doing their homework." mutters Dhyrclhanc, under his breath. > Moonstone tosses the Doctor a standard comm badge. "Keep in >touch, Doctor, we might still need help from outside." At the few >looks she's probably garnering, she adds exasperatedly, "Yes, it's a >highly restricted, limited, secure link. I had some help with that. >What are you worried about anyway, the Doctor and the Big Guy are old >friends, remember?" "Er, um, Moonstone, not that I don't appriciate you taking the initiative, or anything, and not that I think giving the Doctor a way to keep in touch with us _isn't_ a good thing... " stamers the Human-guised draconic-Lensman, watching the Doctor pin the combadge, shaped like a Police Call Box, onto his cream-colored lapel, "In fact, it *is* a good idea; however, for the link to function while we, and the Xavier, are elsewhere, and elsewhen, is going to require me to place a satelite, with trans-dimensional relay capability, in geo-synchronous orbit above the Place." *Also, I am not sure that either the Doctor, or myself, have come to the inexcapable conclusion that _this_ Doctor is one of a multitude of cognates, and various {incarnations/reincarnations}of the specific cognate of the Doctor, and his {incarnations/reincarnations}that *I* spent a good chunk of, er, um, time with. However, full marks all around. {telepathic equivalent of a smile}* Presuming that the Xavier hasn't left yet, and the placement of the satellite goes off without a hitch, the Doctor will have the ability to communicate with the CAoL in 1975 "Earth-Seven" Mike, while in Greymalkin, I'll say that Moonstone had access to Dhyrclhanc's, computerized, magickal grimoire. That way, you'll have the excuse for her to have access to a hand-full of GURPS-style Tech-College spells, as well as a similar number of four-color-type offencive and defensive spells. If you want. ================================= Subject: Re:AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Mon, 2 Apr 2001 12:14:44 -0400 Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00009779 >On Sat, 31 Mar 2001 16:53:54 -0800 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00009721 > >>On Sat, 31 Mar 2001 02:55:28 -0500 >>Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00009701 >> >>>On Fri, 30 Mar 2001 14:48:35 -0800 >>>Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00009696 >>> >>> "Doctor who?" Roland replied dryly, pun definitely intended. >> >> The Doctor arched an eyebrow slightly and replied softly, >>almost under his breath, with a sly smile, "That's the question." > > "An answer would be nice," Roland replies dryly enough for people >to wonder if that's Eric under the armor. 8^) The Doctor's mouth twitchs. He's been avoiding that answer for the last 953 years. "The one who met up with Mister Seven on Quarren, who studies his blood and later the results of his first regeneration into a woman who reminded me a great deal of a Time Lady of my acquaintence and a princess of that Time Lady's and my acquaintance, the one who cloned him a new body after that regeneration died at the hands of the Controller, not the one who waylaid him on Greyworld for some misadventure involving the Brigadier. Any other answer would have no meaning as there's nothing to compare it to." > >> "It is my belief that Rassilon is at the root of our current >>dilemna, seeking revenge from the destruction brought about by >>Michael Seven and his clones by wiping his existance from the >>Multiverse. This would most certainly play havok with his time line, >>but I expect he's got a plan to circumvent his own rewriting of his >>past. After all, even death couldn't stop the immortal Rassilon. I >>seriously doubt a potential paradox will slow him down. > > (OOC note: I'm going to assume that nothing said here sets off >Morgan's Bene Gesserit Truth Sense.) > >(OOC-M: Which she _would_ have been using, given the circumstances.) The Doctor's telling the truth. Maybe not his reasons behind why he cares about all this, but everything he states is truthful. He's anxious and worried, but it's tightly controlled for the most part. He's just a bit touchy right now as he's got a major temporal crisi in his lap with his own existance at stake and can't do more than tell someone about it. Anna is telling the truth. Additionally, she's distressed about Mike's condition, worried about her own potential future, exasperated with a loved one, namely Finn, and scared that the CAoL won't help based on who she is, all at appropriate points in the dialogue. Finn's telling the truth. He's also feeling very protective of Anna, someone he loves deeply, and worried how he, the Doctor and Anna might stop Rassilon if the CAoL doesn't help. >Meanwhile, Morgan's ears have perked up at the mention of Finn's >surname. "Ciamar a tha sibh, Tighern Culhaim?" opposed to informal "How are you?", and Tighern is used in the SCA as >"lord" but I'm using it here as "mister."> Not only is she speaking >Gaelic, but those who would know such things would recognize is >Medieval Gaelic (in between Old and Early Modern, c. 1000-1400 CE in >RL history). Finn replies, as best he can, in Modern Gaelic. "I think you're looking for my great-great-great-great-great-and so on-grandfather, Fionn mac Culhaim. I'm just 'Finn' and I'm a heap of nerves, I don't mind telling you." > Roland nods emphatically. "Ohhh yes. My apologizes, Ms. Pendragon, >Mr Culhaim." He smiles wryly. "We get more than our share of allies >turning into enemies and vice-versa. Some days it's hard to tell the >players without a score card." Suddenly all business, his eyes >flicker, and the right sleeve on his longcoat grows a holographic >projector. There, a three-dimensional model that looks like a slow >moving variant of a (lightning ball) displays a series of readouts >below the slow-motion silver-blue lightning. "Ick. Not good. First >things first--gather the crew." A wave of relief and a huge weight lifts from the Doctor, Anna and Finn's shoulders. The Doctor smiles, "I know the feeling well." > Roland takes a second look at these coordinates. "Kind of...out in >the boonies, for a Trek-verse, isn't it?" The Doctor nods. "I've asked, but Mister Seven has no more answers than I do about how or why it wound up that far out." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Mon, 2 Apr 2001 09:26:44 -0700 (PDT) Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00009780 >On Sun, 1 Apr 2001 14:14:34 -0700 (PDT) >Driscoll Said As CAoL Message # 00009757 > > Jim looks over at Zia and nods, "Given some matter we could bring >into ourselves, we could simulate a 1970's car for you to use to >lower the conspicuousness of the group... we only ask you use good >unleaded rather than the regualr... leaded gas tastes terrible..." "Hm. I'd need a place to conceal the authentic, but yes, that would certainly give you an ideal 'cover identity'. I presume you can easily mimic armor plating and the like. Does it truly? Now, I would have bet on the opposite, that leaded would in a sense taste better, since the lead helps decompose the longer hydrocarbons in the cylinders. Never would have guessed that. We'll have to bring some along, then, or have Nemo or Nemesis crack it onsite. Unleaded was not common in this place at this time." ================================= Subject: AAE7: Final Boarding Call? On Mon, 2 Apr 2001 12:49:35 EDT Scott Osborne Said As CAoL Message # 00009781 Scott, once he's finished with the Erin and Harlock situation, turns around, and claps his hands. "Well, since I suppose you'll be leaving shortly, I'd better give out those party favors I promised." With that, he turns towards the door, where a large, grey, wolfish looking dog is pulling a large orange bin on wheels; the task is somewhat complicated by the fact that the bin is vibrating. Eric (and Harlock, if he's around) notice that this is the exact same box he pulled out of a closet before the trip to EmptyWorld. "Thanks, Bob." He pats the dog on the head, at which point the dog leaves. "Well. Let's see here." Scott opens the bin. There are a large number of devices in the bin; all share a few qualities; one, all are designed to attach to the body; two, a large button; three, a switch of some kind. He pulls one out. "These are fairly simple devices; they won't protect you from paradox, but they should help with temporal divergence. Doctor, please forgive me if I foul up my explanation; temporal divergence is a slightly different phenomena then straight paradox. For example, if I alter history in some way that effects you directly, but doesn't prevent your existence, let us say, to put a new twist on an old trope, killing your grandfather after you were born; if you still exist, as you would in the grandfather scenario proposed, there would be two versions of you; usually the new one overwrites the old, although in some cases you must deal with a split memory, or the old version remains; which of these happens depends on local temporal ordinance." Scott holds up the device. "These merely prevent divergence while you wear them. The switch controls whether or not it is visible to others, and the button allows a brief coexistence with the version of you that would result if the protection was not provided. Once it comes off, you become the 'new' version, so don't take these things off until this mission is over. Thus, I recommend choosing a model that fits comfortably; most notably, either the wristwatch or the Earth Alliance style comm-pad." Scott looks around. "Any questions?" ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Mon, 2 Apr 2001 11:12:06 -0700 (PDT) Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00009783 >On Sun, 01 Apr 2001 21:39:41 -0700 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00009762 For some reason, I seem to be getting some posts a day to two after they're sent. Just in case I'm slow or don't respond in order, that's why, okay? >>On Sun, 1 Apr 2001 11:27:00 -0700 (PDT) >>Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00009750 >> >>"Why don't you play 'big, mean-looking Ukranian' to back me up, >>Nemo? If you can eliminate your neck, and add about 80 pounds of >>muscle mass, you'd fit right in. And _you_ can manage THAT accent, >>where even I have trouble. The locals won't expect to understand >>you. Hmmm. Nichisky Tolstovelev, how do you like that for a name? > > "Er...I don't think that nationality is such a good idea. Anyone >appearing to be from east of the Iron Curtain would probably draw >more attention than we want," Roland notes unhappily. "Okay, but there are Ukranians native to the area at the time. But it was only a notion. I'm sure Nemo can pick out a cover he is most comfortable with." > Roland looks in disbelief at the coordinates--in a far corner of >the multiverse--and back at Zia. "Sheesh. 'They ought to put you in >missing persons, Strebeck, you know everybody.' Unfortunately," he >continues, in more serious tone, "We only _have_ two days, and IIRC, >time travel...isn't an option, for you. The offer _is_ appreciated, >though." "It's good to be an Amberite." Zia retorts, with an embarassed shrug. "I already have a shadow there, and since you opened the X-window, I've been acclimatizing myself, so to speak. Two days. My background with the current mutation of the SPD there is spotty, so I'll just get wheels in motion. If we need miss our deadline, perhaps it'll assist with possible damage control at least." She shakes her head. "Although looking for the Stasi to save the CAoL trouble with arrests or inconvenient explanations _does_ feel a bit odd." >"Are you thinking of West Germany, or West _Berlin_?" Morgan asks. >"We're going to be in the Rhine Valley. The Doctor said it's a >tourist area, and those aren't usually so tightly controlled. The >border between East and West, yeah, that would be pretty locked down. >But where we're going is closer to the border with France." "uhm... What's your point, please, Morgan? I was only trying to be helpful. Perhaps the Doctor has more experience with Communist regimes than I do. Do you mind if I get all paranoid and over-prepare? It's my usual modus operandi." She looks thoughtful. "I certainly don't claim to be a native cultural expert. After all, my principle contribution under this regime will be/was interjecting a single word in a teleprompter for Gunter in about, uhm, fourteen years hence. Give or take per individual Shadow-echoes." She grins. "One of the best jokes I've ever pulled off. Even Roger didn't catch on to _that_ one." > "Well, either way, the Cold War is in full swing--thus, Interpol," >Roland explains. "Unless things changed a lot in 25 years, or my >world is rather different--a distinct possibility, I admit--Interpol >agents can carry reasonable weapons in any allied nation. We're the >ones who _find_ the Bad Guys people rat out." Roland's smile >brightens somewhat. "Admittedly, it'll be complicated, but it gives >us an excuse to be poking around, and I trust Fuzzy and Nemo to make >our credentials impeccable. Of course, if you can actually get us a >flesh-and-blood alibi, that'd be a considerable improvement." "Just remember the Russian mafia will think we're there to hunt them." Zia says, unhappily. "I hate being sniped at." She brightens. "But then again, think of the fun if they try to rig a car-bomb on Jim??!" She giggles. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE7: Final Boarding Call? On Mon, 02 Apr 2001 11:41:21 -0700 Rio Said As CAoL Message # 00009784 >On Mon, 2 Apr 2001 12:49:35 EDT >Scott Osborne Said As CAoL Message # 00009781 > >Scott, once he's finished with the Erin and Harlock situation, turns >around, and claps his hands. >Scott holds up the device. "These merely prevent divergence while you >wear them. The switch controls whether or not it is visible to >others, and the button allows a brief coexistence with the version of >you that would result if the protection was not provided. Once it >comes off, you become the 'new' version, so don't take these things >off until this mission is over. Thus, I recommend choosing a model >that fits comfortably; most notably, either the wristwatch or the >Earth Alliance style comm-pad." Rio looks in the box. "Oh, yeah, having a comm pad stuck to the back of your hand will be _real_ inconspicuous on 70's Earth," she says, not bothering to mask that sarcasm. >Scott looks around. "Any questions?" She looks at Scott. "No. Thanks, but no thanks," the time mage says simply. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE7: Final Boarding Call? On Mon, 2 Apr 2001 14:58:17 EDT Scott Osborne Said As CAoL Message # 00009785 >In a message dated 4/2/01 11:08:08 AM Pacific Daylight Time, >Rio writes: > >Rio looks in the box. "Oh, yeah, having a comm pad stuck to the back >of your hand will be _real_ inconspicuous on 70's Earth," she says, >not bothering to mask that sarcasm. "You didn't catch the part about the switch, did you? I'm sorry for squeezing that in the middle of the discussion; I guess it's just my music to the tune of ADD style. Here, Bob." The dog walks back in. Scott rummages through the bin, and comes up with a dog collar. "I had this in case Roscoe showed up. But I'll use it now to show you what I mean. You mind, Bob?" The dog does not react, so Scott attaches the collar to Bob. He then flicks the switch. The collar disappears. "He can see it, nobody else can. Just that simple." He reaches to the same spot, and fumbles around; the collar reappears; he removes it from Bob, and throws it in the bin. "Thanks again, Bob. This is what, two I owe you?" The dog growls. "Three, then. Sorry, Bob; forgot about the other ongoing favor. Good day, then?" The dog barks in a friendly manner, and walks away. >She looks at Scott. "No. Thanks, but no thanks," the time mage says >simply. "I didn't expect you to want one; you are, after all, supposed to be able to handle these things; these are for the 'temporally disadvantaged'." ================================= Subject: AAE7a: Mouse Hunt On Mon, 2 Apr 2001 15:15:38 -0400 Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00009786 Outside the Sieben apartment building, the place belonging to the name registered in the phonebook, sat a man on a motorcycle. His long blonde hair hung down to his midback, gathered in a white cord at the base of his skull. His white, undyed denim jean jacket hung open, revealing a white t-shirt tucked into undyed denim bellbottom jeans. Brown belt and boots were the only dark colors, with gold buckes and fasteners where metal showed. A gold band sat on the left hand ring finger. His blue eyes gazed at a seventh floor balcony serenely from behind gold-framed yellow-tinted sunglasses. Two white helmets sat behind him on the white vinyl seat of the lowrider, the V-twin machine covered in gold-colored chrome and white paint almost glowed under the streetlight. To say that it was highly polished and immaculately maintained would be an understatement. It belonged in a showroom, or on display somewhere. Seth allowed himself to be seen there on the road, at least to the Mousey Beast and those monitoring it. He nodded to it with a slight wave, then went back to looking at the balcony. Inside that apartment, a woman stood over the crib, dressed in a long knitted undyed wool vest and undyed denim skirt, with a white blouse underneath and yellow John-Lennon sunglasses perched low on her nose. A few daisies were woven into her golden blonde hair. She had the same serene look as the man on the bike downstairs, her blue eyes twinkling at the infant with mismatched eyes, standing up and holding onto the handrails of the crib before her. "You're going to have a very special life, little Michael," the woman said, tapping the baby on the nose with the tip of her finger, the contact making the air glow golden and ripple outward like a finger dipped in a pool of sunlit water. "Someday, you'll leave this world behind and see all manner of wonderous things. Some may change you forever, break your heart, patch it up like new. Just remember, follow your conscience and your heart and don't be ashamed or afraid to do what feels right. If you lose faith, He'll understand and welcome you back when you find it again, no matter how often you fall." From outside came a call from down in the street, a tenor voice as clear as a cloudless sky singing, "O, slender as a willow wand! O, clearer than clear water! O, reed by the living pond! Fair River-daughter!" The woman at the crib turned toward the sound, smiling, and sung back in a soprano that could only be Heaven-sent, "Old Tom Bombadil is a merry fellow. Bright blue his jacket is, and his boots are yellow," then said, "Well, sometimes they are, little one. And now I must go. But, we will meet again. And things will be better for it." Michael began bawling as the woman slipped out of the room and onto the balcony. Another woman, with tinted blonde hair and dressed in a pink fuzzy bathrobe came in and held the crying baby. "Aww, did something scare you?" Roberta Lincoln-Seven asked her son, taking a seat on a chair and rocking her body gently back and forth. A black cat walked in, a silver ribbon collar around its neck. "Mrow?" Isis the cat queried. "Some help you are," Roberta reproached the feline quietly. Isis yawned and sat down in the doorway by the hinge. Outside, on the balcony, the blonde woman sat on the railing, putting her feet over, then dropped to the ground, a pair of white wings sprouting from her back as a halo illuminated her. After landing, she also allowed herself to be seen, wings and halo concealed now, and walked over to Seth, the gold ring on her left ring finger glittering as she touched his face. "Hello, Seth." "Hello, Lilith." The woman, Lilith, got on the bike and both put on their helmets before the engine gently rumbled into life and they slowly drove off into the night for all to see once again. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load On Mon, 2 Apr 2001 15:53:06 -0400 Martin and/or Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00009787 >On Mon, 2 April 2K1 Rob N Said > >Oh, one more thing. Dhyrclhanc, would it be too much trouble to >produce a few things for me? I think that {fitb #1} would be a little >more believable than the denim jacket. My current pair of jeans >should be fine, though. Oh, and I'll need shoes. Diadora wasn't >around before the eighties. Converse All-Stars will work, if you have >a template for them./ Dhyrclhanc responds /Between my own personal nano-production capabilities and the Xavier's advanced replicator systems, that shouldn't be a problem./ The Human-form Sentinel-Lensdragon extends his {fitb #2} continental-range extra-sensory perception into the high-atmosphere and "watches" the Xavier appear in the local time-space. Then he extends this same esp-ability in Rob's dirrection, finding him in his hotel room. /Forgive this seeming intrusion of your privacy, Rob, but you are in room {fitb #3} in the {fitb #4}Hotel. Right? I only ask because I can do a sight-to-sight transport of the stuff you asked for./ ---------------------------------------------------------------------- _footnotes_ (I hope somebody can help me with these): {fitb #1} What kind of a jacket did you want to replace your denim one? {fitb #2} The race from the Lensman Chronicals that looks like a cross between an elephant and a mutated tree stump. They were the first non-human race that Virgil Samms recruited into the war with the Zwilnitz (sp?) in "First Lensman", IIRC. {fitb #3} Whatever hotel-room Rob is actually in. {fitb #4} Whatever Hotel Rob is actually in. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Mon, 02 Apr 2001 13:53:28 -0700 Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00009788 >On Mon, 2 Apr 2001 11:12:06 -0700 (PDT) >Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00009783 > >>On Sun, 01 Apr 2001 21:39:41 -0700 >>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00009762 >> >>"Are you thinking of West Germany, or West _Berlin_?" Morgan asks. >>"We're going to be in the Rhine Valley. The Doctor said it's a >>tourist area, and those aren't usually so tightly controlled. The >>border between East and West, yeah, that would be pretty locked >>down. But where we're going is closer to the border with France." > >"uhm... What's your point, please, Morgan? I was only trying to be >helpful. Perhaps the Doctor has more experience with Communist >regimes than I do. Do you mind if I get all paranoid and >over-prepare? It's my usual modus operandi." She looks thoughtful. "I >certainly don't claim to be a native cultural expert. After all, my >principle contribution under this regime will be/was interjecting a >single word in a teleprompter for Gunter in about, uhm, fourteen >years hence. Give or take per individual Shadow-echoes." She grins. >"One of the best jokes I've ever pulled off. Even Roger didn't catch >on to _that_ one." Morgan blinks at Zia again. "I think we've got our wires crossed somewhere. It sounds to me like you think we're going into a Communist controlled area. As I remember the history of that area, _East_ Germany is Communist, West Germany isn't. West _Berlin_ is completely surrounded by East Germany, and so getting in and out would be tougher, but that's now where we're going. We're going to a tourist area in West Germany, so I don't think we'll be having to deal with papers and only staying in certain 'approved' hotels and the like." She smiles. "Of course, you're right that this world might be different, and that being prepared is always a Good Thing. It just seems to me from what we know so far that Communists are a non-issue." Roland nods. "From what _I_ recall, the 'surface' history of Earth's 1975 in a Federation universe matches my own world's. The Eugenics Project just got started, but that won't affect anything for literally a generation. That means the eastern portion of Germany is Communist, and the western portion is 'free world,' aka NATO-aligned. On the other hand," he mutters darkly, "it wouldn't be the first time I've come across a world where things were reversed." Roland looks intensely at the X-Window, steps to it, and holds out his hands carefully. He's nearly "This will just take a moment." Behind him, a holographic display appears, showing what the X-Window shows, at first. Then it shifts rapidly, as Roland projects what he sees through a little-used power of his... ...his Extra-Sensory Perception. (OOC-R: Okay, Mike, he's checking out 'public record' in the 'free world,' to make sure that this cognate doesn't have any unpleasant surprises that would be known to anyone who kept half an eye open. He won't catch small details, if you're looking forward to having us get weird look from time to time , but if the U.S.S.R. is the bastion of democracy and NATO is the Evil Empire, he'll figure it out in short order. FTR, his ESP allows him to project any sense, and he can perform 'psychometry' somewhat crudely for information that stretches back a few years. For obvious reasons, he isn't even going to _think_ of trying precognition. ;^) ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Mon, 02 Apr 2001 14:21:09 -0700 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00009789 >On Sun, 01 Apr 2001 23:30:47 -0700 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00009769 > > /Pretty sure,/ Roland replies dryly. /Gary Seven's Mike's father./ >Any humor in his tone vanishes. /The man's got a cover so deep he >makes MiB look flashy. If he's appearing in the papers, we already >have a serious problem. Look at that article again, would you, Rob? >I'd like to have one of the German-capable members have a look. We >should keep a close eye on Mr. and Mrs. Seven, even if we can't make >contact./ (OOC: Forwarded to the Green Room, and sent to the Place for the edification of anyone following our Travelling Disaster Area...) >---------- Forwarded message ---------- >Date: Fri, 30 Mar 2001 14:11:32 -0500 >From: Michael Knight >Subject: Setup for AAE VII (fwd) > >A few more details for you are that you're in the middle, lengthwise, >of the Rhine river valley, in a town "surrounding" the Lorelei Rock, >a high cliffed wooded island in the middle of the river. Recently on >the news, there's been a great deal of press about the arrest of a >"scientific" group in the upper valley, quaintly called "Biovalley," >who had been experimenting with genetics. As his group was arrested, >he was screaming about not being able to stop the Eugenics War, which >has agitated the country greatly, too much of a hearkening to Nazism. >However, the lab was destroyed and one of the agents, an American >named "Gary Sieben" working with the German police, has refused to >comment, except "The war's over. His people lost." Rio relays this information to the group. /"Thanks, Rio,"/ Roland says, a bit distracted by this information. /"At least he's not in over his head already or anything. The Eugenics Wars..."/ he muses, thinking unpleasant thoughts about that sad era of Federation history. His thoughts flicker across the link, providing a short briefing on the time (OOC: just as a refresher for those who don't know or remember) and the issues... In 1974 (OOC: according to a trilogy to being in June _about_ the Eugenics Wars) a collection of scientists, industrialists, and other wealthy and influential people began what was intended to be a noble project to advance the human race. Mapping the human genome was only the first step for them; they intended to improve humanity's condition. Strength, endurance, resistance to aging and disease, intelligence, reflexes...all were to be improved. Presumably, at the beginning, everyone would benefit from what was learned though the Eugenics Project. Unfortunately, it didn't stay that way. Some in the project decided that their 'supermen' were better suited to ruling the world. Others feared what 'normal' culture would do to them. Whoever was at fault, shortly after the millennium turned and the first successful creations of the Eugenics Project began to reach adulthood, they began to move to achieve their 'destiny.' Some worked behind the scenes, others acted more openly, using their charisma and genius, but the results were the same. Humanity declared war on the children of Eugenics. Star Trek canon strongly implies that _all_ of the Eugenics Project creations went bad, probably as a result of an unintended side effect. Roland seriously doubts this. It was a bad time all around... /"Hopefully,"/ Roland finally says, /"this issue is strictly peripheral to the task at hand."/ ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Jailbreak (was: past imperfect) On Mon, 02 Apr 2001 16:01:49 -0700 Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00009790 >On Mon, 2 Apr 2001 05:27:02 EDT >Scott Osborne Said As CAoL Message # 00009771 > >"Herm. Contacting him may be a touch difficult, from what I can tell. >It'd be easier to just pull him from there to here. If he's where I >think he is, he might find himself thinking your voice was a >delusion; if we're just being blocked, then results are not >guaranteed. But the decision is yours." Erin's eyes go big as she turns toward Scott, but all she says is "please?" (OOC note: this isn't EmptyWorld, just a pocket dimension that was deliberately created to contain Harlock. Any magical attempts to scry or 'port in or out are blocked, but the entity responsible is native to the Forgotten Realms, so the idea of blocking out tech simply did not occur to him.) Elsewhere... The scene: nowhere, in particular. Hovering precisely in the center, Harlock idly strums his mandolin while singing a ballad popular in the TSM: "aleph-null[1] bottles of beer on the wall, aleph-null bottles of beer..." Suddenly, a line of light appears in front of the Bard and expands into a glowing portal. Erindrea pokes her head through and spots him. "Momma? That you, finally?" Harlock stuffs his mandolin into a pouch. "It's me, baby. Are you taking me home now?" "Ah was plannin' on it. But if you don't mind mah sayin' so, you seem awfully...composed for somebody who's been trapped in the middle of nowheh all this time." A sardonic grin crosses the Bard's face. "Can't help it, honey. It's in the contract." Erin looks blank. "Contract?" A faintly glowing scroll materializes in front of the Bard, who scans down it with a finger. "Ah, here it is...*ahem*...'It being the duty of the signee to report facts in an unbiased manner, the signee is herewith prohibited from running mad.' I had thought it applied only to magical attempts to madden me, but 'twould seem it covers being forced to sing 175,327 choruses of 'Aleph-null Bottles of Beer on the Wall,' as well. Of course, I can't speak for my ho-" A voice booms out of nowhere "Stop it, stop it, stop it! At least that song about Henry the Eighth made sense! This one is ridiculous! How can you take one from something and have the original something still there? Sing something else, ANYTHING else!" Harlock winks at his daughter. "This is the song that never ends. It just goes on and on my friends. Some people started singing it, not knowing what it was. Those people still are singing it, the reason why's because this is the song that never" "Stop it, stop it, stop it! Go away, damn you, just go away!" "With your kind permission, I shall take my leave of this place." With that, the Bard dives for the portal and rolls through. [1] aleph-null is a mathematician's term for infinity. More precisely, it represents the "simplest" form of infinity. I don't know the details as well as I'd like, but the basics of it are that even the infinite has levels. The infinite number of points on a plane outnumber the infinite number of points on a line, f'rinstance. Here and my head hurts just trying to visualize Avagadro's number. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE7: Final Boarding Call? On Mon, 02 Apr 2001 16:01:37 -0700 Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00009791 >On Mon, 2 Apr 2001 12:49:35 EDT >Scott Osborne Said As CAoL Message # 00009781 > >Scott, once he's finished with the Erin and Harlock situation, turns >by the fact that the bin is vibrating. Eric (and Harlock, if he's >around) notice that this is the exact same box he pulled out of a >closet before the trip to EmptyWorld. He is, and looking on somewhat bemusedly. >Scott looks around. "Any questions?" Harlock shakes his head. "I'm afraid circumstances have conspired to make me miss the briefing, so I'd be rather more a liability than an asset at this point. That having been said, I don't have any pressing engagements for the next...umm...month or so, so if there's anything I _can_ do for anybody, I'm perfectly willing to lend a hand. If not, I'd appreciate transport back to the city of Raven's Bluff." Erin just kisses her...parent on the cheek and heads back for the portal she came in by. As she steps through, it collapses behind her. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Mon, 2 Apr 2001 16:22:07 -0700 (PDT) Driscoll Said As CAoL Message # 00009792 >On Sun, 01 Apr 2001 22:34:10 -0700 >Rio Said > >Rio looks at the unknown member of the team. "Who's the >Travolta-wanna-be?" It's not clear from her expression whether she's >amused or horrified ;-). Jim bows to Rio, "Greetings, we are Jim, and we are not John Travolta. We are much better actors and would never have been in Battlefield Earth." He gives her a lopsided grin. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Mon, 2 Apr 2001 15:33:02 -0400 Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00009793 >On Sun, 01 Apr 2001 23:30:47 -0700 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00009769 > > /Pretty sure,/ Roland replies dryly. /Gary Seven's Mike's father./ >Any humor in his tone vanishes. /The man's got a cover so deep he >makes MiB look flashy. If he's appearing in the papers, we already >have a serious problem. Look at that article again, would you, Rob? >I'd like to have one of the German-capable members have a look. We >should keep a close eye on Mr. and Mrs. Seven, even if we can't make >contact./ A Gary Sieben has been on the news recently, an American working with the German polive in the upper Rhine Valley in an area quaintly called "Biovalley," who recently busted a group of "scientists" working in the field of "genetics." The leader was ranting during the arrest about not being able to stop the "Eugenics War." When asked for comments, all Sieben said was, "The war's over. His people lost." Still the country is a bit agitated over the matter as much of Nazi policies were derived from the racist ideas behind eugenics. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Mon, 2 Apr 2001 20:18:37 -0700 (PDT) Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00009795 >On Mon, 02 Apr 2001 13:53:28 -0700 >Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00009788 > >Morgan blinks at Zia again. "I think we've got our wires crossed >somewhere. It sounds to me like you think we're going into a >Communist controlled area. As I remember the history of that area, >_East_ Germany is Communist, West Germany isn't. West _Berlin_ is >completely surrounded by East Germany, and so getting in and out >would be tougher, but that's now where we're going. We're going to a >tourist area in West Germany, so I don't think we'll be having to >deal with papers and only staying in certain 'approved' hotels and >the like." She smiles. "Of course, you're right that this world >might be different, and that being prepared is always a Good Thing. >It just seems to me from what we know so far that Communists are a >non-issue." "Oh. I think I'm the one, er, handed-differently Earth-Shadow wise, then. I was thinking Stasi and the RAF, and the Wall. Ah, then, my position in association with the Communist regime will be irrevelant." > Roland nods. "From what _I_ recall, the 'surface' history of >Earth's 1975 in a Federation universe matches my own world's. The >Eugenics Project just got started, but that won't affect anything for >literally a generation. That means the eastern portion of Germany is >Communist, and the western portion is 'free world,' aka NATO-aligned. >On the other hand," he mutters darkly, "it wouldn't be the first time >I've come across a world where things were reversed." Roland looks >intensely at the X-Window, steps to it, and holds out his hands >carefully. He's nearly "This will just take a moment." Behind him, a >holographic display appears, showing what the X-Window shows, at >first. Then it shifts rapidly, as Roland projects what he sees >through a little-used power of his... > ...his Extra-Sensory Perception. Zia shakes her head. "Nemo, would you give me an outfit that looks like a tourist like me should look in this area? I think I'm hopelessly confuddled, now." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) (LONG!)(sorry) On Mon, 2 Apr 2001 23:16:56 -0400 Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00009796 >On Mon, 2 Apr 2001 11:37:21 -0400 >Martin and/or Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00009778 > >>On Mon, 2 Apr 2K1, Mike Knight Said >> >> Moonstone tosses the Doctor a standard comm badge. "Keep in >>touch, Doctor, we might still need help from outside." At the few >>looks she's probably garnering, she adds exasperatedly, "Yes, it's a >>highly restricted, limited, secure link. I had some help with that. >>What are you worried about anyway, the Doctor and the Big Guy are >>old friends, remember?" > >"Er, um, Moonstone, not that I don't appriciate you taking the >initiative, or anything, and not that I think giving the Doctor a way >to keep in touch with us _isn't_ a good thing... " stamers the >Human-guised draconic-Lensman, watching the Doctor pin the combadge, >shaped like a Police Call Box, onto his cream-colored lapel, "In >fact, it *is* a good idea; however, for the link to function while >we, and the Xavier, are elsewhere, and elsewhen, is going to require >me to place a satelite, with trans-dimensional relay capability, in >geo-synchronous orbit above the Place." Moonstone shrugs, "And here I was just expecting them to work when we were within the county where the bar's X-window was watching us." She looks at the X-window, "Guess that's just a one-way light show for light coming in here." >*Also, I am not sure that either the Doctor, or myself, have come to >the inexcapable conclusion that _this_ Doctor is one of a multitude >of cognates, and various {incarnations/reincarnations}of the specific >cognate of the Doctor, and his {incarnations/reincarnations}that *I* >spent a good chunk of, er, um, time with. However, full marks all >around. {telepathic equivalent of a smile}* *When I left, you seemed sure enough.* Moonstone sends with a mental shrug. > Presuming that the Xavier hasn't left yet, and the placement of >the satellite goes off without a hitch, the Doctor will have the >ability to communicate with the CAoL in 1975 "Earth-Seven" OOC: Okay, just thought I'd suggest it, There are no hitchs as far as I'm concerned. > Mike, while in Greymalkin, I'll say that Moonstone had access >to Dhyrclhanc's, computerized, magickal grimoire. That way, you'll >have the excuse for her to have access to a hand-full of GURPS-style >Tech-College spells, as well as a similar number of four-color-type >offencive and defensive spells. If you want. OOC: No idea what those are. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Mon, 02 Apr 2001 21:04:41 -0700 Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00009797 >Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00009738 > >>On Sat, 31 Mar 2001 21:31:22 -0800 >>Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00009734 >> >>At this point Aurora appears in the bar. "*Roland I can provide >>disguise modules to those that need them. The modules will provide a >>human looking appearance to electro-magnetic, sonic, gravitic, and >>mystic senses. They will be able to adjust their current appearance >>quickly if needed. I can also provide translators. The wearer will >>'hear' whatever language he or she is most comfortable with. Persons >>within 'earshot' of the wearer will hear the wearer speaking in >>whatever language that person is most comfortable with. Their >>function is not unlike that of the Arisian lens.*" She says > > "Hi, Aurora. Good idea, thanks. That'll come in handy," Roland >replies. > >"Something we want to be careful of, though," Morgan says >thoughtfully, "is two people hearing us in different languages at the >same time. If two people realize that, for instance, one of them >heard German at the same time the other hears English, it could >cause...complications." > > "Oog." Roland grows thoughtful. "Can they be set to only output >one language at a time, Aurora? Morgan has a very good point." "*I'm sorry, no. They don't work that way. As I said, they operate much like an Arisian lens does. Mindless translation of a quasi telepathic nature. The proposed complication is a point. I could operate a zone of compulsion, in our area, that would prevent good natured attempts at translation and inquiry as to whether others understood what we were talking about. If that would help. That does have its own potential problems. If there is a VERY powerful telepath in the area he, she, or it might detect the zone. Dealing with mental forces is one of my specialties so I doubt anything less than The Stardragon itself could break such a zone, but the mentioned telepath would be able to sense its existence, and nature.*" She answers. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Mon, 02 Apr 2001 21:29:51 -0700 Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00009798 >Caprice/Legion Said As CAoL Message # 00009772 > >Essex ponders the question /Physically, it will be better for her >than this groups normal gadding about. Her body will have time to >adapt completely to that reality, instead of a half-converted form >with possibly incompatiable internal systems... I'll accompany her, >of course, to make sure nothing goes wrong. Mentally... if her >doppleganger is close enough to a reality she's visited before, there >should be no problem. If it is sufficently different, however, she >will have a new persona to adapt to. Both problems are a matter of a >week or twos adjustment, part of the reason for her giving herself >sufficent lead time./ /*"Early entry for yourself, and Legion should not be a problem. If we have The Stardragon transport you, you won't even make a ripple as you enter. Thus only the child itself will know that you entered. Just be careful not to make any significant ripples yourself, and you should have plenty of time."*/ Oracle offers. ================================= Subject: AAE7a: Equip Distribution was Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Mon, 2 Apr 2001 22:30:19 -0700 Fuzzy and/or Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00009799 >On Mon, 02 Apr 2001 21:04:41 -0700 >Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00009797 > >"*I'm sorry, no. They don't work that way. As I said, they operate >much like an Arisian lens does. Mindless translation of a quasi >telepathic nature. The proposed complication is a point. I could >operate a zone of compulsion, in our area, that would prevent good >natured attempts at translation and inquiry as to whether others >understood what we were talking about. If that would help. That does >have its own potential problems. If there is a VERY powerful telepath >in the area he, she, or it might detect the zone. Dealing with mental >forces is one of my specialties so I doubt anything less than The >Stardragon itself could break such a zone, but the mentioned telepath >would be able to sense its existance, and nature.*" She answers. A Nemisis Split arrives with a crate of smaller boxes \The small Brown boxes contain a selection of such items as, Rings, Ear-Ring (Pierced and Non), Tie-tacks, Etc, Each with a Built in Common-Tongue Inducer, They will not interfere with each other, So you can carry several at a time for redundency. I have Modified the Design so that you can limit Translation, Just Define which of the Languages you speak to Translate, Or it will tranlate anything you say.\ \The Numbered White Boxes contain Laser based (Sights/Target Designators), That will transmit the Rune Code Supplied by Scott, Each in a Different style as suited to different Weapons, Box 0 Contains Mechanical Pencils (0.7mm Lead), Which can beam the Rune Code as well, Remove the Erasor, and Press the Lead advance to Transmit.\ ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Tue, 3 Apr 2001 01:31:57 EDT SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00009801 >In a message dated 4/2/01 9:39:59 AM Eastern Daylight Time, >Zia writes: > >/Note to self. Christmas preset for the Pheonix clan males this year >is to be speedos with Morgan's clan tartarn - or other marking of her >clan, not sure she HAS a clan plaid. So Morgan and Rio can enjoy >their, er, indirect Christmas presents./ Roger and Roland exchange glances. "She said that 'out loud' deliberately, didn't she?" Both Phoenix men then consider the slightly predatory looks they're receiving from their respective fem fatales, and begin to get that deer-in-headlights look. Roger, of course, dives for a joke to try and salvage the situation: "Well, I'm sure Liam will look just *darling* in a tartan-plaid diaper, Auntzie..." OOC: Y'know, this is where I get screwed by my ancestry -- all the McMillan (MacMillan) tartan patterns are *ugly* yellow things, aside from the "hunting," and even that one doesn't tickle my fancy. I can sympathize with the Vor families who had to choose their House Colors last (Ref: "A Civil Campaign.")...... =================================