Action, Adventure, Excitement, Part 7a Chapter 3 Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Tue, 3 Apr 2001 01:31:47 EDT SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00009802 >In a message dated 4/2/01 2:08:32 AM Eastern Daylight Time, >Rio writes: > >"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 ;-). And Roger, who showed up *sometime* during all the gab (obKosh: "I have always been here."), is still in Basic Black -- not only does it conceal dirt, blood, and burns, but with a few tweaks it's always appropriate for any social situation. (Plus, it means he doesn't have to waste any skull sweat on planning out his wardrobe...) >"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." Roger shrugs. "I can manage in just about any language. Plus, I've got an aquarium full of Babelfish if anyone needs a loaner. As for Time stuff...heh. This situation seems almost custom-made for a Paradox-skater like me." He frowns, struck by a sudden thought. "Which is probably a *bad* thing..." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Tue, 3 Apr 2001 01:31:54 EDT SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00009803 >In a message dated 4/2/01 2:13:57 AM Eastern Daylight Time, >RolandX writes: > > 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. Roger faceplants hard enough to leave his head and shoulders in the basement (aka, the "Ostrich Maneuver"). > "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." "Remind me," Roger quips, pulling his head out of the broken floorboards, "not to let you near the Wave Motion Gun I've got in storage..." > "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. "*Ever.* Sheesh. And people make comments about me and the Angels..." > 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. Roger recognizes That Look, and his brain momentarily unclutches from the realization that Oh My Ghod, I'm Acting Like Eric -- the two of them now have the Big Brother thing in common. Steam starts leaking out of his ears... >"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)... Roger smirks wryly. "What, is it ever?" ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load On Mon, 2 Apr 2001 23:16:00 -0700 (PDT) Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00009804 >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 order is fairly simple: A white dress shirt, a 'vest of many pockets', a 35mm SLR camera with two extra lenses, a shoulder strap, and the auto-winder attachment, and film. Lots of film. /BTW, I wouldn't mind having somebody to play 'fashion model' as part of the cover story. The scenery here is good, but I may not be aiming at scenery all the time./ >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. OOC: Palainian? It was usually just referred to as a 'sense of perception,' IIRC. >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 site-to-site transport of the stuff you asked for./ /Room twelve, the Hotel-Restaurant Singing Landlord. I think. The night manager's English is a bit weak, but better that than my nonexistent German./ ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load On Tue, 03 Apr 2001 01:16:14 -0700 Rio Said As CAoL Message # 00009805 >On Mon, 2 Apr 2001 23:16:00 -0700 (PDT) >Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00009804 > >>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 order is fairly simple: A white dress shirt, a 'vest of many >pockets', a 35mm SLR camera with two extra lenses, a shoulder strap, >and the auto-winder attachment, and film. Lots of film. > >/BTW, I wouldn't mind having somebody to play 'fashion model' as part >of the cover story. The scenery here is good, but I may not be aiming >at scenery all the time./ /Oh, can I?/ Rio chirps. Eric groans. /Especially if I get to keep the clothes afterwards. Real 70's stuff, not that overpriced pseudo-retro stuff they have at 'home.' Far out!/ The young Ecstatic is obviously enjoying considering the possibilities. /And Roger can be my 'manager,' aka main squeeze. If he wants to,/ she adds, giving Roger a playful grin. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Tue, 3 Apr 2001 04:19:34 EDT SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00009806 >In a message dated 4/2/01 5:55:28 PM Eastern Daylight Time, >RolandX writes: > > /"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... Roger goes just a teeny bit pale. "Uh, Dad? Do you think we're going to run into Khan Noonian Singh? Because I've run into at least one analogue of him from a Trek/E9 combined universe where he and his people had, ah, 'obatined' Immortal Halos. It got *ugly.* For reference, Dr. Destroyer was one of the *good* guys in that universe..." OOC: Am I evil or what? Not that it matters, since Khan would only be a child at this point. But the vision of him taking on the Aeon covenant...and *winning*... ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Past Imperfect On Tue, 3 Apr 2001 02:29:32 PST Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00009807 Nemo has had an odd look on his face ever since the words "Temporal paradox" and "1975" were uttered. He waits for the first rush of proposals & counter proposals to die down and speaks up. "I'm sorry. But this is a mission I *can't* go on." "For *me* the past of any given universe *is*. It's not changeable. Attempts to change the future of a moment merely take different branches while the other branches still exist." "I know the universe isn't that way for Zia," he pauses and glances at her for a moment, "Nor for many of the rest of you. Just look at Fuzzy, who is 'unique'." "I wish I could explain it better. But not only does the language lack the terminology, the differing fictons fon't all admit to the concepts." He shifts from speech for a moment, *Here's the only way it can really be expressed []* The "data packet" is math. Highly developed and very abtruse math. Those who can understand even a portion of it, get the impression of a complex set, or series of mathematical "spaces", with seemingly contradictory properties that seem to depend in part on where you are observing from, and on how you got there. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Past Imperfect On Tue, 3 Apr 2001 02:45:09 PST Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00009808 >On Sat, 31 Mar 2001 20:11:37 -0800 >Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00009731 > >Erin smiles slightly and reaches into the mass of hair cascading over >her shoulders, scratching...something. "Doubled awareness? Ah know >how that can trip a fellah up." She looks around a little more >intently. "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?" Nemo speaks up, "Yes? How may we help you?" >OOC: Adventure, heck. I figure this'll take maybe half-a-dozen posts >to resolve. The baddy that kidnapped Harlock didn't think to ward >against technological means of locating him, meaning Nemo (or NEMO, >at least) probably knows where he is already and Nemisis could locate >him easily enough just by sending off a couple dozen splits. Congrats >on the writing assignments, BTW. Well, given that Nemo *can't* go on the other mission, this may be workable. Though I'm a bit tighter on time these days than I used to be. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Tue, 3 Apr 2001 02:54:59 PST Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00009809 >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.'"/ Nemo chuckles and observes "You know, it's *amazing* how many places have laws that say various body parts have to be covered, but neglected to specify that the covering must be non-transparent." Yes, that is a real loophole THAT HAS BEEN USED in some places. And where I live, a coat of "liquid latex" (basicly a kind of "rubber" that you can paint on the skin) *legally* counts as clothing! The mind boggles... > Roland nods, as if satisfied. /"A pretty serious situation, even >by our standards. But I've seen worse. Sib, you and your crew are >going to have to do something about your, er, conspicuous >appearance."/ He looks up--way up--at Finn. /"As will you, Mr. >Culhaim. I think mundane 20th Century humans topped out at 8 feet."/ >He's in Leader Mode and has a full head of steam now. /"If we're >going to use weapons, we need to make them look like guns or the >equivalent. The appropriate licenses--in German--will also be useful. >An excuse for being there in a group is vital, since the Cold War is >positively glacial at that point in time. Ah--we'll be Interpol >agents, on the hunt for a dangerous criminal. Close enough to the >truth at any rate. Nemo, I leave that last part in your capable >appendages."/ His clothing shifts again, making him look more... >official. It's a bit unnatural. "Certainly, even though I cannot go, I can provide you with proper materials *here*. But I can't maje any changes in records *there*. And don't try contacting one of myselves then. He wasn't contacted by you, so he *cannot* be contacted by you." "Temporal Uncertainty Principle. Anything 'I' paid attention to back then is 'fixed', and I can't change it now." There are a few odd looks when it is noted that among the weapons and gear are a few Federation Type I phasers of mid 22nd century vintage. And some communicators of similar vintage. Nemo smiles. "Such have been captured several times in that timeline, though no one ever managed to hold onto them long enough to figure them out. A few more won't make any difference." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) (LONG!)(sorry) On Tue, 3 Apr 2001 03:22:11 PST Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00009810 >On Sun, 1 Apr 2001 10:56:04 -0700 (PDT) >Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00009747 > >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?/ /I make it a point never to contradict a lady. Especially one who can../ /Yes dear, whatever you say dear./ ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Tue, 3 Apr 2001 03:47:09 PST Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00009811 >On Mon, 2 Apr 2001 09:26:44 -0700 (PDT) >Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00009780 > >> 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." "Zia, remember the 'filters' I made on Greyworld? I can make one to remove the lead from gasoline just as easily." He tosses Jim a small box. "Just feed in thru here, and the lead will come out there, and the lead free gasoline over there." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Tue, 3 Apr 2001 03:27:20 PST Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00009813 >On Sun, 01 Apr 2001 21:39:41 -0700 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00009762 > > "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. > "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." Nemo adds a few attache cases to the pile of gear. "These are 'fabers'. Basicly, give a supply of raw materials, they can duplicate anything that'll fit in a 30 cm cube. They *don't* transmute, but they'll cheerfully extract the required atoms from anything handy." "They can also construct items from computer generated plans, or recorded scans." "Forging records will be rather trivial if you can get physical access." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) (LONG!)(sorry) On Tue, 3 Apr 2001 03:42:54 PST Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00009814 >On Mon, 2 Apr 2001 11:37:21 -0400 >Martin and/or Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00009778 > > Cute! >"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." Nemo smiles. "Why bother? I can relay that just as easily. And a lot less conspicuously." His voice echoes from the Doctor's comm badge as well as those of the rest of the Cadre of Light. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load On Tue, 3 Apr 2001 09:22:11 EDT SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00009816 >In a message dated 4/3/01 4:38:13 AM Eastern Daylight Time, >Rio writes: > >/Oh, can I?/ Rio chirps. > > Eric groans. > >/Especially if I get to keep the clothes afterwards. Real 70's stuff, >not that overpriced pseudo-retro stuff they have at 'home.' Far out!/ >The young Ecstatic is obviously enjoying considering the >possibilities. /And Roger can be my 'manager,' aka main squeeze. If >he wants to,/ she adds, giving Roger a playful grin. /Sleazy Hollyweird type? I can do that./ Roger grins. /But that just leaves one question: which one of us slept our way into the job?/ He keeps grinning right up until OOC: Tee hee! ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load On Tue, 3 Apr 2001 08:35:26 -0700 (PDT) Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00009817 >Rio Said As CAoL Message # 00009805 > >>On Mon, 2 Apr 2001 23:16:00 -0700 (PDT) >>Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00009804 >> >>/BTW, I wouldn't mind having somebody to play 'fashion model' as >>part of the cover story. The scenery here is good, but I may not be >>aiming at scenery all the time./ > >/Oh, can I?/ Rio chirps. /I'd appreciate it. I don't suppose you could convince your brother to join you in front of the camera, Ms. Lancer? A 'brother and sister in Germany' photo shoot has certain advantages./ > Eric groans. /I'll take that as a probable no./ >/Especially if I get to keep the clothes afterwards. Real 70's stuff, >not that overpriced pseudo-retro stuff they have at 'home.' Far out!/ >The young Ecstatic is obviously enjoying considering the >possibilities. /And Roger can be my 'manager,' aka main squeeze. If >he wants to,/ she adds, giving Roger a playful grin. /That would work. Regardless, I'd appreciate going out in a group of three at the least. Preferably four, if I can get one more vict--um, volunteer. :)/ ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Tue, 03 Apr 2001 09:54:31 -0700 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00009818 >On Tue, 3 Apr 2001 01:31:54 EDT >SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00009803 > >>In a message dated 4/2/01 2:13:57 AM Eastern Daylight Time, >>RolandX writes: >> >> 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. > > Roger faceplants hard enough to leave his head and shoulders in >the basement (aka, the "Ostrich Maneuver"). "That's going on your tab," the Big Irishman says--to Roland. There's a pause as Roland registers this. "Hey! Why _my_ tab?" "He's your son," Mike explains calmly. "But he's _400_ years old!" Roland objects. "You tell _me_ he's out of adolescence," Mike replies in the same calm voice. The observant, however, easily note the twinkle in his eye. Roland mutters darkly to himself for a moment. Then he brightens. "He's from a different time thread now. The hypertime branch split a while back. Technically, you need the me in that time branch." Mike juts taps the wall where another bar would have a mirror. The Wall, of course, is where the wit and wisdom of past Callahanians is collected. Directly above where his enormous knuckle rapped the wall is the phrase, "Paradox is no excuse." --Peter Flanagan Roland goes through his pockets, swearing dark vengeance on his Writer... >> "Gotta love superior firepower," Sil finishes. "Best date I've >>had in a while." > > "Remind me," Roger quips, pulling his head out of the broken >floorboards, "not to let you near the Wave Motion Gun I've got in >storage..." "Hmmph," Sil replies, trying (and failing) to look offended. "Roland won't let me near the Great Unmaker, either." She smiles _evilly._ "You're turning into your father." Roland sighs in relief as the floorboards repair themselves. "And that would be a bad thing _because,_ exactly?..." he begins, then looks like someone just tried to strangle him. "never mind." >> "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. > > "*Ever.* Sheesh. And people make comments about me and the >Angels..." "_My_ lovers don't destroy city blocks having spats over me," Sil retorts. "Nor have I ever caused a supernova, crashed a galactic computer network, accidentally started a war with a Horizon Realm..." >> "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. > > Roger recognizes That Look, and his brain momentarily unclutches >from the realization that Oh My Ghod, I'm Acting Like Eric -- the two >of them now have the Big Brother thing in common. Steam starts >leaking out of his ears... Eric glances coolly over at Roger. 1) The Hunter isn't remotely telepathic. 2) Eric doesn't _do_ smug. So he can't be enjoying the look on Roger's face. ;^) ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Tue, 03 Apr 2001 09:30:05 -0700 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00009819 >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 >> >> /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. I really wouldn't have expected otherwise... >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./ Roland nods thoughtfully. /You two know the preferable course of action better than I do. Dr. Essex, when we have more time, and with Legion's permission, I'd like to be briefed on her...talent...more fully./ He grins. /Good luck, and May The Force Be With You./ If anyone objects that this is a Trek-verse, he adds mildly, /I didn't say which force, now did I?/ ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Tue, 03 Apr 2001 10:00:46 -0700 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00009820 >On Tue, 3 Apr 2001 04:19:34 EDT >SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00009806 > > Roger goes just a teeny bit pale. "Uh, Dad? Do you think we're >going to run into Khan Noonian Singh? Because I've run into at least >one analogue of him from a Trek/E9 combined universe where he and his >people had, ah, 'obatined' Immortal Halos. It got *ugly.* For >reference, Dr. Destroyer was one of the *good* guys in that >universe..." Roland blinks. The link registers his stomach lurching briefly. "Yowch. Don't worry--even if Singh's been born, he's not more than a year old. He's not a threat to anyone but his babysitter right now. But...an immortal Singh. Ugh." > OOC: Am I evil or what? Not that it matters, since Khan >would only be a child at this point. But the vision of him taking on >the Aeon covenant...and *winning*... OOC-R: Geez, _give_ me ideas, why dont'cha...I just have this image of Defender and Destroyer, back to back, surrounded by Khan and his inner circle, and it just looks so cool...what a comic cover it would make... ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load On Tue, 03 Apr 2001 10:51:24 -0700 Rio Said As CAoL Message # 00009821 >On Tue, 3 Apr 2001 08:35:26 -0700 (PDT) >Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00009817 > >/I'd appreciate it. I don't suppose you could convince your brother >to join you in front of the camera, Ms. Lancer? A 'brother and sister >in Germany' photo shoot has certain advantages./ Rio raises an eyebrow. >>/Especially if I get to keep the clothes afterwards. Real 70's >>stuff, not that overpriced pseudo-retro stuff they have at 'home.' >>Far out!/ The young Ecstatic is obviously enjoying considering the >>possibilities. /And Roger can be my 'manager,' aka main squeeze. If >>he wants to,/ she adds, giving Roger a playful grin. > >/That would work. Regardless, I'd appreciate going out in a group of >three at the least. Preferably four, if I can get one more vict--um, >volunteer. :)/ And about the same time: >On Tue, 3 Apr 2001 09:22:11 EDT >SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00009816 > > /Sleazy Hollyweird type? I can do that./ Roger grins. /But that >just leaves one question: which one of us slept our way into the >job?/ He keeps grinning right up until /That's for us to know and for everyone else to gossip about,/ Rio sends with a wicked grin. /Don't go _too_ sleazy though, hon. I want people being jealous, not questioning my taste./ /I'm already questioning your taste,/ Eric intones. Rio pointedly ignores him. After a moment, he adds, /I suppose I could accompany this lot as security. There were a lot of kidnappings in '75./ He gives Rio a meaningful look. /Some of us _remember_ the 70s./ Rio grins. /What's that old saying? 'If you remember the 70's, you weren't really there'?/ From her expression, she probably realizes she's quoting the decade wrong. /That was the 60's,/ Eric replies mournfully. /The 70's were tragically unforgettable./ ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Tue, 3 Apr 2001 14:45:49 -0400 Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00009822 >On Mon, 02 Apr 2001 13:53:28 -0700 >Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00009788 > > 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: Okay, basically, Germany is divided in half, the western half democratic, the eastern half Soviet socialist. Berlin is located in Eastern Germany, some distance from the East/West border, the west half democratic, the east half socialist, just like the rest of the country. There's the Berlin Wall, border patrols of Eastern Germany, the usual deal along that border. That said, the actual crisis is on the Rhine river valley. The following is what I got off a web site just now: "Along its course from Bingen to Bonn, the river has cut the deep, steepsided Rhine Gorge through the Rhineland Plateau. This picturesque gorge, with terraced vineyards and castle-lined cliffs, has often been called the "heroic Rhine," renowned in history and romantic literature. Near the town of Sankt Goar is the Lorelei, the great face of rock that inspired the famous lyric _Die Lorelei_ (1823) by the German poet Heinrich Heine. Here the Rhine is 150 m (480 ft) wide and 23 m (75 ft) deep." After digging around, I also found a map of east and west Germany as they stood before the cold war... figures, it's a Tom Clancy site. Anyway, you're going to be on the western side of west germany, closer to France, Switzerland, Luxemburg, and Belgium. Lastly, for continuity reasons, I can't have any alternate Zias or Legions on this world. I also can't have a Nemo or a Nemisis left here after the adventure's over. I've essentially already set this reality's past, present and future in stone over the last seven adventures, so this is sort of a everything you bring in, you take back out again situation. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load On Tue, 3 Apr 2001 12:44:23 PST Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00009823 >On Tue, 3 Apr 2001 08:35:26 -0700 (PDT) >Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00009817 > >/That would work. Regardless, I'd appreciate going out in a group of >three at the least. Preferably four, if I can get one more vict--um, >volunteer. :)/ "Zia? Unless you have other plans, this sounds like your sort of role." Nemo smiles at her. "One thing. Roger, I don't care what sort of photos you take of her. If she's willing, I have no problems. I know you wouldn't take any she *didn't* want you to take." Does Roger go a bit pale for second? "But do try to remember to take off the lens cap. And *not* to lose or ruin the film? I'd rather like to see what a group like this will come up with. " ================================= Subject: Re: AAE7a: Equip Distribution was Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock On Tue, 03 Apr 2001 14:52:18 -0700 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00009825 >On Mon, 2 Apr 2001 22:30:19 -0700 >Fuzzy and/or Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00009799 > >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.\ /Just to clarify,/ Roland begins, /you tell it what language you want to translate to and from, and it will modify input and output appropriately?/ (OOC: If I've got it right) /Perfect. Thanks, Fuzzy./ >\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.\ /Yeah, but do they work as pencils?/ Roland quips, taking one from box 0. (OOC: If I know Fuzzy, they're perfectly functional pencils that take 0.7mm lead refills. 8^) He fiddles with it briefly, and manages to nail himself in the eye. "Bff!" Roland blurts, jerking away and twitching his hand. (He also, "purely by coincidence," manages to sweep the entire Place with the beam in the process. ;^) ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Past Imperfect On Tue, 3 Apr 2001 18:26:40 -0400 Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00009826 >On Tue, 3 Apr 2001 02:29:32 PST >Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00009807 > >"I wish I could explain it better. But not only does the language >lack the terminology, the differing fictons fon't all admit to the >concepts." > >He shifts from speech for a moment, > >*Here's the only way it can really be expressed []* > >The "data packet" is math. Highly developed and very abtruse math. >Those who can understand even a portion of it, get the impression of >a complex set, or series of mathematical "spaces", with seemingly >contradictory properties that seem to depend in part on where you are >observing from, and on how you got there. For what it's worth, the Doctor has an understanding, and sympathetic, smile. He may not understand -every- aspect of the math involved, but he gets enough to see a fundamental bar at the door. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE7a: Equip Distribution was Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock On Tue, 3 Apr 2001 16:01:16 -0700 Fuzzy and/or Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00009827 >On Tue, 03 Apr 2001 14:52:18 -0700 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00009825 > > /Just to clarify,/ Roland begins, /you tell it what language you >want to translate to and from, and it will modify input and output >appropriately?/ Nemisis \Yes you can do that, or You tell it only what language you want it to translate from, It automatically translates to the Language that is, Most comfortably for the Most People who are Present, or You tell it nothing Then translates anything you say, Regardless of Language you speak to the Language that is, Most comfortably for the Most People who are Present...\ \The first mode is an incidental as Any autotranslator can do that, With the right database, And a Fixed Accent\ \The Second is what I had in mind, If you find yourself in a village that speaks a very rare language, You will sound like a local, Increasing the odds that they will trust you.\ \The third is what the original developers intended.\ \It will always allow you to understand what is said in your hearing. Regardless of language, I saw no advantage in modifying that side of it.\ > /Perfect. Thanks, Fuzzy./ Fuzzy /Don't thank me the Modifications were all Nemisis' Idea and Doing./ >>\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.\ > > /Yeah, but do they work as pencils?/ Roland quips, taking one from Nemisis \Of course they do, A Modern technician Might recognize their other function, I do not expect that that would be possible to, One that was trained and familiar with the technologies of 1975.\ ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Tue, 3 Apr 2001 15:45:01 PST Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00009828 >On Tue, 3 Apr 2001 14:45:49 -0400 >Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00009822 > >OOC: > Okay, basically, Germany is divided in half, the western half >democratic, the eastern half Soviet socialist. Berlin is located in >Eastern Germany, some distance from the East/West border, the west >half democratic, the east half socialist, just like the rest of the >country. Not quite. Germany was divided into *4* sections at the end of WWII, with the Americans, British, French and Soviets each getting a section under their control. Ditto for Berlin. In a very short time, everyone but the Soviets had returned their area to local control, though in Berlin traces of the non Soviet sectors remained for a long time, as the Soviets tended to ignore the German authorities in favor of whoever represented the "controlling power". So while Germany & Berlin are divide into two sections, they aren't *remotely* close to being "half". > After digging around, I also found a map of east and west >Germany as they stood before the cold war... Try *during* the Cold War. Which ran from roughly 1950 to the fall of the USSR in 1989(?). > Lastly, for continuity reasons, I can't have any alternate Zias >or Legions on this world. I also can't have a Nemo or a Nemisis left >here after the adventure's over. I've essentially already set this >reality's past, present and future in stone over the last seven >adventures, so this is sort of a everything you bring in, you take >back out again situation. Well, since it involves going into the past, Nemo's out. Or rather, if there's a Nemo there, he won't know about the CAoL for another 24 years. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Tue, 03 Apr 2001 17:02:11 -0700 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00009829 >On Tue, 3 Apr 2001 02:54:59 PST >Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00009809 > >Nemo chuckles and observes "You know, it's *amazing* how many places >have laws that say various body parts have to be covered, but >neglected to specify that the covering must be non-transparent." Roland looks his own clothing over--which is really his shapeshifting Defender armor--and smiles wickedly... >"Certainly, even though I cannot go, I can provide you with proper >materials *here*. But I can't maje any changes in records *there*. >And don't try contacting one of myselves then. He wasn't contacted by >you, so he *cannot* be contacted by you." Roland quirks an eyebrow. He's not used to Nemo having _real_ limitations, as opposed to self-imposed ones. >"Temporal Uncertainty Principle. Anything 'I' paid attention to back >then is 'fixed', and I can't change it now." He nods unhappily. "The Void Engineers call it the Observer Effect. Joy. I'm sure you can make all the necessary copies; I'll 'port in to the nearest Interpol facility when I arrive and make sure that they have all the appropriate records. I don't _think_ they were computerized yet--that'd make my job a lot easier--but a paper trail ought to be enough to 'fake it' with for two days." He looks at the hologram. /"Speaking of which, the clock is ticking. We're on synchronous time, people. Rob, you have a 'landing pad' for us?"/ >There are a few odd looks when it is noted that among the weapons and >gear are a few Federation Type I phasers of mid 22nd century vintage. >And some communicators of similar vintage. Roland stares at these for a moment. "Ah, Nemo, I don't think these'll fly..." >Nemo smiles. > >"Such have been captured several times in that timeline, though no >one ever managed to hold onto them long enough to figure them out. A >few more won't make any difference." And Roland's jaw drops. He picks up the jaw a moment later, and smiles. "Oh, that's clever...fill your pockets, folks, these'll come in handy for 'cover' for flashier stuff." Then, >On Tue, 3 Apr 2001 03:27:20 PST >Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00009813 > >"These are 'fabers'. Basicly, give a supply of raw materials, they >can duplicate anything that'll fit in a 30 cm cube. They *don't* >transmute, but they'll cheerfully extract the required atoms from >anything handy." Roland raises an eyebrow at these, too, but a grin is already forming. >"They can also construct items from computer generated plans, or >recorded scans." > >"Forging records will be rather trivial if you can get physical >access." Roland smiles evilly, turns into Defender, then vanishes for a few moments. He returns quickly, shifts back, and opens the cases. They have papers for everyone as 1975 agents of Interpol, with experience varying depending on apparent age and relatively gauged ability to pull it off. /"You wouldn't believe the clearance I have at UNTIL. Anyway, those of you using different covers, just use the 'fabers' to turn 'em into passports, licenses and such. If Nemo hasn't pre-programmed that information into them already, I'll eat my helmet. If there are any differences in my world's 1975 Interpol and this one's, I'll cover it. Any last questions?"/ ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Tue, 3 Apr 2001 22:38:08 -0400 Caprice/Legion Said As CAoL Message # 00009830 >On Tue, 03 Apr 2001 09:30:05 -0700 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00009819 > > Roland nods thoughtfully. /You two know the preferable course of >action better than I do. Dr. Essex, when we have more time, and with >Legion's permission, I'd like to be briefed on her...talent...more >fully./ He grins. /Good luck, and May The Force Be With You./ > If anyone objects that this is a Trek-verse, he adds mildly, /I >didn't say which force, now did I?/ Essex comments /When we have more time... and you're buying the drinks./ Legion just chuckles, as she of course is having to do the mental relaying between Essex and the link, she overhears everything. >On Mon, 02 Apr 2001 21:29:51 -0700 >Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00009798 > >/*"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. Essex and Legion exchange looks. They seem to 'flicker' and then each is wearing a business suit cut in the style of 1975, and a pile of luggage is sitting behind them. "Let's do it." 1975, Three months before Crisis. Legion and Essex arrive, as promised, without a ripple, blending in immediately with a crowd of travellers who just disembarked from a bus. From there it was a short trip to a hotel, picking up a local newspaper along the way. The first week was spent adjusting to this reality, letting Legion adapt to this reality. She didn't have a doppleganger here, so the changes took longer as she became who she would have been, born in this time and reality. Carefully aging their appearances whenever they changed lodging, they adopted the personas of Dr. and Dr. Essex, a pair of retired physicians looking to rent a house while they decided to do with the rest of their retirement. Locating a spacious four bedroom house for rent at the edge of town, they arranged to lease it for a year. They settled into a routine, spending afternoons in the park, making occasional tourist-style excursions, and just generally blending in. They carefully read every page of the paper every day, but made no attempt to get near the Sevens family, much less contact them. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load On Tue, 3 Apr 2001 23:06:09 EDT SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00009831 >In a message dated 4/3/01 4:32:23 PM Eastern Daylight Time, >Nemo writes: > >"Zia? Unless you have other plans, this sounds like your sort of >role." > >Nemo smiles at her. > >"One thing. Roger, I don't care what sort of photos you take of her. >If she's willing, I have no problems. I know you wouldn't take any >she *didn't* want you to take." > >Does Roger go a bit pale for second? "Never! At least, not on purpose..." >"But do try to remember to take off the lens cap. And *not* to lose >or ruin the film? I'd rather like to see what a group like this will >come up with. " Roger rolls his eyes. "Yes, Unca Nemo." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load On Tue, 3 Apr 2001 23:16:17 EDT SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00009832 >In a message dated 4/3/01 2:10:37 PM Eastern Daylight Time, >Rio writes: > >> /Sleazy Hollyweird type? I can do that./ Roger grins. /But that >>just leaves one question: which one of us slept our way into the >>job?/ He keeps grinning right up until > >/That's for us to know and for everyone else to gossip about,/ Rio >sends with a wicked grin. /Don't go _too_ sleazy though, hon. I want >people being jealous, not questioning my taste./ Roger spins around several times, and comes to a stop in an outfit that exists somewhere between "Business Casual" and "Saturday Night Fever[1]," complete with half-open shirt and little coin-on-chain necklace. "Rio, honey, baby, sweethart, would I do that? I'm an *agent,* after all -- virtually a paragon of loyalty and virtue! Right up there with lawyers!" He slips out a pair of glam-rocker sunglasses and slips them on, waggling his eyebrows at her outrageously over the rims. > /I'm already questioning your taste,/ Eric intones. Rio pointedly >ignores him. Roger smirks and pegs a single peant in Eric's direction. "Hmm...we'll just *have* to update your wardbrobe, Eric ol' buddy ol' pal. I'm thinking...Elton John! Yes, that'll be *perfect,* don't you agree, Rio dear?" > After a moment, he adds, /I suppose I could accompany this lot as >security. There were a lot of kidnappings in '75./ He gives Rio a >meaningful look. /Some of us _remember_ the 70s./ > >Rio grins. /What's that old saying? 'If you remember the 70's, you >weren't really there'?/ From her expression, she probably realizes >she's quoting the decade wrong. Roger sighs nostalgically. "Yeah, the '30s were like that too. The 2030s, I mean." > /That was the 60's,/ Eric replies mournfully. /The 70's were >tragically unforgettable./ OOC: I dunno, I found them pretty forgettable myself. Damn, I miss the '80s. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Tue, 3 Apr 2001 23:22:53 -0400 Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00009833 >On Tue, 03 Apr 2001 17:02:11 -0700 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00009829 > >>Nemo smiles. >> >>"Such have been captured several times in that timeline, though no >>one ever managed to hold onto them long enough to figure them out. A >>few more won't make any difference." > > And Roland's jaw drops. He picks up the jaw a moment later, and >smiles. "Oh, that's clever...fill your pockets, folks, these'll come >in handy for 'cover' for flashier stuff." "Moon" Stone beams, takes off her backpack and opens it up, dropping a few 'old-school' communicators and phasers into the backpack. "Heck with 'cover,' finally someone pulls out a piece of technology I know how to _use_." >Then, >>On Tue, 3 Apr 2001 03:27:20 PST >>Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00009813 >> >>Nemo adds a few attache cases to the pile of gear. >> >>"These are 'fabers'. Basicly, give a supply of raw materials, they >>can duplicate anything that'll fit in a 30 cm cube. They *don't* >>transmute, but they'll cheerfully extract the required atoms from >>anything handy." > > Roland raises an eyebrow at these, too, but a grin is already >forming. > >>"They can also construct items from computer generated plans, or >> recorded scans." Moonstone's beam gets even brighter. "Will CAD and a laptop do?" the engineering (OOC: I -think-, it's been so long! :)) student-dragon asks. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Tue, 3 Apr 2001 23:28:28 EDT SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00009834 >In a message dated 4/3/01 1:11:26 PM Eastern Daylight Time, >RolandX writes: > >> "*Ever.* Sheesh. And people make comments about me and the >>Angels..." > > "_My_ lovers don't destroy city blocks having spats over me," Sil >retorts. "Nor have I ever caused a supernova, crashed a galactic >computer network, accidentally started a war with a Horizon Realm..." "Dammit, those WEREN'T OUR FAULT!!! Geez, how often do I have to keep *repeating* it?" Roger looks nearly as grumpy as Roland. >> Roger recognizes That Look, and his brain momentarily unclutches >>from the realization that Oh My Ghod, I'm Acting Like Eric -- the >>two of them now have the Big Brother thing in common. Steam starts >>leaking out of his ears... > > Eric glances coolly over at Roger. 1) The Hunter isn't remotely >telepathic. 2) Eric doesn't _do_ smug. So he can't be enjoying the >look on Roger's face. ;^) 1) The Hunter is perceptive enough to get by without telepathy, especially when he's "reading" someone as heart-on-his-sleeve as Roger. 2) Yeah, right. Suuuuure he doesn't.... -- "Smug isn't what I *do*--it's what I *am*" Roger Greywolf-Phoenix, parodying Eric "das Jaeger" Lancer -- ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load On Tue, 3 Apr 2001 21:59:12 -0700 (PDT) Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00009836 >Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00009823 > >Nemo smiles at her. > >"One thing. Roger, I don't care what sort of photos you take of her. >If she's willing, I have no problems. I know you wouldn't take any >she *didn't* want you to take." > >Does Roger go a bit pale for second? No, but Rob sighs. /I can tell an F-stop from a G-string, and I'm going to keep it reasonable. The cover story is a photography session for a fashion magazine, not a skin magazine. Although it's debatable which one involves more sale of one's soul./ >"But do try to remember to take off the lens cap. And *not* to lose >or ruin the film? I'd rather like to see what a group like this will >come up with. " /Believe me, I'm looking forward to this. This may be the most fun I've had in a month. I haven't been able to burn through film since I was working as backup to James Olsen./ Rob smiles at the memory. /And they only hired me because they wanted somebody to get the look on his face if he won the Pulitzer, and everybody else was out on bigger stories. Best temp job I ever had./ ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load On Tue, 03 Apr 2001 21:58:26 -0700 Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00009837 >On Tue, 3 Apr 2001 23:16:17 EDT >SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00009832 > > Roger spins around several times, and comes to a stop in an outfit >that exists somewhere between "Business Casual" and "Saturday Night >Fever[1]," complete with half-open shirt and little coin-on-chain >necklace. "Rio, honey, baby, sweethart, would I do that? I'm an >*agent,* after all virtually a paragon of loyalty and virtue! >Right up there with lawyers!" He slips out a pair of glam-rocker >sunglasses and slips them on, waggling his eyebrows at her >outrageously over the rims. OOC-R: What's the footnote referring to? We couldn't find it... Rio frowns. ^Don't you go disco on me, Roggie. It's too late for '75, and,^ she strokes his cheek and bats her eyes _very_ cutely, ^Mr. Big Important Agent doesn't want to lose his gravy train, now, does he?^ > Roger smirks and pegs a single peant in Eric's direction. >"Hmm...we'll just *have* to update your wardbrobe, Eric ol' buddy ol' >pal. I'm thinking...Elton John! Yes, that'll be *perfect,* don't you >agree, Rio dear?" Eric _growls_ at Roger. "Basic black," he says quietly, "is always in style." "And besides," Rio mock-pouts, "you _can't_ have the muscle out-flash the talent." >>Rio grins. /What's that old saying? 'If you remember the 70's, you >>weren't really there'?/ From her expression, she probably realizes >>she's quoting the decade wrong. > > Roger sighs nostalgically. "Yeah, the '30s were like that too. The >2030s, I mean." Sil puts her finger to her lips in a 'shush'-ing gesture. ^Don't spoil the surprise!^ Morgan, who caught Roger's comment, does some quick math. "Good, they'll be _real_ adults by then," she says to her husband, obviously referring to the twins. "Look at _him_," Roland says, gesturing at Roger with a nod. Morgan bites her lip thoughtfully. >> /That was the 60's,/ Eric replies mournfully. /The 70's were >>tragically unforgettable./ > > OOC: I dunno, I found them pretty forgettable myself. Damn, I miss >the '80s. OOC-R: I don't. The 70s were...disturbing, from what little _I_ remember, but the 80s were just...boring. Preppies, greed, and President Reagan. About the only good things I remember from the 80s were that cartoons got brains (Morgan adds, and I agree, that Warner Bros. 'toons already had brains) and techno was born. And remember, he said 'tragically' unforgettable. ;^) OOC-M: I concur. Fashion aside, I'd much rather have the 70's than the 80's. But I cringe every time I see someone in 2" platforms. Yuk! ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Tue, 3 Apr 2001 22:01:36 -0700 (PDT) Driscoll Said As CAoL Message # 00009838 >On Mon, 2 Apr 2001 09:26:44 -0700 (PDT) >Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00009780 > >"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." Jim smirks and bats his eyelashes at Zia, "What? You don't want to spend the money for the best ofr us while we're there btu get it now when it's cheap?" He chuckles, 'We do not actually care as we simply tunr off all taste receptors in forms without such things and could operate just as well on water, beer, or tapioca pudding as we could gasoline... As for defensive systems, we stil have in our memories thousands of designs for weapondry both offensive nad defensive from Justin and The Controller and the dimentions they had visited, and can set up defenses as such to be completely hidden, with a hologrpahic projecter perhaps in addition ot make it look as if the vehicle is actualyl taking normal damage so as to not reveal the truth of our saftey..." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Tue, 3 Apr 2001 22:05:23 -0700 (PDT) Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00009839 >On Tue, 03 Apr 2001 17:02:11 -0700 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00009829 > > He nods unhappily. "The Void Engineers call it the Observer >Effect. Joy. I'm sure you can make all the necessary copies; I'll >'port in to the nearest Interpol facility when I arrive and make sure >that they have all the appropriate records. I don't _think_ they were >computerized yet--that'd make my job a lot easier--but a paper trail >ought to be enough to 'fake it' with for two days." He looks at the >hologram. /"Speaking of which, the clock is ticking. We're on >synchronous time, people. Rob, you have a 'landing pad' for us?"/ /Yes, I do. But I agree that we should hit the ground running for another reason. I just refigured the space, and it's going to be more than a little cramped in this room. Something on the order of "help, i'm being crushed."/ > /"You wouldn't believe the clearance I have at UNTIL. Anyway, >those of you using different covers, just use the 'fabers' to turn >'em into passports, licenses and such. If Nemo hasn't pre-programmed >that information into them already, I'll eat my helmet. If there are >any differences in my world's 1975 Interpol and this one's, I'll >cover it. Any last questions?"/ /All clear at the Singing Landlord. Ready when you are./ Rob has changed shirts, and is busily transferring odds and ends from his jeans jacket to the vest. While standing in the closet. /Hey, we need the room./ ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load On Tue, 3 Apr 2001 22:32:51 -0700 (PDT) Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00009840 >SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00009832 > > Roger spins around several times, and comes to a stop in an outfit >that exists somewhere between "Business Casual" and "Saturday Night >Fever[1]," complete with half-open shirt and little coin-on-chain >necklace. "Rio, honey, baby, sweethart, would I do that? I'm an >*agent,* after all -- virtually a paragon of loyalty and virtue! >Right up there with lawyers!" He slips out a pair of glam-rocker >sunglasses and slips them on, waggling his eyebrows at her >outrageously over the rims. Grumbles come from the background: "Warewolf's not going to be amused." "Think we should tell Dusty?" "Nah. He's joking. I think." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Tue, 3 Apr 2001 22:28:55 -0700 (PDT) Driscoll Said As CAoL Message # 00009841 >On Tue, 3 Apr 2001 03:47:09 PST >Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00009811 > >"Just feed in thru here, and the lead will come out there, and the >lead free gasoline over there." Jim smirks broadly as the box sinks into his hand and is absorbed, "Thank you but as we stated we were only joking, however such a device can be useful both as a start to eh mass we are needing to form a car, and as an addition ot the devices in our memory banks for reconstruction later as the situation needs." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load On Wed, 4 Apr 2001 03:29:17 EDT SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00009842 >In a message dated 4/4/01 1:15:03 AM Eastern Daylight Time, >Rob writes: > >/Believe me, I'm looking forward to this. This may be the most fun >I've had in a month. I haven't been able to burn through film since I >was working as backup to James Olsen./ Rob smiles at the memory. /And >they only hired me because they wanted somebody to get the look on >his face if he won the Pulitzer, and everybody else was out on bigger >stories. Best temp job I ever had./ Roger perks up. "Hey, did you get to meet Clark Kent? I understand Olsen worked with him a lot. Even Luthor was afraid of Kent -- that guy could sniff out corruption in a sewer." He flinches from Roland's glare. "What? That was a *compliment!*" ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load On Wed, 4 Apr 2001 03:25:50 EDT SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00009843 >In a message dated 4/4/01 1:15:25 AM Eastern Daylight Time, >Morgan and/or Roland writes: > >> Roger spins around several times, and comes to a stop in an >>outfit that exists somewhere between "Business Casual" and "Saturday >>Night Fever[1]," complete with half-open shirt and little >>coin-on-chain necklace. "Rio, honey, baby, sweethart, would I do >>that? I'm an *agent,* after all -- virtually a paragon of loyalty >>and virtue! Right up there with lawyers!" He slips out a pair of >>glam-rocker sunglasses and slips them on, waggling his eyebrows at >>her outrageously over the rims. > > OOC-R: What's the footnote referring to? We couldn't find it... David no baka! The footnote should have been to the effect that VH1's been playing SNF, and "behind the scenes, making-of" stuff on it this week. Made the connection inevitable. >Rio frowns. ^Don't you go disco on me, Roggie. It's too late for '75, >and,^ she strokes his cheek and bats her eyes _very_ cutely, ^Mr. Big >Important Agent doesn't want to lose his gravy train, now, does he?^ Roger's jaw cycles several times as he tries to find an appropriate response to that... OOC: Too late for '75? SNF came out in '77, and according to the VH1 specials, right about that time is when the big anti-disco backlash began -- "DISCO SUCKS" t-shirts were becoming really popular while the movie was in post-production. So, I guessed, but '75 seemed like a safe bet for Disco being popular. >> Roger smirks and pegs a single peant in Eric's direction. >>"Hmm...we'll just *have* to update your wardbrobe, Eric ol' buddy >>ol' pal. I'm thinking...Elton John! Yes, that'll be *perfect,* don't >>you agree, Rio dear?" > > Eric _growls_ at Roger. "Basic black," he says quietly, "is always >in style." "Hey, that's my line!" >"And besides," Rio mock-pouts, "you _can't_ have the muscle out-flash >the talent." "Darn. You're right. Too bad we're not going to the height of Punk Rock -- we could have Mew give him a makeover..." Roger snickers EVILLY. >> Roger sighs nostalgically. "Yeah, the '30s were like that too. >>The 2030s, I mean." > > Sil puts her finger to her lips in a 'shush'-ing gesture. ^Don't >spoil the surprise!^ Roger looks startled. "What surprise? It was cyclically obvious, to annyone who did a Chondrattieff/LaPlace analysis on the socioeconomic wavefront patterns emerging in the 1990s ..." He takes in the *looks* he's getting. "Never mind." >Morgan, who caught Roger's comment, does some quick math. "Good, >they'll be _real_ adults by then," she says to her husband, obviously >referring to the twins. > > "Look at _him_," Roland says, gesturing at Roger with a nod. >Morgan bites her lip thoughtfully. Roger throws a handful of rasberries at his parents. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Wed, 4 Apr 2001 01:17:53 -0700 (PDT) The Lone One Said As CAoL Message # 00009844 >On Sat, 31 Mar 2001 16:53:54 -0800 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00009721 > >>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." Raver straightened, looking up, as the call went out. The unwashed bandit sprawled under one of her feet tried to crawl away, an attempt scotched by a simple shifting of weight. "Uh uh. Not a bright idea." A few feet away, Mandy was crouched in front of a chest, her gun still smoking slightly from shooting the lock off. "Got it." [What's it?] [The Call,] came the reply. [One or both of us?] "Let me take care of this...person... and then we can go." A mailed fist hauled the bandit to his feet with a good shake. In short order, he had been hustled outside into the waiting arms of the military patrol and the Two's fee collected. They were several minutes out of town, heading toward the nearest Door, when Raver spoke over the bond. [Methinks it would be best if I were to shadowdance to the Bar first, give you time.] [Need to drop some of this stuff off at home first, too.] [Agreed.] Then they separated; the human continuing on toward the Door to the Hall Between Worlds while the demon disappeared in a burst of black flame. >THEN... > /"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."/ Black flame crackled, and Raver stepped out of nowhere into the Bar. Silver armor undamaged by the fiery passage, she nodded at Roland and Morgan, having kept tabs on the events up to now through the Link. /"While I may not be able to enter that timeline, Mandy should be able to."/ If anyone looks around for Mandy, Raver will continue, /"Mandy will be arriving shortly. Unlike me, she walks the Hall Between Worlds, which takes a little longer than shadowdancing."/ A short pause as Raver relayed all information to Mandy over the bond. /"In fact, she should be arriving right about...now."/ Right on cue, Mandy pushed the door to the Bar open, wandering up to the group. She ran a rueful finger down a suspicious stain on her jeans. "Got caught in a brawl at the Inn on the way here." "Again." [Next time I see Robin Goodfellow, I am going to pin those ears of his *back*. Astoreth has much more patience than I with his antics.] An apologetic shrug, then Mandy slipped into the current planning session. > /"I'll requisition a few Neuralyzers from MiB HQ, just in case, >assuming no one objects. Let's see...I'm pretty sure that covers >everything we'll need for starters. Did I miss anything?"/ Roland >asks the team. Mandy tilted her head a bit. "What about getting some Noisy Crickets, while you're at it? Small, easy to disguise as toys..." > Roland takes a second look at these coordinates. "Kind of...out in >the boonies, for a Trek-verse, isn't it?" "...Yeah. It'd take me a few days or more to get there if I went through the Hall Between Worlds. Especially since...yeah." Her fingers twitched in midair as she thought. "That's on the far side of Sick Etla, even if I took a shortcut or two." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Wed, 4 Apr 2001 01:43:02 -0700 (PDT) The Lone One Said As CAoL Message # 00009845 >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 Raver brightened a bit at the news. "If you would provide one for me, it would be appreciated." OOC: I assume that that means they work even if someone happens to, say, trip over Raver's tail? Or is that a hole? ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load On Wed, 4 Apr 2001 02:14:45 -0700 (PDT) The Lone One Said As CAoL Message # 00009846 >On Tue, 3 Apr 2001 23:16:17 EDT >SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00009832 > > Roger spins around several times, and comes to a stop in an outfit >that exists somewhere between "Business Casual" and "Saturday Night >Fever[1]," complete with half-open shirt and little coin-on-chain >necklace. "Rio, honey, baby, sweethart, would I do that? I'm an >*agent,* after all -- virtually a paragon of loyalty and virtue! >Right up there with lawyers!" He slips out a pair of glam-rocker >sunglasses and slips them on, waggling his eyebrows at her >outrageously over the rims. Mandy raised an eyebrow at Roger, face calm but with a certain amused glitter in her eyes. "Did I ever tell you that Travolta does absolutely nothing for me?" [Not to mention that I have to listen to you go on about fashion-induced hives every time you see a movie from that era,] Raver commented. [Which are, as far as I can tell, a figment of your imagination. No human has ever had a case of that.] ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load On Wed, 4 Apr 2001 02:28:35 -0700 (PDT) The Lone One Said As CAoL Message # 00009847 >On Tue, 03 Apr 2001 21:58:26 -0700 >Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00009837 > >>On Tue, 3 Apr 2001 23:16:17 EDT >>SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00009832 >> >> Roger smirks and pegs a single peant in Eric's direction. >>"Hmm...we'll just *have* to update your wardbrobe, Eric ol' buddy >>ol' pal. I'm thinking...Elton John! Yes, that'll be *perfect,* don't >>you agree, Rio dear?" > > Eric _growls_ at Roger. "Basic black," he says quietly, "is always >in style." "Black is so slimming," Mandy murmured under her breath, looking innocent when Eric looked over. "Seriously, though, I agree -- very useful color, neh?" >Morgan, who caught Roger's comment, does some quick math. "Good, >they'll be _real_ adults by then," she says to her husband, obviously >referring to the twins. > > "Look at _him_," Roland says, gesturing at Roger with a nod. >Morgan bites her lip thoughtfully. Mandy watched the byplay, her mental tone a mixture of wry amusement. [Cute babies or not, I think I'm glad I don't have any. They'd drive you crazy and I'd go gray with worrying. Like my mother kept threatening to do when I was a sprog...] Raver's only reply was, [Hm.] ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Wed, 4 Apr 2001 00:45:22 PST Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00009848 >On Tue, 3 Apr 2001 23:22:53 -0400 >Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00009833 > >>>"They can also construct items from computer generated plans, or >>>recorded scans." > > Moonstone's beam gets even brighter. > "Will CAD and a laptop do?" the engineering (OOC: I -think-, >it's been so long! :)) student-dragon asks. "Well, they'll do the best they can with such crude input. Normally, they expect atom by atom specs. So describing various alloys or the results of things like heat treatment or case-hardening will be a bit of a pain. You'd best download a set of materials and properties before you leave." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Wed, 4 Apr 2001 00:51:34 PST Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00009849 >On Tue, 3 Apr 2001 22:05:23 -0700 (PDT) >Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00009839 > >/All clear at the Singing Landlord. Ready when you are./ Rob has >changed shirts, and is busily transferring odds and ends from his >jeans jacket to the vest. While standing in the closet. > >/Hey, we need the room./ /Yeah, right. *You* in the closet. Wait until Rio finds out./ :-) ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Wed, 4 Apr 2001 00:37:52 PST Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00009850 >On Tue, 03 Apr 2001 17:02:11 -0700 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00009829 > >>On Tue, 3 Apr 2001 02:54:59 PST >>Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00009809 >> >>"Certainly, even though I cannot go, I can provide you with proper >>materials *here*. But I can't maje any changes in records *there*. >>And don't try contacting one of myselves then. He wasn't contacted >>by you, so he *cannot* be contacted by you." > > Roland quirks an eyebrow. He's not used to Nemo having _real_ >limitations, as opposed to self-imposed ones. >>"Such have been captured several times in that timeline, though no >>one ever managed to hold onto them long enough to figure them out. A >>few more won't make any difference." > > And Roland's jaw drops. He picks up the jaw a moment later, and >smiles. "Oh, that's clever...fill your pockets, folks, these'll come >in handy for 'cover' for flashier stuff." Hey, given the "history" of that timeline, it's only *fitting* that we can use the strangeness against it. >Then, >>On Tue, 3 Apr 2001 03:27:20 PST >>Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00009813 >> >>Nemo adds a few attache cases to the pile of gear. >> >>"These are 'fabers'. Basicly, give a supply of raw materials, they >>can duplicate anything that'll fit in a 30 cm cube. They *don't* >>transmute, but they'll cheerfully extract the required atoms from >>anything handy." > > Roland raises an eyebrow at these, too, but a grin is already >forming. "They won't avt as anything *but* briefcases for anyone not of the team. *Boobytrapped* briefcases if you set the destruct mechanism..." Swiped them from S.M. Stirling's "Drakon" and a few similar items in books by other authors ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Wed, 4 Apr 2001 10:41:10 -0400 Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00009851 >On Wed, 4 Apr 2001 00:45:22 PST >Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00009848 > >>On Tue, 3 Apr 2001 23:22:53 -0400 >>Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00009833 >> >> Moonstone's beam gets even brighter. >> "Will CAD and a laptop do?" the engineering (OOC: I -think-, >>it's been so long! :)) student-dragon asks. > >"Well, they'll do the best they can with such crude input. Normally, >they expect atom by atom specs. So describing various alloys or the >results of things like heat treatment or case-hardening will be a bit >of a pain. You'd best download a set of materials and properties >before you leave." Moonstone nods, digging a slim, silver case out of her backpack and setting it up on the table. The notebook computer is already on, the GNOME GUI easily recognizable. "Can you part with a tricorder from the same era as the phasers as well?" the dragoness asks, "It'd be nice to be able to update the materials list on occasion." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Wed, 4 Apr 2001 10:41:06 -0400 Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00009852 >On Tue, 3 Apr 2001 22:38:08 -0400 >Caprice/Legion Said As CAoL Message # 00009830 > >1975, Three months before Crisis. One notable item, of interest to the interdimensional traveller living in this reality, is the broadcast, translated into german, of a late sixties science fiction program from America, starring William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, and DeForrest Kelly called _Star Trek_. Of _very_ special note, is that "Assignment: Earth" is not in the run, and, should someone look into it, never was made or even thought of. Otherwise, the show is identical to the one IRL. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Wed, 4 Apr 2001 09:06:46 PST Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00009854 >On Wed, 4 Apr 2001 10:41:10 -0400 >Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00009851 > > Moonstone nods, digging a slim, silver case out of her backpack >and setting it up on the table. The notebook computer is already on, >the GNOME GUI easily recognizable. > "Can you part with a tricorder from the same era as the phasers >as well?" the dragoness asks, "It'd be nice to be able to update the >materials list on occasion." "Certainly. Anyone else want one?" "BTW, the communicators incorporate a holoprojector that will fake 'transporter effect'. I'd advise using it to cover up any teleportation of other types." If it wasn't clear, the communicators are the *original* Trek flip open kind. And the phasers are the "under the shirt" kind, not the pistol type. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Wed, 04 Apr 2001 13:46:57 -0700 Rio Said As CAoL Message # 00009856 >On Tue, 3 Apr 2001 22:05:23 -0700 (PDT) >Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00009839 > >>On Tue, 03 Apr 2001 17:02:11 -0700 >>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00009829 >> >> /"You wouldn't believe the clearance I have at UNTIL. Anyway, >>those of you using different covers, just use the 'fabers' to turn >>'em into passports, licenses and such. If Nemo hasn't pre-programmed >>that information into them already, I'll eat my helmet. If there are >>any differences in my world's 1975 Interpol and this one's, I'll >>cover it. Any last questions?"/ Rio takes her turn at getting the paperwork necessary for any international traveler. "Kirsten Riordan, up and coming super model," she grins. "Can I take cash and buy my cloths there? I'd really like 'native' if I can get it. Don't worry," the time mage grins, "I can shop fast. Frankfurt's nearby, so I should be able to get cutting edge stuff." >/All clear at the Singing Landlord. Ready when you are./ Rob has >changed shirts, and is busily transferring odds and ends from his >jeans jacket to the vest. While standing in the closet. > >/Hey, we need the room./ Rio waits for Roger and Eric to complete their papers, and then goes through the 'portal' (X-window, whatever we're using). ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Wed, 04 Apr 2001 15:07:09 -0700 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00009858 >On Tue, 3 Apr 2001 22:05:23 -0700 (PDT) >Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00009839 > >>On Tue, 03 Apr 2001 17:02:11 -0700 >>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00009829 >> >>He looks at the hologram. /"Speaking of which, the clock is ticking. >>We're on synchronous time, people. Rob, you have a 'landing pad' for >>us?"/ > >/Yes, I do. But I agree that we should hit the ground running for >another reason. I just refigured the space, and it's going to be more >than a little cramped in this room. Something on the order of "help, >i'm being crushed."/ Meanwhile: >On Tue, 3 Apr 2001 22:38:08 -0400 >Caprice/Legion Said As CAoL Message # 00009830 > >1975, Three months before Crisis. > >Carefully aging their appearances whenever they changed lodging, they >adopted the personas of Dr. and Dr. Essex, a pair of retired >physicians looking to rent a house while they decided to do with the >rest of their retirement. Locating a spacious four bedroom house for >rent at the edge of town, they arranged to lease it for a year. They >settled into a routine, spending afternoons in the park, making >occasional tourist-style excursions, and just generally blending in. >They carefully read every page of the paper every day, but made no >attempt to get near the Sevens family, much less contact them. Roland smacks his forehead as he picks up the Dr's Essex on his ESP sweep. "Duh! Rob, don't worry, you don't need to fit everyone in there." He splits the X-window to show Rob's room at the Singing Landlord and Legion's house. "Those of you on the photo shoot, go with Rob. The Interpol team, to Caprice's. Anyone doing another cover, let me know and we'll work out what's best." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Wed, 4 Apr 2001 21:06:12 -0400 Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00009860 >On Wed, 04 Apr 2001 15:07:09 -0700 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00009858 > > Roland smacks his forehead as he picks up the Dr's Essex on his >ESP sweep. "Duh! Rob, don't worry, you don't need to fit everyone in >there." He splits the X-window to show Rob's room at the Singing >Landlord and Legion's house. "Those of you on the photo shoot, go >with Rob. The Interpol team, to Caprice's. Anyone doing another >cover, let me know and we'll work out what's best." Moonstone speaks up, "I'll take the photoshoot, just have to modify my cover slightly." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Wed, 4 Apr 2001 18:09:07 -0700 (PDT) Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00009861 >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?" Ziactrice simply smirks. > 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..." "I'm glad you're so in favor as to share with your brother, Roger." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Wed, 4 Apr 2001 18:15:32 -0700 (PDT) Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00009863 >On Tue, 3 Apr 2001 01:31:54 EDT >SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00009803 > >>In a message dated 4/2/01 2:13:57 AM Eastern Daylight Time, >>RolandX writes: >> >> 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. Zia nods, admiringly. "Smooth, Sil." > Roger faceplants hard enough to leave his head and shoulders in >the basement (aka, the "Ostrich Maneuver"). > >>"Apparently," Morgan replies brightly, her smile broadening. >> >> "At _any_ rate," Eric continues, plowing through any further >>wisecracks, "it turns out we attracted some attention. "Doesn't surprise me." Zia comments, sotto voce. >>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." > > "Remind me," Roger quips, pulling his head out of the broken >floorboards, "not to let you near the Wave Motion Gun I've got in >storage..." "Like letting yourself near it isn't the reason it got placed there..." >> "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. "Durn, missed a good one, this time." Zia observes semi-regretfully. > "*Ever.* Sheesh. And people make comments about me and the >Angels..." "Only because you had the entire Chorus of Seraphim, Roger. Otherwise, I wouldn't have found it worth mentioning next to your other more outre exploits." Zia 'explains' helpfully. >> 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. Zia raises an eyebrow, mildly surprised, and gives one of those 5 degree nods of acknowledgement you'd never notice unless you were looking at her directly at that instant. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Past Imperfect On Wed, 4 Apr 2001 18:20:49 -0700 (PDT) Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00009864 >On Tue, 3 Apr 2001 02:29:32 PST >Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00009807 > >"I'm sorry. But this is a mission I *can't* go on." > >"For *me* the past of any given universe *is*. It's not changeable. >Attempts to change the future of a moment merely take different >branches while the other branches still exist." Zia nods. "You'd mentioned that. Shadow may or may not be the same, or a similar phenomena." >"I know the universe isn't that way for Zia," he pauses and glances >at her for a moment, "Nor for many of the rest of you. Just look at >Fuzzy, who is 'unique'." Zia grins, "Yes, my Shadow is individually mutable. But not beyond that." >*Here's the only way it can really be expressed []* > >The "data packet" is math. Highly developed and very abtruse math. >Those who can understand even a portion of it, get the impression of >a complex set, or series of mathematical "spaces", with seemingly >contradictory properties that seem to depend in part on where you are >observing from, and on how you got there. "Oh, my. THAT is going to take quite a while to digest." She shakes her head. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Wed, 4 Apr 2001 18:23:30 -0700 (PDT) Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00009865 >On Tue, 3 Apr 2001 03:47:09 PST >Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00009811 > >He tosses Jim a small box. > >"Just feed in thru here, and the lead will come out there, and the >lead free gasoline over there." Zia smiles. "Thank you, Nemo. I hadn't even thought of that possibility." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load On Wed, 4 Apr 2001 18:34:34 -0700 (PDT) Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00009866 >On Tue, 3 Apr 2001 12:44:23 PST >Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00009823 > >>On Tue, 3 Apr 2001 08:35:26 -0700 (PDT) >>Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00009817 >> >>/That would work. Regardless, I'd appreciate going out in a group of >>three at the least. Preferably four, if I can get one more vict--um, >>volunteer. :)/ > >"Zia? Unless you have other plans, this sounds like your sort of >role." > >Nemo smiles at her. Zia raises an eyebrow at Nemo. "You know, you can negotiate for better pay if you actually wait so long the 'shoot has to ask for you personally. And Rob still hasn't discussed what percent and how much control I retain of the images and negatives." >"One thing. Roger, I don't care what sort of photos you take of her. >If she's willing, I have no problems. I know you wouldn't take any >she *didn't* want you to take." > >Does Roger go a bit pale for second? Zia just smiles, and pretends that she believes Nemo might intimidate the indomitable Immortal more than her own ire would... >"But do try to remember to take off the lens cap. And *not* to lose >or ruin the film? I'd rather like to see what a group like this will >come up with. " "We'll see how good an offer Roger can invent. I'd like to work for more than just the clothes on my back... though perhaps that gives away my age." She smiles. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load On Wed, 04 Apr 2001 21:33:11 -0700 Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00009868 >Rio Said As CAoL Message # 00009821 > /I'm already questioning your taste,/ Eric intones. Rio pointedly >ignores him. > After a moment, he adds, /I suppose I could accompany this lot as >security. There were a lot of kidnappings in '75./ He gives Rio a >meaningful look. /Some of us _remember_ the 70s./ Aurora laughs her world spanning, tinkling laugh, and the world seems a brighter place for a short while. /*"That would surely be the shortest and most disasterous attempt at kidnapping that ever took place."*/ She says, and then breaks out laughing again. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Wed, 04 Apr 2001 22:01:08 -0700 Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00009869 >Caprice/Legion Said As CAoL Message # 00009830 > >Essex and Legion exchange looks. They seem to 'flicker' and then each >is wearing a business suit cut in the style of 1975, and a pile of >luggage is sitting behind them. "Let's do it." With her spacial senses, Legion senses 'something' reach from no-where to grasp her and Essex in a grip that is both as gentle as a feather's touch and less malliable than admantium. She senses their exit from The Place and the universe it rests in, and then somehow they are in a condition where space and time have no meaning. A -moment- later she feels a new universe open itself up to them. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Wed, 04 Apr 2001 22:07:12 -0700 Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00009870 >The Lone One Said As CAoL Message # 00009845 > >>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 > > Raver brightened a bit at the news. "If you would provide one >for me, it would be appreciated." > >OOC: I assume that that means they work even if someone happens to, >say, trip over Raver's tail? Or is that a hole? OOC: The tripped person would FEEL the tail, but not see it. Most people would rather doubt their secondary senses, than question their primary sense. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Wed, 04 Apr 2001 22:17:06 -0700 Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00009871 >Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00009858 > > Roland smacks his forehead as he picks up the Dr's Essex on his >ESP sweep. "Duh! Rob, don't worry, you don't need to fit everyone in >there." He splits the X-window to show Rob's room at the Singing >Landlord and Legion's house. "Those of you on the photo shoot, go >with Rob. The Interpol team, to Caprice's. Anyone doing another >cover, let me know and we'll work out what's best." /*"Which would you prefer for me? I can be a model, or body guard for the photo shoot. Or an interpol agent."*/ Aurora asks? ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Wed, 04 Apr 2001 21:58:34 -0700 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00009872 >On Tue, 3 Apr 2001 23:28:28 EDT >SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00009834 > >>In a message dated 4/3/01 1:11:26 PM Eastern Daylight Time, >>RolandX writes: >> >> "_My_ lovers don't destroy city blocks having spats over me," Sil >>retorts. "Nor have I ever caused a supernova, crashed a galactic >>computer network, accidentally started a war with a Horizon >>Realm..." > > "Dammit, those WEREN'T OUR FAULT!!! Geez, how often do I have to >keep *repeating* it?" Roger looks nearly as grumpy as Roland. (OOC-R: Roland doesn't always look grumpy...) "That's what they always say," Sil shrugs, fighting down a smile. "At least you've managed to keep the travelling disaster area around you down to a dull roar here/now. Kei and Yuri, if I know them, are still blithely putting craters in continents..." >On Wed, 4 Apr 2001 03:29:17 EDT >SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00009842 > > Roger perks up. "Hey, did you get to meet Clark Kent? I understand >Olsen worked with him a lot. Even Luthor was afraid of Kent -- that >guy could sniff out corruption in a sewer." > He flinches from Roland's glare. "What? That was a *compliment!*" Except the 'glare' is a look of shock. "You don't know," Roland says in stunned realization. He desperately fights off a laugh; it really isn't polite to laugh uproariously in your son's face. "Four hundred years of future history...knowing the CAoL inside and out...and he doesn't know..." Tears start _streaming_ down Roland's cheeks from the effort not to bust a gut. ^Roland, dear, you really _shouldn't_ make fun of your son's ignorance like that,^ Morgan says, stifling a laugh of her own. She also manages to use the portion of the private link that is the "family" link, which means Roger can hear. ^I'm _trying_ not to, Morgan,^ Roland replies, still shaking slightly from the heroic effort. He also isn't entirely aware the link is more 'open.' ^I'm not sure if I should get Roger a copy of Action Comics #1, or assume my older self deliberately 'forgot' that bit of his education.^ ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Wed, 04 Apr 2001 23:04:08 -0700 Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00009873 >On Wed, 4 Apr 2001 01:17:53 -0700 (PDT) >The Lone One Said As CAoL Message # 00009844 > > Black flame crackled, and Raver stepped out of nowhere into the >Bar. Silver armor undamaged by the fiery passage, she nodded at >Roland and Morgan, having kept tabs on the events up to now through >the Link. Roland salutes back jauntily. >/"While I may not be able to enter that timeline, Mandy should be >able to."/ /"Your call, but between this bunch, we can probably come up with something."/ > If anyone looks around for Mandy, Raver will continue, /"Mandy >will be arriving shortly. Unlike me, she walks the Hall Between >Worlds, which takes a little longer than shadowdancing."/ /"The Hall Between...?"/ Roland asks, then adds, /"I don't think I want to know."/ >> /"I'll requisition a few Neuralyzers from MiB HQ, just in case, >>assuming no one objects. Let's see...I'm pretty sure that covers >>everything we'll need for starters. Did I miss anything?"/ Roland >>asks the team. > > Mandy tilted her head a bit. "What about getting some Noisy >Crickets, while you're at it? Small, easy to disguise as toys..." Roland smiles, then vanishes again. A few moments later, he appears (smoke billowing from him for about four seconds before fading) with a Noisy Cricket in his hand. "I've really got to update my MiB clearance. Anyway, here you go. Be really careful with it--if you know what it is, you know what kind of 'bang' you get for your buck. There's also a safety--here--" Roland shows Mandy a brief but odd series of small levers. "--the safety doesn't go on until you pull all four in order, but you have to reverse the order for it to work again. Makes it useless to someone who doesn't know how to turn it back 'on' again, just in case." 8^) >On Wed, 4 Apr 2001 02:28:35 -0700 (PDT) >The Lone One Said As CAoL Message # 00009847 > >>On Tue, 03 Apr 2001 21:58:26 -0700 >>Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00009837 >> >> Eric _growls_ at Roger. "Basic black," he says quietly, "is >>always in style." > > "Black is so slimming," Mandy murmured under her breath, looking >innocent when Eric looked over. "Seriously, though, I agree -- very >useful color, neh?" Eric looks abjectly stunned. /This is getting ridiculous,/ he thinks, not unkindly though, clearly unaware that his musings are going into the link. /It's like something out of a bad movie--I'm not interested, so every attractive woman in three Realms sets their sights on me. And, of course, the one time I respond is the one time in ten years that my timing's off. If this is a story, I'm gonna throttle the hack writing it./ To Mandy, he just nods, as timidly as a human predator like him is capable of. /Oh come on, Eric, just relax and enjoy it,/ Rio sends. At Eric's shocked look, she grins and adds, /And if you don't want everyone on the link to hear you, you need to learn to 'think' quietly./ She's managing not to giggle, but just barely. "Gaia." Eric just stares at Rio for a moment. A second later, he begins striding straight for the X-Window, the most graceful retreat he can manage under the circumstances. (OOC: Yeah, Eric _is_ a good lookin' man, scars aside. He's no Adonis, but you don't obsess for ten years at becoming one of the (if not THE) world's best martial artists without getting a decent body in the bargain. 8^) ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Thu, 5 Apr 2001 02:52:16 PST Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00009874 >On Wed, 4 Apr 2001 18:09:07 -0700 (PDT) >Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00009861 > >> 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..." > >"I'm glad you're so in favor as to share with your brother, Roger." Nemo "stage whispers" to Zia: "I think Roger would look cute in a nice thong, actually..." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Thu, 5 Apr 2001 06:47:34 EDT SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00009876 >In a message dated 4/5/01 1:40:46 AM Eastern Daylight Time, >RolandX writes: > >^Roland, dear, you really _shouldn't_ make fun of your son's >ignorance like that,^ Morgan says, stifling a laugh of her own. She >also manages to use the portion of the private link that is the >"family" link, which means Roger can hear. "Huh?" Roger interjects intelligently. > ^I'm _trying_ not to, Morgan,^ Roland replies, still shaking >slightly from the heroic effort. He also isn't entirely aware the >link is more 'open.' ^I'm not sure if I should get Roger a copy of >Action Comics #1, or assume my older self deliberately 'forgot' that >bit of his education.^ Roger swivells his gaze from parent to parent, looking increasingly befuddled. ^You two mind letting me in on the joke, here?^ ================================= Subject: Re: AAE 7a: Saddle up, Lock 'n Load (was Past Imperfect) On Thu, 5 Apr 2001 06:50:58 EDT SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00009879 >In a message dated 4/4/01 9:40:59 PM Eastern Daylight Time, >Zia writes: > >> 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..." > >"I'm glad you're so in favor as to share with your brother, Roger." Roger begins laying plans to covertly reupholster all of Zia's furniture in plaid -- LOUD plaid. =================================