Action, Adventure, Excitement, Part 7a
Chapter 10
Subject: Re: AAE VII: Storming the Castle
On Fri, 25 May 2001 12:03:11 -0700
Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00010255
>On Wed, 23 May 2001 16:51:07 -0400
>Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00010228
>
>>On Wed, 23 May 2001 10:12:28 -0700
>>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00010226
>>
>> /Me?/ Roland smiles viciously. /I'm going to introduce myself to
>>Rassilon Khan./
>> And Rassilon is hit by--literally--a flying tackle. (Roland uses
>>the opportunity to examine his physical defenses so as not to kill
>>him with an overpowered blast.)
>
> The body's strong, strong enough to lift a man off his feet
>one-handed, like the original Khan did with Checkov. The mind on the
>other hand, is highly powerful, but with the typical villianous ego.
[Whup!] Roland blurts as Rassilon throws him easily. The armor
enhances his strength to be about equal with Khan, but his agility is
still 'only' of human scale. He spins in the air, ready to attack at
range.
>> "I've got some _news_ about your future, Rassilon--it just became
>>_history!_"
>
> "You DARE attack me in my sanctom?" Rassilon spits, "Foolish
>human, I do not know by what power you resist my machine's mind
>control, but you will not resist mine!" A bolt of telekinesis the
>strength of a Mack truck lashs out at Defender.
However, the only thing Roland is forced to resist is an urge to
laugh uproariously at Rassilon. [Attacking _me_ with TK?! 'He don't
know me vewwy well, _do_ he?']
Still, underestimating Roland has caused the downfall of more than
one villain, and he's gotten out of the habit of doing it himself.
Carefully, he takes control of the kinetic force and uses it to (try
to) pin Rassilon with his own energy, wrapping him in his own clothes
if appropriate. He follows up with directed flashes of light and rapid
temperature changes around the Khan of Time to disorient him, and
tries to finish with a taser-like electric blast a bit more powerful
than a 'regular' taser. (Assuming Rassilon is shielded, Roland keeps
amping the power level up until: 1--Rassilon gets the shock of his
life, 2--Roland hits his max, or 3--it becomes clear that Rassilon is
insulated sufficiently to be invulnerable to electricity.) In the
likely event that it doesn't work, Roland gets more...direct.
"Resist _this,_ time boy," Defender snarls, firing a return force
bolt that could level a building.
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: Storming the Castle
On Fri, 25 May 2001 17:16:23 -0400
Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00010256
>On Fri, 25 May 2001 12:03:11 -0700
>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00010255
>
> However, the only thing Roland is forced to resist is an urge to
>laugh uproariously at Rassilon. [Attacking _me_ with TK?! 'He don't
>know me vewwy well, _do_ he?']
> Still, underestimating Roland has caused the downfall of more than
>one villain, and he's gotten out of the habit of doing it himself.
>Carefully, he takes control of the kinetic force and uses it to (try
>to) pin Rassilon with his own energy, wrapping him in his own clothes
>if appropriate. He
Rassilon is surrounded by a telekineticly induced funnel of wind
as Roland turns his blow back at him, but remains safe in the eye of
the storm.
>follows up with directed flashes of light and rapid temperature
>changes around the Khan of Time to disorient him, and tries to finish
>with a
He does shield his eyes from the lights, but the temperature
changes have no effect.
>taser-like electric blast a bit more powerful than a 'regular' taser.
>(Assuming Rassilon is shielded, Roland keeps amping the power level
>up until: 1--Rassilon gets the shock of his life, 2--Roland hits his
>max, or 3--it becomes clear that Rassilon is insulated sufficiently
>to be invulnerable to electricity.) In the likely event that it
>doesn't work, Roland gets more...direct.
The electricity arcs in a storm around Rassilon, being absorbed
by large pillar-like devices in the machinary above. He stands in the
middle, appraising Roland anew, and obviously, with great thought.
> "Resist _this,_ time boy," Defender snarls, firing a return force
>bolt that could level a building.
A brilliant explosion of power erupts about three-quarters of the
way toward Rassilon, a globe outlined around him in the energy rush.
"I seem to have done you a great disservice," Rassilon remarks
thoughtfully, an arm folded across his chest, the other, with the
silver band around it, glittering as he casually wagged his finger in
Roland's direction without it drifting far from its resting place on
his angular chin. "I had thought you were working for the parties of
this universe, predicted to me by the matrix, who would ensure my
downfall even after the death of Michael Seven."
"But I know you now, Roland Phoenix. You and your band of
interdimensional do-gooders somehow have managed to still remember
your Michael Seven and having pinpointed the time where he ceases to
exist, are here to stop me."
"Their loyalty is admirable," Rassilon remarks to the band on his
wrist, "Isn't it, Khan?"
The Matrix boomed throughout the room, "Pro-pro-projectile
monoblock sel-sel-sel-selected," and Rassilon smiled.
"But it will do you no good. Matrix, acquire and fire."
"Conconconfirmmmmmmmmmmmed."
Rassilon glanced at the main databanks of the matrix beside him
as a loud hum began to fill the air. To Roland he asked casually,
"Your doing, I take it? Very good work, not even a Time Lord could
manage such a feat."
The room began to brighten as a light brighter than the sun began
spilling down from inside the machine above their heads.
"But this..." Rassilon said, shaking his head in a silent 'no,'
"Tsn't so easily tampered with."
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: Storming the Castle
On Fri, 25 May 2001 15:24:30 -0700
Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00010257
>On Fri, 25 May 2001 17:16:23 -0400
>Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00010256
>
>>On Fri, 25 May 2001 12:03:11 -0700
>>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00010255
>>
>> Still, underestimating Roland has caused the downfall of more
>>than one villain, and he's gotten out of the habit of doing it
>>himself. Carefully, he takes control of the kinetic force and uses
>>it to (try to) pin Rassilon with his own energy, wrapping him in his
>>own clothes if appropriate. He
>
> Rassilon is surrounded by a telekineticly induced funnel of wind
>as Roland turns his blow back at him, but remains safe in the eye of
>the storm.
The Freelance Immortal frowns.
>>follows up with directed flashes of light and rapid temperature
>>changes around the Khan of Time to disorient him, and tries to
>>finish with a
>
> He does shield his eyes from the lights, but the temperature
>changes have no effect.
Roland notes this and ups the sensory interference.
>>taser-like electric blast a bit more powerful than a 'regular'
>>taser. (Assuming Rassilon is shielded, Roland keeps amping the power
>>level up until: 1--Rassilon gets the shock of his life, 2--Roland
>>hits his max, or 3--it becomes clear that Rassilon is insulated
>>sufficiently to be invulnerable to electricity.) In the likely event
>>that it doesn't work, Roland gets more...direct.
>
> The electricity arcs in a storm around Rassilon, being absorbed
>by large pillar-like devices in the machinary above. He stands in the
>middle, appraising Roland anew, and obviously, with great thought.
Roland tries to pull the electricity back in Rassilon's direction.
>> "Resist _this,_ time boy," Defender snarls, firing a return force
>>bolt that could level a building.
>
> A brilliant explosion of power erupts about three-quarters of
>the way toward Rassilon, a globe outlined around him in the energy
>rush.
Roland ceases his efforts for a moment, re-appraising Rassilon in
turn.
> "I seem to have done you a great disservice," Rassilon remarks
>thoughtfully, an arm folded across his chest, the other, with the
>silver band around it, glittering as he casually wagged his finger in
>Roland's direction without it drifting far from its resting place on
>his angular
"I get a lot of that."
>chin. "I had thought you were working for the parties of this
>universe, predicted to me by the matrix, who would ensure my downfall
>even after the death of Michael Seven."
"We all have our little problems," Defender replies dryly.
> "But I know you now, Roland Phoenix. You and your band of
>interdimensional do-gooders somehow have managed to still remember
>your Michael Seven and having pinpointed the time where he ceases to
>exist, are here to stop me."
Roland just stares balefully.
> "Their loyalty is admirable," Rassilon remarks to the band on
>his wrist, "Isn't it, Khan?"
His stare becomes a touch...concerned. "Do you always talk to
nametags?"
> The Matrix boomed throughout the room, "Pro-pro-projectile
>monoblock sel-sel-sel-selected," and Rassilon smiled.
[NASS!]
^ooo Dhyrclhanc, NOW. ooo^
> "But it will do you no good. Matrix, acquire and fire."
Beneath the helmet of Defender, Roland gritted his teeth in alarm,
but refused to show any concern to Rassilon.
> "Conconconfirmmmmmmmmmmmed."
> Rassilon glanced at the main databanks of the matrix beside him
>as a loud hum began to fill the air. To Roland he asked casually,
>"Your doing, I take it? Very good work, not even a Time Lord could
>manage such a feat."
"I know how to delegate," he replies curtly.
> The room began to brighten as a light brighter than the sun
>began spilling down from inside the machine above their heads.
> "But this..." Rassilon said, shaking his head in a silent 'no,'
>"Tsn't so easily tampered with."
"I wouldn't do that if I were you," Roland snarls, his body
lighting up like a flare and the sigil sizzling his flesh. The entire
TARDIS begins to shift. "Unless you want to share that dimension's
fate, that is." Defender begins to shake as the tower shudders...
(OOC: So, how heavy is Rassilon's tower? With the armor on,
Roland's upper limit is about a quarter-million tons (not counting the
sigil's effect). The tower itself probably doesn't weigh that much,
but a monoblock in the chamber changes all the rules. 8^)
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: Storming the Castle
On Fri, 25 May 2001 16:53:35 -0700
Squee Said As CAoL Message # 00010258
if this messes up your plot too much or just physically isn't
possible go ahe adnad let me know and I'll retcon it. Just a calvery
idea I had.
>On Fri, 25 May 2001 17:16:23 -0400
>Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00010256
> Rassilon glanced at the main databanks of the matrix beside him
>as a loud hum began to fill the air. To Roland he asked casually,
>"Your doing, I take it? Very good work, not even a Time Lord could
>manage such a feat."
> The room began to brighten as a light brighter than the sun
>began spilling down from inside the machine above their heads.
> "But this..." Rassilon said, shaking his head in a silent 'no,'
>"Tsn't so easily tampered with."
After depositing any passengers, Jim points the nose of the BMW at
the castle. The form begins to shift and change, becoming a missile
and launch platform. The missile aims for the hole int he shields and
fires, crashing through and bursting over the castle in a brilliant
explosion. Over 2 billion nanites rain down on the TARDIS/Castle.
Infiltrating through every crack and vent, seeking out every
mechanical and electronic system and infiltrating them to try to gain
control and shut down all wepondry and defenses.
Back outside of the castle, the launch system seems ot melt down into
a puddle of silvery glop and the ground starts gettign eaten away
underneath of it.
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: Storming the Castle
On Fri, 25 May 2001 21:52:35 -0500
Martin and/or Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00010259
>On Fri, 25 May 2K1, Roland X Said
>>Mike Knight Said
>>
>> The Matrix boomed throughout the room, "Pro-pro-projectile
>>monoblock sel-sel-sel-selected," and Rassilon smiled.
> [NASS!]
> ^ooo Dhyrclhanc, NOW. ooo^
"Hearing" his brother's mental shout Dhyrclhanc does several things.
First, he simultaneously deactivates the Xavier's Cloaking Device and
puts the ship into a nose-dive whose terminus would seem to be
Rassilon's TARDIS, itself.
Secondly, he fingers the Time-Ring resting on one of his fingers and
using it's Galefreian Time-and-Space Manipulation Technology he
performs a Temporal Fission,creating another Dhyclhanc standing on the
bridge.
I don't know if Rassilon will be able to detect that, but I
figure it's too late in the game to worry about that
The first and second Dhyrclhanci exchange a silent glare and
Dhyrclhanc #2 leaves the bridge and heads for the Transporters Room
which exists on the same deck as the bridge.
By the time he departs, the Xavier is well within the atmosphere.
Even though the sensory technology of the Earth of this Era still
cannot detect him, or his ship, as long as his Deflector Sheilds are
still up, Dhyrclhanc #1 gives a silent prayer to all of the forces of
Light that he venerates hoping that the citizens of this section of
Germany will see the blaze of fire hurtling across the night sky as
nothing more ominous than just another shooting-star.
Once within range of Rassilion's TARDIS, and once past the the
diffusion point, past which both the TARDIS and the Death Zone are
visible, however, the Lensdragon's hands flash over the weapons
controls, firing voleys of photon and quantum torpedos against the
base of Rassilon's TARDIS, followed by several blasts from both the
ship's pulse phasers and fusion cannon. The blasts are aimed more at
the rock that the TARDIS rests on, and less at the TARDIS, itself.
In total, 5 photon torpedos and 5 quatum torpedos were fired.
The first are to "soften-up" the TARDIS's shields. The quantum
torpedos however should slide through those same sheilds like a
vibro-blade through hot butter. FTR, on a scale from 1 to 50, a single
photon or quantum torpedo does 20pts of damage. The fusion cannon
fires 3 times and does a omperable amount of damage. The pulse
phasers, however, while they also only fire 3 times, each burst will
inflict 50pts ona scale from 1 to 50.
> "I wouldn't do that if I were you," Roland snarls, his body
>lighting up like a flare and the sigil sizzling his flesh. The entire
>TARDIS begins to shift. "Unless you want to share that dimension's
>fate, that is." Defender begins to shake as the tower shudders...
As the explosions rock the TARDIS from the outside, the familiar
will-o-the-wisp pattern of a Federation-style Transporter deposits
Dhyrclhanc #2 behind Rassilon on the opposite side from his adopted
brother.
Reaching out towards the Matrix computer-system with one hand, this
Sentinel-Lensdragon begins to generate a field of quantum harmonics,
or in this case disharmonics, creating the Electrokinetic equivalent
of an exceedingly powerful Electromagnetic Pulse
/"RJ", Zia, may I suggest getting out of there before the ceiling
comes down on you? I think the time for subtlety is long past over./
Likewise, he whips his head around to face the Renegade
proto-Time-Lord.
"Against one Immortal, you might prevail, 'Milord', but against two?
May I sugest that an honorable surrunder might be preferable to a
dishonorable defeat, Lord Rassilon? Besides, we may not be the
harbingers of the force that your precious Matrix may have Oracled but
we do serve one Other who, I suspect, might be nearly equal in his
formidability."
At which he streches out his other hand, and invoking his own
formidable Anti-Psi powers, he begins to Neutrialize *all* the
Time-Lord's superhuman powers and abilities.
If Rassilon's powers are anything under, say, a 7 on a scale
of 1 to 10, they're effectively gone. If they're higher, then they
should be knocked-down to about 30% of normal, I think.
Simultaneously, the Dhyrclhanc on board the Xavier, which is curently
hovering over the black-tower-shaped TARDIS, begins to focus his own
near-cosmic-level TK trying to aid his sibling in lifting Rassilon's
time-ship off of Lorelei Rock and possibly launching it into orbit, at
least.
FTR, Dhyrclhanc's TK has a lifting limit of somewheres around
the neighborhood of 1000+ tons.
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: Storming the Castle
On Fri, 25 May 2001 20:08:42 -0700 (PDT)
Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00010260
>On Fri, 25 May 2001 21:52:35 -0500
>Martin and/or Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00010259
>
>Even though the sensory technology of the Earth of this Era still
>cannot detect him, or his ship, as long as his Deflector Sheilds are
>still up, Dhyrclhanc #1 gives a silent prayer to all of the forces of
>Light that he venerates hoping that the citizens of this section of
>Germany will see the blaze of fire hurtling across the night sky as
>nothing more ominous than just another shooting-star.
Not that Zia is one of those forces of Light (or at least, she'd never
say so), her gaze goes abstract with intense concentration. And lo and
behold... or rather, no one does - oddly enough, not a single
time-period native happens to look in the right direction to see that
part of the sky.
A plane pilot drops his pen, his copilot is busy logging the flight
conditions. All the amateur astronomers, and even the big telescopes,
study other parts of the sky, or encounter sudden fog or light
pollution such that all give up.
The streak of fire blazes as unnoticed as the famous tree fell in the
forest.
>Once within range of Rassilion's TARDIS, and once past the the
>diffusion point, past which both the TARDIS and the Death Zone are
>visible, however, the Lensdragon's hands flash over the weapons
>controls, firing voleys of photon and quantum torpedos against the
>base of Rassilon's TARDIS, followed by several blasts from both the
>ship's pulse phasers and fusion cannon. The blasts are aimed more at
>the rock that the TARDIS rests on, and less at the TARDIS, itself.
"Give me a lever large enough..." The petite Amberite's eyes suddenly
blaze away at nothing more than the hotel's ceiling. "YES! Now, watch
your timing, girl.."
She jumps up and starts pacing back and forth in the lobby, hands
behind her back, frowning in deeper concentration. Her reaches in
through the circuitry - at just the last moment prior to impact - and
flips on part of the usual Tardis defense system. The MAPS circuit
cuts on at the very last split second before the incoming firepower
strikes.
No, Zia hasn't lost her mind, or started 'helping' the bad guy. See,
this is the circuit that flips the Tardis into another dimension when
it's attacked. Sort of the "Go and Hide" function, only working when
there is an external attack.
Ziactrice bares her teeth in a singularly evil smile, there being no
one about the hotel lobby to observe. A final savage Shadow-shove,
toward THAT empty universe over there. Hopefully, the insert team can
get out if the cannon still works.
>/"RJ", Zia, may I suggest getting out of there before the ceiling
>comes down on you? I think the time for subtlety is long past over./
/Out of the hotel? Dear DC, really. I'm a universe away. Check the
background teep once you're outside the TARDIS. I think (I hope!) I
put you over into an unpopulated side- Shadow to finish dealing with
Mr. Monkeyshines./
/Although... if that cannon does fire, I'd suggest pulling out fast
for YOU..../ Zia considers her fingernails critically.
>Simultaneously, the Dhyrclhanc on board the Xavier, which is curently
>hovering over the black-tower-shaped TARDIS, begins to focus his own
>near-cosmic-level
Still is, Zia shifted the Xavier along with the Tower, o'course, and
Jim, and whomever else was inside, or going there as part of Alpha
Team. Except Aurora, she just lets Aurora /see/ what she was doing
through the link. Not EVEN messing with the Starspawn,
thankyouverymuch!
=================================
Subject: AAE VII: Meanwhile back at the Ranch-Style house
On Sat, 26 May 2001 11:55:42 -0400
Caprice/Legion Said As CAoL Message # 00010261
Legion sits by Essex on the couch, delievering a blow-by-blow
commentary on the battle. Everytime the timescoop is used, however,
she turns a rather interesting shade. The effect is somewhat similar
to watching a motion sick person endure a very sharp, unexpected
curve. "Simple teleporting is bad enough... /that/ thing is felony
reality abuse."
Then the monoblock starts to emerge, and she nearly passes out.
"No...." She just grabs on to the fabric of reality, and holds on VERY
tightly. As various things that don't belong in this reality start to
vanish, the fabric of reality just seems to... knit itself up behind
them, things returning to how they should be. If Legion is doing it
(and I'm not saying that she is) she is unaware of the fact and will
deny it.
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: Storming the Castle
On Sat, 26 May 2001 14:56:38 -0500
Martin and/or Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00010262
>On Fri, 25 May 2K1, Ziactrice Said
>
>Not that Zia is one of those forces of Light (or at least, she'd
>never say so), her gaze goes abstract with intense concentration. And
>lo and behold... or rather, no one does - oddly enough, not a single
>time-period native happens to look in the right direction to see that
>part of the sky.
Kudos, Zia. Thanks!
>She reaches in through the circuitry - at just the last moment prior
>to impact - and flips on part of the usual Tardis defense system. The
>MAPS circuit cuts on at the very last split second before the
>incoming firepower strikes.
>
>... this is the circuit that flips the Tardis into another dimension
>when it's attacked. Sort of the "Go and Hide" function, only working
>when there is an external attack.
Can somebody double-check this for me? Is the TARDIS system in
question the SIDS circut or the MAPS circut? Er, ah, no offence
intended, Zia.
>>/"RJ", Zia, may I suggest getting out of there before the ceiling
>>comes down on you? I think the time for subtlety is long past over./
>
>/Out of the hotel? Dear DC, really. I'm a universe away. Check the
>background teep once you're outside the TARDIS. I think (I hope!) I
>put you over into an unpopulated side-Shadow to finish dealing with
>Mr. Monkeyshines./
The twin Dhyrclhanci's eyes google.
The one in the Xavier double checks his ship's sensors, the main
view-screen, and then his own Sense of Perception.
Meinwhile, the one in Rassilon's TARDIS, drops his EK attack on the
Matrix and accesses his own Sense of Perception, while still
maintaining his Anti- Psi/Neutralization attack on the aforementioned
proto-Time-Lord.
/Understandible, Madam. Of course, I would think that is equally
understandible that I would want my team-mates to pull-out of Mr.
Black-Robes' computer before I tried to "86" it. It was my mistake,
however, to think that you were linked to our resident
"black-hat-du-jour's" Matrix the same way that "R.J." was./
/Which reminds me. "R.J." You still in here nephew? I have to tell
you, we are not in Kansas anymore./
>/Although... if that cannon does fire, I'd suggest pulling out fast
>for YOU..../ Zia considers her fingernails critically.
The Dhyrclhanc on board the Xavier hears this and his eyebrows shoot
upwards.
^*That is all I need to hear. Roland, "RJ", all ashore who is going
ashore. In other words, I think that it is time to make a Shepard and
get the Flock out of here!*^
>Still is, Zia shifted the Xavier along with the Tower, o'course, and
>Jim, and whomever else was inside, or going there as part of Alpha
>Team. Except Aurora, she just lets Aurora /see/ what she was doing
>through the link. Not EVEN messing with the Starspawn,
>thankyouverymuch!
Then to the resident Starpawn, Dhyrclhanc #1 sends ^@ Aurora, please
give me a "Ping", if you wouldn't mind, if I am going to get this crew
back to the same 1970's Earth's Germany as the rest of the CAoL then I
an going to need a "lifeline" back @^
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: Storming the Castle
On Sat, 26 May 2001 15:14:45 -0500
Martin and/or Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00010263
>On Fri, 25 May 2K1, Ziactrice Said
>/Who wants the whole data dump? Anyone who doesn't speak up now gets
>the summarized plan/data in a few seconds after it is boiled down?/
>She asks absently, still 'opening boxes and poking around' inside the
>Matrix tap.
/If you do not mind, Zia, I'd love a copy of the summary but, at the
moment I do have my hands full./
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: Storming the Castle
On Sat, 26 May 2001 15:22:37 -0400
Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00010264
>On Fri, 25 May 2001 15:24:30 -0700
>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00010257
>
>>On Fri, 25 May 2001 17:16:23 -0400
>>Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00010256
>>
>> The electricity arcs in a storm around Rassilon, being absorbed
>>by large pillar-like devices in the machinary above. He stands in
>>the middle, appraising Roland anew, and obviously, with great
>>thought.
>
> Roland tries to pull the electricity back in Rassilon's direction.
The devices appear to be some form of capaciters, they also
aren't willing to give up their charges so easily.
>> "Their loyalty is admirable," Rassilon remarks to the band on
>>his wrist, "Isn't it, Khan?"
>
> His stare becomes a touch...concerned. "Do you always talk to
>nametags?"
Rassilon started to reply when...
>> The room began to brighten as a light brighter than the sun
>>began spilling down from inside the machine above their heads.
>> "But this..." Rassilon said, shaking his head in a silent 'no,'
>>"Tsn't so easily tampered with."
>
> "I wouldn't do that if I were you," Roland snarls, his body
>lighting up like a flare and the sigil sizzling his flesh. The entire
>TARDIS begins to shift. "Unless you want to share that dimension's
>fate, that is." Defender begins to shake as the tower shudders...
> (OOC: So, how heavy is Rassilon's tower? With the armor on,
>Roland's upper limit is about a quarter-million tons (not counting
>the sigil's effect). The tower itself probably doesn't weigh that
>much, but a monoblock in the chamber changes all the rules. 8^)
OOC: Well, the real problem is you're trying to lift something
attached to the rest of his TARDIS interior, thus you're trying to
lift a two mile sphere of half-rock-half-air. If it were floating in
space, that is what the TARDIS would look like, a two mile in diameter
sphere composed of half rock and half air with a castle/tower in the
middle. When the ship lands, though, it hides that bottom half of rock
so the terrain just seems to change suddenly as you walk from the
outside to the inside. It just looks rather weird, perception wise,
when there isn't two miles of ground to hide the bottom half in, like
atop the Lorelei Rock.
>On Fri, 25 May 2001 16:53:35 -0700
>Squee Said As CAoL Message # 00010258
>
>if this messes up your plot too much or just physically isn't
>possible go ahe adnad let me know and I'll retcon it. Just a calvery
>idea I had.
OOC: I had to make a slight change, but otherwise, it's okay.
>After depositing any passengers, Jim points the nose of the BMW at
>the castle. The form begins to shift and change, becoming a missile
>and launch platform.[...]
There's no actual hole, but at this point, Roger is having a
short run of success with his fight with the Matrix and the shield
flickers briefly out of existance...
> [...]The missile aims for the hole int he shields and fires,
>crashing through and bursting over the castle in a brilliant
>explosion.[...]
Contained as the shield comes back into life just as the rocket
passes through...
>On Fri, 25 May 2001 20:08:42 -0700 (PDT)
>Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00010260
>
>>On Fri, 25 May 2001 21:52:35 -0500
>>Martin and/or Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00010259
>>
>>Even though the sensory technology of the Earth of this Era still
>>cannot detect him, or his ship, as long as his Deflector Sheilds are
>>still up, Dhyrclhanc #1 gives a silent prayer to all of the forces
>>of Light that he venerates hoping that the citizens of this section
>>of Germany will see the blaze of fire hurtling across the night sky
>>as nothing more ominous than just another shooting-star.
>
>Not that Zia is one of those forces of Light (or at least, she'd
>never say so), her gaze goes abstract with intense concentration. And
>lo and behold... or rather, no one does - oddly enough, not a single
>time-period native happens to look in the right direction to see
>that part of the sky.
OOC: Well, that saves me having the Arisians doing it, the few
who they can't influence ending up seeing a UFO, but having seen
others last month and the month prior and the month prior are written
off as crackpots. :>
>She jumps up and starts pacing back and forth in the lobby, hands
>behind her back, frowning in deeper concentration. Her reaches in
>through the circuitry - at just the last moment prior to impact - and
>flips on part of the usual Tardis defense system. The MAPS circuit
>cuts on at the very last split second before the incoming firepower
>strikes.
HADS and I had planned to have it cut in anyway. :)
>No, Zia hasn't lost her mind, or started 'helping' the bad guy. See,
>this is the circuit that flips the Tardis into another dimension when
>it's attacked. Sort of the "Go and Hide" function, only working when
>there is an external attack.
>
>Ziactrice bares her teeth in a singularly evil smile, there being no
>one about the hotel lobby to observe. A final savage Shadow-shove,
>toward THAT empty universe over there. Hopefully, the insert team can
>get out if the cannon still works.
This works spendidly for Ziatrice, however...
>>>>"But it will do you no good. Matrix, acquire and fire."
The Tower shudders as does the entire interior of the TARDIS, as
the impacts strike, however, there is no sign of damage among the
numberous structures across the two mile plain of rock that makes up
the interior of the TARDIS. In the confusion, Roger manages another
very brief success with the shields, allowing for a transporter beam
to get through, before they snap closed again.
>/Although... if that cannon does fire, I'd suggest pulling out fast
>for YOU..../ Zia considers her fingernails critically.
Finally, a few pieces of information from Zia's attempted data
dump gets through. The hand of Omega works only for the Validium
statue with whom it feels kinship and those with the Rassilon
Imprimature in their DNA. The Validium Statue works for Rassilon, who
created her, but only because he was the last and only one with the
Imprimature to make physical contact with her. (Meaning touch the
metal, if you've got the imprint and you could take control.) As for
the technology that allowed Rassilon to take over Khan's body, it
creates a sort of psychic being that can inhabit living beings. It is
possible to exist in this state for some time, and with the speed of
thought as its rate of movement, can escape things like home planets
being sucked into black holes. It can be forced out, if the psychic
has the power, but there is a danger of becoming the new host. Also,
Rassilon, according to this, is holding back thusfar, because he would
rate as an Eddorian mind thanks to the coronet around his head, which
amplifies his will. This device was invented after an encounter with
some "fool" Gharlane who forced Rassilon to kowtow to him.
>>At which he streches out his other hand, and invoking his own
>>formidable Anti-Psi powers, he begins to Neutrialize *all* the
>>Time-Lord's superhuman powers and abilities.
>>
>>If Rassilon's powers are anything under, say, a 7 on a scale of 1 to
>>10, they're effectively gone. If they're higher, then they should be
>>knocked-down to about 30% of normal, I think.
An ancient head seems to form around Rassilon at this point, a
massive feedback bolt of force that would bring even Kimbal Kinnison
himself to his knees strikes directly in the cerebral cortex of the
lensdragon.
>Still is, Zia shifted the Xavier along with the Tower, o'course, and
>Jim, and whomever else was inside, or going there as part of Alpha
>Team. Except Aurora, she just lets Aurora /see/ what she was doing
>through the link. Not EVEN messing with the Starspawn,
>thankyouverymuch!
This isn't a problem, as everyone on the island got shifted when
the HADS system came on.
>On Fri, 25 May 2001 21:52:35 -0500
>Martin and/or Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00010259
>
>Simultaneously, the Dhyrclhanc on board the Xavier, which is curently
>hovering over the black-tower-shaped TARDIS, begins to focus his own
>near-cosmic-level TK trying to aid his sibling in lifting Rassilon's
>time-ship off of Lorelei Rock and possibly launching it into orbit,
>at least.
>
>FTR, Dhyrclhanc's TK has a lifting limit of somewheres around the
>neighborhood of 1000+ tons.
OOC: See above about Roland lifting the Tower.
So, now, Alpha Team and the Xavier and the TARDIS have all been
shifted out of Michael Seven's home reality into another dimension, an
empty one. One that was on the point of collapse into a monoblock. A
monoblock that the TARDIS is trying to draw inside itself.
The entire TARDIS quakes as reality around it tries to collapse
in on itself and the Tower quakes as well, attempting to draw that
collapsing universe in for its projectile.
The Matrix, unable to even access the voice systems, sends a
warning through the one system it still has access to. Throught the
ship, a low bell begins tolling.
Rassilon staggers as another quake rocks the ship, "WHAT HAVE YOU
DONE?!" After a quick look through his link to his TARDIS, "You FOOLS!
You've doomed us ALL to being sucked into the monoblock's collapse!"
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: Storming the Castle
On Sat, 26 May 2001 17:57:24 -0700 (PDT)
Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00010266
>On Sat, 26 May 2001 13:12:52 PST
>Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00010265
>>On Sat, 26 May 2001 15:22:37 -0400
>>Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00010264
>>
>> Rassilon staggers as another quake rocks the ship, "WHAT HAVE
>>YOU DONE?!" After a quick look through his link to his TARDIS, "You
>>FOOLS! You've doomed us ALL to being sucked into the monoblock's
>>collapse!"
>
>
>Depending on details, Nemo might be able to intervene now.
>
That was rather the idea. Zia has no idea of what a 'monobloc'
is, only that the background emotional reaction and some context gave
her the notion it could destroy an entire universe. So, get it out of
Mike's to another. And if she could manage an 'empty' one... well,
Nemo or NEMO likely wouldn't have an analog backtime THERE to
interfere with his own history... so he can help Aurora deal with it,
perhaps.
Anything that'd give Aurora trouble to slow down Zia figured was
better handled with VERY long pincers. In a different place.
Ziactrice walks to the lady's room of the hotel, then shadowshift
through over to Moonstone near the Sieben's place. She watches the
lake, Ogrons, and trees start to 'softly vanish away' and gives the
other woman a curious look. "Are you doing that? I'm not doing that."
Then the petite Amberite actually frowns with concern. "I sure hope
Alpha team can extract without bringing Rassilon out with them, or
getting blown up. I think I managed to springboard off DC's attack,
which was brilliant, and move them. The funny part was I hit the wrong
circuit, but due to Roger's tweaking, the right one went off anyway.
Or it was just coincidence... I get that fairly often." She scowls at
the ground. "I did get them out to an empty universe, but I don't know
enough to help them more." Her tone is a mite frustrated.
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: Storming the Castle (Long!) (sorry!)
On Sat, 26 May 2001 20:51:08 -0500
Martin and/or Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00010267
>On Sat, 26 May 2K1, Mike Knight Said
> Finally, a few pieces of information from Zia's attempted data
>dump gets through. The hand of Omega works only for the Validium
>statue with whom it feels kinship and those with the Rassilon
>Imprimature in their DNA. The Validium Statue works for Rassilon, who
>created her, but only because he was the last and only one with the
>Imprimature to make physical contact with her. (Meaning touch the
>metal, if you've got the imprint and you could take control.) As for
>the technology that allowed Rassilon to take over Khan's body, it
>creates a sort of psychic being that can inhabit living beings. It is
>possible to exist in this state for some time, and with the speed of
>thought as its rate of movement, can escape things like home planets
>being sucked into black holes. It can be forced out, if the psychic
>has the power, but there is a danger of becoming the new host. Also,
>Rassilon, according to this, is holding back thusfar, because he
>would rate as an Eddorian mind thanks to the coronet around his head,
>which amplifies his will. This device was invented after an encounter
>with some "fool" Gharlane who forced Rassilon to kowtow to him.
Both Dhyrclhanci file away the information about the Silver Nemesis,
something which they'd thought had been destroyed long ago, for later.
The information about Rassilon's true current status and the role that
the coronet that he's currently wearing, which the Dhyclhanci doubt is
the "true" Coronet of Rassilon, is playing in it, however, is
something that they'll keep active in their forebrains in case it
proves to be usefull soon.
> An ancient head seems to form around Rassilon at this point, a
>massive feedback bolt of force that would bring even Kimbal Kinnison
>himself to his knees strikes directly in the cerebral cortex of the
>lensdragon.
At which point, Dhyrclhanc #2 colapses to the Tower floor, his head
being cradled in his hands as if the super-annuated Ruby Fire
hatchling were suffering from the mother of all migraines.
However, before he falls all the way to the floor, he summons another
temporal-fissioned 21' tall draconic Lensman (#3) and then sheilds
himself with a Green Latern Ring large, faceted, gem-like, dome.
> OOC: See above about Roland lifting the Tower.
Uh, yeah, I figured as much
> The Matrix, unable to even access the voice systems, sends a
>warning through the one system it still has access to. Throught the
>ship, a low bell begins tolling.
As the cloiser bell begins to ring, Dhyrclhanc #3 repeats his
otherself's statement over the lens-link as his reptilian face goes
ashen /Roland, "R.J.", Jim, we're leaving!/ and at the same time...
*Aurora?! Nemo?! If either of you can 'hear' me, we {*} need a
wormhole created between this section of Rasssilon's Tardis and the
Bridge of the Xavier and we need it as of a few minutes ago!*
> Rassilon staggers as another quake rocks the ship, "WHAT HAVE
>YOU DONE?!" After a quick look through his link to his TARDIS, "You
>FOOLS! You've doomed us ALL to being sucked into the monoblock's
>collapse!"
"Not 'us' you grace." DC #3 says, with a cruel grin on his face "Just
you."
At which point either Nemo or Aurora will get us onto the
Xavier and the DCs can use the Xavier's Rift-Drive to get us all back
to the rest of the CAoL. I hope.
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: Storming the Castle
On Sat, 26 May 2001 21:05:20 -0500
Martin and/or Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00010269
>On Wed, 23 May 2K1, Roland X Said
>>Mike Knight Said
>>
>> "As you wish, Lord Rassilon..." came a soprano, almost metallic
>>voice from just a bit left of the source of the electronic gurgle
>>where a strange light emitted from a statuesque figure of a woman,
>>"And my freedom?"
> /Holy light, it's Sil's evil twin,/ Roland whispers on the link.
/Ah, no sib. Unless I m incredibly mistaken that is the "Silver
Nemesis" and a nastier weapon you couldn't ask for unless it is that
"Hand of Omega". I ran into something like it once in a, as you say,
Trek-verse, only this was 30 to 80 years after the days of Kirk and
Spock and Co. The device was called the 'Tox Utat', which itself was
from the 30th century, not the 23rd. It was capable of halting all
nuclear processes in a star. The Hand of Omega is similar, only the
process is a tad more destructive, in nature./
Not that this all isn't a moot point by now, but I thought
Dhyrclhanc should say something
=================================
Subject: AAE VII: "Marines, we are leaving--NOW!"
On Sat, 26 May 2001 20:45:03 -0700
Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00010270
>On Sat, 26 May 2001 15:22:37 -0400
>Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00010264
>
>Also, Rassilon, according to this, is holding back thusfar, because
>he would rate as an Eddorian mind thanks to the coronet around his
>head, which amplifies his will. This device was invented after an
>encounter with some "fool" Gharlane who forced Rassilon to kowtow to
>him.
Roland frowns. He's powerful, but he'd be hard-pressed just to keep
his mind intact against power like that. He shifts several of the
armor's psionic systems to mental defense and lets go of the tower
'sphere,' his attempt useless and, er, 'trumped' by Zia's Shadow
shift. 8^)
> So, now, Alpha Team and the Xavier and the TARDIS have all been
>shifted out of Michael Seven's home reality into another dimension,
>an empty one. One that was on the point of collapse into a monoblock.
>A monoblock that the TARDIS is trying to draw inside itself.
> The entire TARDIS quakes as reality around it tries to collapse
>in on itself and the Tower quakes as well, attempting to draw that
>collapsing universe in for its projectile.
> The Matrix, unable to even access the voice systems, sends a
>warning through the one system it still has access to. Throught the
>ship, a low bell begins tolling.
Roland looks around and whistles. "Hm. Roger, remind me never to
introduce you to a pair of agents named Kei and Yuri."
>On Sat, 26 May 2001 20:51:08 -0500
>Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00010267
>
>At which point, Dhyrclhanc #2 colapses to the Tower floor, his head
>being cradled in his hands as if the super-annuated Ruby Fire
>hatchling were suffering from the mother of all migraines.
"DHYRCLHANC!" The situation deteriorating rapidly and Roland no
longer being amused, he channels the full force of his energy powers,
focuses it into a tight beam, 'grabs' it tight, and slams it with all
his strength into Rassilon's force field. (He isn't trying to hit
Rassilon himself--unless he has defenses other than his force field
and his energy-draining 'capacitors,' anything remotely human would be
reduced to atoms by this beam--but he figures that this'll keep the
Time Lord busy.)
>As the cloiser bell begins to ring, Dhyrclhanc #3 repeats his
>otherself's statement over the lens-link as his reptilian face goes
>ashen /Roland, "R.J.", Jim, we're leaving!/ and at the same time...
/You take the others and get the hell out of here! I'm not done
with our host yet!/ Roland either starts slowly walking towards
Rassilon if the force field is still intact, or charges into him full
tilt again if he collapsed it.
>> Rassilon staggers as another quake rocks the ship, "WHAT HAVE
>>YOU DONE?!" After a quick look through his link to his TARDIS, "You
>>FOOLS! You've doomed us ALL to being sucked into the monoblock's
>>collapse!"
>
>"Not 'us' you grace." DC #3 says, with a cruel grin on his face "Just
>you."
Roland smiles wryly. "Good one, sib. But you're stepping on my
lines." He gestures with a nod of his head at the gate that one of the
cosmics has created (and if they haven't created one, he does it
himself). /Everyone out of the time pool./
Then he turns to Rassilon. "You have a choice, Rassilon. Disarm and
surrender, and I'll take you out of here with me. Otherwise, we both
die--and I'll get better.
"Your choice. Your funeral."
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: Storming the Castle
On Sat, 26 May 2001 21:03:53 -0700
The Silver Phoenix Said As CAoL Message # 00010271
>On Sat, 26 May 2001 21:05:20 -0500
>Martin and/or Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00010269
>
>>On Wed, 23 May 2K1, Roland X Said
>>
>> /Holy light, it's Sil's evil twin,/ Roland whispers on the link.
>
>/Ah, no sib. Unless I m incredibly mistaken that is the "Silver
>Nemesis" and a nastier weapon you couldn't ask for unless it is that
>"Hand of Omega". I ran into something like it once in a, as you say,
>Trek-verse, only this was 30 to 80 years after the days of Kirk and
>Spock and Co. The device was called the 'Tox Utat', which itself was
>from the 30th century, not the 23rd. It was capable of halting all
>nuclear processes in a star. The Hand of Omega is similar, only the
>process is a tad more destructive, in nature./
/I was speaking metaphorically, sib,/ Roland replies amusedly. /And
metaphorically speaking, I'd be harder pressed to come up with
something that would better qualify as 'Sil's evil twin.' Assuming
that her 'freedom' comment means that she's incapable of resisting
Rassilon's orders./
/Oh, I don't know,/ Sil replies with a broad mental grin, /I
imagine an 'evil mirror image' of me would be the very embodiment of
quiet obedience./ With a wink, she returns her attentions to a group
of Cybermen...
"Resistance is useless!" the Cybermen shout, firing doggedly at
her.
Sil sighs as she leaps out of the way; the beams would only lightly
damage the chassis of the HIT-Mark, but the living tissue around it is
another matter. The chain gun pops out and barks, the Primium bullets
(made partly of gold) ripping through the Cybermen as if they were
tinfoil. (The truly observant note that the bullets never hit the
ground, being co-located back into the chamber. Primium is hard to
come by. 8^)
One remaining Cyberman grabs the chaingun and yanks, temporarily
disabling it. "You are a cyberman, and yet you resist us?
Inconceivable--urk!"
Sil smiles sweetly, withdrawing her hand from his chest. The
Primium claws retract, leaving shining fingernails. "You keep using
that word. I do not think it means what you think it means." As the
Cyberman falls and her gun folds into her back once more, she adds,
"And you of all people ought to know that 'resistance is futile.' Take
a nap." Sil falls back to the Sieben residence, putting her jacket
back on to hide the gaping hole in the back of her shirt.
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: "Marines, we are leaving--NOW!"
On Sat, 26 May 2001 21:58:03 -0700 (PDT)
Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00010272
>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00010270
>
> /You take the others and get the hell out of here! I'm not done
>with our host yet!/ Roland either starts slowly walking towards
>Rassilon if the force field is still intact, or charges into him full
>tilt again if he collapsed it.
/I'm a little misplaced at the moment. I'll make my own way out, and
call for a pickup after this is over./ "Voxcomm: power down." The
armor de-resolves, and Rob concentrates on 'separating the threads of
the space-time fabric.'
Blue light flashes from his eyes, opening a wormhole directly under
his feet. A moment later, he lands in a meadow of bluegrass. "Not
bad." As he sits down, he adds, "Now all I have to do is wait out the
rest of the fight without-"
"EEBIE!" A brown furred quadruped jumps into Rob's lap, and starts
rubbing its head on his jacket. The creature is about a foot tall, not
counting the ears, which add another three inches. Most of its fur is
a chocolate brown, except for the 'collar' around its neck, which is
more of a tan, and the tip of its tail, which is white.
"-getting into more trouble." He studies the animal for a moment. "You
realize I'm not planning on staying in this dimension?"
"Bii."
"Was that a yes?"
"Bii."
"So you're going to stay here when I leave, right?"
"Eee."
"Was that a no?"
"Bii."
[What am I doing? I'm acting like this critter's intelligent!] "Oo-day
ouyay eallyray understandway eemay?" [Let's see it handle Pig Latin.]
"Bii."
"Great. Another mouth to feed." The creature, having made its point,
curls up in Rob's lap and goes to sleep.
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: "Marines, we are leaving--NOW!"
On Sun, 27 May 2001 03:30:34 PST
Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00010274
>On Sat, 26 May 2001 20:45:03 -0700
>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00010270
>
> Roland smiles wryly. "Good one, sib. But you're stepping on my
>lines." He gestures with a nod of his head at the gate that one of
>the cosmics has created (and if they haven't created one, he does it
>himself). /Everyone out of the time pool./
> Then he turns to Rassilon. "You have a choice, Rassilon. Disarm
>and surrender, and I'll take you out of here with me. Otherwise, we
>both die--and I'll get better.
> "Your choice. Your funeral."
Were there any to "see" it, a "thread" of the web that makes makes up
the multiverse is rewoven into two threads.
In one:
Roland and the others find themselves floating in empty space. In
fact, for those who can sense such, they *are* the entirety of the
universe.
In the other:
Rassilon, the Tardis and the emerging monobloc are all that exists in
that universe.
NEMO "speaks" to the CAoL forces present.
*We are sorry, Roland Phoenix, but you may not be allowed to 'save'
the being known as Rassilon. It is possible that some day you will
understand why this must be done. But even if you never understand, it
still must be done.*
*Your comrades will open a gate to you momentarily.*
And to Rassilon.
*Your presence and that of your Tardis will affect the start of this
universe in a necessary manner. You will not be allowed to leave
before the implosion.*
I don't expect this to go over well with Roland. On the other hand,
it's somewhat past the time where the CAoL should get its collective
noses rubbed in what can happen when dealing with entities on the
level of NEMO.
Besides, I rather expect that Rassilon would have died rather than
surrender anyway
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: "Marines, we are leaving--NOW!"
On Sun, 27 May 2001 12:23:19 -0400
Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00010275
>On Sun, 27 May 2001 03:30:34 PST
>Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00010274
>
>NEMO "speaks" to the CAoL forces present.
>
>*We are sorry, Roland Phoenix, but you may not be allowed to 'save'
>the being known as Rassilon. It is possible that some day you will
>understand why this must be done. But even if you never understand,
>it still must be done.*
>
>*Your comrades will open a gate to you momentarily.*
>
>And to Rassilon.
>
>*Your presence and that of your Tardis will affect the start of this
>universe in a necessary manner. You will not be allowed to leave
>before the implosion.*
Rassilon rages within the TARDIS, flying to the controls and
psychically and manually attempting to jettison as much mass as
possible to free his ship. But to no avail. The body of Rassilon falls
limp as the psychic being leaves it, but even at the speed of thought,
there's no escape from the collapse of this once empty universe into a
monoblock.
Rassilon gives a final scream of defiance before the universe
collapses completely in on itself then, in a measure of time that
can't be measured because it doesn't exist here yet, reblossoms into a
whole new cycle of existance.
Similar conditions are fast approaching for the Alpha Team,
however, but rescue for them is far more likely.
>
>I don't expect this to go over well with Roland. On the other hand,
>it's somewhat past the time where the CAoL should get its collective
>noses rubbed in what can happen when dealing with entities on the
>level of NEMO.
>
>Besides, I rather expect that Rassilon would have died rather than
>surrender anyway
>
OOC: Hmm, well, you're half right, he would have said it, but not
meant it. He would have actually dumped everyone inside the tower onto
the plain and jettisoned the plain to get the energy boost needed to
escape.
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: Storming the Castle
On Sun, 27 May 2001 12:23:21 -0400
Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00010276
>On Sat, 26 May 2001 17:57:24 -0700 (PDT)
>Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00010266
>
>Ziactrice walks to the lady's room of the hotel, then shadowshift
>through over to Moonstone near the Sieben's place. She watches the
>lake, Ogrons, and trees start to 'softly vanish away' and gives the
>other woman a curious look. "Are you doing that? I'm not doing that."
Moonstone shrugs, "I'm not doing that."
Shep runs happily past the pair in the park and Seth and Lilith
call "hello" from a park bench that was empty until moments ago.
"Actually, we're doing that," Lilith says.
>Then the petite Amberite actually frowns with concern. "I sure hope
>Alpha team can extract without bringing Rassilon out with them, or
>getting blown up. I think I managed to springboard off DC's attack,
>which was brilliant, and move them. The funny part was I hit the
>wrong circuit, but due to Roger's tweaking, the right one went off
>anyway. Or it was just coincidence... I get that fairly often." She
>scowls at the ground. "I did get them out to an empty universe, but I
>don't know enough to help them more." Her tone is a mite frustrated.
Seth and Lilith walk over arm in arm, "I believe you have
actually made the deciding move."
Lilith nods, "Checkmate in two moves, I'd say."
Seth smiles up at the Seiben apartment, "Aurora, the crisis has
passed, we shall take up your duties of protecting the boy now."
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: "Marines, we are leaving--NOW!"
On Sun, 27 May 2001 14:46:26 -0500
Martin and/or Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00010277
>On Sun, 27 May 2K1, Nemo Said
>>Roland X Said
>>
>> Roland smiles wryly. "Good one, sib. But you're stepping on my
>>lines." He gestures with a nod of his head at the gate that one of
>>the cosmics has created (and if they haven't created one, he does it
>>himself). /Everyone out of the time pool./
With a TK grasp that could probably shatter mountains, if need be,
Dhyrclhanc #3 grabs onto Roger and Jim and starts heading for the
Gate.
Glancing back, at the last moment, towards Roland, the just over
400-year old Sentinel-Lensdragon sends via his, Morgan's and Roland's
ring link.
^ooo This *does* lead to the Xavier, _doesn't_ it, sib? ooo^
A question which soon, apparently, becomes a moot point.
>Roland and the others find themselves floating in empty space. In
>fact, for those who can sense such, they *are* the entirety of the
>universe.
Where's the Xavier, Leonard?
>NEMO "speaks" to the CAoL forces present.
>
>*We are sorry, Roland Phoenix, but you may not be allowed to 'save'
>the being known as Rassilon. It is possible that some day you will
>understand why this must be done. But even if you never understand,
>it still must be done.*
>
>*Your comrades will open a gate to you momentarily.*
Dhyrclhanc immediately creates a giant sphere with his Green Lantern
Ring, complete with a breathable atmosphere and Earth-like
environment. Roland and he may not need it, but he suspects that Roger
and Jim might appreciate it.
*That boy is reminding me more and more of Mentor and I, for one,
don't like it.* Dhyrclhanc #3 stews as Dhyrclhanc #2 disappears back
into time.
/Where is my Ship, Nemo ?!/
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: "Marines, we are leaving--NOW!"
On Sun, 27 May 2001 13:42:55 PST
Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00010278
>On Sun, 27 May 2001 14:46:26 -0500
>Martin and/or Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00010277
>
>>On Sun, 27 May 2K1, Nemo Said
>>
>>Roland and the others find themselves floating in empty space. In
>>fact, for those who can sense such, they *are* the entirety of the
>>universe.
>
> Where's the Xavier, Leonard?
Roland and the others find themselves floating in empty space with the
Xavier some ways off. If anyone cared to measure, they'd find that the
spatial relationships are indentical to those before the "change".
According to the Xavier's sensors they *are* the entirety of the
universe.
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: Storming the Castle
On Sun, 27 May 2001 14:39:16 -0700
Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00010279
>Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00010266
>Then the petite Amberite actually frowns with concern. "I sure hope
>Alpha team can extract without bringing Rassilon out with them, or
>getting blown up. I think I managed to springboard off DC's attack,
>which was brilliant, and move them. The funny part was I hit the
>wrong circuit, but due to Roger's tweaking, the right one went off
>anyway. Or it was just coincidence... I get that fairly often." She
>scowls at the ground. "I did get them out to an empty universe, but I
>don't know enough to help them more." Her tone is a mite frustrated.
/Don't worry, Nemo and I are on it./ Aurora informs Zia.
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: Storming the Castle
On Sun, 27 May 2001 14:47:54 -0700
Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00010280
>Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00010276
> Seth smiles up at the Seiben apartment, "Aurora, the crisis has
>passed, we shall take up your duties of protecting the boy now."
/*"Thank you. I will see to the return of our friends now."*/ Aurora
answers, as she -restores- the toy from its pocket universe.
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: "Marines, we are leaving--NOW!"
On Sun, 27 May 2001 14:58:42 -0700
Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00010281
>Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00010275
>
>>On Sun, 27 May 2001 03:30:34 PST
>>Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00010274
>>
>>NEMO "speaks" to the CAoL forces present.
>>
>>*We are sorry, Roland Phoenix, but you may not be allowed to 'save'
>>the being known as Rassilon. It is possible that some day you will
>>understand why this must be done. But even if you never understand,
>>it still must be done.*
>>
>>*Your comrades will open a gate to you momentarily.*
At that very instant Aurora Generates warps that sweep through the
volumes ocupied by the floating, stranded, CAoL members. Once on the
"other" side of the warps, they find themselves in the park with Sil.
(OOC: I think that's were she was.)
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: Storming the Castle
On Sun, 27 May 2001 15:07:51 -0700
Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00010282
>Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00010264
> Rassilon staggers as another quake rocks the ship, "WHAT HAVE
>YOU DONE?!" After a quick look through his link to his TARDIS, "You
>FOOLS! You've doomed us ALL to being sucked into the monoblock's
>collapse!"
*No, FOOL! You doomed yourself when you decided to kill an entire
universe, to stop one man. When you decided to do it by committing a
MAJOR paradox, you defeated yourself. Consider yourself lucky. The
fate you have earned for yourself, will be quick, and nearly painless.
Had the CAoL not intervened, your punishment would have been eternal,
and as painful as it is theoretically possible for you to experience.*
Aurora answers him.
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: "Marines, we are leaving--NOW!"
On Sun, 27 May 2001 16:17:24 -0700
Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00010283
>On Sun, 27 May 2001 03:30:34 PST
>Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00010274
>
>>On Sat, 26 May 2001 20:45:03 -0700
>>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00010270
>>
>> Then he turns to Rassilon. "You have a choice, Rassilon. Disarm
>>and surrender, and I'll take you out of here with me. Otherwise, we
>>both die--and I'll get better.
>> "Your choice. Your funeral."
>
>Were there any to "see" it, a "thread" of the web that makes makes up
>the multiverse is rewoven into two threads.
>
>In one:
>
>Roland and the others find themselves floating in empty space. In
>fact, for those who can sense such, they *are* the entirety of the
>universe.
>
>In the other:
>
>Rassilon, the Tardis and the emerging monobloc are all that exists in
>that universe.
Roland blinks. /I need a lock on Rassilon--/ he begins, thinking
that the Time Lord has escaped.
>NEMO "speaks" to the CAoL forces present.
>
>*We are sorry, Roland Phoenix, but you may not be allowed to 'save'
>the being known as Rassilon. It is possible that some day you will
>understand why this must be done. But even if you never understand,
>it still must be done.*
Roland scowls like a thunderhead. /May not be? May _not_ be!/
>*Your comrades will open a gate to you momentarily.*
Roland rips open his own gate--literally, as in tearing space/time
rather violently--and flies through. /Okay. I'm rather happy to be the
median point of power in this group. I'm fully aware that there are
members with vastly greater knowledge, power or both. But either I'm a
leader or not. My orders are heeded, or not. People will at least
_generally_ follow my lead...or _not._ In the latter case, I'm not
even the loose sort of leader this group seems to have been happy to
draft. This will not happen again. Or I'm turning in my 'bars,' RIGHT.
NOW.
/Any questions?/
>
>I don't expect this to go over well with Roland.
OOC: That's putting it mildly.
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: "Marines, we are leaving--NOW!"
On Sun, 27 May 2001 21:32:18 -0500
Martin and/or Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00010285
>On Sun, 27 May 2001, Leonard Erickson (aka Nemo) Said
>
>
>Roland and the others find themselves floating in empty space with
>the Xavier some ways off. If anyone cared to measure, they'd find
>that the spatial relationships are indentical to those before the
>"change".
>
>According to the Xavier's sensors they *are* the entirety of the
>universe.
>
Thank you, that's much better. :^)
Dhyrclhanc #1 beams Roger and Jim onto the bridge of the Xavier,
whereupon Dhyrclhanc #3 dissapears back into the timestream.
> Roland rips open his own gate--literally, as in tearing space/time
>rather violently--and flies through. /Okay. I'm rather happy to be
>the median point of power in this group. I'm fully aware that there
>are members with vastly greater knowledge, power or both. But either
>I'm a leader or not. My orders are heeded, or not. People will at
>least _generally_ follow my lead...or _not._ In the latter case, I'm
>not even the loose sort of leader this group seems to have been happy
>to draft. This will not happen again. Or I'm turning in my 'bars,'
>RIGHT. NOW.
> /Any questions?/
The remaining Dhyrclhanc sighs as he begins trying to plot a course
back to the rest of the CAol (an action that is rendered moot when
Aurora 'ports them back to the park on Lorelei Rock where Rassilon's
Tardis used to stand), and then sends, as politely as he can,
/Folks, he does have a point./
/In theory, at least, I do not particularly care if we have members of
our little group that can destroy whole Alterverses. What I do care
about is that we try to do what we seem to be trying to do, and that
is try to make the Omni-cosm a little brighter place to be for it's
inhabitants./
/We cannot do this effectively if we cannot do this in an efficiant
and cohesive manner, and we cannot do this as a group if we do not, at
the same time agree to, as a group, follow Roland's lead, Reluctant
Leader or not, if only for the reson that we picked him *to be our
Leader*./
/... And because if we don't agree to Roland's Leadership, and his
leadership style, for the same reason, we might as well pack it up
right now./
/... And I, for one, would rather not do that. The reason why Mister
Fantastic didn't last long as a member of the Avengers, in the long
run, is because he couldn't ultimately follow the commands of Captain
America. The Earthman, Lord Acton, said that all that needs to be done
to allow Evil to Triumph is for Good Men to do Nothing. Let's not ruin
what amounts to a powerful Force for Good over what is essentially
petty infighting./
/Nemo, Aurora, your charters, or whatever you call them, might accord
that you act on a wholistically manner that deals with Time and Space
as a Omni-cosmic whole, but that doesn't mean that us ephimerials
shouldn't, at least, be kept up to speed so we can, at least, plan
accordingly./
/ Oh Gee, look at that, next Tuesday's the End of
the World. I better not make any apointments on that day. /
/As Second-in-Command, I feel that it's my job to point out these
things. Am I making myself clear?/
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: "Marines, we are leaving--NOW!"
On Sun, 27 May 2001 22:19:01 -0500
Martin and/or Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00010286
>On Sun, 27 May 2K1, Dane Anderson Said
>>>Leonard Erickson (aka Nemo) Said
>>>
>>>*Your comrades will open a gate to you momentarily.*
>
>At that very instant Aurora Generates warps that sweep through the
>volumes ocupied by the floating, stranded, CAoL members. Once on the
>"other" side of the warp, they find themselves in the park with Sil.
>(OOC: I think that's were she was.)
[Look up "Over-Kill' in your handy Dictionary and you'll find a
Starspawn smiling innocently back at you] Dhyrclhanc thinks to himself
silently, chuckling.
The Xavier hovers at an altitude twice the height of the surrounding
trees.
Jim and Roger are beamed down to the grassy surface of the park and
Dhyrclhanc sends...
/I'll catch-up with the rest of you in about an hour and a half. I
feel this headache coming on... /
At which point the Xavier fades from sight, her cloaking device
re-engaging.
=================================
Subject: AAE VII: Speaking of Leaving
On Sun, 27 May 2001 20:12:28 -0700 (PDT)
Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00010288
>On Sun, 27 May 2001 12:23:21 -0400
>Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00010276
>
> Moonstone shrugs, "I'm not doing that."
> Shep runs happily past the pair in the park and Seth and Lilith
>call "hello" from a park bench that was empty until moments ago.
> "Actually, we're doing that," Lilith says.
The petite Amberite hears her. Her eyes suddenly lose some vague
life-like quality, going completely still in icy blueness. Her voice
comes quite normally, if very nuetral, "Oh? Thank you for informing
me." Whereupon she turns her back on the pair. Zia walks slowly away,
concentrating on other things.
> Seth and Lilith walk over arm in arm, "I believe you have
>actually made the deciding move."
> Lilith nods, "Checkmate in two moves, I'd say."
The Dame of Amber turns very slowly to them. "I can't say that your
good opinions mean that very much to me." She says, the extreme lack
of any emotion in her voice striking the ear oddly, considering the
almost habitual drama of her expression. With an effort of will, she
turns while stepping away again even as her shadowshift moves her
elsewhere.
[Where did Eric go, anyway?] She wonders, feeling deep disgust,
concern, and a heavy sense of closing doom.
>On Sun, 27 May 2001 14:39:16 -0700
>Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00010279
>
>/Don't worry, Nemo and I are on it./ Aurora informs Zia.
/And that means I should not worry, how, exactly?/ She says archly,
given she can almost feel the danger piling up still in the air about
her.
>On Sun, 27 May 2001 16:17:24 -0700
>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00010283
>
> Roland rips open his own gate--literally, as in tearing space/time
>rather violently--and flies through. /Okay. I'm rather happy to be
>the median point of power in this group. I'm fully aware that there
>are members with vastly greater knowledge, power or both. But either
>I'm a leader or not. My orders are heeded, or not. People will at
>least _generally_ follow my lead...or _not._ In the latter case, I'm
>not even the loose sort of leader this group seems to have been
>happy to draft. This will not happen again. Or I'm turning in my
>'bars,' RIGHT. NOW.
> /Any questions?/
Ziactrice tosses her hair back, eyes suddenly aflame. Too many
dangers, too many worries, too much swallowed anger. She catches
herself, ponders a long, quiet moment of stillness. She reaches the
only logical conclusion.
/No questions, Roland. You have my resignation./ A harsh mental laugh
seems to echo on Lens. /Never mind. You never accepted my application,
so you can just consider me 'withdrawn with prejudice'. I refuse to
follow a leader who demands blind obedience over judgement, who places
his own mores above the lives of innocents and friends, and above
these, you didn't give any orders to Nemo that he is or did disobey.
Of course, you didn't order me to save this universe, specifically,
either./
/No use stewing. Nemo, Eric - you two may look me up. And tell Mike he
and his family are always welcome./ The petite Amberite steps around a
tree and is gone.
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: "Marines, we are leaving--NOW!"
On Sun, 27 May 2001 22:29:54 -0700 (PDT)
Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00010289
>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00010283
>
>>On Sun, 27 May 2001 03:30:34 PST
>>Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00010274
>>
>>NEMO "speaks" to the CAoL forces present.
>>
>>*We are sorry, Roland Phoenix, but you may not be allowed to 'save'
>>the being known as Rassilon. It is possible that some day you will
>>understand why this must be done. But even if you never understand,
>>it still must be done.*
>
> Roland scowls like a thunderhead. /May not be? May _not_ be!/
/And explanations are not forthcoming, I suppose,/ Rob adds.
> Roland rips open his own gate--literally, as in tearing space/time
>rather violently--and flies through. /Okay. I'm rather happy to be
>the median point of power in this group. I'm fully aware that there
>are members with vastly greater knowledge, power or both. But either
>I'm a leader or not. My orders are heeded, or not. People will at
>least _generally_ follow my lead...or _not._ In the latter case, I'm
>not even the loose sort of leader this group seems to have been happy
>to draft. This will not happen again. Or I'm turning in my 'bars,'
>RIGHT. NOW.
> /Any questions?/
/Regarding this, no. When I appointed myself as a dimension-traveling
hero, I set some limits. And summary execution was not on the list of
allowable acts. Even being associated with one is more than a little
stomach-turning./
/That being said, I'd like to make arrangements to clean out the hotel
room, and get me to the Place. I need to wash a bad taste out of my
mouth, and this little critter seems to want to go to Callahan's as
well./
[Grand Visualization of the d'leffyk cosmos. One of these days, I'll
understand why great power seems to confer great incomprehensibility.]
=================================
Subject: AAE VII: Vote of Confidence
On Sun, 27 May 2001 23:07:56 -0700
Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00010290
>On Sun, 27 May 2001 21:32:18 -0500
>Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00010285
>
>/We cannot do this effectively if we cannot do this in an efficiant
>and cohesive manner, and we cannot do this as a group if we do not,
>at the same time agree to, as a group, follow Roland's lead,
>Reluctant Leader or not, if only for the reson that we picked him *to
>be our Leader*./
Roland smiles faintly. /Thanks, sib. I appreciate it./ He considers
the others. /Anyone else?/
>On Sun, 27 May 2001 20:12:28 -0700 (PDT)
>Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00010288
>
>>On Sun, 27 May 2001 12:23:21 -0400
>>Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00010276
>>
>> Moonstone shrugs, "I'm not doing that."
>> Shep runs happily past the pair in the park and Seth and Lilith
>>call "hello" from a park bench that was empty until moments ago.
>> "Actually, we're doing that," Lilith says.
>
>The petite Amberite hears her. Her eyes suddenly lose some vague
>life-like quality, going completely still in icy blueness. Her voice
>comes quite normally, if very nuetral, "Oh? Thank you for informing
>me." Whereupon she turns her back on the pair. Zia walks slowly away,
>concentrating on other things.
/"Yeah, isn't it a bitch when people do things without informing the
rest of the team what they're up to?"/ Morgan mutters to no one in
particular.
>/No questions, Roland. You have my resignation./ A harsh mental laugh
>seems to echo on Lens. /Never mind. You never accepted my
>application, so you can just consider me 'withdrawn with prejudice'.
>I refuse to follow a leader who demands blind obedience over
>judgement, who places his own mores above the lives of innocents and
>friends, and above these, you didn't give any orders to Nemo that he
>is or did disobey. Of course, you didn't order me to save this
>universe, specifically, either./
/"Maybe he should have just told Nemo, 'Oh? Thank you for informing
me,' and walked off in a huff?"/ Morgan comments.
>/No use stewing. Nemo, Eric - you two may look me up. And tell Mike
>he and his family are always welcome./ The petite Amberite steps
>around a tree and is gone.
Morgan watches Zia disappear. "Once again, my love, she has chosen to
see your actions in the worst possible light," she says to Roland. "If
you ask me, she's been looking for the worst in you since the day we
met her, and usually manages to find it whether anyone else sees it or
not."
Roland barks a laugh. /"Don't worry, Morgan--I'm nothing special on
that account. As for there being 'no use stewing'...hypocrisy makes me
queasy, and I've had a bellyful."/
The Druidess looks around at the rest of the group. "Would someone
please explain to me how asking people who have placed one in a
position of leadership to 'at least _generally_ follow one's lead' is
'demanding blind obedience'? I must have missed class that day."
Roland shakes his head, looking at where Zia was with a brief burst
of anger, and a much briefer pang of regret. /"I don't know, Morgan.
All I know is I'm tired. I am so SPROCKING tired of having the weight
of Creation on my shoulders,"/ and with that, he 'looks' at the sky,
/"of having been accepted as a moral compass then being disregarded or
preached at, of being summarily ignored, and most of all of trying to
hold my tongue and my temper when teammates are ripping at each other
or ME for that matter. _Especially_ when it's that prima donna
harpy."/ He holds the bridge of his nose. /"That is by no means
everyone, and not many most of the time. If that's what it was always
like, you wouldn't be my family. And I'm sorry it had to come to this.
But I'm only human where it counts, I've had as much as I can take,
and the time has come to let the old hurts out where they can heal--or
put an end to it.
/"As for Zia...at this point, I no longer care what she thinks."/
He then puts Zia out of his mind. He nods respectfully to Dhyrclhanc.
/"That's one for, and one that could be considered either an
abstention or against. It looks to me that a vote of confidence is in
order. Do people want me to absent myself from the 'proceedings?'"/
Morgan gives a little smile and caresses her husband's cheek,
"Rassilon's been dealt with. Perhaps we could take a wee bit o' time
to go hold our bairns? Ah miss the little sweeties."
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: Vote of Confidence
On Sun, 27 May 2001 23:12:56 -0700
Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00010291
>On Sun, 27 May 2001 22:29:54 -0700 (PDT)
>Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00010289
>
>>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00010283
>>
>>This will not happen again. Or I'm turning in my 'bars,' RIGHT. NOW.
>> /Any questions?/
>
>/Regarding this, no. When I appointed myself as a dimension-traveling
>hero, I set some limits. And summary execution was not on the list of
>allowable acts. Even being associated with one is more than a little
>stomach-turning./
Roland nods, smiling faintly if a bit unevenly. /That's two for, it
would seem./
>/That being said, I'd like to make arrangements to clean out the
>hotel room, and get me to the Place. I need to wash a bad taste out
>of my mouth, and this little critter seems to want to go to
>Callahan's as well./
/Thanks, and save a seat for us, would you?/
=================================
Subject: Re:AAE VII: Speaking of Leaving
On Mon, 28 May 2001 09:46:17 -0400
Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00010292
>On Sun, 27 May 2001 20:12:28 -0700 (PDT)
>Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00010288
>
>>On Sun, 27 May 2001 12:23:21 -0400
>>Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00010276
>>
>> Moonstone shrugs, "I'm not doing that."
>> Shep runs happily past the pair in the park and Seth and Lilith
>>call "hello" from a park bench that was empty until moments ago.
>> "Actually, we're doing that," Lilith says.
>
>The petite Amberite hears her. Her eyes suddenly lose some vague
>life-like quality, going completely still in icy blueness. Her voice
>comes quite normally, if very nuetral, "Oh? Thank you for informing
>me." Whereupon she turns her back on the pair. Zia walks slowly away,
>concentrating on other things.
Seth actually looks baffled. He looks at Lilith, who shrugs.
>> Seth and Lilith walk over arm in arm, "I believe you have
>>actually made the deciding move."
>> Lilith nods, "Checkmate in two moves, I'd say."
>
>The Dame of Amber turns very slowly to them. "I can't say that your
>good opinions mean that very much to me." She says, the extreme lack
>of any emotion in her voice striking the ear oddly, considering the
>almost habitual drama of her expression. With an effort of will, she
>turns while stepping away again even as her shadowshift moves her
>elsewhere.
Seth and Lilith exchange another glance.
"We are," Seth says, slowly, "Sorry to hear such news, but thank
you for your honesty. Our intent was only to aid as needed and
allowed. We shan't bother you again, then."
To Roland and Morgan (as it doesn't seem to have a place anywhere
else):
Seth says, "We are sorry if our efforts have caused further
discord among your group."
Lilith nods earnestly, "We're also told that our travels and
yours will not cross paths again, we wanted to wish you all well
before our departure."
Seth nods, "Thank you for sharing the road with us for the short
time we were permitted to travel it with you."
After all partings are exchanged, the couple and their dog depart
into the park.
OOC: Yes, they're still watching over little Mike. Their
departure is to do work in this world, while the CAoL will move on to
other things in other worlds.
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: Vote of Confidence
On Mon, 28 May 2001 10:13:57 -0400
Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00010293
>On Sun, 27 May 2001 23:12:56 -0700
>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00010291
>
>>On Sun, 27 May 2001 22:29:54 -0700 (PDT)
>>Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00010289
>>
>>/That being said, I'd like to make arrangements to clean out the
>>hotel room, and get me to the Place. I need to wash a bad taste out
>>of my mouth, and this little critter seems to want to go to
>>Callahan's as well./
>
> /Thanks, and save a seat for us, would you?/
From the Place, Mike Callahan's voice can be heard through the
various relays to the teams. Mostly it's a bumch of inaudible mutters
before a "There! Okay, I think I've got a couple two-way X-windows set
up... lemme just line these up and ... there, yeah, Rob, one just
popped open ten yards behind ya back to the hotel and when you come
out of that one, there's one on the opposite wall back to here."
The Doctor gives his device a quick looking over. "Nowwww... that
should do it, the image is stable, so the paradox has been corrected.
Anna, you'll probably want to take Finn and meet me in the parking
lot, I'll release the bubble once I'm almost out of line-of-sight,
don't want him to misinterpret events when they return to the normal
flow of time, since Anna's still an enemy in his book for a while."
Finn stands and rumbles, "Well, then, pleasure meeting everyone,"
and heads for the door.
Anna follows, "Thank you, everyone. I don't know how I could
repay you for what you've done."
The Doctor takes up his machine and heads for the door with a tip
of the hat, "Though, I think departing quickly might be at the top of
the list," then holds the door open, ready to shut it quickly, and
presses the release button.
The bubble pops into nonexistance as the Doctor shuts the door,
hurrying across the parking lot to the giant motorcycle. With a roar,
the three vanish into the time stream.
Inside the Place, Michael Seven says, "Presto!" as he pulls a set
of fake flowers from between his fists and Tink claps. Both stop and
look around.
/"Uhm, guys,"/ Mike says/sends, /"Did we miss something?"/ as he
notices both the sudden lack of daylight outside and the open
X-windows. Glancing at the clock, he adds, /"We seem to have misplaced
twelve or thirteen hours somewhere."/
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: Vote of Confidence
On Mon, 28 May 2001 11:47:18 EDT
Scott Osborne Said As CAoL Message # 00010294
>In a message dated 5/28/01 7:23:45 AM Pacific Daylight Time,
>technomagetimelord writes:
>
> /"Uhm, guys,"/ Mike says/sends, /"Did we miss something?"/ as he
>notices both the sudden lack of daylight outside and the open
>X-windows. Glancing at the clock, he adds, /"We seem to have
>misplaced twelve or thirteen hours somewhere."/
/"Well,"/ Scott gets up, /"You missed your own erasure from the
timestream. Don't worry; the erasure has been undone."/ Scott looks
outside. "In a way, it's too bad they were so quick about it. I'd like
to have had a good test of the protector."
Scott turns back. /"You want the short version of events, the long
version, or both?"/
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: Vote of Confidence
On Mon, 28 May 2001 12:45:59 -0400
Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00010295
>On Mon, 28 May 2001 11:47:18 EDT
>Scott Osborne Said As CAoL Message # 00010294
>
>/"Well,"/ Scott gets up, /"You missed your own erasure from the
>timestream. Don't worry; the erasure has been undone."/ Scott looks
>outside. "In a way, it's too bad they were so quick about it. I'd
>like to have had a good test of the protector."
>
>Scott turns back. /"You want the short version of events, the long
>version, or both?"/
Mike blinks, muttering, "I always do miss the really weird
things," then says/sends, /"Actually, just a raw data dump will do.
Roland, if you've got a moment, you're probably the closest match to
my own perceptions."/
...And amends privately to just Roland, ^And I'd rather not link
minds with Scott. I'll tell you why next time you want a
stress-induced migraine. {chuckle} Or soon as we can talk in complete
privacy and compare notes. I may be barking up the wrong tree, but
even if not it'll keep for a while.^
...Then back to the full link, /"And not to take my own potential
erasure lightly, I'm sure I'll have plenty to thank everyone for once
I know what's going on, but hey, how're the kids?"/
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: Vote of Confidence
On Mon, 28 May 2001 13:32:06 EDT
Scott Osborne Said As CAoL Message # 00010296
>In a message dated 5/28/01 10:14:42 AM Pacific Daylight Time,
>technomagetimelord writes:
>
> Mike blinks, muttering, "I always do miss the really weird
>things," then says/sends, /"Actually, just a raw data dump will do.
>Roland, if you've got a moment, you're probably the closest match to
>my own perceptions."/
/"You sure you want the whole thing? I've got a complete version
around here somewhere-"/ Scott searches through his pockets. /"Ah.
Here you go."/ He produces an odd device; he pushes a button, and it
ejects a largish disk, which he gives to Mike. /"A complete video
record of the past sixteen hours in the place and whatever the
X-Window was showing, with annotations showing local temporal waves."/
Scott then puts the device back in a pocket, and sits down to his
drink.
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: Vote of Confidence
On Mon, 28 May 2001 14:30:10 -0400
Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00010297
>On Mon, 28 May 2001 13:32:06 EDT
>Scott Osborne Said As CAoL Message # 00010296
>
>Scott then puts the device back in a pocket, and sits down to his
>drink.
Mike blinks, "Oh, okay." /"Sorry, Scott, wasn't sure you were you
for a minute there."/ He chuckles at the disc, /"But this is
definitely you."/
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: Vote of Confidence
On Mon, 28 May 2001 12:22:05 -0700
Eric Lancer Said As CAoL Message # 00010298
>On Sun, 27 May 2001 23:07:56 -0700
>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00010290
>
>>>On Sun, 27 May 2001 16:17:24 -0700
>>>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00010283
>>>
>>>This will not happen again. Or I'm turning in my 'bars,' RIGHT.
>>>NOW.
>>> /Any questions?/
The Hunter chuckles. /I see that your sense of tact is as sharp as
ever,/ he comments dryly. /Your intent, at least, is--/
>>On Sun, 27 May 2001 20:12:28 -0700 (PDT)
>>Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00010288
>>
>>The petite Amberite hears her. Her eyes suddenly lose some vague
>>life-like quality, going completely still in icy blueness. Her voice
>>comes quite normally, if very nuetral, "Oh? Thank you for informing
>>me." Whereupon she turns her back on the pair. Zia walks slowly
>>away, concentrating on other things.
Eric raises an eyebrow, concerned.
>>/No questions, Roland. You have my resignation./ A harsh mental
>>laugh seems to echo on Lens. /Never mind. You never accepted my
>>application, so you can just consider me 'withdrawn with prejudice'.
>>I refuse to follow a leader who demands blind obedience over
>>judgement, who places his own mores above the lives of innocents and
>>friends, and above these, you didn't give any orders to Nemo that he
>>is or did disobey. Of course, you didn't order me to save this
>>universe, specifically, either./
Eric winces visibly.
>/"Maybe he should have just told Nemo, 'Oh? Thank you for informing
>me,' and walked off in a huff?"/ Morgan comments.
Eric's face becomes the familiar stony mask.
>>/No use stewing. Nemo, Eric - you two may look me up. And tell Mike
>>he and his family are always welcome./ The petite Amberite steps
>>around a tree and is gone.
/Zia-/ Eric begins. "Damn." [Now how _do_ I "look her up?"]
>Morgan watches Zia disappear. "Once again, my love, she has chosen to
>see your actions in the worst possible light," she says to Roland.
>"If you ask me, she's been looking for the worst in you since the day
>we met her, and usually manages to find it whether anyone else sees
>it or not."
>
> Roland barks a laugh. /"Don't worry, Morgan--I'm nothing special
>on that account. As for there being 'no use stewing'...hypocrisy
>makes me queasy, and I've had a bellyful."/
Eric _growls._ Roland's too busy to notice yet, though.
> /"As for Zia...at this point, I no longer care what she thinks."/
>He then puts Zia out of his mind. He nods respectfully to Dhyrclhanc.
>/"That's one for, and one that could be considered either an
>abstention or against. It looks to me that a vote of confidence is in
>order. Do people want me to absent myself from the 'proceedings?'"/
"As far as I'm concerned...don't bother," Eric says in clipped
tones. "I am too emotionally involved, so I'm absenting myself from
the proceedings as well."
"As for you..." Eric adds to Roland. His hand is a blur, and a
shuriken sinks into the ground a centimeter from Roland's boot. "24
hours. You know the place."
Roland blinks in surprise. "You're not serious."
Eric smiles tightly. "I'm _always_ serious. 24 hours. You know the
place."
Roland laughs weakly. "Come on, Eric, I know you're good, but
_honestly,_ you don't really think--"
"Twenty. Four. Hours," Eric says slowly, as if to a particularly
dim child. "You know the place."
Roland shakes his head and sighs. "48 hours. I have a feeling that
wrap-up is going to take a while."
"With the caveat that, if something critical comes up in the meantime,
he gets to postpone without prejudice," Morgan adds, stepping into
"second" mode.
Eric shrugs. "48, then, barring cosmic emergencies."
"You do realize," Roland adds, "that Ziactrice may not appreciate
you 'defending her honor?'"
"She is her own woman, and her honor hardly needs my defense. You
have also offended _me_ outrageously. Now how do I get out of--"
An X-Window appears in front of him.
"--ah. If you'll excuse me." With that, Eric leaves.
=================================
Subject: Re:AAE VII: Speaking of Leaving
On Mon, 28 May 2001 12:27:48 -0700
Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00010299
>On Mon, 28 May 2001 09:46:17 -0400
>Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00010292
>
> To Roland and Morgan (as it doesn't seem to have a place
>anywhere else):
> Seth says, "We are sorry if our efforts have caused further
>discord among your group."
Roland waves it off. "Not remotely your fault, from what I can
gather."
> Lilith nods earnestly, "We're also told that our travels and
>yours will not cross paths again, we wanted to wish you all well
>before our departure."
"What?"
> Seth nods, "Thank you for sharing the road with us for the short
>time we were permitted to travel it with you."
Roland frowns. "I hope it doesn't have anything to do with
this...unpleasantness. If you change your minds, you'll always be
welcome among us." He offers his hand.
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: Vote of Confidence
On Mon, 28 May 2001 12:38:18 -0700
Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00010300
>On Mon, 28 May 2001 12:45:59 -0400
>Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00010295
>
> Mike blinks, muttering, "I always do miss the really weird
>things," then says/sends, /"Actually, just a raw data dump will do.
>Roland, if you've got a moment, you're probably the closest match to
>my own perceptions."/
Roland sighs and smiles. /Good to have you back, old friend./
> ...And amends privately to just Roland, ^And I'd rather not link
>minds with Scott. I'll tell you why next time you want a
>stress-induced migraine. {chuckle} Or soon as we can talk in complete
>privacy and compare notes. I may be barking up the wrong tree, but
>even if not it'll keep for a while.^
^Migraines are not my idea of a good time, as nearly any psion can
attest. Part of the learning process. Anyway, here {} is the data
dump. I'd like you to add your two cents worth to the vote of
confidence, BTW.^
> ...Then back to the full link, /"And not to take my own
>potential erasure lightly, I'm sure I'll have plenty to thank
>everyone for once I know what's going on, but hey, how're the kids?"/
/"Cute, powerful, and already trying to get into _everything,"/
Roland says with a laugh.
/"By the way,"/ Morgan adds with a mischievous grin, /"Has anyone ever
told you you were a cute kid?"/
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: Vote of Confidence
On Mon, 28 May 2001 21:18:52 GMT, In alt.callahans
Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00010301
>On Mon, 28 May 2001 12:22:05 -0700
>Eric Lancer Said As CAoL Post # 00008103
>>On Sun, 27 May 2001 23:07:56 -0700
>>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00010290
>>
>>>On Sun, 27 May 2001 20:12:28 -0700 (PDT)
>>>Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00010288
>>>
>>>/No questions, Roland. You have my resignation./ A harsh mental
>>>laugh seems to echo on Lens. /Never mind. You never accepted my
>>>application, so you can just consider me 'withdrawn with
>>>prejudice'. I refuse to follow a leader who demands blind obedience
>>>over judgement, who places his own mores above the lives of
>>>innocents and friends, and above these, you didn't give any orders
>>>to Nemo that he is or did disobey. Of course, you didn't order me
>>>to save this universe, specifically, either./
>
> Eric winces visibly.
>
>>/"Maybe he should have just told Nemo, 'Oh? Thank you for informing
>>me,' and walked off in a huff?"/ Morgan comments.
Ziactrice, with an unfortunately well practiced manner, completely
fails to /hear/ Morgan's rejoinder, or at least, she tries not to show
she heard.
>>>/No use stewing. Nemo, Eric - you two may look me up. And tell Mike
>>>he and his family are always welcome./ The petite Amberite steps
>>>around a tree and is gone.
Ziactrice walks into a bar. Well, not just any bar, this is the Place.
She doesn't make for the bar, she heads for one of the quiet and dark
places around the edges of the tables. She doesn't so much sit down as
fall into a chair. She rubs her eyebrows then pinches her nose as if
suffering from a headache.
"Thanks." She says, quietly, as Mike brings her a shot of Oban, neat.
She isn't worried that this man will think it odd her voice betrays
tears.
> Eric shrugs. "48, then, barring cosmic emergencies."
> "You do realize," Roland adds, "that Ziactrice may not appreciate
>you 'defending her honor?'"
Zia, mid-sip of her first on the whiskey, mildly chokes, on watching
this through an X-window from the Place. "Oh, for pity's sake..." She
shakes her head. "I really need to work on my communication skills."
> "She is her own woman, and her honor hardly needs my defense. You
>have also offended _me_ outrageously. Now how do I get out of--"
> An X-Window appears in front of him.
> "--ah. If you'll excuse me." With that, Eric leaves.
".. you know, Eric, I actually think Roland does have the prerogative
to define how he wants the CAoL outfit to operate. It is his outfit. I
might not think he is on the right track, exactly, but I cannot argue
that the right to have final say-so _is_ his. That is why I left, if I
can't agree with his philosophy, I have no business being there, under
his way of stating his expectations."
Zia gives him a thoughtful look. "I won't trouble you regarding
calling your scheduled meeting off, because I know I cannot, Eric. _I_
wasn't offended enough to do any such -"
She cuts off at his stare, even through the sunglasses. "All right,
all right, so I could never duel with him under any circumstances.
Never mind that angle, then. But I will ask you to do as little harm
as you can to amend your problem. No matter who 'wins', it will not be
a victory."
She sighs, "And I'll still feel like it's my fault."
"I have lots of other stuff to do. I'll simply watch the AAE from
here, like I used to do."
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: Vote of Confidence
On Mon, 28 May 2001 14:36:50 -0700
Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00010302
>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00010291
>
> Roland nods, smiling faintly if a bit unevenly. /That's two for,
>it would seem./
/*Roland, the qualities of leadership that you have displayed, while I
have been associated with the CAoL, are IMNSHO matched only by those
of Michael Knight, and the Stranger. Your 'moral compass' is matched
only by Michael Knight. Your willingness to "herd cats" is matched
only by your Draconic foster sibling. I believe you to be the best
choice for leader of the CAoL. I cannot promise not to kill, as I have
a responsibility to the Macro Cosmos, and I will not promise to
blindly obey every order you give. However if I do choose to kill, as
much as I hate to do it, or to disobey one of your orders, I will
explain to you WHY I have done so, if I am unable to explain before
the act.*/ Aurora states. /*I must say that I believe that NEMO may
well have been correct. We could NOT allow Rassilon to survive. Had he
survived he would have tried again, and there are several methods he
could have used that would have given us little or no warning. His
actions, had they succeeded, would have had a similar effect to
walking up to a tiger and sticking a needle into its side, with
respect to The Stardragon. I do think NEMO should have given you more
information. Those, and I number myself among them, with great power
and great computational ability tend to 'forget' that not all beings
can 'see' what is so obvious to us. For that 'forgetfullness' I
appologize.*/
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: Vote of Confidence
On Mon, 28 May 2001 20:01:07 -0500
Martin and/or Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00010303
>On Mon, 28 May 2K1, Mike Knight Said
>
> The Doctor takes up his machine and heads for the door with a
>tip of the hat, "Though, I think departing quickly might be at the
>top of the list," then holds the door open, ready to shut it quickly,
>and presses the release button.
> The bubble pops into nonexistance as the Doctor shuts the door,
>hurrying across the parking lot to the giant motorcycle. With a roar,
>the three vanish into the time stream.
Meditating in his stateroom on the Xavier, trying to stave off a
masive headache, Dhyrclhanc's eyes snap open, "Dang it all, there were
still a few questions I wanted to ask him."
Shrugging, Dhyrclhanc decends back into a medative state.
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: Vote of Confidence
On Mon, 28 May 2001 20:12:16 -0500
Martin and/or Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00010304
>On Mon, 28 May 2K1, Roland X Said
>
>/"By the way,"/ Morgan adds with a mischievous grin, /"Has anyone
>ever told you you were a cute kid?"/ reviewed the data dump yet at this point, so he can wonder for a
>second where that comment came from ;-).>
After Mike gets a chance to respond to this, Dhyrclhanc, or a
Dhyrclhanc, in his wingless T'Skrang form and dressed as a Babylon 5
Anla'Shok/Ranger walks up to his table in the Place, pulls out a chair
and sits down.
After signaling to Callahan for his regular drink, the Lens-T'Skrang
focuses on Mike and Tink.
"Mike, I think we need to talk about rescuing the rest of your Family
from Oblivion..."
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: "Marines, we are leaving--NOW!"
On Mon, 28 May 2001 18:17:53 -0700
Squee Said As CAoL Message # 00010305
>On Sun, 27 May 2001 14:46:26 -0500
>Martin and/or Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00010277
>
>With a TK grasp that could probably shatter mountains, if need be,
>Dhyrclhanc #3 grabs onto Roger and Jim and starts heading for the
>Gate.
Gonna have to call for a retcon on the jim portion of this
statement because the part of Jim that's inside the TARDIS is
litterally in 2 billion pieces right now and integrated intot he
TARDIS'S systems to hamper their use. they were a suicide squad
anyways the rest of the colony being back on earth turning surrounding
dirt into new Nanites to restore the population.
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: Vote of Confidence
On Mon, 28 May 2001 21:35:14 -0400
"Xander Opal" Said As CAoL Message # 00010306
Xander walks up to Roland.
"Hey, Uncle Roland? I'd rather have you as leader than nearly anyone..
no offense to the rest of the team, but I know I trust your judgement,
no matter what your abilities."
And, sometime later,
Bazil nervously tugs on Roland's sleeve, as if expecting him to bite
his head off. "Umm, Mr. Phoenix, Sir? I, uh, think you've been doing a
good job."
=================================