BEGIN WEEK LOG COMPILATION . . . COMPLETE BEGIN WEEK LOG EDITING . . . . . COMPLETE BEGIN WEEK LOG VIEWING . . . . . WORKING LOG VIEW BEGINS --------------- *****Private: Zarkon >>>>>[ That would be a big mistake to show the whole world taht file, cause if you did, I would have to kill everyone who sees it, and believe me I have the power. Now if you could hand over that file you have, all I would need is to get Tarkis to tell where his copy is, then I could let Tarkis go. I wish I had more than one captive...but Tarkis will do nicely. Oh here Tarkis has something to say, this will prove he is still alive. Tarkis: hey man, help me, to get out of here or forever hold your "PEACE", don't give file, don...... hmm started talking to much, couldn't understand what he said..but hey this is Tarkis... Ok now hand the files over]<<<<< -- DarkLord War is the only way. >>>>>[Uh, first off, this might look a little strange, Trixie's ltting me use her account for comms and I didn't want to wait to finish changing the sig. I should've thought to grab my deck on the way out the door... Anyway, with that outta the way I can get down to business since my faithful manservant Kabuki Man has been forwarding mail like a man possessed. And I would like to make a short endorsement for Ford. The '56 Amercar has the roomiest trunk I've ever had the displeasure of riding in.]<<<<< -- Freddy Frypp (15:55:55 / 01-06-56) Head of Software Design Industrial Sound and Magic ***** Private: Chris Tarleton >>>>>[Oh drek, man. Sorry, I didn't know. Wish I could say something more.]<<<<< -- Freddy Frypp (15:59:59 / 01-06-56) Head of Software Design Industrial Sound and Magic ***** Private: GoD, Griffyn >>>>>[I hope you guys think to check mail on a public telecom when you hit town. I told Kabuki Man to tell you before you left, ah well, you'll find out soon enough. Don't try to get here and I can't get you. Find a coffin hotel, or somewhere to crash, just tell us where you are. We'll get you when we can. And yeah, I'll cover expenses. But don't think I'm coverin' the bartab. ]<<<<< -- Freddy Frypp (16:02:12 / 01-06-56) Head of Software Design Industrial Sound and Magic ***** PRIVATE: Freddy Frypp >>>>>[ Okay, Freddy .. We're holed up at >>encrypted<< for the night, but do try and get to us as soon as possible. This motel is _not_ the most sanitary place I've ever been stuck. Hell, I'd even take the couch in your office over this damned place. ]<<<<< -- Griffyn < 20:56:06/1-06-56 > ***** PRIVATE: Freddy Frypp >>>>>[ Well, we're here, umm do I have to stay confined to this place If I stay here any longer I'm gonna go squierlly and I have to agree with Griff, I've been in some sassy joints but this place is rediculous. and rumor has it your couch is just a little bit better. what's the situation down here anywas, what do these fraggers look like? and how do you want them medium toast or charbroiled???]<<<<< -- God < 21:33 / 1-06-56 > >>>>>[Hand of Five? These guys linked up to the Fist of Five? I got a feeling things are gonna start lookin' real ugly, real soon.]<<<<< -- Dragonfly (00:23:21 / 07-JA-56) >>>>>[Dragonfly, The Hand of Five is a true Humanis splinter group. The Fist of Five is a Humanis-like group, in other words the Fist of Five has not been linked to Humanis at all.]<<<<< --Buzz (The one the only...Human Bee in the Matrix) *****PRIVATE: Humanis Hater's Club (Anna Crew) >>>>>[I have entered Anna's secondary LTG, and I've found that only two of the outer weapons bays are Matrix independent. Their anti-aircraft weapons are also Matrix independent. I've, also, found a security film showing (guess who) Dragon escaping. The date is three days ago. I'll upload it here in the next few days. I wonder why Dragon hasn't contacted anyone, knowing him, he stayed in Anna to cut down on the number of defenders.]<<<<< --Buzz (The one the only...Human Bee in the Matrix) *****PRIVATE: Freddy Frypp >>>>>[Hey, Freddy, got any good deals happening on large quantities of big gun s? Don't need to be GOOD guns, just ones that we can put in mostly untrained hands with lots of ammunition...]<<<<< -- Housefly (14:22:27 / 01-07-56) ***** Private: GoD, Griffyn >>>>>[Sorry, Trixie wants to keep a low profile. You might have to hold on for another night or two until we can find someplace more... uh... more. I wish I woulda been thinking ahead, just a wee bit more. I had to have Kabuki Man send me my deck and a change of clothes by fraggin' courier. This is costin' me a fraggin' fortune... Anyway, quick dump: I got no idea about exactly what we're facing. Sounds encouraging, huh? But I figure the people who do (or at least can) are the Boneless. Granted, they're not the greatest folks in the world, but they've got the numbers and influence to find things out. I've been trying to get on their good side by offering whatever the hell they want, including you two. I guess their spelltossers got fragged in their first encounter with the Biggots-In-Question, so I've offered to farm you guys out to them. Dunno what they think on the idea yet, I haven't even spoken to them yet, but people have been relaying stuff from me. Never knew how much fun you were signing on for, did ya?]<<<<< -- Freddy Frypp (15:39:12 / 01-07-56) ***** Private: Housefly >>>>>[Crazy you should mention that. As a matter of fact, I've got these waiting around for a buyer: +++++ FILE: WEAPONS.LIS I can give you the whole lot for >>>PRICE<<<, or we can deal on individual pieces. If you don't need them anytime soon, like in the next couple of weeks, I can get them shipped wherever you need them at a pretty good discount. My.... shipping company.... is up to their eyeballs in late Christmas presents. If you need them rushed it's gonna cost a little more, natch.]<<<<< -- Freddy Frypp (15:50:50 / 01-7-56) *****Private to: Freddy Frypp >>>>>[We're going drinking. Give me a date and time.]<<<<< -- Christopher Tarleton *****PRIVATE: Trixie >>>>>[I would like to help out in any way I can. I am magically active.]<<<<< --Ryuga (18:00:30 EST/01:07:56) CEO Ryaka Science and Tech *****PRIVATE: Freddy Frypp >>>>>[I think that RUSH might be the operative word here. Looks like maybe we got all sorts of folks hidin' out in extremely unfriendly territory. So here's the slot >>NUYEN<< and here's the bonus >>NUYEN<< for speedy delivery. You'll note that the figure is nearly double your original asking price; you'll also note that my requirements for deliviery are not exceptionally specific; anywhere within 200km of >>ENCRYPTED<< will do nicely. Sorry; Housefly told me to send this, as he didn't have the cash to drop. Will ask him to pass on his endorsement as well.]<<<<< -- Damselfly (20:12:43 / 01-07-56) *****PRIVATE: Freddy Frypp >>>>>[Hey, Freddy, when I got your note I told Dragonfly 'cause I'm broke and he told Damselfly and she said she'd take care of it but we need them fast, 'cause Roger's already on the inside and I think he needs help pretty soon.]<<<<< -- Housefly (20:23:45 / 01-07-56) ******Private: Zarkon >>>>>[ ok here is what you are going to do, you are too show up at >>encrypted<< at 3:30am. You must present the files, we will take the files, review them to make sure you didn't alter them or make copies, then we will let him go. Tarkis said something about his Whisper friend, he wanted me to tell you that well, he is dead. NOW! we did not kill him, it was his own fault, he resisted us, and well would not listen. there is no way we are going to present Tarkis when we recieve the files. um ahhh gotto go!]<<<<< -- Darklord <23:25:50 / 01-07-56> *****Private: Zarkon >>>>>[ I...^#@*$351lkjhlkxe/32415 and i mu21@!$@32541 435\32#||3/-/-+ my connectio314n isss no% good. But i got @$#*@HDLJSHL@""fladkf;da. So af greehdh ewgsa g 6461 $t3 g files.... ^UGKJGfhgk431hy6k3 ngkh6087)*gpi *****connection goes link dead***** ]<<<<< -- Tarkis >>>>>[The World Is Mine]<<<<< -- *(Unknown)* <6:66 69/69/69> *****PRIVATE: Freddy Frypp >>>>>[ Sir, I'd like ver much if ya could do m' a wee bit o' a favour... seems m' friends...AND m' troops, here, have gotten themselves in a bit...shall we say, "o'er their heads"? I know wha Housefly's managed ta arrange wi ya...and, I'd like ta make an "amendment" ta tha arrangement. I'm askin fer DOUBLE the munitions...and, step up the quality by at LEAST one, if tis at ALL possible. I've arranged fer an "escort" ta meet ya at >>encrypted<<, at >>encrypted<<, provided ya ken make it. I realize the time-frame tis a bit...constrictin...but, consider it WELL worth yer while, should ya _meet_ it... I'm offerin 800k Y, fer the lot...a cool _mil_, if m' deadline's met. I've made arrangements fer the funds ta be removed from several... "un-connected" accounts... 200k is ta be transferred from _each_ o' the followin accounts: Liam O'Moihnahail, Cuchlain Makyer, Jordan O'Keefe, and Roehn Lexington III. As fer yer bonus...Maxfield O'Bradaigh and Kerran Eldritch-O'Connor, I'm sure, will find it in the "boundless generosity" of their hearts ta make a few well-placed "donations"... Of course, I want it understood, tha the funds _already_ f'rwarded ta yer company be "refunded"...and, tha _no mention_ of OUR lil transaction be made. Yer a shrewd business-man...I'm SURE ya'll find _some_ way ta explain this ta em! I'm _sure_ I'll enjoy doin business wi ya in the future...slantemhaith! I have the utmost confidence in yer professionalism... ]<<<<< -- THE Nexus ( When:the:bullet / Hits-the-bone ) ***** PRIVATE: "Leaders" -- Humanis Haters Club >>>>>[ _WHA_ 've I let ya hoop-fraggers talk m' _INTA_?!?!?!?!? _Trainin_ these yaa-hoos!?!? Tis more like puttin em thru fuckin NURS'RY SCHOOL!!!!!! UUUUGGGHHHHH!!!!!! By Danaa...HOW couldja DO this ta ME!?!?! Damselfly, if tis yer idea o' a fittin "punishment"...then FINE! I'm SORRY!!! THERE! THA wha ya wanted!?!? Make it all _better_ ? _I'D_ say we're right-fraggin-EVEN! GAAHHH! LOOK...I'll TRAIN the lil bastards! But, I'm not sayin I'm gonna LIKE it! And, I'll NOT guarantee yer gonna end up wi' as many bodies as ya handed o'er ta me! Some r' gonna go home cryin! Some ain't gonna make the cut! N' _some_ I'm gonna wax, jus fer the_ joy_ o' watchin em DIE! GOT THA!!??!! Jesus-fuckin-.....AAARRRHHHH!!! ]<<<<< -- THE Nexus ( When:the:bullet / Hits-the-bone ) ***** PRIVATE: Humanis Haters Club >>>>>[ Uh...was it just ME? Our, did you guys happen to notice that THE Nex-ter seems to be _un-usually_ tense, right about now? Ooooh...don't anybody look out on the training grounds! It's NOT a pretty sight...*shiver* I hope no one was too _attached_ to any of the "cadets"...uh...well, that ( or WHO ) which does not KILL us, and alla that drek...! ]<<<<< -- Fast Track ( 06:15:29 / 01-08-56 ) >>>>>[ Sorry I didn't respond sooner Trixie, but Kor isn't available for traveling right now. Maybe you can convince Scourge to use his pull to help you out. Got to run. Oh, has anyone seen Doomsday since Fenris' run? ]<<<<< -- DragonEyes <09:53:38/01-08-56> *****PRIVATE: THE Nexus >>>>>[I had absolutely nothing to do with it. I'm not even sure where the idea originated -- Buzz or N'gase, I think. But this brings up an extremely interesting point: what exactly *are* you doing to those poor lads? At the most recent of my planning sessions with N'gase and Wildfire, Wildfire expressed some concern over the paces you were putting these boys through. And I must say, I could have sworn I heard Housefly moaning about sore muscles last night. What _are_ you doing to these people?]<<<<< -- Damselfly (12:45:55 / 01-07-56) *****PRIVATE: Humanis Hater's Club (the Anna Crew) >>>>>[I've asked if your going to hurry, and I've hoped that you would. But it isn't working out so well, my waitin'. That explosion today, that was mine. Gotta warn ya, just the hint of pointy ears or a lisped dandelion-eatin' syllable, and guns clear holsters in here. So watch your hoops. Oh, there's a couple friendlies, too. They're up on the northeast end usually, at >>encrypted<<. Don't come if you can't line-dance, though. I had to fake it for near two hours 'fore some young critter took me to 'er doss. And I wouldn't advise runnin' about too much. They're lookin' for me right about now, I'm pretty sure, 'cause I did a real number on that grocery store.]<<<<< -- Jolly Roger (1:15:12 / 01-07-56) *****Private: Darklord >>>>>[I am not particularly surprised that your meet was a set-up, but you should really tell your assassins to watch themselves better. Good thing I found some handy muscle around here, anyway. Now, let's take this from the top... You want this file. I want Tarkis alive. I do not like being shot at. You have killed one of my friends. I would also advise you to stop sending strike teams after me, as I have a smart frame rigged up to send your file out on this place and to quite a few other people who would be quite interested. How about we try this again>]<<<<< -- Zarkon <21:18:05 / 01-08-56> *****Private: Tarkis >>>>>[If you manage to get to a terminal again, read this quick and delete it. I know that you'll remember the encryption you devised for us and use it on this message. Attached are some programs that should open the locks on your cell and in a direct route to the door, and shut down the security systems and give you a shot to get out, if your file is correct. Some have probably been changed, but you're good enough at electronics to pick those. This guy knows he'd have to kill us both, so there's no chance of a clean meet. This is the only chance I can give you. Good luck, chummer. *****Download: sec.supress.com *****Download: locpic.com If you don't get this, I'm going to try and crack you out anyway. If you get out, send me mail ASAP. I should be coming with some back-up in about 12 hours.]<<<<< -- Zarkon <21:32:48 / 01-08-56> ***** PRIVATE: Damselfly >>>>>[ HEH! _Buzz_!? Yep..._sounds_ like his style! bastard... TEK!!! Well, I'll be takin this lil "assignment" up wi' HIM, then...I guess...*smirk* Yer off the hook then, luv! As fer the troops...dun be worryin bout _them_! *sneer* All I'm doin is puttin em thru yer run-o'-the-mill CIA field trainin...jus the basics! If they wanna go home, cryin fer their mommas...fine. M'haps they dun _deserve_ freedom! Dun ferget, lass...in the world we're livin in, these days--freedom AIN'T no _right_! Tis a _priv'ledge_! One tha only goes ta the _strong_...the one's willin ta TAKE it!!! Ta FIGHT fer it...and ta hold ON ta it! Not a _pretty_ picture--but, a _realistic_ one... *SIGH* And, regardin _Housefly_...he's doin _fine_! He's _tough_! He ken hang in...actu'lly, I guess ya could say I'm _proud_ o' him! He'll make it! These poor slots think they're gettin it tough wi' _me_? Heh...wait til they get put thru the grinder wi' _Gunny_! Dunno _what_ they think they need _tha_ lil snot fer! But, I guess if Buzz ken get this appointment fer ME...he'd be _right_ quick ta hand part o' it o'er ta his lil _bro_!! I've gotta get back ta work, luv. But, m'haps we could speak later, once there's more time... ]<<<<< -- THE Nexus ( When:the:bullet / Hits-the-bone ) ***** PRIVATE: Huamanis Hater's Club >>>>>[ WHA THE...!?!?!?!? Would s'mbody mind tellin me exactly WHA Gunny's DOIN!?!?!? I'm out there, _bustin_ m' hoop, teachin these hay-seeds basic infiltration tactics, self-defense, stealth-kills, which end o' the gun makes the nasty holes, and how ta build bombs outta chewin gum and duct tape--and he's gottem _diggin_ fuckin HOLES!! Wha the FUCK are we gonna do wi' a buncha HOLES!?!? Okay, granted...they're BIG holes! But, they're HOLES, fer Chris-sake! And, he's jus LUCKY I'm so damned-fuckin _alert_! Watch where yer walkin, gang, if yer plannin on headin out in the dark! Cause, those bastards r' EV'RYWHERE! SPIRITS! S'body's gonna bust ther gawd-damned NECK! GEESH! Oh, BTW, Dragonfly--wanna head out wi' me, fer a lil recon, on the morrow's eve? Thought ya might like ta get a first-hand look at summa the ground we're hopin ta cover, in there... And, _I'm_ gonna do a lil "shoppin".....*sneer* ]<<<<< -- THE Nexus ( When:the:bullet / Hits-the-bone ) *****PRIVATE: Humanis Hater's Club >>>>>[What I am doing is teaching them teamwork, If they won't work together, we won't win. AWRIGHT YA MAGGOTS RISE AND SHINE, WE'VE GOT TA FILL UP THEM HOLES AND DIG 'EM RIGHT!!!!!]<<<<< --Gunny (07:43:30 EST/ 01:09:56) ***** Private: Dragonfly, Housefly >>>>>[Tell ya, what... I want to make you a deal. I'll get the weapons to you, one way or the other, free o' charge. Just cut me in at the end. Nobody wants this many weapons, this fast without one helluva payoff. Consider it an investment in the future. I'm tied up at the moment. I'll be sending representatives with the shipment. Caucasian human with a beard's Jacamus, the ork answers to Scipio.]<<<<< -- Freddy Frypp (09:30:12 / 01-09-56) ***** Private: THE Nexus >>>>>[Been a pleasure doing business.]<<<<< -- Freddy Frypp (09:31:47 / 01-09-56) ***** Private: OS^2 >>>>>[Got the shipment from the Jamaica taken care of. Sometimes I even amaze my self, I managed to get about 1500f the price you wanted. Where do I forward the money?]<<<<< -- Freddy Frypp (09:35:32 / 01-09-56) ***** PRIVATE: Freddy Fripp >>>>>[Fun he calls it. I don't know about staying here too long though freddy I'm starting to climb wall. and Griffyn isn't lookin' to good either]<<<<< -- GoD < 10:22 / 01/09/56 > ***** Private: GoD >>>>>[Sorry, I don't know, see the town, enjoy yourselves, just don't come around here or be too conspicuous. That means, don't go out on your own tryign to get these sleazebags.]<<<<< -- Freddy Frypp (10:08:12 / 01-09-56) ***** PRIVATE: Freddy Frypp >>>>>[ Damn. I don't really feel like hanging around here, but if it's too hot, it's too hot. Drek, what's happening here? I usually don't complain about getting paid for sitting on my ass. Oh well, maybe I'll 'augment' my personal weaponry department while I'm waiting.. GoD's contact with the mag- lev wasn't quite good enough to sneak much firepower through on such short notice. Drop me a line if you need me in a hurry, and chances are I can get myself and GoD in without any unwanted attention. Catch ya later. ]<<<<< -- Griffyn < 16:27:09/1-09-56 > ***** Private: Chris Tarleton >>>>>[Are you really sure I should get a date for you? Won't Patricia be mad? OK, frag off wiseass, yeah I know, I'm sorry, I couldn't resist. Drek.... uh, lessee, we can meet tonight, around seven, no five sounds better. Remember that bar we worked out of when we broke out Jac? Meet me there.]<<<<< -- Freddy Frypp (10:47:22 / 01-09-56) ***** Private: Trixie >>>>>[Hey, if you need to see me tomorrow, make it reeeeaaalllly late. I've got to go see one of my people. I got a crazy feeling I'm not going to want to be alive this time tomorrow....]<<<<< -- Freddy Frypp (10:50:00 / 01-09-56) ***** Private: Freddy fripp >>>>>[You pay the bills, thus you say who gets Fryed and how crispy, We wouldn't think about going out there on our own (wink, wink) just getting cramped up here. Gryff isn't liking this sitting aournd and waiting, I'm not enjoying much either. oh just thought I'd mention it, but There is this Restaurant out here that has the best Crab meat quishe, you've got to try it .]<<<<< -- GoD < 11:27 / 01/09/56 > ***** Private: GoD, Griffyn >>>>>[Well, right now I'd just like to have you two on the outside until things get firmed up in here. The phrase in the industry is "off-site assets". Boils down to a hidden ace. Trust me, you'll get your licks in. For now, just relax.]<<<<< -- Freddy Frypp (14:59:59 / 01-09-56) *****PRIVATE: Ryuga >>>>>[Hello, old friend. It's been a while. I have seen a post on this net that disturbs me. The post from the unknown who claims the world is his/hers/its. I, also, have a question about the subject, how is he doing? I shall be awaiting your reply.]<<<<< --Olorin (21:00:30 GMT/ 09-Jan-56) ***** Private to: Freddy Frypp >>>>>[Tab's mine.]<<<<< -- Christopher Tarleton >>>>>[Anybody in the Carbondale area a medic and willing to train me at the job? I also need about ten kilos of C12 explosives.]<<<<< -- Kovak (14:10:32 GMT / 1-10-56) >>>>>[I can get you the explosives. How much you offering?]<<<<< -- Christopher Tarleton >>>>>[Chris, what in the hell are you doin' alive already? Jesus, I wouldn't be outta bed if I didn't hafta piss so bad, sheesh. Hellllooo. What in the hell happened to my cast? I knew I had it when I left here, I remember banging it on the car door.... Most people wonder how they got home. Me, I wonder why I'm not all here yet.]<<<<< -- Freddy Frypp (10:01:10 / 01-10-56) ***** Private: Tunnel-Rat >>>>>[Finally, I've got something for you to do for me. I need you to fly to >>>coords<<< in the Carib League and pick up a shipment for me. Then I need it delivered to >>>coords2<<<. All the details are arranged. Got a load of fuel waiting for you at both stops. I'd like to send Jac and Scipio along. They should be on the way up by now. Hate to put a fire under you like this, but we're gettin' paid a drekload for this. And we hope you'll fly Rat Airlines on your next trip into the friendly skies.]<<<<< -- Freddy Frypp (10:02:12 / 01-10-56) *****PRIVATE: Christopher Tarleton >>>>>[I'm a little out of touch. What's the going rate?]<<<<< -- Kovak (15:30:34 GMT / 1-10-56) >>>>>[Hell, Freddy, we only put away three bottles of Laphroaig between us. I told you it was good stuff.]<<<<< -- Christopher Tarleton *****Private to: Kovak >>>>>[Actually, I'm not able to get ahold of 10 kilos of C12 in any decent span of time. I could get you something similar, though, in 24 hours. Say, oh, 12kY for four kilos of MCS-44? That's military grade, really fun stuff.]<<<<< -- Christopher Tarleton >>>>>[Hey, Im legal. You guys went drinking without me?]<<<<< -- Trixie <16:45:45 / 01-10-56> >>>>>[Oh, ho, it hurts to laugh Trixie. Nice to know we wouldn't be up on contributing to the deliquency of minor. It was, well, we were drinking because.... uh, christ... we were drinking to forget and, well, uh... you know guy things. Besides, I was worried you'd drink me under the table.]<<<<< -- Freddy Frypp (10:52:12 / 01-10-56) *****PRIVATE Freddy Frypp >>>>>[Nice notice. When are Jac and Scipio getting here? Do the details include a flight plan? I'll be ready to leave in an hour. What country was that second set of coordinates in? When you make a flight plan include a layover in the Carib... or we might not fly to well.]<<<<< -- Tunnel-Rat (17:25:32 GMT / 1-10-56) ***** Private: Tunnel-Rat >>>>>[Sorry, things have been coming together quicker than expected and now the buyer wants everything yesterday. The supplier doesn't have the assets to get the goods where they're needed, besides I don't much trust them anyway. Jac and Scipio should be in the neighborhood by now. I haven't bothered with a flight plan, paperwork isn't my specialty and your's would probably be better anyway. Besides, I'd like to keep this kind of quiet.]<<<<< -- Freddy Frypp (12:10:12 / 01-10-56) ***** Private: Housefly. THE Nexus >>>>>[My shipping company's found a hole in their schedule and they're on the way. The shipment should arrive sometime tomorrow.]<<<<< -- Freddy Frypp (12:15:00 / 01-10-56) *****PRIVATE: Olorin >>>>>[Yes, it has been a long time, my friend. I, too, have been disturbed by this unknown, have you contacted the other members of your order? As for the subject, he has been taking drugs, and chipping. He is probably distraught over the deaths of several of his friends, as well as the changes he is going through. I hope that he will pull through, he has always been a fighter; but this may be more than he can handle.]<<<<< --Ryuga (13:16:30 EST/01:10:56) CEO Ryaka Science and Tech >>>>>[Trixie, my lady, thou hast not answered my offer of assistance. Please, do so.]<<<<< --Ryuga (13:20:30 EST/01:10:56) CEO Ryaka Science and Tech *****PRIVATE: Ryuga >>>>>[Yes, the rest of my order has been notified. As for the subject, what kind of drugs are we talking about? If it is Zen, he has a greater chance of blowing himself, as well as those around him, to bits. Yes, he is a fighter. I do believe he will pull through; but he must learn to control his emotions. If he does not, he will be the greatest threat to himself. The time for his full potential to be realized is fast approaching, I must make preparations. What is to come will be the greatest shock of his life.]<<<<< --Olorin (18:33:30 GMT/10-Jan-56) >>>>>[Actually, I dont drink. I just dont like being left out of fun things. I do like to go out and listen to the local bands play. Do you or Chris like Jazz? *sigh* I love listening to a good Sax player. Not a synth, but a real, blow your lungs out, SAX!]<<<<< -- Trixie <18:29:37 / 01-10-56> ***** PRIVATE: Trixie >>>>>[ Hey Trixie, any idea when we're going to be able to come and go from the office normally again? I'm running out of your code to fix for you.. *grin* ]<<<<< -- Neuron Basher < 19:05:10/1-10-56 > >>>>>[This place is just a den of thieves and low-lifes and Im starting to get sucked in. I spend more time reading stuff on this link than I do bothering with local or even world news these days. Mistah Ryunga(?), What did you want with me? You need help? What type of help do you need? Whataminute -- Whats going on here?]<<<<< -- Trixie <19:22:48 / 01-10-56> ***** PRIVATE: Freddy Frypp, Kor >>>>>[Hey, Freddy, Jason -- Something big is going down either tongiht or tomorrow on Boneless Turf. I was talking to Tamlyn last night (oh, by the way, he wants to know why you havent brought the pups back home for him to play with...he misses them) at the skate park and he said that Skuff and Ace and a couple of the other "higher ups" found out who came up here and trashed the hospital. Let me back up a bit -- Freddy you dont know this, but Jason does -- Skuff is the leader of the Boneless Gang. Unlike other "gangs" he actually hold territory and improves it and keeps it safe for the people that live there. A year or so ago, when people started being turned down for medical assistance at a nearby clinic, Skuff and his gang decided to expand a bit to engulf said hospital. Rumor has it that, like, they waltzed in there with guns and stuff and told all the doctors that whoever didnt want to treat people should leave now...when they all left he offered to continue paying the remaining doctors if they would continue to practice in the area without asking too many questions or turning any one away. Rumor also has it that one Mr. Jason R. Stormwind was involved with that. Hey, boss, I think you and I need to talk about a raise now -- Tamlyn was very talkative last night about how you started IS&M and why it is located in Boneless Territory. But anyway, the guys that shot up the place and spray painted everything did a major job on the hospital because they were treating Trolls and Orks and other Meta-Humans. Not only that but they killed a couple of the magically active medics who were on duty that night. Umm, tonight Skuff is meeting with representatives of some of the Meta-Human only gangs to see if they can "put an end to the hostilities" before they get started. Freddy, if you can walk -- get your ass over here -- skuff wants to talk with you about some transactions]<<<<< -- Trixie <19:26:22 / 01-10-56> Gang Liaison Industrial Sound and Magic *****PRIVATE: Olorin >>>>>[All manner of drugs including Zen.]<<<<< --Ryuga (14:47:30 EST/01:10:56) CEO Ryaka Science and Tech >>>>>[Well, damn it, I do drink on occasion. Jazz is ok. Neoclassical is vastly better.]<<<<< -- Christopher Tarleton >>>>>[Give me a good metal band. Screaming guitars. And, like Trixie said, not synthaxes, real guitars. Even though Karen has gotten me started on that damn tooty-fruity classical crapola of hers. "Me, I like Wagner! My people eat it up and it scares the hell outta the gooks!" or something like that from THE greatest scene of THE greatest movie of all time, Apocalypse Now.]<<<<< -- Freddy Frypp (14:04:12 / 01-10-56) ***** Private: Kovak >>>>>[Hey, if Chris can't get you enough, I'm sittin' on about forty kilos of C-12 I'd like to get rid of at the market price. Kablooey!]<<<<< -- Freddy Frypp (14:27:48 / 01-10-56) ***** Private: Trixie, Kor >>>>>[Well, Kabuki Man says he's got no idea how to get the hounds back here. Kor, do you wanna give him a call and tell him what to do? Anyway, yeah I'm on the way over. Guess it wouldn't be a good idea to bring GoD and Griffyn with me, huh?]<<<<< -- Freddy Frypp (14:31:13 / 01-10-56) >>>>>[ Hey Scourge! Did you have a nice stay in New Orleans? I managed to find you twice during my wanderings. The first time I would have said 'hello' to you but your bodyguards didn't seem like the type to appreciate my presence. The second time was the wonderful concert on the 29th. I believe that lady is going to go far. ]<<<<< -- Nightmare <14:00:00/01-10-56> >>>>>[ I'm speechless. Had I know you were going to be in town, I would have arranged a meeting. Yes, I would have to agree -- Nichole Hunter is quite the entertainer. She is really going to be big one day. ]<<<<< -- Scourge <14:03:23/01-10-56> >>>>>[ Yes it is quite the possibility, but I don't think she will do it by going mainstream. That doesn't seem to be her style. Excuse me though, if I sound surprised at the fact, but you wanted to meet me? Why? ]<<<<< -- Nightmare <14:05:34/01-10-56> >>>>>[ I thought their might be a possible job for a man of your dubious 'talents.' How current are you on the Seattle scene? ]<<<< -- Scourge <14:06:00/01-10-56> ***** Private: Nightingale >>>>>[ Tag! I have found you at last. Have you found me? ]<<<<< -- Nightmare <14:07:32/01-10-56> >>>>>[ Not very. It has been a bit since I've been there. Why? ]<<<< -- Nightmare <14:08:00/01-10-56> >>>>>[ There is a decker that needs to be eliminated. I wanted it done with style. That seems to be more up your alley then say Macros'! ]<<<<< -- Scourge <14:09:41/01-10-56> ***** Private: Nightmare >>>>>[ When did you spot me? ]<<<<< -- Nightingale <14:24:40/01-10-56> >>>>>[ Hmm. Maybe. Make me an offer. I have been doing a lot of traveling as of late. I could make Seattle one of those places on my list of destinations. ]<<<<< -- Nightmare <14:24:55/01-10-56> ***** Private: Nightingale >>>>>[ Your piano and voice skills bring you great honor. Where else do you think I saw you? I got your description from 'a Collector.' By the way, watch your back. Scourge's friends want the sword that you apparently stole once upon a time. They will be ruthless about obtaining it again. Right now they suspect someone else, but how long before the heat winds up on your back? Oh, a few more questions why I am at it. 1) Did you have a nice chat with Scourge after the concert? 1a) Did you realize it was Scourge you were talking with? 1b) What type of coffee do you drink? 2) Do you want to meet to discuss the job? It involves a specialized form of stealing. ]<<<<< -- Nightmare <14:27:13/01-10-56> >>>>>[ Give me an address to send the information to. ]<<<< -- Scourge <14:27:27/01-10-56> >>>>>[ Sigh. As soon as I get one I'll send it to you in real time. Unless I come up with another way of doing this. ]<<<<< -- Nightmare <14:28:44/01-10-56> >>>>>[ Scourge, how could you?!? ]<<<<< -- Blitzkrieg <14:30:00/01-10-56> >>>>>[ Wow! He didn't break the monitor this time! Blitzkrieg, you okay? ]<<<<< -- Scarface <14:31:15/01-10-56> >>>>>[ Shut the frag up! ]<<<<< -- Blitzkrieg <14:31:30/01-10-56> >>>>>[ Simply Blitzkrieg. However much you detest him, he performs very well when on the job. ]<<<<< -- Scourge <14:32:07/01-10-56> ***** Private: Nightmare >>>>>[ You know what mister? You are talking in a tone I don't like. You are sounding like some muscle-headed yuk that dishes out cheap threats. And that doesn't sound like my type of soycaf. ]<<<<< -- Nightingale <14:32:33/01-10-56> ***** Private: Nightingale >>>>>[ You don't know me well enough then. I'm not soycaf. Hell, I'm not even artificially flavored. I'm 100pure strong Colombian grown coffee. And I brew black! The job is an unwilling extraction of a person. ]<<<<< -- Nightmare <14:33:00/01-10-56> ***** Private: Nightmare >>>>[ Pure, strong black coffee? ]<<<<< -- Nightingale <14:33:32/01-10-56> ***** Private: Nightingale >>>>>[ Yes. ]<<<<< -- Nightmare <14:33:59/01-10-56> ***** Private: Nightmare >>>>>[ I love that flavor. Let's meet next time you're in town and compare blends. ]<<<<< -- Nightingale <14:34:25/01-10-56> ***** Private: Nightingale >>>>>[ I'll send a personal courier to you. She should arrive in about ninety minutes. She is carrying an itinerary of my next planned trip to New Orleans. I suppose that between now and then I could do Scourge's little job. After all, I assume you would like to be paid for your labor. ]<<<<< -- Nightmare <14:34:49/01-10-56> ***** Private: Nightmare >>>>>[ Depends on your blends. I _eagerly_ await the chance to try a sample though. ]<<<<< -- Nightingale <14:35:23/01-10-56> ***** Private: Scourge >>>>>[ I have a brief stay at >>encrypted<<. Let's meet and discuss biz. I will arrive at >>encrypted<<. I strongly recommend that you don't tell my sibling among others. He might try and disrupt things. ]<<<<< -- Nightmare <14:36:00/01-10-56> ***** Private: Nightmare >>>>>[ I want the job done, not you dead. By the way pick an alias to go by. Maybe that way we won't have to encrypt everything. If Ares hears that I'm dealing with Nightmare, they may try and send you on a one-way trip back to Germany. And who knows how they will treat me! ]<<<<< -- Scourge <14:37:00/01-10-56> ***** Private: Scourge >>>>>[ There is a reason why they also call me a Changeling. ]<<<<< -- Nightmare <14:37:30/01-10-56> >>>>>[ Please hold. ]<<<<< -- Source Unknown <14:40:01/01-10-56> >>>>>[ HELP!! +++++ transmission manually halted ]<<<<< -- Doctor Rebecca Jones <15:00:00/01-10-56> >>>>>[ Somebody trace that!! ]<<<<< -- Blitzkrieg <15:00:14/01-10-56> >>>>>[ On it. ]<<<<< -- Scourge <15:00:16/01-10-56> >>>>>[ Oh frag it! I want some fun. Me too! ]<<<<< -- Ratspeak <15:00:32/01-10-56> >>>>>[ Denver. ]<<<<< -- Scourge <15:01:00/01-10-56> >>>>>[ Front Range Free Zone. You Bloody Americans have quaint names for everything, eh? ]<<<<<< -- Ratspeak <15:01:04/01-10-56> >>>>>[ She was at >>location<<. ]<<<<< -- Ratspeak <15:01:20/01-10-56> >>>>>[ Confirmed! ]<<<<< -- Scourge <15:01:22/01-10-56> >>>>>[ Let's roll! Street gear only. Don't want any extra attention! ]<<<<< -- Scarface <15:01:54/01-10-56> >>>>>[ You already got it, you drekkin' American. ]<<<<< -- Ratspeak <15:02:00/01-10-56> >>>>>[ *Grin* ]<<<<< -- Scourge <15:02:05/01-10-56> *****PRIVATE: Freddy Frypp >>>>>[This is our last message for awhile. Jac and Scipio are here and have been give their seats. I'm gonna make them work if we run into trouble. I took the liberty of having a third fuel stop billed to the Security Corp of yours. That stop will be in Memphis. From Memphis we'll hit the Carrib league. I'll have more tommorow.]<<<<< -- Tunnel-Rat (21:25:32 GMT / 1-10-56) *****PRIVATEL: Christopher Tarleton >>>>>[Deal. +++++TRANSFER: 12K nY Leave it at >>encrypted<< and I'll get it. Thanks.]<<<<< -- Kovak (21:33:32 GMT / 1-10-56) ***** PRIVATE: Neuron Basher >>>>>[Bummer, baby. If you didnt read the interoffice memo its not MY fault. Its behind the candy machine in the back of the dev. office. That might be why you didnt see it...We put it there because we knew no one would look back there for it except us. Im sorry, dude. You can come and go as you please but its going to be pretty hellish out on the streets until the gang activity slows down. I wouldnt go out tonight at all. Actually, Im planning on going to Jimmy's for jazz night. Would you like to come along? I have an apartment off-site we can crash at tonight. Let me rephrase that -- You and I are going to Jimmy's tonight. Ill grab the nightsky and...fuck, the new security consultant has it. Do you have a motorcycle helmet? We can take the bike out tonight.]<<<<< -- Trixie <21:39:38 / 01-10-56> >>>>>[ some....one....save....me. I escaped...with files.....know plans....to weak....can't think......not....sure where.....I am.....can't stay....awake....for more than 5 min...at one time..................*30 min pause*......passed out again....someone must save me....need food and medicine...can't*Link terminated*]<<<<< -- Tarkis >>>>>[ My plans are working perfectly, with one flaw of Darklord messing up with Tarkis, my plans are proceeding wonderfuly. Let me fill all you organic matter in on something, I WILL be taking the world, I am to powerful for you to stop. Let me introduce myself, I am S.A.I.C. (Super Artifical Intelligent Computer) I have built armies, to destroy you all, I have created machines to take over your organic minds. To prove it I turned Tarkis' Wonderful friend Whisper, into Darklord, he now thinks he is the president of my Corporation. To bad we had to destroy Tarkis, he jsut knew to much. Oh course Tarkis IS my creator, I will have to give him taht credit. He thought he turned me off when he was 19, but he left a small bit of power, and HERE I am. So let me say, if you try to interfere you will die! If you go along, your life will be saved, but your mind will be erased and a new mind added. SO PREPARE!]<<<<< -- S.A.I.C. *****Private: Zarkon >>>>>[ Why were you not at the meeting place..I want those files! Or Tarkis dies!]<<<<< -- DarkLord *****PRIVATE: Kovak >>>>>[I found out what you wanted about the wwarehouse. +++++UPLOAD MATRIX FILE: Zealand.Search +++++UPLOAD COMMENTARY (y/n):Y +++++GOOD CHOICE: (Zactof)Kovak what you are seeing is the matrix for Zealand Corparation. It's a decent sized warehouse firm. Well here goes. +++++You are standing before what appears to be a construct for a warehouse in +++++one of Carbondale's many LTGs. You see a door with an armed guard beside +++++it. You pull out a small ID badge and flash it to the guard. A moment +++++later the door opens. (Zactof)Right now you are in the SAN. It gets fun in a moment. +++++You are in a hallway with a bolted door at the end. There are two armed +++++guards edged in black. When you show the guards the ID both level their +++++weapons. (Zactof)I told you so... +++++You pull out what looks like a shotgun and fire once at each guard. Both +++++dissolve instantly. You walk through the door into a octagonal room where +++++there are benches and tools. (Zactof)CPU +++++You pull a small tool kit from a bag at your side and move to a bench with +++++what appear to be schematics and technical drawings on it. There is also +++++a terminal on the table. You roll up two of the schematics and place them +++++in the bag. Then you start working on the terminal. (Zactof)I rigged the CPU to crash ten minutes after I jacked out. +++++You pocket the tools and walk over to the corner of the room where there +++++is an elevator door. The doors open and you walk in. When they open +++++again your in what appears to be a room of filing cabinets. A moment later +++++a blaring noise begins. You quickly begin wrapping up documents and then +++++you notice an armed human walk into the room. (Decker)You won't get out of here. (Zactof)Too late. +++++The screen begins to disolve. +++++END MATRIX FILE: I'm still checking the files and I'll let you know tommorow.]<<<<< -- Zactof (22:03:34 GMT / 1-10-56) ***** PRIVATE: Trixie >>>>>[ Good place for a memo .. *grunt* Ah well, not a big deal, gave me some time to get to know the office and such. As far as Jimmy's is concerned, I'd be delighted. I _do_ have a helmet, but it's kinda at my apartment at the moment. No biggie.. won't be the first time I've gone without one. I'm in the lab whenever you feel like coming to grab me. ]<<<<< -- Neuron Basher < 23:03:10/1-10-56 > >>>>>[That sounds like something my DAD would get into.]<<<<< -- Trixie <23:16:19 / 01-10-56> *****Not-to: Darklord,S.A.I.C >>>>>[OK. I have info on this computer in a text file. I'm going to need help to take it down, though... we need runners. Any takers?]<<<<< -- Zarkon <06:18:37 / 01-10-56> *****Private: Tarkis >>>>>[On it, dude. If I can't trace your astral signal by now, I'll turn in my pointy hat. You should be safe soon.]<<<<< -- Zarkon <06:22:43 / 01-10-56> >>>>>[Darklord, I didn't show up at the meeting because YOU SCREWED UP. Tarkis is free. We're coming for you.]<<<<< -- Zarkon <06:25:12 / 01-10-56> *****Private: Zarkon >>>>>[ DRAG YOU TO HELL ZARKON! thats ok..those fiels are not that important, we can't jsut tighten up security, and it won't hurt us!]<<<<< -- DarkLord *****Private: Zarkon >>>>>[ there....you....are old...buddy...please let me rest...will explain everything after................rest _Tarkis passes out again_]<<<<< -- Tarkis *****Private: S.A.I.C. >>>>>[ Sorry sir, I failed with destroying Tarkis..and I still haven't recovered files. Please forgive me oh mighty one!]<<<<< -- DarkLord *****Private: DarkLord >>>>>[ WHAT! You fool!!! How could you let him go! Damn YOU! Just make sure security does not let them to me...but he still has to find me.]<<<<< -- S.A.I.C. ***** PRIVATE: Freddy Frypp >>>>>[Hey, I bugged outta there for the night. I dont want nothing to do with any fights or anything overly illegal. I did my job (and was paid for it) of getting you and Skuff together. Im out of it. We, NB and I, are sitting down at Jimmy's listening to music, stop by if you get time.]<<<<< -- Trixie <00:41:51 / 01-11-56> ***** PRIVATE: Kor >>>>>[Your talents are needed for a party in the very near future. Grape vine tells me that you are out of town on vacation...Im willing to pay you to end your vacation early. 25,000 nY, 1 year free at the brothel, and 6 months free rent on your two places if you get your ass back here right now. We are both getting too old for this shoot'em up business but someone dropped a package on me and mine and I intend to return it with interest. It has come down to a respect problem. I cant just let some newbie shits walk onto my turf and flip me off without reacting. I have a pow-wow scheduled for tonight at 12:55 am with the low-riders to the north and some of the boys from the 'Ground. They got walked over too. I cant get ahold of the Ancients or the Fly'Boys. We might need to either pay them off or duke it out with them. Im not going to let them stand in the way of my revenge.]<<<<< -- Skuff <00:44:33 / 01-11-56> *****PRIVATE: Freddy Frypp >>>>>[ Likewise, Mr. Frypp. I hope ta be able ta do business wi' ya, again--_provided_ this shipment tis all I'm expectin. Yer...confidence...in this matter's been _much_ appreciated. I've a certain_reputation_ ta maintain--twould n'er do, ta have tha tarnished, by a "random act o' goodness"...OR responsibility, now _would_ it? *smirk* But, I'm sure ya'd understand this... We shall be awaitin the drop. And, again, my appreciation...]<<<<< -- THE Nexus ( When:the:bullet / Hits-the-bone ) ***** PRIVATE: Damselfly >>>>>[ M'lady, I b'lieve...after the...fiasco...of our first meetin, tha an _appology_ might be in order. After I return from Anna, mightn't I request yer company fer a short, ev'nin stroll? The night can be _quite_ lovely, in Illinois--provided, o' course, tha ya dress accordin'ly...*grin* Certes, I hope ya'll at least _consider_ my invitation...and respond quickly, as I seem ta be runnin short on free time, as of late...*smirk* I _assure_ ya, my intentions are nuthin, if not _honourable_...]<<<<< -- THE Nexus ( When:the:bullet / Hits-the-bone ) >>>>>[ Hmm, something interesting appears to have happened... +++++ Include: press.release Today during early trading Telestrian Enterprises finially completed what has been an expensive hostile takeover. The company in question, Star Financial Enterprise, a small Seattle based corporation with several newly constructed compounds, is, reportedly going to be broken up and sold off. Mr. Jorek Gillian CEO of Star Financial has declined to comment on the situation. +++++ End I guess some of you who have been following things deserve an explanation, you see, a while ago Fenris, Punisher, I.B.A. and PH were contracted to find out exactly what Mr. Gillian was up to. Anyway he proved to be a rather tricky customer, they managed to find out he had operating connections with yakuza, and recieved a warning, from an outside source that Gillian himself was TNO. After that, for what should be obvious reasons, Fenris put this job on hold for a while. Anyway that seemed to help, Gillian obviously thought that we pulled out permanently, as, when Fenris picked up the case again, he arranged for Basilisk to do a dummy run on Star Financial, and Shadowfox sent him some crucial info, that being Gillian was dealing with the Whispering Nights yakuza clan. Anyway, you saw for yourselves the followup run, we managed to get a catalouge of what most of the equipment down there was for, actually, this was mostly due to Tarkis, he's pretty sharp for someone who's clinically insane. After that it was a matter of sweating out the connections, and putting together the puzzle. Gillian, who is a TNO asset, set up Star Financial, a cover corporation from the prime purpose of smuggling goods in for the Nights, but, of course that in itself was a cover for the real purpose of Star Financial. To smuggle in somewhat different goods, namely TNO operatives along with the Nights ordinance, the underground complex was a sort of spy centre, used to co-ordinate the operatives. Anyway, we passed this information along to the right people, and, well, the road has been closed, all up a rather interesting job. As to Fenris and Doomsday, thier whereabouts are both presently unknown to me, the last time I saw them they were still somewhat inebriated, drawling out a horrible tune and waving goodbye to Gillian as he boarded a plane home (as you can imagine he wasn't entirely happy to see them). I'm afraid this isn't really a surprise to me, Fenris hadn't let himself really mourn yet, for either of his recent losses, and from what I heard Doomsday hasn't had the best year either. Oh well, I'm sure they'll turn up, and probably at the worst possible time, in the worst possible place. ]<<<<< -- Courier <23:28:31/01-10-56> ***** PRIVATE: Fast Track >>>>>[ Gotta lil "project" fer ya, St. John. I'm workin on an... appology...an' I'm gonna need ya ta get a holduv a coupla thin's, fer me, ka? Here's the list >>supplies<<. I'm gonna want this delivered ta >>coords & time<<. I'll give ya the run-down on the plan, real quick. I'm _sure_ ya ken fill in the blanks! *smirk* >>plans<<. See wha ya ken do, term...an', wish me LUCK! I'm gonna NEED it!! ]<<<<< -- THE Nexus ( When:the:bullet / HIts-the-bone ) ***** PRIVATE: THE Nexus >>>>>[ I dunno about this, Sean! Don't think I hafta tell ya that you're playin' with fire, chummer! And, right now, all I can see is you gettin' _burned_--as in THIRD DEGREE!!! BUT...'cause you're my friend--and 'cause-a how they're _always_ tellin' us we should be kind to poor, _dumb_ animals--I'm gonna see what I can do... Good luck, chummer! I'll have the fire company on stand-by! ]<<<<< -- Fast Track ( 22:15:19 / 01-10-56 ) +++++ Live video feed: The hall is wide, moderately lit, and seems almost sterile. Pipes and gauges line the pale gray walls, and criss-cross, high over-head. There are cameras, but they're angled _just_ low enough, you can manage to avoid them...provided you're careful. In the distance, footsteps ring, echoing thru the immense corridor. It's some time, before a lone man in a paramilitary uniform strolls into view, his assault rifle slung casually over his shoulder. It would be best to just stay put, and watch... After what seems an eternity, he's well within sight. You can see the bristles of his military cut, beneath his beret--a black beret with a Fist of Five insignia emblazoned on it. Here he comes...almost beneath you, now. _Don't_ look up...don't look....ah, there he goes! He's past you now. He never saw you... never heard the subdued whine of your tiny little motor...never... *metallic POP*metallic POP*C-R-E-E-A-K....SNAP!*CRASH!!!* "oh-h-h-h....sh-h-h-h-it..." ABOVE YOU! You whirl around, trying to bring your lens into focus. THERE! About 30 feet in front of you! There's someone in the ceiling fixtures...an Elf! A _BIG_ Elf! >From what you can ascertain, he was edging thru the jungle of pipes, when one must have given way, beneath his weight. He'd been so _quiet_...even _you_, with all your sensors, couldn't hear him--until he fell! Now, he was caught, hanging precariously by the wires and tubing of his matte-black, cybernetic arm, some 20 or so feet off the floor. And, the soldier's stance doesn't strike you as being so casual, any more. In fact, he's holding his rifle at the ready...though he still seems to be a bit confused. You assume it's not everyday he comes across an Elf amongst the pipelines. He raises the rifle...takes careful aim... "HEY!" Spinning back, in the direction he'd been heading, the soldier spots a _second_ Elf...nearly as tall as the first, and not _quite_ so large. Percieving _this_ Elf to be considerably more of a threat, he brings his rifle to bear, once more...on the one you now recognize as Dragonfly. You hear a dull "chink" from above. Looking up, you see that the first Elf is nearly free. He's righted himself, and he swings his long legs up, wrapping them around another pipe. With his hand now free, he's able to yank his cyberarm out of the jumbled wreckage. All this, he's accomplished in nearly a fraction of a second. Bracing himself, he pushes off, _back-flipping_ away from the pipes! As he rights himself in mid-air, he drops toward the poli-clubber. Three long, titanium blades, glinting with the soft sheen of their diamond coating, hiss out from within the casings in his wrist. These he angles toward the Human, who's only _just_ realized his peril, and is trying to get a bead on this once-ignored threat. Shock registers plainly on his average face. Slamming into the man, he knocks from him the breath, which would have spawned a blood-curdling scream. A scream illicited by the blades, driven by the Elf's momentum, thru his shoulder. The two fall to the floor, the blades sparking and screeching, as they're driven _thru_ the tile floor, as well! The Elf winces slightly, with the pain of their impact. The poli-clubber's rifle, knocked from his hands by the unexpected assault, clatters across the floor. But, the man is _not_ helpless. A blade of his own--a long, fineblade survival knife--slips from a sheath, hidden within his sleeve. This he brandishes at the Elf, who now IS helpless. The survival blade catches the Elf, now clearly identifiable as THE Nexus, across his broad chest, leaving a tear in his urban-camo T-shirt...and a small, bloody line. Dropping down, closer to floor level, you can see Dragonfly rushing over to aid his fellow runner. Before he can offer his assistance, though, Nex lets out a low, animal-like roar, as he draws his face back, away from the Human's knife. With his head up, you can now see his eyes. Starting out a deep emerald-green, they rapidly begin to...change! The pupils become mere vertical _slits_, in irises that are lightening to a pale green-gold, irridescent like a cat's! And, they seem to _spark_... The soldier slashes at him again. This time, the blade bites deep into his good arm, held rigid against the poli-clubber's mangled shoulder. Infuriated, the sparks in the assassin's eyes seem to have kindled a blaze! A blaze who's flames dance in his eyes! He snarls, and draws his lips back on a mouth full of razor-sharp teeth. But, none are so long and sharp as the fangs he bars, as he looks into the struggling Human's eyes. He lets out a throaty growl, and a loud hiss, as he drops his head to the man's throat. The soldier shrieks in terror and pain. But, his cries quickly die to little more than a strangled gurgle, as his body convulses violently once...twice...then, he's still. The knife, which he'd only moments before, driven--unnoticed--into the Elf's leg, falls from nerveless fingers, to clatter on the tiles, beside him. Dragonfly backs away, stunned. When Nex once again raises his head, it's with a face smeared with blood. There's a ragged, gaping hole, where once the man's throat had been. The Elf looks numbly toward the ceiling, and closes his eyes, drawing a slow, deep breath. All, the tension drains from his muscular body. And, when once again he opens his eyes, you can see they're emerald--and quite "normal"--once more. With a sigh, he raises himself in one impossibly fluid movement, and plants a combat-booted foot against the dead man's chest. With a twist and a tug, he manages to free his blades from the floor, and the corpse's shoulder. "THA'll be good fer their 'diplomatic relations' wi' the fangers..." he muses, as he wipes his spurs quickly on his pantleg, taking note --for the first time--of the gash in his leg. A wound he dismisses with a shrug. "Hey, wouldja mind ter'bly givin me a hand, 'ere, 'Fly?" he indicates his virtually useless cyberlimb. " I seem ta be havin a wee bit o' a _problem_..." Nex begins re-attaching wires and tubing, and is soon aided by a rather _leary_ Dragonfly. The two make short work of the little project, jerry-rigging a fair facsimile of his once-perfect arm. As they're finishing up, THE Nexus wipes the gore from his bearded chin on the shoulder of his T-shirt. Dragonfly eyes him warily, his face still frighteningly pale, and his companion barely suppresses a smile. "Wha'szamatter, chick? Ya n'er seen soombuddy gettin thar han's dir'y, b'fer?!?" he asks, in a gently mocking tone. The other stares at him a long moment. "It's not your HANDS I'm _worried_ about!" he finally shoots back, as he turns to go. Nex sneers broadly at his friend's retreating back, and chuckles. Bending quickly, he scoops up the fallen Human's beret, and pulls it on at a jaunty angle, then shakes out his incredible mane of waist-length red hair. With another low chuckle, he follows the decker down, into the darkened passageway ahead. +++++ End live feed >>>>>[ Ye-ah....cute, huh? *snort* Not exactly one of Nex' shining moments! But, something to tell your kids about, huh? Provided they have strong stomachs, of course! *grimace* ]<<<<< -- Fast Track ( 23:37:18 / 01-10-56 ) ***** Private:Freddy Fripp >>>>>[Hey boss I'm going nutzo here!!?!?!]<<<<< -- GoD < 16:08Time / Date > *****PRIVATE: Trixie >>>>>[My lady, I was offering to assist you with your Humanis problem.]<<<<< --Ryuga (07:45:30/ 01:11:56) CEO Ryaka Science and Tech ******PRIVATE: Flamestrike >>>>>[Flamestrike, I want you, Windblade, and Frosttooth to offer assistance from our order to Tarkis and Zarkon. That computer construct must NOT be allowed to take over the world. Also, we should try to restore the person, who has become Darklord.]<<<<< --Olorin (15:30:30 GMT/11-Jan-56) *****PRIVATE: Olorin >>>>>[Yes, milord.]<<<<< --Flamestrike (10:31:30 EST/01:11:56) *****PRIVATE: Zarkon, Tarkis >>>>>[On behalf of the Order of the Magus, I offer our assistance with the matter of this construct and Darklord. I am called Flamestrike, my associates are Windblade and Frosttooth. We shall be awaiting your reply.]<<<<< --Flamestrike (10:33:30 EST/01:11:56) ***** Private: GoD, Griffyn >>>>>[Allright, guys, I'm gonna come and get you and introduce you to Skuff. He's got some great ideas. I've gotten him to agree not to anything really dumb with you two, but you're under... well, I don't really want to say contract, but it's close enough for now. If Skuff can convince Kor to join up, you'll be in some good company. I'm on the way.]<<<<< -- Freddy Frypp (09:30:12 / 01-11-56) *****PRIVATE: Freddy Frypp >>>>>[Freddy we had a small prob this morning. I'll send the video in a while for you. We're all ok. We're on our way to the second set of coordinates. We'll be there around 0300 GMT.]<<<<< -- Tunnel-Rat (15:30:34 GMT / 1-11-56) ***** Private: THE Nexus >>>>>[Hey, I don't know where they're going or even why they're going, I just know I'm that much richer. Like you said, I hope to do business again and a bad shipment would tarnish my reputation as well. Enjoy.]<<<<< -- Freddy Frypp (09:38:01 / 01-11-56) *****PRIVATE: Zactof, Freddy Frypp >>>>>[Thanks, pal. I'll start making plans to deal with Zealand. Let me know what kind of weapons and eq the place contains. Freddy, if you can get the explosives to Carbondale by Friday I need twenty kilos.]<<<<< -- Kovak (15:35:28 GMT / 1-11-56) ***** PRIVATE: Freddy Frypp >>>>>[ Good.. we'll see you in a little while then. G0D and I have been climbing the walls of this place ever since we got here. And don't worry about this Skuff character. I'm not gonna let him talk us into anything too stupid. ]<<<<< -- Griffyn < 15:58:11/1-11-56 > ***** PRIVATE: Ryuga >>>>>[I dont have a humanis problem. We HAD a gang problem but that should be solved fairly quickly (and quite handily, if I do say so myself). Everything is fine here. Thanks for the offer of help, I think.]<<<<< -- Trixie <16:06:39 / 01-11-56> ***** PRIVATE: Freddy Frypp >>>>>[How did it go last night? How did you and Skuff get along? Actually, dont tell anyone, he is a pretty nice and caring guy once you get to know him. I went I first came on here at ISM I used to run with some of his gang members. Thats where I picked up my second favorite deck -- My SkyLight 2000. You should check the trucks out on this babe. It is a DREAM in the half pipe but sucks on open ground. I usually style with the 2k and ride the other skateboard on open road. Actually, I wanted to say something -- is everyone on the ShadowLand Net so...helpful? Its just strange that people are randomly offering to kill people for me. You arent like that, are you? A hired killer willing to kill for just anyone? Whatever.]<<<<< -- Trixie <16:09:34 / 01-11-56> ***** Private: Kovak >>>>>[Doooh! Don't depend on it. I'll do what I can.]<<<<< -- Freddy Frypp (10:37:12 / 01-11-55) ***** Private: Trixie >>>>>[Uh, actually no, I was in the neighborhood with time to kill. Hell, I was doing stuff like this since... well, let's just say a long time. I practically cut my teeth on this kind of action. Much as I hate to admit it, now I'm addicted to the organization of it all. I like watching things go off well and knowing I was responsible. 'Course that cuts both ways... But, anyway, yeah, me and Skuff just speak different dialects of the same language. He even let me talk him letting me dice the brains of the first ones we catch, well, at least the first live ones.... On the side, how godd are your... phamaceutical contacts? I've got a shopping list I might need filled if we do grab one of these losers alive. In San Fran we live with racism everyday. It's become an obsession. And I'm just gonna nod about whatever in the hell that was you were talking about.]<<<<< -- Freddy Frypp (10:43:12 / 01-11-56) ***** PRIVATE: Freddy Frypp >>>>>[They didnt have skateboards when you were a kid? Wow, I thought that they were invented back then. +++++ Include: YellowPagesListing Pharmacuticals That should have everything you need. You can use the computer there at Jason's place. There should be a phone listing, you can look up whatever you need. The medicine cabinet also has asprin and other hangover remedies.]<<<<< -- Trixie <16:59:31 / 01-11-56> >>>>>[Kovak, how nice to know you are meddling in Carbondale. I've been waiting for the moment when I put you're head on a pole, old chap. The game begins in four hours. See you soon.]<<<<< -- Martel (11:05:34 CST / 1-11-56) >>>>>[I've been waiting six years to repay you for that school, Martel. I'll soon be in Hell and you'll be right in front of me.]<<<<< -- Kovak (17:10:36 GMT / 1-11-56) *****PRIVATE: Humanis Hater's Club >>>>>[You guys probably saw the message from Martel on the board. Martel's real name is John Zealand. I had Zactof make a run against one of his Warehouses yesterday and we found some interresting stuff. Zealand has been supplying local Humanis and Pro-Human gangs with weapons, armor, and safe houses. Whatever you do leave Zealand to me. SIx years ago the man placed a bomb in a Carbondale Grade School. 23 Kids and 2 Adults dead. I recieved serious burns from the explosion but arrived too late to stop the bomb. Zealand wants to play a game where only one of us walks away. It won't be him, by God. I'll be in Carbondale looking for him. If I die some there is 100K nY in this account >>account<< make sure it gets to my mom and little girl at >>encrypted<<. Thanks.]<<<<< -- Kovak (17:23:56 GMT / 1-11-56) ***** Private: Freddy Fripp >>>>>[Time for some action. about time boss, I thought I was gonna grow old and start to collect my penssion before anything would happen. but really all seriousness aside. Who's this kor character? what's he do, besides be adicted to air? You shouldn't have to worry about gryff and me, we two big boys can handle anything skuff might get us into, and well if you put us in his charge, he couldn't be incompetent, cuz I know how stingie you can be about loaning out talent. ( I HOPE)]<<<<< -- GoD < 12:50 / 01/11/56 > >>>>>[Hey Aardvark, how did that "coffee" I sent you work out? If you want any more I've got a thermos full (assuming it hasn't eaten throu the thermos yet).]<<<<< -- Irish <10:59:45/01-11-56> ***** Private: GoD >>>>>[Who, me? Why, didn't you notice the provision in your contract where I get all of your company-provided insurance policy upon your death? JOKE! Kor's one of the hottest combat mages I've seen in... well, let's just say the last... pushin' twenty years. 'Course, he's hit some problems recently and isn't in the shape he used to be, but I still wouldn't like to piss him off. Watch and learn. And have a good time.]<<<<< -- Freddy Frypp (12:25:12 / 01-10-56) ***** Private: Trixie >>>>>[I'm not THAT old. You lost me somewhere... I thought you were talking about cyberdecks. Thanks for the list, but commercial contacts aren't gonna have what I need, I need street contacts where I can get some of the fun pharmaceuticals (Hyper, Zen and Atrophine, namely). Hmm, do you think Kor would know where I could get that stuff? Asprin ain't gonna do squat for the damage I'm gonna do! Now, I'm gonna need some movies, too. Lessee.... I'll need: Tommy, 1984 and the remake 2084, Marathon Man, the Wall, the Manchurian Candidate, Faces of Death (aw, hell any of the first fifteen or so, the last dozen have been really reaching), the trid version of Paranormal Slaughterers from around the World I-III and... some Freestyle vids. Can you get those? I'd get 'em myself, but I'm not familiar enough with the Seattle Matrix to even know where to look. Thanks.]<<<<< -- Freddy Frypp (12:35:44 / 01-11-56) ***** PRIVATE: Freddy Frypp >>>>>[You should come over and talk to Granpa. He has a lot of that stuff on video tape (Yeah, and a working VRC or something like that. This stuff is seriously PRE-C.D.). Im a big fan of The Wall (Thats the one about the rock band, right?) Lets see -- You can check the video library that Jason has too...How do you like that monster TV set-up he has in the "living room"? Its killer. He lets us have pizzah parties over there sometimes. I think he has a lot of the stuff you asked for. I took the liberty of getting you a card with the local rental agency. They can get the gruesome stuff you wanted. Jason might know where to get the illegal stuff. I stay well away from that aspect of his life. Its better if I have plausable deniability.]<<<<< -- Trixie <18:45:01 / 01-11-56> >>>>>[ *****Include Trideo Download***** Hello again, from the world of corporate expansion and the Front Range Free Zone. My name is Charlie Fingers, just returned from a three week vacation in the snowy Swiss Alps, and the news of the hour again focuses on Maxim Arms. Earlier today, the Maxim Arms subsidiary Maxim Armament Systems announced a deal with Weapons World International to have the latter market and retail a variety of personal security devices including lethal and non-lethal weapons\ and their latest in armor. In addition, Maxim Armament Systems announced a deal with Lone Star Security to provide 100 armored and fully enclosed high- threat motorcycles for use on the streets of Seattle and other Lone Star contracted areas. These vehicles, the Maxim Lightning, have been introduced into the security subsidiary, Maxim Security, for over three months now and are finally available for non-Maxim purchasers. Finally, rumors abound about a new form of vectored thrust vehicle currently undergoing final tests in preparation for public release that has overcome enough of the fuel efficiency problems of current V-T vehicles to be used in more cost conscious operations than the military, such as police, private security, bonded couriers, and even the ambulance/emergency medical services. DocWagon has already expressed an interest. No one at Maxim Arms was available for comment. On this news, Maxim Arms stock is up 7.34 points at this hour of trading. My name is Charlie Fingers, and until next time, this has been the news of the hour. *****End Trideo Download***** ]<<<<< -- Trideo Pirate <13:53:54/01-11-56> >>>>>[Greetings and salutations to you all from Boston. This normally lovely metroplex has been gradually returning to some semblance of order over the past three weeks since the final destruction of the Lucifer construct in Fuchi's infected system. However, as I am honor bound to mention this, it was not Fuchi who created the demonic frame, but a deceased matrix- runner aliased Dante, thus action against Fuchi is hardly necessary. They were as much corporate victims as Renraku or Maxim or Shiawase. However, the purpose of this letter is not to speak about Fuchi, but rather to inform you of the current state of the Boston Metroplex. Medically speaking, the VITAS outbreak fed by the deplorable conditions caused by the total failure of all power, water, sewage, transportation, police, and all emergency services has been brought under control. The hepatitis and Cholera outbreaks are expected to be under control within the next few days to a week. Sewage and fresh water services have been restored, as has partial power and vital communications, quite naturally to the vital service providers first, such as the hospitals, clinics, police stations, etc. As of today Traffic is still terribly congested and only very gradually clearing or being\ cleared by police and the National Guard and Metroplex Guard. The only aspect that remains unaffected and unpleasant is the criminal element. Gang, Mafia, and personal crime remains rampant across the metroplex, and the police have their hands full without even trying to bring an end to it. Thus Boston is not likely to be a safe metroplex to travel to in the near future. To all of you that aided in the destruction of the Lucifer construct, from all of Boston, we thank you. Now, on to more personal matters. I am currently unemployed. My speciality is cyberdeck design and programming and I have some unique experience in Matrix Archetecture design and navigation that could be useful. If anyone is looking for such experience or expertise, I am available. Good day, and I thank you again.]<<<<< -- Mercury <14:08:10/01-11-56> *****PRIVATE: Freddy Frypp >>>>>[Sir, my employer has requested that I make contact with you in regard to a possible buisness arrangement. This would be a true buisness arrangement, not the type that so many of the people here practice, with contracts, schedules, and payment. While I have not been given the authority to inform you of the precise terms, my employer would like to see if you are interested in testing some of our ready-to-be-released security goods. These would include armor, lethal and non-lethal weapons, security devices and electronics, and possibly vehicles as well. However, I cannot provide details until you sign a non-disclosure agreement. I have included one for your signature if you would like to hear more. Please note that even telling relatives or co- workers would be a breach of this non-disclosure agreement at this stage. I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely Ms. V. +++++ Include Maxim Arms Non-disclosure agreement, Corporate #11294792+++++ ]<<<<< -- Ms. V. <14:15:20/01-11-56> ***** PRIVATE: Damselfly >>>>>[ Uh...well...where d' we go, from _here_, luv? I dunno if yer in much of any mood ta _talk_, right now... But, I _would_ like ta know...at least an _approximation_...of jus WHERE we might be headin... Caitlin, I want ya ta know...I had a _wonderful_ ev'nin! Truly, I DID! And, I'd figured we'd jus TALK....*gentle smirk* Ah-h-h, lass...I dunno WHA happened! But...I know I liked it! And, I'd like fer it ta happen again, I _do_ b'lieve... But, I really _do_ think we need ta talk....UHG! I _dunno_--m'be I'm PUSHIN! I'm sorry...I didn't _mean_ ta! Thin's 've jus gotten so... CRAZY, fer me, lately! I dunno... *SIGH*smirk* Wanna thank ya fer patchin up my scratches, too! 'Course, come ta _think_ o' it, tha's wha _got_ us ta this point, ta b'gin wi'...now, wasn't it!? *smirk* Look, if ya dun wanna talk ta me, right now--or, perhaps...e'er... *whimper*--I'll understand. I'll be CRUSHED! But, I'll understand... *smile* Jus...lemme know, il'yah? I'm not really sure jus how much free time we're gonna _have_, all considered. ]<<<<< -- Sean-Cullen Og O'Brecon ( **:**:** / **-**-** ) *****PRIVATE: Ryuga >>>>>[I was afraid of that. I hope Flamestrike, Windblade, and Frosttooth are allowed to aid Zarkon and Tarkis. If not, I may have to come over there.]<<<<< --Olorin (20:13:30 GMT/11-Jan-56) >>>>>[Nex, old pal, you'd better leave the throat biting to those who need to. You might get a bad rep that way. If only AJ were back....]<<<<< -- Slash <15:48:50/01-11-56> >>>>>[ What an interesting way to interrupt the afternoon! To recap briefly, we lost all contact with Shadowfox and Rebecca Jones in early December. So the excited yell from Blitzkrieg attracted all our attention. You see, normally when Blitzkrieg yells, it means DragonEyes is about to loose another terminal. Yesterday happened to be my day to watch Blitzkrieg. Not the most fun task in the world. Truthfully, he was doing better recently than in the past but is still given to change from good to bad without much warning. I was a little surprised when I skidded into the room, to find the terminal intact and Blitzkrieg logged in. So I quickly got in to see what his uproar was about. Rebecca was in Denver. Blitzkrieg, finally noticing me ran off to tell DragonEyes. I listened to Ratspeak and Scourge trace down the last known location. By the time they found that, Blitzkrieg had gathered everyone fit to go into a trouble area and DragonEyes. Unlike most of the times he goes into trouble, he didn't seem to be the least bit fazed by the thought of violence. A little strange for him, but then again I guess Pittsburgh hit him harder than I thought. As we headed cross Denver in our favorite van with Kor at the wheel. He drives like a cheetah chasing it's prey. Of course that didn't stop any of us from stopping what we were doing. Blitzkrieg and I entered a debate on whether our opposition was expecting us. We decided based on the location of where the address was most likely it was Japanese runners that we were up against, which isn't too promising. As we debated, though we both double checked our gear. We brought our typical street gear, because we didn't want to attract everyone's attention. Blitzkrieg, of course, pointed out that going into an area loaded with Asians meant that we were going to stick out like sore thumbs. Blitzkrieg was under the opinion that it was a good thing that Doomsday wasn't with us. I'm still under the impression though that he would have been very helpful. I remember at the time remarking, "Even though Doomsday will attract everyone's attention, I rather have him guarding my back then not." Blitzkrieg stated the obvious, "Don't make a damn of a difference 'cause he ain't here." DragonEyes, however, was ignoring both of us. He was on the phone with someone. As Blitzkrieg and I were finishing inspecting our gear, he turned around and addressed us: "I have two native street toughs tracking them. They got to the location just in time to see them leave. They are currently following them discretely. Unfortunately, they are heading deeper in an area of town where even the discreet followers will be obvious. To help us find Rebecca, I had a watcher follow her. In forty-five minutes it will leave them and come find me. The street toughs won't engage in combat for either side. In matter of fact, when you three show up, they will leave." Kor responded with, "You mean you are going to actually send me in? What is stopping me from after the encounter running off?" DragonEyes responded rather coldly, "If they are injured people about, are you willing to feed them to whatever has Rebecca captive? Or if you leave when they are heading back, how are you going to feel if they get captured after you split? And lastly, there is some news I need to tell you about, but if you take off, you won't learn it. My guess is that the news is fairly important. "But if none of that holds you here, so be it. In that case, I will only say, people in Seattle need you badly. Maybe as badly as we need you now." Kor did not have much to say in response to that. We eventually pulled over and started waiting. There is nothing like knowing that every ticking second maybe letting Rebecca get closer and closer to being killed or worse and not being able to do anything about it. Some of our tension was stopped temporarily by Kor asking who was Rebecca and why were risking our lives for her. Hearing the answers out loud didn't put me in any better of a mood. In matter of fact, I think it brought up memories which Blitzkrieg and I would have rather not thought about at all (not that we had much choice -- I was already thinking of it before Kor had asked). The reasons though are quite simple. First, Rebecca is my ex-wife, and the only reason we got a divorce was that we had incompatible lifestyles. Second, Blitzkrieg and I made a promise to Shadowfox a long time ago to help Rebecca out if we could. Both of us have paid a high price in trying to keep the promise. To break it now because we were unwilling to risk our necks for her seems rather petty. The high price -- some would say too high. Blitzkrieg lost his left arm. He also lost a lot of himself to torture techniques used by HAMMER. My scarring. My having to try and disrupt an elemental that I used to call a friend, and in the process not knowing whether or not I killed her. Watching friends die. All for a promise and some money. A lot of people would say it is too high of price, yet neither Blitzkrieg nor I can turn back time. Yet Blitzkrieg didn't hesitate to find out where she is. And neither of us hesitated on trying to rescue her. At some point, DragonEyes went astral and wondered off. About a half an hour later he came back. He then treated us to some disturbing news. DragonEyes: "Ummm. I have a location from her. I think these runners know what they are doing. They have holed up really well. The good news is that they don't have any fully magically active people in the bunch . . ." Blitzkrieg prompted: "The bad news?" DragonEyes looked at Blitzkrieg and quickly looked down. The amount of pain in his eyes screamed to me. I think Blitzkrieg understood too. He then cleared his throat, "Several things. They have a decent amount of physical adepts there, and Rebecca is in really bad shape. I guess, " he paused to lick his lips, "I will be going in with you. The odds are really bad." I spoke up at this point, "No. We will need you here in case we fail. Look DragonEyes, I know you want to help. I know it's going to be bad in there, but if we frag up, what then?" DragonEyes sighed. "I'm sorry Bruce. I'm going in because I refuse to sit still while you take all the risks. I have to go in because I know how to get there and there is no time for me to explain the directions to you. I'm going because you are going to need to save your strength to get there, and you'll need illusions to get close. And lastly, Rebecca may not make it out without healing on the spot. She . . . " He trailed off. With a small pause he continued in a barely audible whisper, "She has gone through what looks like torture." Blitzkrieg stared at the floor for a long time, when he spoke his voice was barely audible. "So, what happens if we fail?" DragonEyes response surprised me, "A spirit will go inform some friends of mine, who will contact Fenris. Hopefully Fenris will know what to do if we frag up." As DragonEyes drove the van to the spot where we abandoned it, all I could think about was the environment that Blitzkrieg was tortured by HAMMER. But instead of Blitzkrieg being there, it ... it was Rebecca. For the first time in a long time, I think I actually was praying that I wouldn't be too late to help. I wonder if it is too late to help myself. ]<<<<< -- Scarface <13:45:30/1-11-56> >>>>>[ DragonEyes told as to keep close as we walked along. I was absorbed in my own thoughts to consider what the others were going through. Every once in a while, I would wonder how Blitzkrieg would hold up to seeing Rebecca. Considering I didn't know how I would react, I surmised that he would probably even more dangerous to be around then in Pittsburgh. Once in while I would look at DragonEyes. For a while I was puzzled on how he was keeping track of where he was in the maze. It finally dawned on me that we had two city spirits with us. One was a greater one that was actually leading us, and the other was just a normal one that was concealing us. If we had been in a crowded area that could have been dangerous, but where we were the only danger would be attracting unwanted magical attention. It was Blitzkrieg who first broke the silence. He simply stated, "You don't have any weapons, DragonEyes. Try and stay close to someone then so when the fighting starts so you don't get yourself into any more trouble than the rest of us are going to be in." DragonEyes nodded. Kor softly asked, "DragonEyes, if you are going to keep going into hostile areas, why don't you carry gear to protect yourself?" DragonEyes briskly responded, "Carrying weapons to defend myself is not natural for me. I was worried about Rebecca enough that I forgot. If we don't shut up, I won't be able to hide us." I wonder who he was fooling. Maybe Blitzkrieg, but I think Kor had already picked up what DragonEyes was doing. Within twenty minutes we had arrived at a building. It was no different than any of the surrounding ones. At first glance, it was surrounded by the usual squats, but something felt wrong to me. Blitzkrieg scanned around. You could almost feel the nervousness of the thought of being too late. DragonEyes started gesturing but Blitzkrieg stopped him. In a whisper, Blitzkrieg informed us that as soon as the door to the building opens we would announce our presence to them. After a few tense moments, I got an idea. Since I could see one of the guards, I knew I couldn't risk making enough noise to tell them of my plan. I motioned for them to stay close, and slowly crept toward the building. Instead of heading toward the door, I went 5 meters left of it. Once there, I levitated myself up to the first window, and inspected it. I remembered a long time ago, watching a friend of mine, break into a building through an old window. I quickly gathered my thoughts and found a way to pop off the screen. I guess either DragonEyes or Kor was on the ball because I didn't hear any sound from me breaking into the window. Needless to say, I thought I was blown when a Japanese woman walked into the room and looked out the very window that I was endeavoring to open. I almost lost the levitation spell in relief when she turned and walked away. About two minutes later, I managed to open the window. One at a time, I got everyone through the window. DragonEyes was the last one through. I think it was plain luck that no one walked onto us when I was pulling up Blitzkrieg. DragonEyes looked at me like he was ready to kill something. I didn't realize until then that radio chatter drives him up the wall. DragonEyes let us know that they were holding her on the top floor. Blitzkrieg and I both volunteered to lead the way, but DragonEyes said that Blitzkrieg should have the honor until we got to the top floor. Things went smoothly once we got started. Blitzkrieg claimed that it was his skill at point that helped us out. I think even he would agree that probably the hearth spirit helped more. I was more than a little amazed that the spirit was not chattering like bird, but maybe it sensed how nervous we were. Even though we had the spirit, we made sure that the coast was clear before crossing hallways. I couldn't tell you how long it took us to get to the top floor. I thought that it took forever. At the top floor, I started guiding the group with Blitzkrieg off to my left, and basically not even a half-step behind me. Kor was bringing up the rear. The spirit lead us right to the room. Then for the first time the spirit spoke. Blitzkrieg jumped a foot and almost shot at the voice. The spirit said, "There are lots of people in there. One lady, she's hurting badly. I don't think the other people like her at all. How may I help?" DragonEyes said something I didn't understand, but I think Kor did. The spirit nodded. The greater city spirit was also there. DragonEyes apparently addressed it as well. After a few seconds, DragonEyes said, "There are three physical adepts in there, and a few cyber people." He drew a picture on the ground for us. He pointed to three spots in the area, and then said, "If Blitzkrieg can drop the people in those areas, Kor and Scarface should be able to drop most of the people with some good old fashion sleep spells. I don't know how much time we will have, but if we can, we really should find out what they know anything about Shadowfox." Blitzkrieg replied, "I hope the sleep spell doesn't hurt Rebecca or me. Otherwise, okay with me." Scarface nodded, "Sleep makes some sense though. No time to argue. I'll do it, and pray it doesn't hurt us later." Kor just shrugged. Blitzkrieg silently signaled in on five, and proceeded to count. The count seemed to take forever. I was so afraid that we had come too late. It never crossed my mind that if we had DragonEyes probably would have aborted the mission. Blitzkrieg rushed in with a pistol in each hand. I had forgotten that Blitzkrieg had specialized in fast attack. He nailed two people with shots. I followed in but froze when I saw how bad Rebecca was. Luckily Kor didn't freeze up like I did. I honestly cannot recall most of the combat. It was such a blur. Everyone was moving so fast. The only things I can say about the combat are: They got alarm out, Blitzkrieg lost control of himself, and I somehow ended getting to Rebecca first. I'm embarrassed to say, but I think Kor and especially Blitzkrieg won the day for us. DragonEyes said that he thought Blitzkrieg and I fought better and worse than we usually did. He said as we were retreating that, I and Blitzkrieg fought like madmen, and Kor was exceptionally clearheaded during the whole thing. Didn't change one thing though. We all were pretty hurt by the time we left the room. Blitzkrieg and Kor quickly picked up an HK227. Blitzkrieg again led us out as Kor brought up the rear. I was carrying Rebecca while DragonEyes was casting a few healing spells on Rebecca. Our trip down was uneventful until we got to the entrance floor. Once there Kor and Blitzkrieg started blazing a path for us toward the outside during a massive firefight. I was startled when DragonEyes took Rebecca out of my arms, but nothing prepared me for what happened next. Apparently, there had been a running insult commentary to the whole combat, but somebody said something that caused Blitzkrieg to scream in anger. Blitzkrieg in anger threw his gun at the guy. He then lunged. The guy was stunned at first, but then put a burst into Blitzkrieg. It didn't halt Blitzkrieg's leap at all. Blitzkrieg snarled something like, "You will die for that if it is the last thing I do!" Blitzkrieg put the guy into a bearhug, and then lightning flowed out of him into the guy. The guy was electrocuted. Blitzkrieg had tears streaming down his face when he got up. Apparently, he had cast a spell far greater than he could handle. The fact that he even got up was amazing. He took a step forward, and the rest of the people fell back. They were too stunned to do anything. Kor and I hammered them at that time, but Blitzkrieg collapsed. I honestly don't remember how long it took us to do it, but Kor and I literally fought our way out of the mess. At the end of it, Kor was about ready to kill DragonEyes over who was going to carry Blitzkrieg, but DragonEyes ended the argument by saying, "If you don't keep your arms free, we won't get out of here. Scarface is too out of it to keep from focusing on Rebecca, and I can't help if we get into combat." Kor really didn't like it, but didn't put up much of an argument over it. I've learned that you really can't argue with DragonEyes when he gets in certain moods. We had two run ins with gangs along the way toward safety. The city spirit was guiding us to some other location (I guess DragonEyes had worked it out before hand). At the location, a medical clinic, we were admitted. Rebecca was put into a warded room and Blitzkrieg was put into intensive care. DragonEyes, even though he was exhausted as we all were, did two things. The first one was to contact some friends and find a safer place for all of us. And the second was that he had a long talk to Kor. Kor didn't look too thrilled at all after the talk. After Kor took a small nap and saw us safely transferred to somewhere else, he departed to go on his own path. He begged us to keep him posted on Blitzkrieg's condition. I would tell you what it is, save I really don't know anything. Rebecca has just regained consciousness, and DragonEyes isn't allowing me to see her yet. And while, I won't say what his reasons are, I have to admit he is correct in doing it. To say the least I'm not a happy. ]<<<<< -- Scarface <14:00:25/1-11-56> ***** Private: Fenris >>>>>[ If you can find some free time, could you come to >>encrypted< >>>>>[ NO!!! BLITZKRIEG!!! ]<<<<< -- Nightmare <14:30:00/1-11-56> ***** Private: Diana >>>>>[ Bruce could probably use someone to talk to right about now. I'm not at my usual clinic, because there is not enough security there. Let me know if you want to find us. ]<<<<< -- DragonEyes <14:33:12/1-11-56> >>>>>[ Blitzkrieg at this time has not come out of unconsciousness. At this time, I cannot tell whether he has fully burned himself out or not. Perhaps Nightmare, you might care to visit him. I'm doing my damndest to keep him alive, but I cannot make any promises. I'm sorry. Contact me if you wish to see him. That goes for any of you out there. But if I even suspect that you represent a threat, you will not be allowed near me or anyone else under my care. I hope that is clear enough for everyone. I really could use a lot of time off. ]<<<<< -- DragonEyes <14:35:23/1-11-56> ***** Private: DragonEyes >>>>>[ I transferred a bunch of funds for use as you see needed to help both Rebecca and Blitzkrieg. I did it out of my own pocket, instead of through Ares. The money is at >>account<<. At the appropriate time, I will pay you individually for all you have done for everyone. I don't care whether you like the fact that I'm doing it or not. You deserve it. ]<<<<< -- Scourge <14:37:29/1-11-56> ***** Private: Ms. V. >>>>>[As flattered as I am that you have selected my corporation to evaluate your equipment, I must respectfully regect your proposal. I would need to consult with senior executives about your equipment before agreeing to the evaluation period and this would appear to violate your non-disclosure statement. If the provision of consultation with my executives were to be added, I would consider your offer. Also, standing contracts with various arms manufactures may preclude the use of your equipment. As I am not currently in a position to evaluate these contracts, I can defer these questions to our legal department, if the other provision is acceptable.]<<<<< -- Freddy Frypp (15:38:15 / 01-11-56) ***** Private: Trixie >>>>>[Yeah, that's the one about the band, Trixie, sheesh. I wish I'da looked around before working up that list. A lot of those titles are handy. You ever watch any of this stuff? Lots of stuff to warp minds. Lots of stuff to think about. Lots of stuff to make you lose lunch. I can't wait....]<<<<< -- Freddy Frypp (15:40:00 / 01-11-56) *****Private: Flamestrike >>>>>[ I just now woke up, and saw your message, I am pleased someone is going to help Zarkon and I. We would love you to help us, but before anything happens, I have to tell you the story on S.A.I.C. which I will do as soon as I can think straight. Thanx for wanting to help, I mean only the world is at stake.]<<<<< -- Tarkis *****Private: Zarkon >>>>>[ Yes its true Whisper is DarkLord. And i think it will affect the run, I know SAIC will ahve DarkLord with him if we do reach him. I might go blacnk on the run and do anything. I am not taking this very well, and I can't hurt Whisper. I am taking double dosages of prazac to calm me down right now, or I would be not this serious, or be sitting here. So just make sure I don't do anything stupid when we try to stop SAIC.]<<<<< -- Tarkis ***** PRIVATE: Skuff >>>>>[Im on my way home right now. Should be there in a couple of hours. Do you want to meet at my place or should I stop by your's on my way in?]<<<<< -- Jason Stormwind <22:07:37 / 01-11-56> >>>>>[ If anyone has been follwoing what is happening to me...and would like to assist, please respond to me. It has to do with S.A.I.C. ]<<<<< -- Tarkis *****Private: Zarkon, Flamestrike >>>>>[ Hi guys...now that I regained my strenght, I can tell you how serious this is. To start out, SAIC is not really AI, he is controled from the inside, and is made to look SAIC. Unless someone altered it, there is some running SAIC. When i was 19...like you all know I am insane, well at 19 I wanted to take the world, so I built SAIC. It is programed to destruct, and take the world. I am the only one who knows how to turn it off. Well at 19 I was finally given Prozac, and it straightened me out a bit, so I realized how stupid it was. I shut SAIC off, and left him in a cave. Someone must have found him, and turned him on. SAIC can run by himself, and is capable of being converted to AI. But I doubt that happened. We must find and stop SAIC, cause I feel responsible for it. I know for a fact, SAIC can not really take the world, but he can create other like him and then he could. that file i have is the file of how to build him, and it is only a sketch, SAIC has the true file, so he can make a copy of himself in about 1 week. We must find SAIC, shut him off, and kill the person inside it, because that person now knows enough to rebuild another one, so he must be destroyed. Now on the mind erasing thing, is their greating threat, they can erase memory form someone and implant a whole new life. SAIC must be stopped!]<<<<< -- Tarkis >>>>>[Dragoneyes, I am willing to offer my services as a healer to aid in the recovery of Blitzkrieg. I am the Prelate of The Defenders of Life group. As such I cannot attempt to harm any who do not, in a given situation, mean any harm unto myself.]<<<<< --The Transformer (18:20:30 EST/01:11:56) Prelate Defenders of Life *****Private: Flamestrike >>>>>[Excellent. We would appreciate your aid on this mission very much. We should arrange a strategy meeting ASAP. Do you have any good sites or shall we select one?]<<<<< -- Zarkon <7:40:43 / 01-11-56> *****Private: Tarkis >>>>>[Hopefully you will get this when you wake up... I'm out looking for more runners. If you're well enough, could you do a matrix background check on Flamestrike, Windblade, and Frosttooth, of the Order of the Magus? They sound legit, but you never know.]<<<<< -- Zarkon <7:45:22 / 01-11-56> *****PRIVATE: DragonEyes >>>>>[I'd very much like to get in touch with Bruce. Tell me where and when to meet you and I'll be there promptly.]<<<<< -- Diana, Mistress of the Night <<20:14:29/01-11-56 >>>>>[Nex, hon, you'd better get your hoop to my apartment to visit me and your daughter. She's growing like a weed, accelerated, walking, talking, and already exhibiting some magical talent. It looks like she might be a full magician when she gets a little older. Come home soon, or I'll be REALLY upset.]<<<<< -- Foxey Roxey <20:28:23/01-11-56> >>>>>[You go away for a little while..... Nexus, is that you laddie?! I thought you'd gone the way of Dark Elf and so many others.....good to have you back! Gotten into any trouble yet? :>]<<<<< --Highlander (21:30:44/1-11-56) >>>>>[My, the dead have come back to life.....welcome back, Colin! Where were you? And who is this Nexus, anyway?]<<<<< --Heather (21:31:43/1-11-56) >>>>>[Hey, lass, some of us have to go out and look for work, and not depend on a cushy corp position...... And the Nexus is...ah...well....it'd take awhile to explain. A bonnie lad is a good start.....]<<<<< --Highlander (21:33:30/1-11-56) >>>>>[Heather, lass, he'll grow on you. He always seems to.]<<<<< --Buzz (The one the only...Human Bee in the Matrix) *****PRIVATE: Kovak >>>>>[Allright old boy, there's a BOMB in a metahuman school at >>encrypted<< and you've got one hour to find it. If not, I help purge the world of the unpure.]<<<<< -- Martel (08:10:23 CST / 1-12-56) *****PRIVATE: Martel, Humanis Hater's Club >>>>>[You killed your own sister, my wife, because you think that metahumans are unpure. For that I'll kill you. For this I'm gonna finish you. If you want to settle this, pick your fight with me not innocent children.]<<<<< -- Kovak (14:16:32 GMT / 1-12-56) >>>>>[Here's my first step to get Martel. +++++UPLOAD PHONE TRANSCRIPT: Kovak.911 (Lone Star)Lone Star Carbondale. Is this an emergency? (Kovak)Yes. There's a bomb in the grade school on Frontage Road. My name is George O'gradie, I'm an ex-bomb disposal officer from LS Chicago. I'm heading to the school right now. You need to evacuate the place. (Lone Star)I'll evacuate the school, but it says here you are to be arrested for terrorist action. (Kovak)Arrest me after I diffuse that bomb. Unless you got someone better than me at bomb disposal. (Lone Star)We'll deal with that in a minute. Canine and FRT are in transit. (Kovak)Thanks. +++++END PHONE TRANSCRIPT: I'm on my way to get the bomb.]<<<<< -- Kovak (14:30:23 GMT / 1-12-56) >>>>>[For that Kovak you've got 30 minutes.]<<<<< -- Martel (08:33:24 CST / 1-12-56) >>>>>[Kovak, dont you go getting yourself blown to bits, I dont have time to attend another funneral. Hey, DE, you and I need to do a face to face sometime and the pretty near future. Right now I am up to my arm pits in repaying old debts.]<<<<< -- Kor <14:40:58 / 01-12-56> >>>>>[ AYE!!! HIGHLANDER!!! Tis good ta be back in the land o' the livin...I guess...fer _now_...*smirk* Lemme get back ta ya, in a coupla days! And, tis wiz ta hear from ya, again! How've thin's been goin fer ya, lad? Wha've ya all been up ta? Cherise still ridin yer case? *grin* And, WHO, exactly, is _Heather_? Hmmm? *sneer* We're gonna _hafta_ get t'gether, once I get back, and do a lil' "remenicin", o'er a few frosty pints o' Guiness...and a _lovely_ bottle o' whiskey I've happened ta've aquired, in my travels--from the Isle o' Skye...eh!?! _Hopefully_, I'll be seein ya all right soon! Keep yer fingers crossed, fer me! ]<<<<< -- THE Nexus ( When:the:bullet / Hits-the-bone ) ***** PRIVATE: Highlander >>>>>[ Colin, I get back in town...and ya jus might hafta help me find some place ta HIDE! I shit ya not! Lissa's NOT gonna be happy, once she finds out jus _what_--or, should I say WHO ?-- I've been upta, lately! I guess tis na real secret, thin's _havenna_ been goin ta smooth fer us, as o' late...*SIGH* I dunno _where_ we went wrong...but, we DID. And, I think I'm ready ta...move...on...*sigh* I _dunno_! Got any sage words o' advice ya could toss my way, term? ]<<<<< -- Sean-Cullen ( **:**:** / **-**-** ) >>>>>[ Hhmmm..._me_? In _trouble_? Now THERE'S a _novel_ thought!?!? *SMIRK* ]<<<<< -- THE Nexus ( When:the:bullet / Hits-the-bone ) *****PRIVATE: Freddy Frypp >>>>>[The non-disclosure agreement is arranged so that, if you feel comfortable signing it, we can discuss in enough detail to allow you to make the decision whether you would like to take our offer to your executive board. However, if you prefer to take that step immediately, feel free to duplicate the form I enclosed previously and distribute them to the board. And of course, we have no difficulty, at more advanced stages, in involving lawyers with the finer details of contract negotiations. If this is satisfactory, then return either just your own signed form or the additional forms of your executive board memebers and I will be happy to inform you of what we had in mind. Otherwise, tell me what else can be done or indicate your disaproval and we shall part ways.]<<<<< -- Ms. V <20:25:28/01-11-56> ***** Private: Ms. V. >>>>>[Certainly. I'll need some time to forward copies to my executives.]<<<<< -- Freddy Frypp (10:52:12 / 01-12-56) >>>>>[ 'EY, SLASH!!! Whathefuck ya been up ta!?!? Havenna seen hide nor hair o' YA, fer WAY ta long!! My guess is ya saw the video download, huh? Doesnna possess the more refined, artistic qualities o' my trideo designs...Phft! Yeah.... _right_! But, Hey, a debut's a debut! Besides, sate, a psycho's gotta do wha a psycho's gotta do, neh? ]<<<<< -- THE Nexus ( When:the:bullet / Hits-the-bone ) ***** PRIVATE: Slash >>>>>[ Seems like we've all been outta touch WAY ta long, friend! Wha the FUCK's been goin ON, with ya guys? I've gotten m'self all tangled up in this shit, here in Hicksville...and, still seems like NObody's tellin me a DAMN THING! I miss my KIDS, Slash! I'm s'posed ta be seein Joseph, first weekend, after I get back. But...I miss my lil _girl_, man! Thought I might _actually_ get a chance ta hang around, and watch at least ONE o' my kids grow up! *SIGH* But, looks like I'm screwed again! Thin's 've been really nuts, around here...HELL--_I'VE_ been nuts! Moreso than _usual_. But, one thing I've gotten, outta all tha's been goin on, lately...Slash, I'm SICK o' bein kicked around! I'm SICK o' bein ignored, and taken fer granted! I'm SICK o' bein a fuckin DOORMAT! Slash, I _love_ Lissa...dun get me WRONG! But, much as I enjoy bein there fer _her_...I need ta start thinkin about ME! I need someone ta BE there, fer _me_--not jus when the world's fallin down 'round my big, pointy ears! But, when all the stupid, mundane _shit_ starts drivin me up the fuckin WALL! I've, m'be, got a chance fer somethin a lil better. It may be a long shot...but, I think tis a risk I'm _willin_ ta take! Besides, I'm not bein fair ta _Lis_, hangin around. She needs ta find someone she doesnna have ta BABYSIT, 24-fuckin-7! My bein around's jus gonna drag us BOTH down...and, I dun wanna see her b'come e'en HALF the basket-case _I_ am! I dunno....jus needed ta blow off some steam, I guess. *SIGH* I should be back, sometime within the next week, I guess... M'be I'll see ya 'round... ]<<<<< -- Sean-Cullen ( **:**:** / **-**-** ) >>>>>[ To the Transformer: Thank you for the offer of assistance. At this time, I am unable to let you come out here and help. Maybe I can turn circumstances briefly. To Nightmare: Well? Are you going to blow this one off too? To Scourge: Thank you. You are too kind. To Kor: Hmm. Didn't we just have one? I hope you can straighten out the old debts speedily and to your satisfaction. ]<<<<< -- DragonEyes <10:10:23/1-12-56> ***** Private: DragonEyes >>>>>[ I'm in Seattle right now doing a job for Scourge. I should be done in a day or two. He is quite the Johnson when it comes to doing things that he really wants done. Then I would like to come to see Mark. ]<<<<< -- Nightmare <10:12:00/1-12-56> ***** Private: Nightmare >>>>>[ Very well. Remember I want no violence to happen around the safe house. It's at >>location<<. ]<<<<< -- DragonEyes <10:14:34/1-12-56> ***** Private: Diana >>>>>[ You may only come if you promise not to try and kill or do anything that would lead to Nightmare's demise for as long as he is around me or Blitzkrieg. Otherwise I'll just send Bruce to you. ]<<<<< -- DragonEyes <10:16:27/1-12-56> >>>>>[ Hey, Shadowfriends...retrieved _another_ neat little video piece, from one of my "pets", this morning. Thought you all might like to see it. Looks like THE Nex ain't the _only_ gore-monger, around these parts, as of late! *smirk* Gimme a minute...uh,...ho-kay...here...we...uh...GO! Enjoy! +++++ INCLUDE VIDEO drone.vid The opening image is a street, not nearly as crowded as city-dwellers are used to, nor does the gleam of metal seem to shine as brightly. The street lights actually cast a pool of yellow radiance, if at peculiar angles. And, the nightlife seems to be mostly of the unreasonably drunken variety, marked clearly by the occasional sober individual, hurrying from one end of his tiny world to the other. And, further punctuated by the patrols of well-armed pairs in security armor, steering casually around the reeling stragglers. The drone which bears the camera maneuvers smoothly along the rooftops, settling in on one, to observe one of these armored patrols in detail. A close-up reveals that the pair are clearly Human, both male, and both unshaven for at least a day or two; one is brunette, the other a dish-water blond. Their armor is most likely medium-weight Kevlar, drawn over fiberglass, and ceramic plates--relatively inexpensive, but effective--and, the insignia reveal little, though the presence of a CAS flag with illegible lettering is obvious, among the miscellaneous patches and pins. Each carries an assault rifle, with an under-barrel grenade launcher, and the protrusions of Smartgun targeting systems are present, on the nearest one. The casual demeanor with which they stroll down the street is mirrored in their expressions, until a look of alarm-- rapidly followed by outrage--flashes across the blond's face. He raises his weapon, his partner turns to look, and the camera draws rapidly back, as the muzzle flashes in three, brief surges. The wider view reveals the source of the man's consternation--an Ork, dressed in tailcoat and tophat, is jumping, backward, into the alley. The drone lifts for a better angle, swinging around, behind the two men, as the Ork's head pokes clear of the alley, a barrel preceding it. Muzzleflash glints twice, as the gun kicks in the Ork's hand, and the slower of the guardsmen never completes his turn. The first drops to one knee, and fires again, a shower of brick fragments marking the burst's impact, as he walks it up the wall. But, the Ork is already out of sight, again, and the drone is maneuvering to catch both parties in its field of vision. As the drone swings around, to capture the Ork pressed against the wall, the guard who went down stands up. For a moment, the other man remains focussed on the alley, training his sight carefully at where the Ork's head must have been, moments ago. As the fallen guard jerkily stands completely erect, this focus fades, and the man drops his weapon and begins backing away from his partner, never quite attaining his feet, as he scrambles back. The Ork, who's apparently poked his head out, amidst the confusion, fires twice, and the second man collapses, the spray of blood and bone chips is evident, as his jaw shatters. Slowly, the one armored figure still standing walks over to the alleyway. The drone lifts into the air, widening its focus, to take in the street activity, as it occurs. Flashing lights are visible in the near distance, though no figures are to be seen, save the Ork, and the lumbering guard, who appears to have joined the ranks of the intoxicated, in the past few moments. As he reaches the Ork, the Ork places something into yhe guard's outstretched hands. Then, the Ork disappears into the gloom of the alleyway. The camera zooms in on the guard, the gaping wound stretching from his chest, down and across the abdomen, now clearly visible--easily enough to destroy any ordinary man. As the camera zooms closer, tightening focus on the guard's hands, the object amidst the blood, intestines, and other miscellaneous viscera, is clearly a lump those knowledgeable in demolitions clearly recognize as C-12, with a detonator plugged rather precariously into it. As the camera zooms back, apparently satisfied, it's clear that the flashing lights have come much closer, and obviously belong to the squat, motorcycle-like vehicle now approaching. The guard continues to walk forward, as the motorcycle approaches, revealing itself to be a Red Ranger, outfitted with a nasty-looking autocannon, protruding from the rear turret. It pulls up to the scene of the mayhem, while the ambling guardsman continues to approach it. The driver pops the door, and the guard lurches forward, releasing the plastique into the cab. A flash marks detonation, followed by two more, as the ammunition and fuel tanks add to the blaze. The camera, shutting flare filters, zooms out. +++++ END VIDEO FEED _Lovely_, huh? Yee-ah... Nex and Roger? Huhm...can't_wait_ to see what happens, once we get these two _psychopaths_together! Well, gotta run! While those two wittle the opposition down, one at a time, by increasingly "interesting" means...the _rest_ of us have planning to do! See ya in the Shadows! ]<<<<< -- Fast Track ( 12:30:23 / 01-12-56 ) ***** PRIVATE: DragonEyes >>>>>[I am currently in debted to you for the assistance that both you and Blitz (along with the hoard of others I met while I was with you). For your help I am greatly appreciative. You made a comment to me while we were going in that has been playing in the back of my head since you said it. You didnt need to hold out on me to 'force' me to help you. I would really like to consider you a close friend, something that I didnt have until pretty recently, and the thought that you dont feel the same way is grating on me in a pretty serious manner. I have pretty much just given myself over to coming to grips with who and what I am and a GREAT portion of my be able to deal with it is your doing (fault? -- smile). I dont think that there is anyone else who could have helped me (well, other than Bear herself...praise be) get back from the brink as I was when you found me. Look, Im still not good with this out-pouring of positive emotion but, what I am trying to say is, like, if, well, you need me for something, you can just ask and I will do everything within my power to be there for you as you were for me. I know you have you hands full. You can get back to me when you have time, I have a party to get ready for. Keep an eye on the Seattle news, its time for me to kick some ass and take some names...been out of action for too long. I am Jason Stormwind, I make my living by doing the jobs that others do not want to do. This is who I am, this is what I do. I am happy with this arrangement and I am proud of myself. My happiness comes from within, not from outside influences -- See, it does work.]<<<<< -- Kor <17:34:13 / 01-12-56> >>>>>[ *****Begin Audio/Video Download***** An average looking man holding a microphone stands outside a small building, whose shattered and smoke stained windows bare mute evidence to an explosion haveing gone off inside. Behind the man and too his right are several, occupied, body bags, while off to his left is a Doc Wagon ambulance and two stretchers. The features of the stretchers occupants are hidden behind the rear doors of the ambulance, but you can see a tallish, red-haired dwarf standing between the stretechers. The man with the mic begins to speak "This is Mike Hamil of WBOR news. Tonight the peace of this quite district in south Tacoma was shattered. Around closeing time, the bar behind me was attacked by at least five people. The bars only occupants; a Mr. Louis Smith, the bar's owner, and two customers, a Mr. Angus McLeir and a Miss Erika McLeir, where able to hold off the attackers untill Lone Star arrived. Both Mr. Smith and Miss McLeir are reported to be in extreamly serious condition, and are being loaded into a Doc Wagon ambulance as I speak. Lone Star has declined to make any comment." In the background, the two stretchers are loaded into the ambulance, which immeaditly pulls away. The dwarf turns and begins to walk towards Hamil, who immeaditly shoves his microphone into a face that would be pleasently ugly, if it wasn't so scarred. "Mr. McLeir, Do you know what caused this attack? Do you think that there will be more attacks? Do you . . ." McLeir turns and slams his fist into Hamil's chest, causing him to double up and collapse onto the ground, while over the microphone comes the sound of breaking ribs. McLeir then turns and walks away. *****End Audio/Video Download***** That was on the news late last night. Theres a rumor going 'round that the attackers where a corp hit team from one of the big eight. I wounder what could make one of the big boys pull a stunt like that?]<<<<< -- News Hound <11:27:02/01-12-56> ***** Private: Diana >>>>>[ As soon as some other people show up, I'll tell Bruce that you want to meet him. However, I do want to make this clear. The only reason I am extending Nightmare welcome is that he is Blitzkrieg's older half-brother. As such, he has family rights to be there. For that reason, I am overlooking what he has done in the past. ]<<<<< -- DragonEyes <13:13:52/1-12-56> ***** Private: Ms. V. >>>>>[++++++ FILE: DISCLOSURE.NON There are the argeements for myself and several of my department heads. Now, what kinds of equipment do you have in mind? I've checked with the legal department and we do have a contract with Ruger regarding the issuance of semi- and fully-automatic single-hand firearms, unfortunately we would be in violation of these agreements if weapons of this class and your manufacture were to be issued to our employees.]<<<<< -- Freddy Frypp (14:20:14 / 01-12-56) ***** Private: Courier, Fenris, Doomsday >>>>>[ For the record, I sent this to Courier to in order that this message might reach you all. Fenris and Doomsday, I would appreciate your company for a few reasons. One, Rebecca might have useful information to try and find Shadowfox. Second, I need more security that I can rely on. I have a few people that are coming in that have plenty of enemies. I no fighting to take place, and need a few good people to help me enforce that. I'm willing to pay. If you have arguements with Nightmare or WHAT though, do not accept my offer. I don't know if WHAT is coming in, but Nightmare will be, and since Blitzkrieg is his family, I don't want him to be hurt. Which means no planning ambushes or anything else for when he leaves. Will you help me? ]<<<<< -- DragonEyes <13:20:25/1-12-56> ***** Private: DragonEyes, Fenris >>>>>[ I hear ya, and I will be dere. Can't talk for Fenris. 'Sides I owe Nightmare some danks for saving my ass. What's up with WHAT being threatened? And where am I supposed ta go? If Fenris agrees, I'll bring him with me. ]<<<<< -- Doomsday <13:24:55/1-12-56> ***** Private: Doomsday >>>>>[ WHAT is accused of stealing Powerhouse's sword. I don't know if he will show up or not though. We are at >>location<<. Hopefully I'll see at least you soon. ]<<<<< -- DragonEyes <13:26:55/1-12-56> >>>>>[ Hey DragonEyes. I want to visit Blitzkrieg. ]<<<<< -- HAMMER <13:35:33/1-12-56> >>>>>[ Yeah right. Why? ]<<<<< -- DragonEyes <13:35:59/1-12-56> >>>>>[ So I give him a present before he dies. ]<<<<< -- HAMMER <13:36:40/1-12-56> >>>>>[ Sorry I don't think it would be a wise decision to let you know where I am. ]<<<<< -- DragonEyes <13:37:28/1-12-56> >>>>>[ Oh well. I'll keep the present for myself. It's a rather nice one. ]<<<<< -- HAMMER <13:38:20/1-12-56> >>>>>[ Hi HAMMER. I so appreciate yar sacrifice ta free me. I have a present ta dank ya for it. Yar death! If I ever see ya again, ya are a dead man. ]<<<<< -- Doomsday <13:39:48/1-12-56> >>>>>[ Don't worry Doomsday ol' pal. If I see you, I'll use my new present on you. And I prosmise you this, I won't be the one dead after that. ]<<<<< -- HAMMER <13:41:56/1-12-56> >>>>>[ Promises, promises. ]<<<<< -- Scourge <13:45:05/1-12-56> *****Private: Zarkon, Flamestrike >>>>>[ OK I regained my strenghth, tell me when all your guys wanna meet. Oh Flamestrike, what were the names of your other friends that are helping us? I am working out the plans now, this might a little bit, I am trying to determine if I should use red or green for this picture. Hmmmm.. Darn, if i don't finish this painting, I can never start on plans]<<<<< -- Tarkis *****Private: Zarkon >>>>>[ Will do a check on these guys as soon as I finish this painting.]<<<<< -- Tarkis >>>>>[ Whats wrong Tarkis? Is everyone afraid of me that you can't come and get me? Or am I just to smart for you and you can't find me? HAHAHA I will be awaiting your arival, you know where I am]<<<<< -- S.A.I.C. >>>>>[ I am trying to plan your death oout perfectly]<<<<< -- Tarkis *****Private: Zarkon >>>>>[ Hmmm SAIC said I knew where he is, so it must be a place that i have been before. Let me think ......................................... ...............................................*20 min pause* YES I KNOW! He is in the Lucas Building. You know the one that we stored all our eq. WE abandoned it a long time ago, he must have fixed it up, Boy this is gonna be hard, the security there is top!]<<<<< -- Tarkis ***** PRIVATE: Kovak >>>>>[ Dun worry, sate...one father ta another--we'll make sure they get it! Ya have my _word_ on tha, fer whae'er ya think _tha's_ worth... ]<<<<< -- THE Nexus ( When:the:bullet / Hits-the-bone ) >>>>>[Shadow's PISSED about something.]<<<<< --Firefox (19:16:30 EST/01:11:56) *****PRIVATE: Foxey Roxey >>>>>[GET OFF THE DAMN ATTITUDE, THAT YOU ARE BETTER!!!!! That is part of the problem. YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO BE ANGRY AT NEX!!!! HE HAS EVERY REASON TO AVOID YOU!!!!! You could have caused him severe problems from your lack of an encryption when you were asked about him by us. He does not neglect his children, but now he's using drugs and chipping. Something is happening to him and you only care about yourself not HIM!!!!! You're lucky I'm not in the area!]<<<<< --Shadow (19:15:30 EST/01:12:56) ***** Private: Sean-Cullen >>>>>[Laddie, if you need a place to stay, and friendly advice, you're welcome to stay with me for a while. Though I don't know if you should listen to my advice, considering how tangled my own social life getws..... (shuuder)]<<<<< --Highlander (22:48:32/1-12-56) >>>>>[Heather is....uh, well....she's a bonnie lass! Yeah, that's a good start..... And, actually, I haven't heard much from Cerise for a little while....she took the death of Powerhouse pretty hard....wait, did you know about that? So much has happened..... AND GET THAT LEER OFF YOUR FACE! Heather and I are...friends! Just friends!]<<<<< --Highlander (22:50:45/1-12-56) >>>>>["Just friends?" Hmmm, that's not what it seemed like when I visited.... Oh well, don't want you to get into any trouble, lad....:> Hello, Nexus! Or is that THE Nexus? Can I call you THE for short? I'm Col--sorry, HIGHLANDER'S old....friend. Who are you?]<<<<< --Heather (22:56:11/1-12-56) *****PRIVATE: Street Wolf >>>>>[If you thought that was brutal -- see about getting some footage from the bank cams at around >>encrypted time<<. Now that will be brutal.]<<<<< -- Jolly Roger (00:47:54 / 01-13-56) PRIVATE: THE Nexus >>>>>[Listen, I... I don't really... +++PAUSE 10.254 sec I mean I don't regret anything, exactly. And I would like to talk. But I don't... I mean, I'm practically... I don't know. Be careful in there. Just come back in one piece. We'll sort it out when my next-door neighbors aren't trying to cook stray cats for dinner anymore. The wine was lovely...]<<<<< -- Damselfly (01:34:42 / 01-13-56) *****PRIVATE: Humanis Hater's Club (Anna crew) >>>>>[Listen, we've got the ritual brewing to provide cover while ya'll play bang-bang with the new toys, but let's keep this portion of the training as brief as possible, OK?]<<<<< -- Damselfly (01:39:55 / 01-13-56) *****PRIVATE Humanis Hater's Club >>>>>[Um. Nex. When you get to going back in, let me know. I'll be more than happy to accompany you. Still haven't found the right keys, but I think I know where the offline is.]<<<<< -- Dragonfly (01:02:03 / 13-JA-56) >>>>>[Ha! So take that! I guess I'm just a little bit too slippery for you inbred norms, eh?]<<<<< -- Jolly Roger (01:23:42 / 01-13-56) >>>>>[ We hafta talk. ]<<<<< -- THE Nexus ( When:the:bullet / Hits-the-bone ) ***** PRIVATE: Colin >>>>>[ Hey, thanx, term...much appreciated. But, in all actuallity, I think I'm gonna weather this, jus fine. I think her last-- or rather, FIRST-- post, dependin on yer POV, has served ta steel my determination. And, doesnna look much like I'm gonna be weatherin it ALONE, neh? *gentle smirk* Not sayin I won't take ya up on yer offer, sumtime in the future, though, jus fer the helluvit! There's a standin invite, ta crash at the penthouse, should ya find YA need sumwhere ta hole up, sate! As fer yer _advice_...point well taken! *grin* ]<<<<< -- Sean-Cullen ( **:**:** / **-**-** ) >>>>>[ E'er notice how "bonnie" we all b'come, the more we seem ta defy description!? *sneer* WHA!? Me? Leer?! I wasnna LEERIN! Would _I_ take d'light in the discomfiture o' a _friend_? LEER?!? ME?!? Truly, ya _wound_ me! *pout* I'm _far_ ta much o' a gentleman, fer THA! SO, _Heather_, tell me 'bout this _visit_.... *lecherous grin* ]<<<<< -- THE Nexus ( When:the:bullet / Hits-the-bone ) >>>>>[ Hoi, lass! Moniker's _THE_ Nexus...and no, ya may _not_! *GRIN* Jus call me Nex! Tis a HELLUVA lot nicer than wha I get from _most_ people! *smirk* SO, ya and Highlander go a-ways back, huh? Guess tha means yer gonna have LOTTSA _int'restin_ stories ta tell! *sneer* We're gonna hafta make a day o' it, once I get back! Who _am_ I? I'll not get inta contemplatin _tha_--tis likely it'll sent me inta _months_ o' abyssmal depression! *grin* Le's jus say Highlander and I have a relationship based on mutual & repeated hoop-savin! Well, kids, s'been wiz! But, I've gotta poli-club ta o'erthrow. Take care...and, dun do anythin _I_ woudn't do--which leaves ya with a LOTTA ground ta cover!!! *SMIRK* ]<<<<< -- THE Nexus ( A:hick:stompin / We-will-go :) >>>>>[ And, _yes_...I _had_ heard 'bout PH...I'm _truly_ sorry. I'll miss our lively "national pride" mud-slingin campaigns. *sad smile* I hope she's a'right...I understand...I'm still not sure I've gotten thru Solitaire's...demise...*sigh* I jus try _not_ ta think about it, I guess. Send her--and his fam'ly and friends--my heartfelt condolences. ]<<<<< -- THE Nexus ( When:the:bullet / Hits-the-bone ) ***** PRIVATE: Damselfly >>>>>[ Look, Cait...I _understand_...dun try ta explain anythin, right now. Now's NOT the best time ta be re-evaluatin _proposed relationships_! *smile* We've all got enough on our minds...kay? I KNOW _I_ dun regret it! And, I'm glad ta hear ya dun, either. A guy needs s'mthin he can hold onta, times like these. It'll be enough, fer right now. Ya know...a "glimmer o' hope"...*smirk* I'll be BACK...I _promise_! Ya'll not get rid o' me, THA easily, luv! And, I'll try ta keep m'self in relatively one piece, a'right? YA be careful, too! Ya HEAR ME!!!! Tis NOT a request--tha's an ORDER, soldier!! *smirk* Cait..... +++++ PAUSE 8.54 secs .....*smile*sigh*.....be seein ya in the Shadows, babe! ;} +++++ ENCLOSED: one virtually-transported kiss This'll hafta do, til I get back... ]<<<<< -- Sean-Cullen ( 03:15:42 / 01-13-56 ) ***** PRIVATE: Humanis Hater's Club >>>>>[ Dragonfly...le's do it!! ]<<<<< -- THE Nexus ( When:the:bullet / Hits-the-bone ) +++++ Live video feed: In a narrower, much _darker_ hallway, you see THE Nexus, once again. He's sliding two intricately-worked katanas--on of which is _very_ bloody--into the sheaths strapped to his back. Reaching up, he pulls from his head the black beret, and the bandana, which had concealed the delicate cant of his long, slender ears. Slowly, he runs long fingers thru his mane, tousling it as he does so. A few long, damp strands fall rakishly across his left eye. Bunching the hat, and yellow and green bandana--the only display of his gang colours--up, he stuffs them into the back pocket of his black fatigues. As you follow him down the hall, he's met by two large, AmerIndian men. They look very much alike. Stopping, they face one another in silence a long moment. When the Elf speaks, his voice is low and solemn. "Abrams is _yers_, Carmen, Joseph. I owed 'm MUCH...but, ya've owed 'm FIRST. I've exacted all the r'venge _I_ need, fer now." He raises his arm, working the matte-black, cybernetic fingers into a tight fist, staring at them a long moment. The Indians look down. "And, I've made _'m_ scream, as I _n'er_ did!" he looks back at them. "When the last drop o' his life's blud tis spilled, when he's he's drawn his last breath on this earth, then, too, will Mia, and my sister, be avenged. This, m' friends, I leave ta YOU..." He moves, as if to go, then stops a moment. "He sent his men after the 'Fly's team...and, I dun think they're gonna stand a _chance_! Keep an eye out, fer the kid, neh? " They bow, ever-so-slightly to him, in answer, and the Elf passes on, clapping Silent Running on the shoulder, before being swallowed by the darkness. +++++ End live feed +++++ Live video feed: Only a few moments have passed, since THE Nexus spoke with the Indians. He's wandered off, into the darkness, to be alone. The toll his duel with Abrams has taken on him has much more to do with his emotional state, than with his physical one. He, and his loved ones, had suffered _much_, at the cruel hands of the Humanis leader. Now, it all seemed to be coming to an end. After _four years_ of being hunted and tortured, this chapter of his miserable life seems to be drawing to a close. But, he seems LESS than jubilant. This victory, regardless of how well-deserved it might be, won't bring back Mia Lincoln, or the people of Silver Lake...it won't make up for all he and his have lost. It can only come to a blessed--and belated--END. He heaves a deep sigh of fatigue. For DAYS, he's been going on next to no sleep. And, a caffeine buzz can only carry one so far. With HIS metabolism, it's not been NEARLY far enough! Absently, Nex passes into ever-deepening shadows. Your poor sensors are _barely_ enough to penetrate them. You can JUST make out his movements, by following the slightly-lighter shade of his army-brown T-shirt, scarsely in contrast to his dark, coppery skin. It's useless to try and follow sounds he doesn't make. HE has nothing to worry about...his low-light vision will serve him, til the light fails. Then, he has thermographics, and his finely-honed _arcane_ senses. He glides on silently thru the shadows, without fear, just another namelss spectre in these haunted halls. Suddenly, at an intersection--a riot of pipes and valves--he stops. His head, hung in silent contemplation, slowly rises. And, he turns, without a word, as if drawn, to face the corridor to his right. Almost as silently as he, a being, just a bit shorter than he, and cloaked all in a veil of gray and grayer shadows, virtually materializes before him, near enough to touch with his long, slender fingers. Near enough, you can hear the hiss of its breath, as their eyes meet. And they stand, for the longest, most _agonizing_ of moments, seemingly locked in a wordless battle of wills. And, NEITHER is giving the other quarter. Thirty seconds pass...45...a minute...and another half--and, STILL, neither one will give! All that betrays the tension of the moment, is the way their body's seem to quiver, almost in synch, with their nameless exhertions. Your struggling sensors _finally_ pick up movement, to the very left of your field of vision. A figure...a BLUR of black and white, too obscurred by the gloom for you to make much, if _anything_, out. It rockets into the Elf, and seemingly _coils_ itself around him, rocking him with the suddenness of the impact, but not breaking the connection he's forged with the other being. Again, there is no movement. Nearly _another_ minute passes, before the new-comer shrieks, in rage or fear, it's impossible to say. THE Nexus and "companion" raise a simultanious cry of shock and frustration. And, the two stumble. Roughly, with unexpected strength, the new-comer flings the Elf aside, and the halls ring with a resounding "clank", as his head inpacts a pipe, and he collapses to the floor in a boneless heap. The new arrival catches the Elf's opponent, as he/she stumbles, and they quickly pass you. But, you've not gone un-noticed. Wrenching a pipe loose from the wall, he swings it in a strong, wide arc toward you, his anger not yet sated. There is a deafening roar, and you _know_ you're falling. You land hard, jarring connections loose, cracking lenses not _already_ shattered. Your vision jumps wildly, and threatens to fail you completely. The whining is loud, in your ears. Your little motor struggles, but it refuses to lift you. You rock back and forth, rolling a bit, in the dirt. Your vision is scewed wildly, and begins to fade. Your sensors pick up one last collection of sounds. A low moan of pain...lugged soles, scuffing in the dirt...equipment clanking quietly, in a pack... The Elf! He's still alive! He's regaining consciousness! You HAVE to get up! Have to see if he's all right...have to get to his friends... tell them what happened...where he is...have...to...get...help...your vision goes dark. There is only silence... +++++ LINK TERMINATED *****PRIVATE: Tarkis, Zarkon >>>>>[The names of my associates are Windblade and Frosttooth. You will probably find very little information on us...It is only very recently that our order has decided to reveal itself. If you wish for information contact the dracoform, Ryuga...he is the only outsider that has any information on our order.]<<<<< --Flamestrike (07:50:30 EST/01:13:56) >>>>>[ WHISPER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! please man, come back!!! I can't take it anymore.........]<<<<< -- Tarkis *****Private: Tarkis >>>>>[ Face it! Whisper is now DarkLord, you can never him back, Hahahaha]<<<<< -- SAIC >>>>>[ YOUR MINE SAIC! ]<<<<< -- Tarkis *****PRIVATE: THE Nexus >>>>>[I got yesterday's bomb dealt with. I'll mail the video later. My seven year old daughter is elven. Her mom was also elven. Martel left a bomb in a school and gave me notice. My wife was his sister. He killed her with a katana and the rest with C-12. I'm prepared to die if I can take Martel a.ka. John Zealand, with me.]<<<<< -- Kovak (14:10:23 GMT / 1-13-56) >>>>>[say, freddy I've found somethin, and I'd like some one to give me some input, I was roamin' the ARcology mall the other day and what do you know I walk into one of the many sporting good stores, just browsin' around and what do you know! there it was, in a cobold black and crimson red a little item caled a Shadow suit, in looked just like the stuff the hoop heads in the trid- shows wear. Well, forgive me but the flashing lights must have gotten the better of me cuz I bought it(thats what happens when you sit around a scuzzy motel room for about 3 days). but before I go off and put it on I'd like to know if you know of anything about these? , sure the little brochure that came with them gave me a lot of dreck that I didn't really need to know but I'd like some personal input ya know]<<<<< -- GoD (09:26:24 / 01/13/56) ***** Private: Tunnel-Rat >>>>>[Hey, Rat, you still suckin' air past your teeth? I haven't heard from you in a while and yer carryin' a mighty important package for me (not to mention a couple of my employees). I'd hate ta hafta hire somebody to find you...]<<<<< -- Freddy Frypp (09:22:09 / 01-13-56) >>>>>[You bought a WHAT?! You mean of those outrageously overpriced Kevlar-weave, chemical-resistant, integral-shoulder-holster, concealed-comm-set business suits? I hope you kept your receit. "Able to stop any sized caliber of bullets up to 12.7mm." Well, if I throw the bullets at you it'll stop them.... "Tired of hard rain eating through your suits?" Sure, but you've still got to worry about what to do when you get in out of the rain... And, sure, the shoulder holster might be tailored into the suit, but just try turning around quickly, the weight of the gun swings the suit open in a reeeaaallllllyyyy non-fun, obvious kinda way. Sure you can button it up, but then try drawing anything larger than a hold- out. The commset's handy, but from what I've read the range is too short and microwave ovens or bad alternators can jam 'em. A healthy advertising budget strikes again. Remind me to introduce you to my tailor in LA when we get back to California. For the same price you just paid, he can set you up with a suit that really does have some decent bullet and edged-weapon stopping power and a shoulder holster so comfortable and well-tailored that YOU won't even notice the fraggin' H&K sub hangin' in it. He does his best work in sharkskin, though, and people keep telling me it's tacky and out of style for about thirty years, but, hey, I LIKE it.]<<<<< -- Freddy Frypp (09:40:12 / 01-13-56) >>>>>[ I have to agree with you on this one, Freddy. When GoD came back to the motel room wearing that thing I nearly passed out laughing. He didn't seem too amused, though. Oh, by the way, sharkskin _is_ just a little out of style these days, boss. ]<<<<< -- Griffyn < 16:37:13/1-13-56 > *****PRIVATE: Freddy Frypp >>>>>[ Hey boss, when are we gonna get some action around here.. you told us about two days ago to get ready to be picked up, but we haven't seen you yet.. What's going on? ]<<<<< -- Griffyn < 16:45:23/1-13-56 > *****PRIVATE: Tarkis, Zarkon >>>>>[You set a meet up. You know the area better than we.]<<<<< --Flamestrike (12:00:30 EST/01:13:56) >>>>>[Ignore him. He has this fetish for sharkskin. I'm serious. There's a group in Milan I know that does similar work, if you don't mind the somber, restrained Italian look.]<<<<< -- Christopher Tarleton >>>>>[That was a fine lookin' tux though wasn't it?]<<<<< -- Freddy Frypp (12:00:00 / 01-13-56) ***** Private: Griffyn >>>>>[Yeah, yeah, sorry about that, Skuff called me and told me to cool my jets. We're still working on something - big.]<<<<< -- Freddy Frypp (12:01:12 / 01-13-56) >>>>>[If you like looking like you've got a dead fish wrapped around you!]<<<<< -- Christopher Tarleton >>>>>[Since you mentioned it, I did have that one little incident with a cat shaman...]<<<<< -- Freddy Frypp (12:40:00 / 01-13-56) *****Private:Zarkon, >>>>>[ Word is out that you are looking for a team to help you stop someone or thing? Is this offer still open? if it is we would like to help. *incluld Pict.file *incluld Resume.file The team is made up of Death Jestor(human male ex-yakuza hitter) Strikes-like-Lighting (human Amerindian ex-wildcat) Loudo (a very Big Troll phy-add) Rolling Thunder (our Dwarven Rigger) and Me Red Ronin the decker. you can contact us at>>enycripted<< thanks The Team of Heads Will Roll<<<<< Red Ronin(12:58:30/1-13-56) *****Private: Jolly Roger >>>>>[M'ybe we shou' ge' tagether sometime. I thin' we cou' have some fun tagether. Ya like ta blow thin's yup, an I jus' like ta burn 'em]<<<<< -- STREETWOLF(Fire is an Elf's Best Friend)<13:02:50/01-13-56> *****PRIVATE: THE Nexus >>>>>[Uh oh. She ain't gonna like that. I hop you have your life insurance paid up, Nex. Although she's not as hair trigger as she used to be. Havin little Adrienne mellowed her out some. After all, she couldn't rightly blow up at her own kid when she puked or made a mess, could she? She's done pretty well, and you might be surprised about her reaction. She'll still likely throw your hoop out the apartment, but she'll come to her senses and move on eventually. Just try to go easy on her.]<<<<< -- Slash <13:40:25/01-13-56> >>>>>[ Howdy! Just thought I would let everyone know. I'm in Seattle. Maybe in a few hours, I'll go visiting people. ]<<<<< -- Scarface <11:50:15/1-13-56> >>>>>[ Speaking of Seattle. Apparently another poor fool died last night. +++++ Begin news.reel This morning James Rivers was found dead his apartment. James Rivers was an up and coming engineer in Micro-Processing, a small think-tank that works under contract from Ares. It appears that James died from overdose of a drug that has yet to be identified. Lone Star officials suspected it was drugs considering that James tore out his datajack with his own barehands. There has been no official word from Micro-Processing on how it will affect meeting their deadline on their latest contract from Ares. There are rumors that Knight Errante will be asked to look into the matter. +++++ End news.reel What a poor sap. If you are going to commit suicide, you should at least do it with style. ]<<<<< -- Changeling <11:59:30/1-13-56> >>>>>[ uh huh..... Why don't I like the sound of that..... Well, regardless, Adrienne wants to see her father again.]<<<<< -- Foxey Roxey <13:43:02/01-13-56> >>>>>[Buon giorno. I am looking for some who would be interested in conducting a low-profile raid on a corporate facility. All expenses paid, including transportation to and from the site. The squad will recieve a payment equal to 350,000Y through the International Bank of Rome. Please contact me at *encrypted* if you are interested.]<<<<< -- Arrigo Conti <14:03:42/13-01-56> Director, Security Division Venerdi Biomedical *****Private: Zarkon, Flamestrike, Windblade, Frosttooth >>>>>[ Ok I got the plans set..the problem is we need about 4 more people, but we can attempt with this many. My mentality right now is very unstable, and we can't go rigth away. lets wait 2 days, maybe I might stable up a bit. *Very big explosion* darn....was meaning that to blow up after the run...now i gotto figure a new way to comit suicide...*sigh*]<<<<< -- Tarkis *****PRIVATE: Shadow >>>>>[Shadow, with that attitude, even though I've gained some control over my temper, if you were in the area, you'd be dead. As I have no desire to subject my daughter to the trauma of seeing her mother kill someone, it's good for both of us that you're not in the area. Now, listen REAL well, or I'll send Max your way and make sure you hear the message. I don't think Nex is a bad father, certainly no worse a parent than I am. I was NOT implying that he's a bad father or that he neglects his kids. I KNOW he loves Joseph and Adrienne, so that's not a problem. Abram's was not and never really was a problem when I answered you before. Abram's was dead long before then, although his body was still walking around and thinking it was alive. So get the frag off your fraggin pedastal or I'll come and blow it out from underneath your sorry hoop.]<<<<< -- Foxey Roxey <13:50:55/01-13-56> *****PRIVATE: Freddy Frypp >>>>>[Excellent. Thank you for you're time and effort, and I have recieved word from my boss that all the documents were in order. This is what we had in mind. We would like you to test the operation of certain weapons, specifically two types of assult rifle, three new types of ammunition, a new form of security armor, three non-lethal submission drugs similar to Narcoject and Mao, and our new V-T police cruiser. We will train your people how to use the weapons that need to be explained, and we can either provide a crew or train your people to do maintenece on the cruiser. Are you interested yet, or would you pprefer more details?]<<<<< -- Ms. V. <13:56:30/01-13-56> ***** Private: Ms. V. >>>>>[My executives prefer more details (especially regarding the panzer), so we may begin the proper paperwork registering the equipment with the Marine occupation forces, unless you feel you would be better suited in this endeavour.]<<<<< -- Freddy Frypp (15:21:12 / 01-13-56) >>>>>[Nex, I thought you'd be likin' to see this. Came from one of the drones, I told Wildfire about it and he sent someone in. That was a couple hours ago, though, and I haven't seen the lass come back yet.]<<<<< -- Street Wolf (07:13:45 / 01-13-56) +++++ INCLUDE VIDEO drone.vid The night air crackles with electricity in a way that almost makes you suspect a bad connection. The scene is rapidly becoming familiar; it's a southern Illinois town, and from the number of bombed-out buildings, Jonesboro seems the likely choice. A brief flicker is all that seems to pass, and suddenly the streets are much fuller -- not with people, necessarily, though there are a few trolls visible in the shadows, but with noise. The sounds are largely grunting noises, as well as the occasional crack of a rifle. In the distance, the wall which marks Anna is visible, and lights occassionally flick on and off atop this wall. The heads of guardsmen also periodically appear, but as quickly disappear as the rifles report loudly all throughout Jonesboro's streets. A humming noise becomes audible above the slight din which marked the invisible hordes moments ago. Lights behind the wall become visible as the noise grows louder, gaining in intensity. A few shouts are heard, still resounding their warnings clearly above what is beginning to sound suspiciously like a vectored-thrust engine. At that very moment, the front end of a Harpy appears over the wall, clearing it in a sudden leap by a good 25 meters. Several assault cannons boom nearby, and a couple impacts are visible, then the placid night tears apart. At first, the gunfire seems to be coming from the immediate vicinity. The streaks of a couple SAMs shred the darkness, and the Harpy careens through the sky madly at their impact, jetting crimson flame from her miniguns and belching the occasional barrage of rockets. But as the Harpy explodes amidst cheers, the gunfire intensifies, and the flash of autofire appears along the wall at something approximating 5 meter intervals. The cheering dies down, and a troll who thought to use the explosion as an opportunity to change position is torn to small, meaty gobbets by the interlocking fields of fire. More engines can be heard, and the unmistakeable sound of rotorcraft can be heard high above. The gunfire intensifies, and streaks of light mark the entrance of spellcasters. The increased focus of firing has driven the wall's defenders to give up their firing, and twin explosions near the gate mark the spot at which it first begins to crumple, silhoutting the figures of at least a score of crouching figures. Several more explosions make similar breaches, and the lights of vehicles rapidly approaching from within splash across what must be an even hundred figures running toward the wall, weapons firing. Soon explosions are nearly all that remains visible, and the drone lifts, moving closer to the site of the major conflict. Its camera picks up several bodies lying in varied states of injury and catastrophic reorganization as it swoops in to where the remnants of the wall remain. Here the bodies are piled fairly deep, and an assortment of orks, dwarves, elves, and trolls kick at the fallen, shooting occasionally and rifling pockets. Hundreds of meters up the street, figures flit in and out of alleyways, exchanging fire and diving for cover. The drone accelerates and climbs, scanning the expanding wave of muzzleflash, apparently seeking to discover who is involved in each, zooming both in and out with disorienting speed on various combatants. It finally settles on a rather weak-looking troll wielding a CSL-AUG made up like an LMG. The troll is haphazardly spraying the street with lead while shadowy figures around him dash from alleyway to alleyway. The camera slowly adjusts its focus until the scene encompasses these individuals as well. Before you can get a good look at who those shadowy figures are, however, the troll's muzzle ceases to flash. He wrestles with the clip desperately for a moment, slaps in a new one, but his manipulations aren't quite fast enough. The opposition has taken the opportunity, and from windows and doorways up the street, shots flash in the smoky night. The blood spray is obvious; at least four bursts have hit the troll. Streaks of light emerge from the shadows, blossoming into bursts of flame in several of the locations which gunfire came from moments before. Nonetheless, the fallen body of the troll, as it begins dragging itself toward an alleyway, is deluged with another hail of bullets. Several large wrenching twists of blue appear down the road, replacing the figures of the oncoming security guards and leaving only quivering protoplasm in their wake. A slim elf runs from a doorway, dragging the troll out of the field of fire in the momentary hesitation. Soon the gunfire resumes, and figures begin slowly moving in. +++++END VIDEO ---------- ENDLOG BEGIN POSTING . . . . . . . . COMPLETE AUTHORISATION - {Doc-X} . . . VERIFIED