Action, Adventure, Excitement, Part 4 Chapter 7 Subject: Re: AAE: Patching to the Quick On Wed, 3 Dec 1997 18:45:43 PST In Message # 00002234 In alt.callahans Post # 00000447 Nemo said: > On Wed, 03 Dec 97 04:39:47 CST In Message # 00002227 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000440 Mike Knight said: > >>On Tue, 2 Dec 97 23:55:33 -0800 In Message # 00002226 >> In alt.callahans Post # 00000439 Roland X said: >> >>>On Tue, 2 Dec 1997 17:32:33 PST In Message # 00002223 >>> In alt.callahans Post # 00000436, Nemo said: >>> >> >>>"Hello, I believe I could be of some assistance." >> >> "Can you now," Roland says dryly. "Nice entrance, by the way. So, >>if you don't mind my asking, who the hell are you, what are you >>doing here, and how did you find us?" Roland's staying calm about >>it, but anyone who can tell (safe bet that includes the visitor ) >>can sense him putting up all his shields. And he's got a few of >>them. 8^) "You may call me Nemo. I am here to offer my assistannce and for personal reasons as well. I was observing this ficton and became aware of the altercation you were involved in earlier. Following was elementary." "When a mass disappears from a location rather than moving away, it creates a distinctive pulse of gravity waves. When a mass appears in a location it creates a different, but equally distinctive pulse. Gates create their own distinctive signature due to the transfer of virtual particles to areas that they wouldn't reach without the gate." "I merely noted all the departure signatures at your previous location and looked for matching arrival signatures. This location had the highest correlation, so I manifested myself here." "Fortunately for you, while the locals can detectthe gravity pulses, they cannot get range or direction information in any useful manner. But you would do well to take measures to mask your movements in the future." >>Morgan quietly reaches into her personal arsenal and makes sure that >>her Bene Gesserit truth sense is on-line. (Metaphorically speaking, >>of course.) No falsehoods are detected. > Melissa steps in front of Grep, though not enough to block Grep's > line of fire. After a conference that lasts a milisecond at most, > Melissa approachs the newcomer. Straightening her dress slightly, > she walks around the newcomer, then glances behind the bushes, > noting the footprints. harmful, just a quick look for abnormalities. Too normal is > definitely abnormal. ;) Though if you wish to show something else > that might come up, be my guest.> A surface bioscan reveals a few minor scars. A deeper scan reveals that he has had his wisdom teeth removed, as well as his tonsils and adenoids. *No* lesions or tumors are present. Also the only micro-organisms present are benign symbiotes and commensals. A chemical/physical scan doesn't show anything odd. Except for a complete lack of unstable atoms. No radioisotopes are present. And any attempt to scan below the quark/lepton level fails. It's as if there's nothing there. > Melissa then reaches up to touch our new friend's face, stopping a > couple inches from his cheek. Grey eyes look up at him as she asks, > "May I scan your mind? The information will be confidential, known > only to myself and my sister unless you request otherwise. As you > have come unarmed with an offer to help, we offer it to ease our > companian's concerns, who are perhaps fatigued." > > Melissa smiles sweetly, "This would save us the time of having to > ask for references." Grep lowers her gun, but still has it at the > ready. > > "We are nervous as well," Melissa adds, "My sister and I have not > entered a mind since our father's. It is a very personal space, a > human mind. We will be careful not to pry beyond our immediate > concerns." "I must correct a few misconceptions first. I am not unarmed. Ever. No more than your draconic friend can be. And I have not been merely human for quite some time." "You may scan my mind, but I would advise excercising extreme caution, much as if you were scanning Mentor of Arisia, the Skylark of Valeron, or your aforementioned friend." He remains seated and awaits her entrance. She encounters a human mind *plus*. It's definitely human, as well as seeming to be part computer, though both parts mesh seamlessly. And it has great depths, it's as if it is merely a part of something vaster stretching off in some unknowable direction. But the "deeper" parts run to quickly for even Melissa to follow. She can tell that he means well. And that he is *very* old and powerful. And that he doesn't see her sisters gun (or anything else around) as a threat. =========================== Subject: Re: AAE: Patching to the Quick On Wed, 03 Dec 97 23:18:16 CST In Message # 00002236 In alt.callahans Post # 00000449 Mike Knight said: >On Wed, 3 Dec 1997 18:45:43 PST In Message # 00002234 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000447 Nemo said: > >"I must correct a few misconceptions first. I am not unarmed. Ever. > No more than your draconic friend can be. And I have not been merely > human for quite some time." > >"You may scan my mind, but I would advise excercising extreme > caution, much as if you were scanning Mentor of Arisia, the Skylark > of Valeron, or your aforementioned friend." Melissa nods and Grep says, "We will exercise caution." >He remains seated and awaits her entrance. Melissa touches his cheek, and a mental duplicate of her gateway appears in Nemo's mind, as her surface mind contacts his. As the twins float in, Nemo realizes, they have golden cords attached to themselves. He also realizes, for the twins, these are not needed, simply metaphors they assume would be expected. Though on the mindscape the twins have appeared unclothed, by mannerisms, Nemo can recognize Grep as the one exploring, while Melissa directs from near the contact point. Once in a while, Grep's cord draws her away from something she does not recognize as private, though Melissa correctly identifies it in plenty of time. All in all, they treat this scan as if exploring a great cavern, in awe of the beauty and careful to leave things as they find them, pristine. >She encounters a human mind *plus*. It's definitely human, as well as >seeming to be part computer, though both parts mesh seamlessly. And >it has great depths, it's as if it is merely a part of something >vaster stretching off in some unknowable direction. But the "deeper" >parts run to quickly for even Melissa to follow. Though Grep is curious, Melissa does not permit pursuit. Their own mind contains great depths compared to human minds. Nemo gets the impression that their "mindscape" is almost identical in real life. Red carpets with gold threads etching persian-esque designs trace what humans would call neural pathways, with golden yellow glass walls towering above the walkways, creating a landscape reminiscient of the "Mars" backgrounds in old Bugs Bunny cartoons featuring Marvin the Martian. In fact, several dozen gold and red costumed Marvins scurry down a pathway in the distance. Repair drones. The sky above is red, rolling clouds. Precise bursts of glowing golden hail rain down, passing behind the glass walls, safely out of the way of the walks. Behind other glass walls, the hail flys up into the sky. Data packets. >She can tell that he means well. And that he is *very* old and >powerful. And that he doesn't see her sisters gun (or anything else >around) as a threat. In the physical world, Grep shifts her gun to a fully non-threatening position. The twins withdraw from Nemo's mind and the Gateway between them closes. Melissa gives Nemo a peck on the cheek, whispering "Thank you for your trust and your offer of assistance. We accept, though the others may differ." She withdraws to her sister's side. They confer for another millisecond, the second time they have taken any length of time to come to a decision. Grep approaches Nemo, her gun vanishing. Melissa stays to talk with the rest of the group. As Grep asks what Nemo would reccomend for masking gates, Melissa sends, excluding Nemo as a concensus has not been reached yet, /We are satisfied his intentions are good, though we can not say what he will bring to the group./ =========================== Subject: Re: AAE: Patching to the Quick On Thu, 4 Dec 1997 01:10:49 -0800 (PST) In Message # 00002239 In alt.callahans Post # 00000452 The Lone One said: On Wed, 3 Dec 1997, Leonard Erickson wrote: >>> (OOC: OH yeah, that's really going to put a truly cheesed, >>>stressed out, psion enhanced immortal at ease. We don't even >>>know he's from Callahan's.) OOC: *snicker* Not to mention the Terrible Two, who're still pretty shaken from the last incident. IC: Raver caught the ring that Melissa tossed to them, and frowned at it for a moment. It shimmered and changed color to silver, and she slid it onto their left middle claw, murmuring under their breath, "Always did hate wearing gold." A frown crossed their face as she tentatively reached out to Mandy with the lightest of mental touches. After a moment, the only response from her was a distinct desire for Raver to go away. Hiding her dismay, the demon said, "Mandy is still rather...disturbed. I may be taking you up on the offer about Seker, after all." > A chemical/physical scan doesn't show anything odd. Except for a > complete lack of unstable atoms. No radioisotopes are present. And > any attempt to scan below the quark/lepton level fails. It's as if > there's nothing there. The demon had instinctively materialized her armor when Nemo showed up, and now she stalked closer to sniff him from about a foot away. (OOC: This is how Raver finds magic, by the smell. I assume she doesn't find any...?) > "I must correct a few misconceptions first. I am not unarmed. Ever. > No more than your draconic friend can be. And I have not been merely > human for quite some time." His statement set off warning bells in Raver's mind. *Not merely human? If the Kindly Ones have any mercy, let him not be like us...* =========================== Subject: AAE4: ELSEWHEN: A Knytt To Remember (part 3) On Thu, 04 Dec 97 08:38:22 CST In Message # 00002240 In alt.callahans Post # 00000453 Mike Knight said: ELSEWHEN Knytt, having been kidnapped and shoved into an airlock, manages to shake off the tazer with just enough time to grab a final lungful of oxygen before the chamber fills with the hydrogen-helium gases outside. Diving for the inner airlock, he tries to force the door open, but he realizes he can't until the outer door is closed. Eyes streaming with tears and unable to see, Knytt crawls along the floor, searching for the outer door controls. Knytt finds them, wrecked. He turns, searching for an access panel. His fingers feel the telltale signs of corrosion on the inner door latch, the hinges are new. Something clatters as his foot kicks it... Ruush shoves the tazer into his pack, then franticly digs around. Bok looks at him. "Where's my blaster?" Ruush asks... Knytt is surprised to find Ruush's blaster in the airlock with him. The door and walls are too thick to cut through, but maybe the latch has corroded enough... "How could he have got it off me?" Ruush said, furious. "Doesn't matter, it isn't in here. That's the only other place. We'll have to look." Bok replied... Knytt tries the blaster on the corroded area of the latch, but it isn't fast enough. The Time Lord in him would be forced to breathe, even with a respitory bypass. The blaster didn't have any high enough setting. He needed more bang than the blaster could provide. Knytt feels his way to the outer airlock door. There should be a maintenance walkway outside. Perhaps he could find an emergency access panel out there. Just outside the doorway, Knytt found his panel. He started to feel out the controls when he realized the outer door was closing. They were still out there. If they didn't find a body, they would make sure the airlock never worked again... "Outer door is sealed, now I'll pump out the hydrogen-" The inner door's latch broke as a large explosion flings the metal door wide, catching Bok and slamming him into the wall beside the door with a grisly, wet crunch. Ruush was caught by a blast of fire, which with the sudden introduction of oxygen, turned him into a screaming, flailing blaze... Knytt was about to hit the emergency outer lock when he heard a loud klaxon, barely audible where he was. The fire alarm. Something on the other side of the airlock was burning. If he opened it, the hydrogen would rush in and possibly create a larger explosion. He had to put out that fire... Inside, the small airlock pumps sucked the oxygen out of the airlock, and the larger chamber beyond where Bok and Ruush lay dead, Ruush still burning. But the pumps drew the oxygen out, smothering the flame... When the pumps stopped, the outer pumps started to pull the hydrogen in. Knytt waited. Then the outer door opened. Knytt scrambled inside, feeling for the interior controls. They were shot. Yanking off his wristwatch, Knytt tore it apart and wired it into the outside controls, with the timer set to trigger the airlock. Just before he went inside, a voice booms to his mind telepathicly. /TIME LORD! WE ARE ST'TAX. WE HAVE WAITED FOR YOU FOR FIFTEEN BILLION YEARS. TO TELL YOU THIS: YOUR ANSWER, THE ONE YOU HAVE SOUGHT US OUT FOR, IS YES. MORE WE WILL NOT SAY, EXCEPT TO RETURN TO YOUR ALLIES. THEY ARE ON THE SAME PATH AS YOU./ /Uh, thanks./ Knytt scurried inside, just as the door closed. Fresh air was pumped into the airlock and chamber beyond. Finally, Knytt was able to draw a breath again. He looked at the mess that was Bok and Ruush. Knytt made it to the hovercar before the firemen arrived. Not surprizing, the low rent district was not near any safety facilities. One of the firemen rushed over to ask what happened. Knytt shrugged, said he heard the klaxon and then heard it stop....figured it was a prank. He took the hovercar a few blocks away, reached in the backseat, and pulled out his duffel bag. A white flash filled the interior of the car and Knytt was gone. =========================== Subject: Re: AAE: Patching to the Quick On Thu, 4 Dec 1997 18:21:31 -0700 (MST) In Message # 00002243 In alt.callahans Post # 00000456 Driscoll said: > On Wed, 3 Dec 1997 18:45:43 PST In Message # 00002234 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000447 Nemo said: > > She can tell that he means well. And that he is *very* old and > powerful. And that he doesn't see her sisters gun (or anything else > around) as a threat. OOC: That COULD change just now. ;-) Driscoll suddenly re-appears standing right in front of Nemo. He grabs Nemo's head and kisses him on the forehead. "Hiya Chuckles!!" Releasing Nemo, he whirls around "Hiya everybody! Miss me? Oh I just _love_ what you're doing with this place!" He then proceeds the begin bouncing around greeting all teh fauna and flora in the area. While he was greeting Nemo, a small rat wrapped up in necklaces and rings and such tumbles out of Driss's cloak. As Driss leaves he struggles to stand up under the weight and looks up at Nemo. "Boy. From here you're tall. Hi I'm Squee. I'm a great wizard! Who are you?" Roscoe just groans at all this and mentally mutters, [Anyone have a dozen bottles of asprin or a couple bottles of Captain Morgan's? I feel a hell of a headache coming on.] =========================== Subject: Re: AAE 4: Days of Future Past Remembered & Etc (Very Long!) On Thu, 4 Dec 1997 21:37:02 -0600 In Message # 00002244 In alt.callahans Post # 00000457 Michael Jon Knight said: >On Wed, 03 Dec 1997 21:24:14 -0800 In Message # 00002231 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000444 Martin Gerster said: >"Piece of advice, 'friend', never say one thing and then prove the >exact opposite is true. Tends to ruin your credibility. I am >Dhyrclhanc, also called the Lensdragon, and we are the Calahanian >Army of Light. Considering what some of us have just been through, >why should we trust you?" Those with "radar" up will notice a unique graviton signature forming before the Lensdragon. A fifteen foot tall demon (looks like a blood-red Gremlin) shoved into an Armani suit appears facing Dhyrclhanc. It takes a drag off a nasty smelling cigar. The creature looks the Lensdragon up and down appraisingly then says in a distinctly Brooklyn accent, "Nice coat. The button's a good touch." The twins run to the demon, shouting excitedly "Father!" The demon dissolves into smoke as it takes a final drag off the cigar. Knytt is standing where it was, his arms wide as the twins catch him in a hug. When they release, Knytt tucks a dull gray metal amulet into a wide sleeve. He's wearing a variant on the long technomage robe: high stiff collar, silver thread etching insanely complex patterns down a wide front panel and on the cuffs of the wide sleeves. The robe only goes down to about mid-hip, is tied at the waist with a silver belt which shifts to black abruptly on both ends a few inches before reaching the knot, and is worn with a pair of loose fitting lightweight black pants that repeat the silver thread patterns at the pants' cuffs. The whole thing looks like something from some technomage martial arts school. Knytt's feet are clad in silver and black socks that have a flexible black hard sole stitched to the bottom. On his hands, a silver ring on each middle finger has two thin strips of silver metal that run across the back of the hand to just below the base of the palm where they join again seamlessly. An intricately designed silver ring with amethysts and dark sapphires encircles his left ring finger. The twins pull Knytt over to Nemo. "Father, this is Nemo. Nemo, this is our father." Knytt extends a hand as he says, smiling, "Hi, I'm Knytt, occasionally absentee member of this bunch." A breeze tossles Knytt's long bangs into his brown eyes and he brushes them out of the way, running his fingers through the shorter brown hair on the sides and back of his head.. /Another new member?/ Knytt sends, /This bunch will really be an army before long./ Pyewackett vanishes for Knytt's home as he sends, *Good, you're back. I've been needing a cat nap.* =========================== Subject: Re: AAE 4: Days of Future Past Remembered & Etc (Very Long!) On Fri, 5 Dec 1997 00:46:36 PST In Message # 00002246 In alt.callahans Post # 00000459 Nemo said: In mail you write: >>"Piece of advice, 'friend', never say one thing and then prove the >>exact opposite is true. Tends to ruin your credibility. I am >>Dhyrclhanc, also called the Lensdragon, and we are the Calahanian >>Army of Light. Considering what some of us have just been through, >>why should we trust you?" Nemo sighs, then looks up at Dhyrclhanc. "I have not yet 'said' anything that has been disproven. As for trusting me, you will or you will not as you choose. And nothing I *say* will change that. If Mentor himself were to appear you'd not trust him at the moment." "So why not calm down and cease wasting energy on ostentatious displays. Save your energy to guard against the treachery you fear. It will be a wiser use of your resources." > Those with "radar" up will notice a unique graviton signature > forming before the Lensdragon. A fifteen foot tall demon (looks > like a blood-red Gremlin) shoved into an Armani suit appears facing > Dhyrclhanc. It takes a drag off a nasty smelling cigar. They'll also notice the signature vanish at the point it would have left the valley. Nemo is apparently taking precautions. While this is going on, a flash of thought in Navaho is exchanged betwen Nemo and Driss. /Greetings, Coyote./ There's a definite hint of amusement in the thought. > /Another new member?/ Knytt sends, /This bunch will really be an > army before long./ > > Pyewackett vanishes for Knytt's home as he sends, *Good, you're > back. I've been needing a cat nap.* Nemo responds with an appropriate greeting in fluent Gallifryean. Then out of politeness he switches back to English. His handshake is firm, but there's no hint of a strength contest. "I am not yet a member. Several of your companions have doubts about me. They are understandably paranoid after recent events." "I am pleased to meet you. Your daughters have beautiful minds." BTW, if nobody is screening the valley against surveillance satellites, Nemo will do so. All EM radiation leaving the valley is edited in realtime to show what would be occuring if the CAoL wasn't there. =========================== Subject: Re: AAE 4: Days of Future Past Remembered & Etc On Fri, 05 Dec 1997 07:24:28 In Message # 00002248 In alt.callahans Post # 00000461 Morgan said: >On Fri, 5 Dec 1997 00:46:36 PST In Message # 00002246 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000459 Nemo said: >>On Wed, 03 Dec 1997 21:24:14 -0800 In Message # 00002231 >> In alt.callahans Post # 00000444 Martin Gerster said: >> >>The dragon is enveloped in a huge gout of green flame shaped like an >>ancient (JRR Tolkien Smaug-class) dragon. The Dragon is also >>wearing an appropriate sized B5-style Rangers longcoat, a B5-style >>Rangers pin, and a caligraphic button which reads "Do not meddle in >>the affairs of Dragons, for you are cruntchy and good with ketchup." >>Held in the dragon's right hand is a green fire scottish, hand-and- >>a-half-style, claymore. From the general appearence of the dragon, >>the newcomer would surmise that he both knows how to use the blade >>and has in the past. Roland, despite the seriousness of the situation, has to chuckle. *Glad to see your feeling better. Nice suit, by the way.* The others pick up from Morgan an image of a dragon sitting under a tree, the ground littered with bits of armor, picking his teeth with a lance, and the caption, "Sometimes the dragon wins." >>"Piece of advice, 'friend', never say one thing and then prove the >>exact opposite is true. Tends to ruin your credibility. I am >>Dhyrclhanc, also called the Lensdragon, and we are the Calahanian >>Army of Light. Considering what some of us have just been through, >>why should we trust you?" "Whoa, easy there big guy," Roland says. "Let's find out what his angle is before we give him the full treatment." *And keep a few tricks up our collective sleeve, just in case we need to,* he adds over the link. >Nemo sighs, then looks up at Dhyrclhanc. > >"I have not yet 'said' anything that has been disproven. As for > trusting me, you will or you will not as you choose. And nothing I > *say* will change that. If Mentor himself were to appear you'd not > trust him at the moment." > >"So why not calm down and cease wasting energy on ostentatious > displays. Save your energy to guard against the treachery you fear. > It will be a wiser use of your resources." Morgan speaks up. "Nemo has so far spoken nothing but truth. In keeping with past practice, I say we let him help until and unless he shows himself a liability rather than an asset." *"Actually,"* Roland adds, *"I tend to be a bit paranoid of _anyone_ who can mask his signature from _this_ group, and tossing Mentor's name around so casually doesn't help. You _could_ be Arisian... but you could also be Eddoran, and we wouldn't be able to tell the difference. However, I agree with Morgan. You seem decent enough...and I trust my beloved's instincts. Besides, I can always ask Mike if you're that major a player."* Roland >> /Another new member?/ Knytt sends, /This bunch will really be an >> army before long./ >> >> Pyewackett vanishes for Knytt's home as he sends, *Good, you're >> back. I've been needing a cat nap.* > >Nemo responds with an appropriate greeting in fluent Gallifryean. >Then out of politeness he switches back to English. His handshake is >firm, but there's no hint of a strength contest. > >"I am not yet a member. Several of your companions have doubts about > me. They are understandably paranoid after recent events." Morgan chuckles and looks around at her companions. "It's not like we're a particularly exclusive bunch. So, since it seems to be one of my running jobs to say this, now what?" *"We split up,"* Roland says with a frown. *"We need to cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time, and the way this bunch operates, if we travel together we'll only start a planetary-wide running firefight. We _still_ don't have clue one where our missing friends are."* =========================== Subject: Re: AAE 4: Days of Future Past Remembered & Etc (Very Long!) On Fri, 05 Dec 97 08:29:21 CST In Message # 00002249 In alt.callahans Post # 00000462 Mike Knight said: >On Fri, 5 Dec 1997 00:46:36 PST In Message # 00002246 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000459 Nemo said: >> Those with "radar" up will notice a unique graviton signature >> forming before the Lensdragon. A fifteen foot tall demon (looks >> like a blood-red Gremlin) shoved into an Armani suit appears facing >> Dhyrclhanc. It takes a drag off a nasty smelling cigar. > >They'll also notice the signature vanish at the point it would have >left the valley. Nemo is apparently taking precautions. > >While this is going on, a flash of thought in Navaho is exchanged >betwen Nemo and Driss. /Greetings, Coyote./ There's a definite hint >of amusement in the thought. Though talking to the flowers, trees and animals would be a similarity, not to mention the general behaviar.> >> /Another new member?/ Knytt sends, /This bunch will really be an >> army before long./ >> >> Pyewackett vanishes for Knytt's home as he sends, *Good, you're >> back. I've been needing a cat nap.* > >Nemo responds with an appropriate greeting in fluent Gallifryean. >Then out of politeness he switches back to English. His handshake is >firm, but there's no hint of a strength contest. Knytt arches an eyebrow and replies in Gallifreyian, making the handshake two-handed. Almost imperceptively, Knytt checks for the tell-tale double pulse, but (I assume) finds just the one. Knytt's hands are cool to the touch, having a body temperature of 61 degrees. (He assumes his hearts gave him away now.) >"I am not yet a member. Several of your companions have doubts about > me. They are understandably paranoid after recent events." (That wasn't directed to Nemo, so Knytt is very surprised, though he is not unpleasantly surprised.) Knytt nods, "They're usually more open about new people." >"I am pleased to meet you. Your daughters have beautiful minds." Knytt glances at the twins, their expressions speaking volumes, his a smile, the twins' a blush. It also speaks volumes via their private Cyberpsi link. "Pleased to meet you as well. Yes they do. They're pretty good judges of character, too. If they like you, I am sure I will." >BTW, if nobody is screening the valley against surveillance >satellites, Nemo will do so. All EM radiation leaving the valley is >edited in realtime to show what would be occuring if the CAoL wasn't >there. Actually, that was one of this area's selling points, natural cloud cover and plenty of geothermal sources to mask infrared, but more never hurts. Though, I can't help but picture a clear day. =========================== Subject: Re: AAE 4: Days of Future Past Remembered & Etc (Very Long!) On Fri, 5 Dec 97 09:31:33 -0800 In Message # 00002251 In alt.callahans Post # 00000464 Roland X said: Home sick; doing catch-up. >On Wed, 03 Dec 1997 21:24:14 -0800 In Message # 00002231 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000444 Martin Gerster said: > >"We both agree. The technology you speak of is an abomination. Such >devices as those I have the misfortune to call my 'ancestors' should >never have been built. I know now, neither should've I." > >Nimrod probably shocks Roland with that last pronouncement. Yep. Roland's jaw nearly drops out. >The hunter android gestures for Roland to hand him the palmtop >computer, and then says, "Where I come from advanced robotics, >weaponry and biomimetic technology was abused and bastardized by the >powerful, the tyranical and the overtly paranoid to create a 'race' >of robots designated 'Sentinels'. These robots were designed by >megalomaniacal paraniods who saw mankind's destruction in its next >generation -- 'mutants'; metahuman's born with altered genetic >structures which gave them their powers. These 'Sentinels' were >suposedly created to ostensibly 'protect' mankind, however the robots >revolted and created a facist regime within the boarders of the >contingous United States. In the end, even before my creation, the >majority of the U.S.'s most well-known heroes, mutant and otherwise, >were slaughtered and those left were relocated to 'housing camps' >comperable to the Auchwitz, Dauchou, and Trebenka of more than half a >century before." > >Nimrod pauses, pain scaring his robotic features, and then turns to >the Freelance Immortal. > >"Roland-also-called-Phoenix, no one is more responsible, and no one >is more responsible for a appology, for what happened than I. Recent >events transpired which allowed me to see my flawed beginings and >allowed me to choose a new direction for myself. I would be... >honored... if I can help you prevent what happened before." Roland listens with a building respect for the android. >The hunter android hands the 30th century palmtop back to Roland. >"All of the events of my original timeline, including the events >leading up to the assasination of Senator Robert Kelly by Mystique's >Brotherhood of Evil Mutants, has been downloaded into this unit." Roland nods. "Nimrod..._Nicholas._ You've ust proven that you are one of us. I have to admit, I had my doubts about you...all of which are gone. Like a Mr. Finn of our aquaintance, you were counterprogrammed...and like him, you _beat_ your programming. Now stop angsting. You wanna end up like a Summers?" Roland grins widely to show that he's joking, then claps the android on the shoulder. "Oh, and Nicholas...you shouldn't have been designed to do what you did...but everyone has value. I, for one, am glad to have you aboard." =========================== Subject: Re: AAE IV: The Face of the Enemy On Fri, 5 Dec 97 09:39:39 -0800 In Message # 00002252 In alt.callahans Post # 00000465 Roland X said: Catching up, pt. 2... >On Thu, 13 Nov 1997 01:05:03 -0600 In Message # 00001930 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000143 Michael Jon Knight said: > >>On Wed, 12 Nov 97 15:39:30 -0800 In Message # 00001920 >> In alt.callahans Post # 00000133 Roland X said: >> >>>On Tue, 4 Nov 1997 17:24:56 -0600 In Message # 00001864 >>> In alt.callahans Post # 00000077 Michael Jon Knight said: > >>>On the mining planet, Androsia 4... >>>In the palace water garden: >>> >> *Thorne, control yourself.* KnightMare shrugs. *Humans. Now then. >>I wish to delay some interfering fools. For this minor task, I am >>willing to return the...investment...handsomely. >> *I ask again, what do you want?* > >"Whaaaat is yoooour pet's reward, magical one? And why dooo I expect >I will be as unlikely toooo get mine as he is his?" *He has _already_ received his, Roofasan. I deal in good 'faith.' It is expedient. If you do not wish to make a bargain, simply say so, and I will leave. You, however, seem more intelligent than that.* KnightMare watches the ambassador carefully... >>>The Skix'tasis ambassador stopped its scuttling through the hall >>>and flexed its mandibles. Its antenae twitched. >>> >>>"Who are _you_?" it repeated, "What do _you_ want?" >> >> "The usual things," Thorne replies. "Power over our realms, >>revenge on our enemies. All we desire from _you,_ however, is a >>simple delaying tactic. And my...employer...is willing to pay >>handsomely." >> *Over what do _you_ desire power, ambassador?* KnightMare adds... > >"I desire nothing. It is not the way of the Skix'tasis. All life is >inferior to us. We have no desire to rule inferiors. It is beneath >us." KnightMare stares at the creature in shock for a moment... ...then laughs uproariously. It is a terrifying sound. (Even Thorne cringes.) *You are of no use to me,* KnightMare sends between chuckles. *But by Z'Ha'Dum, that was worth the time. I would reward you, but you would no doubt consider any reward being made 'inferior.' Come, Thorne.* Thorne, relieved, opens a portal, and the pair vanishes. =========================== Subject: Re: AAE IV: The Face of the Enemy On Fri, 5 Dec 97 09:50:41 -0800 In Message # 00002253 In alt.callahans Post # 00000466 Roland X said: Catching up, pt. 3... >On Fri, 14 Nov 1997 21:18:34 -0500 (EST) In Message # 00001941 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000154 Shadow said: > >> On Wed, 12 Nov 97 15:21:34 -0800 In Message # 00001919 >> In alt.callahans Post # 00000132 Roland X said: >>> >>>On Wed, 5 Nov 1997 12:45:33 -0500 (EST) In Message # 00001865 >>> In alt.callahans Post # 00000078 Shadow said: >>> >> KnightMare feels a brief flicker of annoyance, but suppresses >> the sudden urge to incinerate the insolent creature. Thorne >> swallows, sensing his master's short burst of anger, and steps >> aside. >> *I see no need to bother with physical transit when I can >> perform all necessary communications simultaneously. As for >> cowardice, you would be a minor annoyance at worst as an adversary. >> Still, you might prove useful. When you decide whether or not >> advancement in this existence means anything to you, use this.* A >> small, clamshell-shaped device falls at the Wamphyri's feet. >> Both vanish, Thorne surprised by the sudden exit. >> "KnightMare, why-" >> *Never destroy a gate you wish to pass through again, my pupil.* > >The Wamphyri picks up the device, looks it over, then tosses it into >a corner, "Bah." The shell grows legs and skitters into the wall, burrowing in and watching... >>>"Power, and," he pauses, as if he doesn't even dare think this >>>thought, "freedom." >> >> Thorne nods. "Watch, then, and wait...and report to us when we >> return." The mage suddenly feels a new conduit open to him, one to >> the awesome might of faerie magic. But for the moment, the link is >> slight- >> They vanish. > >The mage stares at the empty space where Knightmare just vanished >from, a note of desperation in his voice, "Now how do I keep this >from Lord Jadis." The link broadens, and creates a magickal cloaking effect around itself, as if in response to his wishes and fears. >>>Jadis base, viewing room: >> *My scans indicate that you desire the child. Why, I care not. >> In exchange for your aid, I will have my agents aid you in >> retrieving her.* > >"Already I have captured my counterpart, who was the more dangerous >of the two. The girl would merely be icing on the cake. She has >served her purpose. _I_ have no need of the girl. Maybe in a few >millenia she will be of interest to me. If you wish to aid me, then >find me a way to neutralize the Stardragon. Of them all, he is the >only one who worries me, as indeed he should worry you. Already I >weave my plans around and including him, but he is a nuisance to have >to account for. That is my desire, or is such a thing beyond you? *It is,* KnightMare admits evenly. *But it will not be for long. However...* KnightMare considers for a moment. A hologram appears in its claw. *The boy-immortal is young and stupid, but his knowledge of the multiverse is very useful. This is known as the 'Ultimate Nullifier.' It is extremely dangerous, and quite frankly I am loathe to use it. However, I can retrieve it. Such effort will be costly on my part, however. You must swear _only_ to use it upon the person of the Stardragon, and pay handsomely for the priviledge as well. You, to be frank, are the only being of my acquaintance with the power and skill to wield this device competently, myself ex- cluded of course. I can either provide this for you, or we can pool our resources and find another way to deal with the eternal Child.* Its mental tone clearly indicates that it would vastly prefer the latter... =========================== Subject: Re: AAE: Controller Cometh On Fri, 5 Dec 97 10:04:47 -0800 In Message # 00002254 In alt.callahans Post # 00000467 Roland X said: Catching up, pt. 4... >On Tue, 25 Nov 1997 17:29:05 -0700 (MST) In Message # 00002095 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000308 Driscoll said: > He goes to teh console again and readjusts the controls. Searching >not for the Army of Light this time, but for Dr. Throne. Catching a >moment when Thorne is away from Knightmare, The Controller siezes the >chance to use his equipment to snatch the servent of the Adversary, >just as The Controller had done to Thorne's predecessor, Gaunt so >long ago. > Good guess. "Who-" Thorne splutters, feeling the energy tug at the Shadow Brand and finding himself...elsewhere. He glares at the Controller. "YOU! How dare you! I should turn you into-" > "Please calm yourslef. I simply have a proposition I wished to speak >to _you_ and _you_ alone about. You need not worry about any >loyalties to that _thing_. In act all I seek is the absence of >action. I still will not actively help Knightmare, nor will I want >any kind of help _it_ could give. But I want no interferance either. >A simple non-aggression pact is all I seek. Yoru word is good enough >fro your end. And for mine, a present." > A bright chrome robot approaches, lookign somewhat like a Cylon >Warrior with a glowing eyeslot and little int eh way of facial >features. His right hand however is missing and instead replaces with >a stick. "KnightMare has declared his desire that you meet your end at the hands of the Callahanians. I care not about your fate otherwise. What in the name of Malfeas is that?" > "I know you replaces Gaunt. the evidence is obvious. Therefore you >must hold the same desire to destroy Roland. Here is the ultimate >weapon to do so. I got the idea from seeing the effect of a healing >spell cast on him by the Drow elf. The wand on the right arm is one >of healing. It can discharge the spell as needed. But when it does, >it then extends an array of antenni which absorb the quite >'electrifying' effects of Roland's reaction. Then it focusses that >enormous energy into a single coherant beam and fires it at Roland. >Thus letting Roland's own energies destroy him. Poetic justice I >think. The robot is also highly insulated against otehr forms of >energy adn can absorb and channel them as well with a bit more >limited effectiveness. I trust you will be bale to find a use for >it." "Healing?" Thorne frowns. "That should only happen under healing magicks if he's..." Thorne's eyes light up with the glee of hatred satisfied. "...poisoned... yes...I do believe I can use this creation of yours." Thorne's eyes suddenly narrow. "But why do you care about the fate of the immortal? He has thwarted my ambitions on many occasions, but to you he should be merely another member of that accursed 'Army' of his. Surely the trickster/Harlequin or the Druidess would be much more satisfying...targets..." Thorne smiles. "Of course. He is _her_ mate. Hurting him is much more exquisite torture to her than any pain might inflict. You are an artist, Controller. Perhaps... we might forge an alliance of our own. I do not think that my mentor would object, seeing how our efforts would also further its own goals..." =========================== Subject: Re: AAE: Patching to the Quick (Long) On Fri, 5 Dec 97 10:37:49 -0800 In Message # 00002255 In alt.callahans Post # 00000468 Roland X said: Catching up, pt 5...*whew!* >On Wed, 3 Dec 1997 18:45:43 PST In Message # 00002234 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000447 Nemo said: > >> On Wed, 03 Dec 97 04:39:47 CST In Message # 00002227 >> In alt.callahans Post # 00000440 Mike Knight said: >> >>>On Tue, 2 Dec 97 23:55:33 -0800 In Message # 00002226 >>> In alt.callahans Post # 00000439 Roland X said: >>> >"You may call me Nemo." "Greetings...Nemo. I am Roland." >"I merely noted all the departure signatures at your previous > location and looked for matching arrival signatures. This location > had the highest correlation, so I manifested myself here." > >"Fortunately for you, while the locals can detectthe gravity pulses, > they cannot get range or direction information in any useful manner. > But you would do well to take measures to mask your movements in the > future." Roland raises an eyebrow. "Impressive. My 'port abilities involve warping space, though, which precludes a total gravity mask. But in a gravity well-like, say, a planet-detecting the insanely small gravity fluctuation is more trouble than it's worth for most folx of my acquaintance." >>>Morgan quietly reaches into her personal arsenal and makes sure >>>that her Bene Gesserit truth sense is on-line. (Metaphorically >>>speaking, of course.) > >No falsehoods are detected. Roland relaxes a notch. >On Wed, 03 Dec 97 23:18:16 CST In Message # 00002236 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000449 Mike Knight said: >As Grep asks what Nemo would reccomend for masking gates, Melissa >sends, excluding Nemo as a concensus has not been reached yet, /We >are satisfied his intentions are good, though we can not say what he >will bring to the group./ Roland relaxes another notch. *Well, as we'd say back in the Place, his 'manners' have been better than ours. It's still a little too con- venient, IMO, but hey, I'll take my good karma where I can get it. As for what he'll bring, if he's as powerful as he seems, once we're sure we can trust him, we can pretty much ask him to find John and Sil and then we go home.* >On Thu, 4 Dec 1997 01:10:49 -0800 (PST) In Message # 00002239 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000452 The Lone One said: > IC: Raver caught the ring that Melissa tossed to them, and >frowned at it for a moment. It shimmered and changed color to silver, >and she slid it onto their left middle claw, murmuring under their >breath, "Always did hate wearing gold." > A frown crossed their face as she tentatively reached out to >Mandy with the lightest of mental touches. After a moment, the only >response from her was a distinct desire for Raver to go away. Hiding >her dismay, the demon said, "Mandy is still rather...disturbed. I may >be taking you up on the offer about Seker, after all." Through the ring link (and being careful almost to the point of paranoia), Roland sends through the ring, *Raver...Mandy...if he's half the psion I think he is, this 'Nemo' could probably do the job as well as Seker. But it's your neck. I know Seker. I don't know Nemo. And I'm not terribly inclined to use you as a guinea pig.* The last is clearly a vast understatement...Roland, stuck once again in command mode, is doubly concerned for the 'Terrible Two,' as he is responsible for their present dilemma on top of general feelings of protectiveness for the group. *NASS!* Roland does a quick head check. (OOC note: Role call. Anyone besides Iron Man who's missing, please so note. I don't count Rhiannon for the moment as she's on her own by choice and has so mentioned.) *Iron Man! Hey, shellhead-* At that point Roland remembers that the Armored Avenger is not yet on the link. *Bloody nass.* Concentrating, he switches to EK and begins broadcasting to the 'frequency' of the Iron Man armor he sensed before. #Iron Man! IM, you still with us?# (Note: Since it seems to be the most popular choice, I'll use ## to indicate broadcast or EK transmission.) Finally... >On Thu, 4 Dec 1997 18:21:31 -0700 (MST) In Message # 00002243 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000456 Driscoll said: > Driscoll suddenly re-appears standing right in front of Nemo. He >grabs Nemo's head and kisses him on the forehead. "Hiya Chuckles!!" >Releasing Nemo, he whirls around "Hiya everybody! Miss me? Oh I just >_love_ what you're doing with this place!" He then proceeds the begin >bouncing around greeting all teh fauna and flora in the area. "Oh, no..." Roland groans. > While he was greeting Nemo, a small rat wrapped up in necklaces and >rings and such tumbles out of Driss's cloak. As Driss leaves he >struggles to stand up under the weight and looks up at Nemo. "Boy. >From here you're tall. Hi I'm Squee. I'm a great wizard! Who are >you?" > Roscoe just groans at all this and mentally mutters, [Anyone have a >dozen bottles of asprin or a couple bottles of Captain Morgan's? I >feel a hell of a headache coming on.] In sympathy, Roland reaches into his trenchcoat and pulls out a bottle of aspirin. He then reaches into the same pocket and follows with a Captain Morgan bottle. *Here. I have a nasty feeling you're going to need both.* =========================== Subject: Re: AAE 4: Days of Future Past Remembered & Etc On Fri, 5 Dec 1997 13:46:00 -0800 (PST) In Message # 00002256 In alt.callahans Post # 00000469 fuzzy said: > On Fri, 05 Dec 1997 07:24:28 In Message # 00002248 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000461 Morgan said: > Morgan chuckles and looks around at her companions. "It's not like > we're a particularly exclusive bunch. So, since it seems to be one > of my running jobs to say this, now what?" > > *"We split up,"* Roland says with a frown. *"We need to cover a > lot of ground in a short amount of time, and the way this bunch > operates, if we travel together we'll only start a planetary-wide > running firefight. We _still_ don't have clue one where our > missing friends are."* \In point of fact, The only data we have that indicates any of our friends are here, was Deliberatly Given to us by one of Our KNOWN Enemies.\ =========================== Subject: Re: AAE IV: The Face of the Enemy On Fri, 5 Dec 1997 15:55:27 -0600 In Message # 00002259 In alt.callahans Post # 00000472 Michael Jon Knight said: >On Fri, 5 Dec 97 09:39:39 -0800 In Message # 00002252 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000465 Roland X said: > >Catching up, pt. 2... > >>On Thu, 13 Nov 1997 01:05:03 -0600 In Message # 00001930 >> In alt.callahans Post # 00000143 Michael Jon Knight said: >> >>"Whaaaat is yoooour pet's reward, magical one? And why dooo I >>expect I will be as unlikely toooo get mine as he is his?" > > *He has _already_ received his, Roofasan. I deal in good 'faith.' >It is expedient. If you do not wish to make a bargain, simply say so, >and I will leave. You, however, seem more intelligent than that.* >KnightMare watches the ambassador carefully... "'Faith', an interesting, and unlikely, choooooice of woooords. Before I agree to anything, I wish to know mooooore of what I must doooo. You can make yoooourself appear in the middle of this garden, and yet yoooou can not delay them yoooourself? They must be as powerful as yoooou then. I have no way to stop one whoooo can appear in the middle of these water garrrrdens without approoooaching from any direction knoooown to me. What woooould yoooou have me doooo, Ooooh Mystical Oooone?" The Roofasan folds his arms, awaiting an answer. =========================== Subject: Re: AAE 4: Days of Future Past Remembered & Etc (Very Long!) On Fri, 5 Dec 1997 14:09:11 -0800 (PST) In Message # 00002262 In alt.callahans Post # 00000475 fuzzy said: > On Fri, 5 Dec 97 09:31:33 -0800 In Message # 00002251 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000464 Roland X said: > > Home sick; doing catch-up. Get Well Soon! >>On Wed, 03 Dec 1997 21:24:14 -0800 In Message # 00002231 >> In alt.callahans Post # 00000444 Martin Gerster said: >> >>On Mon, Dec 1st, Roland said: > >>"We both agree. The technology you speak of is an abomination. Such >>devices as those I have the misfortune to call my 'ancestors' should >>never have been built. I know now, neither should've I." >> >>Nimrod probably shocks Roland with that last pronouncement. Fuzzy takes note of proof of the inaccuracy possible to even machine sentience... >>Nimrod pauses, pain scaring his robotic features, and then turns to >>the Freelance Immortal. >> >>"Roland-also-called-Phoenix, no one is more responsible, and no one >>is more responsible for a appology, for what happened than I. Recent >>events transpired which allowed me to see my flawed beginings and >>allowed me to choose a new direction for myself. I would be... >>honored... if I can help you prevent what happened before." The very fact that you can make this Choice Disproves, any thought that your creation was without merit." > Roland nods. "Nimrod..._Nicholas._ You've just proven that you > are one of us. I have to admit, I had my doubts about you...all of > which are gone. Like a Mr. Finn of our aquaintance, you were > counterprogrammed...and like him, you _beat_ your programming. Now > stop angsting. You wanna end up like a Summers?" Roland grins widely > to show that he's joking, then claps the android on the shoulder. > "Oh, and Nicholas...you shouldn't have been designed to do what you > did...but everyone has value. I, for one, am glad to have you > aboard." "I can only echo what I understood of Rolands Statement" =========================== Subject: Re: AAE: Patching to the Quick (Long) On Fri, 5 Dec 1997 14:23:27 -0800 (PST) In Message # 00002263 In alt.callahans Post # 00000476 fuzzy said: > On Fri, 5 Dec 97 10:37:49 -0800 In Message # 00002255 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000468 Roland X said: > *NASS!* Roland does a quick head check. (OOC note: Role call. > Anyone besides Iron Man who's missing, please so note. I don't count > Rhiannon for the moment as she's on her own by choice and has so > mentioned.) *Iron Man! Hey, shellhead-* At that point Roland > remembers that the Armored Avenger is not yet on the link. *Bloody > nass.* Concentrating, he switches to EK and begins Catching Roland's Intent, Fuzzy interjects \Stop, we are not going to be transmitting from here... Right? Relay through the Iron Man Replica Split that has him tagged, for retrieval, in case of emergency.\ > Finally... >>On Thu, 4 Dec 1997 18:21:31 -0700 (MST) In Message # 00002243 >> In alt.callahans Post # 00000456 Driscoll said: > >> Roscoe just groans at all this and mentally mutters, [Anyone have a >>dozen bottles of asprin or a couple bottles of Captain Morgan's? I >>feel a hell of a headache coming on.] > > In sympathy, Roland reaches into his trenchcoat and pulls out a > bottle of aspirin. He then reaches into the same pocket and follows > with a Captain Morgan bottle. *Here. I have a nasty feeling you're > going to need both.* To Roland and Roscoe \When we need a distraction some where all we have to do is, Get Driss and myself to that point, then I can help him regain his Balance... Physical contanct will do it.> =========================== Subject: Re: AAE IV: The Face of the Enemy On Fri, 5 Dec 1997 21:46:16 -0500 (EST) In Message # 00002267 In alt.callahans Post # 00000480 Shadow said: > On Fri, 5 Dec 97 09:50:41 -0800 In Message # 00002253 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000466 Roland X said: > > *It is,* KnightMare admits evenly. *But it will not be for long. > However...* KnightMare considers for a moment. A hologram appears in > its claw. *The boy-immortal is young and stupid, but his knowledge > of the multiverse is very useful. This is known as the 'Ultimate > Nullifier.' It is extremely dangerous, and quite frankly I am loathe > to use it. However, I can retrieve it. Such effort will be costly on > my part, however. You must swear _only_ to use it upon the person of > the Stardragon, and pay handsomely for the priviledge as well. You, > to be frank, are the only being of my acquaintance with the power > and skill to wield this device competently, myself excluded of > course. I can either provide this for you, or we can pool our > resources and find another way to deal with the eternal Child.* Its > mental tone clearly indicates that it would vastly prefer the > latter... Jadis thinks a moment, then nods. "Very well, we will work together. there is something that I need done that requires the power of a being on the Stardragons scale, or near to it. There is a universe certain allies have asked me to oppress for them, however the gods of that place have combined to lock time there. In this case, sadly, the whole is more than the sum of the parts and it is beyond my abilities to break. I had planned to trick the StarDragon into breaking the barrier for me, but if it could be broken with your help.... Let me just say that it would increase my position and our alliance would be that much stronger. OOC: Yes, Jadis is pitting himself against gods and yes I'm doing the set-up for my run. I had planned on the StarD to break it for me but he may not be around at that point So I'll do it now. =========================== Subject: Re: AAE 4: Offers and Thanks (long). On Fri, 5 Dec 1997 22:57:12 EST In Message # 00002271 In alt.callahans Post # 00000484 Dane0R0A said: << Roland and Morgan wrote: Morgan chuckles and looks around at her companions. "It's not like we're a particularly exclusive bunch. So, since it seems to be one of my running jobs to say this, now what?" *"We split up,"* Roland says with a frown. *"We need to cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time, and the way this bunch operates, if we travel together we'll only start a planetary-wide running firefight. We _still_ don't have clue one where our missing friends are."* >> As Roland is saying this, another person "appears", Oracle. /Child/ he says to The Stardragon, /would you begin scanning this world for anamolies?/ The Stardragon replies /Sure. One set of anamolies comming right up./ Once it is clear The Stardragon is not paying attention to "local" events Oracle speaks to the gathered "troops"/The events in LA just past have shown me that it is once again necessary to "staff" the Dragon Guard. While The Stardragon sleeps, there is little need for our function, but it wakens now and with that wakening comes the dangers of its child like reactions to situations. The Guardians have slowly passed away over the time of The Stardragon's long sleep, and now there is only me to guard the macro cosmos from its anger. Before you splitup to attend to the business that brought you to this world, I would need to ask you a question. Fuzzy YOU and The Stardragon are locked in a dance of life and death. Your end will give that which created The Stardragon a chance to undo the work of The Adversary, which caused The Stardragon to be an eternal child. Because you have the most at stake, I ask you particularly if you will accept membership in the Dragon Guard. Melissa, and Grep, you acted correctly and with a speed and accuracy, to prevent a calamity, that, even knowing it was going to happen, I could not have. I would be honoured if you would also accept. For the rest of you if you wish to join in sincerity you too will be accepted. So you are being asked to join without information I will explain WHAT the Dragon Guard is. It is not the function of the Dragon Guard to "protect" The Stardragon. It is perfectly capable of doing that itself. I doubt if even The Ultimate Nullifier could harm it, or even contain it for long. No, the task of the Dragon Guard is to protect the Macro Cosmic All from the anger of The Stardragon. In the begining of the organization this was done by fighting it, until the fact was discovered that, at that time, it really didn't know that it was doing harm. Then the methods were changed to trying to lure it away from inhabited places. When it became aware of other minds around it that became impossible and the job became one of keeping others from angering The Stardragon to the point of berzerk rage, when possible, and assuming there is time to do so. Alternately if The Stardragon DOES go berzerk to redirect it using the trust we have nurtured in it over the ages. And ABOVE all else the task of the Dragon Guard is to keep The Adversary away from The Stardragon, unless it is in a combat situation. The Adversary must NEVER be allowed to make peace with The Stardragon, if that is possible. The Stardragon holds the keys to The Adversary's entrance to the Universes of the Macro Cosmic All. With The Stardragon's good will The Adversary would have full and complete access to all that is, unlike the limited access that he has now. The Dragon Guard has destroyed an entire galaxy in the past to prevent that. Here are the Laws of the Guardians: 1) NEVER allow The Adversary to gain power over The Stardragon. Destroying cities, contenants, worlds, or galaxies of course is the very last possible resort, and only I could authorize that extreme an action. 2) NEVER abuse the trust placed in the Guardians by The Stardragon. It took us too long enough to build that trust, and I don't want it destroyed. 3) NEVER abuse the esteem and power (over The Stardragon) that comes with being a Guardian. Any world where Dragon Guardians are known will accept a Dragon Guardian as a kind of diplomat/judge (kind of like the Lensmen of Arisia). 4) NEVER knowingly allow any being to antagonize The Stardragon to the point of it going berzerk. When it starts going balistic, it must be redirected, the antagonism must be corrected, and or the antagonist must be removed. Or combinations therof as waranted by the situation. Removal of an antagonist does, at the discretion of the Guardian in question, include killing. 5) NEVER call on the power of The Stardragon without great need. As a gift to me it provides the Guardians with a tap to its power. It doesn't understand how or why I choose the beings that it gives these taps to since it doesn't even know that the Guardians exist as a group. Please note that self preservation comes under the heading of great need, provided that it wouldn't violate one of the other nevers. And a final guidline. 6) Protect the weak, help the helpless... all the knight of the old code stuff from the movie Dragonheart (knight of the round table stuff) WHENEVER POSSIBLE. I understand that some of you are keepers of The Balance. I have no problem with that and for the most part applaude that. As long as you don't put The Stardragon in a situation where it becomes vulnerable to The Adversary, and don't cause the name of the Dragon Guard to be sullied what you do to keep the balance is your business, not mine. That's it. Of course I would know if the oath taker meant it and would also know if the oath were ever broken. It would then be my sad duty to bring the oath breaker to justice. A Guardian is a Guardian for life. An oath breaker stops being a Guardian when the only sentence is administered. Please understand if you do not wish to take this oath, NOBODY will think the less of you. It is not our task to "raise" The Stardragon, only to keep it from destroying all that is and to keep it from destroying as many inhabited worlds as possible. Contrary to a previous "statement" you have NOT been drafted as babysitters, The Stardragon goes where it will, and it is NOT our task to interfere with that unless that would place the child in the hands of The Adversary. So, do I have any takers?/ Oracle says to the assembled CAoL. To Raver he says /You, as a Demon, work for an incarnation of The Adversary. Taking this oath would, possibly, place you in conflict of interest with that service. If you are willing to foreswear your service to the Fallen One, even you can become a Guardian./ (OOC: assuming anybody accepts) /Thank you./ Oracle says. =========================== Subject: Re: AAE: Patching to the Quick (Long) On Fri, 5 Dec 1997 21:45:27 -0800 (PST) In Message # 00002274 In alt.callahans Post # 00000487 "P. Campbell" said: On Fri, 5 Dec 1997, Roland X wrote: > *NASS!* Roland does a quick head check. (OOC note: Role call. > Anyone besides Iron Man who's missing, please so note. I don't count > Rhiannon for the moment as she's on her own by choice and has so > mentioned.) *Iron Man! Hey, shellhead-* At that point Roland > remembers that the Armored Avenger is not yet on the link. *Bloody > nass.* Xzerrion and Tezrantha are still outside Legion headquarters, having a discussion with the sergeant. Thus their silence when Nemo appeared. Dantris is with them. =========================== Subject: Re: AAE 4: Offers and Thanks (long). On Fri, 5 Dec 1997 22:59:07 -0800 (PST) In Message # 00002275 In alt.callahans Post # 00000488 fuzzy said: > On Fri, 5 Dec 1997 22:57:12 EST In Message # 00002271 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000484 Dane0R0A said: > Fuzzy YOU and The Stardragon are locked in a dance of life and > death. Your end will give that which created The Stardragon a chance > to undo the work of The Adversary, which caused The Stardragon to be > an eternal child. Lens Link \Say What?\ > It is not the function of the Dragon Guard to "protect" The > Stardragon. It is perfectly capable of doing that itself. I doubt if > even The Ultimate Nullifier could harm it, or even contain it for > long. No, the task of the Dragon Guard is to protect the Macro > Cosmic All from the anger of The Stardragon. In the begining of the > organization this was done by fighting it, until the fact was > discovered that, at that time, it really didn't know that it was > doing harm. Then the methods were changed to trying to lure it away > from inhabited places. When it became aware of other minds around it > that became impossible and the job became one of keeping others from > angering The Stardragon to the point of berzerk rage, when possible, > and assuming there is time to do so. Alternately if The Stardragon > DOES go berzerk to redirect it using the trust we have nurtured in > it over the ages. \I Can see a purpose to that, The Few, can not be allowed to rob, the many, of their chance to Grow.\ > And ABOVE all else the task of the Dragon Guard is to keep The > Adversary away from The Stardragon, unless it is in a combat > situation. The Adversary must NEVER be allowed to make peace with > The Stardragon, if that is possible. The Stardragon holds the keys > to The Adversary's entrance to the Universes of the Macro Cosmic > All. With The Stardragon's good will The Adversary would have full > and complete access to all that is, unlike the limited access that > he has now. The Dragon Guard has destroyed an entire galaxy in the > past to prevent that. \What is the Nature of this 'Adversary' that It must Never be allowed access?\ > Here are the Laws of the Guardians: > 1) NEVER allow The Adversary to gain power over The Stardragon. > Destroying cities, contenants, worlds, or galaxies of course is > the very last possible resort, and only I could authorize that > extreme an action. \I would consult given Time, But I must reserve the right to act, Preserveing as many Sentient Spirits as I can in any Crisis, Regardless.\ > 2) NEVER abuse the trust placed in the Guardians by The Stardragon. > It took us too long enough to build that trust, and I don't want it > destroyed. \Without this Trust, the task would be effectivly impossible.\ > 4) NEVER knowingly allow any being to antagonize The Stardragon to > the point of it going berzerk. When it starts going balistic, it > must be redirected, the antagonism must be corrected, and or the > antagonist must be removed. Or combinations therof as waranted by > the situation. Removal of an antagonist does, at the discretion of > the Guardian in question, include killing. \As I have said The Few, can not be allowed to rob, the many, of their chance to Grow. But the side effects of The Stardragon's Emotional Trauma in the Aftermath would be far too likely to aid The Adversary, which is even worse in the long run.\ > Please understand if you do not wish to take this oath, NOBODY will > think the less of you. It is not our task to "raise" The Stardragon, > only to keep it from destroying all that is and to keep it from > destroying as many inhabited worlds as possible. Contrary to a > previous "statement" you have NOT been drafted as babysitters, The > Stardragon goes where it will, and it is NOT our task to interfere > with that unless that would place the child in the hands of The > Adversary. On the Lens Link the COaL can hear the back of Fuzzy's mind mumbleing \Even The Stardragon can Grow, if it is allowed to, The goody-two- shoes have protected it a little too far, leaving it without the messes that it could learn from too often.\ > So, do I have any takers?/ Oracle says to the assembled CAoL. \Yes, I believe you do, Though, I have no Idea what you are refering to as my Stake in this.\ > To Raver he says /You, as a Demon, work for an incarnation of The > Adversary. Taking this oath would, possibly, place you in conflict > of interest with that service. If you are willing to foreswear your > service to the Fallen One, even you can become a Guardian./ \Are you able to retrieve The Demon's Life, Otherwise the Fallen One may still harm It.\ =========================== Subject: Re: AAE 4: Offers and Thanks (long). On Sat, 6 Dec 1997 01:28:54 -0600 In Message # 00002276 In alt.callahans Post # 00000489 Michael Jon Knight said: >On Fri, 5 Dec 1997 22:57:12 EST In Message # 00002271 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000484 Dane0R0A said: >Once it is clear The Stardragon is not paying attention to "local" >events Oracle speaks to the gathered "troops"/The events in LA just >past have shown me that it is once again necessary to "staff" the >Dragon Guard. While The Stardragon sleeps, there is little need for >our function, but it wakens now and with that wakening comes the >dangers of its child like reactions to situations. The Guardians have >slowly passed away over the time of The Stardragon's long sleep, and >now there is only me to guard the macro cosmos from its anger. Before >you splitup to attend to the business that brought you to this world, >I would need to ask you a question. Knytt arches an eyebrow at the twins, who quickly fill him in on who this is. >Fuzzy YOU and The Stardragon are locked in a dance of life and death. >Your end will give that which created The Stardragon a chance to undo >the work of The Adversary, which caused The Stardragon to be an >eternal child. Because you have the most at stake, I ask you >particularly if you will accept membership in the Dragon Guard. >Melissa, and Grep, you acted correctly and with a speed and accuracy, >to prevent a calamity, that, even knowing it was going to happen, I >could not have. I would be honoured if you would also accept. For the >rest of you if you wish to join in sincerity you too will be >accepted. So you are being asked to join without information I will >explain WHAT the Dragon Guard is. Melissa and Grep draw nearer to their "father", unsure of what to make of this request. >And ABOVE all else the task of the Dragon Guard is to keep The >Adversary away from The Stardragon, unless it is in a combat >situation. The Adversary must NEVER be allowed to make peace with The >Stardragon, if that is possible. The Stardragon holds the keys to The >Adversary's entrance to the Universes of the Macro Cosmic All. With >The Stardragon's good will The Adversary would have full and complete >access to all that is, unlike the limited access that he has now. The >Dragon Guard has destroyed an entire galaxy in the past to prevent >that. Knytt looks faintly ill at the idea of destruction on a galactic scale. The twins plainly look horrified. >Here are the Laws of the Guardians: >4) NEVER knowingly allow any being to antagonize The Stardragon to >the point of it going berzerk. When it starts going balistic, it must >be redirected, the antagonism must be corrected, and or the >antagonist must be removed. Or combinations therof as waranted by the >situation. Removal of an antagonist does, at the discretion of the >Guardian in question, include killing. The twins look downright terrified. >That's it. Of course I would know if the oath taker meant it and >would also know if the oath were ever broken. It would then be my sad >duty to bring the oath breaker to justice. A Guardian is a Guardian >for life. An oath breaker stops being a Guardian when the only >sentence is administered. The twins turn away, clutching at the fabric of Knytt's robe. A new sound can be heard from the girls. A sniffle. >So, do I have any takers?/ Oracle says to the assembled CAoL. To >Raver he says /You, as a Demon, work for an incarnation of The >Adversary. Taking this oath would, possibly, place you in conflict of >interest with that service. If you are willing to foreswear your >service to the Fallen One, even you can become a Guardian./ "I am afraid, Oracle, there has been a bit of a misunderstanding," Knytt says. Grep's costume shifts into black jeans and tennis shoes and a gold T-shirt. Melissa's gun vanishes. Their shoulders shudder slightly. /The strong emotions always come first,/ Knytt sends sadly to the CAoL, excluding the Stardragon. "Melissa and Grep look grown-up, but are only children themselves. Though they are willing to protect, and if it -must- be, kill, they would choose to protect the greatest good in the process. And, from what you tell me, that would require the death of the Stardragon. Granted, that is probably not a possibility, but it would keep the Adversary forever locked away, and perhaps save countless galaxies in the process. "They could not kill methodicly in a premeditated fashion, in as much as they can do anything without forethought. And even without that hinderance, I have no knowledge of their lifespan. The committment you ask of them is something I would not advise them to make. They would be free to choose, but at their age, I would not commit them to anything longer term than a week." Privately to the CAoL, excluding the Stardragon for obvious reasons, Knytt sends in a slightly bewildered and awed tone, /I -never- expected their program to get this subtle. The girls have some good role models...Despite the bouts of paranoia,/ Knytt adds with a mental wink. "You said it was not your job to raise the Stardragon. But, in luring him away from this planet until he could cool down, that was exactly what they were attempting. On this planet there is an expression, 'It takes a village to raise a child.' Well, it may take the entire multiverse to do it, but I would suggest this one be raised. He may never mature, but he can still learn and grow." Knytt holds the twins as Grep turns her face to Oracle. "We are sorry if we gave you a false impression. We respect your goals, but can not enforce your methods." Melissa sniffles, obviously the more shaken of the two. "We are not certain we even understand them." Knytt shushes them. "Perhaps when they are older they will understand. But to be honest, I would hope none of us-" at which Knytt motions to include everyone including Oracle in the 'us', "-ever had to." =========================== Subject: Re: AAE 4: Days of Future Past Remembered & Etc (Very Long!) On Sat, 6 Dec 1997 00:15:23 PST In Message # 00002277 In alt.callahans Post # 00000490 Nemo said: I've taken the liberty of trying to consolidate the last few postings and arrange them in some sort of logical order. I've left out the "generations" of quoting as well as most of the "so and so said" headers. > *"Actually,"* Roland adds, *"I tend to be a bit paranoid of >_anyone_ who can mask his signature from _this_ group, and tossing >Mentor's name around so casually doesn't help. You _could_ be >Arisian... but you could also be Eddoran, and we wouldn't be able to >tell the difference. However, I agree with Morgan. You seem decent >enough...and I trust my beloved's instincts. Besides, I can always >ask Mike if you're that major a player."* Roland "I am neither Arisian nor Eddorian. And I suspect that if you tried you'd find a way to tell the difference." >Morgan chuckles and looks around at her companions. "It's not like >we're a particularly exclusive bunch. So, since it seems to be one of >my running jobs to say this, now what?" > > *"We split up,"* Roland says with a frown. *"We need to cover a >lot of ground in a short amount of time, and the way this bunch >operates, if we travel together we'll only start a planetary-wide >running firefight. We _still_ don't have clue one where our missing >friends are."* If this was sent so that Nemo could "hear" it without eavesdropping, he'll reply: /Please describe your friends' distinguishing characteristics, and I'll look for them./ > Driscoll suddenly re-appears standing right in front of Nemo. He >grabs Nemo's head and kisses him on the forehead. "Hiya Chuckles!!" >Releasing Nemo, he whirls around "Hiya everybody! Miss me? Oh I just >_love_ what you're doing with this place!" He then proceeds the begin >bouncing around greeting all teh fauna and flora in the area. > > "Oh, no..." Roland groans. After kissing Nemo, Driscoll's lips are bright green. > >>BTW, if nobody is screening the valley against surveillance >>satellites, Nemo will do so. All EM radiation leaving the valley is >>edited in realtime to show what would be occuring if the CAoL wasn't >>there. > >Actually, that was one of this area's selling points, natural cloud >cover and plenty of geothermal sources to mask infrared, but more >never hurts. Though, I can't help but picture a clear day. Also, IR signatures like the one the Lensdragon is currently giving off aren't going to be mistaken for natural. Especially when they appear out of nowhere. =========================== Subject: Aae: Rewind and rewrite On Sat, 6 Dec 1997 06:28:05 -0700 (MST) In Message # 00002278 In alt.callahans Post # 00000491 Driscoll said: OK I'm sorry this is taking so as I know Xzerrion and Shadow are waiting on me and everyone else i waiting on them so we can get the group re-united again but here we go. OK quick summery fo what happened, very brief, very summerized. Rhiannon (sorry if I spelled it wrong. it's really early morning when I write this) causes a despair spell. Stradragon turns it into a fear spell. POlice get trigger happy. Garage explodes. Force Fields all around. Pissed off Stardragon. Destryed Mecha. Blaze's speech. Stardragon led away. Most of CAoL also warp away. Fear abaites, and the police realize what's happened. The sergant still silently curses what's happened and bemoans the fate of his career knowing he's responsible for all this. Finally (unless Xzerrion and co. make their appearance first) He opens up the radio frequency. "Miller, Kaines, Powers, Barnes, and Voltair. You all have desolidifacation or teleportation powers, make a sweep of hte building. see if anyone's still in there but be careful. First sign that the structure's not going to hold abandon your armor and get out of there." The five SWAT members begin moving quickly towards the badly damaged building. "The rest of you. Pack up. We're all going to have a lot of explaining to do back at headquarters. Remember, it was on _my_ orders that you opened fire today. I want everyone includig that in their reports. I don't know exactly what happened here today but mine is going to be the only ass hung out to dry. Is that clear?" Police and SWAT begin to shuffle around doing their work. clearing roadblocks, takign photographs, clearing larger rubble out of the street, putting up yellow tape etc. (I take it this is where Rhiannon is going to make her entrance? Or is she not at all now?) =========================== Subject: Re: AAE 4: Offers and Thanks (long). On Sat, 6 Dec 1997 08:19:18 EST In Message # 00002279 In alt.callahans Post # 00000492 Dane0R0A said: In a message dated 97-12-06 02:58:08 EST, you write: << fuzzy said: > Dane0R0A said: > Fuzzy YOU and The Stardragon are locked in a dance of life and > death. Your end will give that which created The Stardragon a > chance to undo the work of The Adversary, which caused The > Stardragon to be an eternal child. Lens Link \Say What?\ >> (OOC: understood, but Oracle doesn't mind being egnigmatic referances) << \What is the Nature of this 'Adversary' that It must Never be allowed access?\ >> Oracle replies /In the begining, before even time existed, there was that which creates and that which destroys, and the macro monoblock. That which creates seeks good and understands that there must be balance, for none can choose in the absense of opposition. That which destroys seeks only to destroy all that is, physically, psychically, and spiritually. It IS evil. Those gods of evil and arch-demons of ALL the various universes of the macro cosmic all, are weak incarnations of The Great Adversary. When that which creates, created The Stardragon, he intended it to be the protector and teacher of all that lived. It was endowed with the desire to do good. But The Adversary interfered with that creation. Changing the maturation curve of the child to become a hyperbolic curve asymtotic with physical maturity, instead of the parabolic curve that was intended. He also added the fiery temper you have had the misfortune to observe. The embryonic Stardragon recoiled from the touch of The Adversary, shattering the macro monoblock, and generating all the various "dimensional" worlds or universes that now exist. In the process it sealed all of these against The Adversary, so that now he can only work through those that have accepted his evil. UNLESS The Stardragon happens to be in close proximity to one of its incarnations or an avatar of one of those incarnations. In that situation HE can enter. When he does so The Stardragon battles him, and in the past has always defeated him. The Stardragon believes that one day HE will win. It is mistaken. BUT if HE could make peace with with the child, HE would have access to all the universes and all the worlds therein, which he and The Corrupted Stardragon would then destroy. Does that answer your question?/ << > Here are the Laws of the Guardians: > 1) NEVER allow The Adversary to gain power over The Stardragon. > Destroying cities, contenants, worlds, or galaxies of course is > the very last possible resort, and only I could authorize that > extreme an action. \I would consult given Time, But I must reserve the right to act, Preserveing as many Sentient Spirits as I can in any Crisis, Regardless.\ >> /I consider that to be a given. My powers tend towards time, and it is given to me to see ALL the possible paths of time. If I have not warned you that such a situation is approaching then your judgement will respected/ Oracle replies. /If I have not given you a better path to follow, then you may assume that either: 1) I am unable for some reason to reach you or 2) this is the path of least danger for the child. << > 2) NEVER abuse the trust placed in the Guardians by The Stardragon. > It took us too long enough to build that trust, and I don't want it > destroyed. \Without this Trust, the task would be effectivly impossible.\ >> /Exactly. Before we built the trust it has now, the only way it could be turned was by sacrificing lives by goading it to follow. It invariabley killed the goaders. The Stardragon's anger is a deadly thing/ Oracle returns. << > So, do I have any takers?/ Oracle says to the assembled CAoL. \Yes, I believe you do, Though, I have no Idea what you are refering to as my Stake in this.\ >> /It is not necessary for you to. I ask you to trust me in this, though I have given you no reason to. I can see the many paths that The Macro Cosmic All may pass through. YOU and The Stardragon hold the key to giving that which creates A CHANCE to undo the damage wrot by The Adversary, and because only The Stardragon will exist in the Macro Cosmic All after that, it holds the key to your growth as well./ Oracle says. << > To Raver he says /You, as a Demon, work for an incarnation of The > Adversary. Taking this oath would, possibly, place you in conflict > of interest with that service. If you are willing to foreswear your > service to the Fallen One, even you can become a Guardian./ \Are you able to retrieve The Demon's Life, Otherwise the Fallen One may still harm It.\ >> (OOC: Raver/Mandy your call, if the demon Raver is such, The Stardragon could eaily retrieve it, since there would be a link it could trace. As far as the Hell crew would be concerned, this would be a major breach of eticut . Of course The Stardragon doesn't much care what the Hell crew thinks. I will respond as though the answer is "yes". If the answer is "no", then this never gets said) /With the assistance of The Stardragon it could be retrieved./ Oracle offers. =========================== Subject: Re: AAE 4: Offers and Thanks (long). On Sat, 6 Dec 1997 08:49:04 EST In Message # 00002280 In alt.callahans Post # 00000493 Dane0R0A said: << Knytt wrote: "Melissa and Grep look grown-up, but are only children themselves. Though they are willing to protect, and if it -must- be, kill, they would choose to protect the greatest good in the process. And, from what you tell me, that would require the death of the Stardragon. Granted, that is probably not a possibility, but it would keep the Adversary forever locked away, and perhaps save countless galaxies in the process. >> /Yes, I know they are children, but they showed great maturity in their chosen method of handling the situation. You are correct, it is not possible for The Stardragon to die. Even should the Guardians fail and The Adversary gain control of The Stardragon, and destroy all that is, The Stardragon would still exist. And we have destroyed on a scale larger that a few individuals only when there was no other choice/ Oracle replies. << Knytt holds the twins as Grep turns her face to Oracle. "We are sorry if we gave you a false impression. We respect your goals, but can not enforce your methods." Melissa sniffles, obviously the more shaken of the two. "We are not certain we even understand them." >> /I understand, and am sorry for causing you this distress. Perhaps in a few millenia you will come to understand, and change your minds. I will, I hope, still be here and would welcome you. Killing is not something I do lightly. With my powers being what they are, it is not possible for me to act at all without it being premeditated. I seek the greatest good for the greatest number. When I ordered that galaxy destroyed it was to save several universes./ Oracle replies. =========================== Subject: Re: AAE: Patching to the Quick (Long) On Sat, 6 Dec 1997 03:35:49 -0800 (PST) In Message # 00002281 In alt.callahans Post # 00000494 The Lone One said: On Fri, 5 Dec 1997, Roland X wrote: > Through the ring link (and being careful almost to the point of > paranoia), Roland sends through the ring, *Raver...Mandy...if he's > half the psion I think he is, this 'Nemo' could probably do the job > as well as Seker. But it's your neck. I know Seker. I don't know > Nemo. And I'm not terribly inclined to use you as a guinea pig.* The > last is clearly a vast understatement...Roland, stuck once again in > command mode, is doubly concerned for the 'Terrible Two,' as he is > responsible for their present dilemma on top of general feelings of > protectiveness for the group. Raver arched an eyebrow, and sent, *While we appreciate your concern, you are hardly responsible for our situation. Indeed, you merely shook us into a new awareness of our position. So put your mind at rest, human.* Her mental tone was matter-of-fact, conveying the equivalent of a shrug. Then Dane (?) wrote: > So, do I have any takers?/ Oracle says to the assembled CAoL. To > Raver he says /You, as a Demon, work for an incarnation of The > Adversary. Taking this oath would, possibly, place you in conflict > of interest with that service. If you are willing to foreswear your > service to the Fallen One, even you can become a Guardian./ Raver blinked at Oracle's baldfaced statement, their lips compressing into a thin line. "We will not forswear." -For how can one forswear that which one lacks?- Us. OOC: Ok, from now on, * * will be for ring links, and - - will be private communications between the Terrible Two. This will eliminate possible confusion. =========================== Subject: Re: Aae: Rewind and rewrite On Sat, 6 Dec 1997 07:26:49 -0800 (PST) In Message # 00002282 In alt.callahans Post # 00000495 fuzzy said: > On Sat, 6 Dec 1997 06:28:05 -0700 (MST) In Message # 00002278 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000491 Driscoll said: > Police and SWAT begin to shuffle around doing their work. clearing > roadblocks, takign photographs, clearing larger rubble out of the > street, putting up yellow tape etc. (I take it this is where > Rhiannon is going to make her entrance? Or is she not at all now?) As they work, they find evidence of ongoing repairs, and may even see glimpses of the ComicBoook Nemisis, broken windows with the glass returning, walls mending, injuries being micro-sutured, Holes in the street filling in, Etc. This process accelerates as the CAoL gathers elsewhere, freeing Splits to participate, and will extend to the area of the battle with Lunitic. =========================== Subject: Re: AAE 4: Offers and Thanks (long). On Sat, 6 Dec 1997 13:16:41 -0600 In Message # 00002283 In alt.callahans Post # 00000496 Michael Jon Knight said: >On Sat, 6 Dec 1997 08:49:04 EST In Message # 00002280 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000493 Dane0R0A said: >/I understand, and am sorry for causing you this distress. Perhaps in >a few millenia you will come to understand, and change your minds. I >will, I hope, still be here and would welcome you. Killing is not >something I do lightly. With my powers being what they are, it is not >possible for me to act at all without it being premeditated. I seek >the greatest good for the greatest number. When I ordered that galaxy >destroyed it was to save several universes./ Oracle replies. /I am sure it was,/ Knytt sends, excluding the Stardragon and the twins, /I haven't been able to quite follow their reasons for their concerns. But it seems, they are both afraid that they couldn't make the decision and equally, that they could. I have suggested when they are older, should they feel the desire, to seek out the Dragon Guard and join. Right now, they feel the same draws the Stardragon does, an urge to explore and a love of creation. When they've fulfilled that need in themselves, they may seek you out. It is in their nature that Time is not a barrier. If they feel the calling, they will find you./ =========================== Subject: Re: AAE: Patching to the Quick On Sat, 06 Dec 1997 11:58:15 -0500 In Message # 00002284 In alt.callahans Post # 00000497 Caprice said: At 05:20 PM 12/4/97 -0800, you wrote: >On Thu, 4 Dec 1997 18:21:31 -0700 (MST) In Message # 00002243 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000456 Driscoll said: > > While he was greeting Nemo, a small rat wrapped up in necklaces and >rings and such tumbles out of Driss's cloak. As Driss leaves he >struggles to stand up under the weight and looks up at Nemo. "Boy. >From here you're tall. Hi I'm Squee. I'm a great wizard! Who are >you?" > Roscoe just groans at all this and mentally mutters, [Anyone have a >dozen bottles of asprin or a couple bottles of Captain Morgan's? I >feel a hell of a headache coming on.] Out of seemingly nowhere, a small grey kitten pounces gently on Squee. *No you're not, you're a bugbrain!* Following the path of the projectile-kitten backwards, Legion is standing there. [Desc spam of new appearance follows] Before you is an attractive, pale young lady. Her complexion is the color of new cream, pale, milky white, and tinged with the slightest touch of blue where a vein nears the surface. Her hair is pure blonde, a color too flawless to com from a bottle, worn in a tight braid that extends half way down her back, secured with a black ribbon. Piercing blue eyes watch the world with an expression of faint distain, or perhaps anger. She is currently wearing a pristine white shirt, with fountains of lace at the neck and wrists. The neck of the shirt is fastened with a silver brooch, almost hidden amongst the lace. Over the shirt is a waistcoat of sable tapestry cloth, taliored to hug her slender waist. Over this is an ebony black velvet frock coat, the skirts of which fall halfway to her knees. Charcoal grey tights hug her legs, and her feet are clad in black leather riding boots. On her head is a jaunty black satin top hat and her hands are covered with black leather gloves. She simply nods to the group. =========================== Subject: Re: AAE: Patching to the Quick On Sat, 6 Dec 1997 14:34:50 -0800 (PST) In Message # 00002286 In alt.callahans Post # 00000499 fuzzy said: > On Sat, 06 Dec 1997 11:58:15 -0500 In Message # 00002284 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000497 Caprice said: > > Out of seemingly nowhere, a small grey kitten pounces gently on > Squee. *No you're not, you're a bugbrain!* > > Following the path of the projectile-kitten backwards, Legion is > standing there. > She simply nods to the group. Fuzzy Nods to a Friend who has not been seen in awhile, before returning to his Observation of Nemo coping with the CAoL. =========================== Subject: Re: AAE: Patching to the Quick On Sat, 6 Dec 1997 19:30:11 -0600 In Message # 00002287 In alt.callahans Post # 00000500 Michael Jon Knight said: >On Sat, 06 Dec 1997 11:58:15 -0500 In Message # 00002284 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000497 Caprice said: >Following the path of the projectile-kitten backwards, Legion is >standing there. >She simply nods to the group. Melissa and Grep regard the newcomer curiously. Knytt sends privately to the twins, $Legion, a CAoL member. Haven't seen her in a long time.$ The twins reply, $She does not seem happy.$ $Bad memories, perhaps.$ Knytt sends to Legion and Mischief, /Mischief, you remember Melissa? {Mental indication of the young blonde in the black dress.} This is her twin sister, Grep. {Indicating the twin in the gold tank top and black battle fatigues.} Legion, this is Melissa and Grep. Melissa, Grep, this is Legion./ Privately to Legion, Knytt adds, /They've adopted me./ Melissa smiles at Legion, /Pleasure to meet you./ she sends. Grep nods in a similar fashion as Caprice did. /Hello./ =========================== Subject: Re: AAE 4: Offers and Thanks (long). On Sat, 6 Dec 1997 20:52:05 -0800 (PST) In Message # 00002288 In alt.callahans Post # 00000501 fuzzy said: > On Sat, 6 Dec 1997 08:19:18 EST In Message # 00002279 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000492 Dane0R0A said: > > In a message dated 97-12-06 02:58:08 EST, you write: > << fuzzy said: > >> Dane0R0A said: >> Fuzzy YOU and The Stardragon are locked in a dance of life and >> death. Your end will give that which created The Stardragon a >> chance to undo the work of The Adversary, which caused The >> Stardragon to be an eternal child. > > Lens Link > \Say What?\ > > > >> > (OOC: understood, but Oracle doesn't mind being egnigmatic > referances) > << > \What is the Nature of this 'Adversary' that It must Never be > allowed access?\ > >> > Oracle replies Does that answer your question?/ \Yes, Thank You.\ > /I consider that to be a given. My powers tend towards time, and it > is given to me to see ALL the possible paths of time. If I have not > warned you that such a situation is approaching then your judgement > will respected/ Oracle replies. /If I have not given you a better > path to follow, then you may assume that either: 1) I am unable for > some reason to reach you or 2) this is the path of least danger for > the child. \Good, We should have no difficulty then.\ > /It is not necessary for you to. I ask you to trust me in this, > though I have given you no reason to. I can see the many paths that > The Macro Cosmic All may pass through. YOU and The Stardragon hold > the key to giving that which creates A CHANCE to undo the damage > wrot by The Adversary, and because only The Stardragon will exist in > the Macro Cosmic All after that, it holds the key to your growth as > well./ Oracle says. \Since you have been vouched for by The Stardragon, I will accept your word for this, and hope someday to understand, It seems to be in the best interests of Our Friend, The Stardragon, For my to accept this position.\ >> (OOC: assuming anybody accepts) >> /Thank you./ Oracle says. \Your Welcome.\ =========================== Subject: Re: AAE 4: Offers and Thanks (long). On Sat, 6 Dec 97 22:52:21 -0800 In Message # 00002289 In alt.callahans Post # 00000502 Roland X said: >On Fri, 5 Dec 1997 22:57:12 EST In Message # 00002271 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000484 Dane0R0A said: >Please understand if you do not wish to take this oath, NOBODY will >think the less of you. It is not our task to "raise" The Stardragon, >only to keep it from destroying all that is and to keep it from >destroying as many inhabited worlds as possible. Contrary to a >previous "statement" you have NOT been drafted as babysitters, The >Stardragon goes where it will, and it is NOT our task to interfere >with that unless that would place the child in the hands of The >Adversary. *Like we _could,_ even if we wanted to,* Roland sent wryly. *Well, actually, I know some beings who could, but calling on them would be BAD. I'm going to have to pass; I already have duties that sort of take precedence. Besides, it's a Callahanian. That makes the Stardragon family, which creates something of a conflict of interest.* >So, do I have any takers?/ Oracle says to the assembled CAoL. To >Raver he says /You, as a Demon, work for an incarnation of The >Adversary. Taking this oath would, possibly, place you in conflict of >interest with that service. If you are willing to foreswear your >service to the Fallen One, even you can become a Guardian./ *She/they are also a Callahanian,* Roland adds coolly. *The only service they are likely to be sworn to is empathy.* =========================== Subject: AAE IV: Blind leads On Sat, 6 Dec 97 22:52:28 -0800 In Message # 00002290 In alt.callahans Post # 00000503 Roland X said: >On Fri, 5 Dec 1997 13:46:00 -0800 (PST) In Message # 00002256 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000469 fuzzy said: > >\In point of fact, The only data we have that indicates any of our >friends are here, was Deliberatly Given to us by one of Our KNOWN >Enemies.\ *I don't like it either,* Roland responds, frowning. *But it's the only lead we've got at the moment.* >Coordinates The Holo was Transmitted from? Or, The Coordinates that >the Holo Transmiter came from and returned to? The Stardragon >mentioned IC that Those last two were distinctly different.> (OOC: The coordinates that the X-Window were opened to were the ones the CAoL were provided with by the hologram.) Also... >On Fri, 5 Dec 1997 14:23:27 -0800 (PST) In Message # 00002263 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000476 fuzzy said: > >Catching Roland's Intent, Fuzzy interjects \Stop, we are not going to >be transmitting from here... Right? Relay through the Iron Man >Replica Split that has him tagged, for retrieval, in case of >emergency.\ *If they could trace psi, they'd be on us already,* Roland sends quickly. *This is my specialty.* He returns to scanning for Iron Man...though he works more passively until and unless he gets a response. >If this was sent so that Nemo could "hear" it without eavesdropping, >he'll reply: /Please describe your friends' distinguishing >characteristics, and I'll look for them./ *This is Sil,* Roland sends, dropping his astral guide's image and signature into the link. (A description is on the site; the short version is a tall, silvery woman with red-gold hair and golden energy 'wings,' with major resonances of Order and Phoenix.) *This is John,* he continues, adding John's physical appearance and a much less complete (but still passable) depiction of his psychic signature. =========================== Subject: Re: AAE IV: Blind leads On Sat, 6 Dec 1997 23:13:21 -0800 (PST) In Message # 00002291 In alt.callahans Post # 00000504 fuzzy said: > On Sat, 6 Dec 97 22:52:28 -0800 In Message # 00002290 > In alt.callahans Post # 00000503 Roland X said: > >>On Fri, 5 Dec 1997 13:46:00 -0800 (PST) In Message # 00002256 >> In alt.callahans Post # 00000469 fuzzy said: >> >>\In point of fact, The only data we have that indicates any of our >>friends are here, was Deliberatly Given to us by one of Our KNOWN >>Enemies.\ > > *I don't like it either,* Roland responds, frowning. *But it's > the only lead we've got at the moment.* \All too True... :(\ > *If they could trace psi, they'd be on us already,* Roland sends > quickly. *This is my specialty.* He returns to scanning for Iron > Man...though he works more passively until and unless he gets a > response. \I was more worried about the Electron field interface generating a trackable signature. Also the Split is in immediate proximity to your target, Nemisis can supply relay services.\ > *This is Sil,* Roland sends, dropping his astral guide's image > and signature into the link. (A description is on the site; the > short version is a tall, silvery woman with red-gold hair and golden > energy 'wings,' with major resonances of Order and Phoenix.) *This > is John,* he continues, adding John's physical appearance and a much > less complete (but still passable) depiction of his psychic > signature. \I had the training of John's Psi tallents, Here {} is a more compleate signature.\ =========================== Subject: Re: AAE 4: Oath Taking (longish). On Sun, 7 Dec 1997 05:41:12 EST In Message # 00002292 In alt.callahans Post # 00000505 Dane0R0A said: << Fuzzy wrote \Since you have been vouched for by The Stardragon, I will accept your word for this, and hope someday to understand, It seems to be in the best interests of Our Friend, The Stardragon, For my to accept this position.\ >> Oracle sends /Well Fuzzy, it appears that you are the only one of the CAoL that wishes to accept my offer. Now for the formalities./ Oracle extends his hands, calls on the power of The Stardragon to conceal the location of this ceremony, and begins to speak, physically, psionically, and spiritually /I, Oracle, call upon all the gods of the macro cosmic all, upon all angels, demons, powers, and incarnate forces of all kinds. I call upon all Starspawn everywhere, across all time and all spaces. I call upon that which creates and that which destroys to witness the administration of the oath of the Dragon Guard./ The beings (of all types) in the Shasta county valley, except The Stardragon, can somehow feel the attention, of the TRUELY MAJOR powers of the macro cosmic all, focus on Oracle and Fuzzy. They also know somehow The Stardragon is completely unaware of what is going on. Oracle continues, /Do you Fuzzy accept the office of Dragon Guardian, and agree to abide by the laws of the Dragon Guard as they have been explained to you?/ (OOC: assuming he indicates agreement in some fashion) /Let all the powers of the macro cosmic all recognize and record his answer/ Oracle finishes. When Oracle stops "talking" the feeling of being observed goes away. Knowing that there is some trepidation concerning some of the powers he called in as witness he says /Do not worry. The powers are now aware of Fuzzy's existance if they were not before, but they do not know where in the macro cosmic all this place is. Fuzzy, there was some thought of being able to put The Stardragon into "a timeout" (OOC: I know the conversation was OOC, but the thoughts HAD to have crossed the mind of at least one of the group IC even if it wasn't broadcast). This is possible. Using this./ he gestures and a small wrist band, composed of a strange metal that has a kind of glitter in motion look, appears in his hand. /To activate it you simply will it to function, and direct the effect at The Stardragon. It will cause a kind of wyrm hole affect that will pull The Stardragon into a mono block universe. The Stardragon falls to sleep in the presence of a mono block, and remains sleeping until its sleeping motions cause the mono block to rupture. It is just now awakening from a multi million year sleep, so it will not hold it long. Just long enough for the child to calm down. I recommend not using it except in the most dire of emergencies, and please DO NOT use it by way of a punishment for actions you don't approve of. Such an action could breach the trust it has in us./ As he finishes this statement he waves so as to include everyone present in "us". /Child,/ he says to The Stardragon /Would you provide Fuzzy with one of the power taps that you give to my associates./ The Stardragon's eyes focus and it turns it head towards Fuzzy and Oracle. /Sure. No problem./ Its eyes and Fuzzy glow for a moment and then the glow fades. (OOC: Mandy/Raver, Oracle recognizes that Raver may not have "sworn" service to any being, however it is possible to "serve" The Adversary or one of his incarnations, or the avatar of an incarnation, without knowing one is doing so. That combined with what I assumed was an autobio of the Terrible Two is what prompted me to have Oracle say what he did, and why I didn't retract it. No insult is intended. It pleases Oracle to be enigmatic. That way he doesn't have to tell anybody something they shouldn't know (Plus not being omnicient myself, I can hint at things without knowing everything there is to know about them)) ===========================