>>>>>[ Allright, I know when I'm in over my head. I'm good, but I
need help. Does anyone out there know anything about some corp,
military, or govt. agency backing a Go-Gang out in the Barrens?
I'll keep looking... ]<<<<<
        --Moonwalker (BetterLiving/ThroughBioware)

>>>>>[Foxey Roxey,  I'd be interested in learning your DeathTouch.
I'll try to contact you when I get back.  A quick question, did you
kill the whole group that had you captive?  And, I don't think you
were cruel. Have you ever heard of the BloodEagle? That's
cruel.]<<<<< 
        --Moon Dancer <19:15:03 MST/ 4-30-54>

>>>>>[ Gee, that's the last time I try to call from home...  I guess
from now on, I should just use the mobile uplink in the van.  ]<<<<<
        -CoHort <20:40:30/04-30-54>

>>>>>[ In the rather bad case that Tiamat would be released into this
world, wouldn't the releasing also release Bahamut as well? Since he
was bound along with her, I would suspect that he would be released
right along with her.

Dark Elf, I'll be at that meeting if you want me there.  You can
contact me at the LTG# that I gave to you earlier.  Just say the
word, and I'll be there... ]<<<<<
                -- Scythe <10:30:35/05-01-54>

>>>>>[ Raven TM, I admit, looking back at that post, I seem to be
saying that Spiders is of the Insect Totem.  Didn't mean to.  What I
meant to say was, there are other totems out there, just as bad as
the Insects, that don't live in the UB.  Most would say that Mantis
falls into this catagory.  Spider does.  There are others, not
necessiarily inscets or animal that are worse.  Someone said
Scorpion, if memory serves, that isn't an insect either.  But back to
the point.  I am still wondering what P.'s stand on this is.  Its
worse than looking through fogged glass.]<<<<<
                -Styx <13:02:53/05-01-54>
 
>>>>>[Well, Nightstalker, Highlander, it seems that you bit off more
than y'all could chew.  Ah don't know why y'all couldn't relax and
enjoy the attention of several beautiful women and left it at that.
Mah Daddy always told me, revenge is like a cat in a bag, if it gets
out a the wrong moment, you'll have the scratches to rember why you
needed revenge.]<<<<< 
        --Commander X2 <11:02:34 MST/ 5-1-54>

>>>>>[Ladies, Ah would like to assure you that the actions of these
`Gentlemen' do bah no means reflect in the rest of us males.  If Ah
was done the honour of having y'all model for me, Ah would've had you
select the location.  Ah applaud your method of revenge.  If y'all
decide to change your minds, Ah know someone who'd be interested in
buying the Trideo.]<<<<<
        --Commander X2 <11:03:02 MST/ 5-1-54>

>>>>>[ Moonwalker, there's a group called the Serpents' Triad who
make a habit of getting Go-Gangs to do their grunt work.  They
operate between Denver and Seattle.  Once my place in the Barrens was
hit by the Serpents' Triad's now ex-Go-Gang.  Let me know if it's the
same group that's bugging you.  4325i6uhwlvb945 Feral! Get off! It's
my SATLINK, use your own.

Commander X2, Cat Dancing, Foxey Roxey, I may be a little later
gettin back than I expected, with the Dragon Ritual and everything.
dwfhy095486fdhh... Alright, Alright! Nagami wants to keep moving.
I'll keep you posted.]<<<<<
        --Moon Dancer <SIG pending>
--*-BEGIN TRANSMIT-*--
<sending......receiving...>
END TRANSMIT-<11:23:23 MST/ 5-1-54>
--*-LINK ESTABLISHED-*--
...source trace enabled...
_SATCOM$3> enter trace
_SATCOM$TRACE> find source
<*password*> 1-3-97-0-BETA
_SATCOM$3> download source
<sending......receiving...verifying...>
END TRANSMIT-INTREPID-<11:25:57 MST/ 5-1-54>

>>>>>[Cerise, PLEASE tell me you kept a copy. I want to see
it!]<<<<< 
        -- Cat Dancing <Raven's/Brat>

>>>>>[Now really, my children, do you think that I can take time away
from my pursuits to answer every little question about my likes and
dislikes.  We are all men of God, here, and we do His work on the
streets of Seattle.  Styx, I was very specific in what I meant.  You
may take it at face value.  As for those who practice the arts
arcane, why should I bear malice towards my brethren?

Another note, Styx:  I dealt with a "finder" who was a follower of
Spider, but he turned out to be too devious for me - I prefer a
straight-forward approach.]<<<<<
        -P. Clement <14:46:44 EST/05-01-54>

>>>>>[ I wouldn't say that X2.  We lived and got see a sight few men
ever have and probably every will see. ]<<<<<
        -- Nightstalker <14:44:01/05-01-54>

>>>>>[ Commander X2:  Where do you live?  Tell me and I'll have
Raven come over and FRY YOUR BRAIN!  This was a private party for
private viewing only.  If you need pictures/videos of naked women,
got to your local chip rental outlet and get some. ]<<<<<
        -- Cerise <14:45:45/05-01-54>

>>>>>[ I agree! ]<<<<<
        -- Raven the Mage <14:46:04/05-01-54>

>>>>>[ Sorry, Cat Dancing.  I wanted to keep a copy as badly as you
want to see one, but all the upright and honest people (Raven)
insisted we give them all the copies in return for Cyberbrains
Eye-Cam tape.  I swear that some of these ladies (Raven, Jaez) are
just too modest. ]<<<<< 
        -- Cerise <14:47:47/05-01-54>

>>>>>[ I think Mr. Clement just offered me a job at huntung bugs.
*snicker*  After what I read...right.  Maybe Charon will take
it.]<<<<<
                -Styx <20:31:29/05-01-54>

>>>>>[ And Clement, I'm not your child nor am I a man of god.  I
happen to be a woman.  As to what or if I worship, that is my
biz.]<<<<<
                -Styx <20:55:31/05-01-54>

>>>>>[ Oh nuts.  Someone just got her fired up again.  Drek.  Just
when she'd chilled for a month.  Gonna have to try this again.]<<<<<
                -Harlequin <Bugs are ok>

>>>>>[ Cerise, Ah ment no offense towards you Ladies.  The pictures
that the Mr. Johnson wanted were of Highlander and Nightstalker. Ah
think that Mr. Johnson was an old aquentance of them.  Also Ah think
you underestimate mah honour and overestimate y'all's desireability.
Ah tried to pay y'all a compliment and have some fun with the
situation. All Ah got was hostility and threatened.  If you feel the
need, I'll send you mah address.]<<<<<
        --Commander X2 <19:45:31 MST/ 5-1-54>

>>>>>[Nope.  I was really mad, but I only killed one dude.  I wasn't
stupid. Having a single person try and take on the entire Ancients?
Or even just their leaders?  I woudn't have stood a chance.  As it
is, several Ancient members really want my ass as does the Tir
nobleman whose son I killed.  Luckily, they haven't tried too
hard...yet.]<<<<< 
        Foxey Roxey(11:17:23/05-02-54)

>>>>>[ Well, another fun day playing at being Tarzan or maybe George
of the Jungle.  Last night was definately not boring.  Just as we
were getting ready for bed, our wards go wild.  Like someone is
swinging an astral sledge hammer at them.  The spirits that Jester
and I summoned refused to find out what was causing the disturbance.
Feral said "Aw, the Hell with it and just walked out of the protected
area with a really nasty looking gun.
  
Not a thing happened to him and the force pounding on the wards
dissapated. I'll have to say, Feral has more balls than the rest of
us put together. Of course Nagami gave us the lecture of how in the
old days, beings could squash wards like a tin can or just go
through them.  I was worried before he started in on the ward
smashers.  This morning looks  to be quite a a day. I'll keep you
posted]<<<<< 
        --Moon Dancer <SIG pending>
--*- SATCOM4 -*--
*****Encrypt X2.2--
ZIPSQUEAL enabled...
<sending.....recieving...>
END TRANSMISSION-<Suck on/ this>

>>>>>[I suppose that I can escape Clement anywhere he really wants
to follow me. Besides, I am going to New Orleans the end of this
week and I seriously doubt that he would want to follow me onto my
and my daughter's home turf.  The Night Stalkers of New Orleans may
have my description, but when I am seen walking around in the
daylight with my tall daughter, they will stop bothering me
regardless of what paranoid fantasy Clement can try an insinuate in
their heads. After the wedding, if you really want to, Clement, you
can come and deal with this Undead Vampire in N. O.  If you feel up
to following me into the bijous where I was born, and where my
daughter's friends maintain a group of 23 Initiate Houngans(read
Voodoo, chummer) and where my friends and contacts also maintain a
small armory(15 autonomous miniguns on concealed turrets in
Anti-air varient), come on and see what an ex-military arms
trader/seller/merchant can bring to bear.  Anyone else care to join
in the killfest if Clement cares to come a-callin?]<<<<< 
        Action Jackson(15:25:36/05-02-54)

>>>>>[Like yu said, Dad.  I'll bee there, and soo will my freinds
from the Carib. Leage.  I wonder how long Clement's guns will stand
against blood pouring from their eyes, or their hearts exploding in
their chests, or hundreds of small spiders bursting from thier
skin, or...Well, better not let out too many secrets right now. 
Besides, a couple of hundred zombie guards will most likely scare
him and his croneys off long before they get within missile
range...]<<<<< 
        Diana, Huntress of the Night(15:29:02/05-02-54)

>>>>>[Sorry I can't come down to play in New Orleans with you.  Diana
asked me Real nicely too, but no can do.  I've been doing some
checking and it seems more and more that Gates really knows New
Orleans far too well.  I'll just be hangin round Seattle(maybe go and
visit San Fran) this summer, pickin up on some biz. But I can
coordinate a little on this end for stuff you might need, if you
like. Like ordinance, ammo, guards, runners, etc.  But knowing you
and your contacts I wouldn't be surprised about those miniguns at
all.  So that's why you're on Ares' hitlist!  Those Orbital Defense
miniguns must work really well down here, but maybe I'm talking too
much...]<<<<< 
        Slash(15:37:39/05-02-54)

>>>>>[Maybe?  Maybe!!?]<<<<<
        Foxey Roxey(15:38:30/05-02-54)

>>>>>[But I too must decline.  I was really looking forward to a
trip out of Seattle, but I'm making plans(though he doesn't know
about them yet) to travel off to the British Isles and rediscover
some of my ancestry.  Maybe Nex would like to take me? 
Hint...Hint...]<<<<< 
        Foxey Roxey(15:40:49/05-02-54)

>>>>>[Commander X2, I can't believe your nerve. On the one hand you
admonish Nightstalker and Highlander for their actions and applaud us
ladies for our method of punishment, but on the other hand you ask us
for the tapes! Go rent "Primal Instinct" or something. You're not
seein' me on trid!]<<<<< 
     -- Jaez <13:27:12/5-2-54>

>>>>>[X2, who is this Johnson who is so eager to get the
incriminating pics of Nightsalker, Lister & myself?  I'd like to
meet him, so I can give him a real "up close & personal" view of my
fist....]<<<<< 
        --Highlander (16:12:32/5-2-54)

>>>>>[ Well, gee Foxey, but that doesn't sound like a condition I'd
want to get out of. ]<<<<<
        -- Dirty Angel <18:54:10/05-02-54>

>>>>>[ Dear, the difference between you and Foxey is that she was
forced to do it, and you do it by choice. ]<<<<<
        -- Zero <-/->

>>>>>[ Let's put it another way, Angel.  You're a slut, she's
not.]<<<<< 
        -- Coyote Bob <18:55:31/05-02-54>

>>>>>[ Hey!  Sex is fun, and I think any woman who doesn't think so
is wrong W-R-O-N-G! ]<<<<<
        -- Dirty Angel <18:55:51/05-02-54>

>>>>>[ In that case, Foxey, do you know any other Ancients that are
looking for sex toys? ]<<<<<
        -- Zero <outasight/outamind>

>>>>>[ Tell 'em I like 'em BIG, and with LOTS of staying
power!]<<<<< 
        -- Dirty Angel <18:56:45/05-02-54>

>>>>>[ Don't worry Angel, if one can't do there's plenty
more.]<<<<< 
        -- Coyote Bob <18:56:52/05-02-54>

>>>>>[Roxey! Hey, how's m' favorite Goddess? :)HUGE GRIN:) I would
TRULY luv t' take ya' on a tour a' th' UK!.....BUT.....well,
somethin's in th' works..._maybe_...I'll have ta' talk ta' Sheena.
Still, I THINK we could "work in" a lil' "sight-seein'" *smirk*, if
y'd LIKE! *another big grin* 

BTW, how's tha' firebird a' yer's doin'!?  I THINK I've forgiven it
fer damn near rippin' m' face off....coulda' had somethin' ta' do w'
invadin' th' "sanctity of its nest"...er _somethin'_ like tha'....I
dunno! Damn bird....jus' remind m' N'VER ta' try tha' on a sprained
ankle, agin... THANK YOU!]<<<<<
                -THE Nexus(ferever at yer service, Milesharitish!:)

>>>>>[A.J.: Need some help, sate?  If Diana ken keep th' gore t' a
minimum... _I_ prefer rippin' someones throat out...LUNGS ET AL!
But, spiders outta' th' skin....?  I dunno' `bout tha'! Reminds m'
too much of our first major run-in w' th' F5.....eeeessshhhhh!
*SHUDDER* We'll __NOT__ discuss THA' one...KA?]<<<<<               
        -THE Nexus(STILL gotta' thank em fer this arm!:) 

>>>>>[BTW...FILTHY Angel: LAY TH' ___FRAG___ OFFA' ROXEY! What's
happened t' her is __NONE__ a' YER DAMN BUSINESS! An', ya' could
NEVER understand!]<<<<< 
                -THE Nexus(Tired a' TRAMPS!)

>>>>>[NO OFFENSE, Dark Angel....:) *gulp*]<<<<<
                -THE Nexus(PLEASE, don't hurt me....!)

>>>>>[Nex, WHY are you trying to placate a SPIRIT????!!!!]<<<<<
                -Shadow- (20:35:43 EDT/ 05:02:54)

>>>>>[Shadey...have ya' _SEEN_ wha' tha' "Spirit" ken do? (not ta'
MENTION wha' she _LOOKS_ like....OUCH! PURE fraggin' LUST RUSH! 
WHOAW!!:) PLUS...she might as well be a SLOTTIN' __FREE ANIMA__!
Jus' ask Slicke! Tha' lil' girl *GRIN* has a minda' her OWN...a
__NASTY__ one! (Wanna' share a lil' of it, Swee'heart*GRIN* {slaps
himself across cheek} SORRY! I'll shut up now!]<<<<< 
                -THE Nexus(weeelll...maybe jus' a __LIL'__!:)

>>>>>[Nex, She ALREADY has the per...er...vampire she
wants...SLICKE!!!!]<<<<< 
                -Shadow- (20:42:50 EDT/05:02:54)

>>>>>[Glad to sssee you...apprecssiate...a _true_ MASSSTERPIECE of
conjurin', m' dear boy....true, ssshe might asss well be a Free
Anima! Ssstill...if _I_ treat HER right...._SSSHE_ treatsss ME right
*"toothy" grin* OW! GYPSSSY?! NOTHIN' could compare ta' _YOU_, my
Dearesst one! Not even Angel! OW! ANGEL! Nexssuss...I bessst take my
leave of you now..._I_ mussst do sssome...er,... "placatin'"...offf
m' OWN! OUCH!  LADIESSS! PLEASSSE! That WILL heal, you DO
realizzze....OUCH! Of courssse...it COULD take a while! FRAG!]<<<<<
        -- Q.Sss. Ssslicke(Massster of Deepessst Ssshadow/Ssshun th'
                                Light) 

>>>>>[Nex...DONNA' b' expectin' ta' hear from bonnie ol' SLICKE, fer
a WHILE, lad! He'll b' a bit...shall I say?  "INDISPOSED" *nasty
grin* TAKE THA', Blood-suckin' demon from Hell!
HAHAHHA...uh-hum...yeah...]<<<<< 
            -GypsyWind(Regeneration makes this SO much more FUN!:)

>>>>>[ From National News...

***** Include:  National News Broadcast
SHADOWS:  This is Joe Shadows with National News, reporting to you
live, if a bit worse for wear, from Omega Island.  As you can see
from the empty harbor behind me, the German Fleet has left the
island in the wake of the elections. President Jacob Marcus issued
a public statement before the fleet left, thanking the German
Empire for its intervention, in his words, "on behalf of the forces
fighting for freedom on Omega Island." 

Following the elections, activity on the island increased
dramatically. Omega's new government has already been recognized by
several nations, including, the German Empire, UCAS, CAS, Great
Britain, Atzlan, and the Empire of Japan.  There is also work
underway for the United Nations to accept the new government,
approval of which is expected in the next few days. On the slightly
more local level, after his statement thanking the Germans,
President Marcus announced several programs for the rebuilding and
repair of the damage done to the capital city.  He called for "a
time of healing...when Omega Island can be reborn in the image of
its people, and not of tyrannical corporate forces." 

Presently, in what was called Tirandor Square, stands a huge stone
statue of the Greek letter Omega, underneath which is a large
plaque, which has the names of all who died when the former regime
brutally massacred the participants of peaceful demonstration. 
Although the authorities I have talked to have said they haven't
yet settled upon a new name for the area, high on the list is
Memorial Square and Freedom Plaza. 

SHEILA:  Very interesting, Shadows, but what about what happened to
you? 

SHADOWS:  Ahhh...well, it seems during the confusion when the
Germans sprung their envelopment maneuver, someone on the Omega
side touched off a rack of homing missiles, which dispersed in a
random pattern looking for targets.  In an absolutely freak
occurrence, one locked on my camera's transmission signal, and
followed it in.  I was severely injured, and my cameraman was
killed, despite the efforts of the German medical officers who
raced to our aide. 

SHEILA:  I see.  When did the German Fleet leave, incidentally?

SHADOWS:  Actually, they started pulling out a few days ago, just
after the elections.  Incidentally, the United Nations observers
stayed behind on the island for damage assessment, and for
reporting back to the Security Council over the possibility of aide
to the tiny nation. 

The only curious about the fleet's withdrawal is that they indicated
they weren't returning directly to Germany.  I overheard one officer
state something about having to engage in patrol duty in the South
Pacific.  But that could mean any number of things.

SHEILA:  Cryptic to the last, eh?  Well, thank you Shadows, and it's
good to see you all in one piece.

SHADOWS:  Thank you, Sheila.  This is Joe Shadows, reporting to you
for National News, on Omega Island.

<End of File> ]<<<<<
                -- Hangtime <02:34:59/05-03-54>

>>>>>[What a night. Well whatever was causing the disturbance fled
after I defoliated some of the jungle, but I don't think they were
harmed instead they had accomplished whatever task they had. Nagami
got us moving early today, he's getting really anxious. Just twenty
minutes ago we arrived at a large structure covered with vines and
other plant life. The architecture is amazing, strange spirals and
unusual curves, an archeologist would be in heaven here. Shortly
after entering the clearing we were attacked by what I would guess
were dragon spirits. If you think regular spirits were tough, try one
of these on for size. Jester and Moon Dancer flung so much mana at
the creatures the air is still charged with the energy, Nagami took
on several in the astral and paid a price, but I've never seen a
spirit torn to shreds that way before. My success rate was less than
phenomenal with firearms, as I suspected, so I went into hand to hand
with these dragon warriors. As I sliced one from ear to ear another
bit into my side and then was dispatched by a mighty blast from Moon
Dancer. So after this fun Jester and Moon attended to Nagami's and my
wounds, and then rested before proceeding. We will report
later.]<<<<< 
        -- Feral <08:26:58/05-03-54>

>>>>>[Scythe, yes Bahamut would be released also. However, the
release of both could well be the end of the Sixth World. The magic
used to imprison the two has been lost to us. So if we are
unsuccessful, the chances are slim the earth would survive the
resulting chaos.]<<<<< 
        -- Nagami <08:31:35/05-03-54>

>>>>>[Now wait a minute.  I like sex just as much as the next girl,
as a matter of fact, I'm somewhat insatiable at times, but I like
being able to choose my partner, choose what I will do with/to him,
etc.  I didn't kill the guy for the sex part.  I killed him because
of the humiliation, the degredation, the + treating like property,
the beatings, the gang rapes, and the pure terror and mental trauma
he caused me, not so much for the sex.]<<<<<
        Foxey Roxey(12:24:33/05-03-54)

>>>>>[As Dad is aslep, I will anser four him.  We wood really like
having you help us out down in New Orleans.  And do not worry about
the spiders from the s skin.  My friends won't cast it on you, but
you'd need to be prepared sew that you wern't sickened by the sight.
The spiders are "harmless," but they kan really freak people out and
make it REALLY hard to concentrate.  Butt anyone not prepared would
be freaked just looking at a target.  But we can use all the help we
can get.  Dad may have been an weapons trader/dealer and still
maintains his contacts, but his street connections for muscle are
limited.]<<<<< 
        Diana, Huntress of the Night(12:36:09/05-03-54)

>>>>>[ Ah, well...it seems as though subterfuge meets subterfuge, so
to speak, and now the pertinent parties have withdrawn to heal their
modesty.  My only comment about this rather...unusual lingerie party
is that the men in question did, in my opinion, receive their just
desserts for their actions. 

Why, you might inquire?

They shall claim, indeed, they have claimed they were defending
their honor. However, one does not respond to a challenge to one's
honor by acting dishonorably.  Nightstalker and Highlander resorted
to subterfuge as opposed to a direct, honest reckoning, which would
be the solution as dictated by Honor, and as such, they paid the
price...one paid in increments of considerable embarrassment, but
paid nonetheless. 

As to the women, my impression is that it was uncalled for to force
Raven to adopt similar attire against her will.  It is not for
another, even a friend, to aggressively draw one out in such a
manner over such violent protests, I feel.  Oftentimes such actions
can do more harm than good. ]<<<<< 
                -- Doctor Doom <12:22:25/3-MAY-54>

>>>>>[ Aw, come on, Doom.  They were just havin' fun.  Gettin' Raven
to loosen up a bit.  No crime in that. ]<<<<<
                -- Hangtime <12:22:43/05-03-54>

>>>>>[ That is an unacceptable excuse in my opinion.  Nevertheless, I
do feel such behavior is forgivable, should the injured party be so
inclined. ]<<<<< 
                -- Doctor Doom <12:22:54/3-MAY-54>

>>>>>[ Uh huh.  I'm betting, though, deep down, she had fun. ]<<<<<
                -- Hangtime <12:23:04/05-03-54>

***** Encrypt: In the Shadow of Barad Duer
>>>>>[ Such issues aside, I wish to make it clear to the various
ladies who are members of this BBS that I intend to attend the
wedding, and as such fulfill my earlier promises regarding dancing
and waltzes, should the individuals concerned still be desiring of
such things. ]<<<<< 
                -- Doctor Doom <**:**:**/**-***-**>

>>>>>[ I concur, Doctor. Some of these youngsters can get quite
unruly at times. On behalf of my sex, my deepest apologies to Raven
for this indignity. I know how shy you are, and hope that this
incident hasn't left any lasting emotional scars.

As for (snicker) you two, Nightstalker and (tee-hee) Highlander, I
(chortle) hope you've (guffaw) learned your lesson (collapses
helplessly in laughter) I can't (HAHAHA) go on. ]<<<<<
        --Blindside (11:32:16/05-03-54)

>>>>>[ Reg just collapsed helplessly in laughter. What have you guys
been up to? {Access mail 04-28 to 30}

Ah. I see. ]<<<<<
        --Moonwalker (11:34:22/05-03-54)

>>>>>[ Observation: Score one for the ladies, eh chummers? Good
going, I say.

Query: Does this "Serpent's Triad" organization have any relation to
the Triads (Organized crime syndicates) of Malaysia? Do they have the
resources to equip a Go-Gang with military equipment? If so, what
could their motives be; why are they using them? my evaluation is
that they're either protecting something or are being used as cannon
fodder to destroy something. On the other hand, the entire thing may
be a carefully orchestrated distraction. More information is
required. 

Observation: I happen to think Raven would look damn fine in
lingere. ]<<<<<
        --Ticktock (DidSomeoneSay/BOOM?)

>>>>>[ Yes, mon, but then, YOU hang out wit' The X-Caliburs. Some
peer group, eh? ]<<<<<
        --Ralph (11:45:36/05-03-54)

>>>>>[ I think I'll arrange to have a truckload of inflatable sheep
delivered to Ticktock's place... ]<<<<<
        --Moonwalker (BetterLiving/ThroughDeviance)

>>>>>[ Observation: That's uncalled for, Short stuff. ]<<<<<
        --Ticktock (DidSomeoneSay/BlowUpTheElf?)

>>>>>[ Now you've done it. Take Cover!!! ]<<<<<
        --Ralph (11:50:41/05-03-54)

>>>>>[ You realize, of course, This Means War. ]<<<<<
        --Moonwalker (HellHath/NoFury...)

>>>>>[ Come on, Doctor Doom!  She had fun and we all know it.
Besides, she should have left earlier or protested more if she
didn't want to join in the fun.  Plus I saw her smile when
Nightstalker got that totally stunned look on his face! ]<<<<<
        -- Cerise <12:43:43/05-03-54>

>>>>>[ Geeze, Doctor Doom.  It's not like we were going to show
anyone.  It was completely harmless.  I guess I just like indirect
revenge more than direct. Either than, or I just want to get in
trouble. ]<<<<< 
        -- Nightstalker <12:44:58/05-03-54>

>>>>>[ You were looking for trouble as usual, Nightstalker.

Cerise:  I'll thank you to stop spreading rumors about me around the
net. 

Doctor Doom:  Thank you for coming to my defense.  I am glad to see
someone was concerned about me.  Do not worry, no harm was
done.]<<<<< 
        -- Raven the Mage <12:50:58/05-03-54>

>>>>>[ Raven, how about I pick you up at 6:00 PM? ]<<<<<
        -- Nightstalker <12:52:30/05-03-54>

>>>>>[ NOT ON THE NET!!!  Ummm... Alright. ]<<<<<
        -- Raven the Mage <12:53:23/05-03-54>

>>>>>[Glad to see that you'll be having fun down south, Action. Hope
the spell delivers the message properly. Have you actually gotten
used to spell locks or something? Who woulda thunk it. At any rate,
if you need some muscle, firepower, or just a large four-wheeled
artillery piece, give me a call, I need something to do...]<<<<<
        -Morrison<Blood/is life>

>>>>>[Hold it right there, drek-head! You promised to take a break
for the duration, and you're not weaseling out of it now! You can
talk to your friends later. Especially Jackson, since he's immortal
anyway (grin). So quit trying to escape this, you agreed to it
already.]<<<<< 
        -Ariel<You can't/get away!>

>>>>>[Oh well, I guess I'll have to pass on New Orleans, then,
unless I can do a little persuading...hey watch it--OW! Quit that!
Ah...a brief respite, my ally is holding her off. Well, I guess
she's serious, so I will have to go on a vacation (sigh). Perhaps I
do need a break.]<<<<< 
        -Morrison<Blood/is life>

>>>>>[ Well, guys, it looks like the _Intrepid's_ activities haven't
gone unnoticed...

***** Include:  Intrepid Pursuit
This is Jessica Farbane, aboard the German ship, SMS _Friedrich der
Grosse_. The _Intrepid_, former headquarters of Dragon's Den
International, is still engaged in piracy in the South Pacific. 
Since its being wrested from the control of Tirandor, the rogue
corporate forces presently in control of the ship have been
wreaking havoc upon the Southern Pacific shipping lanes, in
hit-and-fade attacks.  The only indication of its intentions is
that the pattern of attacks shows it to be moving north, probably
towards the Panama Canal, which obviously has canal authorities
concerned. 

The individuals in charge of the craft have successfully crushed
several attempts by the Pacific island governments to stop the
carrier with their sea patrol forces, although adequate to their
usual tasks, are largely inferior to the firepower the _Intrepid_
and its air cover can generate. 

The acts have been declared piracy under the Law of the Sea, and
various government have declared their intentions to bring the
carrier's subversive behavior to a halt.  The only nation with a
sizable force in the area is the German Empire, whose Fifth High
Seas Fleet recently participated in removing the coup government
from Omega Island.  I had the opportunity to have a recent
interview with Admiral Frederick von Zollikofer, commander of the
fleet to find out his intentions: 

---

Farbane:  Why is the German Empire taking such an interest in this
incident? 

Zollikofer:  The rogues presently commanding CV11, to use its
original call number of the United States Navy, are guilty of
wanton acts of piracy.  Their behavior threatens the security and
sanctity of the shipping lanes, which runs counter to the interests
of all nations engaging in trade.  It is the intention of the
Imperium to put a stop to that.  Naturally, the recent possibility
of a threat to the Panama Canal has quickened our resolve. 

Farbane:  Given the _Intrepid's_ reputation for eluding others, how
do you intend to locate it?

Zollikofer:  We are aware of this rather novel device originally
developed by, we assume, DDI;  however, the device is
demonstratably not fool-proof.  There are several possibilities for
detection: 

1)  Satellite photographs with Infrared sensors should be able to
locate the heat emissions of the _Intrepid's_ fission reactor.

2)  If the _Intrepid_ is traveling in excess of approximately 15
knots, she will be giving off a considerable sound signature, which
may be tracked.  Also, the pattern and rapidity of its last few
raids indicates it must be traveling at its top speed, facilitating
such a search. 

3)  It is certain that the cloaking device, if you will, is at least
partially magical in its nature. A metaphysical energy field of that
magnitude would be easy to locate via Astral reconnaissance.  As is
in the case of locating a Magician with an invisibility spell
activated, the most expedient method to ascertain his position is
with Astral perception. 

Farbane:  Herr Admiral, is it your intention to sink the _Intrepid_?

Zollikofer:  Absolutely not.  Despite actions of those presently in
command, the _Intrepid_ is private property.  Dragon's Den
International has made it abundantly clear it wishes for the
carrier's return, and we have every intention of complying. 
Besides, given the aircraft carrier's resilience, we would almost
have to specifically pursue the goal of sinking it.  We only desire
its surrender. 

---

As of the moment, the fleet has successfully maneuvered every craft
through the Panama Canal, and now steams into Pacific waters, where
it is certain the _Intrepid_ shall be found.  The last reports on its
position placed it on a heading towards the Panama Canal, and if they
are accurate, it is likely the two groups shall encounter one another
fairly soon. 

This is Jessica Farbane, reporting for International Network News,
aboard the the _Friedrich der Grosse_, in the East Pacific.

<End Of File> ]<<<<<
                -- Hangtime <15:17:41/05-03-54>

>>>>>[ It's the Hunt for the Intrepid!  Engage the caterpillar
drives! ]<<<<< 
                -- Sonic Boom <15:18:10/05-03-54>

>>>>>[ Sonic, you've been staying up late watching those old flats
again, haven't you? ]<<<<<
                -- Jack Hack <15:18:21/05-03-54>

>>>>>[ Caterpillar drives?!!?  What the Hell? ]<<<<<
                -- Mr. Fantastic <15:18:33/05-03-54>

>>>>>[Hey Hangtime: If DDI purportedly built the "cloaking device" on
the Intrepid, then why doesn't anyone ask them how to defeat it? Just
Curious.]<<<<< 
     -- Jaez <14:12:42/5-3-54>

>>>>>[Using a fleet carrier the size of four football fields and a
crew complement in four digits for "hit-and-fade" attacks is bloody
impressive, I must say.]<<<<<
        -- Duster <17:16:08/05-03-54>

>>>>>[It seemed like a good idea at the time.....]<<<<<
        -- Highlander (14:47:32/5-3-54)

***** File Transmission: Source New York Corporate LTG 
>>>>>[  This is a transcript of the events that occured last night at
the Komatsu Import/Export company on the Manhattan waterfront.

Time: 0300
Several trucks pulled up to the warehouse owned by Komatsu
Import/Export, A large number of what appear to be Yakuza soldiers
dismounted.  Shortly after a black limo entered the parking lot and
drove into the warehouse as the soldiers took up defensive
positions.  Too bad they didn't know we were already inside.

Time: 0326
A nondescript looking white van pulled in.  The soldiers stopped the
van and escorted it into the warehouse after speaking to the driver.
Showtime. 

Time: 0330
The limo held Shingen Komatsu, head of the Komatsu clan, and his
bodyguards. They had set up in the office and seemed to be waiting
for the guards to check the white van.  Three men got out of the
van all wearing black buisness suits. One was an older asian man
who matched Dr. Fung's profile.  The second out was Roger Quention,
there was no mistaking him.  The third was someone I had never seen
before.  He was about 6' 3" and looked to be very muscular.  He
moved with catlike grace the likes of which I had only seen once,
when I first met Tommy Harada.  The man had a blank expression and
seemed to simply observe everything as if evaluating what kind of a
threat it would be.  It was clear that this person was Fung's
latest creation, and Tommy's "replacement" They went into the
office and began to talk.  That's when I beeped Tommy and Jake on
the commlinks and whispered "phase one" into the mike. 

Time: 0340
After a few minutes it was clear that Shingen and Quention were
trading some heated words.  Fung just stood by fidgeting with a
manical look in his eyes. He occasionally would giggle to himself
for no apparent reason.  It was obvious that he was not completely
sane anymore.  The new clone just sat there unmoving staring at the
wall.  I caught a glimpse of somthing moving in the shadows down
below...Jake was right on schedule.  I beeped Napalm and Cowboy and
whispered "phase two". 

Time: 0345
From the lack of alert I knew that the team was doing it's job
silently and efficiently.  In the office, Fung was sweating as
Quention and Shingen continued to confer.  It looked like Quention
was trying to cut some kind of deal with the Oyabun, perhaps to
continue his plans.  The clone is starting to look familiar, but I
can't place the face.  He has a good deal of resemblence to
Quention, but also looks like Tommy.  Some of his features also
resemble the Dossier photo I saw of General Trevor.  It looks like
they pulled out all the stops on this one.  Fung looks rattled
about something.  He apparently excused himself and left the
office.  He spoke a few words to the guards and headed for the door
to the outside.  "Cowboy, put the rogue to sleep" I whispered. 

Time: 0350
Cowboy beeped my comm, telling me that Fung was lying unconscious in
the bushes.  The lack of activity from the guards told me he pulled
it off without alerting the guards.  In the office, Shingen motioned
to one of the guards who moved into a clear area in the warehouse.
Quention motioned to the clone, who moved into the same area facing
the shaking guard.  Apparently Shingen wanted some kind of
demonstration.  I whispered "stand-by" into the commlink and waited
for the show to start.  Quention spoke "Cain, show the gentlemen what
you can do."  The clone, apparently named Cain, leaped at the guard
connecting with both fists.  As his right hand struck the man's neck,
the left connected with his groin.  As Cain struck, a dim flash of
blue light appeared and vanished.  In the next fraction of a second,
the now dead guard hit the floor.  Cain started shaking and screamed
something in Japanese, then threw himself at a group of Yakuza
soldiers watching, they never knew what hit them.  Luckily, the rest
managed to keep their distance.  Napalm's voice came through the
comm, "Physad, a powerful one".   I opened the comm to the whole team
and said "Now, while they're confused"

Time: 0351
While the guards were busy being killed, Shingen drew a knife and
moved towards Quention.  Quention's attention was on Cain.  He was
still shouting "Cain, stand down! Do not engage!!!!" when Komatsu
plunged the knife into his arm.  That's when the gunfire started
outside.  Shingen stood over Quention with the bloodied knife and
said the Japanese equivalent of "holy Drek". According to plan,
OddBall had driven the battlevan into the parking lot and was
firing his new LMG at anything that moved while Cowboy made sure
that none of them were ready with heavy weapons.  Seeing Shingen
distracted, Quention made a gesture and the Yakuza Lord was thrown
back into a stack of crates by some unseen force.  Magical energy
crackled around him as he fell unconscious.  Quention looked angry
beyond belief.  He shouted "Cain, eliminate all targets, get us out
of here." 

Time: 0352
As Cain cleared a path for Quention, Tommy made his move.  He made a
leap worthy of an olympic athlete off a tall crate and tucked into a
ball aimed at the back of Quention's legs.  It was strange seeing
Tommy's lightning leap stop just inches short of Quention as if he
had hit some invisible wall. Quention turned from the carnage that
Cain was leaving to face the son of his ambition.

"Well now, the child has returned to the father!  Are you upset that
I was so ready to replace you, Alpha?"

"I have a name..."

"One that I made up for you to use when dealing with these
underlings.  The only identity you have is as a possession.  You
are subject Alpha, and nothing more.  Had you stayed within design
parameters there could have been more, but you chose the path of
betrayal, Alpha" 

"You disgust me!!!  You think you're some kind of god!  Ever since I
found out the truth I've felt soiled at the thought that I was
someone's pawn.  You wanted me to be a piece in your game but I
will have nothing to do with it" 

The fighting outside seemed to fade off in the distance.  OddBall
and Cowboy are good, but I couldn't expect them to hold off an
entire Yakuza army for too long.  I could see Jake in his position
atop the crates with a heavy crossbow in hand.  He looked at me,
his expression telling me that we couldn't wait much longer.  I
decided it was time to play my hand.  I hit a key on my deck, which
I had hardwired to a slave node in the building, activating the
intercom system.  When I spoke into the mike, my voice boomed
through the warehouse under the electronic guise of a voice mask. 

"Quention, It's over.  I don't care what your plan was but I'm
ending it here and now.  I can assure you that Tommy will get his
revenge.  My employers are no longer interested in unraveling your
little conspiracy, just ending it." 

Jake looked at me again.  This time his expression was the
equivalent of saying "what fragging employer!?!?!?"

"Ah!  My shadow-foe the Dark Elf must be here too.  You have proven
to be more than the 'random factor' that my associates believed you
to be.  There could be a place for you in the new order!"

"New order??  I've seen what your idea of order is!  Using people as
playthings tampering with life itself???  You've got to be kidding
me!  Now that it's over you try to drag me into your cause?  You've
outdone yourself!" 

"You fool!  You have no idea what we've offered the world!  It is
strange how you could get so far without realizing what the goal
is!  We were creating minds of all kinds!  Agressive ones with
bodies to match, artificial ones who can out think the greatest
scientific minds, and even a mixture of the two. We have created
minds that can reshape the world!  The soldiers to maintain order,
the planners and thinkers to control it.  Minds specifically
tailored for whatever has to be done, with engineered bodies to
match.  We could modify people so there would be no more suffering
or displeasure.  The masses would be allowed to go about their
business, and those deemed worthy would have their genes donated to
clone labs, and then live out their lives as kings with other
donors without a care in the world.  I offer salvation for the
world!" 

Tommy entered into the fray...
"You disgust me more than ever!!!  I will see you die like the
abomination you are!"

"Try me, what I craete I can and will destroy."
The air between Tommy and Quention crackled slightly and the barrier
was down. Quention pointed at Tommy and mumbled in a strange
language.  Meanwhile, the rest of the Yaks hadn't even noticed us,
being too busy with Cain.  Quention began to look worried as Tommy
strode through his magic untouched, launching a kick that sent
Quention flying into a set of crates.  The crates came tumblin g down
on top of him.  "Good job Napalm" I said to the sweating fire adept.
As Tommy moved in on Quention, Jake launched his crossbow bolts at
Cain, hittin g him in the leg but failing to gain his attention as he
continued to kill. OddBall's voice came in over the comm, "get the
hell out of there, the've got missiles! 

"Clear out!"  I shouted.  The team and I moved out but Tommy
continued looking for Quention among the crates.  "He knows, let's
clear out of here" 

We pulled out and climbed into the OddBall's Van as the warehouse
exploded. There wasn't much left.  I asked Cowboy what happened to
Fung, and he told me that he wasn't there when we moved in. 
Quention must be dead in the flames, and probably Tommy too, but
Fung probably escaped.  I hope D. and the Delta Huntsmen find him
before he creates another Cain.  Cain was at the center of the
blast.  He didn't have a chance.  At least we know he's dead. We
found his body torn in half later when we went back.  There was no
sign of Quention or Tommy.  I hope that my friend has only chosen
to disappear again, if not, I hope his death wasn't in vain. ]<<<<< 
           -- Dark Elf <17:57:42/05-03-54>

>>>>>[Has anyone seen Sierra lately?  The last I heard from her, she
and that new guy were checking on Norm in the hospital: anyone heard
from them since?  I'm getting worried.  Brandywine?  Are you there,
lassie? 

Anyone have any more leads on Mr. Yoshida's kidnappers?  (I STILL
think it's connected to....Never mind.)

Oh, and another question: what could scare a dragon into seeking
asylum from a business rival?  Or do we really want to know?]<<<<<
        -- Highlander (14:33:31/5-3-54)

>>>>>[Highlander, who do you think the kidnapper is?  Spill
it.]<<<<< 
        --  Ramirez <>

>>>>>[ DAMN IT!  If Tommy doesn't show up really soon to tell us he
was busy tracking down and killing Quention, I'm going to be one
Drek-Angery decker.  No fraggin bodies!  Fung gets away!  This just
sucks! ]<<<<< 
        -- Nightstalker <16:44:19/05-03-54>

>>>>>[Death Blow! Where th' _FRAG_ ya' been keepin' yerself, ya'
damned ornery sonoffaslitch?! :) Havenna' heard from ya' in, what?
HOW many years?! FRAG! I'm soundin' as bad as Buzz, here...loopey ol'
geezer! =) *grin* How's th' wetwork been? S'alright, this end a' th'
shadows, I guess...BTW, Lace...DEAR...I am __NOT__ a DECKER! I __AM__
an ASSASSIN!! THANK-YA' very much...an', I didnna' used ta' "run" w'
th' Mafia...I was virtually RAISED by `em, m' sister n' I...after we
lost..our parents...no, wait...not let's ge inta' this,
now...eh-hum...uh, sorry...well, ya' know th' story, D.B.

ANYWAY...how's Frankie been doin'?  Ya' heard anythin' from her,
recently? Hope tha' jerk she married's been REAL GOOD ta'
her..._otherwise_, I jus' might have ta' _DO_ somethin' about him!
*EVIL, menacing grin* Uncle Frank n' his men were INVALUABLE in
helpin' us w' these F5 bastards, las' year! Those asswholes took
Holly Anne, n' were gonna' _SACRIFICE_ her ta' tha' DAMN SPIRIT
they'd stirred up...an', tha' had it in their heads tha' _I_ was
gonna' be NEXT! *SHUDDER* Thanx ta' one sweet lil' runner-girl, by
name a' DarkStar(a TRULY wonderful young lady! If yer out there
kylie...HOI, Hon! Been MISSIN' ya' somethin' FIERCE, 'round th' ol'
plex, lately! =( GIT/ASAP), I'm still suckin' air pas' m'
teeth...*inhale...ACK! HACK! COFF! _LOVE_ tha' Seattle Air,
chummers! Yeah....right....* Los' m' left arm ta' those FRAGGERS,
though! *sigh* After wha' they did t' me, though, I woulda' lost m'
LIFE, if my "poisoned essence" had been given th' time ta'
spread...real _loss_, huh? SORRY...gettin' all mopey, agin!  B'
talkin' ta' ya' REAL soon, I hope! We've got a LOTTA' catchin' up
ta' do!]<<<<< 
        -THE Nexus(ah...remeniscence...SO, m' spellin' SUCKS!)


>>>>>[I __AM__ not a loopey ol' geezer!!!!!  Also, I AM the
decker!]<<<<< 
                -Buzz- (Has to be remind of my age...YUCK!)

>>>>>[C-X2: WELCOME TA' TH' CLUB! *sigh*]<<<<<
        -THE Nexus(Why canna' we all jus' get along? THA'S no FUN!=)

>>>>>[Nightstalker: "Live fast...party hard...leave a clean corpse"?
I _LIKE_ yer STYLE, lad....! I, however, live by THESE words:
"VAriety is th' `spice o' life'...One day, _ignore_ someone/Next
day..._ANNOY_ 'EM!]<<<<< 
        -THE Nexus(WE are th' ones our parents warned us about!=)

>>>>[uplink: BTW...GIMME RECORDIN'S!  I _LOVE_ Led Zep! Learned ta'
play one HELL ofa' rousin' version a' "Stairway Ta' Heaven" when I
was about 10! We'll have ta' get ta'gether, some time, lad! K?]<<<<<
                -THE Nexus(No. 1 w'/an EXPLOSIVE round =)

>>>>>[Uh...Roxey?  Hey...um..would ya' mind terribly if I
accompanied ya' t' CRUSH & Spirit's weddin'?  Un-unless, ya' know,
ya' rather go w'...like, Slash, er somebody else...um...I'll
understand, really!  Ev`rybody's been stirrin' up a lotta' bad
memories 'bout Michael...tha' BASTARD-may his worthless soul
ROT!-so...like, maybe ya' really aren't int`rested in hangin' w'
another Ancient, right now...ya' know...I dunno....I understand,
REALLY... I DO!]<<<<< 
        -THE Nexus(jus' ramblin', agin....somebody shut m' UP!)

>>>>>[Nexssuss...ssshe KNOWSSS ya' underssstand, lad! Asss d' _I_!
We EACH have been forced inta' becomin' sssomethin' we haven't
wanted ta' be! Done thingsss we had no choiccce in doin'....an', by
thisss, ya' KNOW I ssspeak NOT of m' vampyrisssm! Truly...ya'
MUSSST relaxss...be not ssso HARD on yerssself, child! Ssshe isss a
_delighful_, beautiful young woman...an', ssshe ssseemsss ta'
greatly enjoy an' value yer company....donna' b' ssspoilin' it w'
yer own insssecuritiesss! Ya' have kept yerssself alone TOO
LONG!]<<<<< 
        -- Q.Sss. Ssslicke(Massster of Deepessst Ssshadow/Ssshun th'
                                Light) 

>>>>>[I consider m'self duly chastised, Fangs! I'll
_TRY_....promise...]<<<<< 
        -THE Nexus(Sorry, Roxey...guess I'm gettin' "moody",
                        agin...)

>>>>>[BTW: Nightfox...wasn't th' lake a SCOACH cold fer a swim?
=)]<<<<< 
                -THE Nexus(can we say "Drowned RAT"?! =)

>>>>>[I thought that you realized Slash was going to the wedding with
Diana, so I was free(well, not free...).  And as Slash will attest
to, if you don't stop with this being a wimp(Yes, I did say WIMP),
I'll sic Max on you every time you start to get a little
self-conscious or whatever.  You won't enjoy it, Nex.  Actually, now
that I think about it, you might enjoy it...]<<<<<
        Foxey Roxey(20:52:41/05-03-54)

>>>>>[ Actually, the little martian's name IS Marvin, and oh,
Harlequin, the show's NOT G-force, it's Battle Of The Planets (I
know, I used to make the same mistake myself all the time), I
_still_ watch it, and in fact, I have built a *working* copy of it
from scratch, approx. 1/50 scale (*grin*) if you want to see it,
let me know, I like showing it off. ]<<<<< 
        -CoHort <16:25:35/05-03-54>

>>>>>[ Thanks CoHort.  I can never remember the right name so I call
Battle of the Planets that.  I didn't think my mind was going that
fuzzy just yet.]<<<<<
                        -Harlequin <2mintillmidnight>

>>>>>[ Nexus, I'll be glad to send you a batch of LedZep; your decker
friend should be able to decode a datafile into digital form.  BTW,
My "Stairway to Heaven" is the LONG version, and it's recorded LIVE,
too! ]<<<<< 
        -- uplink <23:42:13/03-05-54>

**** ENCODE NEXUS
Transmit 00:01:21 to Shadowtalk/Nexus 
File Transfer: LedZep.Batch 
Sending 30 MP 
27
23
19
15
12
7
4
1
File Sent!
>Transmit Completed 00:05:24

***** ENCODE NEXUS
>>>>>[ Just save that into a standard datachip and give it to your
decker friend.  If he wants a copy let him have one; it's the least
I can do. I'm still trying to find the last few pieces to my George
Thurogood collection; if you want that, I'll have to make it into a
datafile too. ]<<<<< 
        -- uplink <00:08:12/04-05-54>

>>>>>[ Well, folks, you've heard the transcript, take it from one who
was there, these boys are nobody's business.  We're rounding up the
posse right now; Zero's sorry he didn't take the heavy stuff the
first time.  Be right interesting to find out what their lasers do
against his reflective-ceramic hull.  By the way, yes, that IS the
same armor they're using in the UCAS military hovercraft.  Plus,
Zero's calling his friend Thunderfoot; seems Thunderfoot's got a
fully-loaded Banshee but our problem's getting it inside.  Dancer
took a hit but my little filly's gonna be fine and ready to go for
the second round.  Catcher's calling a couple of 'Raku buddies to see
why they had such a hotshot mage.  Yeah, we're pulling out some major
stops, but when a Go-gang's got stuff like that, you gotta squash 'em
before they start becoming a major problem. ]<<<<<
        -- Steel Stringer <Ridin' the Zephyr>

>>>>>[ Yes, it does look like the second time around we'll be the
ones with the major firepower.  My two associates, Ringer and
Screwball will be joining us the second time around.  It seems
these Triads have done Ringer major dirt in the past and he wants
to ride along for some honest revenge.  Screwball, well, he's just
Screwball.  And this time, I'll be ready for them; the only reason
I had such a hard time was I didn't have my elementals scouting
like I do usually.  Overconfidence can get you killed, as you all
well know. ]<<<<< 
        -- Jeremy Wolecks <00:00:00/04-05-54>

>>>>>[ Excuse me, but just how many elementals did you have with
you? ]<<<<< 
        -- Pariah <Run-Run-Run>

>>>>>[ My usual accoutrement, 12.]<<<<<
        -- Jeremy Wolecks <00:02:03/04-05-54>

>>>>>[ TWELVE???? How the drek did you do THAT??? ]<<<<<
        -- Pariah <Run-Run-Run>

>>>>>[ Sorry, trade secret. ]<<<<<
        -- Jeremy Wolecks <00:03:43/04-05-54>

>>>>>[ Catcher, you ever notice your real name's bein' used instead
of your handle there? ]<<<<<
        -- Steel Stringer <Hiyo Silver, Away!>

>>>>>[ DREK!  DOUBLE DREK!  I forgot about that thing!  Don't worry,
it's fixed. ]<<<<<
        -- Catch-22 (The Most Powerful Mage In The World)
                <00:06:45/04-05-54> 

>>>>>[ Modest, aren't we? ]<<<<<
        -- Pariah <Run-Run-Run>

>>>>>[ Burn ten force 13 elementals behind a spell and see what
happens. ]<<<<< 
        -- Catch-22 (The Most Powerful Mage In The World)
                <00:08:32/04-05-54> 

>>>>>[ !!!!! ]<<<<<
        -- Pariah <Run-Run-Run>

>>>>>[ CoHort, I do happen to know something about telecom
satellites... where do you think I got the name 'uplink' from?  So
don't offhandedly think you're safe from my interference; to prove it
to you, you'll be using Mitsuhama-Com 414 between 800 and 1200,
Comlink-4 between 1200 and 1600, Telecomm Beta between 1600 and 2000,
and Prysat 41b between 2000 and 000 hours tomorrow.  I >do< know your
callcode; it would be childs play to set up a satellite block within
all of those satellites.  Think about THAT next time you call "Sheila
Machsneyer, LTG # 1174-4176" from your van.]<<<<<
        -- uplink <00:19:57/04-05-54>

>>>>>[ Should he take that as a threat? ]<<<<<
        -- Steel Stringer <Mama's don't let your babies>

>>>>>[ I have nothing against him but I just didn't like his
attitude.]<<<<< 
        -- uplink <00:21:27/04-05-54>

>>>>>[ Welcome to the Virtually Real world, uplink.]<<<<<
        -- Steel Stringer <Grow up to be Cowboys>

>>>>>[Chains, have you seen Legion around? I haven't heard from him
in three days. He didn't say anything about an op to you, did he? It
isn't like him to just leave without telling me anything.]<<<<<
        -- Nitro <07:10:11 / 05-04-54>

>>>>>[He didn't say anything to me, Nitro. He was acting a little
strange before he disappeared, though. Looked to me like he was
hallucinating or had a fever or something but he said he was fine.
Last I saw of him, he was leaving the hole-up. Didn't say anything
to me, just walked out, so I went back to work on the
Bulldog.]<<<<< 
        -- Chains <07:15:55 / 05-04-54>

>>>>>[Thanks alot, drekhead. That's just what I'd expect from
you.]<<<<< 
        -- Nitro <07:17:12 / 05-04-54>

>>>>>[What'd I say?]<<<<<
        -- Chains <07:18:52 / 05-04-54>

>>>>>[Cooper: could you help Prophet and myself look for Legion? You
know the Sprawl better than us (we've been away, you know). I hope
something hasn't happened to him. From what our slint-head rigger
said, he isn't in any condition to look out for himself.]<<<<<
        -- Nitro <07:21:22 / 05-04-54>

***** CODE ENCRYPT BLINDSIDE
>>>>>[ Blindside, you may be wondering what we're pulling together
for the next round.  Personally, I got tired of getting shot at
with lasers so I'm pulling Midnight Express, my combat panzer, out
of storage.  With that 60mm main gun it ought to do some damage,
not to mention the twin missile pods.  A buddy of mine,
Thunderfoot, wants in on the action; he's got a fully-loaded
Banshee Deluxe waiting to smash some gangers.  We've gotta get him
inside the walls, though.]<<<<< 
        -- Zero <Less Than/Nothing>

***** CODE ENCRYPT BLINDISDE
>>>>>[ Blindside, I've found out that 'Raku's heard nothing about
any gangers. Well, my buddies Ringer and Screwball wanna join in
the fun; Ringer's an Initiate of the Fourth Circle and a master at
Manipulation spells; his Hellblast has to be seen to be believed. 
Screwball is kinda burned out but he's got some good power; he
commands a few elementals of his own (though nothing near what I
can do, heh heh heh), and he's good at detections and illusions. 
I've been on the receiving end of his Chaotic World spell once or
twice and it is horrible; he seems to draw all that chaos directly
from his own twisted mind.  Just let me know when we're
moving.]<<<<< 
        -- Catch-22 (The Most Powerful Mage In The World)
                        <00:27:23/04-05-54> 

***** CODE ENCRYPT BLINDSIDE
>>>>>[ Blindside, my name is Cross, and I, too, have met these punks
and come out second.  My wounds were not life-threatening and even
now I am outfitting my Crack team of mercenaries to enter into
battle with these people.  I do know that they are getting their
weapons from a side-door outlet on the docks; a big shipment's due
tonight but we're going to try to stop it (and maybe grab some for
ourselves, neh?).  If we're still in one piece after tonight, let
Steel Stringer or Zero know if you would like some extra firepower
on your run.]<<<<< 
        -- Cross <field too large/field too large>

***** CODE ENCRYPT BLINDSIDE
>>>>>[ Got it!  That gang of yours, the Red Scythes, is getting
their weapons from a side-door at a warehouse belonging to a
certain Gentel corp.  I've checked who owns Gentel and it seems to
be some outfit owned from Denver. I'm about to check into the
Denver local grid and see what I can find. Catch ya on the
rebound...]<<<<< 
        -- Steel Stringer <Git Along Li'l Doggies>

***** CODE ENCRYPT BLINDSIDE
>>>>>[ Blinder, this is Zero again, it seems a new pal o' mine wants
ta join in.  She calls herself Stealth and she used to run
"nightwork" for the San Fran Yaks, if ya get my drift.  She and her
two buddies are damn good for sneakin' (bein' physads, they tend to
do that) and they're no wussies when it comes to fightin'.  And
I've got an OLD, old friend o' mine, Cross, with his team, ready to
help.  Cross is a little cold, but when you've got all that Bio and
Cyber, you tend to misplace your humanity a bit.]<<<<< 
        -- Zero <Less Than/Nothing>

>>>>>[ Nightstalker, what you and Highlander did was inexcusable.
Imagine, the two of you doing something that low and despicable to
sweet, innocent Jaez.  You ought to be ashamed of yourselves.  How
low can you get?  I mean, the trick with the trideo is
understandable, but how could you do it? How could you do it without
inviting ME along... that's the real crime!]<<<<< 
        -- Zero <Less Than/Nothing>

>>>>>[ BTW, Girls, now would probably be a good time to mention the
drones I had sitting outside the window, taking all sorts of
wonderful pictures.... whooooeee, Raven, what a bod!  Covering that
up should be illegal!]<<<<< 
        -- Zero <Less Than/Nothing>

>>>>>[You couldn't have had drones up there, Zero, you were on a
run.]<<<<< 
        -- Coyote Bob <01:14:47/04-05-54>

>>>>>[ I did it for him, Bob.  Drones, especially silent
surveillance drones, are my specialty.  Looking at these pictures I
know I would have had fun. ]<<<<<
        -- Dirty Angel <Got it/Working! Frack>

>>>>>[ Using the satellites, I couldn't find anything in the South
Pacific. So I'm off to aid in the search. ]<<<<<
        -- Shadowknight <field to smal/field to smal>

>>>>>[ ARGH!  I hate time/date stamps!  In fact, I'll just do
this... ] 
        -- Shadowknight

>>>>>[Much better.]<<<<<
        -- Shadowknight

>>>>>[A job, Styx?  Nay, I should say not.  "It's not a job, it's an
adventure!!" Yeah, right.  Besides, you wouldn't like the wages. . .

For all you vampires out there who feel so arrogant as to issue
forth challenges, please remember that the church is everywhere,
and so are we.  We are not subject to your pagan rituals, nor your
blood magicks, and we never, *ever* strike when you expect it.  So,
watch your backs, and have a *nice* day. 


And please,people, grow up!!  This "I'm bigger and better than you"
stuff is unseemly for a bunch of supposedly seasoned professionals.
I've known Johnsons who kept more under cover than you.]<<<<<
        -P. Clement <Under/Duress>

>>>>>[Well, I guess Clement *is* all hot air, since all he can do is
threaten. Oh, btw, vamps of the net, the spell I designed which
eliminates those awful sunburns is available to any who ask, in
hermetic or shamanic versions (after all, Ariel is a mage). So much
for hunters arriving when you least expect it. Also, this spell is
good for any allergic types, and the spell need not be for sunlight
only, so for any Metahumans bothered by some bizarre allergy of some
sort, this spell works fine. I am not making it public access, since
various adversaries have proven adept at code-breaking, but all you
need do is contact me. So, Clement, still up for a game of tag? I
have a few days' time before that drekky vacation.]<<<<<
        -Morrison<Blood/is life>

>>>>>[Love, you forget so much...like how most vampires still need
to sleep, if nothing else. Remember, we're not quite the
norm!]<<<<< 
        -Ariel<he really needs/to get a clue>

>>>>>[Oh come on, when will you quit mouthing off so much? Who needs
sleep when you have stim patches (grin). Nothing wrong with changing
one's hours a bit either, like Jackson did...]<<<<<
        -Morrison<Blood/is life>

>>>>>[I'll quit mouthing off when you quit being insulting. And
you're still bugging me about this vacation. Give it up, you know
you need it! You've not been the same after those last couple
runs.]<<<<< 
        -Ariel<He's just a bit/deranged>

>>>>>[Like I said before, you don't want to know about that Ares
run, and I don't feel like being talkative when it comes to that.
Quit playing psychiatrist on me, willya? Sheesh.]<<<<<
        -Morrison<Blood/is life>

>>>>>[CoHort,  When the `Martian' first appeared in the LT flats, he
was Commander X2.  During the early 90's, there was a LT revival
during which, to mah dissapointment, they started calling the
`Martian' Marvin.  Ever in mah heart, he shall be Commander X2.  Have
you ever seen a flat called `Star Blazers'?]<<<<<
        --Commander X2 <09:36:23 MST/ 5-4-54>

>>>>>[Highlander,  The Mr. Johnson that knows you and Nightstalker
made a reference of: "If they can remember where they grew up, then
they'll know where to find me."  Ah can't pretend to know what that
ment.  Ah'll send y'all all of the info I have on him so far.  Just
give me a number to dump the files to.]<<<<<
        --Commander X2 <09:41:56 MST/ 5-4-54>

>>>>>[Action Jackson,  If help is still needed, I would like to
contribute.  I'm a heavy weapons specialist, with missiles and
rocket propelled grenades being my forte'.  I've been working for
Moon Dancer, but as he is out of the country, I'm available.  I await
your reply.]<<<<<
        --Punjabi <10:07:21 MST/ 5-4-54>

>>>>>[Star Blazers? Wasn't that the Americanized version of Space
Cruiser Yamato? Lousy animation and bad dialogue, but most
japanimation fits that bill, quiaff? :)

Thanks for sending the dropship up to Montreal, Marie. And kudos to
highlander for repairing my C2 deck. I should be in Denver soon
(just in time to turn around and come back for the wedding). I'm
tempted to look up that twerp Morrison and laugh at him, but I
expect you're a little pressed for time.]<<<<<
        -- Raven <Quoth the Raven/Nevermore!>

>>>>>[Damn straight. You encrypted these damn files. Did you get a
chance to read them first? We're going to busy into August, and if
we fumble they'll have to re-draw the maps. As in open warfare.
Gak. 

BTW, Commander X2, it looks like we don't need another decker after
all, since Raven's solved her, uh, personal problems.]<<<<<
        -- Cat Dancing <12:14:12/04-05-54>

>>>>>[ Sorry we've been a bit quiet the last few days but you know
how it is when you want to keep your head down in your favourite
safehouse.  Besides we've been looking after I.B.A. who is talking
now but still in bed and Marie who appears to have made a complete
recovery.  ]<<<<< 
        -The Powerhouse (16:57:47/4.5.54)

>>>>>[ Hi again, and thanks to Power Punisher Polish Blade Noname
and IBA and thanks to any fans out there.  He, he .. sounds like an
oscar acceptance speech. ]<<<<<
        -Marie (17:01:07/5.4.54)

>>>>>[ Well we're handing Marie back tommorow so that should get the
LAPD and hordes of press / fans off our tail (not that they found us,
well not in Seattle at least).  But the whole aim of mission wasn't
completed, all it opened up was more questions.  So if anyone has any
info on Kentucky or Krull we'd be most anxious to hear it.  I'd
really like to know what they wanted Marie for and I'd really like to
pay back Kentucky a little debt that I owe him.  ]<<<<<
        -The Powerhouse (17:05:51/4.5.54)

>>>>>[Raven, Aff, It was the Space Cruiser Yamato. Neg, the
animation was better than any american animation done during that
period.  What was wrong with your C2 deck? Cat Dancing, if you need
me for a back-up just holler.  Ah'll see you on Friday.]<<<<<
        --Commander X2 <11:20:43 MST/ 5-4-54>

*****Include Transmission <13:20:47/05:04:54>

>>>>>[ Hey!  Sex is fun, and I think any woman who doesn't think so
is wrong W-R-O-N-G! ]<<<<<
        -- Dirty Angel <18:55:51/05-02-54>

>>>>>[ Tell 'em I like 'em BIG, and with LOTS of staying
power!]<<<<< 
        -- Dirty Angel <18:56:45/05-02-54>

*****End Transmission <13:20:47/05:04:54>

>>>>>[Yup. Gotta be careful, chummers. And remember, Never EVER
leave your deck unattended]<<<<<
        -- Jew <13:22:12/05:04:54>

>>>>>[  I am prepared to offer a sizable reward for any information
leading to the return of a certain piece of DDI property that was
stolen by pirates recently.  I am of course referring to the
Intrepid.  It is my home as well as my headquarters and I want it
back.  The reward is negotiable and dependant on the usefulness of
the information and the verdict of the Zurich Orbital Court. Thank
you. ]<<<<< 
           -- Tirandor <From the Dragon's Desk>

>>>>>[  What makes you think that ZOC will leave you with anything
to spend lizard! ]<<<<<
           -- Dark Elf <14:57:04/05-04-54>

>>>>>[  Ah the chronic thorn in the side has deemed to speak.  I
have nothing to say to you.  Nothing whatsoever!  Interfere with
DDI activities again and you will be hunted down to the fullest
extent of the law.  ]<<<<< 
           -- Tirandor <From the Dragon's Desk>

>>>>>[ It's been tried before.  Tell Joseph I said hello. ]<<<<<
           -- Dark Elf <14:59:57/05-04-54>

>>>>>[ Zero, Dirty Angel:  What have you two been smoking? It must be
good stuff if you think you got pictures of the Lingerie Party.
After all, I have tinted windows on my apartment, and there were
rather (maybe I should say extra) heavy drapes up.  As for inviting
you, if you would even think of sending drones to spy on friends, I'm
glad your not one of mine. ]<<<<< 
        -- Nightstalker <12:11:56/05-04-54>

>>>>>[ Yeah, Zero!  Take your lechoreous self elsewhere so we
respectable people can have some peace.  We know you didn't get any
pictures because you didn't even know when the party was. ]<<<<<
        -- Raven the Mage M12:13:08/05-04-54>

>>>>>[

***** Include:  News Flash...Intrepid Located
<scene of the open sea...  German warships surround a World War II
style aircraft carrier.  Presently, smoke a black column of smoke
is billowing from various areas amidships, and there is obvious
damage to many of the ship's outer surfaces.  A white flag is
raised where the ensign originally flew.> 

This is Jessica Farbane, reporting from the East Pacific.  Today has
seen considerable action not but a few hundred miles off the coast of
Central America.  The Fifth German High Seas Fleet encountered the
_Intrepid_, apparently preparing to make a raid upon a coastal city,
in the open ocean. 

Indications of the carriers presence were first detected by the
reconnaissance screen of Unterseebooten, or submarines, which were
using passive sonar to locate the _Intrepid's_ acoustic signature.

Fighters from the German carrier, SMS _Friedrich der Grosse_
established the initial visual sighting of the _Intrepid_, and
initiated a pitched battle between the air complement aboard the
carrier, composed largely of helicopters and a few fighters, and
the much larger _Friedrich der Grosse_. 

The air cover successfully frustrating most efforts to directly
strike the carrier, the German fighters seemed satisfied to wage a
war of attrition where they gradually wore down the _Intrepid's_
air defenses. 

A few hours into the battle, the capital ships successfully moved
into range, and a severely restricted limited naval bombardment
ensued, in an attempt to strike the carrier amidships, and thereby
cripple it by incapacitating its engines.  One interesting fact in
this regard is that although it is known several Unterseebooten, or
submarines, were with the strike group, the order was given no
torpedoes were to be used on the _Intrepid_, keeping with the
Empire's pledge not to sink the craft. 

Some of the air defense units moved to engage the German capital
ships, such as the dreadnoughts, _Preussen_ and _Deutschland_, as
well as the frigates _Bismarck_, _Scharnhorst_, _Molkte_, and
_Seydlitz_, in an attempt to inhibit their firing upon the
_Intrepid_.  A few of the ships suffered hits, but the
anti-aircraft batteries, coupled with re-aligned fighter units for
aerial defense, eventually disposed of the attackers. 

During the various naval artillery salvos and explosives dropped on
the carrier, a fire ignited in the ship's interior, or the raging
blaze from the flightdeck spread below into the recesses of the ship.
The carrier had, at that time, already begun to list badly, and her
forward momentum had ceased, indicating a loss of engine power.
Moments later, seemingly realized they were damage to the point of
being unable to contain it, the white flag of surrender was raised.

Almost immediately, various small craft, manned with rescue teams,
raced out to the crippled carrier, while the other warships created
a perimeter around their quarry.

Presently, most of the fires have been brought under control, with a
few remaining to be extinguished.  One officer indicated they barely
managed to prevent the fire from spreading to the ammunition
storage, the detonation of which would probably have destroyed the
_Intrepid_. 

Admiral Frederick von Zollikofer, commander of the fleet, consented
to an interview following conclusion of offensive operations,
permitting his subordinates coordinate the fire control and repair
work. 

---

Farbane:  Were any attempts made at a peaceful solution before the
firing started?

Zollikofer:  Indeed there were.  Subsequent to locating the carrier,
we attempted hailing it several times, with no response.  A
observational flyby showed despite superficial damage to the tower,
their communications equipment was intact.  We could only conclude
they were ignoring us. 

Farbane:  Why do you feel they fought such a superior force?

Zollikofer:  I rather feel they did not realize the untenability of
their position as well as the magnitude of the opposition they
faced.  It is possible they chose not to hear our description of
the forces arrayed against them. 

Farbane:  What damage has the _Intrepid_ received, aside from what
is visible to the eye?

Zollikofer:  All of the air defense complement, meaning the
helicopters and fighters, have been destroyed;  although a few may
prove to be salvageable. 

As to the _Intrepid_ itself, it is readily apparent the flight deck
is completely inoperative at present.  The bridge was struck as well
as the hull in several places, which resulted in the fire, which
fairly well gutted the interior beneath the flight deck, which is
where, if memory serves, Tirandor had established his personal abode.
His lair and magical paraphenalia, from its appearance, was
completely destroyed by the inferno, and I can only conclude it is a
complete loss. 

There was engine damage resulting from one of the armor-piercing
hits. Previous to surrender, the crew was forced to expel the
reactor core, lest it go critical or cause undue radiation damage
to the interior.  As it was, there is elevated radiation reading in
various areas below decks of varying intensity.

Certain compartments of the engineering section were beginning to
take on water, which accounts for the rather dramatic listing. 
This flooding has been brought under control and halted, and
presently the repair crews are endeavoring to remove the sea water.

Farbane:  What about the crew?  Were there survivors?

Zollikofer:  There is an as yet undetermined number of survivors,
all of which have been arrested on charges of piracy in accordance
with the Law of the Sea. They shall be tried, and if found guilty,
summarily executed. 

Farbane:  What are your intentions now?

Zollikofer:  Dragon's Den International, as I expressed earlier,
stated several days ago it wishes for the carrier to be returned. 
Therefore, following completion of necessary repairs, we shall
embark upon towing operations, the final destination of which shall
be New York Harbor, where it shall be positioned in its usual dock,
at which time, custody of the ship shall be transferred to Tirandor
or authorized representatives of DDI. 

Farbane:  Do you regret damaging the _Intrepid_?

Zollikofer:  Naturally, I regret being unable to reach a peaceful
solution; however, once their intentions were clear to resist, I
regret none of my decisions to compel its surrender.

Farbane:  What do you feel Tirandor's reaction will be?

Zollikofer:  I would project that Tirandor shall be quite displeased
with the destruction inflicted upon his ship;  nevertheless, it is my
opinion that the blame lies solely with him for not possessing
security forces adequate to prevent the capture of the ship.  We are
well within our rights to halt piracy on the high seas.

Farbane:  And that shall be your opinion if he should object to its
present state?

Zollikofer:  We wrested control of his carrier away from vandals and
are presently endeavoring to prevent its loss.  Should he be so
inclined as to take issue with our methods, I should counter with
the fact they were quite unwilling to merely acquiesce to our
orders.  However, if it shall lighten his mood, we may not request
the reward offered for its return. 

Farbane:  You mean you intend to ask for the reward?

Zollikofer:  Of course.  They stated their desire for the carrier be
brought back to them, not stipulating anything in regards to means
implemented for its return.  However, the final decision is one I
shall have to discuss with my superiors.

---

And there you have it.  Admiral Zollikofer defending the validity of
the actions of the German Empire here in the Pacific today, saying
the _Intrepid_ shall now be transported to New York where it will be
turned over to DDI. 

International reaction to this battle has been rather vague.  Most
were pleased such an obvious threat to the shipping routes has been
successfully neutralized, and many others have expressed their
wishes that a non-violent solution could have been achieved.  CAS,
UCAS, and Atzlan, notably, conveyed their whole hearted approval of
the ship's capture, possibly motivated by the carrier's movements
towards their shipping lanes in the Caribbean Sea. 

This is Jessica Farbane, reporting for International Network News,
in the East Pacific Ocean.

<End of File> ]<<<<<
                -- Doctor Doom <14:06:12/4-MAY-54>

>>>>>[ Well, it looks like ol' Tirandor will get his boat back, even
if a bit worse for wear. ]<<<<<
                -- Mr. Fantastic <14:07:01/05-04-54>

>>>>>[ Yeah...but I don't even wanna think about what the price tag
will be to get the _Intrepid_ back to running specs.  Tirandor's
bound to be royally pissed. ]<<<<<
                -- Sonic Boom <14:07:15/05-04-54>

>>>>>[ I think there's an even better reason why he's pissed,
though. Personally, I don't believe this drek about this theft of
the _Intrepid_. Tirandor's got the security to prevent things like
that happening.  It was staged, I tell you. ]<<<<<
                -- Jack Hack <14:07:27/05-04-54>

>>>>>[ Okay, so maybe it was staged, so what? ]<<<<<
                -- Mr. Fantastic <14:07:42/05-04-54>

>>>>>[ Gee, for a decker with as much ego as you've got, you sure
act like you've got drek-for-brains, sometimes.  If it was staged,
then Tirandor's getting his wayward warship back without even
needing for it to be returned. I'll bet it was headed for Panama so
it could turn up saying the pirates had been defeated.  Nice and
neat. 

But now, he gets lots of his people executed, and his ship all shot
to Hell, all the while the Germans look like the good guys
protecting the safety of the shipping lines and giving his stolen
property back. ]<<<<< 
                -- Hangtime <14:07:54/05-04-54>

>>>>>[ Which has got Tirandor all hacked off, I'll bet.  Even more
important than the damage, in my opinion, is the loss of the
nuclear core, and with it, all the atomic fuel--not something easy
to come by these days. ]<<<<< 
                -- Sonic Boom <14:08:13/05-04-54>

>>>>>[ I'll give you one better, Sonic.  Tirandor's lair must have
been practically ankle-deep in magic stuff.  All that's gone now. 
I think he'll overlook the atomic fuel question when he finds out
his magical base of operations has been incinerated. ]<<<<<
                -- Jack Hack <14:08:37/05-04-54>

>>>>>[ Morrison:  Get a life.  Your constant bitching is ruining my
sunny disposition.  Your attitude is that of a schoolyard bully.  And
as any two-bit magician can tell anyone, a Resist Allergy spell
whether spell locked or quickened won't mean drek to a group of
Vampire hunters.  Hell, if I was one and my target was actually dumb
enough to run around in the day thinking that would save his sorry
ass, I would wait til he got way in the open and either smash the
quickening for ground a really big power bolt (or Vampire Death Bolt
tm) down the spell lock and watch him squirm in the daylight. ]<<<<<
        -- Cerise <12:20:20/05-04-54>

>>>>>[ Interesting, Commander X2.  I grew up in Tacoma and
Highlander grew up somewhere in Great Britian.  I guess your
Johnson was pulling your leg. ]<<<<< 
        -- Nightstalker <12:23:57/05-04-54>

>>>>>[Zero, lad, I don't know what party you were looking in on, but
it wasn't ours: the second thing the ladies did after they got there
was close the curtains (the first thing was to scan for bugs).  They
didn't want to take a chance of 'Stalker and myself having a remote
camera aimed at the window. About the only thing you would have seen
was myself dashing through that door, trying to escape once the gig
was up.  Try again, laddie.]<<<<< 
        -- Highlander (11:50:32/5-4-54)

>>>>>[  Just what the hell did you mean when you said "Employer" at
the warehouse???  I thought we were doing this independantly and
making money by selling off incidental acuisitons.  I mean I trust
you but this is awful big to keep from us this long! ]<<<<<
           -- Big Jake <15:03:02/05-04-54>

>>>>>[  Well, they've agreed to forward part of the payment, the
rest when Fung is neutralized so I guess it's safe to debrief now. 
I've kept them informed about who else has become involved, and all
of you will be receiving some payment in the next few weeks.

A year ago, I was contacted by representatives of Akaru
International (whose HQ is in NY) and told that they had a long
term assignment for me.  Before they would discuss anything, they
made me sign a contract stating that I would not disclose the
mission to anybody until the job was all but finished.  Well, after
I signed they went on to tell me that they found evidence of a long
standing conspiracy centering around the MagnaTech corporation, one
that could spell disaster for Akaru International.  They also
mentioned that they believed that DDI was also involved.  The
datafiles they gave me were vague, but there was no doubt that
something was going on that involved several corps and possibly the
government too.  I found that they were right.   You saw the
results.  Yesterday, Akaru contacted me and said that it looked
like the conspiracy was broken.  Quention apparently dead, Trevor
left without an economic base and slightly discreditied, Tirandor
left to the whims of Zurich Orbital, and Lincoln Howe long dead. 
Fung was the only loose end since he had the knowledge to recreate
the genetic engineering projects.  I have no doubt that D. will
take care of him.  Once he is out of the picture, Akaru will foward
payment to all involved.  Akaru is quite a humanitarian, few people
would lay out that much money to counter a threat that was not
directly aimed at him.  I suspect that he had the backing of some
other corps, probably Trump.  The two have a strange
relationship... ]<<<<< 
           -- Dark Elf <15:18:41/05-04-54>

>>>>>[  So you're saying that we've been on a job for the past
year!!! At least it wasn't another Atlanta! ]<<<<<
           -- OddBall <15:19:35/05-04-54>

>>>>>[  No wonder my contacts over at Akaru said "Oh, so I guess
you're on the MagnaTech case too..."  I had simply assumed that
your pursual of Magna was simply known among corp circles!  When I
joined the team I had no idea that we were in mid-run! ]<<<<<
           -- Napalm <15:21:38/05-04-54>

>>>>>[  Aw heck! Ah really don't care.  We got ta serve a little
justice, that's all tha matters ta me.  If someone is willin' ta
pay fer it too, all the better in my book!  So what's the next job
Pardners! ]<<<<< 
           -- Cowboy <15:23:11/05-04-54>

>>>>>[  So what happened to Kat ? ]<<<<<
           -- Big Jake <15:23:46/05-04-54>

>>>>>[ We parted company.  She's got her own place now.  I told her
she was welcome back if she ever got over her little revenge
fixation.  She said she'd think about it.  That woman has some
serious problems to work out. 

D. , just get that bastard Fung! ]<<<<<
           -- Dark Elf <15:25:51/05-04-54>

>>>>>[ What the frag!!!  Someone left a note here on my desk.  It
reads "The dragon passes unseen into the night..." and it's signed
"TDH".  I don't know if Tommy left it here before we went to the
warehouse, knowing that he wouldn't be coming back, or if he
survived somehow and left it here afterwards to tell us he's still
alive.  I guess only time will tell. ]<<<<< 
           -- Dark Elf <15:29:53/05-04-54>

>>>>>[  Just like that VatJob to keep us in suspense!  There's no
chance going back to search for bodies now that the Yakuza and
Metro police have both had a chance to comb the place.  We'll
probably never know... ]<<<<< 
           -- Big Jake <15:31:54/05-04-54>

>>>>( Nexus:  Hey there you load of plastique.  How's it?  I am sorry
I didn't get a chance to drop you a line earlier.  Ya know how it
goes :). Oh yea, just wanted to let ya know that, oops, hold on...
***** Encrypt care of The Ripper there that is better, the Huntsman
are going to have that mad scientist soon, VERY soon.  We got a lead
on him today.  In fact it was one of the boys that tiped us to him.
Ya remember Gino?  Yea, he is still in town.  Well, I got to go.  See
ya when the drek hits the fan.  Out. )<<<<
        --D.B. <13:43:10 MST><05/04/54>

>>>>>[ Dark Elf, your one sly bastard.  You've been on a run this
entire time. No wonder you weren't to worried about grabbing extra
cash.  So tell me, just How much Akaru is paying you for this (round
figures will do).  Sorry about Kat. She's a good decker and a pretty
lady, but I guess she needs a little time to realize that her being
fired was nothing personal.  Now I just wish Tommy would bother to
show up and tell us he's alive and Quention's dead. ]<<<<<
        -- Nightstalker <13:48:35/05-04-54>

>>>>>['X2, I take it you weren't around for the '54 Crash.  MONICA
happened to my C2 deck. My damned EXPENSIVE C2 deck.  Fortunately,
Uncles Charlie and Sam paid for the repairs, thanks to a little
creative decking. Highlander did some great work, especially for the
reality filter and null-stamp software. 

BTW, you asked about my encryption awhile back. I don't know if my
colleagues told you, but it's not actually military. I took the best
code from two different UCAS government encryption keys and spliced
them together, and added my own modifications. And I've just recently
re-written it using the self-replicating structure of the GNU
software that came out of the Crash. Royalties to Yoshida tech
appended regularly. :) What that means is that if you succeed in
cracking my code, whatever you did to do that won't work a second
time. Natch.]<<<<< 
        -- Raven <Quoth the Raven/Nevermore!>

>>>>>[You're welcome lassie: I'm glad I could be of help.  It was
good to be working with something so cutting edge again.  And it's
also nice to hear a friendly female voice, as well.  Some lassies
have no sense of humor....]<<<<< 
        -- Highlander (16:12:10/5-4-54)

>>>>>[ I just *knew* I could catch you off with that one (*grin*), I
was not even on at that time, I programmed my van's autopilot
computer to place that one, while I was away on a run.  ]<<<<<
        -CoHort <18:13:00/05-04-54>

>>>>>[ Actually, a freind of mine has a copy of the FIRST script
wherein Marvin the Martian was cast, he was called CX2 in a later
production not involved with the original Warner Communications
cartoon staff.  If I remember correctly, it was something the Turner
communications co. did when they bought off the rights.  And yes, I
remember StarBlazers.  But, have YOU ever seen MegaZone 23? ]<<<<<
        -CoHort <18:17:34/05-04-54>

>>>>>[ Gee, Raven, you must've only seen the Americanized versions of
it all, then, should you put all of it down like that.  I suppose you
have never seen Galactic Express 999?  That usually had good story
lines ]<<<<< 
        -CoHort <18:20:34/05-04-54>

>>>>>[Well, Cerise just gave me a good reason to be glad I'm
leaving. Cerise, just shove it. If you feel like attacking me, do it
any way you enjoy most. You can even bother with my quickening if you
feel like being that bothersome, since you seem to be in that sort of
mood. This endless parade of 'oh, you have that? well I have this'
parade is sickening. Tailor some spell for me if you wish. Probably
wouldn't work anyway. But just get it over with! Is everyone who
dislikes vampires just talk? It would fit this node. As for replies,
Cerise, or whoever is in a bitchy mood, I'm no longer keeping track
of this node, so you'll have to figure something else out.]<<<<<
        -Morrison<Blood/is life>

>>>>>[Nope, Robotech, Star Blazers, Voltron, Gundam, and Bubble Gum
Crisis were about it. I'm not big on anime. I actually prefer Byron
and Shelley and Lewis Carroll. And, of course, Poe.  They had
something to say.]<<<<< 
        -- Raven <Quoth the Raven/Nevermore!>

***** GNUEncrypt.Snark.0997
>>>>>[Crew, I'm already on my way to Denver, ETA 23.0334 minutes.
See you soon.]<<<<<
        -- Raven <Quoth the Raven/Nevermore!>

>>>>>[  Sorry to have been away for so long, weddings take a lot of
work. It's hard to believe that I am getting married to the big lug
on friday. Well the actually ceremony will be at three, but I would
like all the guests to start showing up around 12 or 1.  The wedding
will be nice but informal, though I ask that you please dress
nicely.  There will be socializing before the cerimony so that people
can get to know each other. 

For those of you in the wedding (Jaez, Highlander, Raven, Nexus,
Norm and everyone from the group) I ask that you be there before 11
so that we can go over what you will need to do.  It won't really
be much so don't worry yourself Nex.

After the cerimony will be the reception with a fine meal, dancing,
and of course the throwing of the Buequet and the corsete.  CRUSH
will be making sure that NO ONE will miss out on their chance to be
the next possible married person.  No one will be exempt either,
except those that are already married. 

If any of you want ot bring gifts for either of us, they will be
glady accepted but are not needed.  If you want, you may bring a
special dish or beverage for he reception.  Also, I do believe that
there are more than a few of you out there with a talent in music,
if you want to help entertain during the reception or before the
ceremony, you will be very welcomed,  though I ask that you refrain
from anything loud and heavy before the blessed event. 

For those that have miss placed it the wedding will be at

---Encrpyt Prismatic Protection of Ali-Gator - Friends.use MPCP only

There will also be a bridal shower held by Jaez and a bachelor party
held by Steel Slinger on Thursday.  Do not worry about hangovers -
Nightfox has been asked to take care of those who are still
indisposed after the late night by use of a detox spell.  Everyone
here on the list that is basically on good terms witht the rest of
the members is welcome (you are the ones to whom the location was
sent, I do not believe I left out anyone) 

Joseph, we all hope that you will be in attendance with Norm. 
Though we do not trust the Dragon Tirandor we do trust you and hope
that you will be able to make this event.

Dark Elf and Company - I hope that you all will be able to come from
NY to make the wedding.]<<<<<
        -- Spirit < to be Married in 3 days!!!>

***** Encrypt Dancing Bears 
>>>>>[ Herr DOOM Ah believe that you shall have no shortage of
dancing parteners at the wedding as Kichanski, Sheena, Spirit and
Maself all have laid claim to atleast one dance with you.  Ah do hope
that you will bring your wife also and Ah hope that she will be able
to make the Bridal Shower.

We all are looking forward ta seeing ya again.]<<<<<
        -- Circuit Breaker < loves to waltz >

>>>>>[ Hi all.  Just so you know I will be going on tour a little
more than a week after the wedding.  Spirit and CRUSH will have
ample time for their honeymoon before heading off on tour with me. 
After some discusion I will have Bloodrun as my opening act along
with a few appearances by Buzz and Nexus, who all voluntiered to
join me on my first tour.  Roxy and Slash, you two are also invited
to come along if you would like. 

The tour is called _Into the Holocaust_ and will feature songs from
my hit album _Shadows on a Deserted Street_  along with special new
songs inspired by the CRASH of 54, Omega Island Rebellion and the
Concert for a Free Omega. Tour info can be gotten from  Ltg 555-3869
for those who are interested. 

We will all be gone well into late July and after we plan on taking a
vacation to some remote place to recuperate.  So do not expect word
from us until atleast late August.]<<<<<
        -- Sheena <22:02:03/05-04-54>

>>>>>[Wait a sec. He'll see you on Friday? Rowr, Cat! =} ]<<<<<
        -- Raven <Quoth the Raven/Nevermore!>

>>>>>[Jeez-o-drekkin' pete! Listening to you people, one would think
we were engaged or something! Melys tane'calon, Ellen!]<<<<z
        -- Cat Dancing <22:27:52/05-04-54>

***** GNUEncrypt.SNARK.0997
>>>>>[Marie, you have been hiding in your shell ever since Nina was
killed. The only time you come alive is on a run. Now, five years is
too goddamn long to mourn ANYONE. Throw this yokel over your saddle
and take off for a week or two. It'll take me that long to get the
decrypting done anyway. 

Maybe I should arrange for Cerise and Circuit Breaker and the others
to drag you off to another night on the town. A few days with them
and maybe you'll remember how to have a good time.]<<<<<
        -- Raven <22:36:04/05-04-54>

>>>>>[Actually, we would appreciate touring with you, Sheena.  Roxey
has never been out of Seattle and would like to see some of the "real
world."  And I believe that we can be of assistance in the security
department along with all the rest of the crew.  You know, I think
you will most likely be the best protected celeb ever, what with all
the talent coming along.  And I would very much like to work on any
pyrotechnics and similar goodies with CRUSH.]<<<<<
        Slash(23:01:11/05-04-54)

>>>>>[CoHort,Ah'd be interested in seeing a copy of that script. What
is MegaZone 23? Who/When/Where? Have you ever seen Akira? Maybe we
ought to have an animation viewing party.]<<<<<
        --Commander X2 <09:40:27 MST/ 5-5-54>

>>>>>[Raven, sorry but Ah wasn't around for MONICA.  Ah was strictly
small node at that time.  What kind of capacity does a C2 deck have?
That was one impressive pice of work you did on the encrypt.
Unfortunately for your encrypt, Ah worked a year in the military
decryption department. Picked up some fun toys.  Still, with that
mutation factor, Ah'd rather not have to depend solely upon mah
decription abilities.  Ah have a friend who'd like to talk to you.
His name is Lt. Col Jeff Whitt, he works for UCAS NSA.  His number is
LTG 3396-MIL.  He's a real nice guy.]<<<<< 
        --Commander X2 <No Sig/ Today>

>>>>>[Konnichi wa, Shadowfolks. We are still alive, but just barely.
After arriving the other day we took to exploring in pairs Jester and
Moon Dancer, and Nagami and myself. This place is a maze to rival any
computer generated monstrosity. Nagami and I found an object, a
talisman neccessary to perform the banishment ritual. As soon as he
picked it up we were pounced on by dragonians, Nagami called them. As
I understand it these are dragon spirits manifested in the same
manner as flesh form insect spirits.  And are we talking tough,
Nagami and I were in combat for over a hour before finally taking
them down. Slashed and tired we returned to camp to find Jester and
Moon Dancer passed out from exhaustion.]<<<<<
        -- Feral <13:48:45/05-05-54>

>>>>>[I have never cast so many spells or fought so hard astrally as
I did against these "dragonians". Moon Dancer and I were searching
through what appeared to be a temple when the floor gave way and we
found ourselves spining down a slide to an unknown fate.  Not liking
the helpless feeling of falling I activated a levitation spell to
control my descent as did Moon Dancer. At the bottom of the pit was a
sea of snakes and other vile reptiles. There was an exit from there
up about 3 meters or so above the slithering mass.  Before we left I
gave all the creatures on top a bulbous red clown nose. While
exploring on our way up we ran into several of these dragonians, we
would attack both astrally and physically. I was most greatful for my
katana (power/ weapon focus), most expensive but most useful. Just
when we though we were in the clear two forms of dragonian we hadn't
seen before jumped us. My sword was knocked clear from my grasp so I
resorted to my most powerful manablast. I stunned the creature long
enough to escape its grasp, but not long enough to get the sword.
Moon was slinging mana left and right at it to much the same effect
as I had. Then he grabbed a bar of metal from a bag at his side, when
the creature was struck it let out such a horrible scream, you would
have thought Moon Dancer was vivisecting the dragonian. The one on me
looked towards his fellow just long enough for me to grab the sword.
With one powerhouse swing I watched the sword penetrate its flesh
like a hot knife through butter. Time slowed as I watched the
dragonian's torso split and fall to the ground. A more human scream
drew my attention from the bloody mess to Moon. The creature had
driven its taloned claw up into Moon Dancers chest from his gut. I
let loose with a mana blast beyond my normal level and see Moon
unleash his power at the same time, the dragonians head actually
exploded from the power released into its body. I brought Moon Dancer
back to the camp and cast a healing spell over him. That was the end
of my energy reserves and my next recollection was Moon Dancer trying
to get me awake and drink a nasty protein concotion.]<<<<<
        -- Jester <14:10:30/05-05-54>

>>>>>[Back at last. Sorry I took so long to respond to reports of
Legion's disappearance, but as soon as I heard I went out and did
some astral searching.  I think I may have found him.

It's hard to tell, because his auara is different. Where before he
read as a mundane samurai, I am now seeing a very faint trace of
magical ability around him. He's delirious. I watched him for 4
hours, seeing him go in and out of lucidity. I contemplated
manifesting to communicate with him, but I decided that in his
condition such an act could snap him. I returned to my body for a
breath of fresh air, but when I went looking again he was nowhere
in the vicinity. I've been sending out Watchers to find him; some
have been successful,others have not-but he seems to be heading out
past Redmond, maybe even making a move for the wilderness. I know
Legion is strong, but in this state I have to wonder how long he'll
last in Redmond.

BTW, everyone, I have to apologize for my lack of activity. I was
called on special duty to Texas. It seems that a radical offshoot
of the Universal Brotherhood was stockpiling munitions at a
chapterhouse. We sent the BATF in to confiscate the weapons but
they were outgunned, so they called in us Feds to talk them out. It
didn't work. Apparently, Shadowrunners infiltrated either our side
or theirs and touched off a series of explosions that destroyed the
entire chapterhouse.]<<<<< 
     -- Cooper <12:32:12/5-5-54>

>>>>>[  In all the recent confusion I almost forgot about the
wedding! Yes, the team will be there.  Unfortunately, we still
haven't found out for sure if Tommy Harada is alive so I can't
answer your question Nightstalker. I have the expresso machine that
Jaez redirected to Omega Island last month, and despite all the
action, it's still in perfect condition.  I think it will make a
wonderful wedding gift don't you Jaez ;-> ]<<<<< 
          -- Dark Elf <16:20:19/05-05-54>

>>>>>[ Don't worry, the rest of us are working on gifts too.  How
about a custom made DE/Jake/Oddball/Napalm/Cowboy home
entertainment/security system? The best in trid, audio, and urban
defense all in one package?  Well, at least you won't have to worry
about the neighbor's dog dumping on your lawn, but you might not
like the craters!  Actually I'm joking.  We'll come up with
something tasteful, really! ]<<<<< 
           -- Big Jake <16:24:37/05-05-54>

>>>>>[  So DE, are you going to boost us another set of sub-orbital
tickets or am I going to have to drive to Seattle? ]<<<<<
           -- OddBall <16:25:44/05-05-54>

>>>>>[  No need this time, we're flying legit this time.  Well,
assumed names and adresses only!  I'm paying. ]<<<<<
           -- Dark Elf <16:26:57/05-05-54>

>>>>>[ Heh. I guess you can afford it now... ]<<<<<
           -- Napalm <16:27:40/05-05-54>

>>>>>[ No comment ]<<<<<
           -- Dark Elf <16:28:09/05-05-54>

>>>>>[  Just tell us next time you line up a job for us! ]<<<<<
           -- Big Jake <16:28:47/05-05-54>

>>>>>[  C'mon now Jake, this was much more fun. ]<<<<<
           -- Dark Elf <16:29:23/05-05-54>

>>>>>[ Okay, okay, I admit that Angel and I were only trying to trip
you up into thinking we had pictures of the party.  To tell the
truth, I have no idea what any of you except Nightstalker look like,
although I sure wish I had a better idea of Raven... But
Nightstalker, I _do_ know where you live; a certain decker friend of
mine traced you down...]<<<<< 
        -- Zero [Total?Try/Less Than]

>>>>>[ And it sure as hell wasn't me! ]<<<<<
        -- Steel Stringer <that's STRINGER/not SLINGER>

>>>>>[ I'll vouch for him.  My friend's name is Shade, although
since he's male, it seems it's a different Shade than hangs around
here.  But here's the tough part; I wanted to give those pictures
to CRUSH at the party; now I don't know where to get a present for
the groom.]<<<<< 
        -- Zero [less than/nothing]

>>>>>[ Well, folks, looks like the party's all ready to go.  Be
lookin' forward to those of you who are attending; if ya wanna come
along, just say so!  I've only got one question: What in tarnation
is a vindaloo?]<<<<< 
        -- Steel Stringer <YEEEE/HAAAA!>
 
***** Encrypt Gamma-9 Modified Cypher v4.9 
>>>>>[ To Doom, Nightstalker, Wolf 359, Ramirez, Feral, Brightlight,
Scythe, et al.  I received an unmarked box of certified credsticks
from Mr. Akaru today, and each stick has one of your names on it.  I
haven't inquired or looked at the amounts allocated to each stick,
just the one marked for me.  The rest of my team already has their
payment, and they were quite pleased.  I'll be bringing the sticks to
the wedding friday, and I will distribute them to each of you
personally and discreetly as possible.  I trust Akaru, but I'd still
get the nuyen laundered before using any, just to be sure.  Don't
worry, I have a hunch that after paying the launderer's cut, you'll
still have quite a substantial amount.  To give you an idea, just
look at the new suits the team and I will be wearing at the wedding,
well, Jake and Cowboy refuse to wear suits and ties, but that's their
thing.  At least I convinced Jake not to wear fatigues, and Cowboy
promised to polish his boots.  Anyway, I digress. Although you didn't
know that you were doing a job for him, Mr. Akaru would like to
extend his gratitude to all of you, and has offered to give you any
help possible should you find yourselves in too deep.

He mentioned that he'd like me to do another mission for him, I still
haven't given him an answer.  I wouldn't want anyone to think I was
his employee or something!  Have a good one, see you all on friday.

Oh and by the way, he mentioned that he'd like to contact Mr.
Yoshida about some business proposition...I wonder what it could
be...]<<<<< 
            -- Dark Elf <16:43:29/05-05-54>

>>>>>[ Well, folks, just got back from the dry cleaners, and my
suit'll be ready in time for the wedding.  As I'm holding the
bachelor party, I'm assuming I'm invited to the main event.  I'll be
bringing Dancer with me and we've got a simple but traditional
presnt; I'll wait until the reception so you can figure it out.  A
hint:  It don't help with shadowrunning, but does help with domestic
tranquility.  And hey, Raven, Zero'll be there too so if ya want
someone to hit him, I'll point him out to you. ]<<<<<
        -- Steel Stringer <Life is/a Western>

>>>>>[ By the way, once again, the bachelor party is at Cashmere's
downtown, upstairs; there'll be plenty on food, tex-mex, haitian and
chinese, plus Allan from the Big Rhino's there for y'all orks and
trolls with BIG appetites.  So come on down and stop in; we got lots
o fun for all you hombres and amigos.]<<<<<
        -- Steel Stringer <Riding and/Ropin'>

>>>>>[ I'll be there, count on it. ]<<<<<
        -- Dirty Angel <Got it/sliding slid?>

>>>>>[ Y'all still having trouble with your time/date stamp? ]<<<<<
        -- Steel Stringer <Easy as ropin'/and ridin'>

>>>>>[ Frack off, Stringer! ]<<<<<
        -- Dirty Angel <oh no/not ag***** LINK TERMINATED

>>>>>[ You wouldn't tell those people who I am, now, would
you?]<<<<< 
        -- Zero [Less Than/Nothing]

>>>>>[ After the way you came in and demanded I help y'all find
Nightstalker's corral, yes. ]<<<<<
        -- Steel Stringer <Tar and feather/'im, boys!>

>>>>>[ Hey, Dark Elf, you wouldn't happen to know if Akuna needs a
good rigger on an out-of-town mission Friday, would you?? ]<<<<<
        -- Zero [Less Than/Nothing]

>>>>>[ Oh!  I think I hurt Morrison's feelings.  I'm so sorry.
NOT!!!!  Now even though Morrison won't be monotoring this node
anymore (sounds like I chased the little bully away) I must say that
I never personally threatened you.  I merely decided that it was
about time someone explained the simple facts of magic to you.  I
remember you saying you were a new follower of Snake, so furthering
your education is the job of magicians everywhere.  And Morrison, I
didn't say I don't like vampires.  I said I don't like YOU!  Ariel,
Action Jackson and just about every other vampire on the net are just
fine.  Your a pathetic example of ex-humanity.  ]<<<<<
        -- Cerise <15:43:43/05-05-54>

>>>>>[ Bubblegum Crisis!  My favorite.  That and AD Police files.
Leon is a total stud. ]<<<<<
        -- Nightstalker <Knights Saber/Go!>
 
***** Encrypt: Beta Sigma Epsilon  
>>>>>[ Awesome, Dark Elf!  I though I was going to have to do with
the funds I snatched from Omega.  They barely covered all my
expenses.  It's a damn shame what happened to Tommy, but at least he
got Quention.  See you and the rest of Delta Epsilon (Hey, you got a
group name!) at the wedding. ]<<<<<
        -- Nightstalker <16:03:37/05-05-54>

>>>>>[ A stinkin' trap.  We walked into a trap, dumb as could be.
And thanks to it, Scrape and Scythe are dead. ]<<<<<
        -- Neil <16:57:23/05-05-54>

>>>>>[ What do you mean?  Please elaborate, we like soap
opera.]<<<<< 
        -- Catch-22 (The Most Powerful Mage In The World)
                        <16:59:21/05-05-54> 

>>>>>[ I'll get this one for the detail-impaired. ]<<<<<
        -- Swipe <No time/no date>

>FILE INCLUDE: TRANSCRIPT 020554/1121
We'd just recieved orders from a Mr. Johnson to meet us at Run-run's
to discuss business.  It seemed that an old enemy of a certain
corporation was holed up in extraterritorial waters and they wanted a
deniable team to go in and do some damage to Mr. X.  The amount of
money, half in advance, was enough to make us think twice about
turning this sucker down, especially after our last run against Ares.
        
Paradise, the team's fixer, gave us as much info as he could, and to
him, it seemed clean.  In and out, plenty of whiz-bang and flash, and
no more Mr. X to plague the corp.  It wasn't keeping to the shadows,
but with Neil and Scythe along, it'd sure be a short fight.
        
We shuttled out to their location in an unmarked speedboat, under the
cover of night.  Neil said something about going fishing, and Zee
told Neil to shut up.  Neil picked up Zee and dunked him into the
waters headfirst; when he pulled him out, it was obvious our rigger
wasn't too happy.  What we didn't know is that he'd lost his link to
the drones he was having follow us but didn't consider it a big
problem as of yet. 
        
Reaching the target, we found it was a big oil rig left over from
last century.  Neil and Scythe started up the ladders, while Zee
fiddled with his control deck.  I offered to help him, but he
shrugged me off, saying I didn't understand about drones.
        
Well, we all got onto the rig with no breach of security.  Scrape
used his particular talents and moved off into the darkness, while
Neil unpacked his weapons; Vindicator with dlx gyros and apds ammo so
conveniently provided by Mr. Johnson.  Scythe had his weapons, but
was taking his time in making sure the grenade launcher was set.
Finally, they aanounced they were ready.
        
Scrape still hadn't come back yet.  Damn, at times like this I really
wish we had astral reconnaisance; as it was, we didn't even have a
mage with us.  Not like it really mattered.
        
We set off into the darkness, keeping hidden until we could find
Scrape.  Neil said something about not wanting to catch him in the
crossfire; damned considerate of Neil.  'Course, we've been on his
case a lot about that. Zee was trailing behind, still fiddling with
his control deck.  I decided to keep him company; I guess that's
what saved us. 
         
Well, a quick room-to-room showed that the place was deserted
belowdecks, but we hadn't checked above yet.  Still no sign of
Scrape, and I was getting worried.  My twin brother may have been a
loner, but he'd have checked back by now.  Zee and I hung back, Zee
was finally realizing that the dunking he'd received by Neil had
damaged his internal radio, and he wasn't getting any response from
the drones.  So I decided to patch into the control deck, using my
deck as an interface. 
        
We stayed in one room while the rest of them went on ahead.  At this
point, I'll let Neil tell you what happened.

/Neil:
We shoulda stayed put, is all I can say.  Scrape never came back and
me and Scythe were getting ancy about it.  We shoulda run into
something by now, yet the whole place was deserted.
        
Ormon, our backup, thought he heard something upstairs, so we headed
upstairs to figure it out.  We emerged in the center of the rig's
deck, and Scythe was the first to notice that all the oil drillin'
stuff was gone. Then they hit us with the lights.

Curse me, Ormon was the only one with flare comp, but even he
couldn't see what was goin' on.  All we could see was a man's
outline in the glare. Then I recognized his voice: Talbot, the head
corp we shoulda geeked from Ares! The whole thing was a set-up to
make sure we didn't talk about what we saw at Ares.  Talbot spoke:
        
"Our congratulations, alley-rats, for managing to escape us once.  It
won't happen again.  Our pets found your friend running around
downstairs, and we invited him to join us.  He didn't take the
invitation well, I'm afraid."  Here, I saw something big tossed
towards us, landing at my feet. It was Scrape's body, minus the head.
It looked like it had been chewed off by teeth harder than steel.  I
retched onto the corpse.  Scythe was only starting to get his
bearing, but uttered a simple, "Oh, shit."
        
I knew what was coming for us.  In our earlier run against Ares, we'd
run across these wierd kind of insect fleshforms, bigger than any
flesh form had a right to be, and with nasty abilities too.  Teeth
harder than steel, with an extra set of telescoping jaws.  No eyes,
but big, huge head.  Zee once said he saw something similar on an old
flat he'd seen back in college.
         
Talbot continued.  "Knowing how familiar you are with the
Xenomorphs, I took the liberty of inviting them to this little
party of ours.  Ever since you killed their friend, their queen's
been most anxious to pay you back for that little disservice."  I
saw the shadows shifting against the bright lights.  I knew what
they were.  We were about to die. 
        
"Now, my friends, it is time to bid you adieu, I have to make sure we
get back that money we loaned you to make this run."  If there's
anything I hate, it's a welcher.  I turned to the sound of his voice,
and his feet, black-patent on metal grate, and swung the Vindicator
around.  Half blind, I shouted, "Here's something to remember us by,
mate!"  And cut loose with the minigun.

/Swipe:
Once we heard the report of the minigun, we knew that the party had
started.  We held back, knowing that we'd just get in the way, but
somehow I knew that Scrape, mama's other little Kyvek boy, wouldn't
be coming home for Thanksgiving dinner this year, or any other.
         
In fact, when I saw the Xenos charge up those stairs, I knew I
wouldn't be going home for Christmas again, either.
         
But thankfully, they were ignoring us.  Either they knew we were
trapped, and could get us later at their leisure, or they didn't know
we were there.  Considering we were both in deep trance, trying to
fix Zee's two drones, it may have been the latter.
        
Then I noticed that the drones weren't answering my radio signals,
either.

/Neil:
I kept firing and firing and there were more and more of them. I
noticed that the apds wasn't doing squat to them so I asked Ormon for
the belt of explosive out of my pack, where he could reach.  He
grabbed it, but a xeno took the opportunity to skrag Ormon, and the
impact managed to knock me off my feet.
        
You ever try regaining your feet while dodging teeth and claws? You
ever do this in a full gyro-mount and vindicator rig, knowing that if
you ruin the gun, it could mean your death?  It ain't easy, lobber. I
was finding new gods to pray to when I finally got to my feet.  20
yards from Ormon and the explosive rounds.
         
Scythe was the next to fall, eaten away by the acid blood of these
things.  It left only me upstairs, in an ever shrinking circle of
xenos. It looked like the time had come for me to punch out.

/Swipe:
I knew they were jamming us, but from where?  Jacking out, I took a
quick peek out the corridor and found it to be clear.  I sneaked
around and took a side passage, where I found, of all things,
Talbot's bullet-riddled body at the bottom of a stair.  I could
recognize the apds rounds that Neil had been loaded with.  His death
did not move me at all so I searched him for keys.  At that time, I
noticed a swelling in his abdomen area, and he suddenly burst open,
and a three-foot long lizard thing jumped out of him, all pink and
bloody.  It saw me, how I have no idea. 
        
I jumped aside as it leapt, its teeth gnashing, outstretched for my
throat.  I pulled out my Roomsweeper and fired, but the thing didn't
feel it.  It decided to aim at my groin, and I backed away, only to
stumble and fall over Talbot's corpse.  The thing was on me in an
instant, and only by placing the Roomsweeper between me and it did I
manage to keep it from chewing my face.
        
But the little lizard was ferocious, and this close, I could smell
its hot breath on me.  I pushed and pushed, but realized that it was
too strong; it would win through sheer tenacity.  I knew it was
hungry, it must feed! or die in the attempt.  I felt its claws
finally ripping my armor J off of me, and the next rake would take my
intestines... 
        
... When Zee managed to put an explosive bullet through its little
head, knocking it off of me.
         
I got up cautiously, checking for abrasions.  I looked at Zee; he had
a pair of keys in one hand, obviously from Talbot.  "You could have
killed me!" I exclaimed.
        
"You complaining?" he drawled.

/Neil:
The circle of Xenos was getting smaller and smaller; rather to say,
they were getting more numerous while my chances of escape dwindled
down to zero.  The apds I had did some damage to them but not as much
as the explosive rounds would.  There was only one chance left, and I
took it. 
        
They'd managed to clear the oil drilling pipe away from the main
deck, but they'd left the derrick and cable there.  I jumped for it,
using all my strength to ignore the gyro-mount.  If I lost the gun
now, there was no escape.  But the harness was becoming a bigger and
bigger burden.  As I climbed up the cable, I saw the xenos starting
up after me, and worse, climbing the crane arm to meet me at the top.
But I noticed something the rest of the Xenos didn't: Zee and Swipe
were edging into the main control building, behind the Xenos.
        
Whatever they were up to, I hoped they'd do it quickly.  The xenos on
the main deck were having problems crawling up the thin cable, but
those on the derrick would reach the top soon.

/Swipe:
After we'd gotten into the tower, we crept up a flight of stairs and
found the control suite to the place, guarded by two corp types who
looked bored with the whole situation.  I snuck behind one and
pointed my Room- sweeper into hi shead, while Zee covered the other.
"Don't move, Chummer," I said in my most menacing voice.  The corper
got scared, and said, "It's all Talbot's fault, please don't kill
me."  The sounds from across the room told me that Zee had managed to
make a similar impression.  I growled, "Where's the jamming
controls?"  The corper waved his hands incoherently and stammered,
"They're not here.  Talbot made sure we couldn't warn you off."
        
That was Talbot for you; bright but paranoid.  If we couldn't turn
off the jamming then we were all hosed.  Then I had an idea.
        
Zee was closer to the window; I had him yell at Neil.  It told the
xenos where we were but with any luck that wouldn't be a factor soon.
Then Zee made sure his drones were ready.

/Neil:
When Zee first yelled to me I thought, "What does he want with an
antenna?"  Then I heard him the second time.  The control and radio
antennas were on the top of the control tower; I could barely see
them in the night sky.  I pulled out Scythe's grenade launcher, and
pulled the trigger. At that time I was praying to the Force, anyway.
        
Only a Jedi could have made the shot, yet make it I did.  The
explosion ripped apart the communications suite on top and
illuminated the rest of us nicely.  They were at the top of the
derrick and I knew that thye'd start cutting the rope soon.  That's
when I heard them. 
        
Two drones, helis by their look, came whizzing across the deck,
letting loose with twin machine-gun fire and rockets, blasting into
the xenos on deck, who milled about in confusion.  Even those who had
climbed to the top of the derrick seemed to be confused about
something.  Whatever it was, they weren't paying attention to me, so
I quickly slid down the metal cable and reached the remains of Ormon,
the explosive belt still gripped in his hands.
        
I grabbed it, and quckly switched belts.  I was right --- the
explosive bullets ripped right through them, leaving a clear path to
the edge of the oil rig.  No duumy I, I charged the railing, shedding
the harness as I did so.  I blasted a few others out of my way and
jumped down, into the waters of the ocean more than 200' below me.

/Swipe:
After Zee got the drones working, we started in on the Xenos.  Zee
led the way down the stairs while I kept the two sararimen in
line.  Neither were armed, so I didn't have too bad a problem with
them.  Which was good; my clothes were in tatters and my armor J
was a thing of the past. 
        
We crept back down under deck, but the xenos seemed to have their
hands full with Neil and the minigun.  On the bottom level, we
faintly heard Neil's "GERONIMOOOOOOOOOOOO!" and then a splash.  We
knew the xenos were after us. But it wasn't until we got to the
ladder that we finally saw one. 
        
Zee went down first, and then the two corps, while I kept lookout. As
the woman corper went down, I felt hot breath on the back of my neck,
and the hissing of a xeno.  I turned to see the ugliest, nasties xeno
I've ever seen, and it seemed to smile at me.  At that time, I could
do nothing but soil my underwear.  It looked behind it, and it seemed
satisfied that it had this kill all to itself.
        
I was gibbering on the edge of insanity.  I pulled the Roomsweeper up
and pulled the trigger, but round after round did nothing but scratch
the thing's chitin.  It seemed to smile, and then I heard a peculiar
sound, sort of a rasp and a barking choke.  It was laughing at me.
        
So amused in its absolute power over me, it felt it had the time to
play with me.  First it picked me up and slammed me into the
bulkhead. Then it batted me aside; I went sprawling.  I knew my arm
was broken. It lumbered after me, and picked me up with one hand.  I
looked at it, it at me.  Then something strange happened.
         
It seemed as if the world -shifted-, and I was looking through a
kaleidoscopic image of the world.  The xeno had a sickly gray cast to
it, with some ugly reds and yellows superimposed.  I'd heard Scrape
talk about the auras of things; was I seeing its Aura?  I wasn't a
mage!  I'd decided to become a decker back in college, while Scrape
developed his physical adept powers on the track-n-field team.  But I
was looking at this thing in this sort of pinkish light, and I knew
it had to be destroyed.
 
The pain in my arm seemed to subside, and I found myself
concentrating on the thing's aura.  My mind seemed to race back to
when I was dating this really hot mage; she had this killer
hellblast spell which I got to asking her about once.  She tried to
explain it to me but I couldn't understand her at the time.  Now,
with perfect clarity, I could recall her words perfectly.  It
wasn't a sort of conscious thought; I just put my will behind it,
and suddenly, the creature I'd been looking at so strangely ...
wasn't there. 
         
My vision had returned to normal, and the pain in my arm was even
greater than before.  I limped over to the manhole, pausing to look
at the smoking ruin that had been my nemesis.  I was sure that my
brother's spirit was with me; otherwise, I'd be dead right now.  I
heard explosions; the whole place seemed to be falling apart as the
ground lurched under me and I fell

/Zee:
I'd just managed to load the two corps into the boat when Neil came
swimming up to us.  Grinning, he was still holding his prized
vindicator above water.  I didn't give him any flack about it, seeing
what we'd just gone through, I knew the vindicator would come in
handy in shaking off any pursuit.  I guess Talbot was going to use
the boat to go back to the mainland, that's why it was still here.
        
Switching over to Drone Alpha, I saw that the Xenos were milling
about confused, so I let them have some rockets to chew on.  Now,
drones was never my best things to use but rockets are so easy to aim
it's pitiful.  On the field of my perception, Neil was yelling
something about Swipe, but that couldn't be helped.  I saw quite a
few xenos leap into the salt water only to start dying; we'd seen
before that salt water was one of the few things that could affect
them.  So I switched to Drone Beta and gave them the last of Beta's
ripples.  The deck was awash in fire now, and it'd be a short time
before things went all to hell. 
        
Then the world exploded.
        
I had just switched to Drone Alpha and that was the only thing that
kept me alive.  The entire deck seemed to lift as a majorly huge
fireblast came from belowdecks.  I checked the deck; the fire was
close to the fuel tanks but there wasn't anything belowdecks to cause
that big an explosion!  Neil was yelling something so I told Alpha to
follow us.  Beta'd been destroyed in the blast.
        
I switched back to the boat in time to see Swipe's limp form fall out
of the manhole, bounce twice off the ladder, and hurtle towards the
boat!  Only by some miracle did Neil manage to catch Swipe, and Neil
put Swipe's battered form down gently, amazed, as I was, to see that
he was still breathing.
        
"Zee," Neil started, "get to work on him."  Neil took the controls
and started us towards home.  Pursuit was minimal, handled easily by
Alpha, and we limped back to Seattle.

>END FILE INCLUDE

>>>>>[ As you can tell, chummers, I'm fine, but I still grieve over
my brother's loss, and Scythe was a damn fine Ronin.  It'll be many
moons before I'm up and about; I hadda really argue with the docs to
make sure they didn't amputate my arm.  Spirit & CRUSH:  Sorry I
couldn't make it to the wedding, my congratulations, I'll send Neil
over instead.]<<<<< 
        -- Swipe <what now?>

>>>>>[ Ha ha, very funny CoHort. ]<<<<<
        -- uplink <19:01:02/05-05-54>

>>>>>[ BTW, Nightstalker and all, it seems that all your favorite
anime comes from before the turn of the century.  It's generally
agreed that the later stuff was of overall better quality, both
animation and storywise, than the stuff that came before it.  If you
need samples, I've got copies of Cat 7717, Deamu Otaku, Wild Dreams,
and the ever-hilarious Wookoo Shore, although why they like to parody
old American TV shows is beyond me.  The new stuff that comes out,
like Frog Pond, I Like Ice Cream, and Ninja Bear are really corporate
tripe and old shows hashed over and over.  Frog Pond is just a
different version of Deamu Otaku, although Deamu had less nudity and
more story. But I guess that's what the fans like nowadays. ]<<<<<
        -- uplink <19:07:32/05-05-54>
         
***** Encrypt:  Smoke of Orodruin 
>>>>>[ Dark Elf, mein Freund, vielen Dank fuer das Geld...aber es ist
nicht-- pardon...  I extend my appreciation to you and your employer
for their choice to recompense myself and the other participants for
our involvement, 'tis a most honorable thing to do.  I must state,
however, that any such compensation is wholy unnecessary, but
nevertheless I thank you for it. ]<<<<<
                -- Doctor Doom <22:11:25/5-MAY-54>

>>>>>[ Speaking of money, I wonder if the Imperials have yet asked
the ol' lizard about the reward. ]<<<<<
                -- Sonic Boom <22:11:40/05-05-54>

>>>>>[ I dunno...I think he'll be plenty mad when they do,
though.]<<<<< 
                -- Hangtime <22:11:57/05-05-54>

>>>>>[ Further, I wish to make it clear I possess every intention of
fulfilling my promises regarding dancing...although I must confess I
an unable to fathom the rather peculiar demand regarding it.  Perhaps
I shall have to break down and actually generate a social calendar,
as loathe as I am to do so. ]<<<<< 
                -- Doctor Doom <22:12:13/05-MAY-54>

>>>>>[ From the sound of it, sounds like D.E. and his team have got
new threads.  What'll you be wearing, Doctor? ]<<<<<
                -- Jack Hack <22:12:29/05-05-54>

>>>>>[ My dress uniform, naturally, complete with all orders,
medals, and decorations.  After all, I deemed it appropriate to
wear a MY wedding. ]<<<<< 
                -- Doctor Doom <22:12:42/05-MAY-54>

>>>>>[ Probably with a conspicuously new medal, eh?  Something along
the lines of South Caribbean Service or Omega Island Campaign? ]<<<<<
                -- Jack Hack <22:12:57/05-05-54>

>>>>>[ Quite possibly.  One final note before I depart:  There shall
be a very important announcement delivered towards the end of this
week, one that deals with events hearkening back to the Matrix War of
2054 with MONICA. ]<<<<< 
                -- Doctor Doom <22:13:13/05-MAY-54>

>>>>>[ I wonder what that's for. ]<<<<<
                -- Sonic Boom <22:14:00/05-05-54>

>>>>>[ I dunno.  HEY, speaking of Matrix War, has ANYONE seen DOA
recently?  Or Brandywine, for that matter?  I'd be a shame for them
not to come to the wedding. ]<<<<<
                -- Hangtime <22:14:10/05-05-54>

>>>>>[Cooper, are you certain that Legion was giving off a magical
aura? I know he has some high quality cyberware; we both got it in
the Rangers. But if he's awakening to magic, how is that going to
affect his mental state? He's a pretty stable guy, but I don't know
about this.]<<<<< 
        -- Prophet <06:45:45 / 05-06-54>

>>>>>[HA! You guys'll never guess what I found in Bunker's Humvee! A
fraggin 8-track stereo! <chortle!> That thing is ancient! And nothin'
but *old* country & western tapes, to boot! Hey, Jaez, do you know
who George Jones is? I've never heard of the guy!]<<<<<
        -- Chains <06:49:55 / 05-06-54>

>>>>>[Stay the Hell out of my truck, slint-head! If I ever find you
doing anything in there, I'll have your head for a hood
ornament.]<<<<< 
        -- Bunker <06:51:22 / 05-06-54>

>>>>>[Oooh, threats from the big-guy...]<<<<<
        -- Chains <06:52:33 / 05-06-54>

>>>>>[Shut up and keep looking for Legion, you guys. From what
Cooper said, he could be in alot of trouble if we don't find him
soon. If he is getting magical powers, he's not going to know
what's real and what's not. So get back out there and keep
looking.]<<<<< 
        -- Nitro <06:55:42 / 05-06-54>

>>>>>[OK, I've got something down on the south end of Redmond.  I'll
check it out. The Ragman says he might be holed up in a park down
there.]<<<<< 
        -- Chains <06:58:22 / 05-06-54>

>>>>>[I talked to some streeters in the Crimson Crush, and they said
that they'd keep an eye open for Legion. They still owe me a couple
favors from when I... never mind...]<<<<<
        -- Bunker <15:04:11 / 05-06-54>

>>>>>[Good idea, Bunk-meister. I sold some 'services' to the
Ancients, so they're spreading out to the south of Redmond looking
for the Man. The Ragman says he's still moving south, so thats
where we're going.]<<<<< 
        -- Chains <15:20:02 / 05-06-54>

>>>>>[Hey guys, I think he's already in Auburn. Watch out for those
Lone Star patrols down there. I saw him kind of stumbling along and
when I got close to him something forced my astral self away. I think
a Totem is trying to assert itself into Legion's 'self'. I'm no
Shaman, but I think Legion is on his way to becoming one. I hope he
comes through all this alright.]<<<<< 
        -- Nitro <15:22:54 / 05-06-54>

>>>>>[On the move.]<<<<<
        -- Bunker <15:23:10 / 05-06-54>

>>>>>[Ditto.]<<<<<
        -- Chains <15:23:20 / 05-06-54>

>>>>>[Prophet, Nitro, and everyone else: I would like to clarify what
I saw when I assensed Legion. He was not being driven mad, he ws
merely seeing and feeling differently, in a new state, I imagine as
his totem and the "Spirit of the Land" spoke to him. I'm told it can
be quite unnerving for those unprepared for the experience. Being a
Hermetic, I can't say I'm all that familiar with the incorporation of
a totem into one's self, but I concur that it is certainly one of the
possibilities. 

I have a word of warning, however: If Legion wanders near a habited
area, I fear that in his state he may be taken as a threat and dealt
with accordingly.I've put my Lonestar and FBI contacts on alert, and
should anything erupt, I will certainly be on the scene.
     
As it is now, a friend of mine is gathering coffee beans for some
sort of ritual. I can only pray that it works. Cooper Out.]<<<<<
     -- Cooper <11:20:32/5-6-54>

>>>>>[PERFECTION NEVER DIES.  FUCHI BEWARE!!!]<<<<<
        -- *no ID provided* <13:40:45 / 05-06-54>

>>>>>[  Ah, back in Seattle again!  This is the second trip in the
past 7 or 8 months.....Well last time it was to help prevent the
"Crash of '54", but this time it has little to do with
business...Its a wedding! ]<<<<< 
           -- Dark Elf <14:00:12/05-06-54>

>>>>>[  Yeah, you get to hang in your old house again and trabel
around town under your old assumed name.  I guess it's just
nostalgia day for you chummer! Heh!  After all that reminiscing you
did last week, you should call up your old pals and see if they can
hang out tonight.  Just tell Grimjaw and Ripcord not to mention
Atlanta again! ]<<<<< 
           -- Big Jake <14:02:39/05-06-54>

>>>>>[  Don't bother chummer, we've been wondering when you'd show
up in town again! ]<<<<<
           -- Whip <14:03:35/05-06-54>

>>>>>[  Whip! You old dog!  Tell the others Dante's tonight.  You
remember what happened the first time we went to Dante's together
right? ]<<<<< 
           -- Dark Elf <14:07:04/05-06-54>

>>>>>[  How could I forget, Ripcord tried to kill our contact and
then attacked the biggest bouncer in the fragging place!  They
wouldn't let any of us back in for months, even though we tried to
stop him!  Some Orks never learn! ]<<<<< 
           -- Dark Elf <14:09:36/05-06-54>

>>>>>[ Hey I heard that ya lug!  Good ta hear your back in Seattle
DE, it'll be just like old times again. ]<<<<<
           -- Ripcord <14:15:04/05-06-54>

>>>>>[  I hope not!  you almost got us arrested too many times! 
Well, I've heard from the rigger and the sam, where's Grimjaw, your
freindly nighborhood Troll Physad, and where's Alexis and
Zulu?]<<<<< 
            -- Dark Elf <14:20:11/05-06-54>

>>>>>[  Well Alexis left town a few months ago and hasn't been seen
since. Zulu got into some serious trouble around the same time, and
he's still on the run from Mitsushama.  Grimjaw?  I think he's eating
or something.  Knowing him, he'll show up at my place after he's done
feasting... ]<<<<< 
           -- Whip <14:23:44/05-06-54>

>>>>>[  Well, at least most of the old team is around.  You guys met
Jake and OddBall back in Atlanta, but I've got some new additions to
the team.  We have a Fire Adept / Social Butterfly named Napalm and a
Samurai named Cowboy (trust me, the name says it all).  We've been
busy lately, but we've got plenty of time on our hands.  We're in
town for a friend's wedding, but we have the night free.  So it's the
new team and the old team at Dante's tonight!  I hope they put extra
bouncers on duty or there won't be much of a club left! ]<<<<<
           -- Dark Elf <14:27:28/05-06-54>

>>>>>[  Deal, I'll tell Grimjaw to stop practicing his katas and
come out and play!  Hopefully Ripcord will try to behave this
time.]<<<<< 
           -- Whip <14:28:59/05-06-54>

>>>>>[ Social butterfly????  I resent that DE!!!  I consider myself
an extrovert and an information hound!  I don't call you names
because you raid every node on the matrix when you want to know
something.  I have only the social graces to rely on for
information! ]<<<<< 
           -- Napalm <14:32:46/05-06-54>

>>>>>[ Hey, how else would you describe yourself! ]<<<<<
           -- Dark Elf <14:33:23/05-06-54>

>>>>>[ Well, Fire Adept / Social Butterfly ?? I see your point, if
the shoe fits...  that doesn't mean I have to like it!  Social
Butterflying is an honorable second profession!  It's a real shame
to see it used to poke fun at myself!  Aw hell, this argument is
silly!  People will start to think my name is OddBall if I keep
this up! ]<<<<< 
           -- Napalm <14:36:56/05-06-54>

>>>>>[  Hey I heard that... All I've got to say is(P%&@*) &@{(*$YR
"IL$U{OR@*($ HEY STOP THAT*(&$^*&%&$**&*((((** 
******************************************
*CUT IT OUT, WE'VE WASTED ENOUGH BANDWIDTH ON POINTLESS ARGUMENTS
ALREADY --DE** *************** ]<<<<<<
           -- OddBall <ShutUp_Virus1.0 courtesy of Dark Elf>

>>>>>[ And that ends that. ]<<<<<
           -- Dark Elf <GROW UP/ALREADY!!>

>>>>>[ X2, I'd be glad to host one, on my boss's yacht, even (she
won't mind).  MegaZone 23 is the late 1980's Japanese interpretation
of "cyberpunk" mixed in with a bit of old fashioned "Giant Robot"
fascination that the japanese animators had during that period.  It's
real interesting, got a copy of it right here beside me.  If anyone
else wants to peruse my Anime collection, just let me know ... and
consider yourselves invited to the fest on the yacht. ]<<<<<
        -CoHort <13:06:34/05-06-54>

>>>>>[ And uplink, you really don't know who's on the line if you
don't get up close and personal about it. ]<<<<<
        -CoHort <13:07:23/05-06-54>

>>>>>[ CRUSH find hard believe CRUSH get married tomorrow.  CRUSH
wonder hoe life be different after marriage.  CRUSH and Spirit go out
long time now - almost like married.  CRUSH just wonder what
marriage be like.]<<<<< 
        -- CRUSH <16:20:26/05-06-54>

>>>>>[ Well don't expect to many wonderful home cooked meals - The
only thing Spirit can cook is optical chips!! ]<<<<<
        -- Lister <16:38:22/05-06-54>

>>>>>[ Your a good one to talk love, the only thing you ever make is
lager in a glass - and that is very infrequent - it takes to much
work!!]<<<<< 
        -- Kichanski <16:38:36/05-06-54>

>>>>>[ Have I ever denied it love??]<<<<<
        -- Lister <16:38:49/05-06-54>

>>>>>[ NO you haven't]<<<<<
        -- Kichanski <16:30:01/05-06-54>

>>>>>[ Hey here's an old line for you all

Hey Elf!!!   Don't forget the beer!!
it's from that old X-men comic]<<<<<
        -- Lister <16:39:17/05-06-54>

***** Lister, you should know that I do not drink beer *****
        -- Nightfox < does not understand the reference >

>>>>>[ I didn't think you would understand it, but a man can
hope!!]<<<<< 
        -- Lister <16:39:30/05-06-54>

***** Nexus and my other elven brothers and sisters, I will be
bringing the Tamerolin again.  I will endevore not to get
intoxicated this time.  I just don't seem to hold spirits that
well***** 
        -- Nightfox < Hates being 'drunk'>

>>>>>[It's her!  It's her, the demon bitch is back!  I don't care
what you all think of me, I'm telling you, MONICA is somehow back!
"Perfection never dies"?  "Fuchi beware"?  Attacking the president of
her founding company, and a good friend of one of her chief
tormentors?  The lassie's being more subtle, I tell you, but it's
her!   Oh my God, what if she has somehow taken control of an
android project?  She could affect the real world!  Maybe Trevor
saved a copy of her, or something, I don't know! I know I'm going
to get slammed, but I don't care.  Take cover!]<<<<< 
        -- Highlander (17:30:43/5-6-54)

>>>>>[ Hmm, X2, howzabout we 'uns all meet up at the batchelor party
or the wedding proper?  It would be a great way for me to meet all
y'all ennywho...  I'll be the one in the nifty black van, with the
high vantage for the driver.  You will know it when you see it, as I
think that it's the only one still alive in the area of it's
kind.]<<<<< 
        -CoHort <18:56:00/05-06-54>

>>>>>[ Dawggone it, we had such a good time, I can't even tell ya how
good it was.  Aw man, just the best plum dandy time one could ever
have and the car.  Lord have mercy, if there's ever a party to equal
this one, I don't wanna know about it. ]<<<<<
        -- Steel Stringer <Bushwhacked and/Bobtailed>

>>>>>[Chains, I just picked something off of one of the FBI
sidebands. Legion was spotted down on the south-side of Auburn.  I'm
rollin'.]<<<<< 
        -- Bunker <11:51:21 / 05-07-54>

>>>>>[Pick me up at the Bunker when you blow by, muchacho.]<<<<<
        -- Prophet <11:52:55 / 05-07-54>

>>>>>[YO! One of the Ancients' couriers just told me they spotted
the main man down on the white river heading east. I'm movin!]<<<<<
        -- Chains <11:55:22 / 05-07-54>

>>>>>[MONICA?  You've got to be kidding, Highlander!  She's gone.
Dead. Finis.]<<<<<
        --  Ramirez <>

>>>>>[Spirit, Crush, sorry but I'm not going to make it to your
wedding.  My gift to you should arrive with Commander X2.

We've been keeping ourselves occupied.  After being snached back
from the jaws of death by Jester, and some rest, we pressed on. 
Still hurting from my chest wound, I wasn't really paying good
attention to where we were going until Jester stopped suddenly.  We
were just outside a clearing, if you could call it that.  In the
clearing, weere several of those Draconians hissing, chittering,
well, whatever lizards do to talk to each other.  I was wondering
where Feral and Nagami had gotten off to when my comlink hissed in
my ear, "<SSST> Three...Two...One! <SSKRT>" And a Draconian burst
apart on the far side of the clearing. As the Draconians all turned
away from us Jester said to me, "I love a predictable target," and
let loose a mana bolt into the nearest Draconian's back.  As it
went sprawling into its buddies I figured I shoud do likewise and
arked a Spark into one of the lizards that looked at its downed
comrade. After Nagami and Feral entered the clearing from the other
side spewing death, and Jester and I cooking lizards on our side,
the Draconians fled, or at least tried to.  Feral didn't give them
much of a chance. Well, Nagami wants to press on.  We'll keep you
posted.]<<<<< 
        --Moon Dancer <03:15:30 AST/ 5-7-54>

>>>>>[Hey there Nex:  this firebird you gave me is eating me out of
house and home.  But it is really funny and hard not to laugh when
the firebird(now called Rex) cozies up to Max in his pheonix form.
Rex must think Max is his mommy. It's SOOOO cute!  Man, you shoud see
the dirty looks I get from Max these days.  Geesh.  But it is doing
quite well.  Looks like I'm going to have to move to a bigger
apartment or build an aviary on the roof of this one.  But you
should see it fly into the fireball spells that I make for it.  Man,
you see a fireball go off on an abandoned rooftop and a BIG bird
flying into the bonfire that remains and you are looking at one
really happy fire adept and firebird.  Thanks a lot Nex.  I owe you
one big time.]<<<<< 
        Foxey Roxey(12:35:34/05-07-54)

>>>>>[As for collecting what I owe you...]<<<<<
        Foxey Roxey(12:36:04/05-07-54)

>>>>>[ CoHort, that was some party that Steel Stringer threw.  Ah'm
afraid to admit it but Ah had a little too much to drink last night
and can't remember what we decided concerning the Animation Party.
When and where?  Boy, wish Moon Dancer was here with his Detox spell,
mah head is killin me.  Ah'll see y'all at the weddin'.]<<<<<
        --Commander X2 <10:45:34 MST/ 5-7-54>

>>>>>[I just scammed this off of the INN network:

*** SEATTLE (INN) --  Little information is available in the
kidnappy and execution of Fuchi Vice-President Thomas Clawson. 
According to police reports, several black-clad persons  snatched
Clawson this morning as he was walking from his car to his office. 
The assailants then entered an black, unmarked helicopter and took
off before any assistance could be provided.

Two hours later, Clawson's body was located in an abandoned
warehouse in North Seattle.  He was shackled to the wall, bady
beaten, and apparently died of a single bullet wound to the head.

Clawson, the head of Fuchi's matrix project, leaves behind a wife
and three daughters.

More news as it becomes available.

Dawn Throener, INN, Seattle.***

Shit!]<<<<<
        --  Wolf 359 <12:38:20 / 05-07-54>

>>>>>[ The guys who nabbed that now ex-Fuchi VP, sound like the guys
who nabbed Joseph Yoshedia.  I wonder if anybody assenced the
abductors when they grabbed Thomas Clawson.  Somebody ought to tell
Mr. Yoshedia that those guys may be back.]<<<<<
        --Punjabi <11:45:43 MST/ 5-7-54>

>>>>>[Well, according to the message that was posted yesterday from
the unknown ID, it did warn Fuchi to beware, so we have to assume
there is some connection.

The problem is, we don't have any leads on WHO THE HELL these people
are.]<<<<<
        --  Ramirez <>

>>>>>[ Well here is the trid-picture of the wedding grounds at 11:00.
It was taken on scutter 1 ( a drone of mine) and set on auto down
load.  Meaning that while this is being sent, I will be in a wedding.

***** file down load  Spirit's wedding
View -
The sun sits about almost at mid day, probably around 11am.  The
prepartions look like they are done.  The area is a large grassy
field in the middle of the forest.  Near the center of the field is
a large arch covered in a rainbow of colors.  A sound system and
microphone rest 4 meters away.  Farther away from the arch are
seven large tables, a few of them with food stuffs like drinks and
crackers.  Scattered around are white benches of varying sizes for
tired guests to sit on.  In the air are the noticable shimmerings
of the occasional elemental.  Beyond this is a large grove of trees
hiding a small collection of biuldings for restrooms and kitchens. 
There are a few people wandering around making last minute
adjustments. 

In a far corner of the field, atop a large rock rests a large
rainbow colored lump.  Upon closer look one would notice the
tell-tail form of a rather small dragon covered by shimmering
feathers.  To the other end a small dirt road extends to a parking
lot already filling with the vehicles of the people attending the
wedding. 
***** End sequence
Hope you like the picture]<<<<<
        -- Lister <14:14:21/05-07-54>

>>>>>[Damn you would think that a mage like me could just go to
London, do the job and get the NuYen and split. Hell No, that Lord
Protector's office has been cracking down hard recently. I had a
friend who fried a guy got caught, haven't heard from him in a long
while.]<<<<< 
                  --Moonscyer <12:40:20/05-07-54>

>>>>>[Nex, darlin'... ;)  I heard my name popped up while you were
having fun runnin' off at the mouth and I figured I'd let ya know
that I haven't dropped off the face of the earth quite yet. :)
Actually, I saw your post (courtesy of Scythe...what a dear) and
yeah, that was definitely one *hell* of a run to say the least -
something I won't soon forget.  I just hope no more ancestral spirit
types decide to pop in for a visit....once was quite enough - for a
while I thought they were gonna have to take us all to the funny farm
*groan*.  Hey, you'd better keep in touch chummer - I think you still
owe me a drink from that run and I intend to collect ;)  Oh, and tell
Holly I said hello...and Buzz (I assume you're still buggin' him to
no end...good job, keep it up!)  Alrightie hon, I've gotta ditch -
places to go, things to do, people to see....give me a holler and
we'll go for that drink, so ka?  One more thing...*snicker* umm..
Master Yoda sends his regards and can't wait to see you again
*snicker* *grin*.  Catch ya later!]<<<<<
                -- Darkstar <14:03:25/05-07-54>

>>>>>[ Hope you don't mind Nexus.  I saw Dark's name and just had to
let her in.  We've known each other for a while now, and she's told
me quite a bit about that scenario.

For everyone else who cares, I'm going off on a research run with my
group that will probably take the next couple months.  I won't be
totally unreachable; if you really need my help in something, give me
a call, and I will do my best to disentangle myself and help you out.
I'm sure Glitter and Sparkle won't mind the excercise.

Till we speak again... ]<<<<<
                -- Scythe <14:11:32/05-07-54>

>>>>>[ What's this, then, some rogue AI?  I thought AIs couldn't
exist here. *Sigh* Well, someone's going to have to look into this.
Might as well be me. ]<<<<<
        -- Shadowknight