Variant Earth 13 E Mail Game Archive Number 31

From:  Charlie Chicanery <charlie_chicanery@yahoo.com> 
Date:  Tue Mar 11, 2003  8:10 am
Subject:  Re: [v13] Someone Dropped a Shoe Factory

--- Firebomb <firebomb@technohol.com> wrote:

> "Er, sorry about that... I seem to've slipped."

"Yeah, i seem to have indeed slipped." i guess i will try again, until...

> To which she mutters in addition "Besides, I already killed him once..."

"Well, first time twice shy, baby."

i get the impression that i'd have to fight for control of my scrumptious body in order to manage this, and i figure i'll save that for later. after all, i may kill him now, but then again, i may kill him later. The great thing about him being somewhat immortal is that i can keep killing him over and over.  No need for immediate gluttony, i suppose.

Yeah, i'll just keep telling myself that.

> (snip description of Charlie's almost-attack)

Yes, marvel at me while i am a prisoner in my own matter duplicated body. or vice versa. Arg.

> Looking back at you, Gunslinger, she then tries to
> elaborate. "Yeah, uh, Gunslinger, it's really your 
> apparent 'side kick'. He's stuck here in my head, 
> see, until my pal Wendell can clone him a new
> body or something. So I guess you're not rid of 
> him just yet.

> "And neither am I. Feh."

"Oh fuck you whore. You know you want me (ha cha cha). And nobody told me about this whole 'sharing space' bu-shit. So you can stuff your feh." 

i think i'll realize at this point that i'm talking to myself. Arguing with myself, in fact.

So, i will take this opportunity to retaliate against my female half by punching HER in the face. Hopefully she will at least have the grace to fall down as amusingly as i did. Dumb broad.

(out of context: it's not i who am crazy, but i who am MAD!)

From:  "Lohse, Doug" <DLohse@banknorth.com> 
Date:  Tue Mar 11, 2003  8:20 am
Subject:  RE: [v13] Someone Dropped a Shoe Factory

> "There you go, buddy. Don't get your panties all in a bunch, hm?" 

Geoffrey doesn't respond to Nonce, but does call back the tailor and tell
him to reroute the suit to the penthouse.

> (snip Slow Jim speak)

Geoffrey shrugs. "A trivial matter of dealing with a simple-minded flock.
You would have handled it on your own."

> (snip Moebius speak)

> "Hey Geoffrey! We're bugging out to get some fresh air and alcohol - you
> want to come with?"

"I'd love to, however, I have a small matter to deal with beforehand.
Perhaps I can catch up to you later. Give me a call once you find a good place."

Geoffrey casually flips a business card towards Moebius, and with a
practiced telekinetic flick, lands it in her brassiere.

"Tammy, it appears this meeting is at an end, shall we..." He gestures
towards the door (there still is a door standing around here somewhere,
isn't there?)

From:  "Lohse, Doug" <DLohse@banknorth.com> 
Date:  Tue Mar 11, 2003  9:06 am
Subject:  RE: [v13] Someone Dropped a Shoe Factory

> (snip Ari speak)

Rebound laughs.

> (snip AceTone speak)

Rebound laughs harder. "Now, THAT is funny." He collapses in a nearly uncontrollable fit of laughter...

> (snip recollections of the man in the red shirt)

Rebound suddenly stops laughing. He walks right up to Nonce and demands an
answer..."This isn't the first time we've met. I've seen you around before.
Just who ARE you?"

From:  EmarZero@aol.com 
Date:  Tue Mar 11, 2003  11:26 am
Subject:  Re: [v13] Someone Dropped a Shoe Factory

> (snip AceTone's attack)

Ari pumps a fist in the air.  "YEAH!"

> (snip Moebius speak)

Ari beams.  Mmm.  Alcohol.  Also, reaching into her backpack, she produces a change of clothes.  They may be a bit...tight... but it's something.  She then proceeds to offer them to Charlene.  "Hey.  You wanna put on some pants or something?"  Of course, being that the outfit in question is a t-shirt from some middle school's softball team and a pair of overalls, the answer may well be 'no'...

From:  "William Lockwood" <albedo1@cox.net> 
Date:  Tue Mar 11, 2003  6:28 pm
Subject:  Re: [v13] Someone Dropped a Shoe Factory

Jinx nods to Jim, "Right. Atlantis."
 
Cocking her head to the side as she hears the sirens approaching Jinx is back to business, "OK folks, we need to clear the area. There's no point in being here to answer uncomfortable questions. Let's make sure the site is secure and not an undue hazard before heading out, though. No need to get the emergency crews crushed for no good reason."

From:  "Mister Christopher" <cwacers@technohol.com> 
Date:  Thu Mar 13, 2003  10:29 am
Subject:  Re: [v13] Someone Dropped a Shoe Factory

> (snip other Charlie speak)
 
Gunslinger slaps his own forehead.
"That's just fucking super. So umm....how long does that take exactly and are you two gonna be tagging along with us then? Frankly I don't really care but it always helps to have more firepower. Although I will admit that three timetraveling folk working together might draw a bit more unwanted attention than we wish to have."

> (snip Moebius speak)

With that Gunslinger turns and starts to leave but stops and turns towards the ....chatty melee.
"..and If'n anyone needs anything done...look me up. If the price is right, i'll help ya out. I am a bounty hunter for hire ya know. Although lately it seems to more of mercenary work."
He turns to Moebius and motions to the door.
"Moebius?"
 
As they are walking up to their vehicles he says to Moebius,
"You gonna be able to figure out how to fly the car? It's easy but it's a bit different than driving one on the ground.. We also might wanna check for security on the thing. I know me and it might have some sort of hurt-you-lots security system on it."
 
Assuming she doesn't get overly excited about having the car and just jumps in, He uses the keys to get in and check for a security system..and then also an interdimensional warp drive thingee....He also tunes the communications deal to the same frequency that he uses and gives her a quick rundown of the controls and whatnot.
 
"Got all that?" 
He smirks.
 
..and if all is kosher, we head to a bar.. with whomever in tow.

From:  "Mister Christopher" <cwacers@technohol.com> 
Date:  Thu Mar 13, 2003  10:45 am
Subject:  Re: [v13] Someone Dropped a Shoe Factory

> (snip Jinx speak) 
 
Masque nods and stands up.
"Good idea but what are we going to do? Fix the place? This place is in pretty bad shape. I say we just get the people living in these few floors outta here and warn the emergency crews about the dangers up here and let them do the rest."
 
He turns to the Mindwatch crowd, glaring.
"We could use the help ya know. I am not sure if you are the good guys or the bad guys but it never hurts to ask. I know now that this was just a vendetta and that..."
He indicates the broken 7D man,
"...is solved. We all are responsible for this mess. Although the only thing I am responsible for might be the Horse droppings left behind in the hall."
 
No matter what happens or who agrees, Masque starts poking his head through the various holes in the floors..
"Hellooooo...anyone down there? We need to get you people out of heeeerrrrre."
If he finds anyone, he opens portals to the streets below and calmly explains to them the situation.

From:  Firebomb <firebomb@technohol.com> 
Date:  Mon Mar 17, 2003  3:41 am
Subject:  Re: [v13] Someone Dropped a Shoe Factory

As the two of you fall to the ground in an amusing, almost Three Stooges (TM) sort of way, you are addressed by the ever-prepared Ari, Mr. (and Mrs.) Chicanery.  That's when the female you smiles despite a numb face and says "Thanks.

"The shirt looks a bit tight, but since the bozo stuck in my head here sold all my clothes for this magic bean," she says indicating one transient steel time travel staff, "it'll definitely do."  Of course, she got her own out of that deal, too - if in a roundabout way.

And yes, the shirt IS quite tight.

In response to you, Gunslinger, the 'native' personality in the female Charlie's body shrugs.  "Dunno.  This wasn't my idea, and it's not my tech, really.  This was all my friend Wendell's doing, so you'd have to ask him.  He's my high tech hero, see."

"He's got all the stuff."

On the other hand, Moebius seems satisfied with your answer to her invitation, Geoffrey.  "I can do that, no problem.  Of course, I'll need your..."  She pauses as you flick her the card, as though at a loss for words.  Not that she's angry or anything.

You'd think she were blushing, but it's hard to tell with that midnight black skin of hers.  "Er, yeah.  We'll call as soon as we sort out the whole automotive deal upstairs and find us a good place.  Well, one bar is as good as another, but still."

She waves, and then follows Gunslinger out the door and up the stairs.  In response to him, she laughs.  "Well, I can't drive a car all that well, though I assume it should be easier than riding some stupid animal - been there, done that.

"I'll figure it out one way or the other..."

You check out your counterpart's car and find that Gunslinger 013 did, indeed, have a series of nesty, nesty booby traps situated throughout the car, all of which you disarmed with ease.  You could re-rig them to work with Moebius instead, or take them out completely.

Also, you do indeed find yourself a handy trans-dimensional travel matrix built into this Prowler (TM) here.  While you don't like your other's sense of a fun ride as much as your own, the basic system works and looks the same as your old one.

You can remove it and place it in your own with ease.

At any rate, the two of you go over how to operate the car, both in two and three dimensions, and once you think you've got it worked out, you two actually take off.  After she seems to hit something invisible here three or four times, she manages to follow you easily enough.

Though you could swear you hear some familiar grumbling as you leave.

Where to?

Downstairs...

At about this point, you ask Tammy whether or not she's ready to leave, Geoffrey, and though Stone Cold and Pete have yet to re-emerge from the portal Masque crafted for them into some unknown, Godforsaken desert, she nods.  "Yeah, I think I'm done here.  In more ways than one.

"Let's go."

She then follows you out the door (yes, the door here is still intact, bizarrely enough), as does Slow Jim.  "Catch you later, Jinx, everybody!"  The two of you make it down to the ground floor of the building, only to see a small army of officials present.

Mostly police and firemen, of course, but there's also some men in bad black suits, and one or two people that seem oddly out of place, in that they're wearing jeans and red T-shirts, along with black leather jackets bearing a symbol similar to that worn by the old fellow upstairs.

The one with the collared red shirt.

Speaking of him, you jump down a floor and confront him forthwith, Rebound (this is the guy you're remembering, not Nonce - that guy's just the superpsi with the bad Anime hair... unless I totally dropped the ball here... hm).

He looks at you as you start talking and looks somewhat confused.  "Well, I do remember seeing you blow up a computer or so in the Chrysler building there, but other than that, I don't know you from Adam, Rebound.  Is there something you're not telling me?"

Of course, those other two times you met this fellow, you were in your pre-altered state.  Perhaps this guy doesn't know who you are (or were), which puts you at an advantage, in a secrecy sort of sense.  Or he's fibbing.  Or maybe you're paranoid.  Heh heh heh.

At this point Jinx states the obvious, and Masque subsequently goes off on a tirade.  You find a few people in the apartment where Stone Cold faced off with the Seven Dimensional Man, and you do indeed remove them from the premises (though they were basically nekkid).

Thinking about what you said, Nonce sighs.  "Very well.  Let's see, I borrow Brainrave's telepathy to see what slackers aren't actually at work this afternoon, then the Seven Dimensional Man's teleportation powers to get them out of here.

"Not to mention that departing psikinetic's energy dampening powers to put out the fires that are getting bigger here by the second - in case none of you have noticed the smoke.  And of course Xacatecas Jos's energy generation to heat up that lump of ice.

"I make it go away.  Satisfied, spinach chin?"

...

From:  "Lohse, Doug" <DLohse@banknorth.com> 
Date:  Mon Mar 17, 2003  8:21 am
Subject:  RE: [v13] Someone Dropped a Shoe Factory

> (snip Moebius' reaction)

Geoffrey allows himself the barest hint of a smile at her reaction, knowing
how well that move has worked for him in the past...

> (snip Moebius speak)

> (snip Tammy speak)

"Let's go." 

"Gladly. This has taken too much of my time as it is."

> (snip exit scene)

Geoffrey will walk past the crowds of emergency personnel and the other,
more oddly clad individuals, completely ignoring them. He casually hails a
cab once he gets clear of the chaos and heads back to the Yogi's place. On
the way, he'll ask Tammy about the Mindwatch group that was holding her.

"So, is it customary for this Mindwatch cabal to break down into separate
cells working at personal vendettas and resorting to holding other Mindwatch
members hostage? Or was that a simple aberration of the human condition?"

From:  EmarZero@aol.com 
Date:  Mon Mar 17, 2003  10:24 am
Subject:  Re: [v13] Someone Dropped a Shoe Factory

> And yes, the shirt IS quite tight.

Ari grins cheerfully and then races off to catch up with Och.  Or Jinx, whichever one's closer.

From:  "Lohse, Doug" <DLohse@banknorth.com> 
Date:  Mon Mar 17, 2003  2:03 pm
Subject:  RE: [v13] Someone Dropped a Shoe Factory

> The one with the collared red shirt.

> Speaking of him, you jump down a floor and confront him forthwith, Rebound
> (this is the guy you're remembering, not Nonce - that guy's just the
> superpsi with the bad Anime hair... unless I totally dropped the ball
> here... hm).

(Don't mind me. I'm just a bit lost in the confusion...I thought the guy
WAS Nonce. Suddenly things are slightly less murky.)

> (snip man-in-red-speak)

Realizing how close he is to screwing himself badly, Rebound takes an
immediate turn to the super-aggressive interrogation style, and steps right
into the man's personal space...

"That's where I saw you! Weren't you a janitor there? What are you, some
government agent, following us around or something? Who do you work for?
Why are you here? Speak up, I can't hear you!"

From:  charlie s clay jr <cclayjr2@juno.com> 
Date:  Mon Mar 17, 2003  6:38 pm
Subject:  Re: [v13] Someone Dropped a Shoe Factory

"So you gonna try to lay the smackdown on me or do I get ta go eat
breakfast?" Stone Cold asks Pete looking at him.

From:  "Mister Christopher" <cwacers@technohol.com> 
Date:  Mon Mar 17, 2003  7:17 pm
Subject:  Peanut Gallery

Hey....stoney...don't you read anything? Do you need synopsis or something'?

From:  "William Lockwood" <albedo1@cox.net> 
Date:  Mon Mar 17, 2003  9:13 pm
Subject:  Re: [v13] Someone Dropped a Shoe Factory

Jinx nods to Nonce, "Right. That works for me. Nice and tidy."
 
Once everything is cleaned up, assuming everything works like Nonce said, Jinx would look for a method to make a safe and quiet exit from the building, hoping to find the others and their breakfasty food stuff.
 
Seeing as Och was a decent enough guy, she'd try and catch up with him if at all possible.

From:  Charlie Chicanery <charlie_chicanery@yahoo.com> 
Date:  Sun Mar 23, 2003  10:02 pm
Subject:  Re: [v13] Someone Dropped a Shoe Factory

> (snip your counterpart's speak)

Yeah, you tell her. "Waah waah waah," i say to i. 
"You got one too, but if you like, i can always take it back..."

> And yes, the shirt IS quite tight.

Score. Anything to make the dumb woman in my head
uncomfortable, well, works for i. i'd say something
like "Thanks, baby," but i think i would punch me for
saying it to this nice young girl. Though i'm
probably technically younger than she is, what with me
only being like ninteen and so forth.

Heh. Nineteen year old space-trekking time-traveling
mercenary for the rich and famous and such. i love
the life of a mutant.

So, i'll just concur with my 'better' half. "Yeah,
thanks. It's not as tight as i would lead you to
believe..." Well, it is, but i like how perky i look.
Heh.

> (snip more counterpart speak)

"Poppycock!" i will proceed to smack myself in the
head, and then continue before i get the chance to hit
me back in retaliation. "Why not simply fast forward
into the future thanks to these lovely devices i have
procured for us, and save ourselves a whole lot of
three stooges chicanery? Not that chicanery bothers
me in the least, what with the NAME and all, but you
get my drift. We should take full advantage of our
new toy, and exploit it to the hilt. Well, the
proverbial hilt, that is."

Sometimes i amaze even i.

So, i guess i will tell Gunslinger to tell me what bar
he's headed to (i'm sure he has a swank one in mind),
and i will thus leap into the time stream with both of
my staves - mine and hers - and get to the point where
my newly cloned body is prepared for my residence;
after Wendell tells me when that'll be, o'course. 
Och, laddy.

Of course again, if gunslinger tries to give me the
slip, i'll just come back in time a bit before hand
and follow him later, if necessary.

i think i'm REALLY going to dig this whole time travel
schtick.

From:  "Mister Christopher" <cwacers@technohol.com> 
Date:  Sun Mar 23, 2003  10:15 pm
Subject:  Re: [v13] Someone Dropped a Shoe Factory

> (snip Charlie Chicanery speak)
 
Gunslinger simply shrugs...
"We are going to THE BAR. Yes that's what it's called. Every earth I have been to has had that bar..right in Times Square..just across from most mayhem."
 
..and Gunslinger heads to THE BAR with Moebius.

From:  Firebomb <firebomb@technohol.com> 
Date:  Mon Mar 24, 2003  4:10 am
Subject:  Leftovers

Er...

Pete looks at you as he walks back through Masque's portal, and says "Er.  That's what I just said..."

(referring, of course, to this big ol' block of Pete-speak issued forth a few posts back:

*

Elsewhere, in a much drier place, you continue your 'showdown' with Pete, Stone Cold.  "Huh.  Well, I wasn't attacking you so much as being thrown in your general vicinity by your pal with the goofy mask, buddy, but I guess I can see that being confusing.

"So I guess I believe you... but just be more careful in the future, ok?  After all, not all of us in Mindwatch are jerks.  And no, I'd rather not dance, 'cause I'm not all that good at it.  I seem to spend all day trying to get control of these dumb powers of mine as it is..."

As an afterthought he adds "Mmm... pancakes..."

Unless you pound him or something, he then walks back through Masque's (presumably) still-open portal.  Shortly after you yourself step through, he looks up to Nonce and says "Can we go now?  It is way past breakfast time.  Or dinner time, or whatever.

"Mmm... IHOP..." 

*

So, assuming you don't, in fact, pummel the idealistic kid from behind or something, the two of you wind up back in the ruined apartment under the penthouse so recently rented out by Seor Barnett so's he could keep a hairy eyeball pointed towards Och.

That fellow's still cringing in the corner thanks to Och's 'technical foul' in his general vicinity.

Upon seeing him, and hearing Pete's query, Nonce nods.  "Yes, yes... let us remove ourselves from here before we have to deal with any... authority types."  You notice that Nonce is looking squarely at the mystery man in the red shirt when he says that.

Before they leave, though, that AceTone girl bounds over to you, Rebound.  "Hey there.  I suddenly seem to remember hitting you really damn hard there a bit back.  Just wanted to say sorry about that and all.  Of course, not too many people can take a hit from me.

"Not when I'm all irrationally muscle-y, that is... I like.  If you ever find your way to Tokyo, give me a ring."  She then slips you a piece of paper and heads back to the rest of the Mindwatch operatives as they teleport away to... wherever they're going.

Before you truly get a chance to soak that in, though, the guy in the red shirt just laughs at you, Rebound.  "Heh... you should ask your 'friend' Nonce there.  He seems to know all about me and what I do.  Not to mention who I work for.  But then, not too many people do.

"That's the whole idea."

He then does a backflip out a broken window!!!

"Hoo-haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!"

Ever so slightly elsewhere, it would appear that the rest of you are converging on Och's position, which happens to be in the burnt-out wreck that was his penthouse apartment.  He pulls apart a hunk of wall which appears to have been hiding a safe.

You see the safe has "UNSAFE" molded into the door.

He opens it up after making sure nobody can see him entering the combination, and throwing the right set of switches while holding a thumb print scanner.  After this, he then withdraws what looks like a coin made out of gold.... except that it shimmers in all the rainbow's colors.

"Hm... now, Masque.  I do believe you were going to give me something that looks JUST LIKE THIS.  I think that'll cover me having to deal with all this mess, not to MENTION paying for damages here.  I highly doubt my insurance will cover any of this ... tomfoolery..."

You don't think he's kidding, Masque...

??

From:  Firebomb <firebomb@technohol.com> 
Date:  Mon Mar 24, 2003  4:31 am
Subject:  The Bar (C)

After you tell Charlie what's what, you and Moebius take off in your flying cars, Gunslinger.  Moebius seems to be a bit shaky at the wheel, but she's definitely keeping up with you as you move towards Times Square.  Arriving there, though, things look... different.

Somebody went and cleaned up all the filth.  You see that MTV is positioned here, along with, of all things, a Disney store.  No peep shows, no adult book stores - at least that aren't readily apparent.  It almost makes you want to cry.

You do find two familiar structures, however.  The first is a curious, round structure about ten stories in height.  You've seen these here and there across time - though it's not marked on the building at all, you're looking at a Polyplanar Contractors Association office!

Furthermore, there's The Bar (C) all right.  It's nestled between two unlikely neighbors, but it's indeed there.  Oddly enough, the place does, still, have parking on the roof, which you and Moebius seem to settle into nicely.  There's even a handy elevator up here.

Ah, however things change, they always stay the same...

Until Moebius gives you a look, at least.  "You DO know that weird round building is sitting on a dimensional access just like the one at my friend Och's apartment.  Just so's you know..."  She then unbuttons the holsters on her guns, and loosens her sword in its scabbard.

Elsewhere, you mosey over to Wendell's place, Charlie, at which point he tells you he'll need one year to regenerate your body.  As such, you leap headlong into the timestream, and before you know it, the building is back in tip top shape.  Wendell's waiting for you.

"Yeah, I remember this all right."  He doesn't look right with that goatee.  Either way, he's more than happy to hook you up to the mind transfer machine, and before you know it he's activating the thing with the throw of an unnecessarily large switch, and cackling for good measure.

"It's expected... don't look at me like that..."

You feel a bizarre sense of dizziness, and before you know it, you're not in Kansas any more.  The big suction cup thing wrenches you out of you female counterpart's head, and suddenly you're in the dark.  Floating about in warm, soothing water.

Everything feels tired, but you manage to get your muscles moving normally in no time flat.  The only problem is... you're still possessed of female, er, equipment...

!

From:  Firebomb <firebomb@technohol.com> 
Date:  Mon Mar 24, 2003  4:37 am
Subject:  Things and Stuff

Walking out as though you own the place, you find that, aside from a few oddball looks both Tammy and Slow Jim pick up from various cops and firemen, nobody accosts you as you attempt to leave.  There's simply too much threat of mayhem upstairs to warrant ground-level pestering.

You get in a cab soon enough, and before you know it, you're halfway to the Yogi's school.  As you start to talk to Tammy, she just frowns at you.  "No, this isn't normal Mindwatch procedure.  I have no idea why most of those guys went along with it, though.

"I'd imagine that that dumb Seven Dimensional Man had something on each of those ops who were holding me... except for Nonce.  He's powerful enough, and important enough, that I don't know what he was up to.  But no, we don't do that as a general matter of course.

"Mindwatch holds folks like us above all others in importance, and wouldn't stoop to holding any of us hostage for any reason.  I imagine that ol' Seven's about to go away for a good long time after this.  Probably to the brain cage, in fact..."

?

From:  "Lohse, Doug" <DLohse@banknorth.com> 
Date:  Mon Mar 24, 2003  11:08 am
Subject:  RE: [v13] Leftovers

> (snip Nonce speak)

> (snip AceTone speak)

Rebound shrugs. "Nah, wasn't that bad. At least I stayed in the same
zip-code this time."

> (snip more AceTone speak) 

"Sure, I'll look you..." He stops, suddenly realizing that she's gone...and
someone else has taken over the conversation. 

> (snip Man In Red speak)

"Just who DO you work..."

> He then does a backflip out a broken window!!!

"for."

> "Hoo-haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!"

Rebound rushes over to the window to see if he can spot the red-shirt making
some sort of escape, wondering if it would be worthwhile to try to follow
him or not.

From:  "Lohse, Doug" <DLohse@banknorth.com> 
Date:  Mon Mar 24, 2003  11:19 am
Subject:  RE: [v13] Things and Stuff

> (snip Tammy speak)

"Yogi is always talking about you Mindwatch folks like you are the be-all
and end-all of this whole business. All I saw was arrogance and some minor
tricks. None of this 'higher purpose' stuff he keeps mentioning.

> (snip more Tammy speak)

"Brain cage? Sounds like some manner of mental prison. Let me guess, there
will be a dramatic trial where the accused is stripped of all his powers and
have his mind trapped in a gigantic glass bubble to rot for all eternity."

From:  EmarZero@aol.com 
Date:  Mon Mar 24, 2003  11:27 am
Subject:  Re: [v13] Leftovers

> (snip Och speak)

Ari peers at the coin.  "Shiiiiiny."

From:  charlie s clay jr <cclayjr2@juno.com> 
Date:  Mon Mar 24, 2003  4:29 pm
Subject:  Re: [v13] Leftovers

Stone Cold went through the portal waiting to eat breakfast watching the
others leave. He felt a little bad that he had frozen the poor boy, but
he had just picked the wrong cohort this time. Too bad Tammy was leaving
again...he really did like her but considering he didn't find her, it
might have been for the best. They were both too moody....or at least
that was the excuse he used to convince himself.

From:  "Mister Christopher" <cwacers@technohol.com> 
Date:  Tue Mar 25, 2003  11:19 pm
Subject:  Re: [v13] The Bar (C)

> (snip Times Square description)

"What the fuck happened here?!?" 

> (snip Moebius speak)

Gunslinger nods.
"Yeah..I know. However Dollface, that building is supposed to be like that. I don't think your little friend's building was a volunteer for that. If I ever was desperate for cash, I'd go in there..in whatever dimension it or I was in. They have..jobs."
 
He turns to the elevator....
"Let's drink, I did get my other's wallet, so drinks are on....well..you could say they are on me."
 
<...let the festivities begin...>

From:  "Mister Christopher" <cwacers@technohol.com> 
Date:  Wed Mar 26, 2003  12:20 am
Subject:  Re: [v13] Leftovers

> (snip Och speak)
 
Masque looks up and smiles.
"I seem to have misplaced it." he says as he pats his robes and checks his pockets. Pulling out a rather angry pigeon which poops and flies away and a very frightened rabbit which screams and bites Masque.
"OW..you dirty little bugger." He sucks on his hand and looks guiltily at everyone.
"What? I forgot about it."
 
Still checking his pockets he pulls out what seems to be a very long line of laundry...ending in some lingerie. He blushes a bit.
"Jinx, Ari....you two might wanna check your unmentionables. These might be yours. Sometimes my parlor tricks go awry."
 
"Hmm...I know it's here somewhere." He says to the world in general as he pulls out a bouquet of flowers and yet another angry pigeon.
He mumbles something about wholesale Pigeons and then gets squirted in the face.
"Ackk...stupid clown. He sold me joke flowers."
 
As if a lightbulb appeared over his head, he says.
"A Ha!"
He walks over to Och.
"I know where the coin is, it's right....."
He places his hand near Och's ear and produces a ..
"Dang."
...pigeon.
"Okay, Okay....i got it this time. It only works if I talk to you like you were a child."
Placing his hand by Och's ear again...
"Lookie woookie.....what's this here little boy....you have magic ears...ooooo.....aaaaaaaaa..and.....wowsa wowsa wowsa..."
and he produces a...
"Dang...too young."
...lollipop.
Once again...hand to the ear...produces....
"Oooo ooooo...it worked it worked....."
... the Magic Coin.
 
He gives it to Och and bows....
"Thankyou Thankyou. I'll be here all week Ladies and Gentlemen."
He whispers to Och.
"Don't worry about the Pigeon droppings... they wash right out."
 
<.......Maaaaaagicccccc...>

From:  Charlie Chicanery <charlie_chicanery@yahoo.com> 
Date:  Wed Mar 26, 2003  10:27 pm
Subject:  Re: [v13] The Bar (C)

> "It's expected... don't look at me like that..."

Egad... he's gotten even more into the whole mad
scientist gig... swell. As long as i don't wind up
with like superfluous tentacles or something.

Not that regular tentacles would be bad, mind you...

> You feel a bizarre sense of dizziness, and before
> you know it, you're not in Kansas any more. The 
> big suction cup thing wrenches you out of you 
> female counterpart's head, and suddenly you're in
> the dark. Floating about in warm, soothing water.

Aah, is like being born. Or before that i suppose.

> Everything feels tired, but you manage to get your
> muscles moving normally in no time flat. The only 
> problem is... you're still possessed of female, 
> er, equipment...

Um. At approximately this point, i think i will go
into one of those classic panics, and start beating on
the tank i seem to be suspended within. Or,
alternately, if this is a rather big tank, i'll just
flail about while screaming at the top of my lungs.

Good thing i don't need to breathe, or that could be
problematic.

Though i suppose i'll inspect my 'equipment' for good
measure, since i don't have to worry about a cranky
spoilsport beating me up for doing that this time...

heheheheheheheheheheh

From:  Firebomb <firebomb@technohol.com> 
Date:  Wed Mar 26, 2003  11:55 pm
Subject:  Re: [v13] The Bar (C)

"Huh, aren't we the smart one, SNOOKUMS.

"I suppose you're also going to tell me that this entire area is supposed to ALSO be enshrouded in a similar sort of effect?  This 'Times Square', you speak of, is some sort of multiversally accepted hyperdimensional access?  Curious.

"I'd hate to be the suckers in THAT building if this access out here got ruptured... hole within a hole and all that..."

She then follows you to the elevator.

Assuming no consternation on your part, you push the button, wait for the elevator to arrive up here, and then make your way into... the Bar (C).  The place isn't quite so... chrome as the original version of the bar you're familiar with, but then, there's no Defenders here.

There are a few oddballs hanging out in the place, of course, but nothing like the cosmic-powered thugs you previously associated with.  Seems that The Bar (C) in this timeline, which people keep referring to '13' or '013' for some reason, isn't the same as the one you know and love.

Or at least the one you know, I should say.

But then, you might love this one, for she's a heat-packing young lady with arguably the silkiest skin you've ever met.  She's about a twenty five year old African American lady with long braided hair, black leather pants, and an apparent spandex top.  

Either that or her cotton is very, very tight.

Furthermore, hearing her talk to the guy with tentacles for arms, you can hear that she's got quite a deep southern drawl in her voice, which seems out of place considering the local hooligans you almost always seem to encounter in this place.

It's like an unofficial exclusive New Yorker's club or something.

Seeing you ogling, she motions towards you and Moebius, and pops the question.

"What can I get for you ladies?"

Moebius chuckles at this, and drinks in the environs.  Though the place isn't decked out in chrome-plated Invium steel, as far as you can tell, it's nonetheless pretty well-kept.  Other than the unavoidable dank that all bars eventually acquire, it's quite clean.

There's the main floor that you're on, with various tables between you and the bar proper, opposite which is a live band playing.  The banners mounted behind them on the stage would indicate that you're listening to "J.O. Mama and the Tippy Toe Grannies".

They're not bad, either, if you enjoy the music you'd typically hear in, shall we say, 'less savory movies' - the 'direct to video' type, if you will.  The curious thing is that the stuff does actually sound pretty amusing when you add a vocalist.

The other three floors are seemingly empty, from what you can see of them from the balconies that peer into the open space above your heads.  All the tables bordering it are empty, though again it is only early afternoon, from what you can tell.

Elsewhere in space and time, Wendell Wherever has apparently noted your consternation, Charlie, and empties out the cloning vat which has, well, reproduced you.  He sees the look on your face as you collect yourself, and puts his hands up in his defense.

"Hey, sorry about the gender bender.  The Machine only works if you supply it a living DNA sample - genes from the dead don't work for some reason.  That meant I had to clone you from your significant other, there, and since she'd already been 'bent', that means you are too, now.

"Sorry 'bout that.  Hehhehhrmhoorf."

!

From:  Firebomb <firebomb@technohol.com> 
Date:  Thu Mar 27, 2003  12:31 am
Subject:  RE: [v13] Things and Stuff

Tammy shakes her head at that.

"No, it's nothing so melodramatic.  That's just how the 'Watch deals with psis it can't just bounce off to the far end of space-time.  Sometimes people they banish find their way home, or psimotive types who can get anywhere can't so easily be done away with.

"So the 'Watch has a special prison tended by a bunch of serious superpsis who cancel out their powers and lock them up in a sort of stasis, so they can't escape - or use their powers to lash out at us or the world at large.  It's a valuable service to mankind, really.

"You wouldn't believe how many times we've had to save the world from some psi-powered nutjob intent on conquering the States, or crashing the world economy, or something-or-other.  You saw a bunch of the jerks in our ranks today, but we're not all assholes.

"Most of the time, anyway."

That's about when the cab pulls up at the Yogi's school.  "Wow, I haven't been here in quite a while...," says Tammy.

?

From:  "Mister Christopher" <cwacers@technohol.com> 
Date:  Thu Mar 27, 2003  12:57 am
Subject:  Re: [v13] The Bar (C)

> (snip Moebius speak)

Gunslinger shrugs.
"Now why doesn't that surprise me?!."

> "What can I get for you ladies?"
 
Gunslinger smiles.
"Nice outfit. I dig the guns."  He says as he raises a conspiratorial eyebrow.

"I'll have a bottle of Tequila....for now."
He takes in the surroundings a bit and then talks to the bartender lady.
"I take it this isn't your typical New York bar then huh?"
He indicates the tentacled man.
 
"That's good then....I feel somewhat at home."
<....>

From:  Charlie Chicanery <charlie_chicanery@yahoo.com> 
Date:  Sun Mar 30, 2003  7:28 am
Subject:  Re: [v13] The Bar (C)

> "Sorry 'bout that. Hehhehhrmhoorf."

"..."

i'll say that again.

"..."

i guess i'll just stand around naked until somebody
gives me some clothes. No, on second thought, i'll
hit me over the head and take my clothes. i mean, the
clothes that that pretty little Ari girl gave me. i
mean, the other me has less to worry about,
considering that she's used to this sort of thing. 
Being womanly, that is.

Then i'll hit Wendell over the head for good measure,
and be on my way. Flying into the air, i'll zap
myself into the past and fly on to this magical 'bar'
that the Noseslinger was talking about, and i guess
see about getting myself some moneys. i did actually
sell all my shit for this 'magical bean', after all,
so i may as well rebuild my financial empire. EMPIRE!
Or something like that. i miss my delectible
penthouse apartment already. i guess i'm used to the
very finest things in life, like all manner of
unnecessarily superfluous gewgaws and whatchamacallits
and thingermabobs and hoopajoobs. Well, maybe not the
hoopajoobs... i can probably live without those.

i think.

i guess i'll laugh when i see the cars parked on top
of this bar after i find it, since that's not the sort
of thing you see every day - even in lovely New York
City (C). i wonder how sucky this bar is...

From:  Firebomb <firebomb@technohol.com> 
Date:  Mon Mar 31, 2003  6:26 am
Subject:  RE: [v13] Leftovers

The two of you are present to watch the man in the red shirt and jeans and stuff leap out of Och's apartment building Rebound, Stone Cold.  You both peer out the window only to see him not plummeting to his death but, in fact, actually making his way to the ground easily.

He tugs on a ledge here, flagpole there, almost like he were some sort of super hero or some such.  He keeps moving downward, but in a controlled fashion that makes you think he's liable to just hit the ground running and disappear into that heroic crowd of public servants below.

You could follow him if you like, he's not moving so fast that you couldn't catch him or anything.

Slightly elsewhere (why does that sound like the next WB drama?), you are all standing in the remnants of Och's penthouse, Ari, Jinx, Masque, while the latter does an extensively excessive magic trick involving this coin Och wants and, presumably, everybody else's undergarments.

Once Och gets his hand on the coin, he rubs it together with his own and smiles.  "Ahh... that's better.  After I gave my other coin to Silhouette for helping me get home - a job she never really completed - I'd felt sort  of lost with only the one of them here.

"These represent my entire fortune, these two coins.  How Elys managed to get this thing out of Silhouette's hands is beyond me, but I suppose that's neither here nor there.  Of course this, along with the rest of my Unsafe's contents, will help us in the short term.

He pulls out a large bundle of cash and hands most of it to you, Ari.  "I know this may be a bit awkward, Ari, but I think you may be the best to hold on to this... what with those impressive bags you've got there.  But remember - this is paying the rent until we get a new place..."

Unless you refuse, Och then grunts.  "Ugh.  I suppose we'd better get out of here before we're all arrested or something.  Let's go collect Rebound and the cause of all this mayhem, and perhaps have Harry fly us out of here in his invisible space craft.

"And maybe get some breakfast before we look for the fellow who left me for dead over the city...?  Shall we, Jinx, Ari?"

Och doesn't bother asking you, Masque, 'cause he KNOWS you'll go along with THAT.

!

From:  EmarZero@aol.com 
Date:  Mon Mar 31, 2003  9:59 am
Subject:  Re: [v13] Leftovers

> (snip Och speak, money delivery)

Ari whoops with glee and begins chanting as she does a little victory dance.  "Woo!  Monah-mona-mona-mona-money!  MONEY!"  She then shoves it into her backpack.  Then pauses.  "Oh.  I guess that means I'm *not* getting those pink combat boots, then."

> (snip more Och speak, this aboot breakfast)

Ari nods.  "Sounds like a plan, Stan."

From:  cclayjr2@juno.com 
Date:  Mon Mar 31, 2003  6:00 pm
Subject:  Re:RE: [v13] Leftovers

"I don't even know. Do we need to follow or trail him?" Stone Cold asks
looking at Rebound. 'With all of this craziness I really just need something
to eat.' He thinks to himself.

From:  "Lohse, Doug" <DLohse@banknorth.com> 
Date:  Mon Mar 31, 2003  11:50 am
Subject:  RE: RE: [v13] Leftovers

> (snip man-in-red-shirt's exit)

> (snip Stone Cold speak)

"You know, I can't blame ya. I guess we just let him go. It's not like he
was taking pot-shots at us or anything. But I do get the eerie feeling that
we'll run into him again."

Rebound pauses for a moment, listening for the sounds of the others through
this perforated apartment building.

"Sounds like they're all going out for some pancakes. I'm hungry as heck,
but you know what happened last time we all got together for pancakes? Yes,
that's right, that whole fracas with A-Lonse, the stupid key you were
carting around, and everything else. We get zapped to another reality
again, I'm blaming you..."

Rebound makes his way to join the group for the breakfast outing. 

(OCC: Cue ominous music - Now!)

From:  "Lohse, Doug" <DLohse@banknorth.com> 
Date:  Mon Mar 31, 2003  12:03 pm
Subject:  RE: [v13] Things and Stuff

> (snip some Tammy speak)

"So, what happens if someone manages to render the superpsi guards
ineffective? A group of malcontent psionics with all manner of insane plots
for world conquest is unleashed. Dangerous to leave that kind of power
entrusted to any single group, wouldn't you say?"

> (snip some Tammy speak) 

"Well, from dealing with Yogi Samuelsen, I know you aren't ALL assholes.
You've been right decent so far, as well."

> (snip some Tammy speak)

Geoffrey leads her into the school. "I'm sure things haven't changed all
that much since you were here last. Yogi doesn't seem to be all that open
to change, if you know what I mean."

Ignoring the flock of students as they saunter past, Geoffrey knocks on Yogi
Samuelsen's door momentarily before opening it and stepping into the mans
office as he has hundreds of times in the past. This time, however, he has
someone with him.

"Someone around here lose a young woman? Goes by the name of Tammy?"

From:  "William Lockwood" <albedo1@cox.net> 
Date:  Mon Mar 31, 2003  7:42 pm
Subject:  Re: [v13] Leftovers

Jinx raises a brow at the sight of the large sack 'o cash, but remains silent.
 
"Right. A quick exit it is."

From:  charlie s clay jr <cclayjr2@juno.com> 
Date:  Mon Mar 31, 2003  8:21 pm
Subject:  Re: RE: [v13] Leftovers

"You know you make me wanna smack you for always bein' right." He looked at his friend then stopped. "NO HELL!?! That was not my fault, don't e'en try ta blame me if you attract craziness." Stone Cold moves towards the others, starved thinking about all the different pancakes he could have.

From:  Firebomb <firebomb@technohol.com> 
Date:  Tue Apr 1, 2003  4:03 am
Subject:  Red Wizard Shot The Food

So you all go to get pancakes.

Once you slip into Harry's mostly invisible spacecraft - invisible save for all but two dents that imply a recent collision or so - you make your way out of the wrecked upper floors of Och's apartment skyscraper.  Harry watches you pull yourselves together as he flies you to safety.

And breakfast goodies.

After talking to Och for a few minutes, Harry brings the ship down a few miles away from where you were so recently involved in all manner of random happenstances that were simply too coincidental to be, well, coincidental, when you think about it.

Ultimately you wind up at the Brooklyn IHOP, which while it may not be high cuisine, it's definitely got pancakes - at any hour of the day.  Och simply strides in as if he owns the place, apparently annoyed enough so far today to practically dare anybody to say anything about him.

Or any of you, for that matter.

Of course, considering the city you're in, y'all hardly rate a second glance, what with the plethora of Part Time Vampires, Elvis Clones, and other assorted freaks that are also scattered about the restaurant.  Once he secures you a table, Och then orders.  Lots.

As does Harry, which seems somewhat odd to you guys, since most of you hardly even know this time-lost space pilot.  He usually keeps to himself, though now that his parking space has been totaled, he doesn't really have anywhere to go, when you think about it.

"Heya," he says to anybody looking at him oddly.

After everybody orders whatever it is that they're ordering, your diminutive friend looks about you and sighs.  "Okay.  While we're waiting for breakfast and such, let's go over exactly what we all know about what the Hell went down here today."

"Just so's we're all on the same page.  I want to know exactly who it is that I'm about to dice... I'm not too worried about the why, myself..."

!

From:  Firebomb <firebomb@technohol.com> 
Date:  Tue Apr 1, 2003  4:19 am
Subject:  RE: [v13] Things and Stuff

seor doug lohse (as geoffrey) wrote:

> " Dangerous to leave that kind of power entrusted to any single group, wouldn't you say?"

Tammy doesn't look too amused at that thought.  "Well, truth be told I don't know all that much about it.  I guess that's the idea, so's none of us get any ideas about that sort of thing.  I assume there's plenty of redundant backup mayhem waiting for anybody trying to start some trouble.

"I assume."

> (snip geoffrey speak re: school and yogi)

"Heh... there is that."

>> (snip going back to school)
 
> "Someone around here lose a young woman?  Goes by the name of Tammy?"

The Yogi looks at you in amazement, Geoffrey, and then at Tammy in shock.  "Why... that was so FAST!  I'm so glad you're safe, Tammy... once I'd figured out what had happened to you, I was overwhelmed with worry..."  The man looks on the verge of tears.

Tammy seems moved as well, but not quite in the way that you expected.  "Yeah, it's nice to see you too, but I don't think you're going to like what I have to say..."  With that, she throws something at him and walks out.  Upon looking closer, you see it's some sort of badge.

With a hologram on it instead of metal, per se.

With her gone, though, that leaves you (and Slow Jim) sort of in an awkward position there...

?

From:  Firebomb <firebomb@technohol.com> 
Date:  Tue Apr 1, 2003  4:29 am
Subject:  Re: [v13] The Bar (C)

The bartender looks you up and down, Gunslinger, and smiles.  "Nope - we're perfectly normal here in The Bar, bub.  Nothing amiss here, nosireebob.  What you saw was the planet Venus..."  She eyes you and your cohort again, and grins more.  "Oh, and thanks.  I like my outfit too."

She gives you a tequila as Charlie makes his way down the elevator.  Or her way, as it turns out.  Looking at HER as SHE exits the elevator, Gunslinger, you see that HER little trek through time was an apparent failure, for she looks just like when she left you a few minutes ago.

Seeing Charlie, Moebius laughs and orders a bowl of Grog, which the bartender promptly provides.  "Mmm... haven't had some of this since, well, I think since I was out on Carceri last.  Man, the memories.  Nothing like stealing a god's stuff..."

"Oh, excuse me, 'confiscating'... yeah, that's it."

Looking at things from another perspective, you eye the bar as was previously, and extensively, described, Charlie.  It would appear that the band, J.O. Mama and the Tippie Toe Grannies, are now swaying quite luridly to one of their favorite tunes, "Butt Plug Serenade".

Er.

The bartender looks at you and laughs.  "What's wrong Charlie, you look like you just swallowed a cat?"

!?!

From:  EmarZero@aol.com 
Date:  Tue Apr 1, 2003  9:02 am
Subject:  Re: [v13] Red Wizard Shot The Food

> "I'm not too worried about the why, myself..."

Ari starts rambling.  "Well, there was the Disco Guy, Jinx met him too, big burly Tom Jones-looking dude.  He's going to Michigan now to buy a new Ford or something.  There were those psychic friends network guys who were all there to kack Stoney, and there were some terrorists and that no-nose guy and the naked girl and the elf and hey, where'd Rebound get off to?"

From:  "Lohse, Doug" <DLohse@banknorth.com> 
Date:  Tue Apr 1, 2003  1:09 pm
Subject:  RE: [v13] Things and Stuff

> "Someone around here lose a young woman? Goes by the name of Tammy?"

>> (snip yogi speak, Tammy speak, and Tammy's retirement)

> With her gone, though, that leaves you (and Slow Jim) sort of in an awkward 
> position there...

"Not the reaction I would have expected, but using what transpired in her rescue as a basis to form an opinion, it would be my guess that she just resigned from Mindwatch. Am I correct?"

( Presumed Response Space) 

"She was being held hostage as bait for a group of vigilantes. Apparently,
a member of the vigilante group had tried to kill a Psimotive, prompting the
whole big mess. The least amusing thing about it is that the vigilante
group hadn't seemed to notice that Tammy had been missing. Not something I
would suggest for anyone looking for a boost to the old ego. You can't
blame her for being angry. She was abandoned by the vigilantes and held
captive by an organization she was supposed to be a part of. No, I imagine
she has every right to be angry."

"As to the speed of it all, blame the vigilantes for making it messy. I
only had to deal with a few of the psi's. Quite the interesting array of
abilities on display. Some that I will have to learn. Most definitely."

From:  "Lohse, Doug" <DLohse@banknorth.com> 
Date:  Tue Apr 1, 2003  1:18 pm
Subject:  RE: [v13] Red Wizard Shot The Food

> (snip Ari ramble)

> "and hey, where'd Rebound get off to?"

"Right behind ya, cutie."

"I heard your description of the disco-duck we're after. Not too bad a
description, really. From the zap he gave Jinx and I, my guess is that he
has something to do with light and holograms. He dazzled us pretty good.
As for what he's up to, I think he's got something against Ford...the former
president, not the car."

Rebound takes a stack of pancakes and finds a private booth so that he can
hide while eating them. Once finished, he'll join the group again.

" So, what'd I miss?" 

From:  EmarZero@aol.com 
Date:  Tue Apr 1, 2003  1:59 pm
Subject:  Re: [v13] Red Wizard Shot The Food

> As for what he's up to, I think he's got something against Ford...the former
> president, not the car."

She scratches her head.  "Yeah.  That'd make a bit more sense, wouldn't it?  Then again, the hell did Ford ever do to anyone?  Maybe he's really peeved about Nixon getting a pardon."

From:  "Mister Christopher" <cwacers@technohol.com> 
Date:  Tue Apr 1, 2003  4:20 pm
Subject:  Re: [v13] Red Wizard Shot The Food

> (snip pardoning talk)

Masque scratches his head...
"Mmphhh..alumpghek e ardonphed im'?"
 
He takes a second to swallow his food.
"Sorry...I thought Ford was the one who pardoned Nixon? Somebody pass the syrup hmm..and the butter..lots of butter."

From:  "Mister Christopher" <cwacers@technohol.com> 
Date:  Tue Apr 1, 2003  4:22 pm
Subject:  Re: [v13] Red Wizard Shot The Food

> " I'm not too worried about the why, myself..."
 
Masque simply eats and digests.
"Just tell me when you are all leaving... I got some serious eating to do here... Garcon? I'll take 4 sides of bacon please"

From:  "William Lockwood" <albedo1@cox.net> 
Date:  Tue Apr 1, 2003  5:53 pm
Subject:  Re: [v13] Red Wizard Shot The Food

Jinx makes a basic order o' foodstuff and waits quietly amongst the others.
 
Responding to the question of what the hell happened today, Jinx does her best to explain the events that happened around her in an efficient manner, almost as if giving a mission debriefing.

From:  charlie s clay jr <cclayjr2@juno.com> 
Date:  Tue Apr 1, 2003  8:28 pm
Subject:  Re: [v13] Red Wizard Shot The Food

> " So, what'd I miss?" 

"Nuttin'.  Och is finishing off a whole pig while Ari does a recap." Stone
Cold says finishing off his second stack of pancakes and syrup. 
(Strawberry this time) He has a dash of blueberry on his peach fuzz
growing in on his chin.

From:  EmarZero@aol.com 
Date:  Tue Apr 1, 2003  11:41 pm
Subject:  Re: [v13] Red Wizard Shot The Food

> "Sorry...I thought Ford was the one who pardoned Nixon? Somebody pass the 
> syrup hmm... and the butter... lots of butter."

"That's what I SAID.  Ford pardoned Nixon.  Maybe this guy has some kind of thing against Ford over that.  Or something else.  Who knows.  We probably oughta call the Secret Service or someone."

From:  "Lohse, Doug" <DLohse@banknorth.com> 
Date:  Wed Apr 2, 2003  7:49 am
Subject:  RE: [v13] Red Wizard Shot The Food

> (snip Ari secret service speak0

Rebound pipes in..."That's actually not a bad idea. Try 202-555-7261...and don't ask me where I got the number. And make sure it's right before we leave the area."

From:  "Lohse, Doug" <DLohse@banknorth.com> 
Date:  Wed Apr 2, 2003  8:45 am
Subject:  RE: [v13] Red Wizard Shot The Food

Rebound pipes in..."That's actually not a bad idea. Try 202-555-7261...and don't ask me where I got the number. And make sure it's right before we leave the area."

Rebound pauses, realizing that he may not have been too clear...

"The call, that is. The CALL is right before we leave."

From:  Firebomb <firebomb@technohol.com> 
Date:  Thu Apr 3, 2003  3:31 am
Subject:  Re: [v13] Red Wizard Shot The Food

Och watches you order, Masque.

"Only four orders of bacon?  Amateur."

He then orders LOTS more.

As you all digest (so to speak) everything each other knows, your dwarven friend mulls things over.  After you produce the two holographic discs that Disco Head left you all at various points during the day, Jinx, Ari, Och seems to come to a decision.

"Well, I don't know about you guys, but I fully intend to pay this bizarre fellow back for trying to kill me earlier.  Well, all of us, really, even if I was the one that fell for his trap.  The first trap, at any rate.  I'm not even going to mention the 'hair' thing."

He shudders and then continues.  "I'm going after this guy.  I REALLY have things I need to do, but he's first on my List now.  If any of you don't feel like it, I understand - especially because I'm sure this 'Disco Head' has a nice ambush set up for us in Washington D.C. right now.

"But I'm not about to let him go unopposed... I've seen too much evil in my day to just let some insane kook like this run rampant.  Especially on this world, where most people... seem ill-equipped to handle one such as him.  So, as soon as I'm ridiculously full, I'm off.

"I don't care what his beef with Ford is, but he's gone too far.  

"And wrecked my home."

!

From:  Firebomb <firebomb@technohol.com> 
Date:  Thu Apr 3, 2003  3:45 am
Subject:  RE: [v13] Things and Stuff

The Yogi sighs in a most voluminous manner.

"I suppose you're right.  I feel so horrible, having worked so hard to steer her towards working for Mindwatch... all the time I've spent with them has been truly amazing.  It's a shame that folks such as this have apparently been allowed to taint such a formerly good thing.

"I feel that I must do something about this state of affairs, my student... so I will be leaving shortly to deal with this.  I am not sure exactly what it is that I can do to effect a change in Mindwatch, but I will surely do everything in my power to manage something.

"However... at the same time, I feel I would be remiss in neglecting your education, for you are coming along quite well - in more ways than one.  With my impending absence, though, I recommend that you find a way to test the limits of your abilities - your TRUE limits.

"It would seem both challenges I have given you of late have been much easier to deal with than I originally thought.  As such, the final challenge I offer you is to FIND a serious global problem and to solve it, in any way you deem fit.

"If you should do so... well, we'll talk when I return.  However, should you need me for anything, such as initial studies to learn a new power, or anything else, simply contact me as you normally would when I am absent, by using the telepathic crystal 'paperweight' on my desk.

"Is there anything you need before I leave?"

(possible space to counter all that talk)

If not, the Yogi then vanishes in an overly dramatic puff of smoke, leaving you and Slow Jim here in the school all by yourselves.  Well, not counting the fifty or so youths hanging out in the school, practicing various martial arts and / or meditation techniques.

?

From:  EmarZero@aol.com 
Date:  Thu Apr 3, 2003  9:52 am
Subject:  Re: [v13] Red Wizard Shot The Food

> (snip Och speak about tyranny and evil and such)

Ari nods.  "I'm in. I put my HAND in that nasty-ass hair of his.  It was slimy.  So I figure I owe him one good kick to the jimmies for that alone.  Plus, I think he was trying to hit on me.  So nasty."

From:  "Lohse, Doug" <DLohse@banknorth.com> 
Date:  Thu Apr 3, 2003  12:00 pm
Subject:  RE: [v13] Red Wizard Shot The Food

> "I don't care what his beef with Ford is, but he's gone too far. 

> "And wrecked my home."

Rebound doesn't think twice about it. "I'm in. Anyone who thinks they can
mess with my friends, has another thing coming."

From:  cclayjr2@juno.com 
Date:  Thu Apr 3, 2003  7:30 pm
Subject:  Re:Re: [v13] Red Wizard Shot The Food

> "I don't care what his beef with Ford is, but he's gone too far. 

> "And wrecked my home."

Stone Cold looks at the group finishing off his third helping wondering where
Och puts it all. "Works for me." Wiping his mouth as he moves toward his OJ.

From:  "William Lockwood" <albedo1@cox.net> 
Date:  Thu Apr 3, 2003  5:52 pm
Subject:  Re: [v13] Red Wizard Shot The Food

Jinx nods to Och after hearing his intentions, "Good. He was definitely high on my list. Not only because he trashed your place, but because he hopes to assassinate an ex-president, if I remember correctly.
 
"So, once we've got the food shoveled down we'll head to DC and take this guy down, eh? Anyone happen to have any really dark shades?"

From:  EmarZero@aol.com 
Date:  Thu Apr 3, 2003  6:28 pm
Subject:  Re: [v13] Red Wizard Shot The Food

> Anyone happen to have any really dark shades?"

Ari rifles through her backpack and produces a couple pairs. One's some of those bigass Jackie-O shades, another pair's your standard black frame sunglasses, one pair of the granny/john Lennon type with blue lenses, and one pair that could only be described as "stolen from Elton John", a giant mess of glitter and feathers and hoo-hah.  "That's four... AHA!" Then the last pair, a set of WW2-style tank driver goggles, with the flip-down lens covers. "Och, I think these'd look pretty swell on you."

From:  "Mister Christopher" <cwacers@technohol.com> 
Date:  Fri Apr 4, 2003  9:43 am
Subject:  Re: [v13] Red Wizard Shot The Food

> Anyone happen to have any really dark shades?"

>Ari rifles through her backpack and produces a couple pairs.
  
Masque silently and indiscreetly puts away the lamp shade he was about to brandish zelda fashion.

From:  "Mister Christopher" <cwacers@technohol.com> 
Date:  Fri Apr 4, 2003  9:51 am
Subject:  Re: [v13] Red Wizard Shot The Food

O.O.C.   make that discreetly....can ya blame me...I am a little hungover...
 
> Masque silently and indiscreetly puts away the lamp shade he was about to 
> brandish zelda fashion.

From:  "Lohse, Doug" <DLohse@banknorth.com> 
Date:  Fri Apr 4, 2003  1:51 pm
Subject:  RE: [v13] Things and Stuff

> "Is there anything you need before I leave?"

Geoffrey pauses in thought...A serious global problem. Now where should I start looking for that...

He considers all manner of responses, but in the end, simply says, "Good luck with Mindwatch. I'll get right on that quest."

> (snip Yogi leaving)

"Well, Jim, it seems we have to find a 'serious global problem' and solve
it. Are you up to the task, or have you had enough of the 'surface world'?"

Barely waiting for a response, Geoffrey, shifts gears as he watches the
students practicing. "Jim, have you ever considered expanding your mind?
There is a whole world just a thought away..."

While waiting for Jim to sort out his thoughts, Geoffrey will ponder how he
will find this global problem...Perhaps the news, perhaps some other source
would be better. Best to start out simple...watch the news.

From:  "William Lockwood" <albedo1@cox.net> 
Date:  Fri Apr 4, 2003  9:32 pm
Subject:  Re: [v13] Red Wizard Shot The Food

Jinx takes the standard black frame sunglasses.
 
"Right, these _might_ help. Well, probably not, but at least I can say I tried.
 
"So, anyone have any plans on how to take down Disco Head once we locate him?"

From:  EmarZero@aol.com 
Date:  Fri Apr 4, 2003  9:37 pm
Subject:  Re: [v13] Red Wizard Shot The Food

> "So, anyone have any plans on how to take down Disco Head once we locate him?"

"I think I got a hedge trimmer in here somewhere. At least we can cut that
nasty-ass hair of his."

From:  "Mister Christopher" <cwacers@technohol.com> 
Date:  Fri Apr 4, 2003  11:41 pm
Subject:  Re: [v13] Red Wizard Shot The Food

> "So, anyone have any plans on how to take down Disco Head once we locate him?"
 
Masque raises an eyebrow and flourishes a fork.
"I could always make him go away."

From:  "William Lockwood" <albedo1@cox.net> 
Date:  Sat Apr 5, 2003  3:24 pm
Subject:  Re: [v13] Red Wizard Shot The Food

Jinx responds to Masque's comment, "True, true, but I don't think that will help in the long run. The bad guys always seem to make it back. No, while I don't think killing him is the answer either, no matter how final it might be, I think locking him down might be best.
 
"The problem is, though, where the hell do we lock up a super-powered psycho?"

From:  "Mister Christopher" <cwacers@technohol.com> 
Date:  Sun Apr 6, 2003  8:07 pm
Subject:  Re: [v13] The Bar (C)

> "Oh, and thanks.  I like my outfit too."
 
"Righhhhhht."

> (snip fe-Charlie's entrance)
 
Gunslinger almost spits the tequila out of his ears as he laughs at Fem-Charlie.
"Ha, can we say oops Madame?"
He laughs some more.

From:  Charlie Chicanery <charlie_chicanery@yahoo.com> 
Date:  Sun Apr 6, 2003  8:29 pm
Subject:  Re: [v13] The Bar (C)

> (snip my grand entrance) 

"Huh... nice band there."

> The bartender looks at you and laughs. "What's wrong Charlie, you look like 
> you just swallowed a cat?"

Grr. It would appear that my insignificant other likes this place. i hate it already.

"This is not the Charlie you're looking for. i'm the one you haven't met yet. Trust me."

> Gunslinger almost spits the tequila out of his ears as he laughs at Fem-
> Charlie.  "Ha, can we say oops Madame?" He laughs some more.

"Give me six of your hardest drinks. Doubles. And something to hit the noseless nincompoop over the head with."

Looking at said noseless nincompoop.

"i hate you. Just for reference."

i then proceed to get really really drunk.

Amazingly goddamn drunk. So drunk that GUNSLINGER's grandparents will be hung over.

"So why the shit did we have to come here, Gunslinger? This your idea of a fancy bar?"

So what if the bartender hears me. The only reason she'd be interested in me now is 'cause i have boobies. So feh.

"Anyplace my other me hangs out with has to be bad..."

From:  "Mister Christopher" <cwacers@technohol.com> 
Date:  Sun Apr 6, 2003  8:48 pm
Subject:  Re: [v13] The Bar (C)

> "i hate you.  Just for reference."

> i then proceed to get really really drunk.
 
Gunslinger nods to the bartender,
"Give IT some Grog."
He motions to the Fem-Charlie.

> "This your idea of a fancy bar?"
 
Gunslinger shrugs.
"Nooo...WE did not come here. YOU came here. WE were already here."
He turns back around to the bar.
"And besides...the lady here says we are on Venus anyhow."

From:  Firebomb <firebomb@technohol.com> 
Date:  Sun Apr 6, 2003  8:53 pm
Subject:  Re: [v13] Red Wizard Shot The Food

Och smiles as he takes the pair of vintage goggles from Ari.  "Well, I guess it's decided then.  I'm glad you all want to help with this, but then I suppose it's not just me that has a beef with this fellow.  While the details are fuzzy, at least we know how to proceed.

"Well, after we finish eating, at least."

"I suppose we can work out what to do with this fiend after we stop him - but I imagine that we should do so before he manages to kill this Ford fellow.  Maybe we can figure out where he was locked up before A-Lonse found him and, I don't know, give him back?

"I guess that would depend on those of us with more government contacts to figure out, unless we went some other route.  Or something.... hmm."

(possible response line of death)

At any rate, once everybody gets done eating, and assuming they wish to make no mystery phone calls to warn mystery government people about a rather un-mysterious freak with a disco ball on his head moving towards D.C., you all get in Harry's mostly-invisible ship and take off.

"Where to?"  Of course Harry KNOWS you're going to Washington, but the question is where IN Washington?

??

From:  Firebomb <firebomb@technohol.com> 
Date:  Sun Apr 6, 2003  9:03 pm
Subject:  Re: [v13] The Bar (C)

The bartender seems quite amused with you, Charlie, and does indeed do as Gunslinger directed, giving you six bowls of Grog.  Of course, she also gives you a bill for $40.  "Sorry for the unnecessary expense, but that's the asshole charge, and you have unfortunately incurred it."

"Or, as I guess I should say now, the bitch charge.  Since I thought the other Charlie was a Man."  You can't help but note the emphasis on 'Man', Charlie.  Seems she knows a bit about you after all, since perhaps your other gets along rather well with this lady.  Huh.

"You want anything else, miss?"

She's referring to you now, Gunslinger.

As all this fun ensues, Moebius swipes some change from you, Gunslinger, finds herself a pay phone, and pulls a card out of ... out of a portion of her outfit you imagine has bear traps and other assorted bad things waiting for anyone dumb enough to cop a feel...

?

From:  Firebomb <firebomb@technohol.com> 
Date:  Sun Apr 6, 2003  9:09 pm
Subject:  RE: [v13] Things and Stuff

Jim fehs.

"Feh.  Just the opposite.  Though I thought I wanted it, I'm really more inclined to stay here than to go back under the waves - my last experience there really soured me on the whole Atlantis notion.  No, I think I'll hang around here - maybe see what there is to see.

"And help you out if possible... though you're a bit more versatile in your powers than I am..."

In response to your other question, he looks nonplussed.  "Well, that is an option.  Apparently I was destined to have quite a bit more power at my disposal - I guess the pollution where I came from sort of put a halt to that.  If things went different... who knows?

"Why do you ask?"

Of course, regardless of your answer to that, you eventually settle down to watch the news, and naturally hear about a large variety of problems that are going on pretty much everywhere.  It seems the world has taken a turn for the worst of late.

Before you can really think about it, though, your telephone rings.  Assuming you answer, you hear a familiar female voice on the other end.  "Hey, is this Geoffrey?"

!?

From:  Charlie Chicanery <charlie_chicanery@yahoo.com> 
Date:  Sun Apr 6, 2003  9:11 pm
Subject:  Re: [v13] The Bar (C)

> (snip not-so veiled bartender insults)

"Hey, that's okay. After all, my pal GUNSLINGER here is picking up the tab, as i recall... hahahaha."

i'll drink an entire bowl of grog and shudder in alcoholic repugnance.

"Ooo... yeow. That's more like it. i'll try to be nicer though, ok? Long, long day. It's not often you get your genitalia toggled.

From:  "Mister Christopher" <cwacers@technohol.com> 
Date:  Sun Apr 6, 2003  9:23 pm
Subject:  Re: [v13] The Bar (C)

"Hey, that's okay.  After all, my pal GUNSLINGER here
is picking up the tab, as i recall... hahahaha."
 
Gunslinger kicks the stool out from under Charlie.
"You got a dick in yer ear? 'Cause you didn't hear me right."
 
He turns back around, yet again, and says to the lipstick lesbian,
"Call me what you want lady but I don't think you want me talking about your planet Venus here, so let's just drop the name calling hmm....It really is a bit childish. Besides it's more fun to make fun of the idiot on the floor anyhow."
 
He takes another shot.
"Oh..and I ain't pickin up HER tab either."

From:  Charlie Chicanery <charlie_chicanery@yahoo.com> 
Date:  Sun Apr 6, 2003  9:44 pm
Subject:  Re: [v13] The Bar (C)

> He takes another shot.
> "Oh..and I ain't pickin up HER tab either."

"That's funny... since i have no money. i gave it all to the creepy time travel machine maker, remember? is it too late to say i'm sorry? Or to put that on my tab?!"

crap-tastic.

From:  EmarZero@aol.com 
Date:  Sun Apr 6, 2003  11:03 pm
Subject:  Re: [v13] Red Wizard Shot The Food

> "Where to?"  Of course Harry KNOWS you're going to Washington, but the 
> question is where IN Washington?

"I don't suppose he's listed in the phone book."  Ari muses.  "Maybe we should just head to the White House.  I mean, seems like a logical place to start."

From:  "Lohse, Doug" <DLohse@banknorth.com> 
Date:  Mon Apr 7, 2003  12:05 pm
Subject:  RE: [v13] Things and Stuff

> (snip Jim's not-leaving speak)

> "Why do you ask?"


Geoffrey smiles as he considers the possibilities inherent in the untapped mind before him.  "The source of true power lies not from without, but from within. The mind is far more powerful than the body. It's simply a matter of applying your will to the task at hand. That is all I do. I might be able to teach you how to tap into your own potential. Here try this concentration exercise..."
Geoffrey will spend some time trying to teach Jim the most basic of the introductory exercises that he himself has learned.

> "Hey, is this Geoffrey?"

"Indeed it is. Is this the rather attractive young woman I met earlier?"

From:  "Lohse, Doug" <DLohse@banknorth.com> 
Date:  Mon Apr 7, 2003  12:13 pm
Subject:  RE: [v13] Red Wizard Shot The Food

> "I guess that would depend on those of us with more government contacts to
> figure out, unless we went some other route. Or something.... hmm."

"If you want to find this guy, try CNN. It's not like this buffoon will keep a low profile. As for what to do with him after we stop him, I've got no suggestions beyond where to put that disco-ball of his."

> "Where to?" Of course Harry KNOWS you're going to Washington, but the
> question is where IN Washington?

"Good question. Maybe we can figure out where Gerald Ford lives." Rebound starts working with his electronic slate in an attempt to find some source of information on the former president.

From:  "Mister Christopher" <cwacers@technohol.com> 
Date:  Mon Apr 7, 2003  8:36 pm
Subject:  Re: [v13] Red Wizard Shot The Food

> "Where to?"  Of course Harry KNOWS you're going to Washington, but the 
> question is where IN Washington?
 
"Awww fiddlesticks, I knew I should have learned that scrying spell when I had the chance."
Masque finishes the last of his bacon.
"You know...he is a typical gloating bad guy. I bet he'd bite if we simply called him out. Called him dirty names or something...Maybe say something bad about disco music. Although I kinda like the stuff. "
He breaks off into and starts singing She's a brick house...poorly.

From:  Firebomb <firebomb@technohol.com> 
Date:  Mon Apr 14, 2003  12:37 am
Subject:  Re: [v13] The Bar (C)

The bartender, she laughs.  She then leaps over the counter and lands on your chest, Charlie, causing you to say "Whoomph" in surprise.

"Whoomph."

She then extracts your time traveling transient steel staff from your hand (whichever one it happens to be in), and smiles.  "Ah, this should work.  I tell you what, mister DESTITUTE GIRL, as soon as you hand over $40, I'll give you back this shiny toy."

She then hops back over before you can react properly - she seems quite good at that - almost ... too acrobatic for her own good.

Running her hand through her hair as though nothing untoward had just occurred, she stows the time travel staff under the bar, flicking a switch right afterward.  A low hum emanates from the bar proper, for a few seconds at least, and all is normal again, give or take.

That's when she turns on you, Gunslinger.  "Humph.  Who said I was insulting you, bub?  That's what we in the biz-ness call a 'term of endearment'.  However, if you'd like your experience at The Bar to be dull and unfulfilling, you just say so..."

A few seconds later, she continues with "You want another one?"

(hoo hah)

From:  Firebomb <firebomb@technohol.com> 
Date:  Mon Apr 14, 2003  12:47 am
Subject:  RE: [v13] Things and Stuff

You do indeed go through a bevy of mental and physical 'tuning' exercises with Slow Jim, Geoffrey, and he does seem to be a quick learner.  You leave him attempting to meditate while checking the news, which ultimately leads up to your incoming telephone call.

In response to your greeting, she laughs out loud.  "Heh, that would apparently be me.  Anyway, I was just calling to let you know that me an the 'boys' are at a place called 'The Bar' in this 'Times Square' people seem to speak of so much.  It's easy to find...

"Our cars are on the roof, if that makes any sense."

?

From:  "Mister Christopher" <cwacers@technohol.com> 
Date:  Mon Apr 14, 2003  1:09 am
Subject:  Re: [v13] The Bar (C)

> (snip Charlie having his staff confiscated)
 
This prompts Gunslinger to say,
"Ha, Ha!"

> (snip Bartender speak at Gunslinger)

Gunslinger nods.
"Fair enough. I apologize then. Dull and unfulfilling ain't my style."

> A few seconds later, she continues with "You want another one?"
 
"Yes."

From:  Firebomb <firebomb@technohol.com> 
Date:  Mon Apr 14, 2003  1:13 am
Subject:  Re: [v13] Red Wizard Shot The Food

Harry puts the ship in 'park, hovering over Washington D.C. whilst you all make up your minds as to what you should do.  "Well, I hate to be a party pooper, but I'm showing a veritable plethora of rocket launchers and other assorted defensive things situated around the town.

"I imagine if we were to land on the lawn of that particular place, we may be in for some trouble.  My cloaking device is slightly hampered by the huge dents those jerks in the flying cars made in the ship here, so that degradation may be enough to get us shot at..."

Assuming everyone discusses a strategy amongst yourselves (since only half of you posted last time 'round), you sit down and fidget with your nifty electronic slate, Rebound, and dig up the fact that the former President Ford currently resides in Rancho Mirage, California.

Even though his library is in Michigan, and he was born in Omaha - the fella gets around.

Just then, though, you are all wowed by a large burst of light coming from directly ahead.  It would appear that a shaft of light struck a warehouse in the city from on high - from somewhere above you all - and punched a massive hole in the thing.

Looking out the cockpit windows, you can see a gaping hole in the wall of the warehouse in question, and some sort of glow coming from above.  That's when Disco Head swoops down from the sky and lands in the new entry way he has forged in the side of the place.

Like y'all said, subtlety isn't really his strong suit.

He prefers polyester for his... ba dum dum

From:  Charlie Chicanery <charlie_chicanery@yahoo.com> 
Date:  Mon Apr 14, 2003  1:24 am
Subject:  Re: [v13] The Bar (C)

> (snip me losing my staff)

> (snip Gunslinger saying "Ha, Ha!"

i got your ha ha.

i will promptly stand up and, utilizing my original transient steel staff, blast Gunslinger's stool to atoms, similarly dropping his ass to the ground forthwith.

(note for those of you that are confused by this: the original transient steel staff i possessed was first duplicated when i - or my counterpart - was thrown in the matter duplicator in our very own origin story that has yet to see 'print'. Thus, me and my female other had one. Now, after i had mine upgraded, temporally speaking, the female wanted a similar modification to hers, so i went back in time and had mine duplicated again - thus generating TWO time staves. Since she still had the 'darth maul' style energy staff - mine had been repo'd by ESE, as you may recall - i just hung on to her normal, non-enhanced one. That way we could both have two staffs-es... if that makes sense. Unless of course you feel this is not allowable since i didn't really mention it at the time or anything, not that i recall, then i'll just kick his chair in... hahah.)

"You ort to watch it before your foot writes a check that your ASS can't catch, buddy."

(ooo)

From:  EmarZero@aol.com 
Date:  Mon Apr 14, 2003  11:24 am
Subject:  Re: [v13] Red Wizard Shot The Food

> (snip Disco Head's explosive reappearance)

Ari smirks.  "Oh, right.  If you can't bring Mohammed to the mountain, smash the drawing room.  Way to go, twinklehead."
She then looks around.  "So can we go beat this guy up now?"

From:  "Lohse, Doug" <DLohse@banknorth.com> 
Date:  Mon Apr 14, 2003  4:01 pm
Subject:  RE: [v13] Things and Stuff

> "It's easy to find... "

"Times Square. Yes, I've been there. Much more pleasant now that the riff-raff have been shuffled out of there. I'll meet you at this "Bar".

> "Our cars are on the roof, if that makes any sense." 

"This IS New York, after all, and parking is indeed at a premium, my dear.
Save a pair of seats for myself and Jim."

Walking over to Slow Jim, Geoffrey carefully and gently breaks him out of
his meditative state.

"So, Jim, have you felt the doorways opening in your mind yet? Well, don't worry too much if you haven't yet. It often takes years, I'm told, but there are a few of us who are better at it than others. Regardless, we have an appointment at 'The Bar' in Times Square. Are you interested in getting a drink and relaxing some?"

Geoffrey wanders over to his closet to get a new suit, not thinking it odd at all that he keeps an entire closet of clothes at the Yogi's. He changes clothes, making sure that everything is perfect, before heading out to "The Bar".

From:  "Lohse, Doug" <DLohse@banknorth.com> 
Date:  Mon Apr 14, 2003  4:03 pm
Subject:  RE: [v13] Red Wizard Shot The Food

> (snip Ari-speak)

"I'd say that definitely would be our cue. But a word of warning to you all... watch out for the funky light shows. Fight blind if you have to... heaven knows, I usually do anyway..."

Rebound gets ready to leap into action. Eyes open...for now.

From:  cclayjr2@juno.com 
Date:  Mon Apr 14, 2003  4:36 pm
Subject:  Re: [v13] Red Wizard Shot The Food

"Guess that beats looking for him. We could give him a good ol' 21st century welcome." Stone Cold grinned as he thought about the butt-whuppin he would like to give the man simply for his style. 'Damn that's ugly.' He thought to himself.

From:  "William Lockwood" <albedo1@cox.net> 
Date:  Mon Apr 14, 2003  7:03 pm
Subject:  Re: [v13] Red Wizard Shot The Food

Jinx shakes her head at the obvious entry by Disco Head.
 
"Right folks, we know where he is now, but let's try to do some solid recon before barging on in. The guy may actually be setting up a trap or something, assuming that we'll underestimate him."

From:  "Mister Christopher" <cwacers@technohol.com> 
Date:  Mon Apr 14, 2003  11:43 pm
Subject:  Re: [v13] Red Wizard Shot The Food

> (snip Disco Head's explosive entrance)
 
Masque sits down.
"I will be right back. I am gonna do some, as Jinx and Rebound would say, Recon."
He giggles a bit.
'Re-con...Reeeeeconnnnn. A reconnoitering we will go, a reconnoitering we will go, Hi ho a derry o......"
He stops and seems to fall into a trance.
 
Going astral he zooms on over to the warehouse to see what he can see and will come back to relay the info to the rest of the group.

From:  "Mister Christopher" <cwacers@technohol.com> 
Date:  Tue Apr 15, 2003  12:42 am
Subject:  Re: [v13] The Bar (C)

> "You ort to watch it before your foot writes a check that your ASS can't 
> catch, buddy."
 
Gunslinger stands up, brushes himself off, licks the Tequila from his hands and draws his guns.
"Considering my inherent Luck, I am VERY surprised you managed that. In fact, that shit just doesn't happen to me."
 
He fires a force bolt, Pulling the punch just enough to make Charlie stagger a bit.
 
"Hell, I am not even sure how to deal with this feeling. I have never felt it before. Is it embarrassment?"
 
He fires another force bolt of equal force to the last, pushing Charlie further back.
 
"Nope, not embarrassment. Could it be Jealousy? The fact that you one-upped me... hmmm."
 
He fires one last bolt, Knocking Charlie into the chair behind him.
 
"Nahh... I think it's respect. You managed to do what no other has managed. For that, I will buy you a drink."
He gets real close to Charlie.
"However, If you try a stunt like that again. I ain't holdin' back. Consider that your only warning."
 
He pulls a table and chair in between Charlie and himself and sits down, keeping an eye on her.
"Hey bartender...the lady needs a drink."
He settles back.
"and where the hell did moebius go?"

From:  Firebomb <firebomb@technohol.com> 
Date:  Wed Apr 16, 2003  7:01 am
Subject:  Onion Pie

Taking his cue from your various exclamations and commentary, Harry the Space Pilot lands this rather advanced craft a respectable distance from the hole in this apparent warehouse - at least, that's what it looks like, what with all the crates and such inside.

He's about one hundred feet from the hole Disco Head blasted into the place, allowing for random explosions and whatnot.  While the rest of you prepare to indulge in all manner of payback, Masque has a seat and allows himself the luxury of going... elsewhere.

Slipping your consciousness into the astral plane, you easily sail through the impediments between you and the target of Disco Head's current activity, Masque, whereby you see several people laying on the ground, twitching.  They're wearing brown, U.P.S. - like uniforms.

But they're definitely not U.P.S. employees... those fellows don't pack heat, after all.  These guys apparently drew H&P USP Compacts, complete with the nifty little laser beam sights mounted below the barrel, but those implements of technology (ptoo) couldn't save them.

This because the so-called Disco Head is apparently possessed of gadgetry far superior to their own.  A quick inspection of the area indeed backs up the notion that this is a warehouse of some sort, though all the goons in tacky black suits suddenly popping out of crates is odd.

They start shouting.

After a few seconds of cacophonous dialogue, a leader amongst the suited fellows emerges.  "Hey, mirror face!  N.S.A.!!  Drop the weaponry and reach for the sky, or you're toast!!!"  He then flashes a badge, as do the others, which seems to indicate that they truly work for the N.S.A.!

Disco Head chuckles at this, and snaps his fingers.  Suddenly, approximately thirty duplicate Disco Heads manifest in the air about these apparent government operatives, and start floating in random directions.  "You can't stop us!  The Boogie Brigade is forever!"

You've seen this trick before, the whole illusive extras bit.  The problem is that when their heads all start glowing, and they all shoot lasers at the gub'ment guys, all of them present do, indeed, get skewered by the beams.  Nothing lethal, yet definitely crippling.

A thigh here, a kneecap there.

As one the N.S.A. folks drop, either unconscious or wailing in pain and shock!

Disco Head chuckles again.  "Morons.  I know you work for the N.S.A. - after all, you've served as the cover for the prison that's held my mind conscious - yet immobile - for the last TWENTY SIX years!  I'll deal with you lot later, but first..."

The villain then blasts a hole in the ground, and descends into the earth below - though there seems to be several chambers there... beneath the apparent concrete foundation.  That's just a little bit interesting, now, innit?

Returning to the ship, you reunite your consciousness with your body and tell the others what just went down.  As soon as everybody gets off the ship, Harry starts paying particular attention to a little flashing light on his control surfaces.  "Aha... Gotcha.

"You guys go on ahead and have some fun, I have to take care of something real quick.  If you need me for an emergency evac or anything, just use the little phone I gave you, Rebound."  Unless anybody specifically protests, Harry then takes off in his mostly invisible space ship.

Leaving the six of you to deal with Disco Head.

So... what do you all do??

From:  Firebomb <firebomb@technohol.com> 
Date:  Wed Apr 16, 2003  7:10 am
Subject:  Re: [v13] The Bar (C)

After the two of you have your little super-powered spat, the bartender does indeed bring you another tequila, Gunslinger.  And another bowl of grog for Charlie.  Or Charlene, or whatever.  And she gives Charlie a slip of paper which, upon reading it, appears to be a bill.

For one stool.

As soon as you belabor about the presence (or lack thereof) of Moebius, she yells at you from across the bar, apparently having just finished up a phone call.  It's hard to hear her over the band, though, since they're now playing 'John Holmes 3-D'.

Seeing the look on your face, she screams "I HAD TO MAKE A GODDAMN PHONE CALL, REMEMBER?!

"I HAVE A FUCKING PLAN, ALREADY!"

?!

From:  Firebomb <firebomb@technohol.com> 
Date:  Wed Apr 16, 2003  7:20 am
Subject:  RE: [v13] Things and Stuff

"Cool, see you soon, Geoffrey!"

With that Moebius hangs up (amidst what sounds like a series of energy discharges, but then who can tell over a telephone), leaving you with Slow Jim in the school.  He gives you a grin after you wake him up, so to speak, and stretches.

"Nope, haven't felt anything yet.  Other than relaxed."

Jim seems a bit more optimistic about your other question, though.  "A bar?  Sure, I suppose... I usually don't drink much, but considering the last couple of days, I'm prepared for just about anything that will help me wind down.  Sure I'll go!"

You make your way to this so-called "Bar" without incident, though you find there is no actual entrance to the place from the ground.  Perhaps it's a subterranean doorway or somesuch, though you do remember Moebius saying something about having her car on the roof...

The place appears to be a five story structure, by the by.

?

From:  "Lohse, Doug" <DLohse@banknorth.com> 
Date:  Wed Apr 16, 2003  9:13 am
Subject:  RE: [v13] Onion Pie

Rebound hits the ground ready to charge into action, impatiently waiting for the rest of the team to get ready.

"Let's move it, folks! If he manages to get to what he's looking for, we're going to have a whole lot more to worry about! Masque, can you make a portal to drop me down that hole you saw him go down? Maybe we can take him by surprise..."

From:  "Lohse, Doug" <DLohse@banknorth.com> 
Date:  Wed Apr 16, 2003  9:26 am
Subject:  RE: [v13] Things and Stuff

"Seems we need an impromptu elevator, eh, Jim? Well, I've been thinking about this one for a while. Let's see if it'll work."

Geoffrery telekinetically lifts Slow Jim to the roof.

"There, that's the easy part. Now the hard one..."

Geoffrey telekinetically grabs a manhole cover, moves it next to himself, steps on top of it, and then lifts the manhole cover to the roof. (He'll put the cover back afterwards).

(Presuming that this will work...)
Noting the (expected) confused look on Jim's face, Geoffrey explains..."Yogi always said that telekinesis wouldn't allow me to move myself, but as with most things, there are simple enough work-arounds. Now, let's go inside and get something to drink."

From:  EmarZero@aol.com 
Date:  Wed Apr 16, 2003  1:31 pm
Subject:  Re: [v13] Onion Pie

Ari scratches her head.  "So he can make a bunch of duplicates with lasers.  So what, big deal.  If we take his stupid hat, we can probably kick his ass all up and down the street."

From:  "William Lockwood" <albedo1@cox.net> 
Date:  Wed Apr 16, 2003  6:30 pm
Subject:  Re: [v13] Onion Pie

Jinx nods to Masque after he explains what he saw, "Good, at least we have some idea of what the hell is going down."
 
Turning to Rebound, "Right, the portal idea seems fairly doable. See if you can break his helmet or at least cover it with your strands. We want as little light as possible to get to him and if he does make use of any lasers or anything, maybe they'll make the stuff you leave behind pop and make it a bit uncomfortable for him...
 
"Ari, do a quick run through of the injured down there and see if any are in particular danger of death, if so, let Masque know and he can open a portal to a hospital; we don't want any ambulances heading here yet since we don't know what Disco Head might do.
 
"I'll move into the warehouse in a more mundane fashion and attempt to provide backup for Rebound.
 
"Oh, and once we're done with this, someone remind me to find some decent communications headsets so we can keep in touch while in the field."
 
With that, Jinx heads out to do whatever she can.

From:  EmarZero@aol.com 
Date:  Wed Apr 16, 2003  7:45 pm
Subject:  Re: [v13] Onion Pie

> (snip Jinx speak)

Ari nods and sighs a bit. "Right. Just save me a crack at that dude. I wanna punch him in the nose for leaving all that hair all over the place. So nasty."

From:  "Lohse, Doug" <DLohse@banknorth.com> 
Date:  Thu Apr 17, 2003  1:00 pm
Subject:  RE: [v13] Onion Pie
ADVERTISEMENT





Jinx nods to Masque after he explains what he saw, "Good, at least we have
some idea of what the hell is going down."

Turning to Rebound, "Right, the portal idea seems fairly doable. See if you
can break his helmet or at least cover it with your strands. We want as
little light as possible to get to him and if he does make use of any lasers
or anything, maybe they'll make the stuff you leave behind pop and make it a
bit uncomfortable for him...


Rebound nods back to Jinx. "Alright, I'll make as nasty a web of this crap
as I can, and hopefully, I can drop it right on his head. It might detonate
on impact, but I'll try to be as gentle with it as possible. Either way, it
should slow him down some."

Rebound prepares himself by "weaving" a web of sticky stuff between his
arms, waiting for everyone else to get into position and for Masque to make
the portal.

From:  charlie s clay jr <cclayjr2@juno.com> 
Date:  Thu Apr 17, 2003  4:50 pm
Subject:  Re: [v13] Onion Pie
ADVERTISEMENT


Jinx nods to Masque after he explains what he saw, "Good, at least we
have some idea of what the hell is going down."

Turning to Rebound, "Right, the portal idea seems fairly doable. See if
you can break his helmet or at least cover it with your strands. We want
as little light as possible to get to him and if he does make use of any
lasers or anything, maybe they'll make the stuff you leave behind pop and
make it a bit uncomfortable for him...

"Ari, do a quick run through of the injured down there and see if any are
in particular danger of death, if so, let Masque know and he can open a
portal to a hospital; we don't want any ambulances heading here yet since
we don't know what Disco Head might do.

"I'll move into the warehouse in a more mundane fashion and attempt to
provide backup for Rebound.

"Oh, and once we're done with this, someone remind me to find some decent
communications headsets so we can keep in touch while in the field."

With that, Jinx heads out to do whatever she can.

"I am going to double back around to keep him from getting out of the
back and come in that way." Stone Cold said as he looked at the others.

From:  "William Lockwood" <albedo1@cox.net> 
Date:  Thu Apr 17, 2003  6:45 pm
Subject:  Re: [v13] Onion Pie
ADVERTISEMENT


Jinx turns and nods to Stone Cold on her way toward the warehouse, "Good idea. If you end up using your ice powers, try to make it as opaque as possible so it doesn't let much of his light pass through it. Maybe you can set up some kind of lens thingee that will diffuse the light rather than focus it."

From:  charlie s clay jr <cclayjr2@juno.com> 
Date:  Fri Apr 18, 2003  3:53 pm
Subject:  Re: [v13] Onion Pie
ADVERTISEMENT


Jinx turns and nods to Stone Cold on her way toward the warehouse, "Good
idea. If you end up using your ice powers, try to make it as opaque as
possible so it doesn't let much of his light pass through it. Maybe you
can set up some kind of lens thingee that will diffuse the light rather
than focus it."


"Thanks I'll keep that in mind." He smirks as he makes his way around to
the back side. He hadn't planned on using his ice powers like that but
it did make a good idea. He thought.

From:  "Mister Christopher" <cwacers@technohol.com> 
Date:  Fri Apr 18, 2003  11:08 pm
Subject:  Re: [v13] Onion Pie

Masque smiles from ear to ear... and jumps up and down.
"Ohhh...gleeee!"
 
He starts weaving his hands in some pattern or something.
"You know...this is soooo cool. I was always picked last for everything.....and now....HA I say to all those pesky bruisers I grew up with. HA! Look at me now Billy Bob."
 
He gets an evil gleam in his eye.
"You know... I just bet Disco-head would pick me last....Ooooo....I say we Kill him."
 
He looks around...
"Okay, Okay...let's just break his legs." He says in a low growl.
 
He finally manages to Open a portal, albeit through some shaking hands now, and motions for Rebound to do his stuff.
 
"Maybe if you just blow off his arms or something.....We'll see who gets picked last next time...hahhahahhahahhhahahahahahhaa.....hahah...haha....."
 
He readies a shield.
 
"Ermmmm...Ha?"

From:  Charlie Chicanery <charlie_chicanery@yahoo.com> 
Date:  Sun Apr 20, 2003  6:59 pm
Subject:  Re: [v13] The Bar (C)

> " Consider that your only warning."

"Jus' remember who started all this, bub. ah reckon ah wouldn't a' wrecked yer stool if'n yer hadn't wreck'd mahn." For instance, i COULD retaliate for being shot at multiple times by doing the same with my tachyon staff, but after i vaporized the Funslinger, then i'd have to deal with Moebius... huh.

> "and where the hell did moebius go?"

"Yes, i need a drink.... as long as i'm not paying for it - i'm already in the hock for six. And one STOOOOOL."

From:  Firebomb <firebomb@technohol.com> 
Date:  Mon Apr 21, 2003  7:11 am
Subject:  RE: [v13] Onion Pie

(out of c:  well, since everybody answered - I guess I missed Masque's thing there - I s'pose I'll stop inducing my Pokmon to get it on and reply... heheh)

You all talk whilst Masque babbles, and as he does so, you all seem to make up your mind as to just what you'll be doing.  You then split up after a fashion, each going to do ... that which it is you decided to do.  Yes... that's the ticket.

To start with, you circle around the rather expansive warehouse, Stone Cold, and you see little, if any activity.  There's a few trucks around the other side, though one of them has a curious emblem on the back.  It seems to be for 'B.A.H. Toiletries'.

It's an overwhelmingly patriotic splash of red, white and blue, which I suppose you see a whole lot of lately, but the thing is that the little emblem over the name of the company that owns the truck looks a whole lot like the pin that guy with the red shirt had on...

You and Ari then race into the warehouse proper, Jinx, whilst Masque finally starts whipping up his portal.  Ari begins to check out the rather large array of wounded N.S.A. thugs, when she finds that they're all going to live.  Well, probably, anyway.

Luckily laser burns don't tend to 'bleed out', and they seem to have been specifically lined up as to not strike in lethal locations.  Most of these guys are in shock, since they can't walk, or their arms are lifeless, or their left eye feels like it's on fire, etc...

Looking about, you yourself don't see anything resembling a direct threat - unless, of course, one of these government stooges picks up one of their dropped pieces and opens up.  Your danger sense would warn you of that, though... you lucky duck, you.

Speaking of which, you're noticing a slight tickle from said sense, coming from one of the many, many crates here.  Actually, concentrating more, you get a similar sensation from ALL the crates that these guys didn't pop out of ambush-style, but less intense than the one before you.

That could be because this one has a huge laser burn in it, and it's making odd electronic noises.  And a preprogrammed digital speech dingus, too.  "Life support system failure.  Initiating emergency revival sequence to preserve prisoner life signs..."

After Masque creates his portal, Rebound, you and Och leap right through, into an apparent sub-complex beneath the warehouse.  You see rubble strewn all around you, this from the hole Disco Head burrowed into the ceiling above.  It consists of concrete bits and hunks of rebar.

Other than that, the place looks incredibly... clean.  There's a few more unconscious N.S.A. guys here, though they look like they were simply bested with brute force, rather than laser fire.  Someone even took their guns apart and emptied their clips.

The problem is that, unlike before, you have no idear just where Disco Head went.  He was quite obvious about his invasion of this place, but has suddenly gone all quiet.  And isn't glowing like a dance club gone wrong like he ought to be.

"Hmm," says Och.

This because you're in what appears to be a central hallway, with doors leading off on both sides, and other hallways intersecting it every fifty or so feet.  This place seems to be a lot larger than you would've at first thought...

Finally, Masque.

So, now that you've made a portal for Rebound and Och to get down into the depths of some unknown government facility, what do YOU do, other than pop on a mystic shield?  Looking around, you're not seeing anything of note happening... despite Disco Head's rather flashy entrance...

?

From:  Firebomb <firebomb@technohol.com> 
Date:  Mon Apr 21, 2003  7:19 am
Subject:  RE: [v13] Things and Stuff

Jim nods at your explanation, and watches with interest as you put the manhole back where you found it.  As the two of you approach the elevator that leads back down into The Bar, you notice something odd happening - well, odd in comparison to normal activity, at any rate.

You see a glowing square appear in the air, from which a set of stairs resolves itself.  It looks like the hatch to an aircraft would appear, if it, say, connected to such a vehicle in some other dimension; this because some guy walks out of it.

He jumps the five or so feet to the roof of the building, then presses a button on his left wrist.  This then causes the stairs to fold back in on themselves.  Looking at him, he appears to be quite a determined fellow.  He's tall, with short brown hair, and in slight need of a shave.

He's wearing a black leather trench coat, dark gray leather trousers, a black spandex T shirt, and a brown leather holster containing some odd, chromed hand gun.  He's holding some sort of scanner in his right hand, and seems to be intent on it... until he sees you.

"Oh, hello there... just looking for bugs."

Assuming no witty banter, he just joins you in entering the elevator when the car finally appears.  Of course, Jim looks surprised.  "Harry?!"

He apparently knows this person.

?

From:  EmarZero@aol.com 
Date:  Mon Apr 21, 2003  9:44 am
Subject:  Re: [v13] Onion Pie

> "Life support system failure.  Initiating emergency revival sequence to 
> preserve prisoner life signs..."

Ari looks at Jinx.  "You gonna touch it?  I'm not sure I wanna touch it."  She creeps closer to the box, and tries to peer through the hole.

From:  "Lohse, Doug" <DLohse@banknorth.com> 
Date:  Tue Apr 22, 2003  10:15 am
Subject:  RE: [v13] Onion Pie

> "Hmm," says Och.

"Hmm, indeed. No sign of where the guy went. Guess we can either split up
or guess. Or, maybe it would be better to wait for a bit of backup."

Rebound waits for a good 30 seconds listening intently...

"Oh, screw it! I'm going this way...." He heads off in a random direction
hoping that he guessed right.

From:  "Lohse, Doug" <DLohse@banknorth.com> 
Date:  Tue Apr 22, 2003  10:20 am
Subject:  RE: [v13] Things and Stuff

> He apparently knows this person. 

"I take it you know each other?"

Geoffrey waits patiently for the elevator to finish its trip to "The Bar" making sure that he doesn't come in contact with any of the grimy surfaces, putting up a force field to make sure none of the grime gets on him.

"You'd think they could hire someone to clean this thing. The Rainbow Room this most certainly is not."

From:  "William Lockwood" <albedo1@cox.net> 
Date:  Tue Apr 22, 2003  7:01 pm
Subject:  Re: [v13] Onion Pie

Jinx frowns at the sound, calling Ari away from the suspicious crate, "Don't get too close. It sounds like we've got a prisoner that was on ice like Disco Head that's going to be waking up."
 
Turning to Masque, "Hey, do you have an magic that'll keep who or whatever is going to be waking up asleep or at least contained in there?"

From:  "Mister Christopher" <cwacers@technohol.com> 
Date:  Fri Apr 25, 2003  11:23 pm
Subject:  Re: [v13] Onion Pie

> Turning to Masque, "Hey, do you have an magic that'll keep who or whatever is 
> going to be waking up asleep or at least contained in there?"
 
Masque Looks around...
"Who? Me?"
 
Not quite sure how he got here, he wonders out loud.
"I could have sworn I was just in that tin can in the sky. I know I tend to just do things without realizing it..."
That's when his eyes glaze over and his amazing recollection skills take hold....
 
"There was this one time in the circus and I woke up in the Tiger cage and really the last thing that I can recall was that I was actually trying to sleep in the Monkey cage but there was all this poop being thrown and lots of Ooks and Samantha was very angry with me. So was Steve. Come to think of it I think that Samantha was the one throwing the poop and Steve was the one doing all the Ooking and I KNOW it couldn't have been the cotton candy. I was playing the throw the dart at the balloon game but the darts just wouldn't stick. Jeff just kept laughing at me and telling me that I threw like a girl. I don't think I throw like a girl. I'll tell you one thing though, that Samantha sure wasn't throwing like a girl. Deadly aim with that poop. ....."
 
He stops once the sound of the crates beeping or whatever finally filters into his ears. He turns to Jinx and Ari...
"Right... the crates. I'd stand near me If I were you."
 
He takes a second to push up his sleeves.
"Right...Okay..here we go."
 
He blows on his hands and clasps them together.
"..now was that one flourish to the left with the right or one flourish to the right with the right or the left...?"  He murmers to himself.
 
"Oh what the heck....It's bound to work if I do all the motions..."
He turns to Jinx and Ari again.
"Right?"
 
Once the two get close to him, assuming they do, he spells away. Attempting to create a large portal directly underneath the area containing the crates but not where the three of us are standing, he does his thing.
 
(46 spell effect...it's not like they can resist... they're crates after all. Lets just send them to some tiny pocket dimension that Masque read about in his studies. Somewhere safe hmmm.)

From:  "Mister Christopher" <cwacers@technohol.com> 
Date:  Sun Apr 27, 2003  1:28 am
Subject:  Re: [v13] The Bar (C)

Gunslinger just nods at both Moebius and Charlie.
"Right." ...and takes a drink.

From:  "Charlie SS Clay Jr." <cclayjr2@juno.com> 
Date:  Mon Apr 28, 2003  8:45 pm
Subject:  Re: [v13] Onion Pie

Stone Cold moves over to quickly investigate the trucks, then back to the
warehouse.

From:  Firebomb <firebomb@technohol.com> 
Date:  Tue Apr 29, 2003  6:23 am
Subject:  heya

Hey everybody... sorry for the de-lay, I'll get on the gaming posting here either tomorrow or Wednesday .... long story

From:  Firebomb <firebomb@technohol.com> 
Date:  Thu May 1, 2003  6:33 am
Subject:  Re: [v13] Onion Pie

The three of you are peering at the mysterious sounding crate when Masque finally gets going with the magic, Jinx, Ari.  He seems to be muttering something, but then he always is, but there you go.  Something about Horoshoh's Horrid Hole.

He said it was something like a 'pocket dimension' of some sort, but it doesn't sound all that pleasant.

He begins casting his spell when the crate makes a loud 'hissh' sound, and you hear another voice coming from within.  Or rather, in your head, as though it were coming from the crate, at least.  It's like you're hearing the sounds from within, without using your ears.

"Ah, me.  Their foolish contraption couldn't hold me after all.  As it should be, for I am Mhungus!"  The lid of the crate smashes open, and you see this bizarre, mushroom-like entity leaning over the lip of the cryogenic pod (which looks just like Disco Head's, Jinx).

As he looks at you, the being gets ANGRY.

"Foolish woman, your 'Direct Action Americans' cannot stop us!  I - eh?"

The box then suddenly falls through the ground.  Or, as it turns out, Masque's ever-timely portal.  Peering into the hole in space-time, you see that the cryo-pod has fallen about thirty feet... onto what would appear to be a small desert island.

Surrounded by NOTHING.

Just a couple coconut trees, a small spring, and what looks like an exceptionally bored shrew.

Elsewhere.

You check out the truck out front and find two fellows driving it, Stone Cold.  You see this 'cause they get out and press a buzzer at the front desk.  Oddly, nobody seems to be answering the door (though you know why).  These guys are dressed similarly to the guy who accosted you earlier.

You know, the know-it-all in the red shirt and blue jeans.

Elsewhere again.

You head off in your random direction, Rebound, and after swinging open a few doors, you find ... nothing.  You kick open a few more, and still find nothing.  All of the rooms leading off of this chain of hallways is... empty.  Utterly devoid of anything but empty office spaces.

With two exceptions.

One is a cargo elevator which seems to lead upstairs, though you didn't see an obvious terminus to the thing when you were up there.  The other is a singular office about as far away as possible from the hole Disco Head made in the ceiling above.

It's fully decked out.  The thing has a large oak desk in the center, a rich tapestry on the floor, and the walls are literally lined with bookshelves.  Some of the items on the shelves are books, but others are video tapes, CD cases, and... odd knick knacks.

Little things, which remind you of the T.V.'s Batcave (TM).

??

From:  "Mister Christopher" <cwacers@technohol.com> 
Date:  Thu May 1, 2003  8:59 am
Subject:  Re: [v13] Onion Pie

"Bwooooop."
Masque says as he closes the portal, making mental note of the place he put the...'shroom.
He then turns to Jinx and Ari smiling mightily.
"I can do card tricks too."

From:  "Lohse, Doug" <DLohse@banknorth.com> 
Date:  Thu May 1, 2003  10:39 am
Subject:  RE: [v13] Onion Pie

Rebound takes note of the cargo elevator, but focuses his efforts on the furnished office. He searches the bookshelves and the various lamps, trophies, busts with tilting heads and secret buttons in them, searching for some sort of secret trigger.

"Now, if I were a secret switch, where would I be?"

He searches the office until A) he finds a secret switch/door/passageway or
B) everyone else catches up.

From:  EmarZero@aol.com 
Date:  Thu May 1, 2003  11:52 am
Subject:  Re: [v13] Onion Pie

Ari waves.  "Bye, Mr. Fungus.  Have fun hassling the Skipper."  She then dusts her hands off, and looks around.  "Now what?"

From:  cclayjr2@juno.com 
Date:  Thu May 1, 2003  6:52 pm
Subject:  Re: [v13] Onion Pie

~What the hell!~ He thinks looking at them he continues to keep an eye on them
then just asks. "So what are you all doing here?"

From:  "William Lockwood" <albedo1@cox.net> 
Date:  Thu May 1, 2003  6:05 pm
Subject:  Re: [v13] Onion Pie

Jinx nods at Masque, "Thanks. That should do the trick. Well, hopefully. Was it just me, or was that a talking mushroom?"
 
Checking out the remaining crates, Jinx does a quick once over to make sure none of the other ones are making any sound.
 
~Hmmm...it seemed to know I was part of the DAA. But how? Another tepe? Damn telepaths!~

From:  Firebomb <firebomb@technohol.com> 
Date:  Fri May 2, 2003  6:45 am
Subject:  Re: [v13] Onion Pie

So you close the unsuspecting, animate mushroom-thing off in its own, private little universe, and find that everything is very, very quiet all of a sudden, Masque.  That seems to be that.  Unless of course you've got any other tomfoolery up those sleeves.

Of course, that leaves you and Ari to inspect the rest of the crates hereabouts, Jinx.  The two of you scour the place, and find that most of them are little cubby-holes, so's N.S.A. goons can ambush would-be invaders.  Not that that worked out so well for them.

The ones that ARE occupied house similar pods to the one that Masque just blipped off to a 'pocket dimension' there.  They're still fully functional, however, and as such aren't making any warning bleats.  Just the hum of properly functioning cryogenic thingers.

Downstairs, as it were, you dink around with various books, nooks, and whatnot, Rebound.  It takes you and Och a few minutes, but between your gub'ment background and his 'adventuring' years, you narrow the search down in a jiffy.  You pick the least obvious item.

A book entitled '1901 Tax Code'.

Pulling on it, you find the entire place starts to shake, but more interestingly, the hallway behind you.... disappears.  It is replaced in the blink of an eye (as the room stops shaking) with what would appear to be the 'staff' entrance to a prison of some sort.

You note that the place has a .... symbol all over it.  It resembles the one on the shirt that highly acrobatic fellow that was chastising Stone Cold back in the apartment building was wearing.  There seems to be nobody on guard, though there is a security camera thing in the next room...

Elsewhere, you approach the two fellows driving the toiletries truck, Stone Cold, and they just shrug.  "Well, see here, we're truck drivers.  We drive a truck.  This truck is full of toiletries, the kind you need to clean up the world's biggest messes.

"What's it to you?"

?

From:  Firebomb <firebomb@technohol.com> 
Date:  Fri May 2, 2003  7:09 am
Subject:  The Bar vs. Harry the Space Pilot (guest starring Geoffrey)

Jim nods in the affirmative, Geoffrey.

"Yeah, Harry here is a friend of the fellows whose place just got trashed a bit ago there, Geoffrey.  Flies a pretty impressive space ship, as I recall... invisible, too."

Harry curtly nods to this.  "Yeah... long story how I got here, but here I am.  Just looking to settle a negative one thousand year old debt is all."

Assuming no other conversation, the elevator opens up onto the ground floor of The Bar (see the beginning of this thread for a proper description of the place).  The band, J.O. Mama and the Tippie Toe Grannies, is now leaving the stage.

They're taking a break, so's Stupid Food Reference can play a set.

*

As you and Charlie receive your drinks, Gunslinger, and as Moebius rejoins you at your new table, you notice that someone else has entered The Bar - it's that guy who seemed to be on Moebius' good side (imagine that) ... that Geoffrey-something fella.

And... some mostly transparent guy who seems to be hanging around him.

And... the guy who's invisible ship you ran into with your car.

Referring to the description of the guy proffered in a very recent electronic mail, you can see that he's generally dressed for business, and seems to be following some sort of indicator on a wrist sensor he's wearing.  It's leading him right up to the bar.

After a few seconds, though, he notices you guys at the table. 

And gives Charlie the crustiest of crusty looks...

Moebius waves at Geoffrey though.  "Hey, over here!"

?!

From:  cclayjr2@juno.com 
Date:  Fri May 2, 2003  6:09 pm
Subject:  Re: [v13] Onion Pie

> "What's it to you?"

"I wanted to know why you guys are lurking around as if you are just geeking of. You wanna play with toilet paper that's ok by me." He says moving back the way he came.

From:  "Lohse, Doug" <DLohse@banknorth.com> 
Date:  Fri May 2, 2003  1:02 pm
Subject:  RE: [v13] Onion Pie

"I guess it's just the two of us, eh? Guess we should see what we can see..."

Rebound carefully steps in to look at the security camera thing and try and figure out where the heck the maniac went.

From:  "Lohse, Doug" <DLohse@banknorth.com> 
Date:  Fri May 2, 2003  1:35 pm
Subject:  RE: [v13] The Bar vs. Harry the Space Pilot (guest starring Geoff rey)

> Moebius waves at Geoffrey though. "Hey, over here!" 

Geoffrey smiles at the sight and makes his way over to the bar, pulling up
a stool next to Moebius. 

"Interesting place. There is no entrance from the ground level. But, of course, necessity is the mother of invention...I made one of my own. so, my dear, what are you drinking tonight?"

Geoffrey takes a minute to survey the scenery around while waiting for the barkeep's attention.

From:  EmarZero@aol.com 
Date:  Fri May 2, 2003  5:00 pm
Subject:  Re: [v13] Onion Pie

Ari shrugs. "Don't suppose any of these are anyone we want to get loose, are they?"

She pauses, and then looks at Jinx a bit keenly. "What's a Direct Action American?"

From:  "Mister Christopher" <cwacers@technohol.com> 
Date:  Mon May 5, 2003  12:02 am
Subject:  Re: [v13] Onion Pie

> She pauses, and then looks at Jinx a bit keenly.  "What's a Direct Action 
> American?"
 
Masque decides to meander around the room, looking at this and talking to that.
He hollers across the room at Ari..
"I think it's a new toyline by Hasbro. Probably going to be army guys with kung-fu grip." ..and continues to meander.
 
He eventually makes his way back to Jinx and Ari.
"Hey..it's a little too quiet. I think that I may need a second. I am gonna do that recon thingee again. Don't leave without me..if something happens just shake me or somethin', i'll come right back."
He sits down and assumes the position.
Astrally projecting himself, he does a little more thorough search of the premises. Zooming through the floors and around them to see what is what.

From:  "Mister Christopher" <cwacers@technohol.com> 
Date:  Mon May 5, 2003  12:24 am
Subject:  Re: [v13] The Bar vs. Harry the Space Pilot (guest starring Geoffrey)

> And... some mostly transparent guy who seems to be hanging around him.

> And... the guy who's invisible ship you ran into with your car.
 
Gunslinger smiles.
"You know...this place reminds me of a little Cantina I was in once on Mos Eisley. All kinds of ...unique...individuals."

> And gives Charlie the crustiest of crusty looks...
 
"Ha... Charlie... you just seem to have this knack for being hated... or yer just that ugly."
 
He moves his chair to make room at the table for the newcomers and nods to them.
"I see you guys made it out of that little brawl back there unscathed."

From:  "Lohse, Doug" <DLohse@banknorth.com> 
Date:  Mon May 5, 2003  7:46 am
Subject:  RE: [v13] The Bar vs. Harry the Space Pilot (guest starring Geoff rey)

> "I see you guys made it out of that little brawl back there unscathed."

"Indeed. It was little more than an inconsequential squabble anyway. More a
matter of their own internal strife than a true challenge."

Geoffrey pauses to scan the bar and take in the scenery.

"So, what's good here?"

From:  "Mister Christopher" <cwacers@technohol.com> 
Date:  Tue May 6, 2003  1:01 pm
Subject:  Re: [v13] The Bar vs. Harry the Space Pilot (guest starring Geoffrey)

> "Indeed.  It was little more than an inconsequential squabble anyway.  More a
> matter of their own internal strife than a true challenge."
 
Smirking, Gunslinger motions towards Charlie,
"You ain't seen internal strife 'till you've met him...her....that."
 
> "So, what's good here?"
 
"I always find it so much simpler to just skip all the mixed shit and go straight fer the pure."
...and he takes another shot of Tequila.

From:  "Lohse, Doug" <DLohse@banknorth.com> 
Date:  Tue May 6, 2003  3:06 pm
Subject:  RE: [v13] The Bar vs. Harry the Space Pilot (guest starring Geoff rey)

> "I always find it so much simpler to just skip all the mixed shit and go
> straight fer the pure."
> ...and he takes another shot of Tequila.

Geoffrey smiles and gestures to the barkeep.

"You'll forgive me if I stick to a somewhat more refined taste. Barkeep,
Glenfiddich, straight-up." A quick nod to Jim, "You want something, it's on
me?"

From:  "William Lockwood" <albedo1@cox.net> 
Date:  Tue May 6, 2003  6:58 pm
Subject:  Re: [v13] Onion Pie

Jinx nods as she determines that the crates don't pose any immediate threat.
 
Turning in response to Ari, "Direct Action Americans? Well, even if I did have specifics on them, they sound like a group that likes to keep their secrets. If for some reason I was affiliated with that group I'm sure I wouldn't be authorized to discuss anything in regards to said group."
 
She finishes her statement with an obviously forced smile.
 
~OK, the mushroom just made it on my list.~

From:  EmarZero@aol.com 
Date:  Tue May 6, 2003  11:37 pm
Subject:  Re: [v13] Onion Pie

> She finishes her statement with an obviously forced smile.

Ari nods slowly.  "Right.  I get it."  She then makes the universal "finger-guns-to-the-temple" gesture.

She then starts back up again.  "You need to teach me some moves.  Fight-y stuff."

From:  "Mister Christopher" <cwacers@technohol.com> 
Date:  Wed May 7, 2003  12:15 am
Subject:  Re: [v13] The Bar vs. Harry the Space Pilot (guest starring Geoffrey)

> "You'll forgive me if I stick to a somewhat more refined taste.  Barkeep,
> Glenfiddich, straight-up."  A quick nod to Jim, "You want something, it's on
> me?"
 
Gunslinger shrugs.
"Hey... whatever tickles yer pickle. It all pretty much tastes like the same when you get right down to it."

From:  Charlie Chicanery <charlie_chicanery@yahoo.com> 
Date:  Wed May 7, 2003  4:38 am
Subject:  Re: [v13] The Bar vs. Harry the Space Pilot (guest starring Geoffrey)

Firebomb wrote:

> After a few seconds, though, he notices you guys at the table. 

> And gives Charlie the crustiest of crusty looks...

Christopher Mister wrote:

> "Ha....Charlie...you just seem to have this knack
> for being hated..or yer just that ugly."

"Alas, it is the fate of one such as i to be a magnet for hatred. It's in the genes, see. And no, Funslinger, i'm not ugly - everybody digs me. i'm like so hot. i mean, look at these! Just look!!"

Far be it from i to take such chagrin lightly, so i will go ahead and confront this odd, gun-toting fellow. Now, here's an aside. Since i LIVED across
the hall from that dwarf, apparently, would i have any clue about this guy here, since he was in and out apparently?

Regardless. i move up to him at the bar and attempt to be subtle. "What's your problem, dick diggler?"

That ought to do it.

From:  Firebomb <firebomb@technohol.com> 
Date:  Wed May 7, 2003  5:09 am
Subject:  Re: [v13] Onion Pie

In front of this warehouse, you start to back away from the two guys in the truck even as they leave their vehicle and start walking towards you, Stone Cold.  After you talk to them again, they stop and look somewhat confused.  "What do you mean, lurking?  We're WORKING, here!"

"And how do you know us...?"

Inside the warehouse, the two of you determine that you are under no immediate threat of mayhem Jinx, Ari.  Other than from each other, as you (and Masque) have your little talk about what that bizarre alien mushroom said before he got vanished.

The question is what do you do next?

Of course, Masque doesn't wait to answer that question, he just goes astral again before you can do anything.  Unleashing your mind, your consciousness floats around in the space beneath this strange N.S.A. warehouse Masque, and you see things.

You find the level below is mostly empty.

It's a vast complex of offices that are empty, empty, empty.  With one exception being what SHOULD be an office, perhaps a main one considering its location relative to the others, but it is instead a void.  There's nothing there - just empty space.

Not an office, but... literally nothing.

Speaking of the office that SHOULD be there, you peer at the security cameras, Rebound, and see that they're not quite as secure as they should be.  There's two, but they seem to rotate, both in the same direction... so a body could slip past them into the hallway beyond.

Easily, in fact.

You can see a 't' intersection at the end of the hallway leading from this office, but no overt signs of destruction.  Nobody even wrecked the time clock at the edge of the hallway there... you note that there's like fifty cards (good idea how many people may bother you imminently).

Hmmm...

?

From:  Firebomb <firebomb@technohol.com> 
Date:  Wed May 7, 2003  5:31 am
Subject:  Re: [v13] The Bar vs. Harry the Space Pilot

Moebius kicks back in her stool (as much as you can in such a seat), and faces you, Geoffrey.  "Not much yet, really, but I figure the night's young.  I suppose I'm good for anything with rum in it for starters."  Jim, on the other hand, says "Sure Geoffrey... I'll have a beer or two.

"But not much more...have to watch my girlish figure, after all."

As you order your drinks, you and Gunslinger have your little talk, and before you know it, drinks aplenty litter the table.  Once you've all settled, though, Moebius pipes up, apparently having something to say.  "Okay, now that we're all here, I've got an Idea.

"Now, I'm the last person on this wretched planet that anybody would call a 'hero', but since I got here, I've noticed that... most people seem blissfully unaware that people like me, or the rest of you, even exist - despite some of the things I've seen already.

"Like those giant transforming robots, or that crazy old man's floating laboratory that wrecked that mechanic we got to rebuild Gunslinger's car, or Hell, that fight we just wandered into.  This stuff's all around, but people seem blind to it... or something.

"So I'm thinking, since I see no public effort to handle this, there's bound to be people who have issues with your random wizard, or psi, or gun-toting alien.  People with, say, lots of money.  I think we're sitting on quite an opportunity to make some loot here.

"And at the same time, we'll incidentally weed out jerks who might actually pose a threat to us.  I figure it could work... after all, I can't go back home, so I may as well try to make a life for myself here... this world isn't all that bad, really.

"What do you say... you guys want to go into business together?"

Of course, before Charlie can answer, he gets up to say his peace to Harry the Space Pilot.  The man looks at you and sneers, Charlie.  "Oh, shut up - I've heard enough of YOUR lies to last me a lifetime, woman.  'Oh, I love you, Harry', 'Sure, I'll give you my time staff, Harry.'

"Just shut up."

He then looks at the bartender.  "Hey lady, you know you got a time travel device under your bar?  How much for it?"

!!!

From:  "Lohse, Doug" <DLohse@banknorth.com> 
Date:  Wed May 7, 2003  9:13 am
Subject:  RE: [v13] Onion Pie

Taking note of the names on the timecards, Rebound shrugs, gesturing towards
the timecards and cameras.

"Looks like our boy may have slipped past these cameras. I sincerely hope
he's not here to release all of these prisoners. If so, we're going to have
more than these 50 guards to worry about." 

Rebound takes a moment to time the camera sweeps and prepares to dash past
them and continue his pursuit.

"You ready?"

(Dash)

From:  cclayjr2@juno.com 
Date:  Wed May 7, 2003  8:43 pm
Subject:  Re: [v13] Onion Pie

> "And how do you know us...?"

"Weren't you just fighting with another group a few minutes ago?" Stone Cold
asks, not looking confused but feelng very out of it.

From:  "Lohse, Doug" <DLohse@banknorth.com> 
Date:  Wed May 7, 2003  3:14 pm
Subject:  RE: [v13] The Bar vs. Harry the Space Pilot

> "What do you say... you guys want to go into business together?" 

"Interesting proposal. There are, of course, several questions this brings to the forefront. Primarily..."

(Interruption Time)

> (snip Harry the Space Pilot speak)

Geoffrey pauses in his discussion of the proposed business venture...

"Perhaps I will forestall my questions for the time being. This may prove interesting."

From:  EmarZero@aol.com 
Date:  Wed May 7, 2003  12:50 pm
Subject:  Re: [v13] Onion Pie

Ari taps her foot for a bit, then looks at her watch.  "Jinx, this sucks.  Let's go find the rest of the gang."

From:  "William Lockwood" <albedo1@cox.net> 
Date:  Wed May 7, 2003  9:13 pm
Subject:  Re: [v13] Onion Pie

Jinx nods to Ari, "Right, we'll set up a schedule for a training regimen once we deal with Disco Head."
 
Turning to check out the hole that Disco Head blew through the floor, Jinx calls Ari over, "Hey, does that bag of tricks have any rope or anything we can use to get down there a bit more safely than just jumping?"
 
Sighing, Jinx realizes that Masque is not with them in spirit, "Oh, and I guess we'll have to give magic boy over there a bit of time for him to finish his recon. Once he gets back, hopefully we'll have some idea of the things we'll be facing once we enter the facility proper."

From:  "Mister Christopher" <cwacers@technohol.com> 
Date:  Thu May 8, 2003  12:52 am
Subject:  Re: [v13] Onion Pie

Zooming on back to his body, he wakes up just in time to hear the end of what Jinx was saying.
 
"Nothing! There is absolutely nothing there. We won't be facing innumerable goons or from what I saw, Disco Head either. Mind you, that is what I saw while in the Astral plane. There could be things out there that I missed, I only did a quick scouting but there was little interesting bit. "
 
He giggles a bit.
"It's NOTHING really."
 
"See, there's this office and said office is empty, devoid of....EVERYTHING."
You wonder where he got the vocals to say 'Everything' with that Booming echo but you get the sense that he really means EVERYTHING.
 
"I can get us to this office, or rather by it...I sure don't want to appear inside it without a plan...can't say that I have ever seen anything like it before...."
 
He wanders to the hole they are peering down through......
"Umm...what'cha lookin' at?"
 
He spits down the hole.
'I've always wanted to do that."

From:  "Mister Christopher" <cwacers@technohol.com> 
Date:  Thu May 8, 2003  1:09 am
Subject:  Re: [v13] The Bar vs. Harry the Space Pilot

> "What do you say... you guys want to go into business together?" 
 
Gunslinger smiles...
"You mean... like bounty hunting... only for the purpose of the greater Good?...You already know what I do Moebius. I'm in... I don't care who or what the bounty is as long as there is a paycheck. Hell I don't even care who I work for, I even worked for Me once. Unwittingly mind you but...." 

> "Perhaps I will forestall my questions for the time being.  This may prove 
> interesting."
 
Gunslinger also pauses for the impending disaster about to strike.
 
"I concur GQ."
 
He takes a moment to pour a drink and looses the catches to his holsters ever so nonchalantly. Bounty hunting rule number 1: There's always a just-in-case.

From:  Charlie Chicanery <charlie_chicanery@yahoo.com> 
Date:  Thu May 8, 2003  3:40 am
Subject:  Re: [v13] The Bar vs. Harry the Space Pilot

> "Just shut up."

"Who the what the?!"

Okay, i am naturally confused at this. Aside from seeing this fellow once in a while (which i assume is the case since the boss didn't say i haven't), i dunno who this guy really is or what the heck he's talking about. i'd have remembered saying that i have any such feelings for anybody, especially a guy (bleah), and i know i wouldn't be loaning out my staff for anybody - i haven't even got to abuse it properly myself.

So i'll brandish my non-time traveling staff at this guy. Yesssss...

"Sorry bub, this chick digs chicks.  Charlie Chicanery's all about the clam!"

> He then looks at the bartender. "Hey lady, you know you got a time travel 
> device under your bar? How much for it?"

Oh HELL no.

i will power up my power staff and threaten to power this ass hole and the bartender into the next space-time continuum.... or wait.

No, no, no... Charlie Chicanery has a better idea.  Charlie Chicanery will simply watch this go down, for Charlie Chicanery is thinking that Charlie Chicanery knows just what is going to happen.

Charlie Chicanery needs no job, nor no money to pay for drinks or a stupid shitheel stool. Charlie Chicanery has this gullible zhlub. Mu hu heh heh heh.

I'll say that out loud, for all you kids at home.

"Mu hu heh heh heh HAH heh heh!"

yessssssssssssssssssssss

From:  EmarZero@aol.com 
Date:  Thu May 8, 2003  11:13 am
Subject:  Re: [v13] Onion Pie

Ari digs around in her backpack.  There's sure to be some rope or SOMETHING in there. 

From:  "Lohse, Doug" <DLohse@banknorth.com> 
Date:  Thu May 8, 2003  11:17 am
Subject:  RE: [v13] The Bar vs. Harry the Space Pilot

> "Mu hu heh heh heh HAH heh heh!"

Geoffrey turns to Moebius, "If that one comes with the package, forget it."

From:  EmarZero@aol.com 
Date:  Thu May 8, 2003  11:25 am
Subject:  Re: [v13] The Bar vs. Harry the Space Pilot

> He takes a moment to pour a drink and looses the catches tto his holsters ever 
> so nonchalantly . Bounty hunting rule number 1: There's always a just-in-case.

OOC: I thought it was "Always honor a contract, but never trust a client."

From:  "Mister Christopher" <cwacers@technohol.com> 
Date:  Thu May 8, 2003  11:52 am
Subject:  Re: [v13] The Bar vs. Harry the Space Pilot

> OOC: I thought it was "Always honor a contract, but never trust a client."
 
Some more O.O.C.: Well... I originally had "Be prepared for anything" in there but then I figgered I'd get a rash of O.O.C. references to boy scouts or somethin'...

From:  "Lohse, Doug" <DLohse@banknorth.com> 
Date:  Thu May 8, 2003  11:57 am
Subject:  RE: [v13] The Bar vs. Harry the Space Pilot

OOC: Nope. Never would have associated him with anything even remotely resembling the boy scouts. 
