>>>>>[Oh mon cheri, you are so wonderful. I think I'm still seeing
stars . . . An experience of an amazingly magical quality.
FraterNay, I . . . . Well, what I mean to say is . . . . Actually,
I . . . . Basicly my point is . . . . . . . Whats the use-- you
know how I feel about you -- no poet so fair of word could put in
mere words that which I feel for you. When we get back I have a
special gift for you . . . and a question. 

YYYYIIIIIIIPPPPPPPPPPEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!. . . . . Alright, I'm
calm now. 

I'm  all ready to go back to work. On the job, ever-vigilant. All
necessary arrangements have been made. Everybody, pack it up and
lets move ass! 

***MilhausOnly*** 
Milhaus, it was WILD, It was Fantastique, It was-- how shall  I put
this most politely . . . a truly amazing olympic gold medal class bit
of "acrobatics".  You were right, it was worth waiting for. I owe it
all to you. You're advice did it. Trust me, I'll give you full
credit. No need to thank me, it was all your doing-- I shall praise
your name forever, and to everyone, ole buddy, ole pal o'
mine.***.]<<<<<
   -- KHANx (17:00:04/8.7.54)

>>>>>[***SILVERTUX*** 
One of the trucks stops at Rager's Megaclub at 22:30:00 everyday, so
try there.  I'll be checking stuff out in different places.***]<<<<<
  -- Sun (17:00:08/8.7.54)

>>>>>[Flitter', the party was fantastic. Thank you very much for the
invitation and evening. Don't mention the flowers, a bit of
fast-talking on a shadow scientist chummer of mine produced the
flowers quite rapidly. 

Thanks for the notes Red. Nothing new from anybody else yet.  Couch,
what have you got on the ambush tape?]<<<<<
   -- NightShade (17:09:45/7 AUG 54)

*****ENCRYPT:KHANx-ONLY***** 
>>>>>[KHANx, I am afraid I have a confession to make that may hurt
your feelings a bit.  When I told you I was tense, and you started
massaging my neck, I began to relax more than you know.  Then you
began to become....  a little more....  amourous.  I saw that puppy
dog look in your eyes and thought, Oh No.  But I didn't want to hurt
your feelings.  You were being so kind and gentle.  I must admit, my
curiosity was peaked, but I just couldn't.  That's when I touched you
upon the forehead, and placed the experience of our joining in your
mind.  You then fell into a sleep which lasted about two hours.

It was, my dear friend, just as you said, "An experience of amazing
MAGICAL QUALITY".  Somehow my heart wouldn't let me just say no and
hurt you, so I chose to implant the experience in your thoughts.

I DID NOT however, expect you to broadcast what you beleived to have
happened to everyone.  I am disappointed in you for that action.
That is why I am telling you this.  I thought you would be much more
of a gentleman than you have turned out to be.

Yes, I am a tease and sometimes go to far.  Forgive me for that.  I
had tried to give you hints about myself, my sexuality, but your
mind chose not to accept them.  Why is it that you think Millhaus,
Kendra and I know so much of each other?  We are all creatures of
the same making my dear. I somehow thought that, underneath all the
verbal foreplay, you knew that, you knew my sexual preference. 
Forgive me for not simply stating it outright.  I just consider it
to be so unimportant, it is a subject I rarely find reason to
broach. 

I am quite willing to keep this our little secret, my dear KHANx.  I
wish not to in any way embarrass you.  Please forgive me.

I must say that I have been with a couple of men in long in the
past, and had since know that was not what I wanted.  You however,
dear KHANx, stirred a feeling in me I had never before
experienced.  It just wasn't enough to bring me to act upon it.  If
ever I do cross that fence dear KHANx, I would certainly want it to
be into your pasture.]<<<<< 
        --  FraterNay <20:36:59/07 Aug 54>

>>>>>[Alright everyone, it's almost time to leave.  Millhaus has
everything packed.  Is everyone else ready?  Get your stuff together
all, we're heading out shortly.  KHANx, why are you moving so slowly?
You haven't even finished packing all your stuff yet.  We have to
leave in fifteen minutes. Bunker, Prophet, you ready? Great.  Looks
like Nitro and Legion are set. Will someone unplug Kendra from the
simsense deck? God Millhaus, what did you do to him last night?
Let's Move!]<<<<< 
        --  FraterNay <20:45:00/07 Aug 54>

>>>>>[Yes, everyone, time to go. I've got the tix. You all have your
passports, right? If not, they're still on the dining room table.
I've unplugged Kendra. Sister dear, I didn't do anything to him he
didn't want done. I AM a gentleman, remember.  KHANx, why do you look
so green? Next stop, Scotland.]<<<<<
        -- Millhaus <20:57:17/07-Aug-54>

>>>>>[***FraterNayMagick*** 
I'm sorry 'bout broadcasting the event, FraterNay, but you see it was
partly your fault. You made the experience so vibrantly real, so
vivid that I was in total shock.  Even now I am vibrating from the
memory. Which brings up a dilemna -- to me the Event happened -- I
mean it really HAPPENED. The image is so clear that my mind can't
accept the fact that it didn't (this does not mean I don't believe
you, its just that my mind and my heart are not agreeing on a
fundament al point of reality). I'm sorry that things turned out this
way. I'm 'fraid my brain was, yet again, two steps beyond my heat. I
knew that you had specific preferences, but my heart wouldn't let me
believe. The dress you wore when we talked, the merry time we had at
the bar pushed me further into my illusional belief. I had not really
talked to anyone that candidly since The Countess died on the 'run I
told you about. What to do now, go on, I s'ppose. What is between us
is between us. Whatever else, our relationship was more than physical
to me -- the other aspects can be just as important. As of now, I
will at'll times respect the boundaries of our friendship. If. .
.when. . .you feel the need or want of a different kind of company .
. . I'll be waiting. Remember that I love you.***

A'right. I'm packing as fast as I can.]<<<<<
    -- 19:28:41/8.7.54
    
*****ENCRYPT:KHANxAlone***** 
>>>>>[Don't forget KHANx, that I had to create those images in my
mind as well.  I must have been well inspired by you to create such a
vivid memory, which stays with me as well.  We, my dear, "will always
have Paris".]<<<<<
        --  FraterNay <21:43:23/07 Aug 54>

>>>>>[***FraterNay*** 
"We'll always have Paris" ------ Funny, it felt more like Rio De
Janiero to me !!!!]<<<<<
    -- KHANx (20:00:04/8.7.54)

>>>>>[ENCRYPT:**Personal:Mercer** 
Welcome aboard osn, I'm flying from Portland to Sacremento right
night, been busy as a router lately. Let me explain to you a little
something about Zeta Enterprises. We don't run on a 9 to 5 clock,
especially not on our projects. I expect you to me working on
Opticlash 24 hours a day in the place where it most concerns me- in
your head. You need to finish some business? Let one of the boys
handle it, or get somebody else to do it, I want Opticlash released
by New Years and I don't want you to be distracted.  HHow much are
they offering you? I'll over you double.

Okay, come over to my office, call Diane for directions, We'll pick
out your car, drive over to the research lab, you can meet the rest
of the team, and then we'll fit you for equipment. I want you to have
a top of the line setup so you can always get to your work.

Now, I wouldn't lay out this great expense to make you punch the
clock for 40 hours a week. No I'm paying you for results. So.
Monday: I'll get you set up, you'll meet the team, and I'll tell
you about the project.]<<<<< 
        -- D. Henry <03:00:00/8-7-54>

>>>>>[ Whaddaya mean we ain't goin' to Hawaii?!?! Scotland?! I don't
wanna go to Scotland! I still owe a certain Scotsman a night of
drinkin' and I was planning on renegin' on that debt the rest of my
life! Hey, get away from me with that Narcojet, Prophet! I ain't
goin'! I won't! {phutt} {thud} . . . {timeout} ]<<<<<
        --  Bunker <21:52:32/8-07-54>

>>>>>[Fenris, sorry I didn't make it to the party, but I had to lay
low to keep from getting astrally traced by the buggies.  I have set
up a medicing lodge on the outskirts of Seattle, Salish land really.
But if you would rather go down my doss in Old Taos that shouldn't be
a problem. Let me know.

On a different note, I am looking for someone who can supply me with
another set of mirrorshades, preferably Toshibas.  They need Flash
compensation, and preferably a HUD that can be hooked into my pocket
secretary or portable telecom.  Let me know.]<<<<<
        --Journey <07:53.05/08.08.54>

>>>>>[Hey Journey, I know someone who's trying to unload his latest
shipment. They're going for about 100nuyen. It's a steal but he's got
to unload them fast. Tell me what style and I'll see what he's
got.]<<<<< 
                -- Red <11:52:42/08-08-54>

*****ENCRYPT:@D.Henry#1@ 
>>>>>[Called up Diane and got directions today. I must admit that
she's a charming lady... Anyway, I have one quick question for you:
what is the basic concept of this game? I know that it will involve
both deckers and vehicles (riggers?), but other than that, I know
little. If you can clue me in on what you're thinking, I can get my
thought processes aimed in the right direction. And just how secret
is this project? Also, where is the first arena going to be?]<<<<<
        -- Mercer [54:10:98|78-32-65]

*****ENCRYPT:Foci>Flyers1***** 
>>>>>[O.K. everyone Now that we've landed in Gatwick (that's England
Bunker) we have to get ready for our trip through customs.  The plan
goes as follows:

Bunker, Prophet, Kendra, KHANx: The four of you have to carry the
"specially wrapped items".  These item must be carried by non mages.
Be on the alert at all times.  FraterNay and Ragman will be in front
of you four, Millhaus, Legion and Nitro behind.

Ragman: You and I will lead the party. The mages will have to carry
the rest of the gear.  Carry what you can and I'll do the same.

Millhaus, Legion and Nitro: Fall in behind Bunker, Prophet, Kendra
and KHANx.  Carry only non magickal items.

ALL MAGES: Don't assense, enter astral, or do anything unless a
problem arises.  Carry No magick items and cool the glow.

ALL: As long as customs doesn't open any of our "special packages",
there should be no problem getting through (provided of course, this
christmas wrap is still effective, we'll know when we pick up our
bags).  Remember, we are all just tourist on a trip to Scottland to
visit the castles of the Ould Isle and Loch Ness.  Some of you are
even hoping to see "Nessy". 

And remember: If you someone presents themself to you as a Druid,
THEY ARE LYING! Amelia has made all arrangements with them.  If
this happens, simply state that "Kerowyn expects me and I am to
speak with him only" and keep moving.

After We get through customs (no matter how it happens), in case we
become seperated, we next have to meet our private "puddle jump"
flight at gate 7F at Gatwick within 45 minutes of our landing.  Our
contact/pilot's name is Erin O'Brien, the password he expects to
hear is "Hello Redstone".  He will wait to depart for no more than
two hours after our initial contact. Don't let anyone go off alone
in case something happens. 

Stay Alert,
Here we go.]<<<<<
        --  FraterNay <14:07:47/08 Aug 54, UCAS time>

>>>>>[Check FraterNay,  I just don't know why WE have to be the ones
carrying this stuff *grumble*.  I've only been here once before, was
carrying nothing to worry about, and wasn't too happy with the
reception received then!  KHANx, Bunker, Prophet try to surround me
PLEASE!.  Christ, I forgot, it's a little after midnight tomorrow
here!]<<<<< 
        --  Kendra <00:15:23/09-08-54>

***** Encrypt: ##FociCrew##
>>>>>[You do not know me and I have little reason contact (much less
assist) beings of your ilk, but I have had a premonition and since
have had no rest.  I hope to free myself of this unquiet, and so, I
give this message:

To the one called 'FraterNay,' FEAR the highland country, for on
that horizon there is a fell and cancered blemish o'er your way and
walking path.  And to those who walk with this 'gifted' being,
tread lightly, lest you wake the stones beneath your feet and so
feel as your own their sad catharsis.

I wish you neither well or strange misfortune (as my reasons for
this effort, as I said, they serve myself alone).  Nuohgah K'thaluh
Karra-t'thoo! ]<<<<<
    --  Deep One <%%:##:@@|!!:**:??>

>>>>>[ENCRYPT:****MERCER #@%!**** 
I'm glad to see that you're already enthusiastic about the game, I
own a huge commerical warehouse district (almost 8 square miles) That
I want to turn into an airfield/arena. The designs we have so far
allow for robot control of Ares Dragon model (and larger) choppers
that are mounted with .50 caliber guns. However, all of the
computerized systems are highly attackable, so we designed defense
pods and a main computer console and whole arena is wired up as a big
fiberoptic maze. So two beautiful choppers are plaing cat and mouse
trying to knock out each other's bases, while decker jocks try to
navigate the maze and knock each other's bases in the matrix-arena.
Lots of crazy timing, tricky stradegy, and yet the object is simple,
fight and fight.

What we don't have yet is workable rules, we don't have a game
design. We have an arena design which is very spare on details, and
we have a good deisgn for chopper and matrix jocks. Although the
chopper control could use a little work, it lacks a good way to
quickly change the robot's program without having to take manual
control. It takes a genius designer to make this not only work, but
to be gleeming with fun and betable excitement. And it has to be
done by New Years. 

Secrets? Hell, I don't want detail leaking until we're ready to
patten to game. I'm in business to make =Y= you know.

It'll be a little more clear when you meet the team, and see what
we've done so far. See you tommorow.]<<<<<
        -- D. Henry <04:00:00/8-8-54>

>>>>>[According to the Xanadu Legends, drinking properly of the goods
offered therein would make you immortal.  The personage that you are
reading of/hearing of may very well .be. the same one who spoke to
the poet.  Think about it.]<<<<<
        -- The (Dead) Wyrm Ouroboros/Kappa (23:00:00/8-8-54)

*****ENCRYPT: @D.Henry#1@ 
>>>>>[Message received and acknowledged.  Sorry I can't write more,
but I'm running out of time. I'll be there at 9:00 A.M. tomorrow.]
        -- Mercer [54:34:90|75-90-45]

>>>>>>[Sorry I took so long, Sierra, but some suits almost caught up
with me, so I had to lay low for a little while.  I guess I won't be
hanging around Memphis anymore... Oh well.  I'm safe now, and likely
to stay that way.  How are things on the paying end of the matrix?
Got anything in there worth looking at? *Chuckle*  not like you'd
tell me.  But anyway, you ask how things are out here... They're OK
for me, though I wouldn't say the same for some of my buddies.  Being
a mage tends to keep you alive (until it burns you out).  There's no
way I would switch with ya, though. I need my luxury too much to take
corp pay.]<<<<<< 
        --The Madman(22:24:43/08-08-54)

>>>>>[OH, SHIT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!]<<<<<
        --  FraterNay <19:46:07/08 Aug 54, UCAS>

>>>>>[Sorry to hear you've been having trouble down south, cutie.
(Well, you've *got* to be cute with a name like Armand!)  Things are
actually pretty cool here; lotsa high-end sensastuff, personality
profiles-- heck, if some of this stuff were smarter, we'd have
invented AIs.  Not much of street value, though.  We'll be open for
business in just a few days, and I'd be happy to supply an address if
you want to drop by. 

So, yer a mage, huh?  Brutal.  What's it feel like to do magic,
anyway? I've always wondered...

Luxury, hmm?  Well, I think I live pretty luxuriously on what I get.
Maybe you mean freedom.  Or maybe you don't.  (There's a lot more
money to be had the easy way.  The hard part is keeping it.)  Still,
to each his own. 

Hey, if any of you guys out there have good sensory recordings--
visuals, audio, heck, even Matrix runs, file off the serial numbers
if you like-- I'd be real grateful.  (Anything for the game DBs.) 
Might even make it worth your while; make me an offer.]<<<<<
        --  SierraFL < 22:54:35 / 2054 Aug 08 >

>>>>>[Just got back from the Barrens, not a great place to go alone.
Met up with the gang I used to run with and tried using a few favors.
Got nothing, but did notice a bunch of tails on my way to to the
'monger. Didn't recognize the colors, it's been a long time since my
gang years. Anyway the 'monger knows about a lot of different horn
foci. Gave me a list, I'll send it to you and you can pick your
favorite one. The ride home was lot's of fun too. Had to dodge
bullets all the way through the barrens then the fraggin Lone Stars
stop me twice and play 1000 questions. Always there when you don't
need them. So tell me which horns sounds right and I'll see what he
knows. Got to go now, have to explain where I was all night.
Bodyguard hates when I'm out of sight for more than an hour.]<<<<<
                -- Red <04:30:45/09-08-54>

>>>>>>[Here's a matrix run for ya... got some IC combat....  Ought to
be fun for the kiddies.
        
####IncludeFile:TripToHell#### 

Have some fun... simsense *shoudn't* be able to produce biofeedback,
should it? (grin)]<<<<<<
        --The Madman(09:31:34/08-09-54)

>>>>>>[You asked how it feels to do magic?  one might as well ask a
decker what it's like to run in the matrix... it's a whole different
world, just as real as the mundane.  There's no way to descibe it,
it's just too big. If it could be descibed, then anyone could do
it.]<<<<<< 
        --The Madman(09:34:14/08-09-54)

>>>>>[ Gatwick!? Damnit, Prophet, next time you knock me out with
that thing, just use one. I missed half the in-flight movie! Hey, can
I have your peanuts? ]<<<<<
        --  Bunker <17:04:14/8-09-54>

>>>>>[ Naw, I ain't got my peanuts. Now shut up and let's go.  We're
gonna miss our connecting flight. And no those aren't skirts;
they're called kilts. Don't know why, but they are.

Hey Millhaus, now's your chance to try out cross-dressing! ]<<<<<
        --  Prophet <17:07:15/8-09-54>

>>>>>[Okay, Onyx. I don't like all this cloak and dagger stuff, and I
don't like giving people money for things that may or may not be the
best. You fly on down to our airfield (call my secretary, Diane for
directions) and bring whoever you like to make you happy (Your
bodyguard, your lawyer, your accountant, the later two would be
useful, and the first will only make people nervous, I run an honest
business) and I'll met you there tonight at 2230 hours with my
mechanics. They'll look at it, and if everything is copacetic, we'll
pay you 400K per chopper, okay?]<<<<< 
        -- D. Henry <10:00:00 8-9-54>

>>>>>[Encrypt: ***Diane !@#**
Diane- This is David Henry. Mercer is downstairs right now filling
out his form and picking out his car, when he's done, I'm going to
take him to meet the team. Send me a copy of the teams files and
the Opticlash project dossier. D. Henry out.]<<<<<
        -- D. Henry <10:00:05 8-9-54>

>>>>>[ENCRYRPT = **.AlphaCode 4785733.**
David, here are the files you wanted:
_______________________________________________________ 
file:  Personell Profiles Opticlash Developement Team 
last compiled: 8-1-54 edited 
by: Diane
_______________________________________________________ 
Warning: Tampering or stealing this file is a violation of the
corporate secrets act of 2051, punishible by up to 3 years
imprisonment or removal of not less that one eye.
_______________________________________________________

Tscheshida, Sou
dob: 4/15/24
Acquired: 1-1-54

BS: Mechanical Engineering, Eletrical Engineering, Univeristy of
        Tokoyo 
PhD: Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering. MIT&M
Thesis work: Gyroscopic control at sub-light speed in a reduced
        fluid space. 

Former chief engineer and specs designer for the C model Ares
Dragon. 
No criminal record.
Black belt in Tae Kwon Do.
Vegetarian.
Athesist.

***
Taney, Sul
dob: 8/22/05
retained since:8-23-53

BA: Civil Engineering, Rotterdamm University
BA: Archetecture, University of the Sorbonne
PhD: Material Science, University of Bonn

Thesis work: PlasSteel Construction of Festival Structures of the
        early 21 century 

Chief Archetecture for McCrugger and Brent, LTD 40-45
Chief of UCAS infrastructure Emergency Task Force 45-47
Director of Research and Development for US PlasSteel 47-50
Hung out single in 51: major works:
- designed Intercontinetal Airport at Johanesburg, South Africa
- designed Djakarta Mosque and Concert Amphitheatre.
UCAS Congresional Medal of Honor 12-25-2047 (Note: "Hire him anyway"
        -D. Henry) Hypoglycemic Objectivist.

***
Shrinivarsan, Hansei
dob: 4/22/32
employed: 1-1-54

BS: Mathematics, Philosophy, Princeton
PhD: Mathematics, Oxford
Thesis work: The existence of Free Will and Morality as a Metric
        Space. 

No Criminal record.
Hindu.

***
Dobbs, JD
dob: 4/22/1974
Employeed: 1-1-54

BS: Biochemistry, Mechanical Engineering, Cal Tech
MS: Robotics, Rochestic Insititute of Technology
MD: Johns Hopkins
PhD: Biochemistry, UCLA Medical school
Thesis work: Cyrogenic emersion
frozen: 1998
unfrozen: 2048
Associate Professor OCIS Tech 50-54

20th century  Juvenille Record
Bisexual
Unitarian.

***EOF
_________________________________________________________
file:OPTICLASH TECHINCAL DESCRIPTION
Last compiled: 6-1-54
edited by: Tachimada Yachamida, Opticlash Design Leader

Standby for Transmission........................#4!23 connection
lost]<<<<< 
        -- Diane <10:00:54 8-9-54>

>>>>>[ Brandon Lowe I realise that you are cautious about my request
however only by openess can individuals that deal with insect totems
be understood. The organisation of which I am part only wishes to
learn and discover.  I as a member have to put any personal feelings
that I may have about insect totems aside and honour my
organisation's request dispassionately and effectively. 

As to narrow mindedness that is certainly not the case for my group,
we welcome any branch of magic and any stage of ability so that magic
can be further researched and developed for the good of the common
man.  I am sure that you can see that your group is interesting to
several of our memebers, I am also sure that you will realise that
some of our members are opposed to the very existance of insect
totems.  However these are in a minority.  The majority of members
would like the opportunity to learn and discover, then make their own
decision. 

I hope you will reconsider my request as it is my duty one way or
another to find out the truth about your organisation. ]<<<<<
     -The Powerhouse (17:15:31/9.8.54)

>>>>>[ Cerise, many thanks for offering your aid in my
investigation.  As to Punisher, well, he seems happy and believe me
I don't want to get on the wrong side of him.

WHAT, I've just taken delivery of two kegs of Old Peculiar hope it's
too your liking :) ]<<<<<
     -The Powerhouse (17:36:11/9.8.54)

>>>>>[(thumbs through included file)  Oh, thank you, Madman!  Cool
stuff in here.  And educational, too.  (big grin)  I'll feed this to
the image processors; the visuals aren't really suitable to the
genre, but some of the force feedback will work nicely.  Plus, a copy
for me. 

Guess I know what you mean about the sensation of magic.  I spend a
lot of time matricized; it makes the work go just ever so much
faster.  I guess it'd be tough to explain to someone who's never
done it.  Still, a girl can dream, can't she?]<<<<<
        --  SierraFL < 11:34:37 / 2054 Aug 09 >

>>>>>[Sun. I went to Ragers and made a few descreet inquiries before
the trucks came. Even after expending a bit of =Y= I didn't come up
with much. Seems the regulars take pride in not "noticing" much. Well
after the trucks were getting ready to depart I went outside
intending to follow them to their next destination but I suppose my
inquiries attracted a little to much attention and there were a few
go-gangers relaxing on my Westwind. The gangers were not too much
trouble but if it was a true delaying tactic and not a concidence it
worked very well. The only info I found out is that ALL the delivery
boys are well armed and the trucks are as well. Whatever is in those
trucks must be VERY valuable. Sorry that I couldn't get more info
omae but hopefully you've dug up something useful.]<<<<<
     -- Silver Tux [14:43:00/08:09:54]

>>>>>[Hey does anyone know a good place to get my Westwind
repainted? Mine has grafitti all over it!]<<<<<
     -- Silver Tux [14:44:00/08:09:54]

>>>>>[WANTED: Zeta Enterprises is looking to hire a wise finacial
consultant to handle everyday operations for the soon-to-exist
Opticlash Sports Para-mutel arena. Serious inquires only]<<<<<
        -- Diane <16:00:00/8-9-54>

>>>>>[Wanted: Vehicle Mountable 50 caliber guns. We will pay
cash.]<<<<< 
        -- Diane <16:00:01/8-9-54>

>>>>>[Great! There you are a skilled expert at Heavy Weapons, light
weapons, and/or martial arts, and you have no work, no equipment, and
no direction. Join the team that keeps scum off of my property. Hi,
I'm D. Henry and I want you to join my special security squad to
beautify Seattles crumbling warehouse district.  Besides 1932.54/wk
you get: Free equipement, Employee discount on all Zeta Enterprises
SimParlor and ErotoMagic facilities, Company Dental Plan, cool
uniforms, and a sense of job satisfaction only possible when working
with the new team: Zeta Enterprises. No resume or references
neccesary. Experience a must, must be willing to "try out."]<<<<<
        -- D. Henry <16:00:03/8-9-54>

>>>>>[Red, that info is very interesting, might explain why somebody
wants this thing so bad. The horn itself is Golden, with
ornamentation on it, such as pearls, rubies. It is not hollow, that I
could see, but rather has a key like addendage at its base.  I can't
see how someone would use it as a cup, but that may require magic.

As for my researches, I smoothed some nuyen on some local "wizards",
and even did some stakeout and tracking work.  Essentially, I found
out that several months ago a series of ritual murders occurred, then
some people started going insane, then some rather nasty creatures
were seen prowling the neighborhood. The ritual murders all had one
thing in common, a bloody handprint was left on the face of the
victim. The Cult of the Red Hand, as the locals call it, has now
virtually taken over the neighborhood. Who and what they are is a
total mystery. Need to do some more tracking.]<<<<<
    -- NightShade (15:15:31/8.9.54)

>>>>>[***FOCUSTEAM*** 
I don't know where you guys are now, or how you're doing, but I hope
your 'Kay.  The drek really hit the fan that time !!!  Who were those
guys? Didn't look SAS Aero guards to me. I don't like walking out of
Aeroports, feeling safe, and walking into drek. I don't like dodging
nasty drek for my life, or fraggertagger car chases. I don't,
especially, like trying to pull a fade in a strange town -- where I
know nothing, and have the wrong accent. Well, hope you chummers get
this and call in.

Fragg!! Some suspicious guys have walked in to the tavern. Gotta
go!]<<<<< 
    -- KHANx (15:22:30/8.9.54 PST)

>>>>>[***SILVERTUX*** 
So I start asking around and spreading the scrip. Then one drunk
tells me he has some info for me. He pulls me aside and opens his
mouth, and BOOOMMM!!! Some ganger put a shotgun full of buckshot in
his back. After that, I ran a general fighting retreat campaign,
managed to pull a fade down an ally. So I figure big things are up. I
decide to take it more carefully. I follow one truck for awhile. Two
things I notice, the trucks tend to stop a "tough" clubs and bars. So
during one stop I astral it. Couldn't see what they were handling but
they were definitely loading something IN to the refrigerator. Then
some more gangers come by, and I decided to split.

Hope we get more info soon.]<<<<<
     -- Sun (15:31:16/8.9.54)

*****ENCRYPT: @OptiClash#1@ 
>>>>>[Well, team, it's your new manager Mercer. Not Mr. Mercer, or
Mercer sir!, or anything else. Just call me Mercer. As I got to know
you guys in the few minutes we had to talk, I've noticed each of us
has our own niche in this project. The problem is that communication
is going to be a tiny bit difficult, because we are so specialized.
For example, if Dobbs was going to try to explain why his robotic
system couldn't do what I wanted it to, I would probably lose him
completely. For this reason, I'm going to give everyone near total
control in their field of expertise. We'll have weekly design
meetings on Mondays, in which we'll discuss specific problems,
schedules, and goals for the week. In this team, we are all equal. We
are all experts at something. If any situations arise that the team
can't handle, I'll go straight to Mr.  Henry and have an
answer/decision in at most a day. At any rate, I will be giving Mr.
Henry bi-weekly situation reports on our progress. We are working on
a schedule here, so there's not exactly a lot of free time.  I'll be
at the lab for most of tomorrow, getting acquainted and getting
started with this massive project. I have strong faith in each of you,
the team, and the project. Let's make this one a hit!]<<<<<
        -- Mercer [90:65:13|54-09-45]

*****ENCRYPT: @D.Henry#1@ 
>>>>>[Mr. Henry, I must say that I am impressed with both your
facilities and your personnel. The team is going to take a bit of
getting used to, but I think we can manage.  Also, I must thank you
for the new Toyota Elite. It will suit my needs very nicely.

Now, on to the subject of the team. They are a good mix, but I was
wondering why you think we need a mathematician. I do hope you
aren't getting superstitious about chaos theory... Anyway, I'd like
to hear your views on the purpose of each team member. I also heard
you mention something about a Technical file about the game. If
possible, I would like a copy of that.

I've been thinking about OptiClash and its goals, etc., and I
believe I have come up with a sculpted system that would fit this
scheme perfectly.

UPLOAD SEGMENT _Paradise Lost_

This piece by John Milton describes Heaven. I thought this might be
appropriate for a sculpted system. I'm still toying with this idea,
so if you have any ideas on it, feel free to comment.

Finally, I wrote a memo to the design team. I have given them a
great deal of freedom, although I do ask that they check with me on
important things. I fear that I have nowhere near the knowledge
necessary to carry on a sophisticated conversation with any of them
on their level. When it comes to inter-field interaction, the
persons involved will sort out the situation. We are going to have
weekly meetings, though. 

I'll ask for that Technical file from Diane, along with any other
game-related files available. Oh, one last question: are we on a
budget?]<<<<<
        -- Mercer [45:13:74|39-38-96]

*****ENCRYPT: @Diane#1@
>>>>>[Greetings, fellow employee! I'm memo-ing to request a couple
of files: the Tech specs on OptiClash and whatever else you have
that pertains to the game. Specifically, I'd like to know what
rules are already made up. Say, I just got an idea. What would you
say to bringing those files to Matchstick's tonight and having
dinner with me? Say, oh, 8:00? Hope to see you there!]<<<<<
        -- Mercer [82:37:51|58-47-62]

>>>>>[Ah, Bunker, you're a lucky laddie to be visiting bonny
Scotland.  It's been too long since I've been there....I wonder if
Fuchi, UK would notice if I went back...?]<<<<<
        -- Highlander (16:38:32/8-9-54)

>>>>>[Powerhouse: I will be glad to answer questions about insect
spirits. However, I must again refuse you access to my organization.
The world is not yet ready for us to "go public" as it were, and,
while I'm sure your people are honorable, we do not know them.  Nor
do we wish to, in all honesty; we are quite content with the way
things are presently, and see no need to assauge your curiousity in
this way.  Please understand: I understand your interest and
concerns, but my group sees no reason to expose itself at this time.
Please accept our apologies.  Maybe someday, but not now.]<<<<<
        -- Brandon Lowe (16:44:32/8-9-54)

****ENCRYPTSUN**** 
>>>>>[Sun, I may have a lead but I'm not too fond of the way it's
pointing on of the uh, patrons of Rager's managed to get ahold of me.
He told me that a friend of his disapeared from the club the night
before a pickup?/delivery i'm thinking of having a decker friend of
mine run a check of disappearances and crossmatching them with the
local "tough" clubs. Any thoughts?]<<<<<
     -- Silver Tux (19:02:47/08:09:54)

>>>>>[ Well Princess thank you for your charming company on Friday
night, just pass one thing onto Regent, if it ever does anything like
that to me again, I'll dispel it myself. :) I must comend you
Flittermouse, it was a truly legendary party.

Tearchild, at the moment I don't require your services as a teacher,
however I would like to meet you face to face to thank you for
helping me out doing that spider business.

Journey, this doss is very sheik, I must compliment you, it took
even me just about all weekend to find it. When can I expect to see
you? 

Mr Lowe, for some reason your response does not surpise me, like the
scum you are, you profess friendship and helpfullness, yet when you
have the chance to prove such values you immeadiately 'clam up'. Some
may ask why, but there is only one answer, you are deadly afraid that
people may discover the abominations that 'people' like you perform
and that with this knowledge may come retaliation.  Please, you may be
fooling yourself with Wasp's false promises, but you cannot fool me.
If that is immortality I much prefer being mortal ]<<<<<
        --  Fenris <19:30:32/08-09-54>

>>>>>[ Hey Sun, Silver Tux, you guys want some backup to crack open
one of those trucks, my trigger finger is getting itchy, and
'Faerie's got 4 or 5 drones combat ready, just drop an address and
time at ##CONTACTLOC##. 

Hey Flitter, great party, but now you see why I let everyone else
have a shot first. I know that a rifle isn't real concealable and
all but hey, that's what the monowhip's for. ]<<<<<
        --  SpotOn <20:05:21/08-09-54>

>>>>>[Fenris, I just got into Denver.  I should be there in nine
hours. And I'll bring the Barbecue!  There's a great place just a
couple hours south of here.  See you then.  Oh, be sure to feed the
coyote puppies if they come around, and if you would, clean out under
the porch for rattlers.]<<<<<
        --Journey <20:07.43/08.09.54>

>>>>>[The dreks really starting to hit the fan. Went to the
'monger's place and found him smeared all over his shop. Got back
home and found our bodyguard crushed and Bliss curled up in a corner
shaking. I'm taking the band on our boat till I can figure things
out. Contact me at ##LTG---- if you need anything.]<<<<<
    -- Red (22:18:24/09-08-54)

>>>>>[Silver Tux, If you're right, we got a real mess on our hands.
We need to do some more research. But all I can think about is
refrigerators, theres only one reason to carry things in a
refrigertator. . . . we got to be very careful from now on.]<<<<<
     -- Sun (20:05:57/8.9.54)

>>>>>[Red, I understand fully. Keep a low profile for awhile.  I
myself am being shadowed, and will probably need to pull a
fade!]<<<<< 
     -- NightShade (20:07:07/8.9.54)

*****ENCRYPT:FociScotts 
>>>>>[Guys and Gals,  I'm worried about KHANx now.  When I turned to
look for him earlier, all I could think was "Oh, Shit", but then I
figured he could take care of himself and would be rejoining us
shortly.  Now we get this message from him from who knows where here
on the Ould Isle.  In light of recent PERSONAL events between he and
I ('nuff said!), I have reason to be concerned.  I may just be over
reacting though, but still....

Millhaus, Nitro and I are scheduled (that's shejewld, remember where
we are ) to meet Amelia tomorrow morning.  Can the rest of you try to
find out where the hell KHANx is?  We can't go back without him.  At
least I can't. Nitro, get some sleep.  You'll need to be prepared for
tomorrow, right Millhaus?]<<<<<
        --  FraterNay <23:00:14/09 Aug 54, UCAS>

>>>>>[A'right, I've been moving around quite a bit now.  Basicly, I'm
in some drek here. FraterNay, Milhaus, what do you guys know 'bout
guys wearing thick black robes, carrying silver staves, and wearing
ivory white masks. These guys plus some major muscle (read commando
types wearing shades) are starting to hunt me down. Why? I have no
idea. Amelia have any archenemies? 

Gotta go.

<klp     klp      klp    klp> OH FRAGG!!!  <KLP KLP KLP KLP KLP KLP>
DRREEEKKK! Chummers, they've nearly got me . . . <KLP KLP KLP KLP>
Drek another one just faded in from nowhere <KLP KLP KLP   
kthkthkthkthkkthk    BOOM> THey're using narcojets . . . I'm not
<BOOMM  KLP KLP KLP>  Hey, a'right, a'right, whaddya guys want from
me . . . . <                > No way, I'm not rolling. <      > Or
what ?!?!?! ---- FraterNay, its a trap <KLP KLP KLP BOOOMMM 
BOOOMM> Don't try to rescue me !   They want to !   Something to do
wit <SWOOSHHH KTHUUWUMMMP PPP> <!@#DVBGF!)&$!#&*(^AFGJV^ CONNECTION
BROKEN>]<<<<< 
   -- KNANx (22:12:56/8.9.54)

>>>>>[ Oh, good, this bloody sensi-drek actually works ...  Hoi,
there, all you septics out there.  This is Doc Marten here.  I'm here
to give you all a message from a good term of mine, Electron.  The
little snakeboy went and got himself splashed, and is laid up in
hospital.  The bloods up there won't let him deck (something about
the drugs they're feeding him), so I'm here at his place, typing in a
message he wanted to give you all. Here goes:

Hoi, everyone.  Sorry if I seem to have faded completely from
existence, chummers, but I went and got myself a run.  Doc Marten
could probably tell you all what went on, but since I was running
Matrix, and had a bird's eye view of everything, I'll let you know
what we went through.
        
Anyway, I was walking along the beach again after the server broke
down for the tenth time that night, when I heard a ruckus coming from
a beachside apartment.  Being 4 in the morning, I didn't really think
anything of it.  Rich people, parties, etc.  Well, as soon as I
thought that, the\ windows on the top level of the structure blew out
and people started screaming.
        
I hit the sand as soon as I heard the explosion, and people started
pouring out of the place and scattering in every direction.  I was
almost trampled by some.
        
Then all of these motorcycles start coming out of the place.  There
were about a dozen of these guys in black riding leathers with red
trim, trying desperately to run down these poor party-goers.  The
riders would speed up to the slower ones and wrestle them to the
ground from their bikes, or run down and injure the ones who put up a
fight. 
        
One of these riders came to a skidding brake right in front of me,
showering me with sand.  While I tried to spit the grains out of my
mouth and shake them from my eyes, I felt rough hands lifting me, and
I was shoved against a motorcycle.  I was grabbed by the lapel and
shouted at in an English accent:  "WHERE IS SHE?"
        
I finally shook the sand from my face and looked at my attacker.  He
had a tanned face and a shaven head, as well as some sort of chipjack
under his right ear.  "WELL?  WHERE *IS* SHE??" he spat at me.  I
didn't answer. 
        
"Won't talk, eh?", he said.  I still said nothing.
        
"Well, maybe if you won't talk to me, sep, then I'll make sure you
don't talk to anyone."  He raised his right arm, and a set of spurs
flashed out of his forearm.  He started squeezing my face to make my
tongue protrude. 
        
"Hey, mon," I heard from behind the razorguy.  He slowly turned,
still holding me.  I saw a muscly Rastafarian standing there in a
fighting stance. "What you wanna do wit mah *guest*, mon?  Wontcha
respect dah hospitality o' mah *spread*, mon?"
         
With that, I heard a faint snick, then saw a flash of light.  Then I
saw the rasta with his hand buried deep in the solar plexus of this
Brit, slowly grinding.  I heard a small gasp of pain from the man
over me, as the rasta whispered to his dying face, "Of all da people
in da world, you *beef- cakes* should undastand dat a mon's home is
his *CASTLE* !!!"  As the light faded from the Englishman's eyes, the
rasta stopped grinding and let the dead man slide off his hand
razors.  With another faint snick, the razors retracted, and the
same hand bent down to me. 
        
Thus, I met Borderline.  Borderline told me that his punk band,
Jagged Edge, had just left the United Kingdom for their first tour in
the UCAS.  He told me that the band had been hassled by these bikers
before in the UK, but this was the first trouble that they'd had
States-side. 
        
After a while, the road crew and bodyguards got their act together
and chased off the bikers.  I met three other members of the band:
Goldmine, the dwarven "mini-bassist"; Doc Marten, the ork shaman lead
guitarist; and Pattern, the American-born human vocalist.  However,
the bikers got away with their objective: they had succeeded in
capturing the lady synth-player of the band, Bottoms-Up.
        
Lone Star squad cars arrived not long after the incident (too long,
by my liking), and cordoned off the area, which turned out to be
Borderline's Seattle residence.  Witnesses were questioned, and the
usual garbage.  After about an hour of

***** SIGNAL INTERRUPT
***** MESSAGE DISCONTINUED

]<<<<<
        -- Doc Marten <21:27:07/08-09-54>

>>>>>[ Dammit, how do you make this fragging

***** SIGNAL INTERRUPT
***** MESSAGE DISCONTINUED

]<<<<<
        -- Doc Marten <21:28:14/08-09-54>

>>>>>[ENCRYPT:***Mercer !#@*** 
Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner, it was a long flight over the
pacific and the Korean boys wanted to start haggling with me right
off the plane, anyway, like you care.  I'm glad you like the team,
good communication with the group is important, I got big, big hopes
my boy, and I need more than just some idgit decker. I need a leader.
Anyway, Diane will give you everything you need. Yep, that Diane is a
pro. Did you know that I hired her as my protype SimParlette? That
was untill I discovered that she's got a mind like a steel trap, real
efficen, like. You need _anything_ and Diane will see to it that you
get it. All that budget crap and tech specs. Listen, I've got a budget
on this Opticlash thing, but I can't see how you could go over it. In
any case, I'm not paying you to worry about money, I'm paying you for
quality results by Jan 1. Which reminds me, I have to interview Murray
Sender for CFO. Oh, what was going to tell you? The team!

Okay you want more than the personell file? You want to know how
they stack up in my mind. I'll do the rundown:

Sou Tschedia is one of the boys who made the Ares Dragon such a
sweet machine. Those piston heads at the chopper company were
paying him peanuts and treating him like a greasemonkey. He's got
some wild ideas for the choppers, they already run 50% cleaner and
can carry 30% more armor. He's the best with those whirlybirds, and
it shows. 

I retained Sul Taney as the permanet architech, after the roof of
the Kyoto Casino failed to keep out the acid rain. Sul is great.
He's got a pattened on this hi-grade plasSteel and its makes all
his structures look fraggin impossible. Have you ever seen the
Djakarta Amphitheatre/Mosque? Its fraggin incredible! Anyway, I'm
sure he'll like that Milton Idea, he's such a sucker for the
Continetal Philosophy Ideas. Hey, don't mention _The Fountainhead_
or Reardon Metal to him, or else you will never get him to shut up
about inovation excellence and sex. He acts like he invented them
all sometimes, but he's the best, so I put up with it. 

JD Dobbs is about the best Robotics guy ever. When I got him from
OCIS Tech, he had just finished some ridiculous bionics experiment
which he based on his half-brother or something. I don't know. He
said something about his half-brother rewritting a matrix interface
for really good control in virtual space. It had a clever name like
Matthew of something. Anyway he is working on a way to coordinate
Chopper control with matrix control and doing in such a way that it
won't fry the Decker jocks wetware, if you know what I mean. He's
not really a first-class Decker. he's got all these odd 20th
century Ideas about what Cyberspace should be. He's always making
these apocryifal comments about AI's ruling our lives, so you know
he doesn't really have a firm grip on everything. He's got some
wild ideas though and they need to be harnessed. 

Hansei? What can I say, Ms. Shrinivarsan nows everything. I mean,
she fraggin' came up with a Mathematical proof of Free Will and
Morality! You should check out her thesis, its Amazing. Anyway, she
is the one who has come up with the abstract soultion to all the
problems that the deisign team has faces so far, so be a little
respectful of her. She's a real genius. Maybe one of the best minds
of the century, and besides, she's got a great sense of humor, it
keeps tensions down to have her around. Well, gotta get soem rest,
I'm going to beat up some Korean husslers tomorrow.]<<<<< 
        -- D. Henry <01:00:00/8-10-54>

>>>>>[ Nice going, Doc.  Hey, there, net-guys and net-gals.  This is
Pattern, frontman for Jagged Edge.  My "robustus" companion here
called us up at the hospital 20 minutes ago to tell us that he
"couldn't get the stupid sensi-whatsit to work properly," so I
volunteered to come out to Electron's old place and see if I could
get it working.  See, this is how you do it, Doc.
        
Hang on, chummers, Doc gets a little upset when things don't go
entirely to plan.  Being a stubborn Dog shaman, you could probably
guess why. Anyhow, I'll enter the rest of Electron's message in a
while; I wanna get something to eat.
        
There, there, calm down, Doc.  I'll buy you some Chinese.]<<<<<
        -- Pattern <22:40:55/08-09-54>

>>>>>[ Ahhhhh.  Sweet & Sour Pork.  Love it.  Anyway, on with the
show!!! 

... After about an hour of questioning, some suits turned up on
Borderline's doorstep, and before you can say "Hey, they look like
Feds," Lone Star wraps up the questioning with a "We'll be in touch"
and is out the door.  Borderline chased after the Lieutenant heading
the questioning, shouting "Who de hell is gonna pay for dis, pig?",
to which the officer replied, "Send your insurance company to us for
an explanation." 

Not to be so easily discouraged, I asked Goldmine to give me a ride
back to my place to pick up my deck.  When he asked why, I showed him
the slip of paper where I'd written down the licence plate number of
the suit's vehicle.

I eventually figured out, using the trusty Fuchi, that the suits were
from the British Consulate (seeing as the plates were registered
under the Consulate).  Seeing the disheartened looks on the rest of
the band at the news, I asked why.  Doc was about to pipe up with
something, but Pattern interrupted with "She's in a little trouble
back home." 

I announced that there had to be a way to get her back.  "No
chance," Goldmine said, "She's on Consulate grounds, now.  Any
attack by us can be seen as a `diplomatic threat' or somesuch
drek."  I asked about how they'd transport her back.  "Private
transport," Goldmine replied, "which still counts as British soil."

"What about in between," I asked.

"I don't quite follow you, Electron," Goldmine said.

Eventually, we came up with a plan.  I tapped into the records of
the Consulate, which stated that the only Consulate private
transports that were departing in the next two days were a private
jet to Washington DC, and a sub-orbital to London direct.  I
decided, for our purposes, to change the record of the sub-orbital
to make it a connecting boat from Washington, and transport for it
would have to catch the private jet first. 

Then I adjusted the flight-plan to let the jet take off from a
fairly isolated strip at the airport, and, WHAM!  Instant set-up.

Sure enough, they fell for it.  The jet taxied to the runway the
next morning to await the passengers.  I tapped into the security
gate via remote in Goldmine's van, and stalled the Consulate bus,
whilst Pattern, Goldmine, Doc and Borderline set up attack
positions. 

As soon as the team was in position, I let the bus through.  It
finally arrived at the strip, and started off-loading passengers. 
When I saw that Bottoms-Up was a part of the passenger group, I let
her get to the mid-point between the bus and the jet, before
signalling the team. 

Borderline fired a gas grenade into the crowd of passengers. 
Vapours started billowing from the canister immediately, shrouding
the group.  Pattern started in straight away, and activated his Air
Filter.  He ran out of the other side of the cloud, with the
coughing Bottoms-Up in tow.  A few of the body- guards lucky enough
to have Air Filters starting firing in their direction. 

From there, it was a short run through a wooded area, then through a
chain- link fence to get to the van.  I jumped out to help
Bottoms-Up into the van, whilst Doc threw some spells at the
pursuers, and Borderline and Goldmine provided covering fire.

That's when I was hit.  Pattern had hardly piled Bottoms-Up into the
van when something slammed into me.  Bullets ricocheted off the van
door, closing it in front of me.  I grabbed the handle of the door,
but my arm wouldn't work.  That's when I realized that I was looking
at my left arm, still clutching the van door.  I wasn't connected to
it.  A burst of submachinegun fire had taken my left arm off just
below the shoulder.  I blacked out. 

Then I woke up in hospital.  The band had put me up in an exclusive,
private wing, and paid for all the expenses.  They had even paid for
my cyberarm - not one of those ones that are covered in syntheskin,
but a ridged, chromed model.  The band said that it was the least
they could do, and, besides, they needed a decker ...

Well, the doctors say that I'll be fit to leave next week. 
Hopefully, I'll catch up with you all then.  Maybe I'll meet you
all, like I promised, right, Millhaus?  Nitro?  Chains?

-- Electron

-----------

See, Doc, that's how you do it.  If you write in that format, it
screws up on you after a while.  Try it.]<<<<<
        -- Pattern <23:55:37/08-09-54>

>>>>>[ OK, I think I get it now.  Stop being so bloody
condescending, Pattern.  That boy wouldn't let you spam me like
that.  Still, that's one of the oddest things I've ever seen.]<<<<<
        -- Doc Marten <23:56:44/08-09-54>

>>>>>[ What's that, Doc? ]<<<<<
        -- Pattern <23:57;08/08-09-54>

>>>>>[ Did you see him crying out in pain when that happened to
him?]<<<<< 
        -- Doc Marten <23:57:59/08-09-54>

>>>>>[ Uhhhhh ... no, I was busy tending to Bottoms at the
time.]<<<<< 
        -- Pattern <23:58:36/08-09-54>

>>>>>[ Well ... he made not a sound. ]<<<<<
        -- Doc Marten <23:59:01/08-09-54>

>>>>>[ Oh, right.  Maybe it was because he passed out.

***** encrypt gamma-6 courtesy of Electron

SHUT UP, DOC !  HE TOLD YOU, DIDN'T HE ???

***** end encrypt

Yeah, he was just in shock. ]<<<<<
        -- Pattern <00:00:46/08-10-54>

>>>>>[ Oops. ]<<<<<
        -- Doc Marten <00:01:13/08-10-54>

>>>>>[Red and Nightshade : Sorry to be late, but I ran into some
trouble on the way... (Some of your trouble is probably related to
this). Here's what I found :

Red : You are correct in the assumption, that the Geoffrey Taylor
you mentioned Is in fact THE G.Taylor of the poem. I checked out
the family records of the Taylors and found that in every
generation there was an 'older brother', 'mis- sing uncle',
'faraway relative', that bore a striking resemblance to the one
from an earlier generation. (INCLUDE : ###PICTURE-FRAMES TAYLOR
1-8###) About the horn and orbs... This is where the trouble
began... I just had started to ask questions, when I was beseiged
by a group of elves (?)... at least they looked like that in
flesh... The aura was quite scary tho. I managed to make a quick
fade from the site, but I believe, they are still after me (I bet
you know that I am not so professional in disappearing...) What I
did find out, was...Uhm...I'd better be going... The hair in my
neck is standing on end... MIST !!!]<<<<< 
        --  Rotfuchs <11:03:45/08-10-54>

>>>>>[Red : You were right again. It was an Oni. And it may be after
me right now, believe it or not...]<<<<<
        -- Rotfuchs <11:35:35/08-10-54> DataCom Satellite-Uplink <BETA>

>>>>>[Dearest Diane --

Please reply; .50 caliber MGs I understand.  I do need to know what
kind of mounting capability you are searching for.  If it is for your
arena, as my contacts suggest, then you will be looking for a
turret-mounting version, correct?

As well, are you still looking for the heavy assault rotorcraft?  We
have just .... 'acquired' a military-grade full-combat craft that may
suit your desires, particularly for your higher-paying customers.

If not, of course, we can always take other 'interested parties'
requests for information.  Thank you for the finder's fee for Crystech,
by the way -- I certainly didn't need it, but any cash can be useful.
Particularly in such a flux-ridden business as that of a 'fixer.']<<<<<
        -- Jesus, Comptroller TCI, Ltd. (7:02:04/8-10-54)

>>>>>[ Mr Lowe: Ok so you refuse to give me access to your
organisation.  I can understand this though I think that your
groups decision is unwise as secrecy only fuels any rumours that
insect totems are bad for humanity.  I however must still find out
as much as I can for the sake of magic and for my duty to my
group.  As you refuse to give me access maybe you will answer my
questions instead. 

First off the matter that must be covered is does your group employ
flesh forms  ?  From the research I have done I have found that it is
possible only for high force insect spirits to exist on this world.
To summon lower force spirits a human host must be found.  This is
the question which most worries the members of my group because if it
is found that the hosts are unwilling or have been tricked into
giving up their lives, then my group would probably reconsider their
neutral stance on insect totems. 

My next question is what are the aims of your group  ?  Why do you
exist  ? What is your group's aims  ?  Normally as a group we do
not pry so much into other peoples affairs but wherever a magical
threat to meta/humanity is percieved to exist then we must
investigate. 

I would be most grateful Mr Lowe if you could answer these questions
fully and truthfully, it would be a great shame to see problems arise
simply becasue there was a lack of understanding.  History shows that
many wars/feuds etc could have been avoided in the first place if
only the two sides under- stood each other.  Please don't pass up
this chance to allow us to gain an understanding.  If you would
rather discuss these matters with me in private then I will be at
Dante's all night tonight.  I hope to see you. ]<<<<<
        -The Powerhouse (12:56/23/10.8.54)

>>>>>[ Cerise, are you doing anything tonight ?  Fancy coming to
Dantes with me, with any luck I'll Mr Lowe will turn up and we can
sort this thing out. 

Fenris,  I understand your anger, but it is wrong to judge until all
the facts are known.  To attack someone merely for what they stand
for or look like is wrong.  Instead if you are in Seattle why don't
you come to Dante's tonight, hopefully Mr Lowe will be there and you
can ask him yourself any questions. ]<<<<<
        -The Powerhouse (12:59:56:/8.10.54)

>>>>>[ Highlander, we could really use your virtual butt over here.
Kendra looks a little lost on this side of the pond.

Me and Bunkie are heading out low to look for KHANx. Anybody find
the police band yet? It ain't on none of the normal freqs. ]<<<<<
        --  Prophet <14:39:34/8-10-54>

>>>>>[ Bunkie, huh? I got one fer yer butt, Proph... Lemme think a
minute. Hang on, hang on... Damn, never mind. Let's stop and grab
another pint o' beer. That Guinness grog is purdy good! ]<<<<<
        --  Bunker <14:41:52/8-10-54>

>>>>>[Ok, this is what I've pieced together. At about 1:30 am about 8
people circle the house and something breaks through the house
magical barrier. Then it breaks through the one Bliss had put up.
This all took about 3 minutes. Then the front door blows in and they
all rush in and move straight to my room. My bodyguard tries to stop
them and they literally crush him. Then it got really wierd. Bliss
says a spirit began to manifestbut only it's hand did and it was big.
Very big. Then it began to write something on my door with its claw.
It's not japanese or at least modern japanese because I can't read
it. Anyway, after about half an hour of rummaging through my room
they leave. There seems to have been something else that happened but
she's stopped talking. This is seriously starting to scare the drek
out of me. ]<<<<< 
                -- Red <09:15:35/10-08-54>

>>>>>[ENCYRPT:Personal Mail to JesusTCI 
To Jesus: Zeta Enterprises would indeed be interested in purchasing
your military motorcraft, I have been authorized by Mr. Henry to
negotiate the price with you, however I would like our mechanics to
examine the rotorcraft.  Please call me voice for directions to our
airfield.

We need both turret mounted guns for ground vehicles and guns to
mount on a helicopters gun turret.

If you don't me saying, You seem to be good at finding things,
Jesus, if you have any experience with managing a concert all and
with gambling, you might be able to find yourself the oppurtunity
of a lifetime. Zeta Enterprises values people who know where to
find -- oppurtunity.]<<<<< 
        -- Diane <08:49:53/8-10-54>

>>>>>[Encrypt: **Mercer 4$5%** 
Mercer- Thank you for a charming dinner, I hope you now have
everything you need.]<<<<<
        -- Diane <8:58:04/8-10-54>

>>>>>[To Onyx: We are dissapointed that you did not respond to Mr.
Henry's message. Zeta Enterprise would still like to offer you a
price on your helicopters, but it is policy that our mechanics
examine them first. If you would like to reschedule an
appointement, call the office during regular business hours for
direction to the airfield.]<<<<< 
        -- Diane <9:00:58/8-10-54>

***ENCRYPTSUN*** 
>>>>>[Remember me trying to find a place that will get the grafitti
off my car? Well, I found a real good way to do it.  It's called a
BOMB! Good thing I had a Fujicorp remote ignition installed. I'm
moving to my secondary doss right now. I've got to get ahold of
Skippy (my decker friend) to see if he has found anything.  Even if he
hasn't I'm going to tell him to stop things are getting a little too
close right now. I wouldn't be surprised if the poor jerk who tipped
me off turns up missing. I'll contact you later with any info that
Skippy might have found. Watch your back my friend.]<<<<<
     -- Silver Tux (10:20:34/08.10.54)

*****ENCRYPT: @D.Henry#1@ 
>>>>>[Thanks for the run-down on the team.  Oh, and I found out what
you mean about Hansei and her "abstract solutions". I sat down with
the team this morning to brainstorm ideas about the game, the arena,
and the rules, and we hit our first snag.  We were fiddling with the
deckers running both the Matrix and the choppers, and we just
couldn't get past the fact that a decker would have to be REALLY good
to get that done.  Hansei came up with a solution that might just be
possible. We take some of the burden of controlling the choppers off
by giving them superior autopilots. On top of that, we give them
programming that allows them to accept one-word commands and execute
complicated instructions. I'm already working on a new programming
language that would allow this. We could allow the deckers to
implement their own programs by distributing the programming
language, which will be known as OptiSign.

OK, here's how I imagine the system to work. The autopilot/standard
programming allow the chopper to fly around the maze while the
decker's cruising the Matrix-maze. Standard functions of the AP/SP
are simple sweep (look for 1 type of target), complex sweep (look for
all kinds of target), evade (a very cheap function to be used only if
the decker is involved in Matrix combat) and map. All of the possible
targets will be in the chopper's 'puter, so ID is no problem. Oh, and
the AP/SP are very easy to overload. It'll shut down and demand
decker control whenever combat is imminent (i.e. when it IDs a
target). We also might make the AP/SP a straight-and-level system (in
that it doesn't account for altitude changes). That way, the decker
has to keep an eye on the terrain in front of the chopper or he'll
crash into a sloping ceiling. Of course, the AP/SP would warn the
decker of any dangerous circumstances.

I can't see one decker controlling more than one chopper. We could
set up a number of types of games, though: free-for-all, demolition
teams, capture the flag, etc. One other situation I haven't
addressed yet: Matrix combat simultaneous with chopper combat. This
could get really hairy if one decker's fighting virtually and
really, while two other deckers are splitting the tasks. The first
decker would almost have to punch the evade activate on the AP/SP
(or his own evade program) and then battle it out in the Matrix and
hope the other chopper's distracted somehow.

I don't think we should force the deckers to accept a specific form
in the Matrix. What we could do is give them programs that have showy
effects. We might/could also force them to use our decks. That would
probably be best for the sake of fair play.

I've talked a bit with Sul Taney and we've decided to make the maze
switchable. Basically, we'll put in sliding doors, ceiling panels,
etc. Did I mention that we want to have multiple levels? The deckers
will be updated about what levels the other opponents are on, as well
as their bases. Boy, those deckers will have a lot to do, but if that
OptiSign system works out, they ought to be able to handle it.

Enough for now. I'm going to get back to work on OptiSign.  The
implementation's pretty easy, and Sou's helping me out while
simultaneously modifying/upgrading the choppers' autopilots. More as
situations arise!]<<<<<
        -- Mercer [87:34:19|69-15-73]

*****ENCRYPT: @Diane#1@ 
>>>>>[Thank you for dinner. The pleasure was all mine, I assure you.
And I must say that you are even more charming when not on duty! I
can't wait until we can do it again...]<<<<<
        -- Mercer [09:62:34|46-90-31]

>>>>>[That's right, VirtFun, Seattle's newest full-sensory
experience parlor, is open for business!  We've got two whole
worlds for you to explore: a painstaking recreation of the Middle
Ages as they *really* were (before the magic died and everybody
forgot that it was real), and a fantasy future, where people
actually live together in harmony!  (Well, mostly.)  Whether you
want to carve out your own chunk of Western Europe or explore the
far-off stars, we got something here for you.  Oh, and there's a
full-sense lounge area, where you can do that fun OOC chatter. 

For the tortoises, we've got interface programs that will convert
the full-sense data into audiovisual displays, with the patented
Point-n-Drool interface to make getting around easy.  For deckers,
our front-door program connects with your Matrix visualiser, giving
you that Surround-Sound experience.

Oh, there are still a few bugs in the system; after all, we couldn't
go up to an actual dragon and quiz 'im on his dietary habits, and we
haven't been able to test every juxtaposition of commands.  So if you
find a bug, or something that just isn't realistic, let us know!
Bughunters can get some =Y= out of the deal.

The fees and stuff are detailed in the corp advert (attached).  I
just thought you'd rather hear the interesting version first.  {:

Oh, BTW, you can chat with me online; I hang out in the lounge (the
toy-sized cyberdragon), the historical area (any adminwiz can put you
in touch), and the fantasy area (there's a reason the moon of the
homeworld is called Sierra) on a regular basis.  Deckers can also
meet me elsewhere in the system, though the reception is likely to be
less cordial (already had one goit try to finangle our finances.  I
hear the burns on his hands are healing nicely.)

Feel free to drop by between runs!]<<<<<
        --  SierraFL < 11:30:38 / 2054 Aug 10 >

>>>>>[ENCRYPT:**MERCER $!72&** 
OptiSign, I like that. Sounds like you've got a good handle on the
situation.  Listen, I want this sport to be exciting, but I don't
want the deckers to get hurt. My idea is that the deck jocks that are
really good should appear to be "heroic." Yes, showy is good. Showy,
flashy, and slick. That's what sells. Different events is a good
idea. 1) More ways to play the numbers 2) Not every game will be
popular with everybody, somepeople want to see more explosions, some
people want to see more fancy flying, some people want to see more
cyber fights, somepeople are freaks about stradegy. Something for
everybody, that's what makes a good sport.

Modular is good. Sul is a good guy that way.

Listen, I'll be in Korea for two more days so I won't be home until
Saturday. Keep up the good work.]<<<<<
        -- D. Henry <13:00:00/8-11-54>

>>>>>[Encyrpt:***Diane 13***
Diane- This is David Henry. I'm busched, from dealing with those son
of a batch-file Koreans. The little pistons just want to argue
everything. Send that guy, Murray Sender over here to help me
negotiate with these little guys. Tell him its a test. If he gets me
my terms for the resort land then I'll let make him CFO. That means
we'll only need some fixer or something like that to do the in and
out of the arena. Lets see if we got the rundown right: We've got
CrysiTech for fiberoptics, Sacremento for making Sul's materials, our
design team is rolling along, if you get three more whirlybirds,
we'll have nine. I want at least 15, hows that deal to buy the UCAS
surplus ones? Oh, what do you think of that new kid, Mercer, I told
you he was a catch. Okay, you told me. We still more thugs to clean
out the warehouse arena real estate, right? Oh, sell the RasterOptics
stock and buy another 10,000 shares of Yoshida. Make sure the new
line of Sims are good, and send a memo to all employees to the effect
of "We encourage you to use ErotoMagic to heighten the pleasure of
all your sensual experiences but try not to put it in each other's
coffee. This month, how many people were having astral orgasims
while they should have been working? Don't they know that profits
and productivity are the best orgaism of all? Dammit, if this arena
thing is as big a money maker as the Casino, we're all going to
have one son-of-a-gun big orgasim before this is all through.
Anyway, I'm going to sleep. I'll be dreaming of satisfied customers
and repeat business. D. Henry out.]<<<<< 
        -- D. Henry <11:05:05/8-10-54>

>>>>>[Geez. . .you would not believe how long it can take to shoot a
hot action scene that only lasts 3 minutes out in the hot
sun-parched subsprawl of Broken Arrow. Sorry I've been intermittan
lately, I guess I should clue you in on my shadowy activities. . .

Ah, William, I'm not exactly built like you, decker-wise :) and
couldn't figure out exactly how to operate Matthias. So I, ah, I. .
.well, I took it (him?) apart, and rigged him to my deck. Tell me
if it's having the correct effect.]<<<<<
        -- Jaez <15:50:32/8-10-54>

>>>>>[Powerhouse, I ask in the name of Peace and the Great Spirit
that you and others who have followed your lead cease your
questioning of Mr. Lowe and his activities. The simple reasons have
been given and failed to dissuade you; perhaps a lengthier response
will quell your appetite for knowledge that must be limited.

Many years ago, when the new world was waxing into old age, the Euro
first appeared before my people. He came without knowledge or
forethought as to our existence; his deadly diseases and evil vices
were foisted upon us without warning for either side. We struggled
against him, but in the end were forced to submit and live our
lives in poverty, discontent, and depression. 

Many would say that it was a bad experience for my people. But it
was good, it gave us strength. The very fact that we survived to
retake our rightful place as guardians of the Great Spirit's
temporal gift to us all gives us the inner strength and character
to be good people. Without the threat of the white man, our own
greed and avarice would have overwhelmed us, making us unfit to
care for the land. 

The insects have their place in our lives, not only in the
biosphere, but as threats to our very existence. Only by harnessing
that which is good within us will we be able to prevent them from
conquering us, and once we have harnessed that which is good, we
will be strong as a people, whether Indian, metahuman, or Euro.

Furthermore, you will notice that the insect friends of Mr. Lowe
were helpful in your case, aiding you in fighting the evil spider
spirit. The Great Spirit has shown you that good and evil must
coexit to prevent the ultimate rise and victory of our deepest
vices. 

I am old, and have seen many things happen as I watch the universe
unfold. Fight your enemies, but do not question the reason for
their existence.]<<<<< 
        --  Tearchild <16:03:21/8-10-54>

>>>>>[*(@BKJB#* This is so weird. I am sitting here on the beach and
my eyes are open and they're piercing my skin with these needles and
I'm incredible pain, and yet I'm also here. Have I popped my brain
again? 

I've %%^&!&lost the signal on Matthias, #####I can't find you
anywhere, Jaez. 
 
Have you been____COnnection failed,%$@&Recovering()*.......  fooling
with my specs? I can hear your voice, I think. Wow. I am in a
fantastic amount of pain, I'm *(}}}!/ starbursting all over the place. I
hope you didn't say you linked it directly to your deck. Its impressioned
on you as a client and (*!(#*& will cause (*&!(*:~\" if you don't
set the s*(!# through a !)(OW! OW! stop that, not in my thumb, ah! ah!
Electrical Overload______________________|||||||||||||||]<<<<<
        -- William 6174 <~~:~~:~~/~~-~~-~~>

>>>>>[Sorry Phrophet.  It's not that I'm lost over here,
just........ scouting.  You can't look up kilts in Seattle, you
know!  Sorry if my mind has been wandering with my gaze.  I have no
idea who may be after KHANx. I expect Millhaus, FraterNay or Nitro
will be questioning Amelia about it. When we hear from them, we
should have some ideas about what to do next. Until then, I'll just
have another stout and stand here at the bottom of the
stairs.]<<<<< 
        -- Kendra <20:41:23/10-08-54, UCAS>

>>>>>[Now I'm in a really bad mood !]<<<<<
          -- NightShade (18:40:28/8.10.54)

>>>>>[Me too !]<<<<<
       -- Sun (18:40:54/8.10.54)

>>>>>[???!!!!???]<<<<<
       -- NightShade (18:41:29/8.10)

*****ENCRYPT:ScottsCrewFocus 
>>>>>[Quickly everyone regarding business.  The transaction with
Amelia is completed.  I will be spending as much time as possible
with her while we are here, but for now we have a more immediate
crisis.

By KHANx's description of his pursuers, it would seem they are
followers of the T'Hoth cult.  They are most certainly trying to
get the focus from us. Bunker, Phrophet and Kendra.  You seem to be
closest to his trail.  Keep digging for clues as to his route. 
There are only so many places they could hide him here on the
Isle.  Unfortunately, many of those can be unknown caverns and
hidden rooms of some of the Older structures.  We must locate him
ASAP.  They will certainly use ANY means and magick at their
disposal to get information from him.  If you should make contact
with them , let them think the focus is still in our possession and
try to arrange a meeting with them.  Let them know that we are
prepared to destroy it if they do not meet with us. 

Kendra, try to jump into the local police/feds files to locate ANY
information as to people meeting their description.  I am told that
they do have a small local sect that has been in place for about a
year (which is about the time the focus has been out of their hands.

Amelia is checking with her contacts find out if there is a site
they are associated with.  If one exists, she should be able to
find out. 

Nitro, Legion, Millhaus, Ragman: If there is anything you would feel
more comfortable having that a local talismonger/etc. could possible
provide, let me know, Amelia can probably put me in touch with the
right person. I have a feeling we are going to need all we can come
up with if it really is the T'Hoth cult we are dealing with.]<<<<<
        --  FraterNay <21:02:07/10 Aug 54>

*****ENCRYPT:FociMagesOnly 
>>>>>[Amelia has asked me to wear the Dragon bracelet for the
duration of our stay on the Isle.  I am to return it to her before we
leave.  I know not the entire reason why.  She still won't tell me
anything about it of substance.  I just know that I can trust her.
Any thoughts?]<<<<<
        --  FraterNay <21:05:23/10 Aug 54>

>>>>>[Prophet -- The Brits (and other Continental Sec Forces) use the
"Mid Band" and part of what's the FM broadcast band in the UCAS.
Check 68-76 MHz, 100-108 MHz, and 406-440 MHz along with the UCAS
bands.]<<<<<
        -- Wiz <19:04:23/8-10-54>

*****ENCRYPT: @D.Henry/Team#1@ 
>>>>>[OK, when I was hired, Mr. Henry told me that I was going to be
working 24 hours a day. Well, I hate to admit it, but I already am. I
just had a dream about OptiClash. I can't remember all of it, but I
specifically recall something about putting the decker personas in an
unusual-looking vehicle with which to traverse the Matrix maze. I can
best describe the vehicle as a sled, in which the persona (hopefully
biped) was in head-first. The sled would be very sleek and very fast.
This sled would, in reality, be a reality filter on the deck with
mid- to high-level attack program on it. Each sled would be a
different color or pattern.  (Perhaps the deckers that become pros
could have their own symbol? Like a blood red sled, or a grinning
mouth with vicious teeth on the front or something.) A greater
variety of obstacles could exist in the virtual maze; moving parts
don't have to obey the laws of physics in the Matrix. I do have one
problem that needs to be considered, however: if either the chopper
or the persona is destroyed, is the decker out of the game entirely?
I would think yes, or else a decker could just forget the chopper and
win via the Matrix. Some games, however, especially the
team-oriented ones, could keep disabled players. I don't know; it's too
late to figure this stuff out for sure. I would like some input on this,
though.]<<<<<
        -- Mercer [98:31:51|01-51-25]

*****ENCRYPT: @D.Henry/Team#1@ 
>>>>>[I forgot to mention one last piece of my dream. I discovered
how we can make pretty explosions. In the real-world maze, set up gun
turrets in rather random locations.  This greatly complicates the
strategy behind the RL part. (I'm thinking that the gun turret
chooses a target randomly if more than 1 exists.) In addition to
keeping track of where the enemy and the objectives are, one must
also remember where "hornet's nests" are, because they do have the
ability to wreck one's day. Now, think about this scenario. Decker A
runs into an ambush set by Decker B. Decker A punches the evade
program and starts heading toward back the way he came, at full
speed. Decker B follows. Decker A has run across a hornet's nest of 3
guns earlier in the game, and maneuvers towards that area. Decker B
is still pursuing. BAM! They come upon the hornet's nest. Decker A
races through, stops, spins, and blows up any turrets that are
attacking him. Decker B, surprised, tries to turn around without
slowing first. He flies into a wall and explodes as the remaining
turrets keep shooting. Oh, and for big bangs, we could just rig a bit
of C-12 to detonate when the craft is disabled. That ought to ignite
the fuel tank... Boy, I hope these plasteel walls are REAL strong...]
        -- Mercer [25:14:09|40-30-87]

>>>>>[***ENCRYPT:Mercer/OptiTeam** I would rather that everything
else blow up, but hooking up C-12 to the dragons bothers me. Sul, you
could design the modules so there would be pretty cosmetic
demolitions at each crash, collision and richochet, right? I just
think it would be better if we could recycle the Dragons, they're not
all that many, and I don't think Mr. Henry will like the idea of
buying hundreds of them. We've got a big budget but at 400-700 K per
craft, I doubt he'd go for that idea. Anyway, I am worried about
non-crash explosion which might happen from having denotables on
board.]<<<<< 
        -- Dragonmaker (Sou Tschedia) <08:45:29/8-11-94>

>>>>>[***ENCRYPT:Mercer/OptiTeam**
Sure, we could easily hook up turret guns to the modules. We could also make
"flash pods" all we need is the put a parabolic dish thats lined with
my silverfoil on the Beta joint and fill the dish with your favorite
ignitiable and "pop" pretty fireworks, and the chopper could make it back to
the hanger.]<<<<<
        -- Vulcan (Sul Taney) <08:51:51/8-11-94>

***** Encrypt: ##Fraternay##
>>>>>[Dragon bracelet?  Tell my of this artifact.]<<<<<
    --  Deep One <%%:##:@@|!!:**:??>

>>>>>[If there's anything I can do to help, Prophet, you be sure to
let me know.  The wonders of the satellite communication system are
many.  I'd love to see the molasses-slow British matrix again.]<<<<<
        -- Highlander (12:17:43/8-11-54)

>>>>>[Fenris: I gave my aid to those who needed it.  My friendship I
save for those who are deserving.  I am not afraid of "the truth," I
am afraid of those who cannot handle any truth but their own.  I see
no need to justify myself to you or anyone else.  I give the answers
that I give as a courtesy, not out of some feeling of owing people an
explanation.  If you don't wish to listen, then keep quiet on matters
that you no nothing about.  My comments are directed at those willing
to learn, not tose who think they already know everything.

Powerhouse: I'm afraid I must decline your offer of meeting at
Dante's.  While I enjoy the locale, I don't think dining with
Fenris would be very healthy for me...Perhaps another, equally
public, but more confidential place can be chosen.  As to your
questions: 

Yes, we use flesh forms.  And, yes, the hosts are always willing. 
But then, would you have expected me to say anything else?

Our goals?  I doubt I could explain them without a rather lengthy
discourse on alien psychology.  Existance and survival will do for
now.  We merely wish to occupy our rightful place in the world.

I hope these answers are helpful.]<<<<<
        -- Brandon Lowe (12:30:32/8-11-54)

>>>>>[By the way: thank you, Tearchild, for your unexpected, but
welcome, support.  But, I must protest; we are not your enemy.  We
merely demand the right to exist, like all others.]<<<<<
        -- Brandon Lowe (12:32:13/8-11-54)

>>>>>[ Hey, Cyberbrains!  Where have you been moping around lately.
Your not posting much and your not answering my phone calls.  Of
course I only called you twice, but you should answer anyway.  What's
the matter?  Jealous about Powerhouse :)  Don't worry, I still like
you. ]<<<<< 
        -- Cerise <13:02:02/08-11-54>

****ENCRYPTSUN**** 
>>>>>[Sun, I just got the report from my decker friend. Seem no less
than 30 unsolved disappearances are linked to various clubs in town.
He was going to crosscheck the clubs with deliverys from our friends
but for some reason he ran into some heavy IC and had to quit. From
what he saw of Lone Star's records the investigations were cursory at
best. Probably due to the missing people being members of the shadow
community, SINless or both. Sun I really don't like where my thoughts
are headed with this affair. I'll send you more information as I get
it.]<<<<
     -- SILVER TUX (16:17:45/08.11.54)

****ENCRYPTSUN****
>>>>[Well, chalk up another body. My decker friend, Skippy was just
found dead. Ran into some serious black IC the idiot didn't listen to
me when I told him to stop digging. He did manage to send me a last
report. He traced the trucks ownership through a series of phoney
companies and at the top was a biotech company called ENHANCE INC.
Sun, I don't scare easy but I am now REAL nervous. Too many people
killed and we are barely aware of what is going on.  Talk to me Sun,
what do you think we should do? I don't want to cut and run because
these I owe these creeps BIG but I also wonder if we are over our
heads. Comtact me soon.]<<<< 
     -- Silver Tux (16:30:22/08.11.54)

>>>>>[Brandon Lowe, it seems that a 20th century dictator named
Hitler once said something similar about just wanting to occupy their
place in the world.  If you expect to get more trust than distrust, I
suggest you be truthful with everyone.  Until proven otherwise, you
are just another buggie to this shaman.]<<<<< 
        --Journey <17:55.30/08.11.54>

>>>>>[DianeZE -- the rotorcraft is currently on its way to your
airfield; considering its current shape, flight capabilities, and the
possibility of properly rigging it for remote control, I do not think
that 4.5 million is not an overabundance of nuYen for such a machine.
The Aztecs did an excellent job in design; as well, the location
device within the assault copter has been nullified by my own techs.

If you need any more than 25 machine guns, let me know; I should be
able to acquire another 50 on short notice.  The cost should only be
about .2 above normal, as you are buying 'bulk'.

I thank you for your generous offer, but.... well, I had one of my
people do some research on Zeta -- and, if I dedicated a week's
worth of gross income to y'all, you'd be working for me.  The
Clearing House is no small puppy, and we are worldwide -- if you
need something somewhere, call us -- we can get it where you need
it, when you need it, usually at reasonable prices.

I just wish I .owned. the company.... ]<<<<<
        -- Jesus, Comptroller TCI, Ltd. (7:02:04/8-10-54)

>>>>>[FraterNay, Milhaus, Bunker, Prophet, this is KHANx.  I'm
alright. I've been captured and incarcerated. I don't know where, but
it looks like a well- appointed dungeon. The Inquisitor (as I refer
to him) has bade me to pass on an offer. Me, in exchange for the
focus. Straight Deal, he says. Everybody can get what they want and
be satisfied. Personally, I think you should take the PaYen and pull
a fade. 

< SH sh sh shSH> The Inquisitor is telling me he finds me quite
funny. I'm so incredibly delighted - I never thought of myself as a
Maso-comedian before. The fragger has me in chains -- I think this
T'Hoth cult is not only into blood magic, but kinky sex as well 
<GGGGGRRRRRIIIIIINNNNNNDDDDD>  OH! FRAGG!! You . . . .  The
Inquisitor is telling me I don't amuse him anymore. Look, you guys
should really drop buy, check out the four-whip accomodations.
Damn, the cold and humidity in this dungeon are making my bones
hurt. Please drop a line, or The Inquisitor will do unmentionable
things to me <SSSCCCCRRREEEECCHHH> GOD <CONNECTION BROKEN>]<<<<< 
   -- KHANx (20:01:45/8.11.54)

>>>>>[***SILVERTUXRE*** 
Well, Silver, things in my area aren't exactly Renaissance either. I
decided to get more info. I picked another van and followed it
around. More stops at bars and clubs.  Finally at one stop I did an
astral check. Just before they put it in the warded frig, I noticed
that the object they were carrying was alive - or rather a part of
someone alive. After trailing the thing back to Enhance Inc.  storage
facilities, I waited. Several hours later (at 300 hours) a white
unmark ed van pulled up with an  escorting dark green Ford Apache.
After a few minutes of dodlling they drove inside. 45 minutes later
they headed out. I followed a few blocks but got nervous and stopped.
On a hunch I went to a fixer friend's place and asked him if dark
green Ford Apaches were standard company fleet cars for any corp.
Answer: Yes, for OrganFinder LTD. 

What can I say ?   What do we do now?***]<<<<<
      Sun (20:11:35/8.11.54)

>>>>>[KHANx: Message received.  Pass that on to the 'Inquisitor'.
Just what type of meeting arrangement does he have in mind?  Where
and when does he want to meet?  We can't leave you over here, so see
what his terms are. As for FraterNay, Millhaus, Nitro and Legion,
they have been incommunicado since FraterNay's last message.  I can't
seem to reach any of them.  Bunker and Phrophet have been roaming the
taverns and streets trying to locate you .  I will have to continue
to try to contact the rest of the party.  Until I can reach them, ask
your host to pass on the necessary information so I can begin to act
upon it. I don't have the focus.  I beleive it is still with the
Mages. Make certain your host knows I can do nothing at the moment by
myself. Item 00*27:next]<<<<<
        --  Kendra <22:50:23/07-11-54>

*****ENCRYPT:AllButKHANx! 
>>>>>[Foci Crew.  You all have the encryption program files I gave
you. For now use the ones listed as KHANx 1-4.  These exclude KHANx
from the crew. ( you've probably noticed there's some with each of
your names, huh).  For now I think his captors should beleive you are
out of contact with me. We need some input everyone.  Millhaus,
FraterNay, Nitro, have you come up with anything on the cult?
Phrophet, Bunker, where did you two go? You left me staring up a
stairwell?]<<<<<
        --  Kendra <23:03:14/08-11-54>

>>>>>[ Tearchild, you have my greatest respect but unfortunately we
do not see things in the same way.  You would rather see nature take
it's course and not understand the reasoning behind things, trusting
everything to the Great Spirit.  Whilst I, even though I only have
limited magical powers, feel that mysteries should not remain
unresolved.  Only by study, discussion and the sharing of ideas can
we fully learn the secrets of the universe.  Indeed if the white man
who invaded North America had actually sat down and talked with your
ancestors then I'm sure that much blood shed coould have been
avoided. After all America is a large place, large enough for the
white man and your ancestors to live without stepping on one anothers
toes. 

But you mention that insects are threats to our very existence, and
they are our enemies.  This is not proven, but it is because of
allegations such as this that I must investigate. ]<<<<<
        -The Powerhouse (16:51:16/12.8.54)

>>>>>[ Wow  !!  Are you ok PH, that was DEEP.  Are you sure this
investigation isn't having adverse effects on you ? ]<<<<<
        -Punisher (16:52:18/8.12.54)

>>>>>[ No, I'm still the same person I always was.  I'm just trying
to keep my thoughts calm and unclouded.  Besides which, it's good
practice for this centering thing that Master My-Sung taught
me.]<<<<< 
        -The Powerhouse (16:54:23/12.8.54)

>>>>>[Powerhouse, my faith in the Great Spirit is not blind.  It is
only by putting your trust in Him that you will see things as they
are. 

We are all a part of the Great Spirit and his world. Consider the
time-honored notion of one who struggles against inner demons and
vices. The Insect Spirits are that darker, more alien side of our
existence which we must prevent from achieving dominance in order
for Harmony to exist. And lest you attempt to claim that our world
is in turn dominated by humans and metahumans, I direct you back to
your magical studies. You know that there exists much more than is
seen. 

And again, the lesson learned by your encounter is that sometimes you
must side with that which you consider to be your nemesis in order to
thwart the more immediate threat to your existence.]<<<<<
        -- Tearchild <11:07:35/8-12-54>

>>>>>[ Mr Lowe, thank you for your answers though I must profess that
I am worried about your use of flesh forms.  I know that you claim
the hosts to be willing but without speaking to your potential hosts
I will have to defer my opinion on that branch of your activities.

As to your right to existence I find myself having less problems
with the idea, but I am intrigued as to why you say that insects
are alien.  Or at least you imply that.  You then say that you only
wish to occupy your rightful place in this world.

Well this raises some more questions.  Are the insects alien to this
world ? This would explain the problems associated in summoning low
force spirits. What is the insects rightful place in this world  ?
Is it to exist peacefully, with other creatures, without
destroying?  Or is it to expand as far as possible so as to
influence all facets of society. 

I realise that you are coming in for some abuse for your views. But
as I orginally said, many runners have had bad experiences with
practioners of insect magic in the past, so it is understandable if
not excusable.  But so you need not recieve any more abuse I suggest
that we do meet and discuss my questions.  As to a place how about
**ENCRYPT LOCATION**, the key is the name of my sword.  I believe
that only those people who were with us at Highlanders ritual and my
close friends know it's name. ]<<<<< 
        -The Powerhouse (17:17:30/12.8.54)

>>>>>[ Tearchild, alas I think we will never see things the same way.
Although you say you do not put blind faith in your Great Spirit you
insist that insects are the dark and evil side of nature.  I if
anything have a mages view of the world, so I don't necessarily see
that there must be a good and a bad side to all things.  I can find
dark/bad sides of life in the form of corrupt goverments and power
hungry individuals, but I don't see some form of dark evil force.
Instead I see a power that maybe alien but needs to be understood. If
this power turns out to be hostile then it must be fought.  Yes, you
are right there is much that is not seen, although for many of these
things I have only other peoples words to go on, lacking any form of
astral senses.  Yet those in my group who do tell me that in astral
space nothing is certain.  ]<<<<<
        -The Powerhouse (17:31:56/12.8.54)

>>>>>[ Kendra, we'll come by and pick you up in a few. We "acquired"
a truck named Lori to help us cover more ground faster.  I know it's
called Lori, cause when we drove away in it, the "donor" was yelling
"Hey! My Lori!" at us. Wierd guy...

We got the message from KHANx. What the drek are we gonna do! I say
keep lookin' and slag the bozos who got him. ]<<<<<
        --  Bunker <11:25:35/8-13-54>

>>>>>[ FraterNay, I say we go ahead and turn over the Focus to
KHANx's captors. That poor man has gone through enough pain and
torture in the past couple months. Wearing that dress was the
hardest thing I've ever seen him do. 

Besides, it'll be nice to be rid of the thing. ]<<<<<
        --  Nitro <11:28:11/8-13-54>

>>>>>[ Nitro, I don't think we should give up that easy. KHANx is a
big boy and can take care of himself. What we need to do is conclude
our biz ASAP, extract KHANx and get the frag outta the smoke!

Prophet, you have any luck turning up some firepower yet? I think
we'll need it to get our man out. ]<<<<<
        --  Legion <11:31:25/8-13-54>

>>>>>[Alright, just what IS important enough to drag me out of
Amelia's library after only 2 days?!?!? We were just getting to some
of the more _interesting_ entries in a set of old Nauhuatl
skinscrolls when Kendra came barging in like that.

What's that? KHANx in the hands of the T'Hoth? Impossible. They're
in Mongolia, we're in Scotland, and the Drui control the ley here.
Must be someone else. Maybe just S&M boys from Skye. But then why
would they ask about the focus? ...

I think Amelia needs to have a quick chat with
He-Who-Wears-The-White-Robe (you didn't actually expect me to use
his true name here, this close to his home grove, did you ??) to
see if The Grove knows anything. 

I'll let you know what I find. Meanwhile, Prophet & Bunker, can you
guys steal some barbed wire from one of the nearby farm fences. I
think between the five magickers we have here, we can create enough
of a glamour on a phony focus to fool anyone short of adept
level.]<<<<< 
        -- Millhaus <15:39:40/12-Aug-54>

*****NonXkha$ 
>>>>>[Focus crew in the loop:  I have acquired some information
regarding the T'Hoth Cult.  The word on the street is that they are
headquatered just to the east of the town of Inveraray, which sits
upon the Loch Fyne.  They are supposed to be in an old castle ruins
on the north east point of the Loch.

More News: the people of the town have had a rise in the incidence
of missing farm animals over the last six months and two reports of
missing children in the last two months. Sounds spooky guys.

I plan to leave for the town as soon as I know who is going with me.
Everyone please let me know ASAP.  I certainly do no wish to go
alone, but will if necessary.

The castle is supposed to be located near the point where the river
enters the Loch.  We have manufactured a look-alike of the focus.  It
certainly won't fool them if it's in their hands, but it could force
them to bring KHANx out into our sight if it comes to a negotiation
(appearing) scenario. The Fauxcus also has a tracking device should
they attempt, and be successful in 'aquiring' it from me.  Let's hope
this doesn't happen. 

Kendra: As soon as we hear from KHANx again (I suspect we will since
his captors used him to contact us last time), try to continue the
stall.  You have been able to locate except myself, Millhaus and
Nitro, and you don't know which of us is carrying the object.

New Hotel arrangements have been made here.  We have one large room
at ##hot*.4###.  Leave most of your unecessary gear at the old hotel
though. Those rooms are still registered to us, just in case.
Everyone, reply on Non Khan ASAP. We have to move.]<<<<<
        --  FraterNay <09:40:21/12 Aug 54>

>>>>>[ IBA and Powerhouse I need you to grab your gear and make your
way to airport now.  We've got an important pickup and we don't have
a lot of time before it gets in. ]<<<<<
        -Punisher (15:49:10/8.13.54)

>>>>>[ I told you, I wasn't doing anymore jobs.  Not after what you
did. ]<<<<< 
        -I.B.A. (**:**:**/**.**.**)

>>>>>[ Oh, come on IBA.  You know it was only a joke and you
shouldn't have stolen Powerhouse's beer now should you ? ]<<<<<
        -Punisher (15:51:09/8.13.54)

>>>>>[ Hmmm... Ok then but I still owe you one, and PH. ]<<<<<<
        -I.B.A. (**:**:**/**.**.**)

>>>>>[ We'll see.. just get in your van and meet me just outside the
airport. You too PH, are you there ? ]<<<<<
        -Punisher (15:53:32/8.13.54)

>>>>>[ Yeah, I'm here.  Just got in.  Sorry, I had to report to my
group on what has happened so far with Mr Lowe and his associates. 
Or rather what hasn't happened.  Anyway they've asked me to try and
get some more info before they start to decide what to do.  As to
the airport, yeah ok, I can make it. But I'll have to split my time
between this job and Lowe. 

See ya at the airport. ]<<<<<
        -The Powerhouse (15:56:15/13.8.54)

*****KhaKha@ 
>>>>>[FraterNay, shouldn't we all go?  With all due respect, I don't
beleive this is something you can handle on your own.  I hope your
drive to go after KHANx isn't clouded by your little...encounter with
him (I still can't beleive it.)  This is well over my head, but I'll
be joining you.

Bunker,Prophet: You two have been out on the streets here.  Have you
located any info to lead us to a weapons supplier *grumble, damn
customs*? We can't go in there empy handed, that's certain.

Millhaus: Where the hell are you?  You've been over here several
times. You must have some idea where we can look for firepower.

Everyone else in the loop.  I take it that by now you have noticed
that the encr directories with your names on them are empty.  I
just left the directories as a reminder that any can be taken out
of the loop, and if you disappear, you now know why you are
receiveing nothing that isn't public. A reminder that you're not
abandoned.]<<<<< 
        --  Kendra <09:50:37/12-08-54>

>>>>>[FraterNay, et al:  A little checking showed FraterNay to be
correct about the reports regarding the animals.  The reports on file
regarding the children were correct as well, with one exception.
Another similar report was filed two days ago.  They were all
children in custody of the Gov't. ( orphaned) and all disappeared
from different locations.  All reported as not returning to their
foster homes. No other info given.]<<<<< 
        --  Kendra <16:49:09/08-12-54>

*****KhaNonKha 
>>>>>[Foci Crew:  I going on to the town of Inveraray. I am going to
see if I can dig up any info that may help us.  I will meet whoever
is joining me once you let me know you're on your way.

Millhaus: I have reason to beleive the T'Hoth are truly here.  Have
you heard anything from Amelia yet?  I suspect they have been laying
low, magick wise, since their arrival, to keep from inciting any
interference from the Drui.  They probably came over here slowly in
groups of no more than three, probably just two at a time, bringing
no magick items, as scouts for info on the focus.

Anyone have any luck with firepower yet?  It would certainly be good
to have just in case.

Bunker, Prophet, Kendra: Let me know when you arrive.  I will have
lodging arranged for everyone.

Millhaus, Nitro, Ragman, Legion: I hope you are all planning on
joining me. Millhaus: the books will still be there when we are
done, if we still have sight to browse them.]<<<<<
        --  FraterNay <12:53:29/13 Aug 54>

>>>>>>[The Bloke actually thinks the trucks personal name is Lori?
God Bunker, I'm glad you're a better shot than scholar.]<<<<<
        --  Kendra <12:58:00/13-08-54>

>>>>>[FraterNay, Kendra, and crew: First things first.  Kendra, how
the hell does this new encyrption system of yours work.  Show me for
real, sometime, OK? *grumble -- damned
cyberheadedalwaysworried'boutsecrecy --- growl* 

Amelia says the Drui know nothing about the T'Hothites being in the
area. Implies to me that they've not used their magicks yet, or at
least they've not dared to tap the ley line.

Also, a contact from the Grove told me there's a farm not too far
from the hotel you've chosen, Sister mine. The old man there raises
beagles and tods (that's foxes for those who don't speak Scot) for
local tourist-trap hunting lodges. Seems he's also someone we
should talk to regarding other interests. Bunker, Prophet, KHANx:
looks like something right up your alley. Wear your jodhpurs and
boots, and act polite. You'll recognize the sign (it's one we've
used among ourselves several times before), and he's expecting your
countersign immediately. If not, you're toast. 

My reading has not been for naught, by the way. If we encounter the
true T'Hoth, I believe I may know a bit about their ways and might be
able to throw a few "flies" in their mystical "ointment." See, I
haven't _just_ been having fun the past few days. I'll bet even
Ragman will be impressed. *NOT*]<<<<< 
        -- Millhaus <13:05:21/13-Aug-54>

>>>>>>[The Bloke actually thinks the trucks personal name is Lori?
God Bunker, I'm glad you're a better shot than scholar.*grin*]<<<<<
        --  Kendra <12:58:00/13-08-54>

>>>>>[Jesus- Zeta Enterprise does not issue stock but there has been
several bonds we have issued. On Monday we registered the notice of
our intension to release a bond of 500 Million =Y= which we be linked
to the OptiClash arena construction.  We always encourage people to
invest in our succesful business.

As for the Rotorcraft- our mechanics found that there were
imprecisions in some of the gryo instruments, it has also been
modified as to lower the fuel effiency. However, its chasis is
immaculate despite the obvious signs that it has been used for
combat. We'll over you 3.7 mil for it. 

Do you have any Ares Dragons? We would definitely like to aquire more
of those.

We are still waiting on the order for the .50 caliber weapons. When
will it be filled?]<<<<<
        -- Diane <09:00:00/8-12-54>

>>>>>[ Hi, chummers.  Here's a message for all of you who helped us
save Highlander's Scottish butt.  We've gotten together your
compensation.  Please give me or Raven a ring and we'll make
arrangements for payment. 

Highlander, you owe us 250,000 NuYen for services rendered.  You
better start decking hard my freind. ]<<<<<
        -- Nightstalker <13:11:16/08-13-54>

>>>>>[ Nightstalker!  I told you we weren't going to collect from
him.  Don't tease him about this.  Apologise right now. ]<<<<<
        -- Raven the Mage <13:12:54/08-13-54>

>>>>>[ Yes!  I really need the money.  I'll be right over. ]<<<<<
        -- Cerise <13:13:13/08-13-54>

>>>>>[ Some people have no sense of humor.  Just kidding,
Highlander.  Cerise, come to the office. ]<<<<<
        -- Nightstalker <13:14:25/08-13-54>

ENCRYPT:##FAKEPIX## 
>>>>>[I just finished wang through 1000+ lines of code and came to
the conclusion that this Bishop guy is brilliant.  He used a modified
version of a common paint/art program to fix the ambush footage.  The
fake clips start just after the "bad guys" enter.  The decker had the
shape of each badie scanned in and then "painted" over them with a
fake background and black clad shapes.  I recovered the footage from
the baddies entrance.  Maybe y guys can ID them.  (::DOWNLOAD
##REALPIX##::)

P.S. I had to pull in a llot of favors and burn off a corp backdoor
to analyze the code.  Just an idea of how good this Bishop is.<<<<
        --  Couch <..:..:.. / ..-..-..>

>>>>>[Couch, here's that aspirin you asked for.]<<<<<
        --  The Driver <..:..:.. / ..-..-..>

>>>>>[Gee, as cute as he is, Highlander shouldn't have any trouble
coming up with 250K. Wanna Guest on the Show? I can arrancge a
tridtest. . .]<<<<< 
        -- Jaez <15:24:21/8-13-54>

>>>>>[I can't believed we worked for her.]<<<<<
        -- Packard Belle <15:25:21/8-13-54>

>>>>>[Who? Jaez? Well, it seemed like a good idea at the time.]<<<<<
        -- Mind Throttle <15:25:56/8-13-54>

>>>>>[Some things are knowable by only the Great Spirit.]<<<<<
        -- Tearchild <15:26:31/8-13-54>

>>>>>[Holy Flava Beans! It's Friday the 13th!]<<<<<
        -- Cooper <15:27:26/8-13-54>

>>>>>[Relax, White Man. The enormity of your culture's calendar
susperstitions has waned considerably over the past
half-century.]<<<<< 
        -- Brave <15:27:49/8-13-54>

>>>>>[No, I mean Joe Friday the 13th. . .He's an ace lawman, from
LASprawl. Tough as nails. He's going to be speaking at a conference
on Modern Law Enforcement.]<<<<<
        -- Cooper <15:28:32/8-13-54>

>>>>>[And they think I'M flighty. . .]<<<<<
        -- Jaez <15:29:17/8-13-54>

>>>>>[What is with these accusations of falsehood?  I have never lied
to anyone on this list.  No, I have not volunteered all the
information that people want, but, frankly, it's none of your
business.  So, unless you have something meaningful to say on the
subject, Journey, please stay quiet.]<<<<< 
        -- Brandon Lowe (14:35:21/8-13-54)

>>>>>[Very well, Powerhouse, I accept your invitation.

In response to your question: insects are alien relative to the
other totems. Once you understand the totem, their goals make
sense, but it takes some time to come to an understanding.

I will answer what questions that I can when we meet.  I am looking
forward to it.]<<<<<
        -- Brandon Lowe (14:38:13/8-13-54)

>>>>>[Nightstalker, you're going to pay for that one: I dropped my
coffee in my lap when I read your message!  Bloody heathen....

Not that I'm not grateful.  BTW, Jaez, thanks for the compliment,
but I think I'll stay out of the public eye for now.

Cerise: I've stopped moping now, lassie.  Why don't you dump that
dull Englishman, and come hang around me some.  You can take me out
with your pay......]<<<<<
        -- Highlander (14:46:32/8-13-54)

>>>>>[Gee, Highlander, sounds like you want to give Cerise her pay in
kind]<<<<<        
        -- Jaez <19:47:21/8-13-54>

>>>>>[I could really use the money Nightstalker, but I am in Boston.
. . Any suggestions?]<<<<<
        -- Blitzkrieg <14:17:24/8-13-54>

>>>>>[Thanx Couch, now that I got the pix, I'll try to ID these guys.
I was hiding out, which is why I was of the net, but now I'm back.
The picture should get us some useful info.]<<<<<
      -- NightShade (15:11:09/8.13.54)

>>>>>[Hmm, I see Mr. Lowe is bending under peer pressure.  Guess
that's what bugs do. I'd watch out though. You know how bugs buzz
around aimlessly then suddenly zero in and sting ya. Guess I'm not to
keen on bug shamans, or any magiker that's shooting spells at me for
that matter.]<<<<< 
                -- Red <18:03:45/08-13-54>

>>>>>[KHANx, are you still able to respond?  If your captors want the
focus we have to know when and where to meet them.  We can't save
your butt if we don't know who to turn this damn thing over to.

Whoever has him, if you don't make contact with me there is no way
we can come to some arrangement.  I want to hear from KHANx to know
he is alive. If you don't respond, or let him respond soon, we're
going to have to assume the worst.  At that point, there's no
reason to negotiate.  We won't wait much longer for a reply.  If
you destroy our friend, we can easily drop a heavy object on the
focus.]<<<<< 
        --  Kendra <21:24:55/08-13-54>
 
>>>>>[Folks, seems to me that this here debate about Brandon Lowe
and his group is a little premature... but down here in the
gutters, we have a little saying that all you movers and shakers
would do well to remember: ``Judge a Man by what he does, not by
the clothes he wears.'' 

Now, I don't know anything about Brandon Lowe personally (yet), but
I'm not going to condemn him because he works with Wasp. After all,
there's enough cases where even a totem like Eagle's been twisted to
serve destruction. This doesn't mean I'm gonna assume he's a fine,
upstanding citizen either -- Wasp is too strange for me to assume
that his view of good is close to mine. So, for the time being, I'll
just keep an ear to the ground...]<<<<<
           --Ratty <02:24:02.67z/14-08-2054>

*****ENCRYPT: @D.Henry#1@ 
>>>>>[I've been up for about 50 hours straight now.  The OptiSign
compiler is done. The basic commands are: rotate (90 deg
[counter]clockwise, 45 deg, 180 deg, 360 deg, input degrees), change
altitude, collision detection every .01 seconds, turn corner, change
speed, target ID (eventually to include all arena targets), fire
weapon, search for specific target, search for variety of targets,
escape (uses collision detection, change altitude [every 1.2
seconds], turn corner [random direction if more than one choice]).
There are probably other instructions that I have forgotten already.
I'll get to work with Sou tomorrow and hook up the AP/SP system.
Shouldn't be too much work... Now I MUST get some sleep.]<<<<<
        -- Mercer [25:10:82|40-02-49]

>>>>>[Drek!!!  We really didn't find out much. . . *sigh* 
Blitzkrieg, I got two questions for you. . . 1) What the hell was
that big explosion that you seemed to cause? and 2) What were the
mages working on?]<<<<< 
        -- Phoenix <13:27:57/8-13-54>

>>>>>[Phoenix, what the hell were you doing there?  You told us you
weren't going along for the ride.   I hate surprises.  How did you
get in anyway? 

As to answer your questions, well at least.  The big explosion was
errr. . . related to a fire elemental.  I will need to go on an
Astral Quest again, could you watch my body while I do it?  The
mages were working on some interesting stuff that I could gather, 
*ponder* But I don't think it had anything to do with Doc Jones, or
Bruce.  And for the record, sorry about the explosion.  It was
rather unexpected and unfortunate.]<<<<< 
        -- Blitzkrieg <13:31:20/8-13-54>

>>>>>[Sure, I'll watch your body. . . just as long as you don't ask
how I got in to MIT&M by myself, when they were sort of looking for
me. . .  And we survived the explosion, so don't worry about
it.]<<<<< 
        -- Phoenix <13:32:46/8-13-54>

>>>>>[Deal.]<<<<<
        -- Blitzkrieg <13:33:10/8-13-54>

>>>>>[Well chummers, I'm still here, but slightly less a'right (The
Inqusitor wanted me to be sure to tell you that). He says he's
pleased with the news that you're planning on being reasonable. He
says that a meeting should take place very soon as they are eager to
get the Focus <shshsSHSHS   SSSCCCCRRREEECHCHCH> FRAGGIN' DREKHEAD
!!! <SSKKKRREEECHCH> GGGUUUUHHHH! 

The Inquisitor believes I should be less descriptive. He says that
the meeting plans will be anounced soon. <SHPSHPshpshp>  No !  I
won't say that ! <KKREEK KRUNCH> AH DREK!  He    says      
to        tell      you        that if      you      
don't          deliver           I'll        be       a
major           participant         in       their       
next       ritual. Ahhhhh . . .  Thats better. Don't worry 'bout me
guys. This rack is quite a therapuetic device, better than my
chiropracter. Loosin' me right up. Between the fully stocked
torture chamber, the gruel, and the humidity, this feels just like
the Physiogymnasium. Keep in touch. <SSSKKKRREEECHCHCH> Fraggin'
Bastard!] <<<<< 
    -- KHANx (15:37:45/8/13.54)

***** Encrypt: KHANx-2 
>>>>>[ FraterNay, as soon my compadres are up and about we'll be on
the way.  As you know we've been up for quite some time absorbing
everything in this library that we can. Legion and Ragman have been
asleep for about 10 hours now and should be awake in a couple more. I
only slept for two, but then I've never needed that much sleep
anyway.

Anybody know a good car rental place near here? ]<<<<<
        --  Nitro <11:37:14/8-14-54>

>>>>>[DianeZE -- I didn't .say. that TCH would buy stock.  I just
said that y'all'd be working for us.  Incidentally, is that bond in a
single note?  I.e., are you looking for a solo supporter for
OptiClash, or no? I may try to persuade my..... superiors (all two of
them) into buying a sizable portion of that bond.

The Aguilar-EX should not have had the gyro imprecisions; however,
as you point out, it may have been affected adversely by the combat
it had experienced.  I am not surprised that the fuel efficiency
has been lowered; Aztlan never likes its opponents outflying its
own.  Consider, though, the fact that its obvious combat experience
may well suggest to others that it is the best machine -- and,
thus, you will be able to charge more for its usage in your games. 
Also considering that the underchin HMG is yet included in the
machine, I think we can let it go for a mere 4.2 million.

How many Dragons?  And what setup?  I'm assuming a combat variant.
Also, would you be interested in any Hughes Stallions, or maybe a few
of Northrup's latest WaspII's?  An ambitious gentleman in CalFree
seems to have misdirected a set of six, but cannot collect anymore...
his friends grieve over his misfortune, but are taking advantage of
the windfall he had created.

Hughes Stallion, combat variant, remote-turret underfuselage mounted
twin light rotary machine guns, 950k.  Ares Dragon, long-range combat
variant, twin underchin HMG turrets plus triple flexible hardpoints
underbelly, 1.25m.  Short-range combat variant, fixed fan-mounted SMG
hardpoints (10, 5/side), 1.3m.  Northrup WaspII, underchin turret
w/MMG, boosted handling, (for city flying, you understand) 750k.

Your HMG turret-mounteds should be arriving within the hour.  20, I
believe you ordered?  Oh yes, and one of my superiors wishes to know
if you'd care to acquire some of the liquid-crystal matrixcomputers
of Crystech's instead of the 'boring old optichips' you've got now.
(His words, not mine.) Contact us as usual.]<<<<<
        -- Jesus, Comptroller TCH, Ltd. (5:32:34/8-14-54)

>>>>>[Very good, Jesus..... for a 15-year-old, you're one of the
best I've seen.  I'm glad I ran into Gemini.]<<<<<
        -- Dead Decker (5:33:30/8-14-54)

>>>>>[Is that where you acquired him from, Wyrm?  I'd been
wondering. Gemini being the girl with the Matrix-linked
magic?]<<<<< 
        -- Cat (5:33:45/8-14-54)

>>>>>[You leave my sister out of this.]<<<<<
        -- Jesus, Comptroller TCH, Ltd. (5:35:15/8-14-54)

>>>>>[Why??  I can take care of myself -- better than .you., little
brother.  YOU'RE not a decker.]<<<<<
        -- Gemini (5:36:12/8-14-54)

>>>>>[You people are ruining my rep.]<<<<<
        -- Jesus, Comptroller TCH, Ltd. (5:38:11/8-14-54)

>>>>>[Heh.]<<<<<
        -- Dead Decker (5:38:12/8-14-54)

>>>>>[Heh.  (How does he move that fast??)]<<<<<
        -- Gemini (5:38:25/8-14-54)

>>>>>[Heh.  (I'm sure I don't know.)]<<<<<
        -- Cat (5:38:27/8-14-54)

***** Encrypt:KHANx-3 
>>>>>[ Millhaus, great lead on those "other items of interest!" That
old geezer had one of the bigger collections I've seen in Europe! We
got just about everything we'll need, or want, for the next few days.

That's one thing about this damn place; they still got a thing about
not having guns all over the place. A guy could die of boredom before
he got himself shot at over here!

Everybody, watch out for Bunker. The old-timer that sold us the
"items" also suckered Bunkie into buying one of his dogs. Even
threw in a full shot complement so he could get him through customs
no problem. I say watch out because he really likes the damn thing.
Just like a little kid. 

Nice dog, but it can get a little loud. Anybody got any name ideas?

Biz: I've set up a couple of hide-sites (sniper positions) at
different locations on the loch and spent some time checking out
those castle ruins. There's definitely something goin' on in there.
Can't see any power lines running into there, but the've got power.
Those comin' and goin' go in ones and twos. Not real frequently,
either. Till now I have seen no sign of sentries of any kind, but
there may be some surveillance devices hidden anywhere in those
ruins and around them. 

Those comin' and goin' look to be the local farmer types, but that
ain't right. They don't really look like the outdoors types. More
like librarians, some of them, and normal folk.

I'll be on my toes, everybody stay on yours. ]<<<<<
        --  Prophet <11:57:09/8-14-54>

***** Encrypt:KHANx-1 
>>>>>[ Kendra, how do you know the truck's name ain't Lori? That's a
good name, ain't it? My Hummvee's name is Bob you know.

How does everybody like the name "Peanut" for my new puppy beagle? I
like it and I think he does too. OK, Peanut it is! Welcome to the
team, Peanut! 

2qxzs3RY#C$/bu4
No, no, Peanut, the keyboard is for us big folks, not for little
folks like you. Here's some puppy chow for ya!

Gosh, he's neat.

Prophet, I don't know why you was calling that nice Mr. Smythe an
old geezer. You ain't so young yerself, ya know. ]<<<<<
        --  Bunker <12:08:19/8-14-54>

*****FauxKhaNon 
>>>>>[Crew, I have located the T'Hoth.  Thanks Millhaus, the old man
at the farm was of some help with the terrain of the loch.  He's a
nice old fart.  Fortunately, he was widowed and glad to assist a fair
young lass with with red hair.  He did try to sell me a beagle pup
though.  It didn't take too many stouts to get him talking.  It
happens that a couple of his male 'tods' were amoung the missing.

I wandered carefully through the forest along the Loch and located
their Castle.  It is very small and mostly in ruins.  It was
obviously abandoned when they decided to make use of it.  It is in
a quite secluded area on the east side of the Loch, about a half
mile south of the river.  I saw two of the members, in full dress,
outside.  I didn't get very close. I'm alone and not stupid. It
looks like there is only one usuable entrance, the main doors.  I'm
sure they probably would have barricaded any other entrance anyway.

I'm going to return to the Hotel until the rest of you arrive.  I'm
not going to try to dig up any more info from the locals.  I don't
want to arouse suspiscion.  There's a nice pub about two blocks from
the hotel called 'LoairDain's'.  I'll just spend some time there
listening and at the hotel until someone arrives.]<<<<<
        --  FraterNay <13:13:17/14 Aug 54>

>>>>>[I'm getting worried about Bliss. She still isn't acting
normally. I think something very serious happened that night. I've
never seen shock last this long. Nightshade, do you know any magic
types who might be willing to watch over her? I'm willing to pay just
about anything. Get back to me ASAP. ]<<<<<
                -- Red <14:40:12/08-14-54>

>>>>>[Peanut??? What kind of a name is that for a dog? Egad, man.

Anyway, I'm here at the hotel with FraterNay. We'll decide what to
do after everyone arrives. Until then, I'm trying to find somewhere
to get a gin and tonic. This stout and bitters is death to my
descriminating palate.]<<<<< 
        -- Millhaus <13:27:06/14-Aug-54>

>>>>>[You're not going to have to worry about a name for this pup if
you don't keep the little bugger off of my leg!]<<<<<
        --  Kendra <14:08:54/08-14-54>

>>>>>[Focus crew, I'm still alive and in one piece, although the
therapuetic value of torture has been lost on me.  Kendra, your last
post got The Inquisitor in a tizzy. He says, that he wants the Focus
back absolutely no later than 5 days from now.  He says that he has
decided that the meet should go down at ***ENCRYPTMEETTIME?PLACE***.
He says that if you try anything funny, he'll go through with his
threat to make me the main spectacle at the next T'Hoth BBQ & Blood
Ritual. I have told him that I'm rather to crunchy to taste good, but
he says the Cult will insist on my participation.

FraterNay & co.  Please respond ASAP. Or if you wish, take a long
trip to Amazonia with the Foc<GGRRIIINNNDDD  SKKKRREEECHCHCH>
<CONNECTION BROKEN]<<<<< 
   -- KHANx (14:15:59/8.13.54 PST)