Variant Earth 13 E Mail Game Archive Number 1

Subject: [v13] A beginning ... (Jinx)
Date:    Tue, 08 Dec 1998 19:44:45 -0600
From:    Firebomb firebomb@darkspiral.com

Pleasantview, New Jersey.

According to what the New Jersey State Atlas says, Pleasantview is an up and coming town, with a population just shy of fifty thousand hard working people.  Of course, most of them are hard working for the local Ariel-Shijitzu Systems facility.

In fact, this town, fifty or so miles distant from New York City, would in all likelihood just be two or three trailer parks and a bar if not for the arrival of the Ariel-Shijitzu Systems people twelve years ago.  They saw potential in this place.  It was cheaper than Manhattan turf.

Now, drop in a twenty-six story corporate office, three robotics plants, and several dozen warehouses, and you'll need a support culture, mind you.  So, not everybody in Pleasantview actually works for the Company; lots of them work in various service positions, or even for the city.

Those people don't matter, however.  Not for what you have in mind.  You see, you got an e mail message from your Direct Action American boss, who told you to travel to Pleasantview and scope the Ariel-Shijitzu builiding out.  They're up to something.  Something big.

According to a D.A.A. informant, the local company head, one Roy Shijitzu, is something of a technological genius.  Sure, his staff does most of the work towards making his concepts a reality, and he IS quite the robotics guru.  However, he's produced something... dangerous.

Really dangerous.

You see, Roy Shijitzu has apparently made some sort of quantum leap forward in microprocessor design.  He's built something that he calls a 'neuropathic processor', and the D.A.A. fears that if he applies this technology to his robotic designs, there could be some consequences.

So, that's where you come in, Jinx.  Your appointed task is to get ahold of one of these neuropathic processors, assuming that there's already more than one, and bring it back to the D.A.A. labs for analysis.  And, if possible, to check up on the D.A.A. informant.

His reports have changed since he told us about the neuropathic processor.  His name is Alan Davidson, and he has a local address.  The D.A.A. believes he may have been co-opted by A-S people somehow, and if so, well, that would be bad.  For the D.A.A., and of course, for him.

Now, this e mail message also stated that two other Direct Action Americans would be sent to assist you in this mission, and that they would be awaiting your arrival in the local Burger King restaurant or, depending on the time, in the Motel 8 across the street from there.

Of course, it's now high noon in Pleasantview, so you can guess where the other D.A.A. thugs are...

Subject: Re: [v13] A beginning ... (Jinx)
Date: 	Tue, 08 Dec 1998 19:34:46 -0600
From:       William Lockwood <albedo1@home.com>

She had been having a bad evening, and now this. Now she had to go skip off to some hole-in-the-ground company town and snag some thingamajig for the damn D.A.A. Not that she minded traveling, mind you, but she had better places to be: New York, LA, Tokyo - you name it.

Of course she couldn't stay too long or everything'd go to hell in a matter of hours, but that didn't mean she couldn't have at least a little fun on the way.

Natasha had already started packing her things, making sure to have the proper IDs, clothes, and of course, her more...lethal...equipment. She made the appropriate calls, insuring that she had a flight with an incredible safety record booked for New York, and then a charter flight to the Pleasantville Municipal Airport. With her luck the damn charter plane would drop an engine on Rahway and she'd have to catch a cab the rest of the way.

She rolled into town, a look of pure disgust on her face. The cab's windows were greasy and she was paying out the nose for this trip. Her cabby didn't speak a word of English and kept on oggling her through the rear view mirror, which he'd tipped at an angle that most certainly didn't give him a view of the road. Luckily, her luggage came through the crash undamaged and she didn't even have a scratch on her. She felt almost sorry for the pilot. It'd take him weeks to get out of traction.

She had the cabby pull over to the front doors of the Motel 8 as soon as she spotted its sign, and grabbed all of her crap before throwing a wad of cash onto the passenger seat. She drug all of her luggage up to the front desk, pulled out her company card and paid for her room. She concentrated and forced herself to flash a melting smile at one of the young male workers and he gladly lugged her bags the rest of the way up to her room.

After she was alone, she rechecked her equipment, threw on her black leather trench coat, made sure her twin hand-cannons were easily accessible, and headed downstairs and then across the street to the undoubtedly hick-filled attempt at a "restaurant".

She pushed open the doors, her icy blue eyes gazing out over the rims of her dark shades as she surveyed the customers, looking for anyone conspicuous, hoping that her fellow D.A.A. agents weren't too easily noticed.

Subject: [v13] A beginning... (Masque)
Date:    Wed, 09 Dec 1998 17:18:13 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

You're back after a good long year of preaching the gospel to the rather uncaring masses of New York State, and you've arrived back at Old Faceless's Albany home.  It's the closest thing you've had to a real home since you left the circus ten years ago, and something's wrong.

For instance, the convenience store down the street from the Faceless one's Albany stronghold was ablaze.  Walking up (since you don't take taxis, stupid technology), you notice a few fine details, Masque.  For one thing, it looks like the place was chopped up before it burned down.

As you get closer, you hear the singed clerk talking to the police.  "It was the darndest thing.  The damn punks took all the money out of the register, stole all of my grape soda and powdered doughnuts, and then started tearing the place apart with their demolitions stuff."

"All of 'em had tools.  The blonde one, the one with the pony tail, he had this big chain saw that could cut through CARS.  The one with the Mohawk had this big pointy thing, he used it to puncture the gas tanks outside, and the other one, the one with the blowtorch, set it off."

"The last one was the weirdest, though.  He just sat there, watching the others go off on the place, just sort of hanging in the background.  He was a real oddball, too, what with that painted mask thing on his face and his bullet-proof vest.  You gonna get these jerks, right?"

With that, the police started pushing the growing crowd back, especially you, what with your freaky weird robes and such.  Shaking your head, you leave to go make sure that Old Faceless is all right; with violent bikers riding about, it never hurts to make sure.

When you get to the house, you see Old Faceless himself sitting inside the screen door, saying "It's about damn time!  I thought you'd never get back here!"  With that, the bundle of ancient robes and loose, age-spot riddled skin opened the door for you.

As you walked in the musky house, you're momentarily disoriented by the tesseract effect of the house; sure, the place looks like a normal house on the outside, but it's as big as a grocery store inside.  Filled with stacks of books, scrolls, and other mystic trappings.

"Now, where was I", the senile old mage said.  "Oh, yes, that's right.  I have a job for you, you little punk!  I want you to head to New York City, and find something for me.  I don't know where it is, but it is an amulet of power, and the person that has it, well, shouldn't."

Subject: Re: [v13] A beginning ... (Jinx)
Date:    Wed, 09 Dec 1998 21:50:48 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

Walking into the Burger King, you indeed see several 'conspicuous' folks inside.  For one thing, you spot a big blonde, flat-topped man in a leather jacket, arm-wrestling with another biker-type, this one wearing his long blonde hair in a pony-tail.

They've apparently been at this for some time, now, since their food looks cold.  Of course, some of it appears to be out of place; oh, sure, the flat-topped fellow has three Whoppers (one half-eaten) and a big ol' order of fries, but the other guy just has a box of one dozen doughnuts.

Powdered doughnuts.

While this seems odd, the three folks in the booth next to them are arguing loudly with each other, seemingly over who was going to take the brunette sitting opposite them out for a ride on their bikes.  The young woman immediately sits up once you notice her, and looks at you.

Within seconds, the two bikers opposite her fall dead alseep, their faces falling into their double cheeseburgers in an almost comical display.  She then stands up and walks your way... giving you the opportunity to get a better look at her.

She's about five foot three, with long brown hair.  She's also wearing a leather jacket, with a big American flag air-brushed on the back, and olive-drab stretch pants.  "It's about time you got here, me and Bruno were getting bored waiting for you."

"What happened, your car break down?"

Subject: Re: [v13] A beginning ... (Jinx)
Date:    Wed, 09 Dec 1998 22:50:06 -0600
From:    William Lockwood <albedo1@home.com>

She stopped a moment to eye the bikers, a sneer forming on her pouty lips. As the brunette approached her, she nodded, and waited for her to approach close enough to speak discreetly.

"Right, I'm Natasha Huston. I do hope you're with the D.A.A. because if you're not I'm just going to have to kill you and then find my contact."

She gave the passed-out bikers a second glance. "I hope to hell those thugs aren't with you. This is supposed to be a quick in-and-out retrieval mission. Those two don't look like they'd be able to find the little boy's room in the Ariel-Shijitzu building, let alone what we're looking for.

"But we shouldn't discuss this right now. Let's find some place a bit less... open, OK?" She waited for the young woman's response, trying to gauge what she was all about while keeping an eye out for any aggressive actions.

Subject: [v13] righty-o
Date:    Thu, 10 Dec 1998 02:40:08 -0600
From:    "Christopher W. Acers" <cwacers@home.com>


"Harumphh!, you know old faceless...why would anybody in their right mind want to mix grape soda and powdered donuts? ...ferget it. I mean when all this world needs is popcorn and peanuts...maybe some cotton candy....that would be nice, cotton candy and Milk. Does a body good is what My daddy always said. Oh yeah thats right, i don't have a daddy. well somebody always said that...somewhere. Maybe it was me." " Why are you looking at me like that?" Murmering to myself some more.

" New york huh, evil place they said. Well maybe it was me again, but no matter. I have a quest. Maybe those punks weren't half bad. They DID destroy a automobile.  A veritable nightmare of Metal and parts. Stick with the intangible my ma always said...Nah. That was me again. Besides the intangible never breaks. Sometimes it goes 'Boo!" but never breaks Can't go wrong with a good old spell. They never fail ya, well almost never. "

" Oh right, New York....sure thing Boss. You wouldn't happen to know who this person is that has the amulet, would ya? I mean an amulet of power..sounds, well, powerful. It would be better protected in my hands ya think?! ...Would you stop looking at me like that..please?" 
" Now where did I put that horse.....?"

Re: [v13] A beginning ... (Jinx)
Date:     Thu, 10 Dec 1998 11:07:39 -0600
From:     Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

William Lockwood wrote:
 
> She stopped a moment to eye the bikers, a sneer forming on her pouty
> lips. As the brunette approached her, she nodded, and waited for her 
> to approach close enough to speak discreetly.
 
> "Right, I'm Natasha Huston. I do hope you're with the D.A.A. because 
> if you're not I'm just going to have to kill you and then find my 
> contact."

> She gave the passed-out bikers a second glance. "I hope to hell those
> thugs aren't with you. This is supposed to be a quick in-and-out
> retrieval mission. Those two don't look like they'd be able to find 
> the little boy's room in the Ariel-Shijitzu building, let alone what 
> we're looking for.

"Kill me, huh?  It is to laugh.  But yea, these bikers aren't with us. 
The Aussies were just a pleasant distraction until you showed up.  Too bad
you couldn't have been two hours later or something -- I LIKE Aussies!" 
She played with one of the unconscious biker's hair a little.

> "But we shouldn't discuss this right now. Let's find some place a bit
> less...open, OK?" She waited for the young woman's response, trying to
> gauge what she was all about while keeping an eye out for any 
> aggressive actions.

"You're right - let's go.  C'mon, Bruno!"  Of course, Bruno was still
locked in a deadly arm-wrestling contest with the pony-tailed biker, and
didn't seem ready to quit.  Until, of course, his partner looked at the
poor wretch, putting him to sleep.  "Pay the man so we can go, already!"

Angry that his contest of strength was cut short, he uttered something
akin to 'switch' and pulled out a hundred dollar bill, leaving it in the
biker's shirt pocket.  'Bruno' then rose, pulling out a five-foot long
duffel bag that looked... heavy... and walked out with the two ladies.

"We have a room at the hotel across the street, since you want to talk
to us in 'secret'..."  She then walked across the not-so busy street and
arrived at room eight, opening the door after she managed to find her
keys.  For some reason, it took her about a minute to do so.

After she and Bruno got in the room, the man took a small orb out of the
duffel bag and sat it down on the conveniently bolted down television. 
It immediately began to make a steady beeping sound, at which point the
lady spoke up.  "Now we can talk in private."

"I suppose intros are in order.  My code-name is Time Out, for reasons
that you can probably guess.  I have a unique... talent... that lets me
put people to sleep.  Of course, that helps me to perform all sorts of
nifty infiltration operations.

"Bruno here is our group muscle.  It's his job to blow things up, hurt
people a lot, or otherwise make them 'go away'.  Say hi, Bruno."

"Hi, Bruno!"

"Don't worry, he's not as stupid as we make him out to be.  You're
supposed to look at him and think 'big and dumb'.  That way, you don't
realize what a demolitions genius he is. Well, not that it takes lots of
brains to blow things up, but he does it with... style...".

Subject: Re: [v13] righty-o
Date:    Thu, 10 Dec 1998 11:15:48 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

Christopher W. Acers wrote:
 
> " Now where did I put that horse.....?"

The Old and Faceless one just looked at you for about thirty seconds,
and then just shook his head.  You think that was the point where he
finally caught up to your ramblings.  "You just go to New York and bring
me that amulet.  I assure you that it's up to no good in his hands."

"Scratch that... just go get it before the man holding it causes too
much trouble.  People shouldn't use magic unless they understand it, and
rest assured, he doesn't.  As far as where you put your horse, I can't
help you there.  Where do you normally put it?"

With that, the wisened and somewhat senile old man starts heading to the
front door, doing his best to give you a hint...

Subject: Re: [v13] A beginning ... (Jinx)
Date:    Thu, 10 Dec 1998 14:39:33 -0600
From:    William Lockwood <albedo1@home.com>

After following the young lady and "Bruno" to their room she settled
onto the edge of a bed, and regaled them with her view on this mission.

"Right, so you and 'Bruno' here are my partners in this shit-hole of a
mission? Great. Well, when we're in the field you can refer to me as
'Jinx.' You'll find out soon enough what I mean by that. Don't try
anything too risky near me as it'll most likely backfire. This means
that we'll probably have to split up."

She eyed the two other agents, watching their reactions.

"'Bruno' here will make a fine distraction. I'm sure you can rig
something that'll keep the company's main security forces occupied while
Time Out and I infiltrate the structure?" she continued, this time
eyeing the large duffel bag.

"I'd say direct teamwork would be a good idea, but my abilities are
better suited for a lone-wolf approach. Unless you keep a good distance
away from me, you'll find your guns jamming, your powers fizzling, and
occasionally a piano will happen to fall from orbit directly onto your
head.

"Perhaps if we keep in contact through a trio of comm-link headsets? As
long as we can insure that they are completely secure I think we might
be able to pull this off. What do you think?"

She stopped a moment, thinking to herself, "God, I hope these people
know what they're doing."

Subject: [v13] v13: Silhouette
Date:    Thu, 10 Dec 1998 15:36:40 -0700
From:    "Lady Arakne" <araknesweb@darkspiral.com>

"Sil..." the voice came over the speakerphone, "...Colleen's here."

In the soft light of the office, a dark haired young woman looked up from her artwork. She sighed softly as she looked at the pages she'd been inking for the next issue of her famous comic book.

The pages would get finished later, she decided. Right now, her friend and fellow comic book artist, Colleen Donahue was here....

Sil dapped twice on the phone, to let her secretary, Yvette, know she'd heard her, <<Tell Col that I'll be there in a sec.>>

She carefully cleaned the india ink off her pens and straightned up her work area, leaving it ready for the next day. Habits she'd picked up from her friend, who'd helped her break into the comic business and become something of celebrity.

Sil didn't care if nobody outside comic book readers or sci-fi/fantasy fans believed her story... That was fine with her. Enough of them had bought her comics and novels to make her a very rich woman.

After all, how did one explain being as different as Sil was? Her dark green hair was chalked up to an affectation, and the gloves that made her 6 fingered hands less obvious, another 'fashion statement'... similarly to her trademark shades that protected her light sensative eyes from the painful brilliance of this world's sun.

And naturally, everyone assumed that she was just a night owl at the offices of Shattered Image Comics. It was all just fine with her.

Even that she didn't speak, and used signlanguage wasn't that commented on. People assumed that she was 'handicapped', even though she could hear perfectly well, it gave her an advantage, they'd not hesitate to talk in front of her, assuming she couldn't hear them. 

What very few reaized was that she could also 'hear' their thoughts 
as well: Sil was a telepath. Like all her people. 

A tear welled up in her eye as she thought about home again. She wondered if anyone missed her, or if they'd just done what humans did with their dead celebrities... 

For all she knew, her "mysterious disappearnce" had been played up and cashed in on by her family, her friends and the performing artists guild she'd belonged to... A prodigy who died young seemed doomed to become a media legend in the Shadowrealms as well as on Earth. 

Sil grabbed a Kleenex, wiped her eyes and blew her nose before she opened the door to join Colleen on their daily foray to the gym.

<<Hey, Col>> she mind spoke, <<...don't start on me about getting homesick again...>>

Yvette smiled at her, and waved, "See ya tomorrow, Boss-lady!"

She signed [Later, 'Vette... Tell Marty we have to get the website updated tomorrow, and let Rob know I'll be there for his little dog and pony show of a lunch meeting!]

"Gotca, Sil." the young woman replied, making notes on a whiteboard calender.

The two writer/artists looked at each other and then broke up into collective giggles at the thought of Rob Liefeld's latest "Project", and were again thankful they retained ownership over their own books and concepts.... 

Colleen raised an eyebrow at Sil, "You know he's gotta be PC with all this. The feminists will have him by the balls if he doesn't have a couple of chics in on this... (sigh) He's gotta show that there was female input on his little "New Blood" idea. Even if the female characters look like they've got life preservers for boobs.... and like they got their entire body 'redone' by the same plastic 
surgeon..."

Sil chuckled, <<I know. Not even the dancers back home could have contorted themselves into the poses he uses... well they might have done the poses, but the costumes he draws on the "New Blood" women would never stay in place. Metal "armor" wouldn't stretch like that, and it'd pinch too!!!>>

As they waited for an empty elevator, the two women managed to garner a number of stares from their male colleagues. Sil nudged the men's minds back to their work and their fantasies.  She didn't feel the least bit bad about that sort of thing, either, though their speculations about herself and Colleen being more than friends amused her at times....

Colleen nodded in assent, "Even strippers have problems keeping those kinda outfits in place... "

<<No joke!>> Sil replied, thinking of the few times she and Col had gone down to Times Square to chat with a few of the "ladies" from the clubs, <<They think Rob's a bit obsessed, and I think they're right....>>

|DING|

The elevator doors opened to reveal the boyish, too-cute mug of the president of Shattered Image Comics.... It was all the two women could do not to burst out laughing at him...

He looked at Sil, dressed in her flowing black velvet dress and over-tunic, high boots, and cloak that utterly concealed her lithe dancer's body. Her dark green hair was wound up in a haphazard bun, held with a pair of carved jade hair sticks. He always seemed disappointed that she rarely wore makeup or anything but loose clothes... And given his habit for staring at Col's chest when he 
talked to her, it was no wonder that the feminists were having a field day with his latest "Project"...  But then, Sil'd known him for what he was the first day Col'd introduced her to him... and it didn't take a telepath to figure the 'boy' out.

Sil took her friend by the arm, <<Tell him we're late for a book signing or something!! I don't want to get roped into looking over yet another slew of panels tonight....>>

Col pasted a brilliant smile on her face as they pushed past the others who were exiting the lift, "See ya tomorrow, Rob! We're running late again!"

And just as either could have predicted, his eyes were riveted on what he obviously considered her best feature, "Sure Collie... Meeting's noon, at Planet Hollywood.... Try and be early? I'd like you and Sil to look over what we're presenting...."

|DING|

The elevator doors shut, cutting off his last words, giving the women a reprieve as Sil let the shadows embrace them, <<Ready? Next stop on the Silhouette Express: Gold's Gym! All aboard...>>

Colleen held her breath as they melted into the warm, liquid darkness... She was no longer terrified of the unique form of transportation, but was discovering that it could be rather pleasant. The few moments of total sensory deprivation allowed her to release the stress of a day's stress and deadlines, so she emerged refreshed, as though she'd had a good nap.

And a couple of hours at Gold's always made her feel better... She'd been trying to help Sil adjust to Earth gravity by engaging in aerobics and an overall body strengthening regime involving weights, more dance and gymnastics. It'd taken a few weeks, but these days, Sil seemed to be looking forward to their daily workouts as much as she did... 

And as usual, both women had worked up a generous appetite, deciding to head out to dinner after a hot shower. They headed to Sil's favorite Italian restaurant for pasta.

(ooc: anyone in NYC can probably stumble onto the ladies... :)   )

Subject: Re: [v13] A beginning ... (Jinx)
Date:    Thu, 10 Dec 1998 17:35:39 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

William Lockwood wrote:
 
> After following the young lady and "Bruno" to their room she settled
> onto the edge of a bed, and regaled them with her view on this 
> mission.
 
> "Right, so you and 'Bruno' here are my partners in this shit-hole of a
> mission? Great. Well, when we're in the field you can refer to me as
> 'Jinx.' You'll find out soon enough what I mean by that. Don't try
> anything too risky near me as it'll most likely backfire. This means
> that we'll probably have to split up."
 
> She eyed the two other agents, watching their reactions.

The two D.A.A. ops looked at each other, and then back at Jinx again.  "Oh, YOU."  Time Out said, rolling her eyes as Bruno just slapped his forehead exceptionally hard.  "I should've guessed the high-ups in the D.A.A. wanted to get rid of me after Panama... gah."

Pulling his hand off his now welted forehead, Bruno added in his two cents.  "Yeah, I've heard of YOU before, too.  Six-fingered Tommy and Kansas Bob went on that job with you to steal the Vice President's ink pen.  If I get killed because of you, I'm gonna get real mad."

Then they stop, and wait for you to continue, since you've got THAT look
on your face.
 
> "'Bruno' here will make a fine distraction. I'm sure you can rig
> something that'll keep the company's main security forces occupied 
> while Time Out and I infiltrate the structure?" she continued, this 
> time eyeing the large duffle bag.

Tracing your vision, Bruno grabs the bag and opens it up.  "Me, make a
distraction?  That's my middle name, Jinx."  He then pulled out a backpack and a long cylinder.  "I've got enough distraction right here to blow this TOWN!"

> "I'd say direct teamwork would be a good idea, but my abilities are
> better suited for a lone-wolf approach. Unless you keep a good 
> distance away from me, you'll find your guns jamming, your powers 
> fizzling, and occasionally a piano will happen to fall from orbit 
> directly onto your head.

With that, Bruno suddenly winces.  He just turns his head and whispers "... Kansas Bob..."  Apparently, his friend Bob had a piano in his past.  Time Out then motions to Bruno, who then pulls out a sleek leather purse, and throws it to her.

"You want to use teamwork, but go solo, then?  You got it.  Bruno can be mister big distraction, while I'm mizzus little distraction.  She pulls a plastic rectangle out of her purse, which changes upon her touching it into some sort of pistol.

"Semi-automatic plasteel cannon.  Built to be disguised as a pretty little compact - albeit a gray square one."  She also pulls out several clips, disguised as little tubes of lipstick.  "Little distraction's ready."

> "Perhaps if we keep in contact through a trio of comlink headsets? As
> long as we can insure that they are completely secure I think we might
> be able to pull this off. What do you think?"

"Sure thing" says Bruno, pulling a pair of triplet headsets out of the duffel bag.  "These are as secure as the D.A.A. can make them.  And then, of course, I modified them some, makin' 'em even better.  Should be good enough for you, I think."

> She stopped a moment, thinking to herself, "God, I hope these people
> know what they're doing."
 
"Okay, now that that's all settled," says Time Out, "How do we want to run this?  Bruno and I already made plans to get in, but since you want to go in solo, do you want to worm your way in before or after we do?  Personally, I recommend before, so's that it's easier on you."

"Their security'll be hyper-active once we make our way in.  Luckily for us, it'll be only hyper-active on the outside, and I've set up an extra special distraction factor for us once we're all in the building, proper.  So, what do you say, Jinxie?"

Subject: Re: [v13] A beginning ... (Jinx)
Date:    Thu, 10 Dec 1998 19:36:11 -0600
From:    William Lockwood <albedo1@home.com>

Natasha just let loose a deep breath.

"Yeah, I'm sure they're going to have top of the line shit in there.  What was your plan for entry into the building? I'm not familiar with the building itself. I hope you have some plans or blue prints or schematics or something," she glances at the large tube in Bruno's hands, "Or were you planning on using that to get in?"

She started pacing. "What can we expect in there? Obviously armed guards, laser sensors, motion detectors are a definite. Do you know if Roy's got any other tricks up his sleeves that I should know about?"

She paused, pulling out her guns and checking their ammo and sights.

"I love to use these babies, but would like to avoid getting spotted if
at all possible."

Subject: Re: [v13] A beginning ... (Jinx)
Date:    Thu, 10 Dec 1998 22:00:25 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

William Lockwood wrote:
 
> Natasha just let loose a deep breath.
 
> "Yeah, I'm sure they're going to have top of the line shit in there.
> What was your plan for entry into the building? I'm not familiar with
> the building itself.  I hope you have some plans or blue prints or
> schematics or something," she glances at the large tube in Bruno's
> hands, "Or were you planning on using that to get in?"

"Huh huh huh".  Bruno just looks at the tube.  "Nope, the tube's got all
my special mixture in it."

Time Out just shrugs.  "We have a basic idea of the layout.  The top two floors are Roy Shijitzu's personal playground, where we think he's got at least one working version of the neuropathic processor.  We also know that there's an elevator shaft on each corner of the building."

"Each shaft is accompanied by a stairwell, and we're pretty sure that there's a couple elevators and stairwells in the center of the building, as well.  We assume the rest is corporate offices, minor laboratories, and the like.  And if we're wrong, so what?  We'll manage."

"We always do."

> She started pacing. "What can we expect in there?  Obviously armed
> guards, laser sensors, motion detectors are a definite.  Do you know 
> if Roy's got any other tricks up his sleeves that I should know 
> about?"

Time Out smiles.  "Yeah, we figure that he's got all of that, and more, lurking about the building.  And, since we'll be hitting the place at night, well, we're gonna stick out like a sore thumb.  But that doesn't matter, because Bruno and our surprise'll keep security busy."

"Real busy."

> She paused, pulling out her guns and checking their ammo and sights.
 
> "I love to use these babies, but would like to avoid getting spotted 
> if at all possible."

Bruno almost looked happy when you said that, and pulled his last instrument of devastation out of the duffel bag:  a modified M-203 machine gun.  "Huh huh huh... me too.  I can't wait to hit this building with everything we got..."

Sighing, Time Out just shook her head, giving you the impression that she was exaggerating about her previous claims of Bruno's intelligence.  Nonetheless, she seemed ready to go through with the job, and then she piped up once again.

"Okay, here's the deal.  Jinx, you're going to want to make your way into the building around, oh, 5:30.  Once you're inside, you're probably going to want to find a reason to stay there past six... say, apply for a job or something.  I'm sure you can come up with something."

"You seem smart."

"At 5:05, give or take a minute or so, we'll show up.  Don't worry, you'll know it's us... just don't sit too close to the building's glass front, if you know what's good for you.  We'll cause enough of a mess that nobody'll notice you slipping out of the lobby."

"Then, you do what you've got to.  Once security thinks that we've been dealt with, well, that's when our surprise'll kick in, and me'n Bruno here'll set up to meet you on the top floors, in case you run into any excess resistance up there."

"Sound okay to you?"

You don't know if she's ultra-professional or just downright insane, but you get the distinct impression that Time Out's just making this plan up on the seat of her pants.  Of course, she's survived working for the D.A.A. on several jobs in the past, or she wouldn't be here on this job.

Would she?

Subject: [v13] In the Restaurant... (Silhouette)
Date:    Fri, 11 Dec 1998 19:00:41 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

Lady Arakne wrote:

> And as usual, both women had worked up a generous appitite,
> deciding to head out to dinner after a hot shower. They headed to
> Sil's favourite Italian restaurant for pasta.

After the two had been seated for about five minutes, another customer was seen to the table next to Silhouette and her lovely friend.  He kind of looked like Indiana Jones, save for his height; the 'man' was only about four foot two.

Of course, he was covered in dust, so he took of his hat and leather jacket, revealing just how hairy he really was.  Despite the fact that he was wearing a thick cotton t-shirt, you could see the arm and back hair right through the fabric.  

And the parts of his arms that were exposed to open air left nothing to the imagination, follicle-wise.  Seeing you looking his way, he nods his head in your general direction, extending his hand.  "Hello, ladies, my name is Och, it's a pleasure to meet you!!"

Subject: Re: [v13] In the Restaurant... (Silhouette)
Date:    Fri, 11 Dec 1998 17:38:28 -0700
From:    "Lady Arakne" <araknesweb@darkspiral.com>

> > And as usual, both women had worked up a generous appitite,
> > deciding to head out to dinner after a hot shower. They headed to
> > Sil's favourite Italian restaurant for pasta.

> After the two had been seated for about five minutes, another customer
> was seen to the table next to Silhouette and her lovely friend.  He kind
> of looked like Indiana Jones, save for his height; the 'man' was only
> about four foot two.
 
> Of course, he was covered in dust, so he took of his hat and leather
> jacket, revealing just how hairy he really was.  Despite the fact that
> he was wearing a thick cotton t-shirt, you could see the arm and back
> hair right through the fabric.  
 
> And the parts of his arms that were exposed to open air left nothing to
> the imagination, follicle-wise.  Seeing you looking his way, he nods his
> head in your general direction, extending his hand.  "Hello, ladies, my
> name is Och, it's a pleasure to meet you!!"
 
Sil riased an eyebrow at her Irish friend, <<A friend of yours, Col?>>

The petite (5'2") redhead shook her head imperceptably, <No, Sil.  Nobody I know.. Probably a fan of yours, hon.>

Sil shrugged mentally, and decided to take the foreward approach, mindspeaking to a total stranger, <<Hello. I am Sil and this is Coleen. Care to join us?>>

(resp)

Coleen could scarcely believe what Sil, her normally reserved friend was doing. But, it was a public place.... and Sil could teleport them to safety in the blink of an eye should the man prove to be an overzealous fan...it'd happened before, at San Diego ComiCon, when they'd just disappeared into the shadows with a few over zealous fans in hot persuit... It'd been the first time Coleen'd 
telported, and she'd not been happy afterwards, but in the long run, she'd understood...

She pasted on the same bright smile she'd donned for Rob Liefeld 
and other fans... It looked like it was going to be a long night....

Subject: Re: [v13] A beginning ... (Jinx)
Date:    Fri, 11 Dec 1998 22:40:03 -0600
From:    William Lockwood <albedo1@home.com>

Natasha took a moment to think the "plan" over before nodding, "Right, I
suppose I should get changed. I don't think a business representative from the Fujikawa Corporation should be dressed like some kind of D.A.A. commando.

"I'll be back shortly, I think it's definitely going to take a concerted
effort for me to pull of the 'I'm a friendly corporate rep'."

With that, she turned and headed down the hall and then took the elevator to her floor and keyed into her room.

"God, this is going to suck," she mused aloud as she dug through her luggage looking for some appropriate attire.

"I think the charcoal pin-stripe will be professional enough," she continued as she pulled out a dark pin-stripe pant suit.

She removed her armaments and threw them on the bed almost carelessly, unbottoning her blouse and tossing it on the floor. She grumbled as she made use of the hotel's meager facilities, taking a quick shower and toweling herself off quickly.

After getting cleaned up she went back to the main room, and dug a bit deeper within her bags, pulling out her black skinsuit.

After pouring herself into the almost liquid garb, she slipped her gloves, boots, guns and other gear into the attache' case she brought along. She hoped its shielding would hold up to most of Ariel-Shijitzu's inspections.

After she made sure everything was in place, she dressed in the pin-stripe pant suit, and pulled on a pair of conservative heels. She had a matching blouse with a relatively high collar which was buttoned all of the way up, with a long double-breasted suit jacket on top of it all.

She fiddled with her ID badge, making sure it had the proper name and company info. She grabbed the phone and made a quick call to a D.A.A. transfer switch, insured that she had a secure line, and requested that the Fujikawa corporation be put on the record with one "Karen Rutger" registered as an employee there.

After completing the call, she reached into her carry-on and pulled out a pair of dark-rimmed glasses, slipped them on, and gave herself one last glance in the mirror.

"Right. Hello, Ms. Rutger. Don't fuck this up, or we're dead."

She headed downstairs and knocked on the door to Room 008, waiting for someone to answer.

Subject: Re: [v13] righty-o
Date:    Sat, 12 Dec 1998 14:24:06 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

Christopher W. Acers wrote:

> Uhh..old faceless?  Maybe you could tell em who this person is who 
> stole the amulet? Might be nice to know who I am going after when I 
> get to that Misbegotten New York City. I mean after all there are 
> wierdos there and I wouldn't want to bother the wrong weirdo or 
> anything but if i do i could send them your way so you could have new 
> students or maybe i could show them the way to enlightenment. So who 
> did you say this person was? .....

> Oh there it is....i had the horse all along.  *snap*

> Oops sorry...i should have been outside huh?

The Old one just shakes his head again, seeing the large, red-eyed horse like thing appearing in his hallway.  "Yes, it should have.  But don't worry about a name for the man you're looking for - he should be easy enough to find..."

"After all, how many people do you expect to find in New York City that wear all black, with carefully placed makeup and fake fangs, wearing a big gold amulet of power?  No no no, I assure you, he's not a REAL vampire or anything, he'd just like to be."

"But you're right... that could be a lot of people.  Center your search on Manhattan island, that's where everybody that wishes they could be 'cool' hangs out, particularly around Central Park or Times Square.  After that, only your magics can help you to locate this man."

"Anything else...?  If not, then go!  The amulet he wields is dangerous to have out in the public... trust me!"

Subject: Re: [v13] A beginning ... (Jinx)
Date:    Sat, 12 Dec 1998 14:48:34 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

William Lockwood wrote:

> She headed downstairs and knocked on the door to Room 008, waiting for
> someone to answer.

Nobody answered the door, proper, but behind you, you can hear the sound of repetitious grunting.  "Uh."  Turning around, you see Time-Out trying to close Bruno into the back end of a late model Crown Victoria.  "Uh."  It's a rather odd Crown Victoria, mind you, as it looks... chrome-ish.

As do the tires.  Even the windows have a sort of metallic sheen to outline their transparency.  "Uh."  "Breathe out, you idiot, or I'll never be able to close this thing.  Oh, hello, Jinx.  Nice suit."  *Slam*! You don't know what she's up to, but Bruno's now in the trunk.

"Okay, I'm showing 3:34 now, so you'll want to be in the Ariel-Shijitzu
building by 5:25, in order to be in time for our performance..."  She then got behind the wheel of the car.  "I'd give you a ride, of course, but that'd look kind of fishy later on."

"The building is only six blocks from here, though, so you can either catch a cab or have a nice walk.  I hear the trees are absolutely BEAUTIFUL this time of year."  With that, the sounds of Black Sabbath began to scream out from the car, and she tore out of the parking lot.

Everything seems to be progressing according to plan, except for one odd detail:  you could've sworn you saw what appeared to be a grin, a smile full of teeth, alongside with the faintest outline of a person, sitting in the passenger seat...

Subject: Re: [v13] In the Restaurant... (Silhouette)
Date:    Sat, 12 Dec 1998 15:04:39 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

Lady Arakne wrote:
 
>> "Hello, ladies, my name is Och, it's a pleasure to meet you!!"

> Sil riased an eyebrow at her Irish friend, <<A friend of yours, Col?>>
 
> The petite (5'2") redhead shook her head imperceptably, <No, Sil.
> Nobody I know.. Probably a fan of yours, hon.>
 
> Sil shrugged mentally, and decided to take the foreward approach,
> mindspeaking to a total stranger, <<Hello. I am Sil and this is
> Coleen. Care to join us?>>

"I'd be honored."  The short little man (?) then left his own table and sat down with Silhouette and her friend.  "Ah, telepathy, then.  That's good, for I was hoping that your works weren't just the product of an incredibly talented imagination.  You see, Sil, I have a problem."

"Like yourself, I found myself stranded here a little while ago.  Sure, I've tried to make good use of my time, but there just isn't as much to do for a person of my particular skills on this... Earth."  When he says 'earth', you can hear the disgust in his voice.

"Now, I know that you probably don't belive me, since I'm sure your more ... unbalanced fans have tried something like this in the past, so I will show you what evidence I do have towards proving my claims."  With that, he opens up his back pack gives you a small pouch.

Inside, you find mostly gold coins and nuggets, though one coin in particular stands out.  It seems to be made out of some sort of chrome, but it reflects the light that strikes it in an impressive array of rainbow colors.  It practically glows with rainbow light.

"At home, we call this ore 'rainbow steel', for obvious reasons.  It is almost priceless, and the coin you hold represents half of my personal fortunes.  If you can help me to get home, the coin itself is yours - I have another, so I am willing to part with it, if reluctantly..."


Subject: Re: [v13] righty-o
Date:    Sat, 12 Dec 1998 15:34:04 -0600
From:    "Christopher W. Acers" <cwacers@home.com>
 
> The Old one just shakes his head again, seeing the large, red-eyed horse
> like thing appearing in his hallway.  "Yes, it should have.  But don't
> worry about a name for the man you're looking for - he should be easy
> enough to find..."

> "After all, how many people do you expect to find in New York City that
> wear all black, with carefully placed makeup and fake fangs, wearing a
> big gold amulet of power?  No no no, I assure you, he's not a REAL
> vampire or anything, he'd just like to be."

"You'd be surprised. with all those euro-trash creeps out there. They think they are vampires but they are really just glorified Beatniks.  Tell them that and they start to cry or justify their ... stuff.  You got any carrots? Max seems to be eyeballing yer robes.  Nevermind that, I'll be out of here before you can say...well something very long."

Waving my hands in some sort of loud way, I call on the mists of Hoggoth and walk on through to the other side. The other side being Times Square. 

"Oh bugger, sorry about that ma'am."  Pulling a coin out of her ear I ask her:
 "You wouldn't happen to have seen anyone wearing all black and an amulet of power? Big pointy teeth and such? and you got any carrots?"

Whilst speaking with the unfortunate soul I knocked over, I Make use of my magic sensing. Preferably for amulets of power, but one never knows.  Rolling a green spell feat with a 70.

Subject: Re: [v13] righty-o
Date:    Sat, 12 Dec 1998 18:35:21 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

Christopher W. Acers wrote:

>> The Old one just shakes his head again, seeing the large, red-eyed 
>> horse like thing appearing in his hallway.  "Yes, it should have.  
>> But don't worry about a name for the man you're looking for - he 
>> should be easy enough to find..."

>> "After all, how many people do you expect to find in New York City 
>> that wear all black, with carefully placed makeup and fake fangs, 
>> wearing a big gold amulet of power?  No no no, I assure you, he's not 
>> a REAL vampire or anything, he'd just like to be."

> "You'd be surprised. with all those euro-trash creeps out there. They
> think they are vampires but they are really just glorified Beatniks.
> Tell them that and they start to cry or justify their ... stuff.
> You got any carrots? Max seems to be eyeballing yer robes. Nevermind
> that, i'll be out of here before you can say...well something very
> long."
 
> Waving my hands in some sort of loud way, I call on the mists of
> hoggoth  and walk on through to the other side.

> The other side being Times Square.
 
> "Oh bugger, sorry about that ma'am."
> Pulling a coin out of her ear I ask her:
>  "You wouldn't happen to have seen anyone wearing all black and an
> amulet of power? Big pointy teeth and such? and you got any carrots?"

> Whilst speaking with the unfortunate soul I knocked over, I Make use 
> of my magic sensing. Preferably for amulets of power, but one never 
> knows.  Rolling a green spell feat with a 70.

As you fumble about with your magicsensing spell, the New Yorker woman indeed pulls a carrot out of her grocery bag, feeding it to your bizarre steed.  She seems almost mesmerized by its big, glowing red eyes, so even if she DID know where such a person was, she's not answering.

At any rate, your magical sense pinpoints three sources of magic energy in your near vicinity.  One seems to be moving towards you, though fifty feet in the air, another is stationary about a mile from here, and the third is, well, kind of far away from you.  Almost out of range, really.

It must be totally across town, perhaps even on the other side of central park.  Which, of course, leaves you with a problem?  Which of the three magic sources should you follow?  Which one is the dangerous magical amulet you've been sent to recover?

And what dangers might the other two entail???

Of course, before you make up your mind, another horseman pulls up besides you.  "Hey, 'scuse me, pal.  You got a permit for that horse?  And you gonna clean up the mess it just made all over MY street?"  As you look, you see that you've been approaced by a horse-riding copper.

Subject: Re: [v13] In the Restaurant... (Silhouette)
Date:    Sat, 12 Dec 1998 18:32:02 -0700
From:    "Lady Arakne" <araknesweb@darkspiral.com>

> "Like yourself, I found myself stranded here a little while ago.  Sure,
> I've tried to make good use of my time, but there just isn't as much to
> do for a person of my particular skills on this... Earth."  When he says
> 'earth', you can hear the disgust in his voice.
 
> "Now, I know that you probably don't belive me, since I'm sure your more
> ... unbalanced fans have tried something like this in the past, so I
> will show you what evidence I do have towards proving my claims."  With
> that, he opens up his back pack gives you a small pouch.
 
> Inside, you find mostly gold coins and nuggets, though one coin in
> particular stands out.  It seems to be made out of some sort of chrome,
> but it reflects the light that strikes it in an impressive array of
> rainbow colors.  It practically glows with rainbow light.
 
> "At home, we call this ore 'rainbow steel', for obvious reasons.  It is
> almost priceless, and the coin you hold represents half of my personal
> fortunes.  If you can help me to get home, the coin itself is yours - I
> have another, so I am willing to part with it, if reluctantly..."

Sil examined the strange coin, admiring the metal's beauty. It wouldn't be worth much to her on Earth or in the Shadowrealm, should she ever find her way home, but it might make more than a pretty necklace should she ever need to call in a favour.

<<Well, I understand being 'stuck' here,>> she replied thoughtfully, <<I can try, though I can make no promises at present. You are the only other "unique" individual I've encountered here. I'm afraid I was trying to put to the test, theories of dimensional gates... and guess where I wound up 'stuck' as it were?>>

(resp)

Colleen caught her wry smile, and chuckled softly to herself as she looked at the "dwarf" talking to the "elf"....and wondered how she'd gotten so lucky...

tbc.....

Subject: Re: [v13] righty-o
Date:    Sun, 13 Dec 1998 00:54:30 -0600
From:    "Christopher W. Acers" <cwacers@home.com>

> Of course, before you make up your mind, another horseman pulls up
> besides you.  "Hey, 'scuse me, pal.  You got a permit for that horse?
> And you gonna clean up the mess it just made all over MY street?"  As
> you look, you see that you've been approaced by a horse-riding copper.

"Afternoon officer! Thanks for noticin' but no need to be worried. One does not need a permit for MAGIC! For it is the Future.  A blissful future full of things that go 'Boo!'.  No need for those silly side-arms you carry.  I must add that I am proud of you for deeming the vehicle unnecessary and choosing a Horse for your means of travel but there are more urgent things that need my attention, like that thing coming towards me right up there."

Sending the horse away in a poof and pointing upwards for the benefit of the copper.

"Ma'am, you may want to move outta the way."

Readying my eldritch shield, just in case. Being a Wizard doesn't mean everybody likes you.

Subject: Re: [v13] In the Restaurant... (Silhouette)
Date:    Sun, 13 Dec 1998 06:11:09 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

Lady Arakne wrote:

> Sil examined the strange coin, admiring the metal's beauty. It 
> wouldn't be worth much to her on Earth or in the Shadowrealm, should 
> she ever find her way home, but it might make more than a pretty 
> necklace should she ever need to call in a favour.
 
> <<Well, I understand being 'stuck' here,>> she replied thoughtfully,
> <<I can try, though I can make no promises at present. You are the
> only other "unique" individual I've encountered here. I'm afraid I was
> trying to put to the test, theories of dimensional gates... and guess
> where I wound up 'stuck' as it were?>>

The 'man' of short stature looked thoughtful for several seconds, as if he were fighting to find the right words to express himself.  "I understand.  Well, if anything, it was worth a try, being that nobody else I've discovered here has experienced other planes of existence."

"Well, at the very least, I'll be able to enjoy a peaceful dinner with two lovely ladies, then."  

> Colleen caught her wry smile, and chuckled softly to herself as she
> looked at the "dwarf" talking to the "elf"....and wondered how she'd
> gotten so lucky...

Och went ahead and flagged down a waiter, ordering himself a large plate of spaghetti and a glass of wine to accompany it.  He seemed about to say something else, when he stopped, eyeing the crowd enjoying a night of italian food.  He looked for about a minute, and then sighed.

"Hm... if you'll excuse me, I'll be right back.  I have some business that I must attend to, something I haven't finished up for quite a bit.  I will be right back, of course, in time for dinner..."  With that, Och got up and headed for the front door with some speed.

About five seconds after Och's gone out the front door, you notice another restaurant patron hop up and run out the door.  He's a rather tall man, over six foot three, though he's rather skinny for his height, and somewhat older than you (he's fully gray in the hair).

You might not have noticed, had he not tripped over two people on his way out, apparently in one heck of a hurry...

Subject: Re: [v13] righty-o
Date:    Sun, 13 Dec 1998 06:26:19 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

Christopher W. Acers wrote:
 
> "Afternoon officer! Thanks for noticin' but no need to be worried. One
> does not need a permit for MAGIC! For it is the Future. A blissful
> future full of things that go 'Boo!'. No need for those silly sidearms
> you carry. I must add that I am proud of you for deeming the vehicle
> unnecessary and choosing a Horse for your means of travel but there 
> are more urgent things that need my attention, like that thing coming
> towards me right up there."
 
> Sending the horse away in a poof and pointing upwards for the benefit 
> of the copper.

As seems to be the case when you start talking to somebody in full force, the officer just seems stunned for a second or two.  By the time his mind catches up to your words, of course, your mystical steed has vanished, which only confuses the poor man even more...

"Magic, hey?  So you're one of them circus people, like Houdini, or something, right?  That's a neat trick there, how you made that horse vanish.  I really liked the glowing eye bit, myself -- you got some secret light projectors hidden in a car 'round here?"

"That'd definitely explain the outfit, of course.  But, since you don't have the horse anymore, I'm not needed here.  Just remember, pal:  you need a permit for one of those things while in New York proper, okay?"  The officer rides off after that, unaware of the thing coming at you.
 
> "Ma'am, you may want to move outta the way."
 
> Readying my eldritch shield, just in case. Being a Wizard doesn't mean
> everybody likes you.

Popping a shield of mystical energies off the edges of your fingers, you brace for the thing on an apparent collision course with you.  The lady who was formerly feeding your horse carrots bolts away in fear, but the people in the Square around you watch, transfixed.

You can hear shouts of "ooh", "aah", and even "nice effects", and people begin to gather around you.  They seem to have the impression that you're a part of some movie production, as you can also hear the crowd saying things like "where's the camera" and "am I gonna be on T.V.?"

Of course, when your magical sense indicates that the energy moving right towards you simply stops overhead, you look up to see absolutely nothing; apparently, whatever's above your head is invisible to normal sight, and your magic sense isn't telling you what it is.

It stays there for about fifteen seconds, and then wanders off in the general direction of the second magical source you detected moments ago, though on a slightly askew trajectory.  Once people figure out that you aren't doing anything else cool, of course, the crowd disperses.

Leaving you, of course, to figure out what to do next...

Subject: Re: [v13] In the Restaurant... (Silhouette)
Date:    Sun, 13 Dec 1998 19:03:06 -0700
From:    "Lady Arakne" <araknesweb@darkspiral.com>

> > Sil examined the strange coin, admiring the metal's beauty. It 
> > wouldn't be worth much to her on Earth or in the Shadowrealm, should 
> > she ever find her way home, but it might make more than a pretty 
> > necklace should she ever need to call in a favour.
  
> > <<Well, I understand being 'stuck' here,>> she replied thoughtfully,
> > <<I can try, though I can make no promises at present. You are the
> > only other "unique" individual I've encountered here. I'm afraid I was
> > trying to put to the test, theories of dimensional gates... and guess
> > where I wound up 'stuck' as it were?>>
 
> The 'man' of short stature looked thoughtful for several seconds, as if
> he were fighting to find the right words to express himself.  "I
> understand.  Well, if anything, it was worth a try, being that nobody
> else I've discovered here has experienced other planes of existence."
 
> "Well, at the very least, I'll be able to enjoy a peaceful dinner with
> two lovely ladies, then."  
 
> > Colleen caught her wry smile, and chuckled softly to herself as she
> > looked at the "dwarf" talking to the "elf"....and wondered how she'd
> > gotten so lucky...
 
> Och went ahead and flagged down a waiter, ordering himself a large plate
> of spaghetti and a glass of wine to accompany it.  He seemed about to
> say something else, when he stopped, eyeing the crowd enjoying a night
> of italian food.  He looked for about a minute, and then sighed.
 
> "Hm... if you'll excuse me, I'll be right back.  I have some business
> that I must attend to, something I haven't finished up for quite a bit. 
> I will be right back, of course, in time for dinner..."  With that, Och
> got up and headed for the front door with some speed.
 
> About five seconds after Och's gone out the front door, you notice
> another restaurant patron hop up and run out the door.  He's a rather
> tall man, over six foot three, though he's rather skinny for his height,
> and somewhat older than you (he's fully gray in the hair).
 
> You might not have noticed, had he not tripped over two people on his
> way out, apparently in one heck of a hurry...
 
Col's eyes got big, "Hey, Sil? Did you see that? He left in a awful hurry, and that really, really tall guy..."

Sil nodded at her friend, leaving a check for their meal, in the receipt folder, with a generous tip for the waiter...<<Yeah... You stay here. I'm going to find out what's up...>>

The petite redhead gaped at Sil in askace, and muttered, "As if.... Not!  You think I'd miss this? A "dwarf", an "elf" and a "scarecrow"? Hell no, sister...."

She grabbed her gymbag, only to find that Sil had "delivered" them somewhere else....

Col grabbed Sil by the arm and started towing her toward the door.

Sil tucked the strange leather pouch the fellow'd handed her minutes before into the bodice of her dress for safe keeping. She begain to use her telepathy to locate the little fellow and scanned the crowd in an attempt to locate his tall friend (76 on telepathy, 83 visually)....

Subject: Re: [v13] In the Restaurant... (Silhouette)
Date:    Sun, 13 Dec 1998 23:27:35 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>
 
Lady Arakne wrote:

> Col's eyes got big, "Hey, Sil? Did you see that? He left in a aweful
> hurry, and that really, really tall guy..."
 
> Sil nodded at her friend, leaving a check for their meal, in the
> reciept folder, with a generous tip for the waiter...<<Yeah...
> You stay here. I'm going to find out what's up...>>
 
> The petite redhead gaped at Sil in askace, and muttered, "As if....
> Not!  You think I'd miss this? A "dwarf", an "elf" and a "scarecrow"?
> Hell no, sister...."

> She grabbed her gym bag, only to find that Sil had "delivered" them
> somewhere else....
 
> Col grabbed Sil by the arm and started towing her toward the door.
 
> Sil tucked the strange leather pouch the fellow'd handed her minutes 
> before into the bodice of her dress for safe keeping. She began to use 
> her telepathy to locate the little fellow and scanned the crowd in an 
> attempt to locate his tall friend (76 on telepathy, 83 visually)...
 
It doesn't take you much to find the guy; it would seem that the two folks you'd followed out of the restaurant have simply moved off to a side alley, and are involved in some sort of scuffle.  As you round the corner, you see Och holding the tall man over his head.

Which is impressive, considering his height.

"Why have you been following me?!?", Och yelled at the man, who only began struggling to escape from the diminutive man's grasp.  "I've seen you everywhere I've gone for the last three weeks!  If you don't talk, I'm going to HURT you... and how!!"

With that, Och throws the man into several nearby trash cans, and is about to advance upon the hapless man when he stops suddenly, looking up.  You get the distinct impression that he's looking for something overhead, but you can't see anything.  Not with your eyes, anyway.

The tall, skinny man takes this opportunity to collect himself and run off, trying to get away before Och gets over the sudden distraction.  He seems to be suffering from something of a limp, mind you, so he's not moving very fast.  However, Och doesn't seem to be in a hurry to follow.

He seems almost transfixed by that which is apparently above him, whatever it may be...

Subject: Re: [v13] In the Restaurant... (Silhouette)
Date:    Sun, 13 Dec 1998 21:30:57 -0700
From:    "Lady Arakne" <araknesweb@darkspiral.com>

> > Col grabbed Sil by the arm and started towing her toward the door.
  
> > Sil tucked the strange leather pouch the fellow'd handed her minutes 
> > before into the bodice of her dress for safe keeping. She began to use 
> > her telepathy to locate the little fellow and scanned the crowd in an 
> > attempt to locate his tall friend (76 on telepathy, 83 visually)...
  
> It doesn't take you much to find the guy; it would seem that the two
> folks you'd followed out of the restaurant have simply moved off to a
> side alley, and are involved in some sort of scuffle.  As you round the
> corner, you see Och holding the tall man over his head.
 
> Which is impressive, considering his height.
 
> "Why have you been following me?!?", Och yelled at the man, who only
> began struggling to escape from the diminutive man's grasp.  "I've seen
> you everywhere I've gone for the last three weeks!  If you don't talk,
> I'm going to HURT you... and how!!"
 
> With that, Och throws the man into several nearby trash cans, and is
> about to advance upon the hapless man when he stops suddenly, looking
> up.  You get the distinct impression that he's looking for something
> overhead, but you can't see anything.  Not with your eyes, anyway.
 
> The tall, skinny man takes this opportunity to collect himself and run
> off, trying to get away before Och gets over the sudden distraction.  He
> seems to be suffering from something of a limp, mind you, so he's not
> moving very fast.  However, Och doesn't seem to be in a hurry to follow.
 
> He seems almost transfixed by that which is apparently above him,
> whatever it may be...

Sil is in a bad mood. Her dinner has been interrupted too many times tonight. So her dark eyes took on a mischevious, yet dangerous gleam as the shadows oozed around the "scarecrow" as Colleen had called him, swallowing him up into the total sensory deprivation of liquid blackness.(49)

Col was tugging at her arm, at the "dwarf" who was staring intently at something over head, though neither she nor Sil saw a blessed thing, there was something more there...

And a moment later, she knew she was right... She sensed something on a telepathic level, not aggressive or harmful; but rather quite curious about something it was watching...

She cocked her head to one side, as she often did unconsciously when using her telepathy: both listening and talking...

<<Hello up there?>> she pathed, <<See something interesting down here?>>

Subject: Re: [v13] In the Restaurant... (Silhouette)
Date:    Mon, 14 Dec 1998 01:01:03 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

Lady Arakne wrote:

> Sil is in a bad mood. Her dinner has been interrupted too many times 
> tonight. So her dark eyes took on a mischevious, yet dangerous gleam 
> as the shadows oozed around the "scarecrow" as Colleen had called him, 
> swallowing him up into the total sensory deprivation of liquid 
> blackness.  (49)

Looking down the alleyway, you can see the dark shadows congeal and form
up around the tall, lanky man, and you can hear a barely audible "D'oh!"
come from the man before he falls to the ground, enshrouded in a blanket
of absolute, inky blackness.

> Col was tugging at her arm, at the "dwarf" who was staring intently
> at something over head, though neither she nor Sil saw a blessed
> thing, there was somethign more there...

> And a moment later, she knew she was right... She sensed something on 
> a telepathic level, not aggressive or harmful; but rather quite 
> curious about something it was watching...

> She cocked her head to one side, as she often did unconsciously
> when using her telepathy: both listening and talking...
 
> <<Hello up there?>> she pathed, <<See something interesting down 
> here?>>

The mysterious presence, after you speak to it with your mind, becomes visible... to you, at least.  You can see it.  Or him, rather, for it is a man, probably about six foot tall, wearing expansive gray robes.  He's got long, bone-white hair, and a wry grin on his face.

He winks at you, and then rockets off into the cityscape before you can do anything.  Och, once the man disappears, snaps out of his almost-coma and realizes that he's just standing there in the middle of an alley, albeit an alley with two women who he was just about to eat dinner with.

"Oh, dear, I'm sorry.  I hadn't meant to drag you two into any sort of
unpleasantness.  I was just dealing with a lingering problem, when I was ... distracted, all of a sudden.  Am I the only person that saw a gray man floating around in the alley here??"

"Of course, I seem to have lost my would-be troublemaker.  Hm..."

Subject: Re: [v13] righty-o
Date:    Mon, 14 Dec 1998 01:27:23 -0600
From:    "Christopher W. Acers" <cwacers@home.com>

Well Once again I bring the horse back and bid adieu to the people and
follow the invisible magic thing. Using my magic sensing as a guide...

Subject: Re: [v13] righty-o
Date:    Mon, 14 Dec 1998 03:28:21 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

Christopher W. Acers wrote:
 
> Well Once again I bring the horse back and bid adieu to the people and
> follow the invisible magic thing. Using my magic sensing as a guide...
 
Well, you mount your horse and follow the invisible thingie through the streets of New York City, and luckily for you, that mounted patrolman has already found other folks to bother.  The source was veering away from your second font of magical energy, but is now heading right to it.

After following it down busy streets for about a minute, you notice that it stopped rather abruptly over the second source of magical power that your spell detected when you first arrived in the City.  You almost come up on it again when it rockets away, faster than even your horse can go.

That's when you happen across that second magical source you'd so recently spotted, as it seems to be sitting in an alleyway, with two rather beautiful women.  The source, your spell tells you, is coming from a man who is dressed a whole lot like Indiana Jones did.

And looks just like him, too, save for the fact that he's barely over four foot tall, has a handsome golden beard, and when you look at him, a rather irate expression on his face.  Seeing you sitting there, in your expansive robes and riding that big horse, he seems to get angrier.

"Oh, Yohann, what now?!?", the diminutive man cries out, to no one in particular, unless this Yohann is a deity of some sort or another.  "Arrh, if you be a friend of that lanky little man that was following me, I'll set you straight, by golly, or my name's not Och!!!"

After laying down the law, so to speak, this man, apparently named Och, pulls a hatchet out of his backpack.  The device is beautiful in its craftsmanship, seemingly golden in makeup, though the thing gives you the impression that it cuts better than a golden blade.

For, though invisible to the naked eye, the weapon is emitting power.  Magical power.  And, upon looking at it, you realize that this thing is what your magical spell has detected, for the rather short man in front of you isn't exactly what you would call magical, to be sure.

As far as you can tell.

However, this Och doesn't seem to be running to attack you or anything; he seems to be waiting for you to make a move.  Hearing his commotion, the two women that are in the alley with Och look to see what's going on, and they, too, take a nice, long look at you.

(Note to Chris:  Now would be a good time to describe exactly what your bizarre costume actually looks like.  Take it away, Lady A or Chris..!)

Subject: Re: [v13] righty-o
Date:    Mon, 14 Dec 1998 04:15:32 -0600
From:    "Christopher W. Acers" <cwacers@home.com>

Hovering above the tenseness, I brush the crimson read cape out of my face (its windy up here), and straighten out the off-white tunic with cobalt blue sleeves. Of course the various ropes and belt type thingees are impossible to get a hold of but one can try. Checking my feet to make sure I didn't forget to put to put on the atypical leather boot things, I smile. Oh bugger, my raven black pants seem to be on backwards.  I stop smiling for a second and tie a string around my finger to remind myself to fix that ASAP. 

Wondering if this tiny man can possibly jump this high, I reason to hold my ground as it were. Of course I am not so unreasonable as to not believe in flying axes, they can bite pretty hard i'll have ya know.
 
" Afternoon ladies..."

Taking a longer look at Indie's lesser known, and shorter, brother...I give him a thumbs up.

"Hello there Och. I am Masque. Student of the Mystic Arts and whatnot.  Here on this Earth to show the way to true enlightenment.  MAGIC-agic-agic-gic-gic-ic-ic!"

 *(the star means I am talking to myself, muttering even) I need to work on that echo, it really isn't that impressive. Just sounds like I am mututtering... hmmm...oh bother..right..the dwarf..*

"Did you like that..the echo thing? I can do that with any word. A useful skill...right? I sure hope so. Pretty nice weapon you have there, what magic is it? This is Max, he like carrots. Me too, stick to the food pyramid they say. I like to make pyramids out of Potatoes too. Oh yeah...I  am not with that thing that was just here. I was merely following it. I am looking for an Amulet of Power...you seen any around? A fellow that thinks he is a vampire is wearing it or has it. Fake fangs though, probably hurt if he tries to bite ya...more of a gnawing i would imagine."

" I am not here for you, there is another source of Magic that I need to check on, in Central Park. I am guessing that yer friend was heading there next. Do you mind if I come down there to properly meet you all?"

Subject: Re: [v13] A beginning ... (Jinx)
Date:    Mon, 14 Dec 1998 19:09:54 -0600
From:    William Lockwood <albedo1@home.com>

Natasha squinted as she peered at the chromed Crown Victoria, but shook her head as the car tore out of the parking lot.

"Well, I guess a walk doesn't sound too horrible. Just wish I wasn't wearing heels."

She shrugged and started on down the sidewalk, making her way towards the Ariel-Shijitzu building. As she approached it, she took a quick look around, but didn't make herself too conspicuous.

Before she could draw any undue attention, she made her way into the cafe that was across the street from the main building. She ordered a strong black coffee and a croissant and made her way to a table that had a good view of the corporate offices across the street.

She nibbled on her croissant, cursing the pretentious French silently to herself, and occasionally sipping from the heavy mug of coffee as she quietly surveyed the building, thinking of how she was going to present herself.

As time passed, she decided it was time to head over to the Ariel-Shijitzu building. She took a few moments in the restroom to compose herself and, after paying for her snack, strolled across the street to the main entrance of the office.

She checked her watch as she walked in and noted the time: 5:28 PM. A little early, but nothing unforgiveable.

She made her way to the security kiosk, making sure her ID badge was clearly visible and made a concerted effort to maintain a pleasant smile.

"Good evening, I'm Karen Rutger, the representative from the Fujikawa Corporation. I'm here for the 5:30 project tour..."

[Rolled an 86 on my Psyche -1 CS due to my Attitude Quirk = Gd]

Subject: Re: [v13] righty-o
Date:    Mon, 14 Dec 1998 18:22:29 -0700
From:    "Lady Arakne" <araknesweb@darkspiral.com>

> Hovering above the tenseness, I brush the crimson read cape out of my
> face (its windy up here), and straighten out the off-white tunic with
> cobalt blue sleeves. Of course the various ropes and belt type thingees
> are impossible to get a hold of but one can try. Checking my my feet to
> make sure I didn't forget to put to put on the atypical leather boot
> things, I smile. Oh bugger, my raven black pants seem to be on
> backwards.

> I stop smiling for a second and tie a string around my finger to remind
> myself to fix that ASAP. 
 
> Wondering if this tiny man can possibly jump this high, I reason to hold
> my ground as it were. Of course I am not so unreasonable as to not
> believe in flying axes, they can bite pretty hard i'll have ya know.
  
> " Afternoon ladies..."
  
> Taking a longer look at Indie's lesser known, and shorter, brother...I
> give him a thumbs up.
 
> "Hello there Och. I am Masque. Student of the Mystic Arts and whatnot.
> Here on this Earth to show the way to true enlightenment.
> MAGIC-agic-agic-gic-gic-ic-ic!"
 
>  *(the star means I am talking to myself, muttering even)
> I need to work on that echo, it really isn't that impressive. Just
> sounds like I am stuttering...hmmm...oh bother... right..the dwarf..*
 
> "Did you like that..the echo thing? I can do that with any word. A
> useful skill...right? I sure hope so. Pretty nice weapon you have there,
> what magic is it? This is Max, he like carrots. Me too, stick to the
> food pyramid they say. I like to make pyramids out of Potatoes too. Oh
> yeah...I  am not with that thing that was just here. I was merely
> following it. I am looking for an Amulet of Power...you seen any around?
> A fellow that thinks he is a vampire is wearing it or has it. Fake fangs
> though, probably hurt if he tries to bite ya...more of a gnawing i would
> imagine."
 
> " I am not here for you, there is another source of Magic that I need to
> check on, in Central Park. I am guessing that yer friend was heading
> there next. Do you mind if I come down there to properly meet you all?"

Col "thought" at Sil, <Where did they dig up this fruit loop? This is GREAT! (sarcasm..) I can deal with an "elf" and  "dwarf", but this guy's really got a few screws loose!!!>

Sil shook her head, <<Be nice Col.. He DOES have a few screws loose, but I dont' think he's that dangerous...>>

<Yeah. Right.> the petite redhead replied as Sil beckoned him down....

<<Come on down, I don't think we're goign to be hurting for "interesting" dinner company tonight...>> she pathed to the three people, <<I paid for our dinner, Och... they've probably cleared the table already, so why don't we grab take out Chinese and hang out somewhere else?>>

Subject: [v13] Chinese Takeout, Anyone?
Date:    Tue, 15 Dec 1998 01:34:45 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

Lady Arakne wrote:

> Christopher W Acers wrote:
 
>> Hovering above the tenseness, I brush the crimson read cape out of my
>> face (its windy up here), and straighten out the off-white tunic with
>> cobalt blue sleeves. Of course the various ropes and belt type 
>> thingees are impossible to get a hold of but one can try. Checking my 
>> my feet to make sure I didn't forget to put to put on the atypical 
>> leather boot things, I smile. Oh bugger, my raven black pants seem to 
>> be on backwards.

>> I stop smiling for a second and tie a string around my finger to 
>> remind myself to fix that ASAP.

>> Wondering if this tiny man can possibly jump this high, I reason to 
>> hold my ground as it were. Of course I am not so unreasonable as to 
>> not believe in flying axes, they can bite pretty hard i'll have ya 
>> know.

>> " Afternoon ladies..."

>> Taking a longer look at Indie's lesser known, and shorter, brother... 
>> I give him a thumbs up.

>> "Hello there Och. I am Masque. Student of the Mystic Arts and 
>> whatnot.

>> Here on this Earth to show the way to true enlightenment.
>> MAGIC-agic-agic-gic-gic-ic-c!"

>> *(the star means I am talking to myself, muttering even)

>> *I need to work on that echo, it really isn't that impressive. Just
>> sounds like I am stuttering...hmmm...oh bother..right..the dwarf..*

>> "Did you like that..the echo thing? I can do that with any word. A
>> useful skill...right? I sure hope so. Pretty nice weapon you have 
>> there, what magic is it? This is Max, he like carrots. Me too, stick 
>> to the food pyramid they say. I like to make pyramids out of Potatoes 
>> too. Oh yeah...I  am not with that thing that was just here. I was 
>> merely following it. I am looking for an Amulet of Power...you seen 
>> any around? A fellow that thinks he is a vampire is wearing it or has 
>> it. Fake fangs though, probably hurt if he tries to bite ya...more of 
>> a gnawing i would imagine."

"Erm, I see", Och says, and seems to relax some.  He tosses his axe into the air, and tilts forward so it falls back into his backpack.  "Well, then, I apologize for being ... caustic at you.  However, I haven't seen this, well, this person you seek."

>> " I am not here for you, there is another source of Magic that I need 
>> to check on, in Central Park. I am guessing that yer friend was
>> heading there next. Do you mind if I come down there to properly meet 
>> you all?"
 
> Col "thought" at Sil, <Where did they dig up this fruit loop? This is
> GREAT! (sarcasm..) I can deal with an "elf" and  "dwarf", but this
> guy's really got a few screws loose!!!>
 
> Sil shook her head, <<Be nice Col.. He DOES have a few screws
> loose, but I dont' think he's that dangerous...>>
 
> <Yeah. Right.> the petite redhead replied as Sil beckoned him down...
 
> <<Come on down, I don't think we're goign to be hurting for
> "interesting" dinner company tonight...>> she pathed to the three
> people, <<I paid for our dinner, Och... they've probably cleared the
> table already, so why don't we grab take out Chinese and hang out
> somewhere else?>>
 
"Arrh", says Och again.  "Well, I had my heart on spaghetti, but I suppose I could settle for some egg rolls and a heaping helping of crab rangoon.  Along with, of course, a fine carbonated beverage.  Perhaps one of those 7-Ups, as well."

"What do you think, um, Masque, right?"

Subject: [v13] Inside the Ariel-Shijitzu Building...
Date:    Tue, 15 Dec 1998 01:42:53 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

William Lockwood wrote:

> She checked her watch as she walked in and noted the time: 5:28 PM. A
> little early, but nothing unforgiveable.
 
> She made her way to the security kiosk, making sure her ID badge was
> clearly visible and made a concerted effort to maintain a pleasant
> smile.
 
> "Good evening, I'm Karen Rutger, the representative from the Fujikawa
> Corporation. I'm here for the 5:30 project tour..."
 
> [Rolled an 86 on my Psyche -1 CS due to my Attitude Quirk = Gd]

The two security guards look up from their menagerie of monitors, and take a good second to eyeball you and your pretty little smile, amongst other things.  What do you expect, they're security guards?  After they soak up your image, they get to the actual words you spoke.

"Um, Project Tour?  I'm sorry, ma'am, but I don't have anything on today's schedule about a project tour.  I think you might have the wrong building.  Or the wrong day.  Um, uh, or maybe even the wrong company.  You said you were from the Fujikawa corporation, right?"

The vocal one seems to be the brains of this outfit, as the other one is just sitting there, snickering.  He keeps laughing in a sort of 'heh heh m heh heh' pattern.  Obviously, this might take a little bit of creative thought, since these two are so bloody dense...

Subject: Re: [v13] Chinese Takeout, Anyone?
Date:    Tue, 15 Dec 1998 12:38:56 -0700
From:    "Lady Arakne" <araknesweb@darkspiral.com>

> "Arrh", says Och again.  "Well, I had my heart on spaghetti, but I
> suppose I could settle for some egg rolls and a heaping helping of crab
> rangoon.  Along with, of course, a fine carbonated beverage.  Perhaps
> one of those 7-Ups, maybe."

> "What do you think, um, Masque, right?"

Sil shrugs, <<There are several...discreet... places I know down in the Villiage.... And they serve up the best Chinese in town. I'm thinking of the Iron Butterfly in particular...>>

Col nodded in agreement, thinking of the strange old couple who ran the place... they had more vigor than most people a third their age.... 

"Sil's right" she interjected, "That's a particular favourite of ours, right up the street from where we live. I guarentee you, it's the best crab rangoon this side of China...."

Subject: Re: [v13] Chinese Takeout, Anyone?
Date:    Tue, 15 Dec 1998 16:42:54 -0600
From:    "Christopher W. Acers" <cwacers@home.com>

> "Erm, I see", Och says, and seems to relax some.  He tosses his axe into
> the air, and tilts forward so it falls back into his backpack.  "Well,
> then, I apologize for being ... caustic at you.  However, I haven't seen
> this, well, this person you seek."

"Oh well, that's ok then. I am used to people being caustic at me . But
it is just a symptom. That usually goes away."

Giving him another thumbs up, I turn my attention to the ladies.
 
> > <<Come on down, I don't think we're goign to be hurting for
> > "interesting" dinner company tonight...>> she pathed to the three
> > people, <<I paid for our dinner, Och... they've probably cleared the
> > table already, so why don't we grab take out Chinese and hang out
> > somewhere else?>>

"Aughhhh... yer mouth is not moving! Did you know that? Neat-o. let me
try... MMPhhhh mmmphherersafd... nope, cant' do it. I'll be right down."

> "Arrh", says Och again.  "Well, I had my heart on spaghetti, but I
> suppose I could settle for some egg rolls and a heaping helping of crab
> rangoon.  Along with, of course, a fine carbonated beverage.  Perhaps
> one of those 7-Ups, as well."
 
> "What do you think, um, Masque, right?"

"Oh yeah, most definitely, I could use a cheesburger!"
 
Landing in the midst of these new friends of mine, I dismount and send
the horse away. 

Subject: Re: [v13] Chinese Takeout, Anyone?
Date:    Tue, 15 Dec 1998 16:53:21 -0600
From:    "Christopher W. Acers" <cwacers@home.com>

> "Sil's right" she interjected, "That's a particular favourite of ours,
> right up the street from where we live. I guarentee you, it's the best
> crab rangoon this side of China...."

"Oh yeeah, nothing better than crunchy stuff filled with goodness. Asian
cuisine-artists seem to have a knack for making the slimy taste
good...lead the way ladies."

*Whats this here...oh...thats right...*

"Hold on a second, I'll be right back, gotta fix my pants. They is all
bunched up in all the wrong places."
 
Invoking the Name of Hoggoth, I create the mists of his namesake. Stepping into the mists for a second, I put my pants on right. Coming back through...

"Shall we go then?"

Subject: Re: [v13] Chinese Takeout, Anyone?
Date:    Tue, 15 Dec 1998 18:17:25 -0700
From:    "Lady Arakne" <araknesweb@darkspiral.com>

<<Come on down, I don't think we're going to be hurting for "interesting" dinner company tonight...>> she pathed to the three people, <<I paid for our dinner, Och... they've probably cleared the table already, so why don't we grab take out Chinese and hang out somewhere else?>>

> "Aughhhh... yer mouth is not moving! Did you know that? Neat-o. let me
> try... MMPhhhh mmmphherersafd...  nope, cant' do it. I'll be right down."

Sil laughs outloud, <<You, are not a telepath, young man. I am.  My people never did talk.... As you can probably guess, I'm not from around here...>>

> > "Arrh", says Och again.  "Well, I had my heart on spaghetti, but I
> > suppose I could settle for some egg rolls and a heaping helping of crab
> > rangoon.  Along with, of course, a fine carbonated beverage.  Perhaps
> > one of those 7-Ups, maybe."

> > "What do you think, um, Masque, right?"
 
> "Oh yeah, most definitely, I could use a cheesburger!"
  
> Landing in the midst of these new friends of mine, I dismount and send the 
> horse away. 

Subject: Re: [v13] Chinese Takeout, Anyone?
Date:    Tue, 15 Dec 1998 18:17:25 -0700
From:    "Lady Arakne" <araknesweb@darkspiral.com>

> > "Sil's right" she interjected, "That's a particular favourite of ours,
> > right up the street from where we live. I guarentee you, it's the best
> > crab rangoon this side of China...."

> "Oh yeeah, nothing better than crunchy stuff filled with goodness. Asian
> cuisine-artists seem to have a knack for making the slimy taste
> good...lead the way ladies."
 
> *Whats this here...oh...thats right...*
 
> "Hold on a second, I'll be right back, gotta fix my pants. They is all
> bunched up in all the wrong places."
  
> Invoking the Name of Hoggoth, I create the mists of his namesake.
> Stepping into the mists for a second, I put my pants on right.
> Coming back through...
> "Shall we go then?"
 
Sil and Colleen shrugged, looking at each other as the 4 of them sank through the liquid blackness of one alley, only to reemerge in another several miles away, about a block from the Iron Butterfly...

<<This way, gentlemen...>> she mindspoke, as she indicated the alley leading out onto a busy sidestreet, <<Just around the corner lies our feast...>>

Subject: Re: [v13] Inside the Ariel-Shijitzu Building...
Date:    Tue, 15 Dec 1998 21:40:34 -0600
From:    William Lockwood <albedo1@home.com>

She promptly dropped the pleasant smile and assumed her standard grimace.

"You must be mistaken. I specifically remember Janine making an appointment with you guys. I am Karen Rutger from the Fujikawa Corporation. Now if you don't want me to personally call Mr. Shijitzu and inform him that his employees are behaving in a very inefficient manner, thus losing a potential business associate, you'd better get off your ass and at least make an attempt to show me around the building."

With that, she pulled out her cell-phone, preparing to dial some ominous number, staring the talker in the eyes.

[I rolled a 34 and spent 25 Karma (total: 59) on my Psyche (pre) of Gd]

Subject: Re: [v13] Chinese Takeout, Anyone?
Date:    Tue, 15 Dec 1998 22:04:39 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

Lady Arakne wrote:
 
> <<This way, gentlemen...>> she mindspoke, as she indicated the
> alley leading out onto a busy sidestreet, <<Just around the corner
> lies our feast...>>
 
"Okay, then!  Away with us, to this feast you speak of!!"  You can almost see Och's eyes aglow with desire with the thought of exquisite Chinese food.  "Though I think we'd be hard-pressed to find a Chinese restaurant that also serves cheese burgers..."

Subject: Re: [v13] Inside the Ariel-Shijitzu Building...
Date:    Wed, 16 Dec 1998 01:36:06 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

William Lockwood wrote:

> With that, she pulled out her cell-phone, preparing to dial some 
> ominous number, staring the talker in the eyes.
 
> [I rolled a 34 and spent 25 Karma (total: 59) on my Psyche (pre) of 
> Gd]

He just sort of stops.  Stops dead, in fact.  Well, not literally, but
you seem to have put a severe damper on his higher mental functions, for
the 'loudmouth' of the two guards just starts stammering out the
beginnings of sentences and such.

"Well, I uh... you see, ah...  I.  Well, you know how...  But.  But I. 
I.  Um, well, I tell you...  Er, um."  He just sits there thinking for a
second or two after that, and then the two guards stand up in unison. 
Then the stammerer speaks again.

"Well, a simple tour couldn't hurt, I guess.  I mean, it's okay for you
to be in the building as long as one of us is with you.  Sure, I'll take
you on a tour of the facilities.  You just tell me where you want to go,
and I'll show you the way there."

"That way, you don't have to call.  Call Mister Shijitzu or anything. 
Won't at all be necessary.  Somebody just forgot to write you down. 
Actually, I'll go ahead and find one of our execs to tour you around,
since those folks know the labs and stuff better than me."

"If that's okay, I'll call somebody right now.  Is that okay?"

(Bil?)

- Me

Subject: Re: [v13] Chinese Takeout, Anyone?
Date:    Wed, 16 Dec 1998 02:16:39 -0600
From:    "Christopher W. Acers" <cwacers@home.com>

> Sil and Colleen shrugged, looking at eachother as the 4 of them
> sank throught the liquid blackness of one alley, 

"Aughhhhhhhh...i'm sinking."
 
> <<This way, gentlemen...>> she mindspoke, as she indicated the
> alley leading out onto a busy sidestreet, <<Just around the corner
> lies our feast...>>

"Golly lady, at least warn me ahead of time when yer gonna do that...
What were yer names anyhow?"

Subject: Re: [v13] Chinese Takeout, Anyone?
Date:    Wed, 16 Dec 1998 08:12:14 -0700
From:    "Lady Arakne" <araknesweb@darkspiral.com>

>> Sil and Colleen shrugged, looking at each other as the 4 of them sank through
>>  the liquid blackness of one alley, 
 
> "Aughhhhhhhh... I'm sinking."
  
>> <<This way, gentlemen...>> she mindspoke, as she indicated the alley leading 
>> out onto a busy side street, <<Just around the corner lies our feast...>>
 
> "Golly lady, at least warn me ahead of time when yer gonna do that...
> What were yer names anyhow?"

Colleen chuckled, "I'm Colleen Donahue, and this is Silhouette...  Don't ask me how to pronounce her real name, because I think you've gotta be a telepath in order to get it right.... We started calling her Silhouette for the obvious reasons... She can do some pretty neat stuff with shadows...."

Subject: Re: [v13] Chinese Takeout, Anyone?
Date:    Wed, 16 Dec 1998 08:32:23 -0700
From:    "Lady Arakne" <araknesweb@darkspiral.com>

>> <<This way, gentlemen...>> she mindspoke, as she indicated the alley leading 
>> out onto a busy side street, <<Just around the corner lies our feast...>>
  
> "Okay, then!  Away with us, to this feast you speak of!!"  You can almost see 
* Och's eyes aglow with desire with the thought of exquisite Chinese food.  
* "Though I think we'd be hard-pressed to find a Chinese restaurant that also 
* serves cheese burgers..."

Sil lead the way around the corner, to a small Chinese restaurant that had a wroght iron butterfly hanging over the door, creaking as the wind moved the sign from side to side. 

When she opened the door, the smells that assailed everyone's noses made stomachs growl even louder...

Colleen called out a greeting in rapid fire Chinese as Sil lead the way to a table in an alcove in the back....

After about 10 minutes, a few large plates arrived and were set before the diners:  Och had what looked like half his weight in Crab Rangoon and Egg Rolls, a pitcher of Sprite; Colleen and Sil were sharing a few Hunan and Sezhuan dishes and fried rice while there was a large covered tray set before the schizoid mage....

Subject: Re: [v13] Chinese Takeout, Anyone?
Date:    Wed, 16 Dec 1998 14:10:12 -0600
From:    "Christopher W. Acers" <cwacers@home.com>

> After about 10 minutes, a few large plates arrived and were set
> before the diners: Och had what looked like half his weight in Crab
> Rangoon and Egg Rolls, a pitcher of Sprite; Colleen and Sil were
> sharing a few Hunan and Sezhuan dishes and fried rice while there
> was a large covered tray set before the schizoid mage....

*Covered trays, ritzy! I sure hope it has cheese on it. Asian cuisine tends to lack much dairy product , but a little bit of cheese and maybe some mustard... Seventh Heaven!... right...my new people...*

" Well ladies, what are you doing here in this Forsaken town? As you mentioned, Silhouette here is not from around here, quite possibly another Dimension. Am I right? I have an eye for that ya know. Of course the hair is a big give away and not many Elves around here either. A dwarf here too, boy one would think that I am one of them 'Cons'. I went to one once but the  chubby little people there kept asking me if I was running a game or something. Me ...bah, a game. There is only one game I play, and one outcome for this game...Magic will triumph over all. All this gadgetry is blaspheme I say. The world was once Magic and will soon be again. Damn Gigapets are a pox on mankind. A good Dragon is what we need, they say Mythology is ..well...myth. But I say its real. I have seen the truth. and you look like you have too. Whats yer story?"

" And you Och...what brings you to this realm?"

"As I mentioned before, I am on a quest. I have probably wasted too much time to find the 3rd source of energy. But I have faith that I will locate it again. Did you three get a good look at the entity that I was following? Where he is , I am sure that is where the Amulet will be. Oh right, the Amulet could mean bad things for us all and I am here to retrieve it. It is in the hands of a mean person. The amulet possesses too much power for the likes of evil. In other words I need to find it fast. If you people aren't doing anything , pressing, maybe you could help me defeat this enemy and bring peace to mankind, or at least to my master, for mankind probably has no idea what is going on. Ignorance is sometimes best for the little people. Have you seen the way they eat? I
mean they don't eat square meals, they eat crazy curved ones."

" What say we eat up and go find this thing, that unless you are busy."

"You got any salt?"

(and the circle is unbroken...?)

Subject: Re: [v13] Inside the Ariel-Shijitzu Building...
Date:    Wed, 16 Dec 1998 21:03:03 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>
 
(note:  this is Bil's previous post... accidentally sent to me.  Heh...)

She let the grimace reform into a smile, nodded and slipped the
cell-phone into her jacket pocket.

[Rolled a 70]

"Right, thank you, you are so kind, gentlemen," she continued.

"There is no hurry though, why don't we just start at the general
offices. The ground level is where everything starts and ultimately
ends. Let's go meet your peers, shall we?"

She waited for at least one of the security agents to leave the kiosk
before following, a wry grin spreading across her face.

Subject: Re: [v13] Inside the Ariel-Shijitzu Building...
Date:    Wed, 16 Dec 1998 21:01:27 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

William Lockwood wrote:
 
> "There is no hurry though, why don't we just start at the general
> offices. The ground level is where everything starts and ultimately
> ends. Let's go meet your peers, shall we?"
 
> She waited for at least one of the security agents to leave the kiosk
> before following, a wry grin spreading across her face.
 
Fearing for his job, mister loudmouth leads you past his security booth into the heart of the Ariel-Shijitzu's ground floor, where you see corporate types streaming in and out of various offices, or alternately, in and out of the four main elevators that empty out into the core of the building.

Of course, this floor itself is actually three floors, as the ceiling extends to the top of the third floor, with wide balconies overlooking the vast commons room you're currently in.  Loudmouth leads you to the human resources office, telling you to sit down on a handy bench so he can get you a tour guide.

He goes into the back office, leaving you with a shrugging secretary for a few minutes, during which time you hear the sounds of shouting emerging from inside the H.R. room.  Soon after, your talkative friend brings out another man, a somewhat stout man (read:  too many doughnuts) to take care of you.

"Erm, so that boob tells me that you're from the Fuji corporation?  I understand that they make fine cameras and such, but... oh, dear."  You get the distinct impression that he just spotted your I.D. badge, and that he feels really stupid all of a sudden.

"Hm... sorry about that.  FujiKAWA.  Remind me to get that guy gone as soon as you leave here today, miss Rutger.  At any rate, here's a temporary I.D. badge for you of the Ariel-Shijitzu variety, so that you don't have to deal with any more security nuisances for the duration of this tour."

He hands the badge to you, along with a permanent marker so you can write your name on the thing.  "If you don't mind, I just need to finish up one small matter, and I'll give you the full tour of the place.  This won't take me a minute or anything."

That was, of course, ten minutes ago.  It's now two minutes till six, and you know that trouble's coming just a minute or so from now, and that guy still hasn't come back out of his office yet.  The door's open, mind you, so you can see he's on the phone with somebody.  Still.

One minute till...

Subject: Re: [v13] Inside the Ariel-Shijitzu Building...
Date:    Wed, 16 Dec 1998 20:59:34 -0600
From:    William Lockwood <albedo1@home.com>

Natasha tapped her foot, and took a peek into the office. After making
sure that Mr. Chubby was still preoccupied, she made her way to the
nearest ladies' room.

Once she got in, she locked the door and entered the farthest stall from the door. Setting the her attache' case on top of the toilet, she began removing her suit. She took out all of her equipment and carefully made sure it was in working order, holstering her guns and pulling on her targeting goggles.

Once everything she no longer needed was secured within the briefcase, she tossed a timed flare set for 5 minutes into it and shut it, sliding it behind the toilet.

Then she looked for a convenient ventilation shaft.

Subject: Re: [v13] Chinese Takeout, Anyone?
Date:    Wed, 16 Dec 1998 21:47:34 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

Christopher W. Acers wrote:

> Lady Arakne wrote:
 
>> After about 10 minutes, a few large plates arrived and were set
>> before the diners: Och had what looked like half his weight in Crab
>> Rangoon and Egg Rolls, a pitcher of Sprite; Colleen and Sil were
>> sharing a few Hunan and Sezhuan dishes and fried rice while there
>> was a large covered tray set before the schizoid mage....

"Ahh, a meal fit for a king!  And I should know."  With that, Och set into his vast meal of egg rolls and crab rangoon, and though it looked like a mountain of dinner, you get the odd impression from watching him that he just might be able to finish it all.

> *Covered trays, ritzy! I sure hope it has cheese on it. Asian cuisine
> tends to lack much dairy product , but a little bit of cheese and 
> maybe some mustard..Seventh Heaven!....right..my new people...*

> " Well ladies, what are you doing here in this Forsaken town? As you
> mentioned, Silohuette here is not from around here, quite possibly
> another Dimension. Am I right? I have an eye for that ya know. Of 
> course the hair is a big give away and not many Elves around here 
> either. A dwarf here too, boy one would think that I am one of them 
> 'Cons'. I went to one once but the  chubby little people there kept 
> asking me if I was running a game or something. Me ...bah, a game. 
> There is only one game I play, and one outcome for this game...Magic 
> will triumph over all. All this gadgetry is blaspheme I say. The world 
> was once Magic and will soon be again. Damn Gigapets are a pox on 
> mankind. A good Dragon is what we need, they say Mythology is 
> ...well... myth. But I say its real. I have seen the truth. and you 
> look like you have too. Whats yer story?"
 
> " And you Och...what brings you to this realm?"

Looking up from his vast dinner, which already looks slightly less vast, come to think of it, Och utilized his napkin before speaking.  "Well, friend Masque, on my world, I was a guardian of antiquities, a keeper of the treasured remains of our people's elders."

"In short, I thumped on grave robbers and the like."

"On one occasion, a lost city that I and my men were charged with the defense of was attacked by several such villainous sorts.  During the course of our fight with these curs, several ancient devices were damaged and, as far as I can recall, accidentally activated."

"The last I remember of my world is being struck by an incredibly potent blast of something like lightning.  The next thing I knew, I was in a deep underground cavern, with which I had only my golden axe to escape from.  After a week of digging, I emerged in your world."

"Just outside someplace called Fargo.  Since then, I have offered my unique talents to archaeological expeditions, ensuring that the whole of such work isn't tainted by greed and criminal mindedness.  If there's anything I don't like, it is a grave robber."

> "As I mentioned before, I am on a quest. I have probably wasted too 
> much time to find the 3rd source of energy. But I have faith that I 
> will locate it again. Did you three get a good look at the entity that 
> I was following? Where he is , I am sure that is where the Amulet will 
> be. Oh right, the Amulet could mean bad things for us all and I am 
> here to retrieve it. It is in the hands of a mean person. The amulet 
> possesses too much power for the likes of evil. In other words I need 
> to find iot fast. If you people aren't doing anything , pressing, 
> maybe you could help me defeat this enemy and bring peace to mnankind, 
> or at least to my master, for mankind probbaly has no idea what is 
> going on. Ignorance is sometimes best for the little people. Have you 
> seen the way they eat? I mean they don't eat square meals, they eat 
> crazy curved ones."

> "What say we eat up and go find this thing, that unless you are busy."

> "You got any salt?"

Och hands you a salt shaker, looking at you for a little bit before opening his mouth.  You think he's trying to catch up to the last four minutes of speech, but you're not sure.  "I have nothing else to do, so I would be happy to help you out.  In exchange for a favor."

"You see, on a dig recently, most of my archaeological team was struck by a device that I believe was magical in nature, a sort of ancient tome that we dug up in the Alaskan tundra.  Most of my men escaped unscathed, save for one, one I have yet to locate."

"If I help you to deal with this ... amulet, would you in turn help me to account for my lost employee?  Conventional thinking has failed in the completion of this quest of mine, so I was thinking that you, with your magical... expertise, could lend me a hand where others haven't."

"Would this be a possibility?"

Subject: Re: [v13] Chinese Takeout, Anyone?
Date:    Wed, 16 Dec 1998 22:07:10 -0700
From:    "Lady Arakne" <araknesweb@darkspiral.com>

> "If I help you to deal with this ... amulet, would you in turn help me
> to account for my lost employee?  Conventional thinking has failed in
> the completion of this quest of mine, so I was thinking that you, with
> your magical... expertise, could lend me a hand where others haven't."
 
> "Would this be a possibility?"
 
Sil nodded quietly, <<I am going to see if I can help you get back home, Och, I might as well throw my lot in with the rest of you... New material for my books, you know... <she smiles> Life's been a little hectic lately, and I could use a workign vacation. Besides... it'd help prove a point... that I'm for real.>>

Subject: Re: [v13] Inside the Ariel-Shijitzu Building...
Date:    Thu, 17 Dec 1998 00:03:31 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

William Lockwood wrote:
  
> Natasha tapped her foot, and took a peek into the office. After making
> sure that Mr. Chubby was still preoccupied, she made her way to the
> nearest ladies' room.

> Once she got in, she locked the door and entered the farthest stall 
> from the door. Setting the her attache' case on top of the toilet, she 
> began removing her suit. She took out all of her equipment and 
> carefully made sure it was in working order, holstering her guns and 
> pulling on her targeting goggles.

> Once everything she no longer needed was secured within the briefcase,
> she tossed a timed flare set for 5 minutes into it and shut it, 
> sliding it behind the toilet.

> Then she looked for a convenient ventilation shaft.
 
Looking around the roof of the restroom, you indeed spot not one, but two of them.  Your watch reads 6:05 P.M., and right on cue, you hear this distant crashing sound coming from outside the bathroom.  You also hear the accompanying sounds of screams and general panic...

Subject: Re: [v13] Chinese Takeout, Anyone?
Date:    Thu, 17 Dec 1998 01:30:21 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

Lady Arakne wrote:

> Firebomb wrote:
 
>> "If I help you to deal with this ... amulet, would you in turn help 
>> me to account for my lost employee?  Conventional thinking has failed 
>> in the completion of this quest of mine, so I was thinking that you, 
>> with your magical... expertise, could lend me a hand where others 
>> haven't."

>> "Would this be a possibility?"

> Sil nodded quietly, <<I am going to see if I can help you get back
> home, Och, I might as well throw my lot in with the rest of you...
> New material for my books, you know... <she smiles> Life's been a
> little hectic lately, and I could use a workign vacation. Besides...
> it'd help prove a point... that I'm for real.>>

Och sipped from his Sprite.  "I would be honored if you would so help me.  I suppose the first thing we ought to do, then, once we get started, would be to travel to Alaska, in order to look for clues that Masque could identify with his magic, if he can do that sort of thing."

"However, since his task is centered here, within New York City proper, we should definitely get cracking on that right away.  Considering my experience with rogue magical artifacts, I do believe that this man Masque is looking for should be dealt with as soon as possible."

"That is, Masque, if you wish to help me?"

"Of course, I'll be needing to keep an eye out for that man who's been following me this last couple of weeks.  I wonder how he managed to get away from me.  It was like he just sort of, well, melted into the alley back there..."

(forgetting something?)

Subject: Re: [v13] Chinese Takeout, Anyone?
Date:    Thu, 17 Dec 1998 04:08:39 -0600
From:    "Christopher W. Acers" <cwacers@home.com>
 
> >> "If I help you to deal with this ... amulet, would you in turn help
> >> me to account for my lost employee?  Conventional thinking has failed
> >> in the completion of this quest of mine, so I was thinking that you,
> >> with your magical... expertise, could lend me a hand where others
> >> haven't."
> 
> >> "Would this be a possibility?"

" Oh yes most definitely sir. Thats a big ten four and whatnot. Magic is my Middle name...or is it Edgar...? Hmm, I'll have to check on that."
 
> > Sil nodded quietly, <<I am going to see if I can help you get back
> > home, Och, I might as well throw my lot in with the rest of you...
> > New material for my books, you know... <she smiles> Life's been a
> > little hectic lately, and I could use a workign vacation. Besides...
> > it'd help prove a point... that I'm for real.>>

"I believe in you, but then again i believe in Santa Claus.  But why not?  If you can't interact with yer Hallucinations, who can you interact with?!"

 
> Och sipped from his Sprite.  "I would be honored if you would so help
> me.  I suppose the first thing we ought to do, then, once we get
> started, would be to travel to Alaska, in order to look for clues that
> Masque could identify with his magic, if he can do that sort of thing."

Looking at Och in disbelief, I hop around a bit. --Thump-Picking myself back up off the floor and righting the chair again I spew forth a slur of incoherent ramblings and then say;

"What do you mean: 'If I can do that sort of thing'? I CAN do that sort of thing. It is my job, I found you didn't I? Well yer Axe anyhow. Oh bother... sorry."  

*I did it again, didn't I...I need to stop doing that..it is bothersome.
A proper wizard can't go around doing that, they might think I'm schizo
or something...* 

> "However, since his task is centered here, within New York City proper,
> we should definitely get cracking on that right away.  Considering my
> experience with rogue magical artifacts, I do believe that this man
> Masque is looking for should be dealt with as soon as possible."
 
> "That is, Masque, if you wish to help me?"
 
> "Of course, I'll be needing to keep an eye out for that man who's been
> following me this last couple of weeks.  I wonder how he managed to get
> away from me.  It was like he just sort of, well, melted into the alley
> back there..."

"That was us that actually melted into the alley, ala Silhouette. But right, I can and will help you. And what's this I heard about getting you back home? If I knew of the proper Dimension , I might be of some help. No Guarantees though. Unless I've been there it is up to Chance, and Chance is just a big bully sometimes, always taking yer lunch money and knocking you out of your chair"
"What guy were you talking about?"

Kicking the chair for good measure, I nod to everyone and smile.

"Shall we?"

Using my magic sensing in an attempt to get a fix on the magics that I saw earlier, I roll a 50, which produces a ?  (Denny , I still need to get a graph from ya)

Subject: Re: [v13] Chinese Takeout, Anyone?
Date:    Thu, 17 Dec 1998 11:30:55 -0700
From:    "Lady Arakne" <araknesweb@darkspiral.com>

> However, since his task is centered here, within New York City proper,
> we should definitely get cracking on that right away.  Considering my
> experience with rogue magical artifacts, I do believe that this man
> Masque is looking for should be dealt with as soon as possible."
 
> "That is, Masque, if you wish to help me?"
 
> "Of course, I'll be needing to keep an eye out for that man who's been
> following me this last couple of weeks.  I wonder how he managed to get
> away from me.  It was like he just sort of, well, melted into the alley
> back there..."
 
Sil simply smiled, <<Well...he did....>>

Subject: Re: [v13] Inside the Ariel-Shijitzu Building...
Date:    Thu, 17 Dec 1998 14:38:12 -0600
From:    William Lockwood <albedo1@home.com>

Natasha ignored the commotion outside the restroom, and pulled off the nearest ventilation cover after a few attempts. [rolled an 84]

Grumbling, she leapt and grabbed the inner edge of the shaft, and pulled herself up. Looking about, goggles set for low-light vision, she searched for any signs of a vertical shaft.

[Denny, if there are any, she'll cautiously proceed to the nearest one and start ascending. If there aren't any vertical ones, she'll go straight ahead, and if that is not available she'll go right, etc.]

Subject: Re: [v13] Inside the Ariel-Shijitzu Building...
Date:    Thu, 17 Dec 1998 15:19:52 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

William Lockwood wrote:
 
> Natasha ignored the commotion outside the restroom, and pulled off the
> nearest ventilation cover after a few attempts. [rolled an 84]
 
> Grumbling, she leapt and grabbed the inner edge of the shaft, and 
> pulled herself up. Looking about, goggles set for low-light vision, 
> she searched for any signs of a vertical shaft.
 
> [Denny, if there are any, she'll cautiously proceed to the nearest one
> and start ascending. If there aren't any vertical ones, she'll go
> straight ahead, and if that is not available she'll go right, etc.]

You climb into the ventilation shaft, and find it somewhat roomy, to tell the truth.  Sure, you can't walk upright in the thing, but yes, you can crawl through it without too much of a squeese upon your person.  You don't see a vertical shaft just yet, so you move forward for a bit.

As you reach a 'T' in the vents, you come across a vent that overlooks the main 'commons' area of the building.  Outside, you see people gathered around a burning Crown Victoria, and easily spot Time Out, crying on the shoulder of your loudmouth security guard friend.

You're not quite sure what she's up to, but you can see that security doesn't seem to think of her as a threat.  In fact, you see two guards approaching the broken glass, as if on the lookout for somebody... somebody dangerous.

Moving on, you head to the right, when you come across a shaft that does,  indeed, lead upwards.  It trails up into the darkness, ascending at least six stories.  You begin your difficult ascent, difficult since there's no convenient ladder to help you climb or anything...

About fifteen minutes later, you've made it to level 13, where this particular shaft stops going up (if you did, in fact want to go that far).  Now what, Jinx?

Subject: Re: [v13] Chinese Takeout, Anyone?
Date:    Thu, 17 Dec 1998 17:34:36 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

Lady Arakne wrote:

>> "Of course, I'll be needing to keep an eye out for that man who's 
>> been following me this last couple of weeks.  I wonder how he managed 
>> to get away from me.  It was like he just sort of, well, melted into 
>> the alley back there..."

> Sil simply smiled, <<Well...he did....>>

Och took another bite off of an egg roll, though he still looked confused.  "So, he's gone, or what, exactly?  I'm just a bit unclear about what exactly he did.  I mean, what happened to the guy?"  Waiting for something of an answer, Och finished the egg roll.

(note:  Just curious, since I seem to be a hair unclear aboot this, but did you teleport the man somewhere, or just leave him in the alleyway, trapped in a shadowy cocoon?  I thought it was the second choice, but I might be wrong... so what'd you do, eh?  Hm?  Hm?  Hm?)  ;)

Subject: Re: [v13] Chinese Takeout, Anyone?
Date:    Thu, 17 Dec 1998 17:51:25 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

Christopher W. Acers wrote:

>> "Would this be a possibility?"

> " Oh yes most definitely sir. Thats a big ten four and whatnot. Magic 
> is my Middle name...or is it Edgar...? Hmm, I'll have to check on 
> that."

"Excellent", said Och, finally finishing off his crab rangoon.  He looks like he's quite full at this point, but he's still looking down the barrel of several egg rolls.  He's got that look that makes you think he's full, but still wants to finish everything.

And doesn't quite know what to do yet.

>>> Sil nodded quietly, <<I am going to see if I can help you get back
>>> home, Och, I might as well throw my lot in with the rest of you...
>>> New material for my books, you know... <she smiles> Life's been a
>>> little hectic lately, and I could use a workign vacation. Besides...

>>> it'd help prove a point... that I'm for real.>>

> "I believe in you, but then again i believe in Santa Claus. But why 
> not? If you can't interact with yer Hallucinations, who can you 
> interact with?!"
 
>> Och sipped from his Sprite.  "I would be honored if you would so help
>> me.  I suppose the first thing we ought to do, then, once we get
>> started, would be to travel to Alaska, in order to look for clues 
>> that Masque could identify with his magic, if he can do that sort of 
>> thing."

> Looking at Och in disbelief, I hop around a bit. --Thump-- Picking
> myself back up off the floor and righting the chair again I spew forth
> a slur of incoherent ramblings and then say;
 
> "What do you mean: 'If I can do that sort of thing'? I CAN do that 
> sort of thing. It is my job, I found you didn't I? Well yer Axe 
> anyhow. Oh bother..sorry."

> *I did it again, didn't I...I need to stop doing that..it is 
> bothersome.  A proper wizard can't go around doing that, they might 
> think I'm schizo or something...*

Och just looks at you for a few seconds, not quite sure what to make of that little display.  Nonetheless, he looks happy that you can help him, and have offered to.  "Er, no disrespect meant, Masque, I simply didn't know the extent of your magical abilities."

>> "However, since his task is centered here, within New York City 
>> proper, we should definitely get cracking on that right away.  
>> Considering my experience with rogue magical artifacts, I do believe 
>> that this man Masque is looking for should be dealt with as soon as 
>> possible."

>> "Of course, I'll be needing to keep an eye out for that man who's 
>> been following me this last couple of weeks.  I wonder how he managed 
>> to get away from me.  It was like he just sort of, well, melted into 
>> the alley back there..."
 
> "That was us that actually melted into the alley, ala Silouhette. But
> right, I can and will help you. And whats this i heard about getting 
> you back home? If I knew of the proper Dimension , I might be of some 
> help.

> No Guarantees though. Unless I've been there it is up to Chance, and
> Chance is just a big bully sometimes, always taking yer lunch money 
> and knocking you out of your chair"  "What guy were you talking 
> about?"

> Kicking the chair for good measure, I nod to everyone and smile.
 
> "Shall we?"

"Well, then, I'll pass, for now.  For I am sure that you have not been to my realm, and would rather not take my chances winding up somewhere worse than I already am.  I mean, this earth is nice, but one never knows where he might end up.  Aye?"

"But to answer your question", Och says, "I have been followed by a man for several weeks, though he didn't seem to realize that I was on to him until tonight.  He was quite peculiar, needing a cane to walk right, and always yelling at electronic devices in his area."

"Though, mostly enough, that wasn't so bad until tonight.  For instance, before I made it to the italian restaurant where I met these two ladies, he was holding his head with both hands, muttering about how all of the things around him were jabbering at him."

"Most peculiar, indeed.  If somebody wanted me followed, why would they send a madman to do the deed?"

> Using my magic sensing in an attempt to get a fix on the magics that I
> saw earlier, I roll a 50, which produces a ?  (Denny , I still need to
> get a graph from ya)

It produces a green result, which is a success (though barely).  You do have a fix on one of those magical folks you'd detected before, the other one being long gone; that was the one you'd chased after on your horse.  The third, of course, is Och's axe, which is right here.

So, you can still track that remaining guy, if you so wish.  Though you might need to wait until everybody's done with their foodstuffs...

Subject: Re: [v13] Inside the Ariel-Shijitzu Building...
Date:    Thu, 17 Dec 1998 17:56:55 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

Quick note, Bil:  Are you wearing the headset that Time Out and Bruno gave you?  Need to make sure before I make my next post (which, of course, will be a reply to my reply from today).  Hate to nag, but I didn't know if'n you had it on.  

Thanks!

Subject: Re: [v13] Inside the Ariel-Shijitzu Building...
Date:    Thu, 17 Dec 1998 18:21:55 -0600
From:    William Lockwood <albedo1@home.com>

Catching a glimpse of the burning land yacht, Natasha blew into her headset, making sure it was functional.

"Testing. Testing - one, two, three. Is this thing on?" she queried into thin air, hoping for a response.

[Denny, how many floors did this building have?]

Subject: Re: [v13] Inside the Ariel-Shijitzu Building...
Date:    Thu, 17 Dec 1998 18:42:18 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

William Lockwood wrote:

> Catching a glimpse of the burning land yacht, Natasha blew into her
> headset, making sure it was functional.

> "Testing. Testing - one, two, three. Is this thing on?" she queried 
> into thin air, hoping for a response.
 
> [Denny, how many floors did this building have?]

"Huh huh huh."  You hear the brutish laugh of Bruno in your headset, and a second later, you can hear Time Out, as well.  "And then my boyfriend set my car on fire, and started chasing me down the road... I'm so sorry I drove through your building..."

Then, in the distance, you can hear mister loudmouth security goon.  "That's all right, ma'am, we'll call the police on the guy for you, and get him locked up in no time flat.  I'll take care of everything for you from now on..."

You can almost hear the leer in his scuzzy little rent-a-cop voice, when all of a sudden, you hear a rumbling in the distance.  The guards all run to the window, looking as if they'd seen a ghost.  You can hear Time Out make a slight chuckle at that, and can almost see her sneer.

"Oh, I'm sorry.  Did I say boyfriend?  I meant 'boyfriends'.  With an S.  You see, all four of 'em are really hard, pipe-hitting bastards, even though I managed to get one of them locked up in the trunk before I ran.  I think I gotta go, now".

With that, Time Out runs into the center of the building, 'fleeing' from her 'boyfriends'.  By the time she gets near your vent, you see them:  they're those three mean-lookin' bikers that she was playing with in the Burger King.  By the time you renew your climb, they've gone to work.

The ponytailed one's got this mean-looking chainsaw, which he's using to swipe the walls as he drives around.  The one with the mohawk's got this pike-looking thing which he's using to smash the security kiosk.  The last one is taking a flamethrower to what the other two missed.

And then, of course, Bruno pops out of the Crown Victoria's trunk, M-203 ablazing, with the occasional grenade launch smashing walls and such.  While you're climbing up, you can hear Time Out over the headsets again.  "Jinx - I'm on the fourth floor, via stairs.  You?"

"By the way, how'd you like my distraction?"

(oh, and the building's got 26 floors... I tole you that in your first
post, butt-head...)  ;)

Subject: Re: [v13] Inside the Ariel-Shijitzu Building...
Date:    Thu, 17 Dec 1998 18:49:50 -0600
From:    William Lockwood <albedo1@home.com>

Natasha grinned as she overlooked the carnage, almost shivering from the
exhiliration.

"Sorry I can't join you, boys." she whispered to herself as she looked for any obvious ways to exit the ventilation shaft.

"Nice distraction, I'm impressed. But you've got quite a ways to go before you catch up with me, hun. I'm all the way up on 13. My lucky number."

Subject: Re: [v13] Inside the Ariel-Shijitzu Building...
Date:    Thu, 17 Dec 1998 19:02:08 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

William Lockwood wrote:
 
> Natasha grinned as she overlooked the carnage, almost shivering from 
> the exhiliration.

> "Sorry I can't join you, boys." she whispered to herself as she looked
> for any obvious ways to exit the ventilation shaft.
 
> "Nice distraction, I'm impressed. But you've got quite a ways to go
> before you catch up with me, hun. I'm all the way up on 13. My lucky
> number."

There's a pause over the headsets, before Time Out answers.  "We'll see about that, Jinx.  I run REAL fast."  You can hear her huffing and puffing over the communicator, and are guessing that she'll be to level 13 within a minute.  Perhaps.

That, of course, is because you finally hear alarm claxons going off throughout the building.  Apparently, the ground-floor clowns never thought to hit any alarms or anything, waiting for someone else to do something while they got beat up by the corporate invaders.

About a minute later, you can hear gunfire over the headset.  After about thirty seconds, you hear Time Out again.  "Guards tearing down the stairs, by the way" she says.  "By the way, I'm on 13.  Where you want to meet up?  That is, if you want to, 'lone wolf'..."

Subject: Re: [v13] Inside the Ariel-Shijitzu Building...
Date:    Sat, 19 Dec 1998 00:18:07 -0600
From:    William Lockwood <albedo1@home.com>

Natasha chuckled, drew her guns, then concentrated and pulled in the strands of probability that surrounded her, focusing them, weaving them around her. She grinned to herself as her probability field solidified, a faint iridescent grey glow emanating from the energy surrounding her.

She kicked out the nearest vent cover and dropped to the floor, rolling as she hit, hoping that her knack at getting missed in a firefight would be enough to keep her from getting ventilated.

"Let's rock'n'roll! Listen for the suits dying and you'll find me soon enough!" she hollered over the headset as she targeted anything moving that wasn't her fellow agents.

[Rolled a 67 on my Chaos Fighting and rolled an 8 plus 2 for a 10
Initiative]

Subject: Re: [v13] Inside the Ariel-Shijitzu Building...
Date:    Sat, 19 Dec 1998 13:50:52 -0600
From:    William Lockwood <albedo1@home.com>

Natasha nodded as she spotted Time-Out, and whispered over her headset, "OK, you make one of 'em go nappy-time and I'll take out the other one."

With that, she snuck up behind one of the guards and smacked him on the back of the head with the butt of her gun, attempting to render him unconscious.

~There's no reason to kill these bozos. They're just doing their jobs, and besides, they haven't tried to shoot me yet.~ she thought to herself as she brought the grip of her gun down on the back of the unsuspecting guard's skull.

[Rolled a 95 to hit and an 83 for damage! Yikes!]

Subject: Re: [v13] Inside the Ariel-Shijitzu Building...
Date:    Sat, 19 Dec 1998 13:52:02 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

William Lockwood wrote:

> Natasha chuckled, drew her guns, then concentrated and pulled in the
> strands of probability that surrounded her, focusing them, weaving 
> them around her. She grinned to herself as her probability field 
> solidified, a faint iridescent grey glow emanating from the energy 
> surrounding her.

> She kicked out the nearest vent cover and dropped to the floor, 
> rolling as she hit, hoping that her knack at getting missed in a 
> firefight would be enough to keep her from getting ventilated.

> "Let's rock'n'roll! Listen for the suits dying and you'll find me soon
> enough!" she hollered over the headset as she targeted anything moving
> that wasn't her fellow agents.
 
> [Rolled a 67 on my Chaos Fighting and rolled an 8 plus 2 for a 10
> Initiative]

Strolling around a corner, you spot two security guards at another of those monitoring situations, looking aghast at their monitors, apparently at the mayhem taking place on the ground floors.  On the other side of the thing, you quickly spot Time Out, grinning at you.

They don't seem to see you, yet, as they're positively transfixed on the happenings revealed on their video screens.  What'cha gonna do, Jinx?  (note:  you've got the complete drop on these guys, so you pretty much get to go first).

Subject: Re: [v13] Inside the Ariel-Shijitzu Building...
Date:    Sat, 19 Dec 1998 14:06:09 -0600
From:    William Lockwood <albedo1@home.com>

Natasha grinned within her field, nodding, "Right. I think that should be our next stop. But keep on the look out - this seems way too easy."

With that, she looked for the nearest stairwell and began carefully ascending.

[What's next, big guy?]

Subject: Re: [v13] Inside the Ariel-Shijitzu Building...
Date:    Sat, 19 Dec 1998 14:08:17 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

William Lockwood wrote:
 
> Natasha nodded as she spotted Time-Out, and whispered over her 
> headset, "OK, you make one of 'em go nappy-time and I'll take out the 
> other one."

"You got it", you hear over the headset in turn.
 
> With that, she snuck up behind one of the guards and smacked him on 
> the back of the head with the butt of her gun, attempting to render 
> him unconcious.
 
> ~There's no reason to kill these bozos. They're just doing their jobs,
> and besides, they haven't tried to shoot me yet.~ she thought to 
> herself as she brought the grip of her gun down on the back of the 
> unsuspecting guard's skull.

> [Rolled a 95 to hit and an 83 for damage! Yikes!]

Your guard, after you knock him in the head like'a so, simply slumps over the security console, resembling a very, very tired rent-a-cop, save for the big ol' lump already beginning to show on his slightly balding head.  You WOULD hit him right there, wouldn't you?

At any rate, the second guard jumps up at this, taking a good look at you and your gray field-encased self, and started to go for some sort of alarm button, when he suddenly goes cross-eyed and falls back into his chair, knocking a box of doughnuts all over the place.

"Sorry, I just wanted to give him a little scare, first", Time Out says.  She spreads a few of the doughnuts over the guard she put to sleep, in order to add to the picture.  "There, that looks about right.  Should we head to the big-man's lab, you think?"

Subject: Re: [v13] Inside the Ariel-Shijitzu Building...
Date:    Sat, 19 Dec 1998 14:20:17 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

William Lockwood wrote:

> Natasha grinned within her field, nodding, "Right. I think that should
> be our next stop. But keep on the look out - this seems way too easy."

"Yeah", says Time Out, "you're right.  Of course, I'm sure that'll change once we hit level 26.  That's Roy's private playground, see, and that's where the real fun'll be.  Hope them guns of yours pack a lot of punch.  More than mine, anyway".

> With that, she looked for the nearest stairwell and began carefully
> ascending.

Time Out follows, pacing herself as she jogs up behind you.  The two of you fail to run into any sort of threats within the stairwell, and make it up to level 26 within several minutes.  You can see that the door itself is unlocked, but it has no window to provide a look-see beyond.

"So, Jinx, now what?  You wanna just run in guns a' blazing, or you want to do the sneaky route?"

* [What's next, big guy?]

Subject: Re: [v13] Inside the Ariel-Shijitzu Building...
Date:    Sat, 19 Dec 1998 14:23:38 -0600
From:    William Lockwood <albedo1@home.com>

As the two women jogged up the stairs, Jinx brandished her guns.

"Oh these babies do just fine. Trust me on that. They'll punch through a lot of shit with no trouble!"

She stared at the door a moment when they got up to the 26th floor and "Hmmm'd". 

"OK, here's an idea, you stand behind the door and I get on the other side of the doorway and you open the door wide open and we let them do whatever nastiness they have in mind. The door'll protect you somewhat and my field will hopefully keep me from gettin' fragged. Sound good to you?"

Subject: [v13] Roy Shijitzu's Fun Ride!
Date:    Sat, 19 Dec 1998 14:45:21 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

William Lockwood wrote:
 
> As the two women jogged up the stairs, Jinx brandished her guns.
 
> "Oh these babies do just fine. Trust me on that. They'll punch through 
> a lot of shit with no trouble!"
 
> She stared at the door a moment when they got up to the 26th floor and
> "Hmmm'd".

"Hmmm'd?"
 
> "OK, here's an idea, you stand behind the door and I get on the other
> side of the doorway and you open the door wide open and we let them do
> whatever nastiness they have in mind. The door'll protect you somewhat
> and my field will hopefully keep me from gettin' fragged. Sound good 
> to you?"

"Sure thing, Jinx."  Having said her peace, Time Out opens up the door, when suddenly, a yellow beam of energy streams out, making a 'zzzzt' noise as it cooks the air molecules around it.  Time Out cranes her head out from behind the door so that you can see it, and says "Zzzzt?".

Following the optical tracer the beam left on your eyes, you see a tiny hole in the stairwell wall.  In fact, you can see a slight streamer of orange, setting sunlight leaking in from the outside.  You're judging that the wall is at least a foot thick, too.

Getting back to business, you note that you don't hear anything else coming from inside Level 26.  Until you listen really close-like and can hear the slightest of scuffling coming from inside the room, which makes you think that those no-good folks inside are up to something.

And at least one of them's got some sort of laser projecting device...

Subject: [v13] Roy Shijitzu's Fun Ride!
Date:    Sat, 19 Dec 1998 14:51:57 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

Of course, before you can do anything about it, a man leaps into the stairwell, out of the twenty sixth floor, proper, turns, and takes several pot shots at you with his two automatic pistols before he starts to plunge down the stairwell shaft.

Quick!  Roll yerself a dodge, Jinx, to see if the man connects with you or not!!!

Subject: Re: [v13] Roy Shijitzu's Fun Ride!
Date:    Sat, 19 Dec 1998 20:14:53 -0600
From:    William Lockwood <albedo1@home.com>

[91 for my Dodge! Whoo!]

Natasha ducked and rolled as best she could within the confines of the stairwell, and took a bead on her attacker to take a return shot.

"You didn't _even_ try to shoot me, asshole!" she hollered after the fleeing man.

[Rolled a 61 on my return shot with only one gun.]

Subject: Re: [v13] Roy Shijitzu's Fun Ride!
Date:    Sun, 20 Dec 1998 03:34:27 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

William Lockwood wrote:
 
> [91 for my Dodge! Whoo!]

The gunman, wearing one of those spiffy Ariel-Shijitzu gray security uniforms, the one with A.S. gold embroidered over the left breast, fired a full blast at you, Jinx, but only two of the slugs actually hit you.  And of those two, neither could penetrate your probability field.
 
> Natasha ducked and rolled as best she could within the confines of the
> stairwell, and took a bead on her attacker to take a return shot.

> "You didn't _even_ try to shoot me, asshole!" she hollered after the
> fleeing man.
 
> [Rolled a 61 on my return shot with only one gun.]

The man was moving so quickly that your shots, in turn, failed to hit him as he descended into the stairwell shaft, accelerating towards terminal velocity.  However, as you look past him, you notice that the man had a line connected to him as he jumped over the Edge.

In fact, the security gunman is tied to something on level twenty six via a bungee cord; he didn't intend on plummeting to his doom; in fact, you get the distinct impression that he planned on bouncing back up to take another shot at you while your back was turned or something.

So, what'cha gonna do about it?  His cord has gone taut, so you're pretty sure he'll be back in a couple of seconds, unless you do something about it...

Subject: Re: [v13] Chinese Takeout, Anyone?
Date:    Sun, 20 Dec 1998 06:01:47 -0600
From:    "Christopher W. Acers" <cwacers@home.com>

> So, you can still track that remaining guy, if you so wish.  Though you
> might need to wait until everybody's done with their foodstuffs...

"So are y'all done eatin?.. I gots a fix on me next magic source...?"

Subject: Re: [v13] Roy Shijitzu's Fun Ride!
Date:    Sun, 20 Dec 1998 11:36:53 -0600
From:    William Lockwood <albedo1@home.com>

Natasha frowned as she saw the cord go taut. Thinking quickly, she pulled out her combat knife and slashed across her attacker's life-line.

[Rolled an 82 to hit and a 67 for damage.]

~Take that you uniformed bastard!~ she thought to herself as she prepared for the aftermath of her action and pulled back from the doorway to avoid any other attacks from within the 26th floor.

Subject: Re: [v13] Roy Shijitzu's Fun Ride!
Date:    Sun, 20 Dec 1998 14:36:54 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

William Lockwood wrote:
 
> Natasha frowned as she saw the cord go taut. Thinking quickly, she
> pulled out her combat knife and slashed across her attacker's 
> life-line.

> [Rolled an 82 to hit and a 67 for damage.]
 
> ~Take that you uniformed bastard!~ she thought to herself as she
> prepared for the aftermath of her action and pulled back from the
> doorway to avoid any other attacks from within the 26th floor.

Slicing at the taut bungee cord, you hear it make a 'spoing' noise as the end nearest you goes flying back into level twenty six, causing one security guy to make a satisfying "Augh!" sound as it whips into him somewhere.  As for the other guy, well, he don't sound so hot.

As soon as you clipped the cable, you heard him say something like "Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!" four stories down, and he then started to fall.  You heard him bounce off several sets of stairs, but didn't quite hear him fall down all the way to the bottom.

Sure, that would have been more satisfying, but you can't always get what you want.  At any rate, you hear another 'zzzt' sound as those guys on level twenty six take another shot at you, but apparently you were moving to fast.  Or, their laser gun moves too slow to get a bead on ya.

Could be mounted.  You can't say for sure, but it should've had you dead while you cut that bungee cord thing.  Should've, at any rate...

Subject: Re: [v13] Chinese Takeout, Anyone?
Date:    Sun, 20 Dec 1998 14:38:53 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

Christopher W. Acers wrote:
 
>> So, you can still track that remaining guy, if you so wish.  Though 
>> you might need to wait until everybody's done with their
>> foodstuffs...

> "So are y'all done eatin?.. I gots a fix on me next magic source...?"

"Mmm.  I'm all done, Masque.  If you're ready to go tracking down this source of magical mayhem, I'm with you."  Och was indeed done with that massive dinner that Silhouette ordered for him, and looked fit to burst having finished the whole thing.
 
Subject: Re: [v13] Chinese Takeout, Anyone?
Date:    Sun, 20 Dec 1998 22:17:03 -0700
From:    "Lady Arakne" <araknesweb@darkspiral.com>

>>> So, you can still track that remaining guy, if you so wish.  Though 
>>> you might need to wait until everybody's done with their
>>> foodstuffs...

>> "So are y'all done eatin?.. I gots a fix on me next magic source...?"

> "Mmm.  I'm all done, Masque.  If you're ready to go tracking down this
> source of magical mayhem, I'm with you."  Och was indeed done with that
> massive dinner that Silhouette ordered for him, and looked fit to burst
> having finished the whole thing.

Sil nodded and then glanced at Col who looked as eager as anyone to get on with excitement, and then shook her head gently at her best friend, <<Say "G'nite, Gracie"....>>

And with a gentle touch on the other woman's forehead, she used her telepathy to ease her into a deep, restful slumber from which she'd awaken at her normal time in the morning.

She looked at the men, <<I need to teleport her back to our place... I'll be right back....>>

It wasn't 10 minutes before Sil was back, still wearing her beloved black cloak, but she throws it back to reveal a dark green and black outfit that is partially armored, and covers her whole body.  She is also wearing a utility belt with pouches that appear to be stuffed with various useful articles..

<<I'm ready if you are...>> she tells them, <<Colleen will sleep until tomorrow. I don't require near the sleep a human does, so I'm with you for a few hours.... I just have to be at a noon meeting with Col and a few higher ups in my company tomorrow....>>

Subject: Re: [v13] Chinese Takeout, Anyone?
Date:    Mon, 21 Dec 1998 12:49:01 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

Lady Arakne wrote:

>>> "So are y'all done eatin?.. I gots a fix on me next magic source...?"

>> "Mmm.  I'm all done, Masque.  If you're ready to go tracking down 
>> this source of magical mayhem, I'm with you."  Och was indeed done 
>> with that massive dinner that Silhouette ordered for him, and looked 
>> fit to burst having finished the whole thing.

> Sil nodded and then glanced at Col who looked as eager as
> anyone to get on with excitement, and then shook her head
> gently at her best friend, <<Say "G'nite, Gracie"....>>
 
> And with a gentle touch on the other woman's forehead, she
> used her telepathy to ease her into a deep, restful slumber
> from which she'd awaken at her normal time in the morning.
 
> She looked at the men, <<I need to teleport her back to our place...
> I'll be right back....>>
 
> It wasn't  10 minutes before Sil was back, still wearing her beloved
> black cloak, but she throws it back to reveal a dark green and
> black outfit that is partially armored, and covers her whole body.
> She is also wearing a utility belt with pouches that appear to be
> stuffed with various useful articles..

> <<I'm ready if you are...>> she tells them, <<Colleen will sleep
> until tomorrow. I don't require near the sleep a human does, so I'm
> with you for a few hours.... I just have to be at a noon meeting with
> Col and a few higher ups in my company tomorrow....>>

"Excellent.  I am ready, as well.  Shall we go, Masque?  Lead the way to this source of magical power you detect within the city."  Still looking somewhat overstuffed, Och grabbed his backpack, put his hat back on, and prepared to adventure.

Subject: Re: [v13] Chinese Takeout, Anyone?
Date:    Mon, 21 Dec 1998 17:47:36 -0600
From:    "Christopher W. Acers" <cwacers@home.com>

> "Excellent.  I am ready, as well.  Shall we go, Masque?  Lead the way to
> this source of magical power you detect within the city."  Still looking
> somewhat overstuffed, Och grabbed his backpack, put his hat back on, and
> prepared to adventure.

"Alright then, Let's go"

Hoping my new friends are behind me, cause they sure aren't in front of me I head outside because it isn't very nice to make a horse appear in closed places. Trust me, I've done it before.

Stepping outside, I conjure up my horse and make a B-line for the last source of magic.

Subject: Re: [v13] Chinese Takeout, Anyone?
Date:    Mon, 21 Dec 1998 18:30:25 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

Christopher W. Acers wrote:
 
>> "Excellent.  I am ready, as well.  Shall we go, Masque?  Lead the way 
>> to this source of magical power you detect within the city."  Still 
>> looking somewhat overstuffed, Och grabbed his backpack, put his hat 
>> back on, and prepared to adventure.

> "Alright then, Let's go"
 
> Hoping my new friends are behind me, cause they sure aren't in front 
> of me I head outside because it isn't very nice to make a horse appear 
> in closed places. Trust me, I've done it before.
 
> Stepping outside, I conjure up my horse and make a B-line for the last
> source of magic.

As you thunder off into the great gray yonder, you can hear Och yelling behind you.  "Hey, wait for me!  It's not like I have a horse!!"  You can see him beating feet behind you, doing his best to keep up despite the fact that he can't run anywhere near as fast as that horse o' yours.

Subject: Re: [v13] Roy Shijitzu's Fun Ride!
Date:    Mon, 21 Dec 1998 18:34:42 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

William Lockwood wrote:
 
> Natasha looked across the doorway at Time-Out and shrugged, waiting 
> for her reaction, and whispered over the headset, "Hey, do I have to 
> do all of the work here? Wanna cross, one high, the other low, and 
> take some pot shots at these guys?"

"Wait", Time Out says, as she starts digging around in her purse for something.  She counts to three and throws it across the gap between the two of you.  As it hits dead center of the doorway, you hear that 'zzzt' sound again, disintegrating the scarf she'd thrown at you.

"Now!"

(Hey, Bil, go ahead and roll yer initiative and what-not, and we'll see who does what, and when.  Further, keep an eye on where these mail thingies are going, as this one came only to me, man.  For some reason, the replies between the two of us are bein' all wonky on the list...)

(Time Out wound up with a seven for initiative, for your info...)

Subject: Re: [v13] Roy Shijitzu's Fun Ride!
Date:    Mon, 21 Dec 1998 18:59:53 -0600
From:    William Lockwood <albedo1@home.com>

[Rolled a 10 total for my Initiative, and (get this) a 99 for my first attack roll, but only an 18 for Damage, and 53 to Hit and 64 for Damage on the second attack (gotta love two-guns as a talent).]

Natasha dove across the doorway, turning so as to get a clear shot with both of her mag cannons at whatever sinister device their assailants were trying to vaporize Time-Out and her with.

~Damn! I hope that thing isn't too volatile - radiation is a bitch!~ she thought a second or three too late as she pulled the triggers and continued in her arc toward the opposite side of the stairwell, using her gymnastics skill to roll with the landing and immediately assume a defensive posture.

[Hey Denny! I'm sending my messages to v13@darkspiral.com and they are coming through just fine back to me through the server.]

Subject: Re: [v13] Roy Shijitzu's Fun Ride!
Date:    Mon, 21 Dec 1998 20:04:07 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

William Lockwood wrote:

> [Rolled a 10 total for my Initiative, and (get this) a 99 for my first
> attack roll, but only an 18 for Damage, and 53 to Hit and 64 for 
> Damage on the second attack (gotta love two-guns as a talent).]

> Natasha dove across the doorway, turning so as to get a clear shot 
> with both of her mag cannons at whatever sinister device their 
> assailants were trying to vaporize Time-Out and her with.

As you dive out, you can see four men, one of which is sitting in some sort of wheeled contraption, the end of which is currently smoking.  You spot an LED indicator on the thing that's quickly going from unlit to lit, from left to right (perhaps it's charging up).

At any rate, your first shots hit the thing dead on, and it would appear that you managed to shatter the light focusing lens on the laser projector, as the man that's manning the thing panics as the power builds up, and when it hits full, the laser cannon explodes!

Your second shot, meanwhile, pegs one of the A-S security guys right in the shoulder, and the force of the shell rips right through his kevlar suit, slamming the man into the hallway and smearing him (and his blood) across a good ten feet of wall before he reconnects with floor.

> ~Damn! I hope that thing isn't too volatile - radiation is a bitch!~ 
> she thought a second or three too late as she pulled the triggers and
> continued in her arc toward the opposite side of the stairwell, using
> her gymnastics skill to roll with the landing and immediately assume a
> defensive posture.

Time Out, on the other hand, dives opposite you, catching one of the two remaining goons dead in the head with her compact gun, felling the poor bastard right where he stood.  She gets out of view of the last man just as he recovers from the carnage around him, taking a pot shot in turn.

"Looks like there's only one left, Jinx", Time Out says to you, waiting for you to make your next move.  "I can try to peg him with my 'talent', but I need eye contact to do that.  Unless, of course, you just want to kill him..."

> [Hey Denny! I'm sending my messages to v13@darkspiral.com and they are
> coming through just fine back to me through the server.]

(Just checking, 'cause the one you sent me was addressed to me...)

(Incidentally, as a technical note, since Bil insists on just rolling up what he's doing before anybody dodges his attacks, I guess if you want to just roll up your stuff and send it in with your action phase post thing, I guess that's all right.

Of course, if you're going to do that, you're pretty much foregoing any ability to spend Karma on that roll...)

Subject: Re: [v13] Roy Shijitzu's Fun Ride!
Date:    Mon, 21 Dec 1998 20:11:29 -0600
From:    William Lockwood <albedo1@home.com>

[Sorry about jumping the gun, but it does appear to smooth things out a bit, and besides I could still spend Karma. I'd just do it the traditional way by making my roll and stating that I was adding 25 Karma to the roll and state the total and hope to hell it was enough. Anyway, back to character stuff!]

Jinx thought a moment, then voiced her opinion over the headset, "I'd rather not kill this guy if we can help it. I'll just disarm him and then you can do your stuff. Sound acceptable?"

~We should probably just waste the guy, but there's no need to go completely ballistic...yet.~ Jinx mused as she made sure her grip on her guns was well-set.

Subject: Re: [v13] Roy Shijitzu's Fun Ride!
Date:    Mon, 21 Dec 1998 20:29:53 -0600
From:    William Lockwood <albedo1@home.com>

[I spend 10 Karma to my Attack Roll for a total of 68 and 54 for Damage to shoot the guy in the gun-hand/arm.]

Jinx steeled herself not to obliterate the guy and tried to imagine the coming scene, placing the shot in her target's arm or even hand if possible. Once she was sure she had it right, she tensed and dove low this time, trying to get under the arc of his fire and took her shot at the underside of his primary arm.

Subject: Re: [v13] Roy Shijitzu's Fun Ride!
Date:    Mon, 21 Dec 1998 20:36:03 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

William Lockwood wrote:

> [Sorry about jumping the gun, but it does appear to smooth things out 
> a bit, and besides I could still spend Karma. I'd just do it the
> traditional way by making my roll and stating that I was adding 25 
> Karma to the roll and state the total and hope to hell it was enough. 
> Anyway, back to character stuff!]

(well, if you insist...)

> Jinx thought a moment, then voiced her opinion over the headset, "I'd
> rather not kill this guy if we can help it. I'll just disarm him and
> then you can do your stuff. Sound acceptable?"
 
> ~We should probably just waste the guy, but there's no need to go
> completely ballistic...yet.~ Jinx mused as she made sure her grip on 
> her guns was well-set.

"Okay, then, make your move, and I'll knock the fool out before he knows what hit him!"  You could see Time Out tense with anticipation as she prepared for another bout with the armed thug right on the other side of the doorway.

(roll yer stuff, Bil!)

Subject: Re: [v13] Roy Shijitzu's Fun Ride!
Date:    Mon, 21 Dec 1998 21:09:50 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

William Lockwood wrote:

> [I spend 10 Karma to my Attack Roll for a total of 68 and 54 for 
> Damage to shoot the guy in the gun-hand/arm.]

(you forgot your initiative, but i'll let it slide this time...  yeah, i
know - nag nag nag.)

> Jinx steeled herself not to obliterate the guy and tried to imagine 
> the coming scene, placing the shot in her target's arm or even hand if
> possible. Once she was sure she had it right, she tensed and dove low
> this time, trying to get under the arc of his fire and took her shot 
> at the underside of his primary arm.

You jump around the corner, taking your shot, but the man moved like wildfire, causing you to miss his gun-arm.  In fact, you barely managed to clip the security guy, taking only the smallest piece of torso away from him when your shell hits the very edge of his side.

"Aagh -- you Fuck!", he cries, throwing a volley of shots at you, though none of them manage to come even close to you; it would appear, since he just went cross-eyed and fell over as he held the trigger in, that Time Out did her work.

When the man finally runs out of bullets, Time Out looks at you.  For about three seconds.  And then she just walks into level twenty six, proper.  "'Do I have to do all the work', indeed."  You can tell that she's not amused at this point, but she carries on, inward.

Assuming that you follow, you see that these four guys could see what you were up to via several security monitors placed in a little kiosk next to the stairwell itself, though that didn't stop them from vaporizing Time Out's scarf back there.

Walking in a bit further, you come across a vast sort of penthouse loft, with windows overlooking Pleasantview, stretching across the entire north side of the building's top floor.  The place is full of opulent furniture and exceptionally expensive-looking electronics.

Apparently, Roy's living very high on the hog, and how.  The other half of the top floor, on the other hand, is shielded from your view by a wall of mirrors, about six feet wide each, with the only opening into the rest of the are being two sliding mirrored doors.

Care to enter?

Subject: Re: [v13] Roy Shijitzu's Fun Ride!
Date:    Mon, 21 Dec 1998 21:32:13 -0600
From:    William Lockwood <albedo1@home.com>

Jinx looked around the room and scratched her head, the gray field surrounding her flowing together where it touched.

"Hmmm...I wonder if the security kiosk up here has any access to cameras on the other side of that wall? Time-Out, do you have any skill in these things? I'm afraid I'd probably just trigger an alarm. Like they don't know we're here, but still..."

[Rolled a 63 on my Reason to take a look at the security console.]

Subject: Re: [v13] Roy Shijitzu's Fun Ride!
Date:    Mon, 21 Dec 1998 22:55:35 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

William Lockwood wrote:
 
> Jinx looked around the room and scratched her head, the gray field
> surrounding her flowing together where it touched.
 
> "Hmmm...I wonder if the security kiosk up here has any access to 
> cameras on the other side of that wall? Time-Out, do you have any 
> skill in these things? I'm afraid I'd probably just trigger an alarm. 
> Like they don't know we're here, but still..."
 
> [Rolled a 63 on my Reason to take a look at the security console.]

Time Out looks at the thing for a second, and is about to press a button or two, when her hand suddenly stops dead in the air.  "What the --" she says, and to her right you can see that weird grin appear in the air again, though a body quickly forms around it to hold it in the air.

"I wouldn't do that, if I were you", the man that suddenly appeared before the two of you says.  Now, you and Time Out are dressed kind of oddly, yes, but this guy's got you beat cold.  he's wearing brown leather pants, for one thing.

Of course, he's also wearing black leather gloves and boots, with a metal belt and chest plate, along with small steel shoulder pads.  The man is also wearing a brown hood on his head, and has applied black paint to his face, in a sort of mask pattern around his eyes.

He's also got a bow strapped to his back, and has two guns holstered on his legs.  Before you can train your guns on the man, he points over to the security console, where, underneath, you can see several packages of C-4 explosives wired to detonate upon triggering of... something.

"This is probably enough explosives to penetrate even your little force field, Jinx.  Your name IS Jinx, right?"  You notice the slightest echo like quality to his voice when he speaks, almost as if he were doing so with the aid of a digital synthesizer.

Or, alternately, were using one to disguise his specific voice-print.

Of course, this guy's got you at a complete disadvantage, since you don't know who the heck he is.  However, you can guess that he's been with you all this time, since you saw him in Time Out's car back at the hotel.  He might even have been in their room from the beginning!
