Action, Adventure, Excitement, Part 6 Part 1 - Chapter 1 Date: Thu, 23 Sep 1999 22:34:21 -0700 (PDT) Subject: AAE Interlude (not exactly SO): Comes the Hunter On Thu, 23 Sep 1999 22:29:19 -0700 Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00007130 Earth-9. The coming of the Champions had made New York a brighter place. The shadows had retreated, and the city was cleaner and safer. But only a fool thought that the shadows were gone. Tourists aren't _all_ fools, even in New York City. But only suicides and tourists walk into those shadows unafraid. Suicides, tourists...and predators. [Sweet Young Thing looking for excitement,] the observer thought, annoyed. [Looks like she's about to find it.] A beautiful woman, almost defenseless enough to make him think she was bait, glided into the alley, followed by what looked like a teenager in black leather. Just another punk looking for some action... [...except the action _this_ punk is looking for is even riskier businees than you think, babe,] the observer thought. He sighed and reached into his black duster. "Oh..." Touristette gasped, blinking at him through mock-wide eyes. She smiled and covered her chest, though the observer noted dryly that with what she was almost wearing it was a little too late for that. "...should I be afraid of the big...bad...wolf?" "Howl, baby," Leatherboy chuckled, stalking towards her. She lowered her hands from her halter top to her purse, searching through it almost casually as Leatherboy walked right up next to her. "HYAA!" she cried, plunging a wooden stake through his chest. The observer blinked in astonishment. [Hunter?] She leapt back and entered a martial stance. "Been watching you for days, bastard. You've sucked on your last victim." The observer sighed. [Amateur,] he thought as Leatherboy grunted and pulled the stake out. "Nice try, Buffy," he said as he tossed the stake back to her. Her eyes flew wide in astonishment. "But-but I _staked_ you! That was through the heart!" She leaped to one side, pulling out a kitbashed 'flamethrower' spraycan. "Sorry, babe. Right idea, wrong weakness. Kindred, the few that are left, are just our weak sisters." He held up his hand and the jet of flame went out as it reached him. "Man, I've never bagged a hunter before. This is gonna be goood..." A chain lashed out so quickly it was almost a blur, wrapping around Leatherboy's neck and slamming him into the alley wall. "You wish," a shadow said. The observer was observing no more. "What the hell?" Predator and hunter asked in unison. "You got a problem, lady?" the 'shadow' asked dryly, a flash of the hand making a signal known to very few. "Not if you're on _my_ side," she replied, returning the sign. "I know when my ass has just been saved, hunter." She circled the other warriors, stepping back. "_You've_ got a problem, though, asshole!" Leatherboy said, and what looked like a cross between Spawn's Violator and the demon lord from Night on Bald Mountain began to rise from the ground. "Does everyone on this side of town have a garbage mouth?" the hidden figure sighed, and the chain lashed out, through the image, which vanished. "Mister, I was _trained_ on illusions. Strike two." "Two? Where the hell do you get 'strike two,' dead man?" Leatherboy leaped forward with superhuman speed. "Gusari-KAMA!" With even _greater_ speed, the shadow became a flash, and the chain suddenly seemed to grow a sickle at the end. "First strike was murdering kids when I was in town." Leatherboy drew a sword, but the chain lashed around it as if with a mind of its own. "Underestimating _me,_ though..." Leatherboy's head bounced down the alleyway. "...that's three, and you're out." Quickening began to surge around the alleyway, and the blur shot up and away from it. The chain withdrew, the sickle vanished, and the chain swung down to the blonde. "Unless you want to be immortal, grab hold." She gaped for a moment, looked around quickly, then leaped for the chain. The lightning seemed to crackle after her for a moment, then turned on the body of the Leatherboy. In moments, all evidence of the battle had been reduced to Quintessence. "Thanks for the help, hunter. Just what the hell _was_ he, any-" the woman began. And stopped cold, as the dark blur came to rest in the waxing moon's light. A black duster, a chiseled face, and...sunglasses?...was still all she could see of her savior. "Immortal," he explained. "Drove. Servant of Corruption. You're out of your league. Go back to your mentor. Better yet, go home. This is no way to live if you have a life at all." "You're...you're not _a_ hunter, are you? You're _the_ Hunter," she said, the last not really a question. For a moment, she thought he almost smiled. Then a final flash of lightning burst from the alleyway, and she shielded her eyes. When her vision cleared, he was gone. ================================= Date: Fri, 24 Sep 1999 20:46:23 -0700 (PDT) Subject: AAE VI: Fuzzy Quest On Fri, 24 Sep 1999 22:48:03 EDT Dane0R0A Said As CAoL Message # 00007131 /Roland, please meet me in "the place" as soon as possible. I believe my people have located some information about Fuzzy./ Aurora sends to Roland across the CAoL link, shortly after they return from Tatooine. /I have reason to believe that it may be possible to restore him./ ================================= Date: Sat, 25 Sep 1999 05:56:33 -0700 (PDT) Subject: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On Thu, 25 Sep 1999 01:59:09 -0700 Stranger Said As CAoL Message # 00007134 Stranger was lost again, nad it wasn't a sensation he enjoyed. He was somewhere in the Matrix Cosm, but he wasn't sure where. His D-Jump was acting in a most peculiar fashion and refused to give him any useful data. As for this wood he had been walking through for the last two days, well, it was something else. He sat down and contemplated things. His search was getting him no nearer his goal. Technically he knew that Fuzzy was Very Dead Indeed. In fact, if he understood things properly Fuzzy had Never Been. On the other hand, nobody does that to one of Stranger's friends. So he was out here looking for him. If anyone could find him, it would be Stranger. However, at this precise moment Stranger was hard pressed to find himself. After some time he reached a decision. Standing up, he randaomly tapped on his D-Jump controls and then, jumped. +++ Hours later, he was still lost. His random jump had landed him on a ship of some kind. The Ship's Blazon was a Flat-Black Disk with a Blue-White Boundary, he'd worked that out, but didn't know what it meant. The ship was large. Very large. Some of the 'small' craft bays appeared to be large enough to hold planets. On the other hand the controls he had come across were labelled in a very simple graphical scheme understandable by just about anyone. Stranger wasn't sure if that was good or bad. He had wandered for some time now, through vast chambers and endless corridors, and he'd encountered nobody. The ship was vast and deserted. Now he stood before a door, pondering it. It, like all the others, appeared to include some sort of D-Shift/Teleport ability. He figured that the 0.0.0.0.0.0 setting would take him to the bridge or engineering, so he dialed it in and opened the door, revealing a featureless plain shrouded in mist. Stepping through he looked around and suddenly realised the palin was not featureless. There was one feature. A few meters away was a staff, sticking into the plain. It looked like Fuzzy's. "Crowd goes wild" he muttered under his breath. This was a Clue, for sure. It looked just like his NanoTech Staff of the Elements, complete with dull white crystaloid on top. Stranger reached out with his sense of perception, trying to figure out what was going on. This was too weird. However, at last his quest was making some progress. Time for backup, he felt. Reaching out with all the power the Lens Jedi could muster he tried to find another member of the Army of Light. It didn't matter who, whoever was 'nearest', whoever could pass the word on. The lens on his wrist flared with the effort, coruscating patters of light whirling across its surface. "Anybody out there?" ================================= Date: Sat, 25 Sep 1999 07:04:20 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On Sat, 25 Sep 1999 09:47:10 EDT Scott Osborne Said As CAoL Message # 00007135 In a message dated 9/25/99 5:56:56 AM Pacific Daylight Time, oss writes: >Reaching out with all the power the Lens Jedi could muster he tried >to find another member of the Army of Light. It didn't matter who, >whoever was 'nearest', whoever could pass the word on. The lens on >his wrist flared with the effort, coruscating patters of light >whirling across its surface. > >"Anybody out there?" At this point, a nondescript figure, clad in a trench-coat, walks right out of one of the walls. "Wait... Wait... This is the wrong spot." And the figure walks through another wall. "Hold on..." A head pops out of the wall. "Hello, Stranger. Need a lift?" [OOC: If I'm interrupting The Plan, we can just ignore this little incident.] Thanks Scott "Map" Osborne ================================= Date: Sat, 25 Sep 1999 17:10:35 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: Fuzzy Quest On Sat, 25 Sep 1999 13:10:02 -0700 Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00007138 Morning. The Greywolf-Phoenix bedroom. Morgan snuggled into a still-sleeping Roland, nuzzling his neck gently. "Good morning, honey," she smiled. "Mmm," Roland replied sleepily. "mmrnin." Morgan basked quietly in the glow of True Love for a while before speaking again. "It was so cute, watching you with those kids yesterday." Roland woke up somewhat more. "hmm? Oh, you mean the essay class? Heh. Eager little bunch, weren't they?" "Yeah," Morgan laughed softly. "And then there's the way you were with Annie." Roland blinked briefly. "OH. Anakin." He shrugged and blushed faintly. "Good kid. That was surreal. I kept expecting him to sprout Darth Vader's shadow or something. But Light, he was so...earnest. Almost reminded me of my own childhood, in a weird sort of way." Morgan raised an eyebrow, but decided not to persue that subject. "If I didn't know better, I'd think you were beginning to _like_ dealing with kids." Roland chuckled. "Hey, I _was_ the Pan. Briefly." The chuckle faded into a smile. "Depends on the kids, really. It's really odd, you know? After I got out of childhood myself, I couldn't stand 'em. But now..." he shrugs. "I dunno." He smiles at her wickedly. "Maybe I'm just getting _old._ Y'think?" "As _if,_" Morgan responded in her best Valspeak. Roland shuddered. "I don't know him that well, but I _seriously_ doubt you're turning into your father." Roland snorted. "I love my folks. But let me tell you, Morgan, if and when we have kids, I'm _not_ going to hide what they are from them once they're ready for it." He chuckles. "Not that I think I'll be the perfect dad or anything. Or that we'll be _able_ to block them for any longer than absolutely necessary. Our children will probably frighten Celestines." He laughed and hugged Morgan. "And I bet you'll make a great mother." Morgan propped herself up on one elbow and _smiled_ at him. "How do you feel about getting the chance to find out?" Roland's jaw dropped, then he grinned wickedly and prepared to answer. But as he did so, Morgan was already guiding his hand to her abdomen... Roland's eyes popped out and he gasped. "Wh-y-we-" Morgan's smile just broadened. "YEE-HAH!" he whooped, grabbing Morgan, hugging and spinning her around. Then he stopped, horrified, and placed her back on the bed as quickly as he could do it gently. Morgan laughed, not quite a giggle. Then she gave him a mock-stern look. "You're _not_ going to start treating me like a porcelain doll, now are you?" "Oh, no. No. No. No. Um," Roland said, quivering in mid-air as he tried to assimilate the sudden lurch in his universe. "On the other hand, we can't go gallivanting around with the CAoL for a while. You'll be fine, sure. But he-she...it?" Morgan looked thoughtful for a moment. "They," she said, a slight note of surprise in her voice. Roland gulped. Loudly. "Um...they? How many 'they?'" Morgan giggled gently. "Just two, dear," she said reassuringly. Roland sighed heavily in relief. "Wow." Roland looked poleaxed (AGAIN) for a long moment. Then he hugged her gently. "I'm glad you're not arguing with me about the adventuring thing. Even with the Champions, we're going to have to be careful, you know." "Who _says_ I'm not arguing?" Morgan objected. Roland sighed again, though not in relief. "_Yes,_ there are points in a pregnancy where I have to be particulary careful. And I imagine having my belly stick out several inches would interfere with my swordwork." Roland chuckled at the image. "But I don't have to sit here and do nothing but _knit_ for the next nine months." "I never said you did," Roland said, still chuckling, holding up his hands in peace. "I imagine you'll keep working on the negotiations until you're practically in labor. But you're going to be long-range backup for the forseeable future as Solitaire, and the CAoL...that's just plain out of the question." Roland stared pointedly at where his hand had been. "Or isn't the time when they're tiny groups of cells a 'point when you have to be particularly careful?'" This time it was Morgan's turn to sigh. "You're right, I _should_ avoid getting banged around for the next couple of months. But when I get closer to my second trimester-" >On Fri, 24 Sep 1999 22:48:03 EDT >Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00007131 > >/Roland, please meet me in "the place" as soon as possible. I believe >my people have located some information about Fuzzy./ Aurora sends to >Roland across the CAoL link, shortly after they return from Tatooine. >/I have reason to believe that it may be possible to restore him./ Roland managed to suppress a laugh. Barely. "When you get closer to your second trimester...we can discuss it then." "There is _no_ reason I can't go to the Place and find out what's up," Morgan objected. "Not _everything_ we do involves epic battles, you know. I'll be fine." Roland raised an eyebrow at her. "I'm sure you'll be fine." Morgan raised her finger and opened her mouth to object, when an image appeared in their link-Darth Maul's lightsaber thrust through her midriff. "Will they?" She closed her mouth, annoyed. His expression grew gentler. "I can't imagine a safer place anywhere than the Place, love. Of course we're going there. But has the CAoL _ever_ been on a 'mission' where we _didn't_ have an epic battle?" "HMMPH." Morgan pouted at him, then smiled ruefully. "I _hate_ it when you're right." "So _that's_ why I'm the leader of the CAoL," he quipped. She poked him playfully, and he jumped back a bit. "If it makes you feel any better, I'm not going any farther than the Place either. We've made a lot of enemies here, and I'm about as likely to abandon my pregnant wife as I am to win an arm-wrestling match with the Wyrm." He considered, then chuckled. "No. Less likely." Morgan chuckled and hugged her husband. "I love you, you know. I just...don't like the idea of having to watch the CAoL through an X-Window without helping." Roland winked at her. "We can't _fight_ alongside them. That doesn't mean we can't help in other ways." He picked up the phone. "I'm _not_ going to say, 'Who you gonna call?'" Morgan muttered under her breath. Roland laughed. "Well, he _is_ a ghost buster. Among many other things. To put it more succinctly...I'm 'calling' in a favor." His perpetual smile turned wry. "He's a colleague with a disdain for 'the spandex set,' even though it could be argued that he's a member himself..." He cocked his head suddenly. "Hello? Yes. Yes. No. Yes. I'm looking for the Hunter of hunters..." TBC in the Place ================================= Date: Sun, 26 Sep 1999 14:04:38 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On Sun, 26 Sep 1999 16:53:27 EDT Dane0R0A Said As CAoL Message # 00007142 Stranger Said As CAoL Message # 00007134 >Reaching out with all the power the Lens Jedi could muster he tried >to find another member of the Army of Light. It didn't matter who, >whoever was 'nearest', whoever could pass the word on. The lens on >his wrist flared with the effort, coruscating patters of light >whirling across its surface. > >"Anybody out there?" *"Are you in need of assistance? I am Polaris. If you need assistance, I would be happy to either help, or summon some other for you."* answers a "voice" from nowhere. ================================= Date: Sun, 26 Sep 1999 16:01:12 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On 09-26-1999 at 15:58:58 Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007143 >On Sun, 26 Sep 1999 16:53:27 EDT >Dane0R0A Said As CAoL Message # 00007142 > >*"Are you in need of assistance? I am Polaris. If you need >assistance, I would be happy to either help, or summon some other for >you."* answers a "voice" from nowhere. I'm Figureing that, all three of these incidents, happen at about the same time... > On Sat, 25 Sep 1999 09:47:10 EDT > Scott Osborne Said As CAoL Message # 00007135 > >"Hold on..." A head pops out of the wall. "Hello, Stranger. Need a >lift?" [OOC: I am assuming this "wall" is an effect like painting a gate on the outside of the Crystal Sphere, and coming through that without penetrating the Sphere itself... (Time has not yet Started in there.)] >[OOC: If I'm interrupting The Plan, we can just ignore this little >incident.] [OOC: Plan, we have a Plan? Ours don't usually survive long enough to find the enemy...] From elsewhere in the Matrix Cosm, A Nemisis Split Replies *Hello Stranger, I will have a split there in a moment* An X-Gate opens and a Nemisis Split in her Base-Form, (AD&D type V Demoness, AKA Merilith) comes through. Then the X-Gate Closes. "Hello Scott." "Greetings Polaris, I assume you are of the Coalition of Light?" Aside to Stranger and Scott, "The Starspawn Coalition of Light has been very actively, Examining The Matrix Cosm lately." [OOC: I think I got the Name right...] Noticing the Staff, "I see that you, have been more successful than I, In finding sign of Lord Fuzzy... She seems to sweat molten silver for a moment, then the fluid flows a few feet away and Forms a Upright Frame. Through which The Place is Visible... She gestures towards the Frame, "For ease in summoning the Troops..." ================================= Date: Sun, 26 Sep 1999 17:41:32 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On Sun, 26 Sep 1999 19:37:25 EDT Scott Osborne Said As CAoL Message # 00007144 >On 09-26-1999 at 15:58:58 >Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007143 > >On Sat, 25 Sep 1999 09:47:10 EDT >Scott Osborne Said As CAoL Message # 00007135 > >>"Hold on..." A head pops out of the wall. "Hello, Stranger. Need a >>lift?" > >[OOC: I am assuming this "wall" is an effect like painting a gate on >the outside of the Crystal Sphere, and coming through that without >penetrating the Sphere itself... (Time has not yet Started in >there.)] [OOC: Nope, just a misread. If anybody's archiving this, please, change wall to thin air.] >An X-Gate opens and a Nemisis Split in her Base-Form, > (AD&D type V Demoness, AKA Merilith) comes through. > Then the X-Gate Closes. > >"Hello Scott." The figure appears completely, nods his head, but does not acknowledge the greeting verbally. >She seems to sweat molten silver for a moment, > then the fluid flows a few feet away and Forms a Upright Frame. > Through which The Place is Visible... > She gestures towards the Frame, > >"For ease in summoning the Troops..." The figure says "One second..." and mutters. It/he then walks away, pauses for a few minutes, and walks back somehow different. "Well, that's Plan D down the drain. Hello, Nemisis; I suppose the moving disaster area will be working from here?" Scott smiles. ================================= Date: Sun, 26 Sep 1999 18:16:17 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On 09-26-1999 at 18:13:54 Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007145 >On Sun, 26 Sep 1999 19:37:25 EDT >Scott Osborne Said As CAoL Message # 00007144 > >The figure says "One second..." and mutters. It/he then walks away, >pauses for a few minutes, and walks back somehow different. "Well, >that's Plan D down the drain. Hello, Nemisis; I suppose the moving >disaster area will be working from here?" Scott smiles. "Perhaps, The Callahanian Army of Light, Should at least see that, (Gesture at the Staff) The Object below us seems to be exhibiting a Single Quantum State, The Staff seems to be the key to that State, If the Object at the top is indeed a Lens, Which it appears to be, Most entities will be unable to survive contact with the Staff. The Staff itself, Is Lord Fuzzy's Staff of The Elements, But given the Powers he was Seen to infuse it with, Its Full capabilities can only vaguely be estimated, The nanotech Components that are part of its structure, are Not responding to Remote Access protocols... I am wanting to consult with the assemble group, Before attempting more Direct methods, To access or acquire the Staff... ================================= Date: Sun, 26 Sep 1999 23:04:39 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On Sun, 26 Sep 1999 22:57:50 -0700 Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00007146 Mini-prologue: Roland and Morgan walk calmly into the Place, through the front door (for a change 8^). "Hi, Aurora," Roland says, nodding to the Starspawn. "We aren't going to be able to join you in the usual fashion, for reasons you're probably already aware of. We'll make the official announcement when more folx arrive, but for now, we'll just hang out, see what happens, and wait for my...backup to come in." Roland smiles. "He's...interesting." Morgan merely smiles enigmatically. "The usual, kids?" the Mick o' Time asks cheerfully. "Yes," Roland responds in perfect time with Morgan. "No," Morgan responds in perfect time with Roland. Roland blinks, then smiles and nods approvingly. Mike cocks his head, then shrugs and slides a vanilla milkshake to the Freelance Immortal. "What'll it be then, Morgan?" "I'll have what he's having," Morgan grins, gesturing with her thumb at Roland. Roland raises an eyebrow at that, while Mike blinks twice, then stares for a moment and gets a sly smile. "Two shakes it is," he says, sliding milkshake #2 to them. "Didn't know you like milkshakes," Roland comments after his first swallow, from over a milk mustache. "Oh, I like vanilla...sometimes," Morgan replies with a sultry tone, taking a sip from her drink. Roland sputters, then covers it with another drink. >On 09-26-1999 at 18:13:54 >Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007145 > >> On Sun, 26 Sep 1999 19:37:25 EDT >> Scott Osborne Said As CAoL Message # 00007144 > >>> On 09-26-1999 at 15:58:58 >>> Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007143 >>> She seems to sweat molten silver for a moment, >>> then the fluid flows a few feet away and Forms a Upright Frame. >>> Through which The Place is Visible... >>> She gestures towards the Frame, >>> >>> "For ease in summoning the Troops..." Roland blinks, sits up, and studiously watches the silver gateway take form. >>The figure says "One second..." and mutters. It/he then walks away, >>pauses for a few minutes, and walks back somehow different. "Well, >>that's Plan D down the drain. Hello, Nemisis; I suppose the moving >>disaster area will be working from here?" Scott smiles. > >"Perhaps, >The Callahanian Army of Light, > Should at least see that, (Gesture at the Staff) > The Object below us seems to be exhibiting a Single Quantum State, > The Staff seems to be the key to that State, >If the Object at the top is indeed a Lens, > Which it appears to be, > Most entities will be unable to survive contact with the Staff. >The Staff itself, > Is Lord Fuzzy's Staff of The Elements, > But given the Powers he was Seen to infuse it with, > Its Full capabilities can only vaguely be estimated, > The nanotech Components that are part of its structure, > are Not responding to Remote Access protocols... > I am wanting to consult with the assemble group, > Before attempting more Direct methods, > To access or acquire the Staff... /"Nass,"/ Roland breathes. /"Timing. This one looks like it'll be more convoluted than I first thought. I hope Eric's up to th-"/ Roland is cut off by the door 'thumping' open, and a man who could be Neo's or Blade's big brother walks in the door. Several inches taller than Roland, well-built without being muscle-bound, striding with a cat's grace and confidence, he wears all black. Black duster, black jeans, black boots, black gloves, black shirt, black sunglasses that occasionally flicker with a dark green light that the _very_ attentive might notice, and naturally black hair, but looking at him one would imagine that he would've dyed it if it wasn't. He's almost certainly carrying an arsenal under that duster, but it must be so well arranged as to almost be invisible. Less than a second after his entrance, he's scanned the entire room, and looks back over to where Roland and Morgan are sitting. He walks casually over to their table. "Phoenix," he says casually, in a deep baritone. "Lancer," Roland replies. "Glad you could make it." "I'm not so sure that _I_ am." 'Lancer' looks around dubiously, then sits at the table. "After this, we're quits, agreed?" Roland sighs. "You don't owe me anything, not really-" "Skip it, Phoenix. Who's the lady?" Lancer nods curtly at Morgan. Roland's eyes narrow. "Morgan Greywolf, this is Eric Lancer," he says, giving Eric a brief look. At Eric's nod, he continues, "also known as the Hunter. Eric, Morgan Greywolf. My _wife._ She's been working as a mediator for the different mage factions." Eric quirks an eyebrow. "Congratulations." "Thank you," Morgan replies. There's a brief pause. "So. What am I here for?" The Hunter asks curtly. Roland points up - way up - at Aurora. Eric's eyes widen slightly behind his shades. Then Roland gestures toward the gateway. "These are some of my friends. We call ourselves the Callahanian Army of Light. One of us is...missing, and until recently presumed dead." He clears his throat. "We can't go, for reasons we'll explain as soon as the others arrive. I'd like you to help them out in the meantime." Eric looks at the gateway dubiously, then up at Aurora. "Mm-hmm." He shrugs. "I suppose. Just tell me one thing." He gestures at Aurora as well. "Is...that...a Celestine?" Roland chuckles. "I suppose, after a fashion. Her name is Aurora, and she's a Starspawn. We're an...unusual bunch." "I figured. You wouldn't have asked for my help if I wasn't going to be of any use." Eric scowled. "Just as long as this isn't another spandex brigade." Roland almost chokes on his milkshake. "No. No, you don't have any worries on that count." Morgan chuckles. "I don't think _anyone_ in the CAoL does the spandex thing. Do they?" "Just me," Roland replies with a grin. "You're safe, Eric." He leaned back into his chair. "Once the others arrive, I'm sure we'll find out what's going on with everyone else." ================================= Date: Mon, 27 Sep 1999 00:35:56 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On Mon, 27 Sep 1999 00:26:45 -0700 Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00007147 L.J. Wolfe wrote: > /"Nass,"/ Roland breathes. /"Timing. This one looks like it'll be >more convoluted than I first thought. I hope Eric's up to th-"/ > Roland is cut off by the door 'thumping' open, and a man who could >be Neo's or Blade's big brother walks in the door. Several inches >taller than Roland, well-built without being muscle-bound, striding >with a cat's grace and confidence, he wears all black. Black duster, >black jeans, black boots, black gloves, black shirt, black sunglasses >that occasionally flicker with a dark green light that the _very_ >attentive might notice, and naturally black hair, but looking at him >one would imagine that he would've dyed it if it wasn't. He's almost >certainly carrying an arsenal under that duster, but it must be so >well arranged as to almost be invisible. Less than a second after his >entrance, he's scanned the entire room, and looks back over to where >Roland and Morgan are sitting. He walks casually over to their table. >"Phoenix," he says casually, in a deep baritone. After one quick glance at the stranger, Harlock grins and turns back to his twelve-string. Somehow, he gets Fast Eddy to segue from "Monk's Blues" into "Strangers in the Night." > Eric looks at the gateway dubiously, then up at Aurora. "Mm-hmm." >He shrugs. "I suppose. Just tell me one thing." He gestures at Aurora >as well. "Is...that...a Celestine?" > Roland chuckles. "I suppose, after a fashion. Her name is Aurora, >and she's a Starspawn. We're an...unusual bunch." > "I figured. You wouldn't have asked for my help if I wasn't going >to be of any use." Eric scowled. "Just as long as this isn't another >spandex brigade." [It looks like the quest has finally begun. Restoring the life of a former comrade, eh? Heinlein's grinning ghost, but I think I'm going to like this crew!] Once the set is complete, Harlock puts the twelve-string back in the pouch at his belt and wanders over. Extending his hand to the Hunter, he says "greetings, good sir. I am Harlock, late of Waterdeep, Calimshan, and most points in between. 'Twould seem that we are the newbies in this group." He then turns to Roland. "You say, sir, that you are not questing with us? Why..." he breaks off, leveling his gaze at Morgan. "Ah." A slight grin starts tugging at the corners of his mouth, but he says nothing further. [After all, some things should be announced by the people involved.] ================================= Date: Mon, 27 Sep 1999 03:04:32 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On Mon, 27 Sep 1999 05:53:54 EDT Scott Osborne Said As CAoL Message # 00007148 Morgan and Roland wrote: >Morgan chuckles. "I don't think _anyone_ in the CAoL does the spandex >thing. Do they?" Scott walks through the silver gateway. "I would, but I look rather ugly in it, and there isn't enough room to pull stuff out of." With that, he pulls a chair out of his trench coat, and sits down on it. After a few minutes, Scott stands up and offers his hand to The Hunter. "Forgive me; I don't believe we've been introduced. My name is Scott Osborne; I take it yours is Eric. Is there a last name to go with the first one? Or would you prefer me to call you something else?" ================================= Date: Mon, 27 Sep 1999 15:14:41 -0700 (PDT) Subject: RE: AAE VI: The Search for Fuzzy On Mon, 27 Sep 1999 16:25:55 -0500 (CDT) Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00007151 "Ship's medical log supplemental. "After the Borg attack on earth, we all returned to our duties, the Sevens returning to bed. By morning, we learned what the black cloud was. Mr. Seven had called it right, to all our horror. "Spreading through the earth's atmosphere was a nanotech virus released by the Borg. Apparently, it infects its human host, and lays dormant outside the body, until an uninfected person comes near, infecting them, or if the person is infected, the virus attempts to assimilate the host into whatever electronic devices are at hand. "One of the first cases, a woman in Sydney, Australia, was found by her husband after the virus had disassembled her home entertainment center and used the components to 'Borg her' as Ms. Seven refers to it. A holocamera captured the event, the woman was a dancer and intended to record her practice. "The machine seemed to rip itself apart, driving wires into her arm as she stood poised to select a song to play. Cables wrapped around her and she was drawn or forced to walk into the machinery. When the husband arrived home, his first instinct was to try and pull her out of her wire cocoon, but he was reported to say 'Something in her face was wrong, it looked like reaching out to me was some sort of automatic response. And I was afraid to try and remove her from that mess for fear of causing more damage.' A fortuitous bit of luck there. Had he attempted it, like another couple in Cape Town, South Africa, he would have been assimilated as well. "Fortunately, there seems to be a critical amount of material and virus needed to assimilate a victim. Unfortunately, the virus is difficult to purge from the system, it is much smaller than the normal Borg nanoprobe, and the one being purged, as well as the attending physician, tend to become assimilated by the medical equipment being used for the purging. "Authorities have recommended people on Earth leave their homes, keeping a small communications device with them but no other electronics, and 'camp out' until the electronics in their homes can be removed and destroyed. Naturally, getting live crews inside to do so is as likely to lead to the crews' assimilation as the former occupants, so remote piloting of machines via PADD is becoming something of an art in demand. "Also, it is allowing my holographic colleagues to show their medical and engineering prowess, we have been in communications with them for the past several days now. Mr. Seven has offered his services to help in the crisis, his past record with Starfleet as a designer, or 'techno-futurist' as he and Ms. Seven call him, some form of private joke between them, speaks for itself. "Humor aside, all estimates indicate Earth and its entire human population will be assimilated within one year. As more Borg are made, they are attempting to go out and assimilate others into their new collective. So far, phasers and other personal weapons are keeping them at bay, the Borg not pressing to assimilate an armed individual. But, in all likelihood, this is a temporary solution at best. As the Borg get access to more advanced equipment, they will be more inclined to force their will on the unassimilated populus and expand the collective. "At this point, we are unsure of how to stop them. The Sevens are more hopeful." Mike rubbed his eyes. He had just put in a 36 hour day and was feeling dead tired. Reaching out to tap a button on his computer, closing his file for the day, Mike sat back and stretched. "Computer, record message for multidimensional temporal transportation - and henceforth alias 'multidimensional temporal transportation' as 'speedy delivery', already tired of saying it the long way - record message for speedy delivery to the Callahanian Army of Light, care of Mike Callahan, Callahan's Place." The computer said dryly, "Confirmed. Begin message." "Okay... actually, pause message," Michael said, changing his mind, then calling, "Tink, you busy? I'm going to send a letter to the Place." A black square outlined in yellow, like one of the squares from a holodeck but about the size of an artist's portfolio, with a black handle on one side materialized via transporter beam centered on the chalk line. A hologram sprung up of Mister McFeelie from Mister Rogers' Neighborhood and announced, "Speedy delivery for the Callahanian Army of Light, care of Mike Callahan, Callahan's Place." Callahan replied, "I'm Mike Callahan," then gesturing toward Roland and Morgan's table, "And there's some of the Army now." The hologram nodded and turned to the assemblage. "I have a message from Michael Seven. Would you like delivery now or later?" When the message is asked for, the hologram fades to be replaced with Michael Seven, sans Borg hardware, barefoot, in grey slacks and banded collar black shirt. He's cut his hair since the CAoL last saw him, added a faint wrinkle or two, and grown a well-kept mustache and goatee. Tink stands in front of him, his hands resting on her shoulders. She's also without Borg enhancement, barefoot, wearing faded blue denim overalls and a pink t-shirt. She looks like she's been playing in dirt, the knees of her overalls are dirty as are the soles of her feet, but she's washed her face and hands for this. Her hair is held back in a pink plastic headband. Since the CAoL last saw her, she's grown at least a foot, possibly a foot and a half. Tink beams. Mike smiles brightly, but seems tired. "Hi guys," Mike says, "We're gonna be a bit busy here for a little while yet, so hopefully nothing will come up that needs our attention. We've got a bit of a medical emergency on an Earth who's orbit we've been calling home lately. It's a Star Trek universe and the Borg are making a nuisance of themselves again. I'm working with Starfleet to try and help cure a nanotech plague they released in the atmosphere." Tink pipes up, "It's like in Crusade, but it Borgs you if you get too close to the home entertainment center." "Well, something like that anyway," Mike adds with a smirk. "Speaking of Borg, the implants are gone as you can see, we're both well and unaffected by this latest assimilation attempt. Fortunately, Tink wasn't in school at the time the virus was released. Also fortunately, this universe has more advanced technology, especially nanotechnology, than Crusade's universe does. So, I think we should have a cure long before the year deadline. All in all, I think the Borg have just managed to strengthen the Federation. It's meant some inconveniences for Earth, but people are really pulling together to make this more of an extended vacation for everyone infected. Tink?" Tink grins, "Uhm, I'm in school like Grumpa said, the Stephen Hawking School for Gifted Children. The principal says I'll graduate with honors when I'm fifteen at this rate, but I'm not so sure, it's a really tough school. We're still having classes, 'remote learning' they call it... oh, and last week we beat Cambridge Prep in soccer. And all the kids in school think Grumpa is some sort of pirate who hoarded a shipload of Ferengi gold-pressed latinum." "I wish," Mike quips. Tink giggles, "Hope Uncle Roland and Aunt Morgan got back okay. Hi Roger, Zia, Aurora, Greatgramma Nemisis if she's there, and Uncle Dhyrclhanc, too, Nemo and Scott." Mike added, "Hope Stranger's keeping out of trouble, Xzerrion too, and Driss and Roscoe if they're in that when, Jim, John and Rhia, Legion and Mischief, also. We'll see everyone soon as we've wrapped things up here." Mike looked at Tink. "I know we're leaving people out." Tink nodded, "And we're almost out of recording ti-" The hologram flickered off. A half beat later, Mr. McFeelie was back. "Is there a message I can return in reply?" ================================= Date: Mon, 27 Sep 1999 17:05:10 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On Tue, 28 Sep 1999 00:07:52 -0700 Stranger Said As CAoL Message # 00007152 >On 09-26-1999 at 15:58:58 >Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007143 > >>*"Are you in need of assistance? I am Polaris. >>If you need assistance, I would be happy to >>either help, or summon some other for you."* >>answers a "voice" from nowhere. > >I'm Figureing that, > all three of these incidents, > happen at about the same time... Works for me. > >>On Sat, 25 Sep 1999 09:47:10 EDT >>Scott Osborne Said As CAoL Message # 00007135 >> >>"Hold on..." A head pops out of the wall. "Hello, Stranger. Need a >>lift?" "Erm, no, maybe a message relay though... hang on.." >Aside to Stranger and Scott, > "The Starspawn Coalition of Light has been very actively, > Examining The Matrix Cosm lately." "So it would seem." >She seems to sweat molten silver for a moment, > then the fluid flows a few feet away and Forms a Upright Frame. > Through which The Place is Visible... > She gestures towards the Frame, > >"For ease in summoning the Troops..." Stranger walks up to the frame, but does not step through. He does remove his broad brimmed hat though. It's obvious he hasn't had a haircut for some time, not has he shaved for a few days. The dust on his long, dark coat and combat boots also suggests someone who's seen too much Road lately. When he can get the attention of the assembled CAoL he explains what's happened. "Hi guys. I appear to have stumbled across what appears to be Fuzzy's staff. I was, well, lost in the Matrix Cosm. I was on some sort of huge starship, it had teleportals for doors and setting the dial to all zeroes landed me here" he indicates the plain with a sweep of his arm. "I've not touched the staff, it's got a Lens in it and Lenses tend kill anyone that touches them, apart from their owner of course. But this staff should not exist and the fact that it does suggests to me that there is hope for Lord Fuzzy." "Anyone got any bright ideas where we go from here?" ================================= Date: Mon, 27 Sep 1999 18:34:55 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On Mon, 27 Sep 1999 21:14:33 EDT Dane0R0A Said As CAoL Message # 00007153 Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007143 >From elsewhere in the Matrix Cosm, A Nemisis Split Replies >*Hello Stranger, I will have a split there in a moment* > >An X-Gate opens and a Nemisis Split in her Base-Form, > (AD&D type V Demoness, AKA Merilith) comes through. > Then the X-Gate Closes. > >"Hello Scott." > >"Greetings Polaris, > I assume you are of the Coalition of Light?" *"Yes. I follow Aurora. After Fuzzy "disappeared" she set several hundred lesser Starspawn to the task of finding him or whatever remained of him. When we found his staff a few days ago, and discovered that even a greater Starspawn couldn't move it, we informed her. I believe that she is informing Roland at this time. She Assigned me to watch over the staff, until such time as the CAoL arrives, or she relieves me." Polaris answers. >Aside to Stranger and Scott, > "The Starspawn Coalition of Light has been very actively, > Examining The Matrix Cosm lately." *"Indeed we have. When we discovered the staff, we began evaluating it and the Matrix Cosm that it seems to be attached to. Our initial analysis frankly scared the bejabers out of us. We were at the point of destroying it, if we could, when Oracle provided some missing information. Currently we are in a wait and see mode."* Polaris adds. "Aurora tells me that she thinks it unlikely that it will be necessary to destroy it. Me, I'm not so sure. Anything that can hold out one of the Ten, has the kind of power to be able to challenge The Stardragon itself." ================================= Date: Mon, 27 Sep 1999 20:35:10 -0700 (PDT) Subject: AAE VI: Coming in hot On Mon, 27 Sep 1999 20:14:01 -0700 (PDT) Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00007154 The girl screamed as Rob threw her out the window. But his aim was good, and the firefighters caught her. [Perfect. Now for my - aak!] As the floor collapsed under him, he flared his Ler, using it to absorb the impact of dropping one...two...three stories, to an area which was almost completely engulfed in flames. Composing himself, he focused on creating a wormhole, then jumped through. [Almost anyplace is better than a burning apartment building...] ************* Pleasant fall evenings on Long Island aren't rare, but they are worth appreciating. At the moment that the dimensional wormhole opened up, a Goodwench was sitting against a tree, finishing her God's Blessing. Energy crackled around the wormhole, and somebody wearing a burning jacket flew out. After rolling around on the dirt to put out the flames, he stood up, giving the Goodwench time to study the unexpected arrival, and to deal with the concept of "burning person arriving by dimension-jumping." [Chinese, or maybe Japanese parents, hasn't shaved in far too long, blue jeans, blue shirt with black stripes, and grey jeans jacket. Sort of cute, if you like that type,] she decided. "Hello. What's your name?" "Rob Nishikawa." "Can I help you with anything?" "Um. Yes. Where am I, when am I, and who was the first person to walk on the moon?" "New York state, USA, nineteen ninety-nine, Neil Armstrong," she replied. "Thank you. You're taking this very well. Most people run screaming when I arrive like that," Rob noted. "The on-fire part, or just the whole hole-in-the-air thing?" "Well...yes. Both." "I'm managing. But I think need a drink. Fortunately, we're right next to a bar." Looking at the parking lot, Rob paused. "I've seen only one bar with a parking system that anarchistic. Is this Callahan's Place?" "Yes. You've been here before?" "Uh-huh. The real question is why I'm back." As they entered the doors, he saw the answer. "The CAoL is here. And I'd guess that they just arrived a moment ago." Walking up to Roland, Rob smiled and put out his hand. "Hello again. I suppose it's too much to hope for that this is a friendly gathering for drinks?" ================================= Date: Mon, 27 Sep 1999 22:04:56 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On Mon, 27 Sep 1999 21:47:01 -0700 Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00007155 >On Mon, 27 Sep 1999 00:26:45 -0700 >Harlock Said As CAoL Message # 00007147 > >Once the set is complete, Harlock puts the twelve-string back in the >pouch at his belt and wanders over. Extending his hand to the Hunter, >he says "greetings, good sir. I am Harlock, late of Waterdeep, >Calimshan, and most points in between. 'Twould seem that we are the >newbies in this group." Eric accepts the hand easily. His grip is firm, but none of that bone-crunching testosterone poisoning crap. While Roland exudes power, the Hunter practically sweats confidence, at least in matters physical. "Hrm. Indeed. Eric Lancer." >He then turns to Roland. "You say, sir, that you are not questing >with us? Why..." he breaks off, leveling his gaze at Morgan. "Ah." A >slight grin starts tugging at the corners of his mouth, but he says >nothing further. "Ciamar a tha sibh?" Morgan smiles and extends her hand at an angle such that whether to shake it or kiss it is Harlock's call. "I'm almost sorry we _won't_ be along this time; it's been too long since I've had the pleasure of hearing another with the sound of the Ghaidhlig on their tongue." >On Mon, 27 Sep 1999 05:53:54 EDT >Scott Osborne Said As CAoL Message # 00007148 >After a few minutes, Scott stands up and offers his hand to The >Hunter. "Forgive me; I don't believe we've been introduced. My name >is Scott Osborne; I take it yours is Eric. Is there a last name to go >with the first one? Or would you prefer me to call you something >else?" "Lancer," Eric repeats. "And I've been called 'The Hunter,' though that's rather like calling someone 'The Blacksmith,' or 'The Carpenter,' or-" he smiles sourly at Roland. "'-The Psychokinetic.' Lancer will do." Roland replies with a wry grin that fights not to be a grimace. 8^) >On Mon, 27 Sep 1999 16:25:55 -0500 (CDT) >Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00007151 > A black square outlined in yellow, like one of the squares from a >holodeck but about the size of an artist's portfolio, with a black >handle on one side materialized via transporter beam centered on the >chalk line. > A hologram sprung up of Mister McFeelie from Mister Rogers' >Neighborhood and announced, "Speedy delivery for the Callahanian Army >of Light, care of Mike Callahan, Callahan's Place." > Callahan replied, "I'm Mike Callahan," then gesturing toward >Roland and Morgan's table, "And there's some of the Army now." The >hologram nodded and turned to the assemblage. > "I have a message from Michael Seven. Would you like delivery now >or later?" Roland smiles. "Now, please." > "Hi guys," Mike says, "We're gonna be a bit busy here for a >little while yet, so hopefully nothing will come up that needs our >attention. Roland groans. "Timing." Then his face turns suspicious. "A rather disturbing coincidence, that." Morgan's own expression echoes his concern. "I don't trust coincidence much, any more." Lancer snorts. "You would know, Phoenix. You've been fighting magi even longer than I ha-" Roland clears his throat, trying not to look embarrassed and actually half-succeeding. Morgan also clears her throat, looking in every direction but Eric, but whether trying to fight annoyance or laughter is anyone's guess. "Erm. Haven't gone _that_ route in a long time, Hunter." Eric blinks at Roland briefly. "Well, sure. That's why you quit the Order, isn't it? Too smart to just be a walking gun." Roland nods in relief, whispering, "Fast save, Eric. Thanks." Eric just blinks, as if oblivious to the nuances of what just happened - unless you happen to catch a glimpse of dark humor from beneath his sunglasses as he sips a God's Blessing... > Tink giggles, "Hope Uncle Roland and Aunt Morgan got back >okay. Hi Roger, Zia, Aurora, Greatgramma Nemisis if she's there, and >Uncle Dhyrclhanc, too, Nemo and Scott." > Mike added, "Hope Stranger's keeping out of trouble, Xzerrion >too, and Driss and Roscoe if they're in that when, Jim, John and >Rhia, Legion and Mischief, also. We'll see everyone soon as we've >wrapped things up here." > Mike looked at Tink. "I know we're leaving people out." > Tink nodded, "And we're almost out of recording ti-" > The hologram flickered off. A half beat later, Mr. McFeelie was >back. "Is there a message I can return in reply?" Roland sighs. "Yes. Tell him that evidence of Fuzzy's possible continued existence has cropped up, and the CAoL will be exploring further possibilities in recovering him." He looks around. "Anyone else?" "Yes," Morgan says lightly. "If you would, Mr. McFeeley, we'll be making an announcement soon, and we'd like Mike and Tink to hear it as well." (Insert other comments for Mr.McF here) >On Tue, 28 Sep 1999 00:07:52 -0700 >Stranger Said As CAoL Message # 00007152 >"Hi guys. I appear to have stumbled across what appears to be Fuzzy's >staff. I was, well, lost in the Matrix Cosm. I was on some sort of >huge starship, it had teleportals for doors and setting the dial to >all zeroes landed me here" he indicates the plain with a sweep of his >arm. "I've not touched the staff, it's got a Lens in it and Lenses >tend kill anyone that touches them, apart from their owner of course. >But this staff should not exist and the fact that it does suggests to >me that there is hope for Lord Fuzzy." > >"Anyone got any bright ideas where we go from here?" "No," Roland replies dryly, "but since it's a ship - a ship that makes the Death Star look like a pebble, sure, but a ship all the same-" that gets an eye pop from Eric, much to Roland's obvious satisfaction- "so my guess is that we can use the ship itself as a starting point. No doubt the Staff has resonance of Fuzzy himself, so if nothing else that'll do." Roland looks up. "That reminds me." A cigar box familiar to the CAoL floats over to him, and opens. Within are _two_ mini-lenses. Roland chuckles. "Heh. Coincidence cuts both ways, doesn't it?" He replaces his own (much to the CAoL's relief, I'd wager) then floats the other to a highly dubious Eric. "Wait a minute. Didn't what's-his-name just say-" Eric begins. "Except for its owner, Eric," Roland replies. "This one's yours." Cautiously, Eric taps it quickly and lightly with one finger. After doing so without ill effect, he takes it carefully. "So...what is this thing? Some sort of communicator, like out of a Star-Trek-meets-Paranoia?" Roland chuckles. "Something like that. They're mini-lenses, based on the Lenses from E.E. 'Doc' Smith's legendary 'Lensman' series. The real things make the wielder telepathic; these 'just' provide a telepathic network for members of the CAoL. Eric relaxes. "Efficient. Convenient. This might not be so bad after all." Roland thinks for a moment, then decides to wait before telling Eric that the entire 'official' command structure is going to be absent... 8^) >On Mon, 27 Sep 1999 20:14:01 -0700 (PDT) >Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00007154 > >As they entered the doors, he saw the answer. "The CAoL is here. And >I'd guess that they just arrived a moment ago." > >Walking up to Roland, Rob smiled and put out his hand. "Hello again. >I suppose it's too much to hope for that this is a friendly gathering >for drinks?" As Rob enters, Eric notes him casually, as he seems to do with everyone and everything around him. Only with Rob, he does a double-take, then turns back to his God's Blessing. Then he takes _another_ look, his eyes narrow, and he leaps out of his chair, taking a martial stance that looks bizarre to true experts in the arts - some weird cross between a Kung Fu dragon stance and a Hsing-I meditation position - then does yet another double take, flows smoothly out of the stance, and sits back in his chair, all before Rob reaches the table (unless he hurries). Roland watches the quadruple-take mildly, then accepts Rob's hand. "I'm afraid not, though for once it's for good news. I don't believe you ever had the chance to meet him, but one of our long-standing members, believed lost in the great battle on Epsilon 3, may be alive. The CAoL has gathered to search for him, starting with our first lead." He gestures to the gate. To Eric, on a private tepe band, he adds, ^I don't suppose you'll tell me what _that_ was about?^ ^Your...friend, there,^ Eric replies crossly. ^He's a Ler Drit master. I think. That style shouldn't exist, and if it does, it should have corrupt energies to Hell and gone, literally. Celestines and Spirit-gates, I can handle, but a decent _Ler_Drit_ fighter? That's just plain bizarre.^ ^Welcome to the CAoL,^ Roland replies with a laugh. ^Do you get the impression that your friend is starting to feel like Alice?^ Morgan sends on _their_ private link with a chuckle. ^Yeah, I think he's getting that 'through the looking glass' expression,^ Roland replies with good humor. ^You're an evil man, Roland,^ Morgan sends with a smile. ================================= Date: Mon, 27 Sep 1999 23:30:33 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On Tue, 28 Sep 1999 01:24:26 -0500 (CDT) Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00007156 >On Mon, 27 Sep 1999 21:47:01 -0700 >Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00007155 >>On Mon, 27 Sep 1999 16:25:55 -0500 (CDT) >>Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00007151 >> The hologram flickered off. A half beat later, Mr. McFeelie was >>back. "Is there a message I can return in reply?" > > Roland sighs. "Yes. Tell him that evidence of Fuzzy's possible >continued existence has cropped up, and the CAoL will be exploring >further possibilities in recovering him." He looks around. "Anyone >else?" > >"Yes," Morgan says lightly. "If you would, Mr. McFeeley, we'll be >making an announcement soon, and we'd like Mike and Tink to hear it >as well." "Gladly, Miss." Mister McFeeley replies with a tip of his cap and awaits any other messages. ================================= Date: Tue, 28 Sep 1999 01:12:01 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On Tue, 28 Sep 1999 00:26:59 -0700 (PDT) The Lone One Said As CAoL Message # 00007157 >On Mon, 27 Sep 1999 21:47:01 -0700 >Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00007155 > > "Lancer," Eric repeats. "And I've been called 'The Hunter,' though >that's rather like calling someone 'The Blacksmith,' or 'The >Carpenter,' or-" he smiles sourly at Roland. "'-The Psychokinetic.' >Lancer will do." Roland replies with a wry grin that fights not to be >a grimace. 8^) The Mandy who had been listening to Martin and Harlock's discussion wanders over, still wearing her red on black 'Sith Naked' T-shirt...which is a pretty good indicator that this isn't the CAoL's usual Mandy. Midway over, though, the T-shirt lettering swims, reforming to display a pair of red-silhouetted batwings behind a gothic 'Raver'. The only other difference is Oracle's silver bracelet on one wrist. This Mandy offers the CAoL a slightly haunted smile. "Been a while." "That it has," Raver comments, shadowdancing into existence just behind and to one side of Mandy. The armored demon nods gravely at Roland and Morgan, sheathing her sword in katana space. "Well met." Mandy takes a seat at the table while Raver remains standing. They eye the newcomer, unconsicously speaking as one, "Greetings. I/we are Mandy and Raver." Then Mandy breaks off, and shakes her head a bit ruefully. "I'm afraid being this close to each other makes it a bit hard to sort out what belongs to whom." At Roland's look, she hastily adds, "Ah, what I meant is that we've been separated across worlds for months, so the bond wasn't as strong then..." > Eric relaxes. "Efficient. Convenient. This might not be so bad >after all." > Roland thinks for a moment, then decides to wait before telling >Eric that the entire 'official' command structure is going to be >absent... 8^) Identical glints of humor appear in the Two's eyes, but they remain silent. ================================= Date: Tue, 28 Sep 1999 01:12:16 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On Tue, 28 Sep 1999 00:34:04 -0700 Harlock - Bard Extraordinaire Said As CAoL Message # 00007158 >On Mon, 27 Sep 1999 21:47:01 -0700 >Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00007155 > > Eric accepts [Harlock's] hand easily. His grip is firm, but none >of that bone-crunching testosterone poisoning crap. While Roland >exudes power, the Hunter practically sweats confidence, at least in >matters physical. "Hrm. Indeed. Eric Lancer." Harlock's grip is also firm, and Eric feels the potential for literally bone-crunching power if it weren't monitored closely. >"Ciamar a tha sibh?" you?"> Morgan smiles and extends her hand at an angle such that >whether to shake it or kiss it is Harlock's call. "I'm almost sorry >we _won't_ be along this time; it's been too long since I've had the >pleasure of hearing another with the sound of the Ghaidhlig on their >tongue." Harlock cocks his head to one side. "I beg your pardon, milady? Most of that I understood, but there were words that I wot naught of. Are these words of this era's common tongue that I have not encountered yet, or words of another culture entire?" (After return comment) He bends over Morgan's hand and kisses the back lightly. > "No," Roland replies dryly, "but since it's a ship - a ship that >makes the Death Star look like a pebble, sure, but a ship all the >same-" that gets an eye pop from Eric, much to Roland's obvious >satisfaction- "so my guess is that we can use the ship itself as a >starting point. No doubt the Staff has resonance of Fuzzy himself, so >if nothing else that'll do." Harlock doesn't bat an eye at the description of the ship's size, but then, he hasn't been in this continuum long enough to be exposed to the "Star Wars" trilogy. He pipes up, "I am no mean hand with computers, thanks to my time with the TSM. If you can find me a terminal, methinks I can get it to display the ship's schematics." Efficient information retrieval...what could be dearer to an Oghmanyte's heart? ================================= Date: Tue, 28 Sep 1999 01:14:47 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On Tue, 28 Sep 1999 04:12:00 EDT Scott Osborne Said As CAoL Message # 00007159 Roland wrote: >>On Mon, 27 Sep 1999 05:53:54 EDT >>Scott Osborne Said As CAoL Message # 00007148 >> >>After a few minutes, Scott stands up and offers his hand to The >>Hunter. "Forgive me; I don't believe we've been introduced. My name >>is Scott Osborne; I take it yours is Eric. Is there a last name to >>go with the first one? Or would you prefer me to call you something >>else?" > > "Lancer," Eric repeats. "And I've been called 'The Hunter,' though >that's rather like calling someone 'The Blacksmith,' or 'The >Carpenter,' or-" he smiles sourly at Roland. "'-The Psychokinetic.' >Lancer will do." Roland replies with a wry grin that fights not to be >a grimace. 8^) "I once knew a guy who went by 'The Architect', but that's a rather longish story. Well, Lancer, how well _Traveled_ are you, if you don't mind me asking?" By "Traveled", his tone of voice makes it appearant he means travel beyond Earth-9. ================================= Date: Tue, 28 Sep 1999 04:41:09 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On 09-28-1999 at 04:38:38 Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007160 >On Tue, 28 Sep 1999 01:24:26 -0500 (CDT) >Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00007156 > >>On Mon, 27 Sep 1999 21:47:01 -0700 >>Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00007155 >> >>>On Mon, 27 Sep 1999 16:25:55 -0500 (CDT) >>>Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00007151 Nemisis Arrived rather abruptly, when the First mention of a Nanotech Plague was made, She is currently in her base form. >>> The hologram flickered off. A half beat later, Mr. McFeelie >>>was back. "Is there a message I can return in reply?" >> >> Roland sighs. "Yes. Tell him that evidence of Fuzzy's possible >>continued existence has cropped up, and the CAoL will be exploring >>further possibilities in recovering him." He looks around. "Anyone >>else?" >> >>"Yes," Morgan says lightly. "If you would, Mr. McFeeley, we'll be >>making an announcement soon, and we'd like Mike and Tink to hear it >>as well." > >"Gladly, Miss." Mister McFeeley replies with a tip of his cap and >awaits any other messages. "In regards the The Federation's Current Problem, Remind Mr. Seven that should all else fail, he should call on Me, Not less than 7 days before the End, The Hazard is Collateral Damage to Tissues, During the Sub-Cellular Battles, Between my Components and the New Borg Nanites... I estimate 20% Fatalities if he waits until the last Month, Rising 1% per day until the Last Week, And Even faster from that point on." ================================= Date: Tue, 28 Sep 1999 04:44:16 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On Tue, 28 Sep 1999 07:16:38 -0400 Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00007161 >On Tue, 28 Sep 1999 01:24:26 -0500 (CDT) >Mike Knight Said As CAoL Message # 00007156 > >"Gladly, Miss." Mister McFeeley replies with a tip of his cap and >awaits any other messages. The petite brunette breaks away from Roger's reprise of 'Singin' in the Rain' with a relieved look that she has reason to do so. She joins the others near Roland and Morgan's table, fitting right in with the rest of the folx in black. As she takes a chair to give Mister McFeeley her own reply to Mike and Tink, the material of her Chinese-style tabard dress and leggings flows in such a manner that most of those present (with perhaps, the exception of Harlock for reasons of genre) will discern it's made from sort of body armor material. "Hi Mike, Tink! Great lookin' toes, by the way." She notes, with an appreciative smirk and wink. "Nice to here you smeared the Prepies, Tink - I can't think of anyone who deserves it more. Hey, once the shooting is over, could you let me know when you play next? It sounds like it'd be great to watch, and I'm partial to soccer anyway." "That virus is nasty." She shakes her head, "I always knew mugging for the camera was dangerous. It is my main profession, after all. But when even the camera ITSELF is out to get you - it's enough to give even a veteran trouper pause. Heinuous. If you need to cook up an anti-viral agent and need some probabilities slanted your way, let me know." Zia doesn't seem to really think they'll need her, however, to offer is polite. "Take care, you two." She ends with a nod to Mr. McFeeley. Catching Stranger as he steps to the other side of the 'silver doorway', she raises an eyebrow. "Frankly, I've never understood Fuzzy very well. I'm not sure it's possible that I should, but it would be nice to rescue him." Then a thought occurs to her, "Have we met?" She asks the Stranger. "You look a tad familiar, and you're obviously a member of the CAoL, but I can't remember. Call me Ziactrice." She offers a hand for a shake, then thinks twice about doing so through a gate. "Uhm, maybe we can shake later. I lost a hand to something like that before; I'm sure this one wouldn't collapse but..." ================================= Date: Tue, 28 Sep 1999 05:34:52 -0700 (PDT) Subject: AAE VI: Stepping into the Place On Tue, 28 Sep 1999 08:26:09 -0400 Caprice Said As CAoL Message # 00007162 It's one of her typical teleports, meaning that Legion and her companion's teleports don't register as such. Just one minute they aren't there, and the next minute they are. "They" in this case is Legion, currently 5' 8", blonde hair and grey eyed in her current incarnation, and two companions. Legion is wearing a long grey skirt that narrowly avoids brushing the ground, and an ivory long skinned, high necked blouse that is a modern interpretation of a Victorian style. The first companion is a small grey kitten, currently wearing a ivory crocheted collar that makes her look too cute for words. Spreading a pair of grey butterfly wings, she flutters up to the table where Roland & Co are sitting. Tucking her paws and wings in neatly, and giving Morgan her best big-cute-eyes look she mews softly, before adding *can i have some milkshake? pretty please?* Mischief tops the whole thing off with the one-paw-batting-at-air move that can look so adorable. And does. This might or might not be enough to distract attention from Legion's other companion. Wearing a tailored grey suit and ivory shirt that pays homage to Victorian style, without slavishly immitating it, the tall, dark haired form of Dr. Nathaniel Essex, Esq. walks along side Legion. The pair seems to be arguing in good-natured tones, though stopping before reaching the table. "Roland. Morgan." Legion's smile is warm, and she nods to the newccomers politely. Essex doesn't say a word, simply pulls out the chair for Legion, allowing her to sit gracefully. After pushing the chair in for her, he allows his hands to rest lightly on the back of it. [OOC: Pausing here for either Lancer's reaction, or Roland's 'What the nass is he doing here' remark. ;) Or any other poses, for that matter.] -- *This indicates telepathy to the link and anyone else that might hear telepathy.* =This indicates Feline.= /This indicates telepathy to the CAoL link only./ [This indicates thought to herself alone.] ^This indicates a link to only the specified person(s).^ ================================= Date: Tue, 28 Sep 1999 08:35:14 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: Stepping into the Place On Tue, 28 Sep 1999 11:10:49 EDT Scott Osborne Said As CAoL Message # 00007163 >On Tue, 28 Sep 1999 08:26:09 -0400 >Caprice Said As CAoL Message # 00007162 > >"Roland. Morgan." Legion's smile is warm, and she nods to the >newccomers politely. Essex doesn't say a word, simply pulls out the >chair for Legion, allowing her to sit gracefully. After pushing the >chair in for her, he allows his hands to rest lightly on the back of >it. (Assuming this is after The Hunter has been fully introduced.) Scott walks up to Mischief, scratches the kitten's head, and, after a a few minutes of this, asks, "Would you like to try some caviar- er, fish eggs?" ================================= Date: Tue, 28 Sep 1999 08:35:19 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On Tue, 28 Sep 1999 08:27:00 -0700 (PDT) Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00007164 >On Mon, 27 Sep 1999 21:47:01 -0700 >Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00007155 > > As Rob enters, Eric notes him casually, as he seems to do with >everyone and everything around him. Only with Rob, he does a >double-take, then turns back to his God's Blessing. Then he takes >_another_ look, his eyes narrow, and he leaps out of his chair, >taking a martial stance that looks bizarre to true experts in the >arts - some weird cross between a Kung Fu dragon stance and a Hsing-I >meditation position - then does yet another double take, flows >smoothly out of the stance, and sits back in his chair, all before >Rob reaches the table (unless he hurries). As far as anybody can tell, Rob is busy chatting with the Goodwench he arrived with through this whole scene - but as he passes Eric, he stops, forms a fist with his right hand, places it against the palm of his left hand, and bows. Deeply. As he straightens, he says something which sounds like Chinese, but isn't. OOC: Approximate translation would be, "Greetings, Master-of-combat-arts. I pray I do not offend you with my lack of balance and focus." Eric should get it, based on what I've picked up from reading between the lines about him. > Roland watches the quadruple-take mildly, then accepts Rob's >hand. "I'm afraid not, though for once it's for good news. I don't >beleve you ever had the chance to meet him, but one of our >long-standing members, believed lost in the great battle on Epsilon >3, may be alive. The CAoL has gathered to search for him, starting >with our first lead." He gestures to the gate. To Eric, on a private >tepe band, he adds, ^I don't suppose you'll tell me what _that_ was >about?^ "One of your long-standing members is _lost_?" Rob blurts. "Let me know when you're ready to give me the explanation." > ^Your...friend, there,^ Eric replies crossly. ^He's a Ler Drit >master. I think. That style shouldn't exist, and if it does, it >should have corrupt energies to Hell and gone, literally. Celestines >and Spirit-gates, I can handle, but a decent _Ler_Drit_ fighter? >That's just plain bizarre.^ > ^Welcome to the CAoL,^ Roland replies with a laugh. Being unaware of this, Rob orders a cherry Coke for himself and a God's Blessing for the Goodwench he surprised outside. Then, he sits down, and pulls a singed comic book out of his jacket. Anybody who bothers to look will realize that it's a trade paperback titled, "Army of Light: War in Arcadia." It's a surprisingly accurate account. ================================= Date: Tue, 28 Sep 1999 09:32:41 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On Tue, 28 Sep 1999 11:16:58 -0400, In alt.callahans "Mark Peters" Said As CAoL Message #00007165 A skinny, old man looks up from a table in the back as he listens to the talk that surrounds him. Slowly he rises, stretching to his full 7 feet height. He looks around, his one good eye blazing a deep blue, as he flings a bag over his shoulder. Slowly he makes his way up to Roland. "You seem to be the leader of this exchange good sir, and ah was wonderin if'n you could use an extra set of hands? It's been years since ole oneeye has had some fun...." Tech Tonic Money is the root of all evil. Let's get back to our roots. ================================= Date: Tue, 28 Sep 1999 13:00:00 -0700 (PDT) Subject: AAE VI: Stepping into the Place On 09-28-1999 at 12:57:32 Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007167 >On Tue, 28 Sep 1999 08:26:09 -0400 >Caprice Said As CAoL Message # 00007162 > > "Roland. Morgan." Legion's smile is warm, and she nods to the >newccomers politely. Essex doesn't say a word, simply pulls out the >chair for Legion, allowing her to sit gracefully. After pushing the >chair in for her, he allows his hands to rest lightly on the back of >it. "Dr. Essex, Greetings, I hope this will be a more pleasant encounter... Given that This is Callahans Place, It seems there should be Good reason for your arrival, Even if we do not know what that reason is yet." ================================= Date: Tue, 28 Sep 1999 13:03:02 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On Tue, 28 Sep 1999 20:36:26 -0700 Stranger Said As CAoL Message # 00007168 >On Tue, 28 Sep 1999 07:16:38 -0400 >Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00007161 >Catching Stranger as he steps to the other side of the 'silver >doorway', she raises an eyebrow. "Frankly, I've never understood >Fuzzy very well. I'm not sure it's possible that I should, but it >would be nice to rescue him." "I'm sure he would agree." >Then a thought occurs to her, "Have we met?" She asks the Stranger. >"You look a tad familiar, and you're obviously a member of the CAoL, >but I can't remember. Call me Ziactrice." "Hello Ziactrice, nice to meet you. I believe we met briefly before. Was it Greyworld?" He tips his head on one side, as if remembering something. "You do look familiar though." >She offers a hand for a shake, then thinks twice about doing so >through a gate. "Uhm, maybe we can shake later. I lost a hand to >something like that before; I'm sure this one wouldn't collapse >but..." "Quite. You, er, couldn't pass me some peanuts from the bar could you, It's been a few days since I ate properly and my salt levels a little low. I'd do it myself but having found this..." he indicaates the staff with hs thumb "...I'm loathe to leave it." ================================= Date: Tue, 28 Sep 1999 17:04:59 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On Tue, 28 Sep 1999 19:39:43 -0400 Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00007169 >On Tue, 28 Sep 1999 20:36:26 -0700 >Stranger Said As CAoL Message # 00007168 > >"Hello Ziactrice, nice to meet you. I believe we met briefly before. >Was it Greyworld?" "More than likely that was it. That was a hectic number of days, and I was distracted." She says, almost apologetic. >He tips his head on one side, as if remembering something. > >"You do look familiar though." Zia gives him a mildy inquiring expression with one of her eyebrows raising slightly, but drops it when he doesn't continue. >"Quite. You, er, couldn't pass me some peanuts from the bar could >you, It's been a few days since I ate properly and my salt levels a >little low. I'd do it myself but having found this..." he indicaates >the staff with hs thumb "...I'm loathe to leave it." She gets up and scoops a hefty helping of peanuts from the bar, lays the dollar next to the drink Mike had ready for the Stranger without prompting, and carries both over to the gate again to pass both through. She doesn't seem overly nervous about passing her arms through the gate, but she doesn't tarry like that, either. "I can also just walk through and then magic us up a decent meal. If magic works there, that is. If not, throw through something small that you've worn some period of time, and I'll come the slightly longer route with - " A grin flashes on Zia's face and then settles, " - some 'real' food." ================================= Date: Tue, 28 Sep 1999 17:54:20 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On 09-28-1999 at 17:51:55 Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007170 > On Tue, 28 Sep 1999 19:39:43 -0400 > Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00007169 > >"I can also just walk through and then magic us up a decent meal. If >magic works there, that is. If not, throw through something small >that you've worn some period of time, and I'll come the slightly >longer route with - " A grin flashes on Zia's face and then settles, >" - some 'real' food." "My Split's Senses indicate that, Magic should work Very well there, In fact if your magic relates Directly to the local Mana Field, You may want to use some caution." Nemisis turns to address Roland "The context of one of your comments, Indicates a possible mis-apprehension, The Object that the Staff is Attached to is Not the Ship, Out of Current line of sight through the gateway from here, There is an Open Hatch hanging just off the Surface." ================================= Date: Tue, 28 Sep 1999 20:35:25 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On Tue, 28 Sep 1999 20:21:51 -0700 Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00007171 >On Tue, 28 Sep 1999 00:26:59 -0700 (PDT) >The Lone One Said As CAoL Message # 00007157 > > Mandy takes a seat at the table while Raver remains standing. >They eye the newcomer, unconsicously speaking as one, "Greetings. >I/we are Mandy and Raver." Eric stiffens, but nods politely to them, and winces as she/they notice his sunglasses brighten ever so slightly. He relaxes a moment later. > Then Mandy breaks off, and shakes her head a bit ruefully. "I'm >afraid being this close to each other makes it a bit hard to sort out >what belongs to whom." At Roland's look, she hastily adds, "Ah, what >I meant is that we've been separated across worlds for months, so the >bond wasn't as strong then..." _Roland_ relaxes a moment later. "If you two are having any trouble, feel free to ask...Seeker, my old mentor, is...available." >On Tue, 28 Sep 1999 00:34:04 -0700 >Harlock Said As CAoL Message # 00007158 > >magical...if anybody has the ability to check, chances are they'll >start squinting when they look at Harlock> >>"Ciamar a tha sibh?" >you?"> Morgan smiles and extends her hand at an angle such that >>whether to shake it or kiss it is Harlock's call. "I'm almost sorry >>we _won't_ be along this time; it's been too long since I've had the >>pleasure of hearing another with the sound of the Ghaidhlig on their >>tongue." > >Harlock cocks his head to one side. "I beg your pardon, milady? Most >of that I understood, but there were words that I wot naught of. Are >these words of this era's common tongue that I have not encountered >yet, or words of another culture entire?" (After return comment) He >bends over Morgan's hand and kisses the back lightly. Morgan smiles. "My apologies, m'lord bard. I seem to have misinterpreted your accent. 'Ciamar a tha sibh?' is the polite form of 'How are you?' in Gaelic, my milk-tongue. A language that's come far too close to dying these past centuries, but happily is finding a new life." >Harlock doesn't bat an eye at the description of the ship's size, but >then, he hasn't been in this continuum long enough to be exposed to >the "Star Wars" trilogy. He pipes up, "I am no mean hand with >computers, thanks to my time with the TSM. If you can find me a >terminal, methinks I can get it to display the ship's schematics." >Efficient information retrieval...what could be dearer to an >Oghmanyte's heart? "I imagine they could point you in the right direction," Roland notes, tone still dry, pointing a thumb at the gate. >On Tue, 28 Sep 1999 04:12:00 EDT >Scott Osborne Said As CAoL Message # 00007159 > >"I once knew a guy who went by 'The Architect', but that's a rather >longish story. Well, Lancer, how well _Traveled_ are you, if you >don't mind me asking?" By "Traveled", his tone of voice makes it >appearant he means travel beyond Earth-9. "Depends on how you mean," the Hunter replies slowly. "And they usually are. I've been around, on Earth, and visited a few Realms/Mantles. One was owned outright by the Shadoloo, another was some bizarre cyber-nightmare, and a third...well, they _claimed_ that it's Hy-Brasil, but I doubt it." >On Tue, 28 Sep 1999 07:16:38 -0400 >Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00007161 > >Catching Stranger as he steps to the other side of the 'silver >doorway', she raises an eyebrow. "Frankly, I've never understood >Fuzzy very well. I'm not sure it's possible that I should, but it >would be nice to rescue him." Then a thought occurs to her, "Have we >met?" She asks the Stranger. "You look a tad familiar, and you're >obviously a member of the CAoL, but I can't remember. Call me >Ziactrice." She offers a hand for a shake, then thinks twice about >doing so through a gate. "Uhm, maybe we can shake later. I lost a >hand to something like that before; I'm sure this one wouldn't >collapse but..." Lancer raises an eyebrow at the well-armored lady. "'The actress?' Perhaps I should apologize for my earlier comments." His mouth quirks, as if undecided on a smile. Roland blinks. /Zia, I do believe you've impressed him. I'm not sure anything short of a Celestine has done that since he took out Ventru-ah, in several years./ >On Tue, 28 Sep 1999 08:26:09 -0400 >Caprice Said As CAoL Message # 00007162 > > It's one of her typical teleports, meaning that Legion and her >companion's teleports don't register as such. Just one minute they >aren't there, and the next minute they are. "They" in this case is >Legion, currently 5' 8", blonde hair and grey eyed in her current >incarnation, and two companions. Legion is wearing a long grey skirt >that narrowly avoids brushing the ground, and an ivory long skinned, >high necked blouse that is a modern interpretation of a Victorian >style. The first companion is a small grey kitten, currently wearing >a ivory crocheted collar that makes her look too cute for words. >Spreading a pair of grey butterfly wings, she flutters up to the >table where Roland & Co are sitting. Tucking her paws and wings in >neatly, and giving Morgan her best big-cute-eyes look she mews >softly, before adding *can i have some milkshake? pretty please?* >Mischief tops the whole thing off with the one-paw-batting-at-air >move that can look so adorable. And does. *Hello, Little One,* Morgan smiles at the adorable kitten. She floats a small bowl over from the bar, and pours some of her vanilla shake into it. *Not too much, though,* she says in maternal mock-seriousness, *We don't want you getting an ache in that cute little tummy.* > This might or might not be enough to distract attention from >Legion's other companion. Wearing a tailored grey suit and ivory >shirt that pays homage to Victorian style, without slavishly >immitating it, the tall, dark haired form of Dr. Nathaniel Essex, >Esq. walks along side Legion. The pair seems to be arguing in >good-natured tones, though stopping before reaching the table. Roland's eyes lock onto 'Essex' like a German Shepherd's on a wolf. Lancer quirks an eyebrow. "Friend of yours?" he whispers. Morgan manages to suppress a chuckle. Barely. > "Roland. Morgan." Legion's smile is warm, and she nods to the >newccomers politely. Essex doesn't say a word, simply pulls out the >chair for Legion, allowing her to sit gracefully. After pushing the >chair in for her, he allows his hands to rest lightly on the back of >it. > >[OOC: Pausing here for either Lancer's reaction, or Roland's 'What >the nass is he doing here' remark. ;) Or any other poses, for that >matter.] Roland manages to wipe the first look off his face and manage a genuinely sincere smile for Legion in turn. And while Roland's rage can be felt through the link, so can one other thing: if Dr. Destroyer, Cthulhu, and Set walked into the Place together, he'd give them a chance to speak their peace. Lancer, unfamiliar with any of them, looks from the kitten to the couple. "Now _that_ is one lucky gentleman," he says, still quiet. His voice carries a fair amount all the same, with a deep voice to rival Samuel L. Jackson; James Earl Jones is only an annoyance away. Roland snorts, and adds over the link, excluding Legion out of politeness, /Sinister is no kind of gentleman. He'd better treat the lady in question right, though, or by the Light I swear.../ Lancer actually chuckles. /What, are you her brother? Her _older_ brother? That blonde like that doesn't come out of _any_ bottle aside, you weren't that poised when we stormed Wallach, and I've never seen you cooler./ Roland manages to look calm. Barely. >On Tue, 28 Sep 1999 08:27:00 -0700 (PDT) >Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00007164 > >As far as anybody can tell, Rob is busy chatting with the Goodwench >he arrived with through this whole scene - but as he passes Eric, he >stops, forms a fist with his right hand, places it against the palm >of his left hand, and bows. Deeply. As he straightens, he says >something which sounds like Chinese, but isn't. > >OOC: Approximate translation would be, "Greetings, >Master-of-combat-arts. I pray I do not offend you with my lack of >balance and focus." Eric should get it, based on what I've picked up >from reading between the lines about him. "I am not offended," Eric replies, finally, after a long pause, in the same language (if he understood it; otherwise, he just blinks). "You can hardly lack focus to master...what I believe you have mastered. It is I who should offer apology for my unworthy reaction." >"One of your long-standing members is _lost_?" Rob blurts. "Let me >know when you're ready to give me the explanation." "We thought he was dead," Roland replies simply, with a shrug, "and it's entirely possible he was." After another long pause, Lancer looking back and forth from Rob to Roland, perhaps unsure which to be more confused by, he apparently settles on talking to Rob. "May I ask about your sty-" and stops, turning in his seat with a mild gaze at Fast Eddie. "Is that a sap?" he asks, drier than the martinis. He shakes his head. "Another pun. Gaia help me." "One of the Rules of the Place," Morgan explains gently, "is No Prying. People who come here usually open up of their own accord, but anyone who asks overly personal questions gets a love tap from Eddie over there, and is then escorted outside to reconsider their manners." Lancer looks from Rob, to Roland (who was about to launch into the same explanation, but just smiled and let his hunny take over), to Eddie, to Essex, and back to Morgan. "Let me get this straight. A guy that Mr. Freelance-" he gestures at Roland- "wants to strangle can come in here if he minds his manners, but snoopiness gets you laid out?" In unison, Roland and Morgan (and probably any Callahanian in earshot :-) go, "Mm-hmm." He smiles. "I'm beginning to see the appeal of this place." "Just askin' 'bout askin', tho, dat's ok," Eddie rasps as he continues to play. Lancer nods. "Then as I was saying, may I ask about your style?" (OOC: If the answer is yes, he continues:) "How, in the name of Quan Yin and the Five Directions, did you manage to safely harness Ler Drit?!" (OOC: If no, then he just nods and respects Rob's privacy. That part of a Callahanian seems innate to him...) >On 09-28-1999 at 17:51:55 >Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007170 > >Nemisis turns to address Roland > >"The context of one of your comments, > Indicates a possible mis-apprehension, > The Object that the Staff is Attached to is Not the Ship, > Out of Current line of sight through the gateway from here, > There is an Open Hatch hanging just off the Surface." Roland blinks. "Maybe it's just as well that I'm not coming along. I'm already confused...is what we're looking at a ship or a planet? Did Stranger walk through another gateway?" (OOC: Once that's cleared up...TBC 8^) ================================= Date: Tue, 28 Sep 1999 20:38:58 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On Tue, 28 Sep 1999 20:38:45 -0700 (PDT) Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00007172 >On Tue, 28 Sep 1999 07:16:38 -0400 >Zia Said As CAoL Message # 00007161 > >"That virus is nasty." She shakes her head, "I always knew mugging >for the camera was dangerous. It is my main profession, after all. >But when even the camera ITSELF is out to get you - it's enough to >give even a veteran trouper pause. Heinuous. If you need to cook up >an anti-viral agent and need some probabilities slanted your way, let >me know." Zia doesn't seem to really think they'll need her, however, >to offer is polite. "Take care, you two." She ends with a nod to Mr. >McFeeley. "Sounds more like a mugging _by_ the camera than mugging for the camera," Rob notes, before turning his attention back to his comic book. ================================= Date: Tue, 28 Sep 1999 21:05:40 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On 09-28-1999 at 21:02:57 Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007173 >On Tue, 28 Sep 1999 20:21:51 -0700 >Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00007171 >>On 09-28-1999 at 17:51:55 >>Nemisis Said As CAoL Message # 00007170 >> >>Nemisis turns to address Roland >> >>"The context of one of your comments, >> Indicates a possible mis-apprehension, >> The Object that the Staff is Attached to is Not the Ship, >> Out of Current line of sight through the gateway from here, >> There is an Open Hatch hanging just off the Surface." > > Roland blinks. "Maybe it's just as well that I'm not coming along. >I'm already confused...is what we're looking at a ship or a planet? >Did Stranger walk through another gateway?" > (OOC: Once that's cleared up...TBC 8^) "The Object The Stranger is Standing on, Appears to be a Dyson Sphere, Estimated Radius based on observed Curvature is 1.25 AU." "He Seems to have arrived via a Dimension/Space-Shift Doorway/Hatch, Which is still standing open, Not in conatact with the Surface of the Sphere, just outside the availible line of sight, from this side of the gateway my split opened to here..." "Even from The Stranger's Location all that is visible of the Ship, Is the Hatch/Door he came through, and The Room which can be seem through it." ================================= Date: Tue, 28 Sep 1999 21:47:45 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE VI: The Search For Fuzzy On Tue, 28 Sep 1999 21:43:44 -0700 (PDT) Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00007174 >On Tue, 28 Sep 1999 20:21:51 -0700 >Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00007171 > >>On Tue, 28 Sep 1999 04:12:00 EDT >>Scott Osborne Said As CAoL Message # 00007159 >> >>Roland wrote: > >>"I once knew a guy who went by 'The Architect', but that's a rather >>longish story. Well, Lancer, how well _Traveled_ are you, if you >>don't mind me asking?" By "Traveled", his tone of voice makes it >>apparent he means travel beyond Earth-9. > > "Depends on how you mean," the Hunter replies slowly. "And they >usually are. I've been around, on Earth, and visited a few >Realms/Mantles. One was owned outright by the Shadoloo..." The handle of Rob's mug cracks. >>On Tue, 28 Sep 1999 08:27:00 -0700 (PDT) >>Rob N Said As CAoL Message # 00007164 >> >>As far as anybody can tell, Rob is busy chatting with the Goodwench >>he arrived with through this whole scene - but as he passes Eric, he >>stops, forms a fist with his right hand, places it against the palm >>of his left hand, and bows. Deeply. As he straightens, he says >>something which sounds like Chinese, but isn't. >> >>OOC: Approximate translation would be, "Greetings, >>Master-of-combat-arts. I pray I do not offend you with my lack of >>balance and focus." Eric should get it, based on what I've picked up >>from reading between the lines about him. > > in assuming that it's not Korean or Japanese, either. There _is_ a >good chance Eric knows it, though; he didn't just dive into martial >arts, he immersed himself in it.> OOC: "Immersed." That's what I expected. The first sentence should be easy, then. The second one might take a moment for Eric to parse, but he'll get the gist of it. > "I am not offended," Eric replies, finally, after a long pause, in >the same language. "You can hardly lack focus to master...what I >believe you have mastered. It is I who should offer apology for my >unworthy reaction." "I quite understand," Rob replies in English. "A world where Shadoloo rules is hardly a pleasant introduction to Ler Drit. As for mastery, I have not yet earned that honor. Valdritkar Rose was willing to continue training me, but I have a tendency towards wandering feet." >>"One of your long-standing members is _lost_?" Rob blurts. "Let me >>know when you're ready to give me the explanation." > > "We thought he was dead," Roland replies simply, with a shrug, >"and it's entirely possible he was." "Um. In the interest of not forcing you to repeat yourself, I'll wait for the rest of the CAoL to arrive before getting the Cliff's Notes summary." [It must have been after Quaren...or during the last part of that story arc. Sometimes, I regret leaving in the middle of the story...] > Lancer looks from Rob, to Roland (who was about to launch into the >same explanation, but just smiled and let his hunny take over), to >Eddie, to Essex, and back to Morgan. "Let me get this straight. A guy >that Mr. Freelance-" he gestures at Roland- "wants to strangle can >come in here if he minds his manners, but snoopiness gets you laid >out?" > In unison, Roland and Morgan (and probably any Callahanian in >earshot :-) go, "Mm-hmm." > He smiles. "I'm beginning to see the appeal of this place." > "Just askin' 'bout askin', tho, dat's ok," Eddie rasps as he >continues to play. > Lancer nods. "Then as I was saying, may I ask about your style?" After watching the interplay between Lancer and the Freelance Immortals, it's easy to see that they trust Lancer, which makes the decision easy. "Feel free to ask, although I may have to refuse some answers." >"How, in the name of Quan Yin and the Five Directions, did you manage >to safely harness Ler Drit?!" "I suppose the explanation begins with the man known as Vega in some worlds, and as M. Bison in others," Rob replies, shifting into Lecturer voice. "He was a student of one of the last remaining Valdritkar, a woman named Rose. In all the universes I have seen, he grew in power too quickly, and turned to evil. He proceeded to kill all the Valdritkar except for Rose, and claim leadership of Shadoloo. Rose challenged him by working her way through the Street Fighters of the time, and in most universes, he killed her, and the honor of Ler Drit with her." Pausing for a drink of cherry Coke, Rob continues. "But in at least two universes, she survived, with her spirit broken. In the universe where I met her, she took up residence in a small town in Maine, near to her only other student. At the time, this student, who was known on the fighting circuit as Gryphon, was not visible enough to draw Bison's attention. [1] Gryphon eventually rose to World Warrior status, and defeated Bison, but he couldn't destroy Shadoloo." "I arrived much later, and became Rose's student along with Gryphon's daughter, Erin. I had an early start in the martial arts, but Rose was my first real teacher." "So the short version is, I learned Ler Drit with the aid of a great teacher who refused to make another mistake with her students." "I resumed dimension jumping to refine my skills - all of them - in a dynamic environment. If I ever arrive in a universe where Shadoloo rules, I may stay long enough to break its power. Or, I may not. Bison managed to corrupt Ryu for a time, and I'm not certain that I could break free the way he did." Finishing his drink, Rob tosses it into the fireplace. "To honor." ------------- [1] An extremely truncated version of the back history of a Street Fighter fanfic found at Eyrie Productions Unlimited ( http://www.eyrie.net/ ). If you've got a lot of time to spare, drop by there. Undocumented Features will take up a lot of time, but Warrior's Legacy (the SF2 fanfic) is less demanding. =================================