Action, Adventure, Excitement, Part 6i The Eye of Heaven - Chapter 1 Subject: The Final Artifact Briefing Date: Wed, 1 Nov 2000 10:21:43 -0800 (PST) On 10-31-2000 at 18:08:56 FailSafe Said As CAoL Message # 00008936 To the now unoccupied Cosmic Class Members of the Party The Object Called The Eye of Heaven, >" Fuzzy The DreamScaper was trying to stabilize The Lathe of Heaven. >When he had almost succeeded a Neurophysisist developed a Lathe >Emulator which went out of control, With Fuzzy's help >The Lathe of Heaven, was able to shut the Machine Down, >At the cost of his own Life, but that universe could not survive long >without The Lathe of Heaven." Collective Reality * The Question of, What is Real and What is merely Believed to be Real, Is in many ways one of the Great UnAnswerable Questions.* *The Object Called The Eye of Heaven, {Image: A Simple Circlet, with a Gem 'Eye' set on the Front} Provides an Answer, of sorts...* *The Wearer of The Eye, Can determine Which Aspects of Reality are Based on Belief, And Which Simply *ARE*, At least in so far as applies to The Cosm in Which it is... This is The Eye's Major Attribute...* *It's lesser Attribute is That The "Beliefs" of The Wearer, Are of Enhanced Significance... However The Wearer is Also Forced to be Aware of, All The Beliefs in That Cosm... Which has driven all but three, of the beings to use this Artifact, Quite Mad... Usually before they can do any damage.* *It has been Deliberately Mis-used once... The Joint Belief of all of the Minds of the Cosm in Question, Were proven to be a Match, But No more than a Match, for the Belief of the Wearer...* *Extensive efforts were made to Destroy this Artifact, All Failed...* *It is the Most Feared and Hated thing in the MatrixCosm, It has long been under Guard, In a Specially prepared Vault.* *The Only method I can see to Acquire it, Will Require Any Two of the Other Artifacts, and The Assistance of Our most powerful Members.* *The Vault is Located in the Center of The Eye's Native Cosm, and Constructed of Layered Neutronium, and Condensed Matter Reality Stabilizers, Extending the Halflife of Neutronium, and Preventing any Dimensional Shifts within a Terran Light Year. Within that Volume the Largest Fleet in the Matrix Patrols. The Total Mass of the system is 0.75, Of the Mass Necessary to form a Black Hole.* *If we Shift the Entire Stabilized Volume, Into a Cosm Where we have two strongly held Artifacts waiting, The Eye of Heaven will Return to the Center of it's Native Cosm, One of us Grabs it, and Departs, Then the Stabilized Volume should be Returned.* ================================= Subject: Re: The Final Artifact Briefing Date: Mon, 6 Nov 2000 20:52:24 -0800 (PST) On Mon, 06 Nov 2000 20:39:29 -0800 Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00008968 >FailSafe Said As CAoL Message # 00008936 > >*If we Shift the Entire Stabilized Volume, > Into a Cosm Where we have two strongly held Artifacts waiting, > The Eye of Heaven will Return to the Center of it's Native Cosm, > One of us Grabs it, and Departs, > Then the Stabilized Volume should be Returned.* /*"I can -assist- in moving the volume, but that much volume is beyond my unaided power. Nemo, if you can provide half the effort, I believe we can move the volume. That leaves the question of which two artifacts, who is going to scoop up The Eye of Heaven, and who is going to hold the two artifacts."*/ Aurora offers, as she -appears- in the briefing room. ================================= Subject: Re: The Final Artifact Briefing Date: Tue, 7 Nov 2000 03:46:09 -0800 (PST) On Tue, 7 Nov 2000 01:54:59 PST Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00008971 >On Mon, 06 Nov 2000 20:39:29 -0800 >Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00008968 > >/*"I can -assist- in moving the volume, but that much volume is >beyond my unaided power. Nemo, if you can provide half the effort, I >believe we can move the volume. That leaves the question of which two >artifacts, who is going to scoop up The Eye of Heaven, and who is >going to hold the two artifacts."*/ Aurora offers, as she -appears- >in the briefing room. "Moving it is simple enough. I can move a small volume such as that easily."[1] "As for 'holding' the two artifacts, I'm current holding two of them." [1] Anyone shocked by this casual statement is invited to go back thru the previous adventures and note the point where Nemo was considering "handling" a destrucive force that couldn't be handled (possibly the Star Dragon? I forget) by leaving it alone and moving the rest of the *universe* away from it. :-) ================================= Subject: Re: The Final Artifact Briefing Date: Fri, 10 Nov 2000 14:56:56 -0800 (PST) On 11-10-2000 at 14:48:32 FailSafe Said As CAoL Message # 00009004 >On Tue, 7 Nov 2000 01:54:59 PST >Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00008971 > >"Moving it is simple enough. I can move a small volume such as that >easily."[1] *Good We can Consider that aspect to be Handled then.* Mostly To Aurora *We will also need to delay the Fleet with minimum Casualties, Their Orders do not allow Negotiation, nor in fact Any Discusion...* >"As for 'holding' the two artifacts, I'm current holding two of >them." * Yes, However at Both of those has already entered The First Realm, Since the First realm would be Severly Damaged, As well as being far too Small to contain a Terran Light year Volume, I do not see how we can use them for this Task ...* *On the Other hand The Guardians of IF, Should be willing to hand over The Game of IF, When we have acquired everything, except That and The Eye of Heaven...* >Being?) and whatever it was that Zia brought back.> >[1] Anyone shocked by this casual statement is invited to go back >thru the previous adventures and note the point where Nemo was >considering "handling" a destrucive force that couldn't be handled >(possibly the Star Dragon? I forget) by leaving it alone and moving >the rest of the *universe* away from it. :-) ================================= Subject: Re: The Final Artifact Briefing Date: Sun, 12 Nov 2000 15:40:42 -0800 (PST) On Sun, 12 Nov 2000 15:35:55 -0800 Dane Said As CAoL Message # 00009009 >FailSafe Said As CAoL Message # 00009004 >Mostly To Aurora >*We will also need to delay the Fleet with minimum Casualties, > Their Orders do not allow Negotiation, nor in fact Any Discusion...* /*"That, I can easily handle by myself with little or no difficulty."*/ Aurora answers. ================================= Subject: AAE VI: An Interlude between Intermissions Date: Sat, 6 Jan 2001 17:14:13 -0800 (PST) On Sat, 6 Jan 2001 19:59:09 EST Scott Osborne Said As CAoL Message # 00009186 "Well, then, do you have any unusual readings along those lines at all?" "None, excluding yourself. Would you like to run A different search?" Scott Osborne paused. He looked at the place where the tapestry had been, and looked around at the empty room. He sat down on a spare chair. "Computer, would you care to play a game?" "What game would You like to play?" "Global Thermonuclear Chess." "Are you sure you want to play that? You keep complaining that I'm not good enough a player." "Well, I'm hoping to teach you how-" Scott paused. There was a figure next to him. He turned. "Why are you here?" Scott paused. The figure did not speak. "Ah. Something you-" Scott paused. The figure did not speak. "I'm sorry. Anything you want-" Scott paused. The figure did not speak. "So, I guess this means-" Scott paused. The figure did not speak. "May we meet again, in different ways and in different times." Scott paused. The figure did not speak. "Good day, then." Scott turned around, and looked at the table. As he turned away, the figure vanished. He sat for a time, and then turned back to face the "Well, computer, could you leave a message, addressed to those who care. Carson White is dead." "Who would care?" Scott paused. "Nobody, really. But send it to the group who went to Emptyworld anyway. Would you like to play a game?" "What game would You like to play?" "Hrm. A game that either of us could win. How about a nice game of eight dimensional checkers?" [OOC: I was bored. Fuzzy, did I get your prose/poetry style right? Or did I mangle it badly?] ================================= Subject: AAE: Blue Tiled Rooms Date: Sat, 27 Jan 2001 23:58:20 -0800 (PST) On Sat, 27 Jan 2001 23:32:38 -0800 (PST) Ziactrice Roaming Said As CAoL Message # 00009220 I had NO clue as to the alphanumeric. On replies, please add whatever is appropriate, so Morgan can follow when she compilates. A polychromatic, but only 2-dimensional, doorway of light appears in a certain room in the castle. Ziactrice steps through her Trump, arriving onto the blue tiles. "Hello?" She addresses the air, not even trying by Lens yet, given how many of the CAoL can hear through the computer systems here. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE: Blue Tiled Rooms Date: Sun, 28 Jan 2001 05:12:12 -0800 (PST) On Sun, 28 Jan 2001 12:55:50 -0000 Tech Tonic Said As CAoL Message # 00009225 Oneeye's snoring stops as he sits up suddenly, vizor still connected to his face. "eh, whats that?" Cocks his head, listening. "You say someone has arrived, looking for contact?" Taps the vizors still connected to the computer for a minute. "Oh, she's one of CAoL, let her know we're just waiting for the last three to arrive back here, would you? theres a good system." Mumbles something about uppity computers, then falls back alssep in the meeting room ================================= Subject: Re: AAE: Blue Tiled Rooms Date: Sun, 28 Jan 2001 07:44:53 -0800 (PST) On Sun, 28 Jan 2001 07:15:24 -0800 (PST) Ziactrice Roaming Said As CAoL Message # 00009226 "Oh?" Zia says to nothing, as the system itself relays the message from Oneeye. "Seems as if everything is well in hand and calm. Certainly odd for the CAoL on quest, but then again..." She grins. "It could be my unprobability catching up to me." "What can I do to fill the time until everyone returns? Grab a nap, and a bite to eat, then go see what is around by way of brushes and ink, I suppose. I could write a few letters, and send the Happy Immortal Couple best wishes." Humming to herself, the petite Amberite strolls down a corridor, back to the same room she has rested in before. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE: Blue Tiled Rooms Date: Sun, 28 Jan 2001 08:26:29 -0800 (PST) On Sun, 28 Jan 2001 07:35:05 PST Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00009227 >On Sat, 27 Jan 2001 23:32:38 -0800 (PST) >Ziactrice Roaming Said As CAoL Message # 00009220 > >A polychromatic, but only 2-dimensional, doorway of light appears in >a certain room in the castle. Ziactrice steps through her Trump, >arriving onto the blue tiles. > >"Hello?" She addresses the air, not even trying by Lens yet, given >how many of the CAoL can hear through the computer systems here. Nemo appears at the doorway. He makes a sweeping bow, and indicataing the door with his hand invites Zia in. "Enter freely, and of your own will." he intones gravely, but with a twinkle in his eye. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE6: Blue Tiled Rooms Date: Sun, 28 Jan 2001 08:34:17 -0800 (PST) On Sun, 28 Jan 2001 11:29:29 EST Scott Osborne Said As CAoL Message # 00009228 In a message dated 1/27/01 11:58:44 PM Pacific Standard Time, darasawall writes: >A polychromatic, but only 2-dimensional, doorway of light appears in >a certain room in the castle. Ziactrice steps through her Trump, >arriving onto the blue tiles. > >"Hello?" She addresses the air, not even trying by Lens yet, given >how many of the CAoL can hear through the computer systems here. "Good day, Madame Ziactrice." Scott walks by the doorway, reading "The Adventures of Ferris Bueller". He puts down the book, and turns towards her. "You care much for waiting? I've been tinkering around here for about a week, waiting for John to get back. If you don't mind, I'm looking for a worthwhile opponent in a game of Nth dimensional checkers; OneEye seems to want his sleep, and the computer obligates using a particular number of dimensions for us both to have a chance of winning; so, would you care to play a game? I'll let you chose the number of dimensions. In either case, I recommend you head to the briefing room to figure out what's happening; I've not been paying attention." "Good day." He turns, and returns to reading his book. "Look, Ma, no-" he turns back a few pages, "Er, no bookmarks." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE: Blue Tiled Rooms Date: Sun, 28 Jan 2001 20:17:06 -0800 (PST) On Sun, 28 Jan 2001 20:04:51 -0800 (PST) Ziactrice Roaming Said As CAoL Message # 00009230 >On Sun, 28 Jan 2001 07:35:05 PST >Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00009227 > >Nemo appears at the doorway. He makes a sweeping bow, and indicataing >the door with his hand invites Zia in. > >"Enter freely, and of your own will." he intones gravely, but with a >twinkle in his eye. Her eyes widen slightly, until she catches his grin. "For a moment, you had me wondering why you'd think that of me. Got me for sure, this time." Zia shakes her head ruefully. "Thank you for your kind and hospitable welcome, Nemo." She smoothly step over and takes a loose grip on his elbow, and then allows him to lead the way out the indicated door. "For all I knew, you might have vampire - actually, there did seem to be at least one last time I was about. I wonder if that one is still around, given Eric seemed inherently at odds with such things." She muses as they exit the room and then happen to meet Scott passing in the hallway. >On Sun, 28 Jan 2001 11:29:29 EST >Scott Osborne Said As CAoL Message # 00009228 > >"Good day, Madame Ziactrice." Scott walks by the doorway, reading >"The Adventures of Ferris Bueller". He puts down the book, and turns >towards her. Being that she has a hand tucked into the crook of Nemo's arm, or is walking next to him, if Nemo's writer amends that Zia attempts very subtly to readjust her balance as to be ready for anything Scott might do. She has found him throroughly unpredictable, after all. Every effort she makes is as disguised from view as possible, but likely Scott, and certainly Nemo, can read even her well-disguised minute motions. >"You care much for waiting? I've been tinkering around here for about >a week, waiting for John to get back. If you don't mind, I'm looking >for a worthwhile opponent in a game of Nth dimensional checkers; >OneEye seems to want his sleep, and the computer obligates using a >particular number of dimensions for us both to have a chance of >winning; so, would you care to play a game? I'll let you chose the >number of dimensions. In either case, I recommend you head to the >briefing room to figure out what's happening; I've not been paying >attention." > >"Good day." He turns, and returns to reading his book. "Look, Ma, >no-" he turns back a few pages, "Er, no bookmarks." "Are you going to come back later to see if I'll play you, or did you want to know now? What about your other queries? As far as chess goes, I am not a notable opponent. I can play, not brilliantly, but games are of little use to anyone of my background. Chance does not play his part well about me, so I'll either lose in streaks, or win in streaks, equally without my capacity to effect. This results in my having little appreciation for such pursuits." "But I don't like just waiting around much, either. Nemo? Have you any suggestions?" ================================= Subject: Re: AAE6: Blue Tiled Rooms Date: Sun, 28 Jan 2001 22:51:12 -0800 (PST) On Mon, 29 Jan 2001 01:17:04 EST Scott Osborne Said As CAoL Message # 00009231 In a message dated 1/28/01 8:17:27 PM Pacific Standard Time, darasawall writes: >Zia attempts very subtly to readjust her balance as to be ready for >anything Scott might do. She has found him throroughly unpredictable, >after all. Every effort she makes is as disguised from view as >possible, but likely Scott, and certainly Nemo, can read even her >well-disguised minute motions. Scott notices, all right, but he's carefully (and somewhat unsuccessfully) trying to look oblivious to the fact. >"Are you going to come back later to see if I'll play you, or did you >want to know now? What about your other queries? As far as chess >goes, I am not a notable opponent. I can play, not brilliantly, but >games are of little use to anyone of my background. Chance does not >play his part well about me, so I'll either lose in streaks, or win >in streaks, equally without my capacity to effect. This results in my >having little appreciation for such pursuits." Scott's voice can be heard from the hall. "I said meet me in the briefing room. I have no other queries, other then seeking a checkers partner. You would find me a poor player of most tactical games, including chess; I can completely analyze every ply on the board almost instantly, so I'm reduced to more strategic games, where the board or pieces change in some way at more then one point. I prefer Nth dimensional checkers, for various reasons. Don't worry too much about chance; I've got a tournament board with a luck suppressor." It should be noted that his voice is exactly the same volume throughout, even though he is walking away at a fairly brisk pace for someone reading a moderate sized paperback. >"But I don't like just waiting around much, either. Nemo? Have you >any suggestions?" Scott has turned a corner and is no longer visible, but he is still audible (although with a slight echo). "Just come to the meeting room. I'll be waiting there." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE: Blue Tiled Rooms Date: Mon, 29 Jan 2001 05:46:37 -0800 (PST) On Mon, 29 Jan 2001 03:47:54 PST Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00009232 >On Sun, 28 Jan 2001 20:04:51 -0800 (PST) >Ziactrice Roaming Said As CAoL Message # 00009230 > >>On Sun, 28 Jan 2001 07:35:05 PST >>Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00009227 >> >>"Enter freely, and of your own will." he intones gravely, but with a >>twinkle in his eye. > >Her eyes widen slightly, until she catches his grin. "For a moment, >you had me wondering why you'd think that of me. Got me for sure, >this time." Zia shakes her head ruefully. "Thank you for your kind >and hospitable welcome, Nemo." "Ah, lovely lady, but that was how Dracula greeted his guests..." >She smoothly step over and takes a loose grip on his elbow, and then >allows him to lead the way out the indicated door. > >"For all I knew, you might have vampire - actually, there did seem to >be at least one last time I was about. I wonder if that one is still >around, given Eric seemed inherently at odds with such things." She >muses as they exit the room and then happen to meet Scott passing in >the hallway. "There are vampires, and then there are vampires" Nemo remarks cryptically. >Being that she has a hand tucked into the crook of Nemo's arm, > or is walking next to him, if Nemo's writer amends that If it's all the same same, Nemo's writer would rather walk arm in arm with a lovely lady. >"But I don't like just waiting around much, either. Nemo? Have you >any suggestions?" "Well, I could show you my etchings..." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE6: Blue Tiled Rooms Date: Mon, 29 Jan 2001 07:47:17 -0800 (PST) On Mon, 29 Jan 2001 07:26:48 -0800 (PST) Ziactrice Roaming Said As CAoL Message # 00009234 >On Mon, 29 Jan 2001 01:17:04 EST >Scott Osborne Said As CAoL Message # 00009231 > >Scott's voice can be heard from the hall. "I said meet me in the >briefing room. I have no other queries, other then seeking a checkers >partner. You would find me a poor player of most tactical games, >including chess; I can completely analyze every ply on the board >almost instantly, so I'm reduced to more strategic games, where the >board or pieces change in some way at more then one point. I prefer >Nth dimensional checkers, for various reasons. Don't worry too much >about chance; I've got a tournament board with a luck suppressor." Zia's eyes widen, "I don't think I want to know what a luck suppressor might do to me... and I _really_ need to get my ears checked. I coulda sworn you said 'chess', and I didn't even hear the meeting you over there later part. I'll have to start listening better." >Scott has turned a corner and is no longer visible, but he is still >audible (although with a slight echo). "Just come to the meeting >room. I'll be waiting there." "Uhm, all right." She agrees. Then she mumbles after he has gone out of sight, "He must be really bored. No way I'd be a good match; meat people are too slow compared to circuit people. Oh, well. I shan't complain if he is just doing it to be nice, after all, that would be silly of me." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE: Blue Tiled Rooms Date: Mon, 29 Jan 2001 07:47:24 -0800 (PST) On Mon, 29 Jan 2001 07:36:41 -0800 (PST) Ziactrice Roaming Said As CAoL Message # 00009235 >On Mon, 29 Jan 2001 03:47:54 PST >Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00009232 wrote: > >"Ah, lovely lady, but that was how Dracula greeted his guests..." She grins, "Do you mean I should take it as 'fair warning', instead of warm welcoming? Besides, I daresay the original would have phrased it in Romanian." >"There are vampires, and then there are vampires" Nemo remarks >cryptically. Zia, trying to figure out Scott at the moment, spares Nemo only a slightly quizzical glance for that one. > >If it's all the same same, Nemo's writer would rather walk arm in >arm with a lovely lady. > Okay, it's all the same same same to me. :) Besides, I like it this way better, too. >>"But I don't like just waiting around much, either. Nemo? Have you >>any suggestions?" > >"Well, I could show you my etchings..." Nemo gets treated to a sight that is not only improbable, but truly rare. Zia is struck for something to reply long enough to be noticeable. She gives him a sideglance. One eyebrow quirks slightly, then she just smiles. "Now, when I asked you for an idea how to fill the time, I had no idea I'd get such a brilliant reply. Of course, I'd love to see your etchings. You know how interested I am in the arts." Ziactrice By the way, Fuzzy, what was that other address for the Risque list? I don't still have it, and I have the oddest precog I might need it sometime... :) Wow. It's weird discovering I _can_ flirt again. Some changes you just don't think about... ================================= Subject: Re: AAE6: Blue Tiled Rooms Date: Mon, 29 Jan 2001 09:55:01 -0800 (PST) On Mon, 29 Jan 2001 11:18:06 EST Scott Osborne Said As CAoL Message # 00009236 In a message dated 1/29/01 7:48:12 AM Pacific Standard Time, darasawall writes: >Zia's eyes widen, "I don't think I want to know what a luck >suppressor might do to me... and I _really_ need to get my ears >checked. I coulda sworn you said 'chess', and I didn't even hear the >meeting you over there later part. I'll have to start listening >better." "The suppressor doesn't work on you, it works on itself. Luck, as with all forces, depends on interaction between two objects; the board adjusts its own probability field to prevent strong luck fields from interfering with the game." ================================= Subject: Re: AAE: Blue Tiled Rooms Date: Mon, 29 Jan 2001 12:46:54 -0800 (PST) On Mon, 29 Jan 2001 11:52:02 PST Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00009237 >On Mon, 29 Jan 2001 07:36:41 -0800 (PST) >Ziactrice Roaming Said As CAoL Message # 00009235 > >>On Mon, 29 Jan 2001 03:47:54 PST >>Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00009232 >> >>"Ah, lovely lady, but that was how Dracula greeted his guests..." > >She grins, "Do you mean I should take it as 'fair warning', instead >of warm welcoming? Besides, I daresay the original would have phrased >it in Romanian." "No doubt, but at the time he was in England. And you know how the English are when it cmes to foreign languages." The scene is in the B&W "Dracula" with Bela Lugosi. >Nemo gets treated to a sight that is not only improbable, but truly >rare. Zia is struck for something to reply long enough to be >noticeable. She gives him a sideglance. One eyebrow quirks slightly, >then she just smiles. > >"Now, when I asked you for an idea how to fill the time, I had no >idea I'd get such a brilliant reply. Of course, I'd love to see your >etchings. You know how interested I am in the arts." Nemo smiles and replies, "But of course..." One of Aral Vorkosigans favorite replies to his lady with when things get "interesting". :-) ================================= Subject: Re: AAE: Blue Tiled Rooms Date: Mon, 29 Jan 2001 13:47:56 -0800 (PST) On Mon, 29 Jan 2001 13:34:41 -0800 (PST) Driscoll Said As CAoL Message # 00009238 >On Sun, 28 Jan 2001 20:04:51 -0800 (PST) >Ziactrice Roaming Said As CAoL Message # 00009230 > >"For all I knew, you might have vampire - actually, there did seem to >be at least one last time I was about. I wonder if that one is still >around, given Eric seemed inherently at odds with such things." She >muses as they exit the room and then happen to meet Scott passing in >the hallway. A bit furthur along their walk Nemo and Zia see that Joe is indeed still about. He stands in front of a replicator unit with an amused smirk on his face and a small pile of empty candy bar wrappers about his feet. He leans forward a bit and snarls, "Zagnut!" and then steps back with a highly ammused smile as the replicator glows and assembles another candybar for him. He reaches into it and picks up the bar, peeling away the wrapper and taking a bite out of it as he notices the pair. He nods his head in greeting, 'Heya toots. finally woke up again huh? that was some heckuva nap..." He pops the rest of the candy bar in his mouth and turns to the replicator again, "Zagnut!" ================================= Subject: Re: AAE: Blue Tiled Rooms Date: Mon, 29 Jan 2001 14:48:57 -0800 (PST) On Mon, 29 Jan 2001 14:25:36 -0800 (PST) Ziactrice Roaming Said As CAoL Message # 00009239 >On Mon, 29 Jan 2001 13:34:41 -0800 (PST) >Driscoll Said As CAoL Message # 00009238 > > A bit furthur along their walk Nemo and Zia see that Joe is indeed >still about. He stands in front of a replicator unit with an amused >smirk on his face and a small pile of empty candy bar wrappers about >his feet. He leans forward a bit and snarls, "Zagnut!" and then steps >back with a highly ammused smile as the replicator glows and >assembles another candybar for him. He reaches into it and picks up >the bar, peeling away the wrapper and taking a bite out of it as he >notices the pair. He nods his head in greeting, 'Heya toots. finally >woke up again huh? that was some heckuva nap..." He pops the rest of >the candy bar in his mouth and turns to the replicator again, >"Zagnut!" Zia blinks once, on the 'toots' reference, then she just watches this apparent food vending abuse without any comment at all a moment. "Ah... I wasn't exactly sleeping, but I might get to a bed fairly soon, to catch up. Family, you might say, difficulties. Well, I don't want to interrupt your -" She hunts for a word, "snacktime." She waits until she and Nemo have gone around another corner in the hallway, to remark, "You know, the only thing that truly annoys me about vampires is they NEVER have to watch their waistline." Zia sounds honestly a little perturbed at this direct evidence Life is Not Fair, and neither is UnDeath. Well, I don't know where Nemo's etchings would be. Head of a pin, or sculpted Ringworld? Kinda scary to think what NEMO might do for 'hobby', isn't it? Or is it funnier to think that he meant the phrase more .. conventionally? Grin. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE: Blue Tiled Rooms Date: Mon, 29 Jan 2001 18:49:54 -0800 (PST) On Mon, 29 Jan 2001 18:33:11 -0800 The Hunter Said As CAoL Message # 00009240 >On Mon, 29 Jan 2001 07:36:41 -0800 (PST) >Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00009235 > >>On Mon, 29 Jan 2001 03:47:54 PST >>Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00009232 >> >>>"But I don't like just waiting around much, either. Nemo? Have you >>>any suggestions?" >> >>"Well, I could show you my etchings..." > >Nemo gets treated to a sight that is not only improbable, but truly >rare. Zia is struck for something to reply long enough to be >noticeable. She gives him a sideglance. One eyebrow quirks slightly, >then she just smiles. > >"Now, when I asked you for an idea how to fill the time, I had no >idea I'd get such a brilliant reply. Of course, I'd love to see your >etchings. You know how interested I am in the arts." Eric falls through a continuity hole that appears in the ceiling just in time to catch this conversation. "What? Zia's back? Hey! I saw her first! ...Oh, Wyrm," Eric finished in a grousing not-really-meant curse. He gets up to dust himself off, when... >On Mon, 29 Jan 2001 14:25:36 -0800 (PST) >Ziactrice Roaming Said As CAoL Message # 00009239 > >>On Mon, 29 Jan 2001 13:34:41 -0800 (PST) >>Driscoll Said As CAoL Message # 00009238 >> >> A bit furthur along their walk Nemo and Zia see that Joe is indeed >>still about. He stands in front of a replicator unit with an amused >>smirk on his face and a small pile of empty candy bar wrappers about >>his feet. He leans forward a bit and snarls, "Zagnut!" and then >>steps back with a highly amused smile as the replicator glows and >>assembles another candy bar for him. He reaches into it and picks up >>the bar, peeling away the wrapper and taking a bite out of it as he >>notices the pair. He nods his head in greeting, 'Heya toots. finally >>woke up again huh? that was some heckuva nap..." He pops the rest of >>the candy bar in his mouth and turns to the replicator again, >>"Zagnut!" Eric raised an eyebrow. "I didn't know you could do that. Er, either bit--eat without being sick, or get away with calling Zia 'toots,'" he adds with a lopsided grin. (Apparently, he's still trying to remember how it's done. 8^) >Zia blinks once, on the 'toots' reference, then she just watches this >apparent food vending abuse without any comment at all a moment. > >"Ah... I wasn't exactly sleeping, but I might get to a bed fairly >soon, to catch up. Family, you might say, difficulties. Well, I don't >want to interrupt your -" She hunts for a word, "snacktime." Eric nods sympathetically. (To whom isn't exactly clear. ;^) >She waits until she and Nemo have gone around another corner in the >hallway, to remark, "You know, the only thing that truly annoys me >about vampires is they NEVER have to watch their waistline." Zia >sounds honestly a little perturbed at this direct evidence Life is >Not Fair, and neither is UnDeath. Eric, having realized that three is about to change from crowd to serious annoyance, is about to vanish in his own inimitable fashion. Which means, of course, it was time for some interference. "MEW!" =HI!= Mew said emphatically, appearing in a burst of pink light. "oy," was all Eric could say. ^Thank you SO much, Mew. I'd rather fight Caine than have to explain why I haven't made a graceful exit already.^ Mew smiled beatifically. ^Why do you think I showed up when I did?^ ================================= Subject: Re: AAE: Blue Tiled Rooms Date: Tue, 30 Jan 2001 03:47:37 -0800 (PST) On Mon, 29 Jan 2001 22:39:05 PST Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00009242 >On Mon, 29 Jan 2001 14:25:36 -0800 (PST) >Ziactrice Roaming Said As CAoL Message # 00009239 > >>'Heya toots. finally woke up again huh? that was some heckuva >>nap..." He pops the rest of the candy bar in his mouth and turns to >>the replicator again, "Zagnut!" > >Zia blinks once, on the 'toots' reference, then she just watches this >apparent food vending abuse without any comment at all a moment. > >"Ah... I wasn't exactly sleeping, but I might get to a bed fairly >soon, to catch up. Family, you might say, difficulties. Well, I don't >want to interrupt your -" She hunts for a word, "snacktime." Nemo's smile widens just enough for Zia to notice at her mention of getting to a bed. And only on the side away from Joe. >She waits until she and Nemo have gone around another corner in the >hallway, to remark, "You know, the only thing that truly annoys me >about vampires is they NEVER have to watch their waistline." Zia >sounds honestly a little perturbed at this direct evidence Life is >Not Fair, and neither is UnDeath. "They aren't the only ones who don't have to worry about that sort of thing." Nemo reminds Zia. "My body obeys the normal rules. Unless I have a reason for it *not* to. Perhaps you'll have a suggestion or two regarding improvements." > Well, I don't know where Nemo's etchings would be. Head of a >pin, or sculpted Ringworld? Kinda scary to think what NEMO might do >for 'hobby', isn't it? Or is it funnier to think that he meant the >phrase more .. conventionally? Grin. Or on a fingernail, or even more interesting and equally portable locations. ================================= Subject: AAE: Sumarizing in the Castle Date: Tue, 30 Jan 2001 06:17:20 -0800 (PST) On Tue, 30 Jan 2001 13:47:22 -0000 Tech Tonic Said As CAoL Message # 00009243 OneEye sits at the main terminal, his eye flashing along reading whats going on. "Hmm, lesse, we gto a vampire imitatin the cat from Red Dwarf, We got the Nemo, still haven't figured that one out, flirting with the amberite. The hunter i sdealing with a" Moans, sheilding his eye for a minute. "Pokemon. The strange guy is wanting to play games, and a couple of the more normal ones are in thie rooms." He turns and types up a little bit more. "According to this, We've got starspawn and a nemo working on the eye of heaven. We've got the two timelords along with the nuwisha wannabe and his girl. And the dragon/transformer thing has got a wolf, a choas guy and the one they call John. The three groups are hoping to come together, in order to get the eye of heaven. That works." Spins his chair to another terminal. "So, if I'm any judge, this mission is almost set....I think. Unlesss somethign horrid comes along.....Waita minute, Why hasn't anyone thought of this?" He smacks his forhead. "Computer, Failsafe was it? Do you know how we're supposed to put fuzzy together from these artifacts?" ================================= Subject: Re: AAE: Blue Tiled Rooms Date: Tue, 30 Jan 2001 07:46:10 -0800 (PST) On Tue, 30 Jan 2001 07:27:12 -0800 (PST) Ziactrice Roaming Said As CAoL Message # 00009244 >On Mon, 29 Jan 2001 18:33:11 -0800 >The Hunter Said As CAoL Message # 00009240 > >>On Mon, 29 Jan 2001 07:36:41 -0800 (PST) >>Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00009235 You know, I was really, REALLY stuck for a way to deal with this in character, so I decided to see what Nemo'd do. He just 'didn't seem to see' Eric. Then Oneeye did. Hmmm. Okay, I'll just ad-lib. Like y'all expected anything different? ;) >>Nemo gets treated to a sight that is not only improbable, but truly >>rare. Zia is struck for something to reply long enough to be >>noticeable. She gives him a sideglance. One eyebrow quirks slightly, >>then she just smiles. "Now, when I asked you for an idea how to fill >>the time, I had no idea I'd get such a brilliant reply. Of course, >>I'd love to see your etchings. You know how interested I am in the >>arts." > > Eric falls through a continuity hole that appears in the ceiling >just in time to catch this conversation. > "What? Zia's back? Hey! I saw her first! ...Oh, Wyrm," Eric >finished in a grousing not-really-meant curse. He gets up to dust >himself off, when... Zia hums a bar or so of 'It's Rainin' Men' not QUITE under her breath, but she has a distraction from even grousing about Eric's choice of swearing terms, as they meet the vampire at the food dispenser. >>On Mon, 29 Jan 2001 14:25:36 -0800 (PST) >>Ziactrice Roaming Said As CAoL Message # 00009239 > > Eric raised an eyebrow. "I didn't know you could do that. Er, >either bit--eat without being sick, or get away with calling Zia >'toots,'" he adds with a lopsided grin. (Apparently, he's still >trying to remember how it's done. 8^) > >>Zia blinks once, on the 'toots' reference, then she just watches >>this apparent food vending abuse without any comment at all a >>moment. No comment for either Eric's tease, or Joe's appetite/tastes, that is. > Eric, having realized that three is about to change from crowd to >serious annoyance, is about to vanish in his own inimitable fashion. > Which means, of course, it was time for some interference. > "MEW!" =HI!= Mew said emphatically, appearing in a burst of pink >light. > "oy," was all Eric could say. > ^Thank you SO much, Mew. I'd rather fight Caine than have to >explain why I haven't made a graceful exit already.^ > Mew smiled beatifically. ^Why do you think I showed up when I >did?^ Zia blinks at the flare of bright pink light, and she shoots Eric and company a half-grin over her shoulder, "Hello again, Mew. I see you to hit it off as well I as I could have hoped." "Hello, Eric. When did you meet the Black Rabbit, anyway? You've met Nemo, by now, yes?" What exit? I didn't see any exit written in that. Am I going blind earlier than I thought? Besides, gotta have some fun back... >On Mon, 29 Jan 2001 22:39:05 PST >Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00009242 > >>She waits until she and Nemo have gone around another corner in the >>hallway, to remark, "You know, the only thing that truly annoys me >>about vampires is they NEVER have to watch their waistline." Zia >>sounds honestly a little perturbed at this direct evidence Life is >>Not Fair, and neither is UnDeath. > >"They aren't the only ones who don't have to worry about that sort of >thing." Nemo reminds Zia. "You had to remind me?" She sighs, most put-upon, but also most obviously faking the ennui. >"My body obeys the normal rules. Unless I have a reason for it *not* >to. Perhaps you'll have a suggestion or two regarding improvements." "Avoiding dieting would be a Durn Good Reason in my opinion, admittedly not experienced. Improvements?" She shakes her head, "Now, I'm as self-confident as the next girl around, but that might be a stretch even for my talent." She smiles at the twisty phrasing. "I've been in Amber too long, again, haven't I? Allow me a retake." "You have a good physique, Nemo. Not quite like Benedicts or Gerard, but then, who IS? You've been smart enough not to make it intimidating by being too striking. Most un-bios I know usually make that mistake. Although for all I know, you made that and many others before settling. I shan't ask... I'll just enjoy the design as you stand." "And as for you." She turns to Eric. "You gave me a no in the Borg sim last time. Why the second thoughts? Greener grass, or are you trying to be my big brother? I have more than enough uncles, already, for that. You're a good companion in a firefight, Eric, but your duty or chosen task makes you like a samurai. A woman can't take a man from his duty, unless it's a weak man. You're not weak, in that manner." >> Well, I don't know where Nemo's etchings would be. Head of a >>pin, or sculpted Ringworld? Kinda scary to think what NEMO might do >>for 'hobby', isn't it? Or is it funnier to think that he meant the >>phrase more .. conventionally? Grin. > > >Or on a fingernail, or even more interesting and equally portable >locations. > "Of course, I could be embarrassing myself, and no doubt you as well, Eric, to no purpose here, too. Nemo, did you have in mind aesthetic appreciation of some true etching artwork, or something more romantic?" She pauses, and then adds, "I think you meant what I thought you meant, not what you actually said, but ... I could use some help, here." ================================= Subject: AAE: Blue Tiled Moves Date: Tue, 30 Jan 2001 16:54:37 -0800 (PST) On Tue, 30 Jan 2001 14:49:11 -0800 The Hunter Said As CAoL Message # 00009245 >On Tue, 30 Jan 2001 07:27:12 -0800 (PST) >Ziactrice Said As CAoL Message # 00009244 > >Zia blinks at the flare of bright pink light, and she shoots Eric and >company a half-grin over her shoulder, "Hello again, Mew. I see you >to hit it off as well I as I could have hoped." Mew "bows," which results in a 270 degree vertical rotation in the air before she rights herself. =Hello, Ziactrice. Eric still needs some work, but he _is_ coming along nicely, thank you.= "grrr" is Eric's only comment at that. >"Hello, Eric. When did you meet the Black Rabbit, anyway? You've met >Nemo, by now, yes?" Eric considers for a moment, then smiles Indiana Jones-style. "In order: Hello, Ziactrice; I guess, when I discovered that I was late for a very important date;" he continues, sunglasses twinkling for a moment, "and I believe we've met in passing, yes." He turns to Nemo and offers a slight bow. ^You _are_ improving,^ Mew sent. ^Stay out of this, you psychic cotton candy ball,^ Eric replied good-naturedly. ^And leave you alone to compete with a mentality spanning universes? Perish the thought,^ Mew sent innocently. > What exit? I didn't see any exit written in that. Am I going >blind earlier than I thought? Besides, gotta have some fun back... > OOC: Eric _didn't_ make an exit. He only _intended_ to, when Mew got the drop on him and prevented one. Good old Mew, huh? >>On Mon, 29 Jan 2001 22:39:05 PST >>Nemo Said As CAoL Message # 00009242 >> >>"My body obeys the normal rules. Unless I have a reason for it *not* >>to. Perhaps you'll have a suggestion or two regarding improvements." Eric cocks his head. That could be an accurate description of what Eric himself does, after all--but then there was Mew's comment about the multiversal "brain" involved... >"Avoiding dieting would be a Durn Good Reason in my opinion, >admittedly not experienced. Improvements?" She shakes her head, "Now, >I'm as self-confident as the next girl around, but that might be a >stretch even for my talent." She smiles at the twisty phrasing. "I've >been in Amber too long, again, haven't I? Allow me a retake." Eric cocks his head the _other_ way. "I don't really see any room for complaint on your end," he says, "either in explanation or reasons for dieting." >"You have a good physique, Nemo. Not quite like Benedicts or Gerard, >but then, who IS? You've been smart enough not to make it >intimidating by being too striking. Most un-bios I know usually make >that mistake. Although for all I know, you made that and many others >before settling. I shan't ask... I'll just enjoy the design as you >stand." Eric's smile fades somewhat. [Design?] He's not an easy man to intimidate, but this is starting to sound...impressive. >"And as for you." She turns to Eric. "You gave me a no in the Borg >sim last time. Why the second thoughts? Greener grass, or are you >trying to be my big brother? I have more than enough uncles, already, >for that. You're a good companion in a firefight, Eric, but your duty >or chosen task makes you like a samurai. A woman can't take a man >from his duty, unless it's a weak man. You're not weak, in that >manner." "I've recently been shown that my duty makes me no less...human," he explains. "To lose my humanity, after all, would be to become what I fight. Staring at the abyss was taking its toll." The smile returns. "There are much more enjoyable things to look at, after all." The smile shifts into something more mischievous. "And something tells me that knowing you would give me plenty of opportunity to continue my duties, if not in the fashion to which I'm accustomed. Besides, I already _have_ a little sister. One is enough." From over their mental link, Eric hears a decided "Pthththththth" from the aforementioned sister. ;-) >"Of course, I could be embarrassing myself, and no doubt you as well, >Eric, to no purpose here, too. Nemo, did you have in mind aesthetic >appreciation of some true etching artwork, or something more >romantic?" She pauses, and then adds, "I think you meant what I >thought you meant, not what you actually said, but ... I could use >some help, here." "Allow me." Eric reaches nonchalantly into his voluminous black duster...and pulls out a metal lotus blossom sculpture, "etched" with oriental symbols. (When read around, it's a Buddhist blessing something along the lines of Ivanova's Egyptian quote.) "You are most assuredly _not_ embarrassing yourself, my lady. And I would very much like a chance to apologize for my earlier...brusque reaction." ^Not bad,^ Mew sends. ^But how did you manage that bit with the metal blossom?^ ^Necessity is the mother of invention,^ Eric replies. ^Though in this case, a little chi and a thin shuriken were its aunts,^ he adds with a mental wink. ================================= Subject: AAE 6: An Dark Interlude With A Dark Acquaintance Date: Wed, 31 Jan 2001 00:48:28 -0800 (PST) On Wed, 31 Jan 2001 03:38:55 EST Scott Osborne Said As CAoL Message # 00009246 Scott is walking down one of the many hallways in the castle, reading a paperback copy of "The Adventures of Ferris Bueller". As he walks, the walls of the castle become dark and twisted. Scott continues on, apparently not noticing. Slowly, the hallway vanishes, to become an empty plane, with a strange skip in it. And then the figure appears. It is a dark figure, in a dark robe, with white hair and semi-translucent skin. From what is visible, the figure has no 'insides' to speak of. "So, Carson Scott Osborne. We meet again." Scott doesn't look up. "Of course, you realize that they'll figure out you're lying to them. And then who knows what they'll do." Scott doesn't look up. "I do. And you do, I suppose. The Fool probably would, if he knew the truth about himself. Who else would?" Scott doesn't look up. "I give the Ordered Chaos Beast the best chance of figuring it out, then the Dark One, then the Sword Named Hero, then the Jack of All Trades, then the Piper. The Fool can see it, but would void his existence if he understood it. The Young Old Man and his friends are too involved in other things, the High One has too recently come to your acquaintance, the Dragons are too old, the Servant of Two Lights and the Old One don't have the insight, the Queen of Swords does not know you well enough, and the Princess of Hearts is far too young. The All in One is an unknown. The One in All probably knows already, but he would also figure out why you're lying, and not say anything about it. I can think of no others who have any chance at all of knowing it, but I'm probably forgetting somebody." Scott doesn't look up. "You told them I was dead. While I will admit that is true, we both know that I will return, and have my revenge." Scott doesn't look up. "On whom, you're probably wondering. On our associates, of course. They trapped me there. I don't blame you or your new friends for fighting me; even if he wasn't your friend, his absence is tearing this whole cosm apart, and your morality would not allow you to let that happen, now would it?" The bitterness in his voice is clear. Scott doesn't look up. "But you; you knew that She would come with the Dark One, didn't you? You have caused me much pain with that action, you know. But I don't really blame you; you woke me from my slumber." Scott doesn't look up. "But why do I talk of blame? Blame is unimportant. Know this, though, I will have my revenge in time, although you are not a part of that. No, instead, I have come to say goodbye, for a time. May we meet again, in different ways and in different times." Scott doesn't look up. "Do you have anything to say at all, old friend? Anything at all?" Scott looks up. "I'm not you're friend. I never was, truthfully. You were always talking about the purity of light; well, look at you!" Scott gestures at the figure. "You've descended to the purest of darkness! And that's exactly how I predicted you would wind up if you continued down your chosen path!" His voice has risen almost to a scream. Scott pauses for a long while. The figure does not speak. In a lower voice, now. "Yes, I am lying to them. I'm hoping that the future I helped to partially void can be prevented. You know that it will come to pass if I tell them the truth. They will try to avoid it, try to prevent it, making the crisis unavoidable. If I can't fix this, then I'm not worthy of the ideals of the Guild, and my existence is forfeit." Scott pauses. The figure speaks. "You could avoid that fate, you know. Just let it happen, and end your meddling." Scott stares at the figure. "But then, you would have abandoned your morality, wouldn't you? Forget I said anything about it." The figure stares at Scott. There is a brief pause, and then, Scott speaks. "She's not a Beast, you know." "So says you." "And I didn't know that she would follow him." "So says you, although I can believe that. Summoning can be very dangerous for those doing the summoning." "He isn't a Fool." "Now, Scott, you know better then that. He's the zeroth trump, the beginning and ending, not an idiot. Thus, The Fool." "Yes, but he wouldn't walk off a cliff." "Would he now?" "Who's the dog, then?" "Now, Scott, we both know I'm not supposed to tell you that." "I would like to count the Keystone among my friends." "I never implied you weren't; merely that you would be doing this even if he wasn't." "And you don't know that those two don't have the so called insight." "So you say." "You're just guessing about them." "Yes, but I know about you. And I can see through your eyes, remember? We share a monkey on our backs." And a small cage appears, with a small man in it; somehow, he seems very threatening in some way. "You will both know death! Destruction, the joy of destruction! All that stands before the judgment, gone!" Scott stares, and gestures at the cage. "Go away, Troll." The cage vanishes. Scott turns. "You may be able to see through my eyes, but you do not share in my insight. You know nothing of them." The figure sighs. "I will argue no more upon that point." Scott seems thoughtful. "Goodbye. May we not meet again in the same ways, and in similar times, Dead Man." The figure lowers his head. "It was nice to talk to you again, Scott." Scott gestures at the figure. "Go away, Dead Man." And with that, the figure vanishes, and Scott is back in the hallway. Scott blinks. "The really annoying thing of is, I don't know how much of that was the truth, and how much of that was his delusion writ large through our shared demon." A voice on his shoulder says, "Carson White had access to an Oracle, but how well he used it is an open question. There is also the question of how much of the experience was recorded, and how much was interactive. Although you *are* lying to them, his analysis is questionable; congratulations on setting him off on the wrong track about the reason for the lie, if that was intentional." "Prognosis?" "Your guess is as good as mine. Addendum: You will need repairs and diagnosis shortly, to assure that Carson White did not harm you; his signature is not detected, so this can be put off for a time." "Thank you." "I am here to serve." "Ah well. Now, where was I?" Scott returns to his book, as the Brave Combo's polka cover of "People Are Strange" begins to play from a nearby terminal. [OOC: A brief attempt at an extended character vignette. Is it any good? As a side note, any guesses as to the characters referred to by Carson?] [Ed. Note: The "solution" to this "puzzle" is given after the following post.] ================================= Subject: AAE6 :Rejoining the group Date: Wed, 31 Jan 2001 20:41:46 +0000 On Wed, 31 Jan 2001 08:06:13 -0500 "Caprice" Said As CAoL Message # 00009248 She was floating, drifting, warm... A psychologist would probably call it a perfect return to the womb experience. Slowly her mind(s) started to focus again, things clearing. As she did so, the substance supporting her slowly drained away, depositing herself gently on her feet. She opened her eyes, watching as the green goo was drained out of the tube she was in, and as long pulsing tendrils detatched themselves from her veins. For most people this would be the cue to start screaming hysterically... "Essex! What the hell happened!" Well, ok... but she wasn't hysterical. Legion stepped out of the tube, looking around. Dr Nathaniel Essex was pretending to be absorbed in something on a monitor. A set of clothing was laid out for her on a table. Legion just sighed heavily. She knew Nathaniel would pretend she didn't exist until after she got dressed. She muttered under her breath in various languages, starting with the most obscure ones she knew. The jumpsuit was black, and loosely fitting until the straps and fastenings were adjusted. It should be capable of handling any physical changes from dimensional travelling. The matching black boots were a different matter, but she could always teleport a new pair of boots from home. A few extra moment to braid her hair and redon her mini-lens, then she moved over to stand beside Dr Essex, watching him with a frown. "You were very, very ill." The words were spoken softly as Dr Essex straightened up and turned to look at her. "I convinced you to take off the lens when you first got feverish so you would not distress your friends. A microbe that was harmless to the body you had several dimensions ago, proved nearly lethal to the form you had at the time. I had to not only straighten out your genetics, I had to purge your body of all pathogens and symbiotes, then reintroduce symbiotes that are compatable with the greatest number of races..." Legion went pale as he described what had happened, "I... We don't remember... just some vague fever flashes... I'm sorry I yelled." Essex sighed softly, moving slowly to hold her. Trying to have a relationship with Legion was like trying to waltz in a mindfield. Not that it couldn't be done, just most men's nerves would snap while waiting for the inevitable explosion. But despite the countless different personas sharing one body, the 'gesault' persona was surprisingly predictable. "I wish I could convince you to stay home... If you go out adventuring again, there is no guarentee that something like this won't happen again." Legion sighed, "The Army of Light are my friends... I know they can manage without me. Heck, they might not have even noticed that I've been missing... but they're my friends. And as much as the group travels.... maybe... maybe someday we'll hit the right world, find out where I come from." Essex resisted the urge to sigh again. "Then I am coming with you." Legion didn't even try to argue. She simply nodded, and the two of them reappeared back in the castle. ================================= Solution to the "puzzle" in "An Dark Interlude With A Dark Acquaintance": Ordered Chaos Beast = Zia Dark One = Eric Sword Named Hero = Roland Jack of All Trades = Rob Piper = Harlock Fool = Roger Young Old Man = Mike High One = Seth Dragons = StarSpawn Servant of Two Lights = Dhyrclhanc Old One = One Eye Queen of Swords = Morgan Princess of Hearts = Rio All in One = Caprice One in All = Nemo Bonus Keystone = Fuzzy ================================= Subject: Re: AAE: Blue Tiled Moves Date: Wed, 31 Jan 2001 13:13:13 -0800 (PST) On Wed, 31 Jan 2001 12:35:53 -0800 (PST) Ziactrice Roaming Said As CAoL Message # 00009249 >On Tue, 30 Jan 2001 14:49:11 -0800 >The Hunter Said As CAoL Message # 00009245 > "Allow me." Eric reaches nonchalantly into his voluminous black >duster...and pulls out a metal lotus blossom sculpture, "etched" with >oriental symbols. (When read around, it's a Buddhist blessing >something along the lines of Ivanova's Egyptian quote.) "You are most >assuredly _not_ embarrassing yourself, my lady. And I would very much >like a chance to apologize for my earlier...brusque reaction." > ^Not bad,^ Mew sends. ^But how did you manage that bit with the >metal blossom?^ > ^Necessity is the mother of invention,^ Eric replies. ^Though in >this case, a little chi and a thin shuriken were its aunts,^ he adds >with a mental wink. To her credit, Zia does manage not to look at Nemo to implore for a rescue. "Oh, dear." She does remark, a bit nonplussed. She gathers herself after only that much pause, however. She lays her free hand, not taking her right from Nemo's arm, on Eric's behind where he holds the metal Lotus. "I regret to do such a thing, Eric, but it appears I have no choice, in this situation. I cannot offer such an offense to Nemo as to accept your gesture, when we've only just agreed between us to a mutual interest." She purses her lips, struggling to explain enough... but not too much. The male ego is a beautiful, but delicate thing, too often scorned, in her opinion. "It would be... well, not honorable, but even more so, I feel it would be unquestionably tacky of me." She half-smiles. "Whatever vices might to the Blood of Amber be borne in, I would like to avoid tackiness. Although I despair of my tactfulness, especially right at the moment." She looks like she'd apologize, if such a thing came easily to her. "You were correct in saying you were late. Apparently, you did not understand that you were too late, to do this," Zia adds, very quietly. "I would not hurt you unmeaningfully, but I don't see what else I could say, or do, right now, but what I have just." She removes her hand, not really smiling, but looking unwontedly serious and she might even be a tad uncomfortable. "Nemo, if you'll pardon me a few moments? I feel a need to freshen up a bit, after my travel." [More like, I need a few moments to recover my aplomb], she thinks to herself. She glances up at him, to see if Nemo agrees. She plans to go back to her room a few moments, for a bit of solitude, if he agrees first. She won't just off and leave this conversation flatly, but she did not and does not take Eric's offering. ================================= Subject: Re: AAE6 :Rejoining the group Date: Wed, 31 Jan 2001 13:13:21 -0800 (PST) On Wed, 31 Jan 2001 12:51:58 -0800 Morgan and/or Roland Said As CAoL Message # 00009250 >On Wed, 31 Jan 2001 08:06:13 -0500 >"Caprice" Said As CAoL Message # 00009248 > >A few extra moment to braid her hair and redon her mini-lens, then >she moved over to stand beside Dr Essex, watching him with a frown. Morgan, taking a moment to relax (she seemed to need those more these days), noticed the energy shift. Someone coming on-line.... /Hello, Caprice,/ she said brightly. /I hope things have been well for you while you were gone. We still haven't revived Fuzzy, but it looks like all but the last artifact are either in our hands or soon will be. Most of the folx who aren't finishing up missions are waiting at the castle./ =================================