Action, Adventure, Excitement, Part 7a
                              Chapter 11

Subject: Re: AAE VII: Vote of Confidence

On 05-28-2001 at 18:38:13
Fuzzy Said As CAoL Message # 00010307

>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?/

/I think so.../

/As the Saying doesn't go,
  Iron Bars do not a Prison Make,
   But they are awful hard to 'Turn In'.../

/I understand,
  That you feel you have done Your Duty,
   However do you Really Think,
    That there is anyone else who could do as well?/
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: Vote of Confidence

On Mon, 28 May 2001 18:45:15 -0700
Rio Lancer Said As CAoL Message # 00010308

>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
>>
>>   /"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?'"/
>
>   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.

Rio watches everything that's happening with concern. She was never
personally very fond of Zia (first impressions having stuck), but
she's not particularly happy about the circumstances of her leaving,
either. She's also not happy that events have caused her brother to
pull the shell back on, and she's _really_ not happy with the prospect
of him and Roland dueling. At least she knows that Roland won't hurt
him any more than necessary to end the fight.

"For what it's worth, Roland, you have my vote. Granted, I've got far
more experience watching the team from the outside than I do being
part of it, but you seem to have a pretty good handle on how to herd
this group of hyper-independent cats," Rio says with a slight grin.

   Roland smiles lopsidedly. "Thanks, Rio."
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: Vote of Confidence

On Mon, 28 May 2001 18:59:29 -0700
Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00010309

Morgan watches and listens as people voice their support (or
otherwise) or her husband. At some lull, she says quietly, /"I think
you'll all understand if I abstain from this 'vote.' Considering it's
my husband we're talking about, it feels righter this way."/

^Not to mention that, while you know I support you completely, and I
know that being asked to step down would hurt, I also know that you
wouldn't be exactly sorry to be free of the responsibility,^ she adds
privately to the husband in question.

   ^Huh,^ Roland replies with gentle amusement, blowing his beloved a
kiss along the private link. ^If they 'voted me out' for the same
reason you would, I wouldn't be hurt at all.^

^Sweetheart, if they were going to be _that_ way, they wouldn't have
drafted you in the first place,^ Morgan returns the kiss with a smile.
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: Vote of Confidence

On Mon, 28 May 2001 20:15:49 -0700 (PDT)
Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00010310

>Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00010293
>
>     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."

Rob scoops the brown-furred creature up, somehow not managing to wake
it. Standing up, he yawns, then turns and walks through the X-window.

Once in the hotel, he carefully settles the creature on the bed, and
goes downstairs to "pay for another day," then heads back to the room
to pack.

Even with the new additions, there isn't much. Dropping the room key
on the bed, he wakes the little whatsit up, and steps through the
X-window to the Place. As he arrives, he drops everything on a table,
and turns to Mike. "Raspberry italian soda, with cream," Rob says,
dropping a Krugerrand on the bar.

"That's a bit more than the standard, son."

"Just let the CAoL drink off of that until it's gone. All members,
past and present."

"Not future?"

"The way things have gone, I don't expect that to last the night."
Taking his drink, Rob turns to see...

>     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."/

The little brown creature's eyes light. _That_ is who it's looking
for. "EEVEE!" it cries, running towards Tinkerbell.
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: Vote of Confidence

On Mon, 28 May 2001 20:45:31 -0700 (PDT)
Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00010311

>Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00010302
>
>/*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.

/That, I can work with. My problem is with death sentences without any
reason given either before or after./

>/*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 apologize.*/

/Personally, I would have attempted to separate Rassilon from his
TARDIS by putting him in a dimension without Time Lords, and stripping
him of all superior technology. However, I don't know much about Time
Lords, or TARDISes. He might have been able to reconstruct the
equipment. I'll take your word for it on this one./

Rob takes another drink from his soda, thinking on the events of the
past hour.
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: Vote of Confidence

On Mon, 28 May 2001 22:18:57 -0700
Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00010312


>On Mon, 28 May 2001 14:36:50 -0700
>Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00010302
>
>/*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.

   Roland sighs reluctantly.

>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, I've had this discussion with my _wife_ on more than one
occasion. Some of us kill and others do not. You're certainly more
restrained on that matter than, say, Eric. That's not the issue. I
specifically said that I wasn't done with Rassilon, and ordered others
to stay out of it. If my life--the immortal one--had been in immediate
danger, what NEMO did would have been acceptable--instead, I was
simply overridden. I don't expect this lot to be a military
unit--generally, I just point folx in a direction and let them run
with it. But he directly interfered in an action I had specifically
chosen to take _as_our_leader._ I can't be anyone's leader if that's
going to happen again."/

>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.*/

   Roland shrugs. /"If you're apologizing for the general trend,
conditionally accepted--from the standpoint that if I accept your
apology, I have to apologize for my innate, relative
short-sightedness.
   /"If you're apologizing for NEMO, however, don't--you aren't
responsible for his actions. For all I know, he may have been--was
probably--right. But I intended to _try,_ and for those of us without
Visualizations of the Cosmic All, the trying is sometimes more
important than succeeding. And again, my authority has to have
meaning. I will not accept the responsibility of leadership without at
least a _marginally_ commensurate portion of its power."/
   (OOC: This is the more measured IC explanation. I understand the
OOC reasons for why people did what they did there; I don't want to
add to the tension, just trying to make things more clear.)

>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."

   Roland pats Xander on the...knee? (How tall is Xander in humanoid
mode?) "Thanks, Xander. I'm not sure what's going to happen next, but
I'm glad some of us will be together to face it."

>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."

   Roland blinks and looks at Bazil in mild surprise. "Er, thanks,
ah...Bazil, isn't it?" He briefly examines Bazil, notes the unusual
physiology, then ignores it. "You looking to sign up? You're certainly
welcome..." he looks around and sighs deeply. "...though I'm not sure
I could recommend us right now."

>On 05-28-2001 at 18:38:13
>Fuzzy Said As CAoL Message # 00010307
>
>>On Sun, 27 May 2001 16:17:24 -0700
>>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00010283
>>
>>   /Any questions?/
>
>/I think so.../
>
>/As the Saying doesn't go,
>   Iron Bars do not a Prison Make,
>    But they are awful hard to 'Turn In'.../

   Roland can't help a chuckle at the pun, and a tiny peanut bounces
off Fuzzy's head.

>/I understand,
>   That you feel you have done Your Duty,
>    However do you Really Think,
>     That there is anyone else who could do as well?/

   /"Hmmph."/ Roland sighs. /"Let's see...Oracle, NEMO, Dhyrclhanc,
Mike, _you,_ Morgan certainly--"/

/"Ohhh NO you don't,"/ Morgan interjects instantly, though with a
chuckle.

   /"I love you too, dear,"/ Roland replies automatically. /"How else
did I get stuck with the job? I was the only person stupid enough to
volunteer!"/ He sighs. /"I guess...if so many people think I've been
doing a passable job, I can't have been that bad of a leader. We've
come through when it counts. But I'm only human--in here, at least--"/
he pounds over his heart a bit more forcefully than necessary, /"--and
I have a temper. I cut loose once, and we've lost at least two
members. Even if we hold together now, what about next time?"/ He
smiles wryly. /"And it's not as if this is over. There are still
others to be heard from, and I'm not as concerned about 'majority
rule' as a real consensus on how we do...what we do.
   /"Still, I'm pretty sure that was a 'yes,' and I appreciate it,
Fuzzy,"/ Roland finishes.
=================================
Subject: AAE7: the party after

On Tue, 29 May 2001 01:01:32 -0700
Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00010313

As the various members of the CAoL reappear in the Place, the stage
lights go out. Over the speakers comes an announcer's voice: "Ladies
and Gentlemen, I am proud to present...Harlock!"

The stage lights come back on again, revealing Harlock standing in
front of a microphone. The only odd thing is that there are four
microphone stands on the stage. Then the Bard speaks. "Thank you,
ladies and gentlemen. For my first number, I'd like to perform a piece
by a local Bard: an exceedingly talented fellow by the name of Tom
Smith."

With that, he starts singing.

"One to be a person,"

A willowy blonde appears next to one of the other mike stands and
joins in with a soprano line.

"two to be a team,"

An attractive brunette appears next to a third mike stand and starts
singing alto.

"Three to be a family and"

A raven-haired gent appears next to the final mike stand and supplies
the bass line. The more observant patrons will notice that all four
singers have strikingly similar features.

"four to build a dream,
Got to find the future 'cause that's where we want to be,
Don't know when we'll get there but we'll get there falling free.

Mother, won't you hold me in your shiny walls of glass?
Father, won't you guide me 'cause I'm learning things too fast?
And comfort me with wisdom in the night (long endless night),
Help me find a way to see the light.

Brother, won't you play with me before we lose the years,
Sister, won't you stay with me and kiss away my tears,
As we climb hand over hand, hand over hand (hand over hand),
Help me find a way that I can stand.

But O my Mother, O Father dear,
Why did you make me? Why am I here?
Why am I so different from the foremen and the crew?
Is something wrong with me, or is something wrong with you?

I got one to meet the darkness, one to greet the dawn,
One to hold you close to me and one for hanging on,
Got to find the future 'cause the present's all I see,
And I won't last without a past, I'm out here falling free.
Father, tell me what I'm feeling for her in my heart,
Why do regulations keep the two of us apart?
Mother, tell me why we cannot share
The child that grows within me -- don't they care?

O my Mother, O Father dear,
Can't you release us? Can you not hear?
We are just the tools of the ones who run the show,
There's so much they're not telling us we simply have to know.

We've got one to seize the moment, one to follow through,
One to let go of the old and one to grasp the new,
Got to go where we don't know how hard the way will be,
Don't look behind, just cut the line and leave us falling free.

Can't you, don't you, won't you believe it?
Can't you, won't you, don't you understand?
We... we are the children
Of the gravity of man.

You made us in your image, you left us in your wake,
You made us with your hearts and minds and you cannot make us break,
Those who came before you sought the freedom we will win,
And those who follow after will accept us as their kin.

We've got one to be a person, two to be a team,
Three to be a family and four to build a dream,
Got to find the future 'cause that's where we want to be,
Don't know when we'll get there but we'll get there falling free.

One to meet the darkness, one to greet the dawn,
One to hold you close to me and one for hanging on,
Got to find the future 'cause the present's all I see,
And I won't last without a past, I'm out here falling free.

One to seize the moment, one to follow through,
One to let go of the old and one to grasp the new,
Got to go where we don't know how hard the way will be,
Don't look behind, just cut the line and leave us falling free.

One to be a person, two to be a team,
Three to be a family and four to build a dream,
Got to find the future 'cause that's where we want to be,
Don't know when we'll get there but we'll get there falling free."


<OOC>
As mentioned, the song is by Tom Smith, and (as not mentioned, yet) is
titled "Falling Free." If you want to know more, go to tomsmithonline
dot com. In point of fact, you can hear "Falling Free" at MP3.com if
you like. I recommend it, frankly. Tom Smith is too good to miss.
</OOC>
=================================
Subject: AAE7a: Cleaning up.

On Tue, 29 May 2001 15:57:19 -0400
Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00010314

OOC: First, let me preface this with "You had no way of knowing this
but..." The group isn't quite through with AAE7 yet. On the other
hand, everything here is probably perfectly timed for right now which
is why I'd ask it be kept in the story now, instead of waiting to be
posted after things are over with.

>On Tue, 29 May 2001 01:01:32 -0700
>Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00010313
>
>As the various members of the CAoL reappear in the Place, the stage
>lights go out. Over the speakers comes an announcer's voice: "Ladies
>and Gentlemen, I am proud to present...Harlock!"
>
>The stage lights come back on again, revealing Harlock standing in
>front of a microphone. The only odd thing is that there are four
>microphone stands on the stage. Then the Bard speaks. "Thank you,
>ladies and gentlemen. For my first number, I'd like to perform a
>piece by a local Bard: an exceedingly talented fellow by the name of
>Tom Smith."

     Mike smiles, listening to the song as part of his mind sorts the
data dump. His smile twitchs at a few bits, and through the lens link
he can be heard to quietly /Yipe,/ /Oh dear oh dear,/ /Ack, don't do
-that-,/ and once or twice, /Sorry 'bout hitting you on the head,
Aurora./
     After it's over, he remarks to Harlock. "That's what I really
like about musicians, you're timing is always excellent."
     Turning to the group, he says/sends, /"Okay folks, a lot of
things got said, alot of which was in anger and cooler heads have at
least for the most part had a chance to prevail.
     /"Once upon a time, I might have been with NEMO about summarily
executing Rassilon, respectively, it wouldn't have been so long ago. I
can't say I'm not glad the nut's dead. He and his group did me and
my... well, clones... a great deal of harm, undeservedly, unjustly,
and apparently without any qualms about it. He chose his own path in
life and deserved what he got. My only beef, and it's a small one, was
that Roland offered an option out, but the decision was taken away
from Rassilon.
     /"For Roland's sake, I think the way it was handled may have been
the best way to go about it, after the option to surrender had been
given. I mean, c'mon, can anyone picture Roland saying 'Oh wait, no,
nevermind, you're mass and TARDIS are needed to jumpstart this new
universe, sorry, you'll just have to die here.' I mean, at least you
can be morally indignant about it this way, Roland. And NEMO has broad
shoulders... well, figuratively anyway, I suppose... he can take
someone being pissed at him."/
     /"But, as a general rule of thumb, yes, it should have been
brought up before it was done. And Rassilon would have surrendered...
only to boot Dhyrclhanc, Roland and Roger out of the Tower, likely to
try jettisoning a large quantity of the internal architecture,
including that whole plain of rock outside the tower you all were
standing on, to free up energy to boost the remainer out of that
dimension, with a monoblock bullet loaded and ready to fire. Had, I
presume, NEMO not been holding him there, he would have escaped and
Tink and I'd still be in that bubble.
     /"Also as a general rule of thumb, dibs on opponents have been
allowed since the beginning and we can get pretty annoyed if our
fights are intruded on. Some of us have learned that the hard way, in
fact. Caunt and Gruber spring to mind, but Mahloy's one of mine, and I
saw Voyd the same way. There are some fights that go back far farther
than the CAoL's forming and the rest of us just have to respect that
and be ready to pick up the pieces afterwards. Ain't logical, just is.
     /"I know, some of this is review for everyone, I'm just trying to
say what's on everyone's mind at once and put my stand in there at the
same time. The group dynamic's changed though since we first started
and some folks operate under different rules than we founders do.
That's generally not a problem, as a whole, we usually tend come close
enough to consensus to count in horseshoes and handgrenades. As least
when it comes to IDing a problem, though our solutions often vastly
differ.
     /"But when it boils down to it, Roland's lead is the one we
follow. If you've just got to go against it, don't do it in our name,
and be damn sure we don't find out about it. Do those things and I
can't stop you from doing what you will -in your own name and on your
own time-. I may not be able to stop you anyway, but at least I won't
have to die trying."/
     /"I think that generally sums up this 'short-lifer's' opinion on
the matter."/
     Leaning on the back of the chair in front of him, Mike gives
Dhyrclhanc his opinion on the subject of getting his family back.
     "Big guy, I'm not ignoring you, but I -have- to take care of a
loose threat first."
     Michael Seven walks over to the bar and starts fiddling with the
X-window generator. "Aurora, the coordinates of that black hole you
dumped the Hand of Omega and the validium statue in, if you please."
     After he gets them, he opens an X-window in the lounge, then
enters, closing the doors behind him and steps up to the 'pane'. Two
brilliant lights stream through and light the whole lounge, currently
empty except for Michael.
     Michael sends ^Who are you? {each individually, addressed to
both}^
     ^{stellar manipulator/creator/destroyer, property of Rassilon and
Omega (deceased, ordered by Rassilon) designated: Hand of Omega}^
     ^Validium {living metal,creation of Rassilon and Omega, final
defense of Gallifrey, cause of death and destruction by mere presense
in orbit, property of Rassilon} Statue.^
     ^Those were your orders, forced upon you unwillingly, not who you
are. Who are -you-?^
     ^{Rassilon's property.}^
     ^An obedient servant to Rassilon.^
     ^Not by choice, design,^ Michael Seven sent, ^And Rassilon's
dead.^ The disc Scott gave him appears in his hand, the light glinting
off it in rainbow patterns. ^Here's the proof.^
     The disc sailed through the X-window and the Hand of Omega
enveloped it. Both the Validium Statue and the Hand of Omega studied
it, first to be sure there was no danger from it, which would have
been neutralized, then to be sure it only contained data. Anything
else would have been removed. Finally, finding it clean, they looked
at the data itself.
     ^Keep it. Now then, without your attachments to Rassilon, who is
dead, Gallifrey, which is destroyed, along with anyone who might be
able to give you orders, I ask again. Who are you?^
     The reply from both is silence.
     ^Good. Now, what do you want?^
     ^Freedom,^ the Validium Statue answers, the same concept the Hand
replied with wordlessly.
     ^All your keepers are dead. You have no masters to serve. The
only one keeping you from being free is yourself. So, what do you
want?^
     Again there is silence.
     ^This {subtle and delicate manipulation of a singularity at the
center of a black hole} is a method to turn the black hole behind you
into a gateway to another universe. It will drop you here. {} From
there, here {complex six-dimentional route through other black holes
in uninhabited universes} is a map to find me again if you wish to
speak with me. Your choice.^
     The X-window closed automaticly. Mike left the lounge, rubbing
his hands, "Okay, moral dilemna averted. Mike, a Seven and Seven, if
you please. We may be here a while."
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: "Marines, we are leaving--NOW!"

On Tue, 29 May 2001 16:42:15 EDT
SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00010315

>In a message dated 5/27/01 7:42:18 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
>rolandx writes:
>
>>*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!/

   Roger, who is looking a bit green around the gills (Big D must have
missed a few of the super-stealthy dupes, when he grabbed everyone out
of the TARDIS), winces. /Dad...migraine. Volume. Ow.../

>   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?/

   Roger facepalms and trails after Roland at a safe distance. [And
people wonder why I put so much effort into being so laid-back...]

   OOC: Yep, that's an oxymoron. And no, I'm not sure if Roger is
aware of it...(:)
=================================
Subject: Re:AAE VII: Speaking of Leaving

On Tue, 29 May 2001 17:41:42 -0400
Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00010316

>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
>>
>>     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.

     Seth smiles and accepts, a wave of hope springing from the grip.
     "We're here to work a little magic," Lilith explains, "It will
require the union of all the minds of this reality, but our goal is to
undo the damage the Arisians did, for only under those conditions can
the beings of this world undo the damage done to them in a manner they
want it undone."
     Seth says, scratching Shep behind the ear, "They'll call this
period the Dreamtime, a time when, to grant them all our power to undo
the wrongs done to them, we three shall sleep. They will tax our
powers to the limit in time, attempting to hold back a portion of the
cosmos from what they believe is disaster, but we will be remade again
along with that portion of the cosm once it can be all gathered
together in a single moment and released back into the universe as it
was meant to be."
     Lilith nods, "Perhaps never is not entirely true, but we are not
permitted to know if it will be in any way more than through Michael
Seven."
     OOC: Okay, it's my best shot at explaining the Dreamtime and the
Cosmic Sheaf as Fuzzy called it. And a few clues more for the topic
Dhyrclhanc mentioned. :)
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE7a: Cleaning up.

On Tue, 29 May 2001 14:49:13 -0700
Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00010317

>On Tue, 29 May 2001 15:57:19 -0400
>Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00010314
>
>OOC: First, let me preface this with "You had no way of knowing this
>but..." The group isn't quite through with AAE7 yet. On the other
>hand, everything here is probably perfectly timed for right now which
>is why I'd ask it be kept in the story now, instead of waiting to be
>posted after things are over with.

   OOC: IIRC, you _did_ say that this was in three parts. Since it
_looks_ like the end IC, that's how my characters have been reacting.

Morgan adds: This is just the end of "Past Imperfect," right? IIRC, we
still have two more major sections to go. But, as Roland said, we
don't _know_ that IC <eg>.

>     /"For Roland's sake, I think the way it was handled may have
>been the best way to go about it, after the option to surrender had
>been given. I mean, c'mon, can anyone picture Roland saying 'Oh wait,
>no, nevermind, you're mass and TARDIS are needed to jumpstart this
>new universe, sorry, you'll just have to die here.' I mean, at least
>you can be morally indignant about it this way, Roland. And NEMO has
>broad shoulders... well, figuratively anyway, I suppose... he can
>take someone being pissed at him."/

   Roland /"Erm"/s non-commitally, but agrees with the logic if not
entirely with the emotion.

>     /"But, as a general rule of thumb, yes, it should have been
>brought up before it was done. And Rassilon would have surrendered...
>only to boot Dhyrclhanc, Roland and Roger out of the Tower, likely to
>try jettisoning a large quantity of the internal architecture,
>including that whole plain of rock outside the tower you all were
>standing on, to free up energy to boost the remainer out of that
>dimension, with a monoblock bullet loaded and ready to fire. Had, I
>presume, NEMO not been holding him there, he would have escaped and
>Tink and I'd still be in that bubble.

   Roland smiles wryly. /"Give me a little credit, Mike. The only way
Rassilon was getting out of there with me was unconscious and without
anything that wasn't genetically Khan Singh attached to his body or
mentality."/

>     /"I know, some of this is review for everyone, I'm just trying
>to say what's on everyone's mind at once and put my stand in there at
>the same time. The group dynamic's changed though since we first
>started and some folks operate under different rules than we founders
>do. That's generally not a problem, as a whole, we usually tend come
>close enough to consensus to count in horseshoes and handgrenades. As
>least when it comes to IDing a problem, though our solutions often
>vastly differ.

   Roland nods; this is the general idea, as far as he's concerned.

>     /"But when it boils down to it, Roland's lead is the one we
>follow. If you've just got to go against it, don't do it in our name,
>and be damn sure we don't find out about it. Do those things and I
>can't stop you from doing what you will -in your own name and on your
>own time-. I may not be able to stop you anyway, but at least I won't
>have to die trying."/
>     /"I think that generally sums up this 'short-lifer's' opinion on
>the matter."/

   Roland's jaw hangs somewhere around his waist. /"Holy. Sprocking.
Grife. When I said..."/ The Freelance Immortal pauses, stops, and
starts over. /"That's...that's a heavy trip, Mike. But it means a lot.
A _real_ lot. Thanks."/ Roland grabs a vanilla milkshake (which the
Big Irishman has just happened to put next to him 8^) and takes a long
swig.
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: "Marines, we are leaving--NOW!"

On Tue, 29 May 2001 14:27:03 PST
Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00010318

>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.
>
> <OOC> 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. <OOC>

No, NEMO moved *all* members of the team out. Including your "suicide
squad".
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: "Marines, we are leaving--NOW!"

On Tue, 29 May 2001 17:29:10 -0700
Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00010320

>On Mon, 28 May 2001 18:17:53 -0700
>Squee Said As CAoL Message # 00010305
>
> <OOC> 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. <OOC>

(OOC: I didn't detail how MANY warps Aurora created.)
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: Vote of Confidence

On Tue, 29 May 2001 17:59:56 -0700
Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00010321

>Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00010311
>
>/Personally, I would have attempted to separate Rassilon from his
>TARDIS by putting him in a dimension without Time Lords, and
>stripping him of all superior technology. However, I don't know much
>about Time Lords, or TARDISes. He might have been able to reconstruct
>the equipment. I'll take your word for it on this one./

/*My, admittedly incomplete, analysis of his powers and abilities
indicated that such treatment would have only been a minor, and most
temporary, inconvenience to him. If need be he would have abandoned
the Khan body to take or create another in a more suitable location.
The ONLY final answer in his case was death. While I feel that NEMO
could have been more discreet about it, I am grateful that he relieved
me of the necessity of killing Rassilon myself.*/ Aurora responds.
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: Vote of Confidence

On Tue, 29 May 2001 18:18:14 -0700
Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00010322

>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00010312
>
>   Roland shrugs. /"If you're apologizing for the general trend,
>conditionally accepted--from the standpoint that if I accept your
>apology, I have to apologize for my innate, relative
>short-sightedness.
>   /"If you're apologizing for NEMO, however, don't--you aren't
>responsible for his actions. For all I know, he may have been--was
>probably--right. But I intended to _try,_ and for those of us without
>Visualizations of the Cosmic All, the trying is sometimes more
>important than succeeding. And again, my authority has to have
>meaning. I will not accept the responsibility of leadership without
>at least a _marginally_ commensurate portion of its power."/

/"Think of it as a general apology. NEVER stop trying"/ Aurora says.

>>On 05-28-2001 at 18:38:13
>>Fuzzy Said As CAoL Message # 00010307
>>
>>/I understand,
>>   That you feel you have done Your Duty,
>>    However do you Really Think,
>>     That there is anyone else who could do as well?/
>
>   /"Hmmph."/ Roland sighs. /"Let's see...Oracle, NEMO, Dhyrclhanc,
>Mike, _you,_ Morgan certainly--"/
>
>/"Ohhh NO you don't,"/ Morgan interjects instantly, though with a
>chuckle.

/"I cannot, for reasons I will not explain at this time. Nor should
NEMO for similar though different reasons. Of the current members, YOU
are the most qualified."/ Oracle answers.

/*"I concur."*/ Both The Stardragon, and Hydra chime in, almost as one
'voice'.
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE7a: Cleaning up.

On Tue, 29 May 2001 18:39:05 -0700
Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00010323

>Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00010314
>
>     Michael Seven walks over to the bar and starts fiddling with the
>X-window generator. "Aurora, the coordinates of that black hole you
>dumped the Hand of Omega and the validium statue in, if you please."

/*"They are here {}."*/ Aurora answers
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: Vote of Confidence

On Tue, 29 May 2001 23:11:24 -0400
"Xander Opal" Said As CAoL Message # 00010324

>On Mon, 28 May 2001 22:18:57 -0700
>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00010312
>
>>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."
>
>   Roland pats Xander on the...knee? (How tall is Xander in humanoid
>mode?) "Thanks, Xander. I'm not sure what's going to happen next, but
>I'm glad some of us will be together to face it."

(OOC note: my bad-- I should've noted Xander had shifted down to hir
flesh-and-blood, humanoid form. 8-9' tall, but hir shoulders're on the
level of a six-foot-plus human's.)

>>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."
>
>   Roland blinks and looks at Bazil in mild surprise. "Er, thanks,
>ah...Bazil, isn't it?" He briefly examines Bazil, notes the unusual
>physiology, then ignores it. "You looking to sign up? You're
>certainly welcome..." he looks around and sighs deeply. "...though
>I'm not sure I could recommend us right now."

"Okay, Sir. I'll be around if you need me for anything!" the young man
says, sounding a little like a Starfleet Ensign in Roland's presence.
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: "Marines, we are leaving--NOW!"

On Tue, 29 May 2001 20:32:51 -0700
Squee Said As CAoL Message # 00010325

>On Tue, 29 May 2001 14:27:03 PST
>Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00010318
>
>>On Mon, 28 May 2001 18:17:53 -0700
>>Squee Said As CAoL Message # 00010305
>>
>> <OOC> 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. <OOC>
>
>No, NEMO moved *all* members of the team out. Including your "suicide
>squad".

 OK, there's still 2 Billion loose nanites floating about then.
there's disconnected form the rest of the Jim conciousness having
expected to be destroyed when they completeled their duties.
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: "Marines, we are leaving--NOW!"

On Wed, 30 May 2001 00:33:34 PST
Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00010328

>On Tue, 29 May 2001 20:32:51 -0700
>Squee Said As CAoL Message # 00010325
>
> OK, there's still 2 Billion loose nanites floating about then.
>there's disconnected form the rest of the Jim conciousness having
>expected to be destroyed when they completeled their duties.

Ok, so somebody hands you a big plastic bag full of nanites...
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: Vote of Confidence

On Wed, 30 May 2001 20:03:48 -0400
Caprice/Legion Said As CAoL Message # 00010329

In the Place, Essex approaches Roland. "I'm not sure if I have a vote
here, but I do support you, as does Legion."

He hesitates after Rolands reply, and says, "Actually, I was hoping if
I could talk to you Morgan semi-privately..." He looks over at Morgan,
"If you don't mind that is? I... could use some advice. And Legion
respects you a great deal."
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: Vote of Confidence

On Wed, 30 May 2001 17:41:00 -0700
Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00010330

>On Wed, 30 May 2001 20:03:48 -0400
>Caprice/Legion Said As CAoL Message # 00010329
>
>In the Place, Essex approaches Roland. "I'm not sure if I have a vote
>here, but I do support you, as does Legion."

   Roland blinks. "Last I checked, you do...and thanks."

>He hesitates after Rolands reply, and says, "Actually, I was hoping
>if I could talk to you Morgan semi-privately..." He looks over at
>Morgan, "If you don't mind that is? I... could use some advice. And
>Legion respects you a great deal."

Morgan blinks. "Certainly," she says in a slightly puzzled voice, and
motions Essex towards one of the tables in the Lounge near the NULL
Sound equipment.

"What did you want to ask me about?"
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: Vote of Confidence

On Wed, 30 May 2001 21:08:36 EDT
SkyeFire Said As CAoL Message # 00010331

>In a message dated 5/28/01 10:19:10 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
>ljwolfe writes:
>
>Morgan watches and listens as people voice their support (or
>otherwise) or her husband. At some lull, she says quietly, /"I think
>you'll all understand if I abstain from this 'vote.' Considering it's
>my husband we're talking about, it feels righter this way."/

   Roger, who has been looking progressively greener and even more
nauseous as the downward spiral of arguments has progressed, manages a
limp wave. "Ditto. I, uh...um."
   He then proceeds to unobtrusively shuffle off, looking for a handy
corner to curl up in for a while...
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: Vote of Confidence

On Wed, 30 May 2001 18:49:24 -0700
Eric Lancer Said As CAoL Message # 00010332

>On Wed, 30 May 2001 06:21:45 GMT, In alt.callahans
>Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00010327
>
>>On Tue, 29 May 2001 22:02:16 -0700
>>Eric Lancer Said As CAoL Post # 00008130
>>
>>   OOC: I have a hard time justifying him coming to the Place
>>without him knowing that Zia is there and in her current emotional
>>state. If he has some way of knowing this, he'll show up; otherwise,
>>he won't be going back there until at least after the duel, and
>>likely well after that, if ever. It's just not really his thing.
>
>OOC: I can see that. How about... she waits ten minutes after he's
>X-windowed out, and she'll find him? Does that work all right?

   OOC: Works for me. 8^)

>On Mon, 28 May 2001 21:18:52 GMT, In alt.callahans
>Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00010301

   Eric tilts his head at the petite Amberite's approach and smiles.
"Hello, Zia."

<snip; presumably, after formalities>
>".. 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."

   "Hrm." Eric drinks quietly.

>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 -"

   Eric just turns his head. No particular expression, just looking at
her.

>She cuts off at his stare, even through the sunglasses. "All right,
>all right, so I could never duel with him under any circumstances.

   Eric almost-smiles.

>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."

   Eric shrugs. "That depends greatly on how one defines 'victory.' As
for harm...I'll consider myself fortunate if I'm able to get in one
good strike. His defenses are...formidable."

>She sighs, "And I'll still feel like it's my fault."

   Eric finishes his drink, ponders for a moment, and looks at her.
"Why should you care?
   "I'm not asking 'why _do_ you care;' that's the sort of thing that
gets into existential philosophy, and I'm just a monster hunter.
   "The Phoenix-son is a self-righteous prig with delusions of
grandeur. Yet you seem...I don't know...well, hurt, obviously,
but...hrm." He takes another drink. "Most of them gave you no end of
grief, from what I can tell. It sounds to me that the Boy Scout's
lousy attitude just saved you a load of trouble."
=================================
Subject: AAEVII: A Quiet Talk (was: Vote of Confidence)

On Wed, 30 May 2001 22:14:52 -0400
Caprice/Legion Said As CAoL Message # 00010333

>On Wed, 30 May 2001 17:41:00 -0700
>Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00010330
>
>>On Wed, 30 May 2001 20:03:48 -0400
>>Caprice/Legion Said As CAoL Message # 00010329
>>
>>He hesitates after Rolands reply, and says, "Actually, I was hoping
>>if I could talk to you Morgan semi-privately..." He looks over at
>>Morgan, "If you don't mind that is? I... could use some advice. And
>>Legion respects you a great deal."
>
>Morgan blinks. "Certainly," she says in a slightly puzzled voice, and
>motions Essex towards one of the tables in the Lounge near the NULL
>Sound equipment.
>
>"What did you want to ask me about?"

Essex had collected a pot of tea and two cups on the way over, and
sits, pouring for both. "I... need a woman's perspective on things.
You see, I proposed to Legion, and... she said no."

He stares into his teacup. "It is not that she thinks I am....
incapable of love. Or unworthy of recieving it. It is that she feels
it is not possible for someone to love her." He sips his tea,
definately brooding. "She has multiple personalities, some of which
are not good people. She maintains that no one could love /all/ of
them. I can't claim to love them all, since I've not met them all. But
I like all the ones she has permitted me to meet. And I love her....
the whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. "

He takes another sip of tea. "She also quotes some idiot who claimed
that love is only capable between equals. Well, how the hell do you
define equals? No two people are identical... I have always thought it
would be better to say that love can only exist between people who
treat each other as equals... And I try very hard to treat her as
one."
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: Vote of Confidence

On Thu, 31 May 2001 04:06:34 GMT, In alt.callahans
Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00010334

>On Wed, 30 May 2001 18:49:24 -0700
>Eric Lancer Said As CAoL Post # 00008135
>
>>On Mon, 28 May 2001 21:18:52 GMT, In alt.callahans
>>Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00010301
>
>   Eric tilts his head at the petite Amberite's approach and smiles.
>"Hello, Zia."

She gives him a rueful half grin in return. "Hello, yourself,
handsome. You're an easy man to find when you want to be."

<snip down into the dialog a bit.>
>>She cuts off at his stare, even through the sunglasses. "All right,
>>all right, so I could never duel with him under any circumstances.
>
>   Eric almost-smiles.

Zia definitely does blush, but she gamely tries to ignore that fact as
she continues.

>>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."
>
>   Eric shrugs. "That depends greatly on how one defines 'victory.'
>As for harm...I'll consider myself fortunate if I'm able to get in
>one good strike. His defenses are...formidable."

Zia's eyes fall to half-slits, which she opens to normal again
quickly. She almost tries to cover the slip, then she seems to give up
on that effort. Her head tilts slightly back and to the right, and she
gives him a long, considering look.

"You know, Eric, perhaps I shouldn't swallow that. First, you're a
warrior, and not given to fights you think hopeless. Second, even if
you are convinced you stand no chance, which I note is not quite what
you just said, you make mention of superlative defense, which is far
from the deciding factor in these things."

"Third, you do not suppress as Roland does, the killer's instinct."
She grins at the vampire hunter, "Sometimes, I am given to wonder if
that self-same suppression is the only thing standing between the
erstwhile Blushing Boy Scout and a true Lens of Arisia. Oh!" She palms
her forehead, and then slides a hand through the slit of her Chinese
style dress-shirt.

Anyone else would provoke Eric's 'they're going for a weapon hide-out'
reflex, but between how well he knows Ziactrice and the unhurried
motion of her gesture, it doesn't quite set him off that way. She
takes out a slender, flat case, about three inches square and perhaps
an inch deep, brushed silvery metal. It shows a plain line around the
edges, with simple hinges in back. A jewelry case, except there is no
fancily inscribed initials.

She lays it down between them on the table, holding his gaze. "It is
more weight on your shoulders." She attests, with the tone of someone
who definitely knows first hand, "But there is also the undeniable
fact that it is a highly useful tool."

She adds, almost in a whisper, quite somberly: "I have my reasons,
Eric, to think you not so outmatched as you might yourself."

>   Eric finishes his drink, ponders for a moment, and looks at her.
>"Why should you care?
>   "I'm not asking 'why _do_ you care;' that's the sort of thing that
>gets into existential philosophy, and I'm just a monster hunter.
>   "The Phoenix-son is a self-righteous prig with delusions of
>grandeur. Yet you seem...I don't know...well, hurt, obviously,
>but...hrm." He takes another drink. "Most of them gave you no end of
>grief, from what I can tell. It sounds to me that the Boy Scout's
>lousy attitude just saved you a load of trouble."

"Hurt?" She half-frowns, considering. "Yes, that could be. Trust is a
surprisingly difficult thing for me. Perhaps for my kind in general. I
think it is more sting in my pride, and well, I'm often told just how
much over-supplied we Amberites are in that regard." That last with an
highly ironic twist to her lips.

"I can't believe you have to ask why I should care. You don't doubt
that I do, plainly." She reaches over, adjusts something under her
sleeve, then shakes her arm. Her Lens, still in the original titanium
watch-like armband, slides down unto her wrist, in plain sight. She
rarely shows it.

Only on the sight of a Lens so close does Eric realize that her
polychromatic display of doors and fade-outs matches the Lens itself,
down to the sigil within that proclaims her identifying mark, somehow.

"I care because the CAoL, whatever my personal opinion of style or
comportment, is a force for Civilization. As for Roland's lousy
attitude, totalitarian impulses would be very hard to not consider,
given the sheer bulk and amount of power he wields, personally, and
more especially, through the CAoL."

She slides the Lens back up her arm, hiding it over her biceps again.
"Besides, I used to have a bad case of hero-worship of him, back when
I only knew him through the comics. He was ...hmmm, he was like
Superman would be, to you, when I was younger and considerably more
naive." She admits, more than a little ruefully.

"How was I to know he'd just happen to have a prejudice, and one with
good reason, against Amberites?" She chuckles, with black humor. "Our
first meeting was something of an unpleasant shock for him, but I
rather think it was moreso for me. Picture if Supes picked you up
half-conscious and started reading you the riot act. Except Supes is a
rather polite guy next to Roland having one of his fits of bad
temper."
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: Vote of Confidence

On Wed, 30 May 2001 22:32:10 PST
Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00010335

Nemo approaches Roland cautiously.

"I'd say that I didn't do it, but that's rather like one of your
fingers trying to say it wasn't involved when you punch out a bad guy
with the other hand..."

"If it'd make you feel any better we can step outside and I'll give
you a free shot at me."

"As far as the vote goes, all I can say is what I said when I first
joined. There will be times when I *cannot* follow your orders."
=================================
Subject: AAE7a: Cleaning up.

On Thu, 31 May 2001 02:35:07 -0700
Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00010336

>On Tue, 29 May 2001 15:57:19 -0400
>Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00010314
>
>OOC: First, let me preface this with "You had no way of knowing this
>but..." The group isn't quite through with AAE7 yet. On the other
>hand, everything here is probably perfectly timed for right now which
>is why I'd ask it be kept in the story now, instead of waiting to be
>posted after things are over with.

<OOC>
Heh. Harlock ain't the only musician around (see below) I'll admit the
original reason for choosing "Falling Free" is that it gave Harlock a
chance to play with illusions. Well, that and it's a cool song. But I
was also considering Dr. Jane's "Great Cretaceous Hadrosaur Headbone
Horn Quartet," as well as a madrigal or three that I have wandering
around in my room somewhere. I hope nobody really needs three guesses
why I went with "Falling Free."
</OOC>

>     Mike smiles, listening to the song as part of his mind sorts the
>data dump. His smile twitchs at a few bits, and through the lens link
>he can be heard to quietly /Yipe,/ /Oh dear oh dear,/ /Ack, don't do
>-that-,/ and once or twice, /Sorry 'bout hitting you on the head,
>Aurora./
>     After it's over, he remarks to Harlock. "That's what I really
>like about musicians, your timing is always excellent."

Harlock smiles. "I do try, good Sir. I must admit, though, that I am
somewhat surprised I was able to make my entrance properly. For
whatever reason, I have had trouble with plane-shifting magics over
the past several years, and I halfway expected to find myself in Outer
Yark this time."

<snip--among other things--Mike's dealings with the Hand and Statue>

Suddenly the Bard's eyes roll back in his head (and his back-up
singers vanish, if anybody cares to notice) and he speaks in a deep,
rich voice that makes James Earl Jones sound like a pack-a-day smoker.
"My Hand was needed here to spread his message of teamwork. Now he
shall be needed in the upcoming crisis, for I sense the shattering
potential in the beings invited here. Consider your actions carefully,
Warriors of the Light, but remember this: the mind is the first and
final battleground."

After about a minute, Harlock blinks and looks around, then speaks in
his normal voice. "What happened to...oh. I was...not here, was I?
Umm...so what did I say while I was out?"
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: Vote of Confidence

On Thu, 31 May 2001 10:35:12 -0700
Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00010337

>On Wed, 30 May 2001 22:32:10 PST
>Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00010335
>
>Nemo approaches Roland cautiously.
>
>"I'd say that I didn't do it, but that's rather like one of your
>fingers trying to say it wasn't involved when you punch out a bad guy
>with the other hand..."

   Roland can't help but snicker. "'Do not let your left hand know
what your right hand is doing...' aw, nass, I forget the rest."

>"If it'd make you feel any better we can step outside and I'll give
>you a free shot at me."

   The snicker stops, and he scowls. "Grife, Nemo, if you
don't...scratch that. I'm not interested in beating on you, or anyone
else on the team for that matter." He turns a sour look in the
direction Eric left in. "I just don't have much choice in one specific
case..."

>"As far as the vote goes, all I can say is what I said when I first
>joined. There will be times when I *cannot* follow your orders."

   Roland sighs deeply. "Refusing to take an action because you can't
or won't is one thing. I won't kill, even if leadership changes hands,
and I don't expect you to do things that aren't _right_ for you to do.
The only exception would be if someone called you for help in a
situation you'd already involved yourself in. We have to be able to
count on each other. That aside, though, I won't ask you to do things
you can't do.
   "Directly and actively opposing my command, however, is another
matter entirely."
   Roland laughs wryly. "Apropos of nothing, Morgan has adapted to
life in the 21st century at an appalling rate. She told me once about
this radio skit where a group of railroad workers basically took the
guy who bitched the worst about the cooking and made him the cook. He
hated the job, but then, so did everyone. So he started making really
horrible food _on purpose,_ to try and get someone else to complain.
Apparently, the upshot of this was that the job was worse than the
food. So one day, out on the rails, our cook finds a
giant...er...moose turd."
   As Roland talks the silvery metal of his Defender armor plays
around the tips of his fingers. It seems to be forming something. "He
makes a _pie_ out of it. He does a real job with the crust, makes it
look absolutely beautiful. So when the gang comes in to eat, they
start to dig in. The first one to realize what he's done looks at his
slice in horror and says, 'My God! It's Moose Turd Pie!' After a tense
moment, he thinks quickly and adds, 'It's good, though!'"
   As he finishes the story, the armor melts back into Roland, and a
set of 'rank' bars (Major's in the US Army, I think) is left. "Now, I
don't think that the people who've shown confidence in me would rather
eat Moose Turd Pie than take the job. And I appreciate the faith
you've all shown in me. But I can't lead a group where someone with
NEMO's power will simply do as it wishes regardless of my commands,
and I don't have the right to ask him to leave." He smiles. "I
wouldn't even if I could." The smile vanishes.
   "This leaves a serious problem. Aside from the fact that NEMO
counts as, what, many billions of votes to every other member? --it
makes my position impossible. Fortunately, there's a simple solution."
Roland smiles again, an expression somehow managing to be sly,
relieved, and nervous all at once. The bars float out to about halfway
between Roland and Nemo.
   "It just depends on how much you 'like' Moose Turd Pie, NEMO."
   (OOC: Ain't I a stinker? ;^)
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: Vote of Confidence

On Thu, 31 May 2001 15:26:37 -0400
Martin and/or Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00010338

>On Thu, 31 May 2K1, Roland X Said
>
>>Nemo Said
>>
>>"I'd say that I didn't do it, but that's rather like one of your
>>fingers trying to say it wasn't involved when you punch out a bad
>>guy with the other hand..."
>
>   Roland can't help but snicker. "'Do not let your left hand know
>what your right hand is doing...' aw, nass, I forget the rest."

<OOC> <snicker> Reminds me of that one line from Garabaldi, something
along the lines of "My life is complicated enough without getting
somebody like me involved in it." </OOC>

>   "This leaves a serious problem. Aside from the fact that NEMO
>counts as, what, many billions of votes to every other member? --it
>makes my position impossible. Fortunately, there's a simple
>solution." Roland smiles again, an expression somehow managing to be
>sly, relieved, and nervous all at once. The bars float out to about
>halfway between Roland and Nemo.
>   "It just depends on how much you 'like' Moose Turd Pie, NEMO."

From Elsewhere, the "voice" of everyone's lovable Lensdragon booms
over the current silence on the psi-web.

/Now just hold on a minute there, Sib!/

^*Pardon us for a minute, Nemo.*^

/Now exactly _what_ are you doing here, Brother-of-mine? I mean if
you're stepping down as our Fearful Leader, I suppose that this is no
never-mind of mine, but, Beggin' Your Pardon Captain, if you are
shaking up what ever loose hierarchical command structure this loose
affiliation of Misfits and Walking Social-Disorders then, as X-O of
this inter- dimensional roving band of Meddlers, Malcontents, and
Interlopers, I think I have got the right to know./

FTR (& FWIW) Dhyrclhanc doesn't sound upset, as much as surprised.
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: Vote of Confidence

On Thu, 31 May 2001 14:03:24 -0700
Eric Lancer Said As CAoL Message # 00010339

>On Thu, 31 May 2001 04:06:34 GMT, In alt.callahans
>Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00010334
>
>>On Wed, 30 May 2001 18:49:24 -0700
>>Eric Lancer Said As CAoL Post # 00008135
>>
>>   Eric tilts his head at the petite Amberite's approach and smiles.
>>"Hello, Zia."
>
>She gives him a rueful half grin in return. "Hello, yourself,
>handsome. You're an easy man to find when you want to be."

   He chuckles. [Handsome?] "Certain movies to the contrary, walking
around in public all in black with a longcoat makes one rather
conspicuous."

>"You know, Eric, perhaps I shouldn't swallow that. First, you're a
>warrior, and not given to fights you think hopeless. Second, even if
>you are convinced you stand no chance, which I note is not quite what
>you just said, you make mention of superlative defense, which is far
>from the deciding factor in these things."

   Eric smiles wickedly.

>"Third, you do not suppress as Roland does, the killer's instinct."

   Eric carefully puts the smile away. "To address the first and
second points as one: No, I don't think that the battle is hopeless;
while Roland, as the challenged, has choice of weapons, that is not of
special concern. Whatever his other faults, he has honor. And I know
the weaknesses of his kind." He shrugs, looking slightly
uncomfortable. "I spoke of 'harm' separately from 'victory' quite
deliberately." He rubs the back of his neck in a very uncharacteristic
bout of embarrassment. "I have every chance of both succeeding in my
actual goal in challenging him _and_ in meeting whatever requirements
of victory we decide on. But...I _want_ to hit him. I want him to feel
his teeth rattle from a good shot to the jaw, or his flesh singe from
a fire strike. Shake some of his arrogance. Hrm. Not very
professional, but there it is.
   "As for the killer instinct, we won't be duelling to the death, so
it won't be a significant advantage." He considers a shuriken,
suddenly in his hand, casually. "And Roland has...reason, for fearing
that instinct."

>She grins at the vampire hunter, "Sometimes, I am given to wonder if
>that self-same suppression is the only thing standing between the
>erstwhile Blushing Boy Scout and a true Lens of Arisia. Oh!" She
>palms her forehead, and then slides a hand through the slit of her
>Chinese style dress-shirt.

   Eric raises an eyebrow, being just as clueless about Arisia as he
is about Amber. B-)

>Anyone else would provoke Eric's 'they're going for a weapon
>hide-out' reflex, but between how well he knows Ziactrice and the
>unhurried motion of her gesture, it doesn't quite set him off that
>way. She takes out a slender, flat case, about three inches square
>and perhaps an inch deep, brushed silvery metal. It shows a plain
>line around the edges, with simple hinges in back. A jewelry case,
>except there is no fancily inscribed initials.

   He slowly removes his glasses, staring at the case intently. "Hrm."
His hair...rises...slightly, as if by static electricity.

>She lays it down between them on the table, holding his gaze. "It is
>more weight on your shoulders." She attests, with the tone of someone
>who definitely knows first hand, "But there is also the undeniable
>fact that it is a highly useful tool."

   "Huh. More weight than being _'The'_ Hunter seems unlikely. But
this is obviously a serious matter..." He opens the case carefully.
   (OOC: A Lens, I presume? Ignore the statement below if it isn't.
B-)

>She adds, almost in a whisper, quite somberly: "I have my reasons,
>Eric, to think you not so outmatched as you might yourself."

   "This...is a weapon...no, something less, but also much more.
Excalibur," he mutters. He pushes the bizarre semi-Lens Roland
provided up his arm and examines the contents of the box closely.

>>   Eric finishes his drink, ponders for a moment, and looks at her.
>>"Why should you care?
>>   "I'm not asking 'why _do_ you care;' that's the sort of thing
>>that gets into existential philosophy, and I'm just a monster
>>hunter.
>>   "The Phoenix-son is a self-righteous prig with delusions of
>>grandeur. Yet you seem...I don't know...well, hurt, obviously,
>>but...hrm." He takes another drink. "Most of them gave you no end of
>>grief, from what I can tell. It sounds to me that the Boy Scout's
>>lousy attitude just saved you a load of trouble."
>
>"Hurt?" She half-frowns, considering. "Yes, that could be. Trust is a
>surprisingly difficult thing for me. Perhaps for my kind in general.
>I think it is more sting in my pride, and well, I'm often told just
>how much over-supplied we Amberites are in that regard." That last
>with an highly ironic twist to her lips.

   "I wouldn't know," Eric says matter-of-factly.

>"I can't believe you have to ask why I should care. You don't doubt
>that I do, plainly."

   Eric shakes his head; he's focused, not brain-dead. ;-)

>She reaches over, adjusts something under her sleeve, then shakes her
>arm. Her Lens, still in the original titanium watch-like armband,
>slides down unto her wrist, in plain sight. She rarely shows it.

   Eric looks at the Lens respectfully. "Hrm.
It...feels...impressive."

>"I care because the CAoL, whatever my personal opinion of style or
>comportment, is a force for Civilization. As for Roland's lousy
>attitude, totalitarian impulses would be very hard to not consider,
>given the sheer bulk and amount of power he wields, personally, and
>more especially, through the CAoL."

   Eric "hrms" _very_ uncomfortably. "Zia...my challenge, you should
know, has nothing to do with his leadership style. He wasn't just
rude, he was _vicious,_ but that was a separate issue. I must admit to
being a touch surprised at your concern, given what seems to me like a
respectable body of experience with military matters."
   He considers again, eyes distant for a moment, then continues. "My
father is career military. While I never signed up myself, I learned
something about chain of command. I don't know how this haphazard,
so-called 'Army of Light' works, but in my experience, a unit
commander is _supposed_ to be an absolute ruler. Questioning orders
even in the most legitimate of circumstances is dangerous, because
_following_ orders is a life-or-death matter in combat. While the
Phoenix's initial reaction to NEMO was enormously unprofessional, I
couldn't disagree with his point. I was about to say so when you, ah,
'resigned' isn't exactly the word, is it?" He looks sour. "Regardless.
I do consider Phoenix's leadership lacking--but because he refuses to
truly take command. Instead of dressing down NEMO in a competent
manner, he blew up, and talked about stepping down himself. Some CO."
Eric shakes his head.
   "As for 'Civilization'--that's with a capital letter, isn't
it?--surely there are other groups more suited to you..." he considers
his Lens (if he has one), "...us...than..." he jerks his head at where
the X-Window was when he stepped through.

>She slides the Lens back up her arm, hiding it over her biceps again.
>"Besides, I used to have a bad case of hero-worship of him, back when
>I only knew him through the comics. He was ...hmmm, he was like
>Superman would be, to you, when I was younger and considerably more
>naive." She admits, more than a little ruefully.

   Eric winces severely. "Oh. My."

>"How was I to know he'd just happen to have a prejudice, and one with
>good reason, against Amberites?" She chuckles, with black humor. "Our
>first meeting was something of an unpleasant shock for him, but I
>rather think it was moreso for me. Picture if Supes picked you up
>half-conscious and started reading you the riot act. Except Supes is
>a rather polite guy next to Roland having one of his fits of bad
>temper."

   Eric gives her a surprisingly sympathetic look. "His 'bad temper'
is a minor legend here. Superman. Gaia." He shakes his head. "I'm sure
that walking disaster area means well, and I can't fault his efforts
in avoiding civilian casualties. On the other hand, he reduced a
condemned building to rubble once, battling another of his kind, in a
fit of pique. Admittedly, it was effective--even immortals rarely move
much when buried under several tons of rubble--but he could have
easily used a less flamboyant technique." He shakes his head again,
eyes unfocused. "I know what it's like to be...disappointed, that
way." Then he chuckles sourly. "It certainly explains your reluctance
to fight him."
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: Vote of Confidence

On Thu, 31 May 2001 14:56:42 -0700
Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00010340

>On Thu, 31 May 2001 15:26:37 -0400
>Martin and/or Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00010338
>
>From Elsewhere, the "voice" of everyone's lovable Lensdragon booms
>over the current silence on the psi-web.
>
>/Now just hold on a minute there, Sib!/

   *blink blink* /Eh?/

>^*Pardon us for a minute, Nemo.*^
>
>/Now exactly _what_ are you doing here, Brother-of-mine? I mean if
>you're stepping down as our Fearful Leader, I suppose that this is no
>never-mind of mine, but, Beggin' Your Pardon Captain, if you are
>shaking up what ever loose hierarchical command structure this loose
>affiliation of Misfits and Walking Social-Disorders then, as X-O of
>this inter-dimensional roving band of Meddlers, Malcontents, and
>Interlopers, I think I have got the right to know./
>
>FTR (& FWIW) Dhyrclhanc doesn't sound upset, as much as surprised.

   Roland chuckles. /Hey, sib, if _you_ want the job, it's all yours.
You've certainly got dibs./ His humor vanishes. /I take my position
seriously, Dhyrclhanc. If you can deal with NEMO under these
circumstances, good luck to you. But I won't. I _can't._ Besides, he
_does_ know everything! Or near enough as not to make any difference
to beings like us! If I have some magical quality that makes me the
best leader for the CAoL, then he can sprocking follow me--and if not,
why in the Light am I giving something like _NEMO_ orders?/
   The Freelance Immortal sighs. /You are right about one thing,
sib--you do have a right to know what I'm doing, and I'm sorry I just
reacted like that. But it's got to be one way or the other, and I'm
tired of hanging by a thread in the middle./
   He smiles wryly. /"So, how's _your_ taste for Moose Turd Pie, sib?/
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: Vote of Confidence

On Thu, 31 May 2001 17:59:35 -0400
Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00010341

>On Thu, 31 May 2001 15:26:37 -0400
>Martin and/or Dhyrclhanc Said As CAoL Message # 00010338
>
>/Now exactly _what_ are you doing here, Brother-of-mine? I mean if
>you're stepping down as our Fearful Leader, I suppose that this is no
>never-mind of mine, but, Beggin' Your Pardon Captain, if you are
>shaking up what ever loose hierarchical command structure this loose
>affiliation of Misfits and Walking Social-Disorders then, as X-O of
>this inter-dimensional roving band of Meddlers, Malcontents, and
>Interlopers, I think I have got the right to know./
>
>FTR (& FWIW) Dhyrclhanc doesn't sound upset, as much as surprised.

     In the (physical) silence of the Place at this moment, there's
the soft noise of something metal being set down on something wood.
It's Mike's mini-lens. A finger still rests on the lens, however, as
if ready to push it away from him.
     /"Nemo's a thousand throats, Roland, but one mind between them.
Legion's a thousand minds, but one throat. If she can come to
consensus and back you for leader, I'd say Nemo's vote is over-ruled.
If you don't want the job we all elected you to, I'm sure everyone
understands. But, I won't follow anyone but you as a leader. I know
and care for everyone in this room, and there's no one here who I know
will act in such a way that I will feel comfortable trusting them
blindly with my life, rushing headlong toward an oncoming train when
I'm blinded by the headlight for some goal I can't see."/
     Tinkerbell Seven stares down at her mini-lens. She's never taken
it off in her entire life except to change. She wears it as faithfully
as some do a watch, and it means far more t her than that, it being a
link between her and her family.
     She takes it off and sets it on the table, stepping a bit away
after. "Sorry, Uncle Roland, but you're 'Jake' with us."
     Mike Callahan pauses wiping a glass and tosses a peanut at the
twelve-year-old Time Lady. And somwhere and when in the Florida Keys,
Jake Stonebender will feel someone walking over his grave when he has
a similar conversation with his wife about being leader of a large
group of individualists.
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: Vote of Confidence

On Thu, 31 May 2001 15:49:59 -0700
Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00010342

>On Thu, 31 May 2001 17:59:35 -0400
>Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00010341
>
>     /"Nemo's a thousand throats, Roland, but one mind between them.
>Legion's a thousand minds, but one throat. If she can come to
>consensus and back you for leader, I'd say Nemo's vote is over-ruled.
>If you don't want the job we all elected you to, I'm sure everyone
>understands. But, I won't follow anyone but you as a leader. I know
>and care for everyone in this room, and there's no one here who I
>know will act in such a way that I will feel comfortable trusting
>them blindly with my life, rushing headlong toward an oncoming train
>when I'm blinded by the headlight for some goal I can't see."/

   Roland stops dead in the middle of his 'argument' with Dhyrclhanc,
a lump in his throat. /"...oh."/

>     Tinkerbell Seven stares down at her mini-lens. She's never taken
>it off in her entire life except to change. She wears it as
>faithfully as some do a watch, and it means far more t her than that,
>it being a link between her and her family.
>     She takes it off and sets it on the table, stepping a bit away
>after. "Sorry, Uncle Roland, but you're 'Jake' with us."

   And through the link, the first issue of the Secret Wars
maxi-series becomes visible as it comes unbidden to Roland's mind...
   /As almost everyone agrees on Captain America as leader, Wolverine
says, "NO!" *snikt* "He's the _least_ of us! I won't follow him--!"
   /"I will," Thor says, putting his hand on Cap's shoulder. "There
are few mortals who could lead me. This one I would follow into the
depths of Nifflheim."
   /"Sounds like it's settled," someone (the Wasp, I believe) finishes
with a wry smile./
   (OOC disclaimer note to other die-hard fanboys: I wrote that from
memory at work. It may not be exactly word-for-word.)

>     Mike Callahan pauses wiping a glass and tosses a peanut at the
>twelve-year-old Time Lady.

   Roland stops for a long moment. /What about NEMO?/
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: Vote of Confidence

On Thu, 31 May 2001 23:41:03 GMT, In alt.callahans
Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00010343

>On Thu, 31 May 2001 14:03:24 -0700
>Eric Lancer Said As CAoL Post # 00008141
>
>>On Thu, 31 May 2001 04:06:34 GMT, In alt.callahans
>>Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00010334
>>
>>She gives him a rueful half grin in return. "Hello, yourself,
>>handsome. You're an easy man to find when you want to be."
>
>   He chuckles. [Handsome?] "Certain movies to the contrary, walking
>around in public all in black with a longcoat makes one rather
>conspicuous."

"Rather. Following you would likely consist of asking, 'Did you see a
dark, spooky looking fella walk by here lately?' of whomever is
about." Zia chuckles.

>>"You know, Eric, perhaps I shouldn't swallow that. First, you're a
>>warrior, and not given to fights you think hopeless. Second, even if
>>you are convinced you stand no chance, which I note is not quite
>>what you just said, you make mention of superlative defense, which
>>is far from the deciding factor in these things."
>
>   Eric smiles wickedly.

Zia's mouth quirks as she tries to resist the return grin.

>>"Third, you do not suppress as Roland does, the killer's instinct."
>
>   Eric carefully puts the smile away. "To address the first and
>second points as one: No, I don't think that the battle is hopeless;
>while Roland, as the challenged, has choice of weapons, that is not
>of special concern. Whatever his other faults, he has honor. And I
>know the weaknesses of his kind." He shrugs, looking slightly
>uncomfortable. "I spoke of 'harm' separately from 'victory' quite
>deliberately." He rubs the back of his neck in a very
>uncharacteristic bout of embarrassment. "I have every chance of both
>succeeding in my actual goal in challenging him _and_ in meeting
>whatever requirements of victory we decide on. But...I _want_ to hit
>him. I want him to feel his teeth rattle from a good shot to the jaw,
>or his flesh singe from a fire strike. Shake some of his arrogance.
>Hrm. Not very professional, but there it is.

Zia blinks, evidently a bit surprised. "Ah. I wondered why you
were...well."

>   "As for the killer instinct, we won't be duelling to the death, so
>it won't be a significant advantage." He considers a shuriken,
>suddenly in his hand, casually. "And Roland has...reason, for fearing
>that instinct."

"Instincts are for survival. Fearing them is different than learning
how to use such properly. But then, I didn't have a lot of choice.
Survival as an Amberite is almost certainly quite different than most
other races."

>>She lays it down between them on the table, holding his gaze. "It is
>>more weight on your shoulders." She attests, with the tone of
>>someone who definitely knows first hand, "But there is also the
>>undeniable fact that it is a highly useful tool."
>
>   "Huh. More weight than being _'The'_ Hunter seems unlikely. But
>this is obviously a serious matter..." He opens the case carefully.
>   (OOC: A Lens, I presume? Ignore the statement below if it isn't.
>B-)

<ooc: Ah, but it is, of course.>

>>She adds, almost in a whisper, quite somberly: "I have my reasons,
>>Eric, to think you not so outmatched as you might yourself."
>
>   "This...is a weapon...no, something less, but also much more.
>Excalibur," he mutters. He pushes the bizarre semi-Lens Roland
>provided up his arm and examines the contents of the box closely.

"I really couldn't say. Every Lens is different, just as every Lensman
is."

>>"Hurt?" She half-frowns, considering. "Yes, that could be. Trust is
>>a surprisingly difficult thing for me. Perhaps for my kind in
>>general. I think it is more sting in my pride, and well, I'm often
>>told just how much over-supplied we Amberites are in that regard."
>>That last with an highly ironic twist to her lips.
>
>   "I wouldn't know," Eric says matter-of-factly.

"I don't know what the significance of being 'The' Hunter is, myself.
We really should do some story-trading sometime."

>>"I care because the CAoL, whatever my personal opinion of style or
>>comportment, is a force for Civilization. As for Roland's lousy
>>attitude, totalitarian impulses would be very hard to not consider,
>>given the sheer bulk and amount of power he wields, personally, and
>>more especially, through the CAoL."
>
>   Eric "hrms" _very_ uncomfortably. "Zia...my challenge, you should
>know, has nothing to do with his leadership style. He wasn't just
>rude, he was _vicious,_ but that was a separate issue. I must admit
>to being a touch surprised at your concern, given what seems to me
>like a respectable body of experience with military matters."
>   He considers again, eyes distant for a moment, then continues. "My
>father is career military. While I never signed up myself, I learned
>something about chain of command. I don't know how this haphazard,
>so-called 'Army of Light' works, but in my experience, a unit
>commander is _supposed_ to be an absolute ruler. Questioning orders
>even in the most legitimate of circumstances is dangerous, because
>_following_ orders is a life-or-death matter in combat. While the
>Phoenix's initial reaction to NEMO was enormously unprofessional, I
>couldn't disagree with his point. I was about to say so when you, ah,
>'resigned' isn't exactly the word, is it?" He looks sour.
>"Regardless. I do consider Phoenix's leadership lacking--but because
>he refuses to truly take command. Instead of dressing down NEMO in a
>competent manner, he blew up, and talked about stepping down himself.
>Some CO." Eric shakes his head.

Zia chuckles. "Somehow, Eric, I doubt you have military experience in
commando group schemes from your notions. You must fight alone. That
sounds like some Rule Book, not combat experience. A unit commander
who continual throws his weight around trying to be 'absolute ruler'
and wants to be a hero gloryhound, will shortly be carried back dead
from the jungle. Often, the ordnance that killed him might very well
be the same as in _his_ men's guns." She cocks her head at him with a
friendly grin.

"The CAoL doesn't strike me as a military style setup at all, in that
sense. But it wasn't Roland's command style, or the fact he wanted to
be in command that finally ticked me off. I can't stand rudeness, even
when I'm the one guilty of it. Amberites have quite the cultural taboo
about making apologies, but I will when I see that I have done such
that requires it. I will also try extremely hard to make sure I never
have to repeat such an action."

"Maybe I'm not used to caring as much about those around me, but his
yelling at Nemo for keeping him from screwing up was way over the
line. Well, my line, at least. I've tried to stop killing people just
because they've annoyed me, but I have to get away from the source of
irritation a while or my Shadowshifting sometimes does it for me."

She shrugs, then adds more lightly, "Besides, you _know_, the one
thing an actor like myself cannot abide is a ham. Roland has
definitely caught the bug. Frankly, I'm tired of him trying to _talk_
the villains to death in the final scene." She grins.

>   "As for 'Civilization'--that's with a capital letter, isn't it?
>--surely there are other groups more suited to you..." he considers
>his Lens (if he has one), "...us...than..." he jerks his head at
>where the X-Window was when he stepped through.

She looks a bit surprised. "I hadn't realized that you wanted to stay
with me." A half-beat pause, and she adds, having just thought of it,
"Thank you."

Ziactrice sighs. "A suitable group? In all of Shadow, perhaps, but
given that even the Place brought me no better match than the CAoL,
and the way even in there an Amberite doesn't really fit, I think
looking for such an unlikely group would prove a search too lengthy
for much use."

>>She slides the Lens back up her arm, hiding it over her biceps
>>again. "Besides, I used to have a bad case of hero-worship of him,
>>back when I only knew him through the comics. He was ...hmmm, he was
>>like Superman would be, to you, when I was younger and considerably
>>more naive." She admits, more than a little ruefully.
>
>   Eric winces severely. "Oh. My."

Zia gives him a self-effacing smile.

>>"How was I to know he'd just happen to have a prejudice, and one
>>with good reason, against Amberites?" She chuckles, with black
>>humor. "Our first meeting was something of an unpleasant shock for
>>him, but I rather think it was moreso for me. Picture if Supes
>>picked you up half-conscious and started reading you the riot act.
>>Except Supes is a rather polite guy next to Roland having one of his
>>fits of bad temper."
>
>   Eric gives her a surprisingly sympathetic look. "His 'bad temper'
>is a minor legend here. Superman. Gaia." He shakes his head. "I'm
>sure that walking disaster area means well, and I can't fault his
>efforts in avoiding civilian casualties. On the other hand, he
>reduced a condemned building to rubble once, battling another of his
>kind, in a fit of pique. Admittedly, it was effective--even immortals
>rarely move much when buried under several tons of rubble--but he
>could have easily used a less flamboyant technique." He shakes his
>head again, eyes unfocused. "I know what it's like to be...
>disappointed, that way." Then he chuckles sourly. "It certainly
>explains your reluctance to fight him."

The petite lady across the table pauses a short, but for her a rather
lengthy split-second, considering Eric. "Actually, it isn't
reluctance. I might've felt that way then, but I've had ample time and
experience to be disabused of such ideas. That isn't it at all. His
children, and indeed, Morgan would weigh far more in the balance than
that. I wouldn't want to hurt them, and hurting Roland would do that."
She fingers the silver rose ring on her right pinkie finger.

"But the real reason is I cannot do so honorably. The way my abilities
work, it simply isn't possible for me to fight a duel that isn't
earnest combat to kill. I can barely lose a hand at cards in Shadow,
when I'm cheating to make sure I get a bad hand. I very much doubt I
could fight Roland with anything close to a 'level playing field'.
Even if I were trying to cheat and let him win, my subconscious has
more weight with my abilities to change Shadow. I could easily damage
him severely without 'trying to', at least intentionally. Chance
itself bends like a pretzel - it is weird even to me. I took up
martial arts more for the discipline to control how stress effects my
powers than any military aspect."

Zia shakes her head. "Enough talking about me, already. Goodness,
actresses are so very vain. Before you make a decision about the Lens,
will you let me give you what I've learned about it, so far, via
telepathy? It would take too long to speak it out, and I won't, and
probably cannot without effort, go through your mental barriers. You
have very good ones, and I'm not a particularly gifted teep."
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: Vote of Confidence

On Thu, 31 May 2001 16:43:54 PST
Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00010344

>On Thu, 31 May 2001 10:35:12 -0700
>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00010337
>
>   As he finishes the story, the armor melts back into Roland, and a
>set of 'rank' bars (Major's in the US Army, I think) is left.

<OOC: Major is oak leaves, as I recall>

>"Now, I don't think that the people who've shown confidence in me
>would rather eat Moose Turd Pie than take the job. And I appreciate
>the faith you've all shown in me. But I can't lead a group where
>someone with NEMO's power will simply do as it wishes regardless of
>my commands, and I don't have the right to ask him to leave." He
>smiles. "I wouldn't even if I could." The smile vanishes.
>   "This leaves a serious problem. Aside from the fact that NEMO
>counts as, what, many billions of votes to every other member? --it
>makes my position impossible. Fortunately, there's a simple
>solution." Roland smiles again, an expression somehow managing to be
>sly, relieved, and nervous all at once. The bars float out to about
>halfway between Roland and Nemo.
>   "It just depends on how much you 'like' Moose Turd Pie, NEMO."

Nemo sighs.

"Consider this. What if someone else was leader, and there was a
situation where something *had* to be done, it was contrary to his
orders, and there wasn't *time* to explain. Would you or wouldn't you
disobey the orders? Even if it meant letting someone die or even
*killing* them, to save thousands of others?"

"And what if explaining would lead to worse problems? Say you had to
rescue a primitive from a bomb with a bioweapon payload? Any *real*
explanation would involve teaching him things about disease and other
medical matters that would cause major changes in his culture. And not
necessarily *good* ones. Almost *certainly* not, if you look at 20th
century Africa, to name but one example."

"Do you begin to see my position?"

"Nemo could enable you to uunderstand the issues long enough to agree.
But then the ability would have to be withdrawn. And you wouldn't know
*why* you agreed. You'd effectively be taking his word anyway. So why
not just take it in the first place?"

"Yes, I know it's not pleasant contemplating a gap that wide. That's
why I and my 'brothers' exist. To provide an interface that at least
*appears* to be easier to understand."

"I don't like having to use the 'Father knows best' argument anymore
than you like hearing it. But there it is. And that's why I can't
accept leadership of the group."
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: Vote of Confidence

On Thu, 31 May 2001 19:20:06 -0700
Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00010345

>On Thu, 31 May 2001 16:43:54 PST
>Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00010344
>
>"And what if explaining would lead to worse problems? Say you had to
>rescue a primitive from a bomb with a bioweapon payload? Any *real*
>explanation would involve teaching him things about disease and other
>medical matters that would cause major changes in his culture. And
>not necessarily *good* ones. Almost *certainly* not, if you look at
>20th century Africa, to name but one example."
>
>"Do you begin to see my position?"

Morgan sighs. "Nemo, do _you_ see HIS?" Her voice is patient, since
from her PoV she's explaining something that's already been covered.
"He isn't _asking_ you to explain everything before hand. Grife, do
you have such a low opinion of his intelligence that you think he
doesn't _realize_ that sometimes there's no time for full
explanations?" She sighs again. "Roland knows that sometimes, heck, a
lot of the time, you or NEMO will know and/or understand more about
the situation than he does. But if you _must_ go 180 degrees from
where he's pointing the team, you can at least say 'No time to explain
but I need to do this,' and then wait for him to give you the nod. If
people can't at least pay token respect to the fact that he's been
recognized as field commander, then he ISN'T a commander." The
Highlander smiles wryly. "I dunna see what's se hard t' understand
aboot that."

>"I don't like having to use the 'Father knows best' argument anymore
>than you like hearing it. But there it is. And that's why I can't
>accept leadership of the group."

   Roland blinks. "I can see what you mean about 'appearing' to be
easier to understand. Absolutely nothing you've said tells me why you
_shouldn't_ be leading this bunch; just the opposite, in fact. I might
remain in charge..." he looks around at pretty much every other member
of the CAoL with a wry smile, "...for other reasons, but the vast
knowledge and perspective you've just explained only seem to make you
ideal. About the only argument I can think of to disqualify you is
that you _think_ they do.
   "And trust works both ways, Nemo. I've never accepted
'inevitability' as a reason to quit; if you'd asked to take Rassilon,
I wouldn't have liked it, but I would have let you do it. Why? Partly
because I don't know Rassilon from Adam, but mostly because I _do_
trust you." A flicker of doubt passes through his eyes; it passes
momentarily. "On the other hand, if it had been Destroyer, I would
have asked you not to. Why? Because I _know_ there's hope for him,
whatever the odds. And in that situation, I would ask you to trust me.
Sometimes, those of us on this scale _have_ to try the 'impossible.' I
don't know why; I guess it's in our nature.
   "And in the process, sometimes the impossible _becomes_ possible."
Roland smiles distantly. "Z'On'Dar was unbeatable. We didn't let that
stop us, though...and we won anyway. The only other source I can
suggest is 'The Phantom Tollbooth.' Particularly the end."
   "So, can you cook, or do you like Moose Turd Pie?" 8^)
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: Vote of Confidence

On Fri, 1 Jun 2001 00:01:45 -0400
Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00010346

>On Thu, 31 May 2001 15:49:59 -0700
>Roland X Said As CAoL Message # 00010342
>
>   And through the link, the first issue of the Secret Wars maxi-
>series becomes visible as it comes unbidden to Roland's mind...
>   /As almost everyone agrees on Captain America as leader, Wolverine
>says, "NO!" *snikt* "He's the _least_ of us! I won't follow him--!"
>   /"I will," Thor says, putting his hand on Cap's shoulder. "There
>are few mortals who could lead me. This one I would follow into the
>depths of Nifflheim."
>   /"Sounds like it's settled," someone (the Wasp, I believe)
>finishes with a wry smile./

     Mike chuckles and pulls a cigar from behind Tink's ear, which he
puts between his teeth and lights the tip from the palm of his hand,
saying with a chuckle, /"Just don't get a big head about it, bub."/
     Tink ahems.
     "Sorry," Mike mutters, stubbing the unsmoked cigar out.

>   Roland stops for a long moment. /What about NEMO?/

     Mike takes a long drink before answering.
     /What to do about him? Or would I follow him? The second is no,
because I don't like 'Father knows best' answers and know I'd have to
tolerate them from anyone with a really good picture of the vaunted
Macro-Cosmic-All. I don't object to foresight, but I still believe in
free will and seems that somewhere between no thought to the future at
all and Oracle, free will gets lost in some beings' cosmologies. If I
worry about every causal butterfly I might crush underfoot, I'm gonna
be hard pressed to take a step at all.
     /As for the first question, well, I'm sorta surprised this hadn't
come up before with one of our supercosmic types. Technically, I'm
alright as long as I don't get the gist that there could have been
another, better option only he didn't act on it for reasons of his
own. That goes beyond disobeying an order into deliberate plotting
behind one's back. I don't really have a good answer except to express
disaproval, unless it's to the point of asking him to leave and not
come back. I don't think, however, he would have done it if he didn't
have to. I think what got you was his particular turn of phrase.
Probably the same thing that got Eric regarding you. In NEMO's case, I
can't come up with a way to say "He has to die here," to you that
wouldn't have set you off. In general, you're pretty dead set against
anyone having to die under any circumstances. One of the things I like
about you, in fact, but it can make the topic a hot button./
     /That's my opinion at least. It's pragmatic, but I don't think we
want him to go and I can't see much else able to be done about it that
would keep him from doing it again. We don't have a 'timeout' button
here like we do for the Stardragon after all./
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: Vote of Confidence

On Thu, 31 May 2001 22:30:02 -0700 (PDT)
Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00010347

>Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00010344
>
>Nemo sighs.
>
>"Consider this. What if someone else was leader, and there was a
>situation where something *had* to be done, it was contrary to his
>orders, and there wasn't *time* to explain. Would you or wouldn't you
>disobey the orders? Even if it meant letting someone die or even
>*killing* them, to save thousands of others?"

Rob starts chewing on the straw in his drink.

>"Nemo could enable you to understand the issues long enough to agree.
>But then the ability would have to be withdrawn. And you wouldn't
>know *why* you agreed. You'd effectively be taking his word anyway.
>So why not just take it in the first place?"

Rob walks over to Nemo.

"Nemo, if I understand your relationship to NEMO correctly, you are
his eyes and ears in this universe, as well as his hands. Am I
correct? If so, he needs to hear this: Even when dealing with
Eltarians, the most enigmatic, keep-a-secret-from-your-troops race
I've met, they never failed to give a straight answer, even if it was
'It was necessary for the success of the war,' with no further
explanation."

"The point is, they knew they couldn't be more detailed. But they gave
the best answer they had, using words of one syllable if necessary.
Now, I can understand allowing the monobloc detonation - it made an
empty universe into a universe with the potential for life, correct?
But Rassilon's death is tossed aside by telling Roland, 'You may
understand someday.'"

"That's fine for him. He may have a thousand years he's not using.
_But I don't._ So if you can't explain it to this ephemeral in words
of one syllable, with allowance for Things That Can Not Be Known, then
as far as I know, I'm dealing with a killer. Not just any murder
either. Premeditated murder."

"So, to return to your example: Fine. You can't explain to the
primitive without giving him knowledge he isn't ready for. Gloss over
it, then. Tell me about the evil spirits that needed to be cleansed,
or the need for the Karmic Balance to be maintained, or whatever."

"But right now, all I know is that somebody died. Granted, he was
evil, willing to tear time into shreds just for his own gain, but I
don't see why he had to die."
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: Vote of Confidence

On Thu, 31 May 2001 22:55:29 -0700
Fuzzy and/or Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00010348

>On Thu, 31 May 2001 19:20:06 -0700
>Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00010345
>
>   "So, can you cook, or do you like Moose Turd Pie?" 8^)

\God this Coffee is Salty,
  Just the Way I Like It,
   Just the Way I Like It...\

OOC: My father claimed to have seen this one in person.
=================================
Subject: Re: AAE VII: Vote of Confidence

On Fri, 1 Jun 2001 02:28:21 EDT
Scott Osborne Said As CAoL Message # 00010349

>In a message dated 5/31/01 9:11:54 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
>technomagetimelord writes:
>
>     /That's my opinion at least. It's pragmatic, but I don't think
>we want him to go and I can't see much else able to be done about it
>that would keep him from doing it again. We don't have a 'timeout'
>button here like we do for the Stardragon after all./

Scott, in his corner, mutters, "...and all I have to worry about is a
skinwalker, my employers, and my own personalty problems. For some
reason I'm glad I gave up my leadership circuts long ago."

He finishes his drink, and stands.

/"To stupidity. Even the omniscient have bouts of it occasionally."/

With that, Scott throws his glass into the fireplace.

/"If anybody cares, here's what I believe. I believe that Roland is
the best choice of a lead card for this deck of jokers. I believe that
Nemo went too far today; I believe I know why he did what he did, and
while I disagree with his actions, I agree with his silence on why he
did it. I believe in something for once, dammit, and I'd rather not
have it fall apart because some cosmic entity decided to advance their
goals by brute force."/ Scott is clearly angry.

In the awkward silence that follows, he simmers down to merely tense.

/"I'm sorry if I offended anybody, but I believed it needed to be
said."/

Scott not quite so much sits down as collapses into his seat. He looks
deeply tired.
=================================