*****PRIVATE:  Vincent
>>>>>[ I'm here.  So's my boss.  Contract declined; Purple was only a
target of opportunity. ]<<<<<
        --  Spotter Macros (07:05:00/5-20-56)

>>>>>[ Xopipo -- Charlie Raphael, Zeta Zeta Bingo.  Inbound, require
medical assistance. ]<<<<<
        --  Spotter Macros (07:10:00/5-20-56)

>>>>>[ Understood.  Assistance will be ready for you. ]<<<<<
        --  Xopipo (07:15:00/5-20-56)

>>>>>[ Mr. Kor:

We are professionals.  Of course we have good response times.  And Jamaica
is not halfway around the world from Aztlan.  Furthermore, Mr. Purple --
as I find is his name -- did not slay Macros, which was intelligent.  Had
we been burdened with a corpse instead of a living body, none of that team
would have left the area alive.

Xopipo has a reply for you, though.  'Your father has long been a target of
opportunity.  Leaving his home country simply upped his categorization.
If you want to look for a cause of his death, look to yourself, for you
drew him out from behind the bulk of his protection.'

That's it.  And hey -- if you ever want to hire us, feel free.  Just don't

>>>>>[ Mr. Kor:

We are professionals.  Of course we have good response times.  And Jamaica
is not halfway around the world from Aztlan.  Furthermore, Mr. Purple --
as I find is his name -- did not slay Macros, which was intelligent.  Had
we been burdened with a corpse instead of a living body, none of that team
would have left the area alive.

Xopipo has a reply for you, though.  'Your father has long been a target of
opportunity.  Leaving his home country simply upped his categorization.
If you want to look for a cause of his death, look to yourself, for you
drew him out from behind the bulk of his protection.'

That's it.  And hey -- if you ever want to hire us, feel free.  Just don't
think we'll hit one of our own for pay. ]<<<<<
        --  Spotter Macros (7:30:00/5-20-56)

>>>>>[ I understand that my compatriot, whose nom de guerre is 'Meghan
the Red', posted to this board about a file that a mutual friend had.
Unfortunately, there has been some .... disturbances in her area of town,
and I have not heard from her in the past week or so.  She does not answer
her telecom, nor have the gentlemen I have sent around to inquire after
her caught sight of the lady.

Is there anyone on this board who would be able to assist me in this
venture?  She is a close acquaintance of mine, and as such I do not care
to see her injured.  Besides, there is the matter of the file which she
was working upon. ]<<<<<
        -- Attenborough, OBE (15:36:04/20-MAY-56)

>>>>>[I am posting this as official mail, although I know the risk.
But I think it is important, because I know that there are some
people on this board, who do not trust Stampede anymore, and I hope
this report will help to proove, that he has been tricked.
I have reconstucted some information from the fried deck of
Mr Clavelle. (Oh by the way, if anyone is missing him, I am sorry,
he got brainfried during his last run.) He was doing some research
about MaSec and Atztech. I include the partially reconstructed files.

+++++ INCLUDE: Masec-Atztech.dicu

As you see this is the log-file of an discussion about how the Atztech
security could be tightened. As you see Susi asked some questions
about an expert system, and nobody kne about it.

+++++ INCLUDE: 33422.request

I had to do a lot of guessing, because the files are severly corrupted.
That is the reason, why I included the previous files.
But now on with my story:

On April the 18th, Susi did the security check. She had to gather some
previous named files throughout the Atz-Matrix. And becaus she is an
nosie little girl, she entered a part of the matrix, the sub-system
of Hewbaker. There she found some sort of an expert-system for data
processing.And because she is a really nosie girl, she tried to figure
out what this thing is doing, but failed. And becaus she is a really REALLY
nosie girl (and quite stupid, if I may add) she asked some con-deckers
in the discussion of the security-check, about the expert-system.
Mr Hewbaker, who is chef of security, and the *exclusive* owner of
the node in which the construct was placed,got quite upset about
the question, and some other Execs where quite astonished, 'cause
noone knew about that thing. (I am sorry but I wasn't able to
reconstruct the memo, in which Hewbaker explained the expert-system.
I am including it, maybe somone of you is able to do that.

+++++ INCLUDE expert-system.memo

On April the 25th Susi was contacted by a Swapper, who convinced
her to chang firms. And the rest should be known by you allready.

In addition I got the information, that Hewbaker was the only one
in contact with Lonestar.

The name Hewbaker appeared too often, so I checked him out. He was a
manager of nothing, until he got the supervisor of the installation
of the internal com-system from the Atztechnology. At this point his
career sky-rocketed in only one and a-half year to the chief of
security. Odd, isn't it. I hope this helps to put Stampede back in
the right light. If anyone has relevant info, I would be gratefull,
when he gave it to me.]<<<<<
        -- Dr. Snooze <19:32:45/05-21-56>

>>>>>{Thanx, Snooze, now I know where to look. I think it might help
if we knew, what that expert-system is for. And I think, we need a
real Matrix-Wizard for that, but I am afraid, I am not able to
pay for one. And i guess, there is noone out there doing it for
free. If there is one, PLEASE help. AH, and thanx Jeweler for your
help, Susi is OK now, but s.th seems to be wromg with her Jack,
she isn't able to access the matrix.]<<<<<
        -- Stampede <20:10:22/05-21-56>

>>>>>[Har Har Attenborrah pal, Ifyasks me yer squeeze Meggie got 'erself
blown to frag fer postin' restricted info on a shadow BBS.

An yer askin' to get yerself blown to ratshit too, by da way...

Dis BBS really frags me up people... Every friggin' week you see some
no-hoper stickin' his neck out for da corps ta chop it off...

Get wize people! *grin*]<<<<<
        -- FraGman (17:23:34/05-20-56)

>>>>>[There's not stopping the panther.  Congrats on getting out
of that alive.  Thanks for the information.  Take care.]<<<<<
        -- Kor <23:13:43 / 05-21-56>

>>>>>[Spotter, Sgt. Macrosian

No, null sweat.  Biz is biz.  Fraggin' my dad wasnt the best things you
could have done but, hey, I understand.

To be honest, I have not yet found out WHO even told him I had beed downed.
Since the time I left home and joined the work force we had a pretty much
"we dont talk about work" agreement between the two of us.  I dont call him
when I get screwed and he doesnt call me.

He used to leave council lands all the time but that was when they were better
able to force a 'cat squad to go along with him.  In his old age he
got more and more crotchety about having the meddlers around so they stopped
letting him leave unless he had them with him so he stopped taking
anything more than astral trips to see me.

My best wishes to Panther.  Tell her I said hello when you see her next.  Soon
I hope.]<<<<<
        -- Kor <23:16:09 / 05-21-56>

>>>>>[Okay, I'm ready when you are.

<<VOICEOVER INCLUDED: RAVEN TM:         We have him in position
and are looking into the astral. On my signal, we'll jack him in
and hope for the best.
<<VI: TRANSFORMER: I have spoken to Bear, and he has given me aid
in combatting this offense to the natural order.

Go to it, then.]<<<<<
        --Nightstalker (17:00:45/05-21-56)

>>>>>[Plugging him in--Stop thrashing about! Plugging him in now.
He's trying to resist.]<<<<<
        --Spirit (17:01:25/05-21-56)

>>>>>[ .....I-- NO! NOT AGAIN! PLEAseyoucan'tddddddd..]<<
        --Moonwalker (17:01:49/05-21-56)

>>>>>[I've got him bound with my kusari frame; he's not going anywhere
but his avatar keeps going through convulsions. What the hell is
happening?
<<VI: TRANSFORMER: The viral constructs have surrounded his aura.
We are attempting to pull them out now...we have them.

Well hurry it up, willya? The chain's degrading and I don't think--
<<VI: RAVEN TM: I'm cutting them free...and...Oh my god, what
happened to him now?

Moonwalker just derezzed! call the docwagon!]<<<<<
        --Nightstalker (17:05:30/05-21-56)

>>>>>[Have all Mages in Seattle gone mad ???? what are you doing.
I want you to know that your damned activities have ruined my
experiment. I hope, that what you've done was fucking important,
because it was fucking expensive to me !!!! I noticed, that the
Background noise is high this time, but that is rediculous. With
the background noise you are producein, one could collapse a
house, so cut it out, I am getting angry. Next time you do
such a noise post a warning]<<<<<
        -- Dr Snooze <11:25:32/05-22-56>

***** PRIVATE: Nightstalker, Spirit
>>>>>[Sorry, didn't know you where rtying to help your frind,
let me know if I can help]<<<<<
        -- Dr Snooze <11:54:45 MET/05-22.56>

>>>>>[Thanks, fellas (and gals).  Everything has been shipped off somewhere
else and taken care of.

I had a buddy of mine change the insurance papers on the vehicles around a bit
so that I made a pretty good profit.  Yeah, baby!  I love this job.

If it werent for the fact that I still gots bills to pay, I would up and quit
now but, you know how it is.  Once you get some toys, you just gotta have
bigger and better.

Oh, and I would like to publicly thank Neuron Basher for the neato-keen-never
before-seen video editing suite.  Now I just need a machine big enough to
run it on *HINT HINT*.  My poor little head computer just aint got the
kick needed to slot it.

Almost forgot something.  I lifted some phone codes.  You know, the ones you
use to make calls to your buds down in the CL when you dont want anyone to
know you did?  Well, burn this one.  Its probably only going to be good for
another 3 days so dont forget to call mom and say hello.  This might be the
only time you get free phone service for a while.

+++++ include Phone Code 2

Hey, Dr. Bask, I could use your services if'n you are available.  I need some
upgrades to the box.]<<<<<
        -- Thomas the Rhymer <18:52:18 / 05-22-56>

>>>>>[  Well, you said you wanted a high-end editing suite, like at the trid
stations, so that's what I set you up with.  Of course, it's gonna require
some serious hardware to back it up, but it runs fine on the system I have
set-up to play on.  <chuckle>  I can give you some recommendations for good
equipment, though, and if you come across any of it, I can even help you
get it set up.  Pleasure doin' business with ya, chummer, and let me know
how you like that code.  It's just some stuff I've been working on in my
spare time .. ]<<<<<
        -- Neuron Basher < 22:55:22/5-22-56 >

>>>>>[To be honest with everyone, I wish I could say that ma chere
Meghan the Red has been spending the past few weeks locked in a room with
me here in Seattle, but 'tis not true. I truely hope that she is alright
and if she is monitoring these discussions, Meghan, I'd like for you to
contact me privately. I would be more than willing to offer you a "free"
(monetarily anyway) flat to hide out in. Let me know my love.]<<<<<
        -- Sacre Bleu <10:06/05-22-56>

*****Private: Stampede
>>>>>[Hey, Stampede, buddy. When you're trying to "go to ground" the last
thing you need to do is broadcast who you're working with and what the
hell they're doing for you:

+++++ Include Mistake.txt:  Thanx, Snooze, now I know where to look.

See, now everyone knows how to reach you and if you keep slipping up like
this, they'll know where to find you.]<<<<<
        --Sacre Bleu <10:12/05-22-56>

>>>>>[I'm sure I speak for everybody, Dr. Snooze, when I ask, What the
Frag are you talking about?! And what experiments are you refering to?
Also, you must be nuts, 'cause I sure haven't heard any "big noise" in
the pst few days. Get a life.]<<<<<
        -- Sacre Bleu <10:26/05-22-56>

***** Private: Dr Snooze
>>>>>[ Thanks for the offer, but we have more than enough hands involved as it
is.  As for the astral static, I wouldn't know, I'm just a decker and so is
Nightstalker.  It would have to really be a large catastrophe to effect the
whole of Seattle though, i would search for something more localized to your
area.]<<<<<
        -- Spirit <Of the Matrix>

>>>>>[ Actually, the first time I had a Star gun pointed at my face, I drekked
my pants really good.  Of course now I can take their guns from their hands and
shove them back in their holsters before knocking their heads together.  I love
technology.

As for the 'Too bad your were killed while resisting' bit, don't bother going
for the bat, it will slow you down.  Just sweep the guns away with your forearm,
they'll probably be standing to close, then follow-up with your other arm to the
first guys head, you'll probably break his neck and send him into the next Star.
Then you run, make sure you step on them for good measure though. If they pull
the 'resisting' drek on ya - geek em, they don't deserve to live.]<<<<<
        -- Bill the Galactic Hero <23:58:36/05-22-56>

>>>>>[Konnichi-wa, chummers. We're at the Virginia Mason Trauma
Center and--First things first, it looks like Michael is going to
pull through. He's going to need some major surgery, though.

As you may have heard, my, er, comrade in arms, Raven (the mage)
and a bear shaman who goes by the Transformer, managed to pull
something out of the kid. We jacked him into the matrix, and the
things infecting him went crazy, taking over his senses. Evidently
they were dormant in those strange cyber-structures until he entered
the Matrix.

To keep him from dumping himself, I hit him with about three or four
good sticky programs, while Transformer (who evidently had the help
of some fragging huge bear spirit) tore the nasties free from Michael's
aura. At that point, Raven cut them loose from his head, and they
were quickly dispatched.

Of course, he's gone through hell, but at least he's alive. In the
meantime, have any of you magical types ever heard of some kind of
nasty spirit that could inhabit a latticework inside a human (well,
elven) body? I'm clueless.

Hey, if anyone out there wants to come by and see the little guy,
he should be able to accept visitors pretty soon. Oh, and Spirit?
I Promise we'll come back and clean up the mess we made; Ninja's
Honor.]<<<<<
        --Nightstalker (00:19:49/05-23-56)

>>>>>[I talk about MY experiment, and ok, maybe I have       things a bit,
It was a very delicate experiment, and it was ruined by some sudden
incerase of the Background count. I am sorry if I insulted anyone,
but it did cost me a lot of =Y=.]<<<<<
        -- Dr Snooze <16:32:50/05-23-56>

***** PRIVATE: Scourge, Neuron Basher, Trixie
>>>>>[Morning.  I was planning on having a little get together in a couple
of days at my place on the Island.  I was wondering if any / all of you would
be interested in coming down.  I have a couple if announcements and ideas
I wanna bounce off of you.]<<<<<
        -- Kor <14:37:06 / 05-23-56>

***** PRIVATE: Freddy Frypp
>>>>>[Have you had enough time to think yet?

+++++ Include Partnership Charter
+++++ Include Magical Asset Charter
+++++ Include Standard Contract
+++++ Include Financial Records (Jason Stormwind, Security Specialist)
+++++ Include Security Certifications

Im going to need to spend the next couple of months back in classes to beef
up my security rating.  Originally I pushed for getting the certification for
instructor but I backed off when other things got in the way (LSS would have
promoted me into a training position and I wanted to stay in the field).  Ill
enroll for the security specialist instructor's suite of classes in a couple
of days.  Summer session should be starting up soon.

Assuming you agree, we could do it as a loose partnership.  Ill deal solely
with the magical assets giving your offices free access to my personel (I
have already started recruiting some of the retired LSS officers and a
few friends from 'the old days') in return for the same treatment from your
office.  For legal reasons it might be best to keep the companies separate
at least until I am established down your way.

I am not as good with legalities and the like but this is what the lawyers
explain to me when I ran it past them.  They caution against tying up liquid
assets at this time (I guess that sounds resonable).  They've already figured
out a way to take out a loan against my reel-life franchise here in seattle
for most of the startup capital needed.  The rest I will...find...if necessary.

Any other pointers?  You still interested?]<<<<<
        -- Jason Stormwind <14:41:06 / 05-23-56>

***** Private: Kor
>>>>>[ Due to a massive project at work, I will have to pass on a trip
to Seattle at this time.  Although it does sound wonderful.  Maybe I will
be able to drop in via Matrix connection. ]<<<<<
        -- Scourge <08:36:09/5-23-56>

***** PRIVATE: Scourge
>>>>>[Due to the sensative nature of some of the software we are producing
at IS&M we arent on the Matrix.  At least I dont think we are.  Originally
were werent because I was afraid of having someone come in and shut us down
and I didnt have the money or the talent to keep us safe.

Ill have to check to see.  We'd love to have ya around but if you cant make
it, null sweat.

Im planning on retiring for a while.  Im going back to school to finish some
magical research and MAYBE finish up my Ph.D in Paranormal Biology.  I
definitely need to slow down for a while.  Feels like I am getting a little
too old for this free-lance line of work.  I have a couple feelers out for a
new startup venture with a friend down in Cal.  I've always wanted to head up a
magical security company.  Seems like the market might be ripe for one right
about now.

If you can get away, the company 'technology convention' (vacation) will
be coming up soon.  I dont know where it is but you can call the office and
ask Tris if you are interested.  I think we are going to London or something
along those lines.  You are invited.]<<<<<
        -- Kor <15:54:23 / 05-23-56>

***** Private: Kor
>>>>[ I'll ask my watchdogs, if I can go you shall be hearing from
me.  I suppose it all comes down to whether this project succeeds or not.
Btw, you didn't hear it from me, but now might be a good time to invest
in a certain corporation.  Consider this my small little thanks for helping
out certain people. ]<<<<<
        -- Scourge <13:37/16/5-23-56>

***** Dr Snooze, I would suggest the use of wards to keep outside influences
away from delicate experiments.  And periodic cleansing of the experiment area
when you enter a new phase in the experiment.*****
        -- Nightfox <goronagee>

>>>>>[Sorry Mr Nightfox, it is some conjuring, and wards would block the
mana flow, and are therefore unuseble. Cause I am trying to summon
Elementals of th efifth element]<<<<<
        -- Dr Snooze <06:43:33/05-24-56>

***** Private: Stampede
>>>>>[ Hi sugar, Ah heard that your lookin' for a 'trix wiz with a dislike for
Aztec and the Star. One who likes ta do things for free.  Well Ah may well be
willing, Ah always like a good cause.  Tell ya what, Ah help ya out, then
sometime in the future ya do me a favor or two, nothing big our bad, say if ya
don't like it and Ah'll just ask ya for a different favor at some other point.
Give me a call at >>Encrypted<< and leave a message on what ya want done.

Also, Don't use the Shadowland BBS any longer, too many Aztec deckers and MatSec
Hackers are showing up.]<<<<<
        -- Circuit Breaker <South'rn Belle>

***** PRIVATE: Jason Stormwind
>>>>>[  Hey, Jas, glad to see that you're back in the area and done with that
other little matter you were working on.  I'd love to come by this weekend, and
I'm pretty sure that Tris will want to come along.  At any rate, count me in.

Oh, by the way, how's my little pal, Dweezil doing?  Have you had a chance to
check how he's doing with that omae you left him with?  See you later. ]<<<<<
        -- Neuron Basher < 6:35:24/5-24-56 >

***** Dr Snooze I would then suggest trying a forest setting.*****
        -- Nightfox <goronagee>

>>>>>[ Goronagee?  Are we feeling homeless?]<<<<<
        -- Serpahy <01:02:13/05-24-56>

***** In a way,  yes. *****
        -- Nightfox <Goronagee>

>>>>>[Thanx Nightfox, that`s what I am going to to, I am off in
wilderness for the next 4 to 5 days, hope you don't miss me

+++++ INCLUDE: stupid_smile.pic

No stupid comments, please]<<<<<
        --  Dr Snooze <112:32:38/05-24-56>

***** PRIVATE: Circuit Breaker
>>>>>[Thanx, for your help! Me need to know what that matrix construct
in Hewbakers node is for. I inlude a map of the relvant parts of
the Atztech grid.

+++++ INCLUDE: Matrix.map

don't get fried !!!! I`ll be away for some days, contact me Sunday.
Oh, would be fine, if you can dig out some stuff about in-corp enemies
of Hewbaker. Cross my fingers]<<<<<
        --  Stampede <11:39:53/05-25-56>

>>>>>[ Hey Snooze . . . hate to sound naive, but what the frag is "the
fifth elemental" anyway? ]<<<<<
        -- Chains <07:52:14/5-24-56>

***** PRIVATE: Neuron Basher
>>>>>[He's doing well.

Come to find out that he isnt nearly as young as we both originally thought.
He is aproximately  5 year old already and somewhat trained to control his
'appetite'.

He's back at home with me now.  Im not planning on taking off again for
a while (by reading this, you are ineligible for the office pool) and thusly
will be spending some time at home doing random spell research and working
with the new hell hounds.

Tris and I went out for a drink last night and she has agreed to go.  She
pretty much said the same thing you did "Yeah, I'd love to come by, NB might
wanna come too".  Is there something going on there that neither of you are
going to tell me about?

No, Im not upset at all.  Just between you and me, I think the two of you
make a great team in a lot of different ways.  Your thinking complements
hers and vice versa.  Have you met her mother yet?  Wonderful woman.]<<<<<
        -- Jason Stormwind <15:48:30 / 05-24-56>

***** Private: Kor
>>>>>[Yeah, but can I borrow some of your technical people, too?
Kabukli Man's toys showed up the other day and he decided to start
gutting the computers of all the sec gear.  Didn't bother telling the
computer he was doing it, so the damn thing thought we were under
attack and clammed up.  Then some of the emergency features kicked in
and it started burning files.  I knew I shouldn't have bought a
Russian operating system.....

I dunno..... sure, what the hell?  Lemme run it by my people down
here and see what they say.  Ya know the Nips might not appreciate me
bringing in that much outside talent.  CFS won't be a problem.  But
then I guess they'll all have jobs waiting here... the Japs won't be
THAT draconian, will they?

"Dangerfield and Stormwind"?.......]<<<<<
       -- Freddy Frypp (11:03:33 / 05-24-56)
          President
          Frypp Security, Inc. (CFSM Uplink #5150))

>>>>>[Antagonizing Lone Star does not really pay off in the long run.

I will be the second to admit that when Lone Star first got off the ground
they were nothing more than a well equiped (and blood thirst) street gang.

I've kept up on the history of Law Enforcement (they do teach officers more
than just how to bring down a pissed off troll without killing one another)
for a while now and LSS started off much like police forces all over the
US started.  You choose your people by brute strenth and ability to handle
themselves in a scrap.  Once you have the base down, you can start trying to
recruite officers with minds (but this step sometimes gets over looked when the
cities in question are trying to save money and build bigger and better
buildings.  If I remember correctly, LSS started off with mostly Trolls and
Orks (what better way to control the trolls than WITH trolls?) and their
training consisted of explaining that they didnt want to see more than N
trolls that werent LSS standing in one place at the same time.  "Do what
is necessary to break up such gatherings".  This went on for QUITE SOME TIME.
to the point where contracts were being lost because of unprofessional
enforcement of laws.  It was at this time that LSS started making changes
and hiring on magical assets to deal with magical threats (and high powered
physical threats but you dont see the mage force roll out that often as they
are usually ferreted away into some dark corner for fear of getting them
geeked in the line of duty  ---  Ill never understand that).

I wont say that it DOESNT happen, bear knows that I wish it never did, but
if one troll (or smallish group) gets uppity, you can bet that somewhere
LSS is going to lean down on other trolls.  The US vs. THEM mentality
in the force is very strong these days.  Officers will stick up for other
officers no matter what (I dont want to get into the racism of it...).

Stampede  --  I dont know what you did, or didnt do.  I dont care.  If you
want to make sure you get your fair share and get out cleanly, you can contact
Sgt. Stone at the down town office.  IF it matters to you, he is a troll also
and does everything he can to make sure trolls dont get their rights trampled
over.  Feel free to let him him I sent you his way.]<<<<<
        -- Kor <16:04:33 / 05-24-56>

>>>>>[I WAS KIDDING.  Lay it to rest, man.]<<<<<
        -- Kor <16:20:27 / 05-24-56>

***** PRIVATE: Freddy Frypp
>>>>>[What do you need?  As far as Tech goes?  I have a couple of people
on staff at IS&M that might be able to help out but their contracts with
you would have to be negotiated separately.  I think we have them set up
so that they cannot do outside consulting.  I dont remember.  Im certain
that there is some clause about that somewhere.

I have access to personnel  -  Tell me what you need.]<<<<<
        -- Jason Stormwind <16:23:27 / 05-24-56>

***** PRIVATE: Jason Stormwind
>>>>>[  Something we're keeping from you?  I dunno .. If _I_ knew what the
deal was from one minute to the next, I'd be able to tell you.  Women, you
know.  I _guess_ we _might_ be an item or something.  I dunno.

Haven't met her mother yet, but Tris has been nagging me to go with her
one day when she visits her.  I'll probably end up going by there sometime
in the not-too-distant future, I guess.  ]<<<<<
        -- Neuron Basher < 19:17:24/5-24-56 >

>>>>[See, I told you there'd be a hitch.

I'm barely outta my apartment when the dragon calls me on my pocket
phone.  Now, since only employers I know've got this number, I'll
never know how he got it, but he gots it and calls.

Wants me to do some vid work for him.  This is getting outta hand
folks.  I'm not a tridsnoop.  You need somebody to suss any corp
zero-zone, call me.  You need somebody to run down a barcode, call
me.  You need somebody to keep an eye on your wife and see who
she's boffin', call me (then get ready to start payin'!).  You need
somebody to film your kid's birthday party, don't call me.

But, the money was good, so I'll quit complaining.

+++++ BEGIN VID:
A tall, silver haired elven man steps purposefully into an
alley.  He clings to the side of one of the buildings, keeping in the
shadows.  Audio pickups on the drone can hear swearing and grumbling.
Amps kick in and the image turns an sickly green.

+++++ COMMENT: Damn cheap eastern-bloc optics.  Haven't had a
chance to upgrade this one and the drive train's actin' upon the
other one.  Oh, sorry.

+++++ RESUME:

The man appears to be harassing squatters in the alley.  One of the
drunks is crying over a bottle he dropped and broke in his suprise.

A head at the far end of the alley snaps up.  The newcomer sees the
motion and spins toward it.  The "drunk" leaps to his feet and tries
to run further into the alley.  The newcomer gives chase, at an
inhuman speed.

The drunk has no chance.

The newcomer tackles him and they roll into a pile of garbage - rats
dropping onto them.

"Teutone Bleu, I warned you.  I told you there would be severe
reparations if you ever harmed another person without reason."

Teutone kicks away from his assailant.  "That wasn't me.  I wasn't
there.  You hired somebody to ruin me.  You hired somebody to kill me
and somebody to destroy my credibility.  Then you gave that ork a vid
to post.  Your lackeys failed and now you'll try to kill me
yourself." By now, he's managed to get to his feet and has thrown off
his coat, withdrawing a wicked-looking katana.  "But it won't work.
I'm going to kill you instead.  Here in this alley.  And when I'm
done, I'll feast on your beating heart.  Dragon hearts are said to
give eternal life.  Now, I get to find out."

Teutone dives towards the dragon's elven form.  Ryuga is able to
dodge the akward charge and get in a bunch on the way by.

Teutone spins and begins to work up a spell.

"Wait!!!!  Teutone, it is against my code of honor to set up anyone!!!  AND,
I did not hire anyone to kill you nor to destroy your credibility...THAT is
not my way, I send out  challenges and fight face-to-face," exclaims the elf.

Teutone waves his free hand towards Ryuga and a sheet of flame arces
between the two.  The flames envelope the dragon and the image goes
to white as he drone's optics are overloaded.

+++++ COMMENT: If there's any permanent damage, I'm gonna hafta
charge ya to replace the optics, you know that, right?

+++++ RESUME:

Once the image is restored, the two men continue to circle, though
the flamed one does not appear to be burnt to a crisp.

"Damned worm." Snarls Teutone.

Ryuga steps back, contemplating a spell of his own.
His head jerks right and left, gageing the size of the alley.

"I knew you'd come for me.  Don't think I'd make the mistake of letting
you come for me in the open.  You can't revert to your true form in
here, it's too small."  Teutone throws his head back in a maniacal,
over-the-edge, need-a-padded-cell, both-oars-got-burned-for-firewood
kind of laugh.

To disrupt the moment, Ryuga strikes.  Lightning pours from his
mouth as he begins to levitate over Teutone.  The electricity grounds
into Teutone, pushing him to the ground.  The air begins to shimmer
around Teutone and a form appears over him.  A spirit taking
the form of a winged man, with a halo of fire, solidifies between the
two combatants, absorbing the power of Ryuga's spell.

"Another of your deranged creations?  I hope this one is not as
'independent' as the last."  The dragon / elf sneers as he floats
between the buildings.

The winged spirit climbs towards Ryuga, a second set of arms appearing
from under the wings.  The four-armed, winged monstruosity grabs for
Ryuga, grappling with him in mid-air.  The camera angle climbs to
follow them as they ascend skyward.  With a flash of power, again
obscuring the image, Teutone's elemental is disrupted and disappears
from this plane.

+++++ COMMENT: That one did it.  The light amp system is toast on that
drone.  I hope yer happy!

+++++ RESUME

When the image is restored, Ryuga has disappeared.  The drone angles
it's camera back down and Ryuga can be seen tearing through the
alley, looking for Teutone.

"Damn him...I'm going to get to the bottom of this...even if I die in the
process!"
+++++ END VID

Gack, I've been seeing way too much goofy stuff lately.  I'm glad my
gifts come from wires, not magic.  I don't think I could handle it.
Weird stuff....]<<<<<
       -- Rumormonger (Always / Tuned-In)

>>>>>[  Frag it all, dragon, if you make another move against Teutone before you
have unequivocal proof that he was involved in something, I'll help the fragger
tear out your heart.  I thought you were supposed to be helping me find GoD
anyhow, tall dark and slimy.

I hear Assault cannon rounds work really well against Dracoforms, Teutone.  Why
don't you just come back in.  GoD and I were trying to help you, you fragger. I
don't know how much longer it's gonna take for GoD to waste your sorry hoop, but
I'd be looking over my shouder if I were you.  ]<<<<<
        -- Griffyn < 1:07:24/5-24-56 >

>>>>>[What the hell is going on?]<<<<<
        -- Kor <14:43:17 / 05-25-56>

>>>>>[Good, I think this is a secure line....We're in trouble.  Fuchi found us
again in Quebec.  We jumped ship and headed to a friend of ours in Pueblo.
Somehow, they found us again.  Our house is being watched, both astrally and
physically.  Shields has called in a few favors with a fixer friend of his to
get some parts for his deck.  I'm hiding out in a medicine lodge of a friend of
mine.  We need some help, big time.  This is a plea for whatever help is
available.  Basilisk?  Dark-Angel (Chris)?  If anyone receives this, please
respond.  I'm really scared.  Trust no one.]<<<<<
     -- Jasmine <09:00:00/5-25-56>

>>>>>[Marvin Gaye late 1970's for 1000 nuyen chuck]<<<<<
        -- Riddler <What's that sound>

>>>>>[Hot damn!  Someone else, not only on top of music when it was good, but
also up on game shows.  Did you catch the reference?

+++++ Include MG.Discography]<<<<<
        -- Trixie <17:05:42 / 05-25-56>
           Head of Operations
           Industrial Sound and Magic

***** PRIVATE: Neuron Basher
>>>>>[Hi.
+++++ Include S.Healing.snd]<<<<<
        -- Trixie <*SMILE*>

>>>>>[Whatchu got against the Wizworm, Griffyn, you Breeder fragger?
If he's all fer fraggin' that Teutone bastard then he's got me an' da
boyz on his side!

An whaddaya mean 'proof'? Proof? My fragged pals, the bloody fraggin'
mess that is my 'hood, _that's_ my fraggin' proof, you muthafragger!

Assault cannon rounds work really well against loud mouth fraggin breeders
too, ya know?]<<<<<
        -- Brocken Bone (12:57:33/25-5-56)

*****PRIVATE: Col. Ernesto Rodriguez
>>>>>[What is the meaning of this? The Dragon managed to find Teutone
before you? I was led to expect better things from you and your men, Colonel.

You are supposed to be the best. Prove it.]<<<<<
        -- M. Executor (13:05:23/25-5-56)

*****PRIVATE: M. Executor
>>>>>[Yes Ma'am. We had several squads in the area of the incident at the time.

Teutone has been lucky so far]<<<<<
        -- Col. Ernesto Rodriguez (13:15:21/25-5-56)

*****PRIVATE: Col. Ernesto Rodriguez
>>>>>[Uh...Boss, who exactly are we taking orders from here, the babe or
Vargas?]<<<<<
        -- Azpiri (13:20:56/25-5-56)

*****PRIVATE: Azpiri
>>>>>[You take your orders from me. Don't worry about anything else.]<<<<<
        -- Col. Ernesto Rodriguez (13:24:32/25-5-56)

*****PRIVATE: Col. Ernesto Rodriguez
>>>>>[Yessir, but... It seems to me that if we really want to find Teutone,
you should give me some more of the men for the search party...]<<<<<
        -- Azpiri (13:22:34:32/25-5-56)

*****PRIVATE: Azpiri
>>>>>[My orders are not open to discussion. Being a mage does not give you
any special privileges in my unit. Continue as mandated.]<<<<<
        -- Col. Ernesto Rodriguez (13:23:23/25-5-56)

*****PRIVATE: Col. Ernesto Rodriguez
>>>>>[Yes Sir!]<<<<<
        -- Azpiri (13:24:12/25-5-56)

>>>>>[Ahhh, the natives are getting restless.

Hey, Ryuga  --  If you are going to do it, do it.  If you are going to
play around with him, stop.  He's not THAT good that a big mean ol'
dragon like yourself couldnt snuff away his life force in but the blink of
your massive eye.

I cannot believe how --- Link Terminated]<<<<<
        -- Kor <18:39:36 / 05-25-56>

***** PRIVATE: Jason Stormwind
>>>>>[ You do not pay me enough to keep you out of the type of trouble you
keep trying to get yourself into. ]<<<<<
        -- Merrox <18:40:56 / 05-25-56>

***** PRIVATE: Merrox
>>>>>[Why did you disconnect my link?]<<<<<
        -- Kor <18:41:08 / 05-25-56>

***** PRIVATE: Kor
>>>>>[ Lets just put it this way  --  Someone other than you is paying me
to keep an eye out for you.  The set of instructions I have take into
account your making pot shots at an already pissed off dragon.

Since you asked, Ill play back for you what I was told to tell you:

+++++ Start Playback

"Hoi, Seeker.  All situations do not need your hand.  Ryuga and Teutone
will settle their differences without your getting involved.  Think about
what you are doing before you do it.  Stop, Listen, Think THEN do.  That
is her way.  It can be your way too, Seeker."

+++++ End Playback

And before you go gettin' pissed off at me.  Im just doing my job, Jason.  You
know that.  You pay me to make sure this place and all its communications
are safe and secure.  Thats what I am doing.

Oh, by the way, you Dont have a matrix connection.  Never have, Never will.
Too much of a pain in the ass to secure.  Turns my 15 minutes a day to check
the logs into a full time job.  Im working 24/7 for too many other people
right now to drop everything for IS&M.  Frost up, big man.  We cool]<<<<<
        -- Merrox

>>>>>[This is me, minding my own business]<<<<<
        -- Kor <18:50:08 / 05-25-56>

***** PRIVATE: Christopher Tarlenton
>>>>>[Im partially available if you need help getting Jas' back.]<<<<<
        -- Kor <19:11:37 / 05-25-56>

>>>>>[ Hmmm. This is interesting. Nice "place" you people have here, but I
have seen    better. As far as who I am, right now you can call me Prefect.
My services are now available for purchase. I specialize in combating the
astral but won't rule out other jobs. Any questions, drop me a line. Oh, you
will have to excuse the rather primitive posting format, but a hacker
fragged mine up.]<<<<<
        --  Prefect <14:35:00/5-25-56>

***** PRIVATE: Jasmine, Shields
>>>>>[  Where are you.  I'll get to you as quickly as I can.  ]<<<<<
        -- Tiny < 20:39:25/5-25-56 >

***** PRIVATE: Trixie
>>>>>[  Hi there.

+++++ Include:  DirtyLove.snd

That's some real old Zappa for ya. <chuckle>  Wanna go out to dinner tonight?
My treat, whatever you want.  ]<<<<<
        -- Neuron Basher <feeling/playful>

>>>>>[  What I've got against the wizworm, you illiterate putz, is the fact that
I absolutely hate people who go back on their promises.  In my experience,
Teutone has not been one to deny things that he has done.  He's frankly not
smart enough to fear the repercussions sometimes, I think.  If I were sure that
he was the one who fragged your 'hood, I'd gladly tear his heart out, and send
it to you on a silver platter, but until then, back the frag off.  ]<<<<<
        -- Griffyn < 20:47:25/5-25-56 >

>>>>>[WHO YOU CALLIN' ILLETIRATE YOU FRAGGIN' HUMANIS LOVIN' FRAGGER??

If you get in my way me an' da boyz is gonna get you an' wrap yer fraggin'
gutz round yer throat!]<<<<<
        -- Brocken Bone (21:50:32/5-25-56)

*****PRIVATE: Griffyn
>>>>>[Griffyn, remember, Teutone attacked me; before I even TRIED to do any
harm to him...and besides...the spell I used was VERY low powered...something
else, I remember you saying we were to look for BOTH Teutone and GoD...I just
happened to run across Teutone first.]<<<<<
          --Ryuga (13:15:30 PDT/ 05:25:56)

*****PRIVATE: Broken Bone
>>>>>[Broken Bone, first, we must figure out IF Teutone actually attacked
your people, or whether it was an illusion or some other "phenomenon".]<<<<<
          --Ryuga (13:17:30 PDT/ 05:25:56)

>>>>>[Ryuga, where was this at?]<<<<<
        -- GoD < 15:41:41 / 05-25-56>

***** Private: Griffyn
>>>>>[   +++++ INCLUDE VOICE MAIL
" I think I need help. I don't know what to think.  I cann't think straight
I think somethinbg is wrong with me. I've been having these dreams about
horros ^@#^$#^^

++++++ UNATHORIZED FILE TAMPERING
++++++ ENCRIPTION JEOPARDIZED

++++++ LINK TERMINATED AT SOURCE
        -- GoD < A@#15$/#$$56 >

>>>>>[GoD, I'm not going to say...there is something I need to get to the
bottom of...and I'm afraid that you might destroy the information we need to
know...]<<<<<
          --Ryuga (13:35:30 PDT/ 05:25:56)
            CEO
            Ryaka Science and Tech

***** PRIVATE: Neuron Basher
>>>>>[Have a favor  --  There is a mage who posts to the shadowtk boards
quite a bit.

Do you think you could trace him down the next time he posts?  I need to
get ahold of him and I doubt that he would do anything cleaver like...
See...there he went.

I doubt he is hiding where he is.]<<<<<
        -- Kor <20:44:46 / 05-25-56>

>>>>>[What the hell was that?  GoD?

Griff, GoD, could one or both of you get ahold of me sometime in the VERY
near future?  Im a home right now, give me a phone call or something, you
should still have my number]<<<<<
        -- Kor <20:47:46 / 05-25-56>

***** PRIVATE: Brocken Bone
>>>>>[Yo, holmes!  Whatduh frag you and yo` and boyz gots wif my friend
Grif?  We wouldnt wants no misunnerstan' happening wif my boyz and yo
boyz fightin' it out. *Translation Error* gots it?

The Boneless Gang wouldnt take too kindly to *Translation Error* ok?]<<<<<
        -- Kor <20:56:31 / 05-25-56>

***** PRIVATE: Neuron Basher
>>>>>[Just like a hacker.  Spending your time on-line when you have
someone waiting for you at home.  I knew I would find you lurking around
this node.  I have a surprise for you.]<<<<<
        -- Trixie <20:27:22 / 05-25-56>

*****PRIVATE: Ryuga
>>>>>[It's Brocken, ya dumb worm, not Broken. Damn fraggers call me
illetterate...

An illusion, yeah right, like my broken arm is a fraggin' illusion, like
Brak's ribs are an illusion, like tha Brady bunch bein' fragged to a
crisp is a fraggin illusion]<<<<<
        -- Brocken Bone (21:12:32/05-25-56)

*****PRIVATE: Kor
>>>>>[You usin' a translator, or sumthin', you sad fragger?

Gerroff my case. Teutone is fraggin' lunchmeat. If it ain't me gets 'im
it's gonna be dose Azzie fraggers.

Fraggin' Breedahs]<<<<<
        -- Brocken Bone (21:15:32/05-25-56)

*****PRIVATE: Brocken Bone
>>>>>[Sorry, BROCKEN Bone...that better?  When you are old things like that
do happen...There are what are known as "physical" illusions.  These
illusions cover some phyiscal item or being; or in some istances can have an
actual feel, taste, or smell associated with them.  most illusions only cover
sight though.]<<<<<
          --Ryuga (12:50:30 PDT/ 05:25:56)

***** PRIVATE: Brocken Bone
>>>>>[Yes, actually I was.  Forgive me.

It has been sometime since I have activated my gang affliations and I thought
you would respond more positively to a request which was spoken, or writen, as
is the case here, in a language more acceptable to your current cognitive
levels.  I did not wish to overtax your abilities.

In more laymen's terms  --  Please do not harm my friend Griffyn.  I am certain
that we can come to some sort of agreement as to what needs to be done about
TT and, in my opinion, the dragon, Ryuga.

You would be protective of your friends as I am of mine.  If thing escalate
much further a lot of people could needlessly be hurt.  If I get a chance
I will move Griff out of harms way.  I plan on moving him into Boneless
territory in the barrens.  I tell you this only so you know what forces will
lay between him and your people.  The Boneless will only see your entering
their territory as a tresspass and will deal with it as harshly as they deal
with all others.  That will start a small gang war and I would rather not
have that happen.  So, for now, lets call it an uneasy truce until
we can get to the bottom of this.

S'Ka?]<<<<<
        -- Kor <21:59:17 / 05-25-56>

*****PRIVATE: Kor
>>>>>[Tings' is simple: Teutone dies, whutever da wizworm rambles 'bout.

Griffo' aint gettin' inta troubles wit' me lessens' he tries to frag wit
me. So Ka?]<<<<<
          -- Brocken Bone (22:06:12/05-25-56)

>>>>>[Just left Dante's Inferno, where I tried to set up a deal to get some
more equip for my deck.  Chris, You wouldn't happen to have a spare chip
puller, would you?  My tools are in my shop, and the house is being watched.  I
wasn't aware of that until I saw Jas' post earlier.  BTW: I talked with her and
she seems to be okay.  Lotta stuff going down.  I'm on the run.  Jas and I are
meeting tonight to go over a plan of attack.  Just so everyone knows, Fuchi's
after us.  Can't talk now.  Lone Star's got an APB out on my car.  So I stole
one....against my principles normally, but hey you do what you gotta.  I'll
keep in touch...Damn, they're comin' round the corner.   Whoa, big gun.  No
time.  Later folks...]<<<<<
    -- Shields <16:10:00/5-25-56>

****** PRIVATE TO: Chris, Tiny *****
>>>>>[Well, boys, there's never a dull moment on the streets.  I'm heading to
Dante's to see if Shields is still there.  It's been awhile since I've been in
that area of Downtown.  It's be good to see someone I know who's friendly.  If
either of you could show up at Dante's Inferno.  Third floor.  I'll gladly go
over what has basically happened.  We can work out something from there.
Shields said he'd meet us eventually.  "Welcome back, Jasmine"..."Oh, why thank
you, it's nice to be back."  Sorry, it had to be said.]<<<<<
     -- Jasmine <16:15:00/5-25-56>

>>>>>[I got you, Shields.

Phlatline Mars, the old decker hangout on the Strip, near about 2200.  Meet
you there, I'll be in the Corner.]<<<<<
        --  Christopher Tarleton <Dark/Angel?

***** Private to: Jasmine, Shields
>>>>>[I suggested a place that's probably a bit more secure...]<<<<<
        -- Christopher Tarleton <Dark/Angel>

>>>>>[Comuing your way Chris.  Blue Mitsuubishi NightSky.  I'll be the one who
whips up to the corner at top speed, squeals to a stop, opens the door and
tells you to hop in.  Gotta keep movin.  They got a 'copter out over Downtown.
 Jasmine, if you catch this.  Take the underground.  You know what I
mean.]<<<<<
    -- Sheilds <16:30:00/5-25-56>

>>>>>[Copy Shields, Headin' Underground.  Plan's still on for Dante's]<<<<<
    -- Jasmine <16:31:12/5-25-56>

>>>>>[Correction, Plans changed to Chris's spot.  Let's do it.]<<<<<
   -- Jasmine <16:32:17/5-25-56>

>>>>>[Brocken Bone  --  That would mean that we are frosty.  Lets keep
it that way.

Griffyn, let me know the deal so I can wrap this up.  Seems like some friends
of mine are in trouble but I havent been asked in to party yet.  Im going to run
interference for them anyway.]<<<<<
        -- Kor <23:31:22 / 05-25-56>

>>>>>[Chris, Jas, Shields  --  Checked with LSS and they know you have the
blue nightsky.  I would sincerly suggest you ditch it as I was unable to
convince my friend that it would be a good idea to change the color of the
car to something else.  If you need somewhere safer you can head into the
barrens as LSS doesnt tend to go in there and they definitely wont
risk a chopper...

If I were activated I would be able to help a little more but I am not.  Sorry
bout that.]<<<<<
        -- Kor <23:33:22 / 05-25-56>

>>>>>[Thanks, Kor.  Yeah, I know they know I've got a nightsky.  As soon as I
ditch the motorcycle behind me, I'll ditch the car.  It's hard to type with one
hand and drive with the other.  I'm not a rigger and it shows.]<<<<<
    -- Shields <16:45:37/5-25-56>

>>>>>[Love, that Chopper shouldn't be a problem.  I've got a friend at Aurora
Mitsubishi who just got a shipment of new Blue Nightsky's.  And, Hmmm.  Isn't
it interesting that all 37 of them are on the road.  They're headed for a test
drive downtown.  Hee, hee, this is fun.]<<<<<
     -- Jasmine <4:52:00/5-25-56>

>>>>>[Feel free to stop trying to type.  I've been monitoring the police
freq's on my combat helmet.  They arent so much interested in you as they are
interested in getting the night ... NICE...

The bait and switch should work wonders.  LSS hasnt managed to get a scan on
the nightsky yet.  The owner, some lawyer's kid, just got the car and doesnt
know the registration numbers on it.  The other 'sky's should give you more
than enough cover.  Make sure to remember to go back to Joe-Law-Abider when
you shake them.  The fastest way to pick them up again it to start acting
like you stole a car.

Is there a REASON you are tearing through the streets of downtown Seattle at
this hour?]<<<<<
        -- Kor <23:56:58 / 05-25-56>

>>>>>[Whoo, whoo, babe this is just like Pueblo!!!  Ha, Ha.  Those LSS guys are
lookin' mighty confused.  An old friend is keeping us informed on what LSS
knows.]<<<<<
   -- Shields <16:55:12/5-25-56>

***** PRIVATE TO: Jasmine, Chris, Kor *****
>>>>>[I've ditched the motorcycle cop.  Switched the plates on the nightsky
with the plates from a Chevy parked nearby.  Parked the car in a secluded
corner.  I'm headed into the Columbia tower.  I know a security guard there
who'll get me out.  Chris, stay at that corner, I'll get the chip puller
eventually.  Kor, keep track of what LSS is doing.  The mass of Blue Nightsky's
should give the cops a rough time.  Jasmine, meet me at the Columbia Tower. You
know the exit from UG at about 6th and Columbia, that'll put you about a block
away.  We'll grab a car from the parking garage.  Like I said, I'm on foot.
I'll be heading through a few buildings to get where I want.  See you
there.]<<<<<
    -- Shields <16:56:00/5-25-56>

*****PRIVATE TO: Kor, Chris, Jasmine *****
>>>>>[Every time I try and get out of DownTown, Fuchi alerts LSS of my general
position.  It's my deck.  They've done something to it, and I know what it is.
 It's a chip I was working on, that they screwed me over on.  (Well, okay, I
was trying to screw them)
Anyway, it's acting as a homing device, because they know the RF its on.  I
can't turn it off without pulling it, and I can't pull it without ruining the
casing and socket.  It's one of those new AIFF-TX sockets.  A normal chip
puller will work, but you've got to be careful.  Also, I don't want to lose the
chip.  Anyway, that's why I need the puller.  Also, what do you mean at this
hour.  It's just after 5:00p.m.  We've got rush starting here]<<<<<
    -- Shields <17:02:00/5-25-56>

***** PRIVATE: Chris, Jasmine
>>>>>[Rush hour in the middle of seattle.  That constitutes a "why are
you doing this...".  But thats not the problem right now.

How about this  --  Do you have a scanner or a jammer with you?  If you find
and jam the freq you should be able to get a little bit of distance ahead of
Fuchi.  I do not wish to know why / how you managed to...FRAG.  They have
you again.  Leave the building now!

Does Fuchi have their own security forces?]<<<<<
        -- Kor <00:10:58 / 05-26-56>

>>>>>[Okay, folks, I'm out of the building.  I'm using Jasmine's deck, so this
post will be marked as Jasmine.  I've turned off my deck.  Chris, I'm headed
your way.  Fuchi shouldn't be able to follow us now.  I hope.]<<<<<
     -- Jasmine <18:00:00/5-25-56>

*****PRIVATE: Shields, Jasmine
>>>>>[If you need a place of sanctuary from your "friends", I am willing to
offer my assistance.  Come to >>Encrypted<<, and an associate will meet
you.  His name is Gregor Dracolo, and he is an Hungarian Elf.  I know, since
I am the CEO of a corporation; you will probably turn my offer
down...especially since I am a dracoform.  I, still, offer my word of honor,
and tell you...I do my best to help others, asking nothing in return...I have
seen too many wrongs committed in my lifetime.  I shall be waiting for your
reply.]<<<<<
          --Ryuga (09:49:30 PDT/ 05:25:56)
            CEO
            Ryaka Science and Tech

*****PRIVATE: Jasmine
>>>>>[If you are still feeling some heat in Quebec, I may have a friend
in Montreal who can help ship you out to UCAS territory. The easiest drop
off point would be Buffalo. Of course, this will cost you, but, having
been in your very same predicament in the past, I am sympathetic to your
situation. Contact me if you're interested. Bon chance!]<<<<<
        -- Sacre Bleu <12:33/05-25-56>

>>>>[You Boys and Girls are gonna love this.  Much hate and discontent has
been created around the mage "Teutone-Blue" and his familiar spirit
"Brimstone", Well, it seems that someone has take a little offense to the
duos last Blood ragin' rampages.  I Caught this in progress late last night
It seemed to me that the had been going at this for some time because the
both looked ragged enough check it out...

+++++ INCLUDE AUDIO/VISUAL
"@$@$^^^.... a dark blurr fills the screen, ovisously adjustments are
being made to the focus of the camera then the dash of a Ford-americar comes
fuzzly in to view.  The camera pans left to look out the passagers side
window.  a volley of Bright blue balls fly pass in front of the camera. then
another volley after that.  They seem to collide with against something to
the left off screen. "You'll have to do betta than dat."  You here a mockin'
voice thick with an island accent say.  The camera pans to the Left and you
see a Tall, dark skinned elven figure floating above a recked Rapier, Black
coily Braids hang from his head stopping below his shoulders, You can see the
padding of his armor through the singed holes in his once elegant silk shirt.
 Dusty spots cover his pants legs. A Golden locket hangs from his neck.  A
Purpleish-blue dome can be seen around his floating form.

  The Camera zooms out attempting to cover both figures at once.  "Where's
Flame-head? I figured he'd be here too." He smiles, with an exagerated look
of amazement on his face " you Thinkin' you can take me yaself?"  Blue and
Gold Sparks travel along his arms stopping at his hands to form a glowing
orb.  "Look, I'm not going to tell you again, I don't want this, it wasn't me
can't you see I'm being framed, I was never in the barrens, don't make me
hurt you GoD" says the Shaby figure to the right.
        "Liar, The spells were yours, Brimstone was there, who would he
Follow but you?  What do you take me for?"  The orb flies out of GoD hands,
then splits into 2 smaller Globes, one Crashes into Teutones barrier,  with a
bright flash, The other changes color from blue to gold and slams into the
Barrier.
         Strain contorts Teutone's face, then the barrier shatters, at once
GoD rushes Teutone Connecting with a well placed kick to the Midsection.  You
hear/see the air rush out of teutones lungs as he's thrown back into a
dumpster.  GoD slowly advances towards the fallen Teutone,  Teuton stands up
and paces back away from GoD all the while making sharp hand gestures.  A
flash of blue light cover the space between the two, GoD's defenses are not
enough to Protect him against the assault and he's thrown back against the
building wall.
     "This is getting old.  First the Dragon, and now you, I tire of this
Game.  I didn't do any of the things I'm accused of doing, I'd expect you of
all people to at the very least give me a chance to..." surprise covers
Teutones face as GoD Jumps at him and hollers "SHUT UP AND FIGHT", fire
Blassing from his hands,  he attacks the unprepared Teutone with a hard open
palm to the chest. a a flurry of open palm attacks follow that one covering
Teutone in spots of blue fire.

 Suddenly Teutone shouts "ENOUGH!!!" with a flash of light GoD's Body is
Violently Repeled way From teutone, He lands in a heap A few Meters away. HE
stands over the fallen figure as if ready to finish him, a sad look in his
face "I didn't want to do this."  You see him put his hands on GoD's chest,
God Jerks and spams then heaves once coughing,  and then finally emptying his
his brakefast on to the pavement, mean while Teuton Blue Walks off into the
alley disappering in the shadows #$#$@#!$!@#
+++++ END VISUAL .

  Now how is that for fire works.... apparently some one called the STAR, cuz
they arrived shortly after I pulled away.  I think GoD was ok, Because when I
looked back I didn't see him anywhere. Well go to go, I have some sleep to
catch on. this is...]<<<<<
        -- InstaGatah < Mindin' someone / elses bussines >

***** PRIVATE: Kor
>>>>>[  I've got a bit of a problem at the moment, so I don't have a lot of time
to chat.  I'm really worried about GoD at the moment .. I just got this message
from him a few minutes ago, so I'm going to devote all of my efforts into finding
him.  Take a look at this message:

+++++ include:  GoD.message

If you need to get in touch with me, you can get me at >>encrypted<< .. that's
my wristphone, so I should have it at all times.  ]<<<<<
        -- Griffyn < 13:28:26/5-26-56 >

>>>>>[I hear you.]<<<<<
        --  Christopher Tarleton <Dark/Angel>

***** Private to: Shields, Jasmine
>>>>>[We'll take my car.  Midnight black.  You'll see me soon enough.]<<<<<
        --  Christopher Tarleton <Dark/Angel>

*****PRIVATE: Col. Ernesto Rodriguez
>>>>>[Everyboddy seems to find Teutone with amazing ease
except you and your men. This is most disheartening, colonel]<<<<<
        -- M. Executor (06:45:45/05-26-56)

>>>>>[  Okay, GoD, are you satisfied yet?  Teutone coulda fragged you over
much worse than he did.  You could be dead right now.  You're not.  If he
was responsible for that shit in the barrens, do you think he would hesitate
in killing you when he had the chance?  I think not.  Come on, man, we need
to find out who set him up, and is trying to play us off against him and
each other.  I don't like being manipulated.  ]<<<<<
        -- Griffyn < 16:16:26/5-26-56 >

***** PRIVATE TO: Ryuga
>>>>>[Thank you.  But, not due to your being a Dracoform, we have already met
up with another friend who has given us a decent hiding place.  It is good to
have a friend in a "corp" position.  We may need help in other areas.  Your
name is on the list.]<<<<<
     -- Shields <08:30:45/5-26-56>

>>>>>[Thanks Chris, nice car by the way.  Now, if there is any way of getting
into our house.  We still need to get Fuchi away from the house.  Or, just get
rid of Fuchi's "want" of Jasmine and Shields.  Jasmine will be in touch with
Patricia about possibly getting a change of clothes or something.  She's been
wearing her leathers now for almost a week, washing them from town to town.
She keeps saying, "I miss cotton."  You might check with your better half and
see if she has a blouse or something.  As soon as we get back on our feet,
we'll be okay.  Shoot, as soon as we get back into our house, we'll be
okay.]<<<<<
     -- Shields <08:38:00/5-26-56>

>>>>>[Alex.  ALEX!  Chuck was on the Dating Game.

Fraggin' kids....]<<<<<
        -- Freddy Frypp (10:45:45 / 05-26-56)
           President
           Frypp Security, Inc. (CFSM Uplink #5150)

***** Private: Kor
>>>>>[Oh, you know the usual stuff.  Somebody to bring in and slap
Spark around... remind him he _can_ be replaced, you know the
routine.

Geeze, can't even consult?  My tech people have got non-competition
clauses, but I let 'em free-lance on their own time (what precious
little time, I give 'em, heh).]<<<<<
       -- Freddy Frypp (11:12:55 / 05-26-56)
          President
          Frypp Security, Inc. (CFSM Uplink #5150)

***** Private: Blastah
>>>>>[I need my toys when can you deliver?]<<<<<
        -- GoD < isallway/swatchin >

***** Private: GoD
>>>>>[OK, what's going on? Yeah I can have them to you by
 Tomorrow. WHat's the going on though?]<<<<<
        -- Blastah <DaMAsTA-o-DisAstah>

***** Private: Blastah
>>>>>[It's a something of a personal nature, don't tell
Bright-star and the others about this...]<<<<<
        -- GoD < isallway/swatchin >

***** Private: GoD
>>>>>[Sure thing, but don't you think Blink and Aja are
Going to notice your Foci and your other gear missing? Hey it's your
funeral.]<<<<<
        -- Blastah <DaMAsTA-o-DisAstah>

>>>>>[Just send them!!!]<<<<<
        -- GoD < isallway/swatchin >

***** Private to: Shields, Jasmine
>>>>>[Yes, well, the car was a bit exorbitant.  <g>  Nonetheless, if you've
got any need for clothing, etc, just stop by the place and we'll get you
something.

In regards as to Fuchi's problems, I might be able to help.  A reallocation of
forces to a more pressing problem, maybe.]<<<<<
        --  Christopher Tarleton <Dark/Angel>

>>>>>[ Well this is the much delayed posts of what happened to those who were
in a hostile foriegn country.  I suppose you could say, and I wouldn't dare
cross you, that any foriegn country has a strong capability of being hostile.
I wouldn't even try and support the opposing arguement.

Anyway, you will have to ask Scourge for a data-log of what happened to the
matrix team.  I have a good idea what happened, seeing as I was there, yet I
will leave it to his discretion on whether it ever reaches this board.

You see, the reason I do this is because I don't want to go on in great detail
on how I saved Scourge's neck from the axeman decker the Yakuza sent along.
Nor to I want to lord it over Lady Justice as well.  Nay, I'll let him swallow
his pride and tell you all himself what happened.  I suppose that is of course
assuming he wants you all to know.

My how easily plans get destroyed, eh Scarface?  You never did intend to follow
Nightmare and Count von Doom's plan.

At any rate, here follows a tale of love and death, of loyalty and betrayal.
May you find some lessons from within, for I think I did.  I'll start the clips
at the point where Nightmare's plan started to unhinge.  For background this is
a mere hour after Nightmare has told everyone his plan of attack.  Count von
Doom has already done the briefing for the matrix team (which was sort of last
minute revised by the appearance of Scourge, Lady Justice, and myself) and the
briefing for his team and the team lead by Death Jestor.

I suppose I should give you a breakdown of how the teams were aligned (at least
in the beginning):

TEAM A (the Matrix team): Hangtime, Red Ronin, Scourge, Lady Justice, and
myself.

Team B (the hit team looking for HAMMER): Death Jestor, Strikes-Like-Lightning,
and Oukami.

Team C (the team looking for Shadowfox and Nightingale): Count and Countess von
Doom, Jack Hack, Scarface, and Kor.

Team D (the bait team for HAMMER): Nightmare, Doomsday, Blitzkrieg, and Fenris.

Team E (the rigger squad): Sonic Boom, Rolling Thunder, and the little ork girl
whos name I never learned.

The original plan, as I have come to understand that was that Team D was to go
into the area to the side of the where Shadowfox and Nightingale were in an
attempt to lure HAMMER and part of his merc squad away from Shadowfox.  Team B
would come on the scene as a bunch of bounty hunters and hopefully make sure
Team D got out alive.  Meanwhile, Team B would go in and get Shadowfox out.
Well it didn't happen.

A dwarf named Twilight told Nightmare just as I was arriving via matrix that
HAMMER had found Nightingale.  He apparently called in the Yakuza for back-up
and has already moved to try and secure the area.

And as such, I feel it is time to begin the video.

+++++ Start transmission

You hear a deep voice in Japanese say, "We have some problems, sir.  The
individual known as HAMMER has found Nightingale."

You hear a particularly harsh sounding word come from the corner of the room.
In german the man continues, "I guess this means we start early.  Hope this
doesn't screw us up too badly."

Switching to English he says, "All Teams prepare for launch.  Our time scale
has been moved up.  As we speak HAMMER is undoubtably trying to secure the
area.  I wish you all the best of luck and happy hunting.  I hope to see you
all when the day is out.  Godspeed."

Looking at the man, you can see only the ice calm of a man who has been through
far too many things.  Where most would be sweating bullets, he seems to be be
unmoved by the fact that HAMMER has beaten him to the prize.  He says in
German, "Count von Doom, if I should not return you know what to do with the
wills?"

A deep rich voice from a giant of a man answers, "Yes I do.  Please take care
of yourself, Baron Ravenwood.  I would consider a great loss for all
otherwise."

The man, Nightmare - you realize with a start, blinks and says, "I still don't
know whether that title truly applies to me or my brother.  But I am honored
you consider it so.  Time is short.  (he salutes the count)  Duty is my honor
and my life."

The Count smiles as he and Nightmare both leave the room in a quick walk.
---
A troll sighs, "Once more we go into da viper's den.  I wonder how many times
more HAMMER 'n' I will be in da same area.  Fenris, make sure Blitzkrieg makes
it out."

An ork looks in surprise at the troll, "Doomsday -- you -"

Doomsday responds gravely, "I fear today, like I have on few other.  I feel
betrayal on da wind.  I feel new wounds formin' dere there should only be
healin'.  Dere is a lot of bloodshed soon ta come.  It won' be pretty."

Fenris looks stunned.

Doomsday sighs, "Not all is as it should be.  The surprises won' only be here
but back home as well."

Fenris growls, "We shall face it together as we have in the past?"

Doomsday smiles, momentarily washing away the sadness in his eyes, "Yeah, of
course . . . "

Nightmare is followed in by Blitzkrieg, you notice dryly that they are decently
armed, and very well armored.  Doomsday and Fenris quickly grab thier gear and
get into a van.  The girl driving, an pretty little ork, looks around and
smiles.  Waiting to the exact nano second of Doomsday securing himself in the
van she roars out of the garage.

As she is driving rapidly through the streets, with a complete lack of stealth
she says in Japanese, "Death Jestor has already left.  According to his initial
reports, there are a lot of people in the area.  Both bounty hunters and mercs.
He says it looks bad."

Nightmare sighs and says, "We will follow them in as a backguard then.  About
three blocks in we will split off and try and let HAMMER know where we are.  It
should get real ugly.  Stop the van 2 blocks before the estimated zone is.  We
will go in on foot."

The ork girl just nods.  The troll in the seat next to her just loads a weapon.
Doomsday looks utterly calm, although you can see a trace of sadness in his
eyes.  Fenris is watching Doomsday very carefully.  You can see however, a
vague family resemblence between Nightmare and Blitzkrieg.  Both of them look
like they are just waiting for the storm to fully hit.
---
The rain slick street is empty as the Death Jestor quickly stalks down it.  On
his right and slightly back is Strikes-Like-Lightning.  A little further back
and to the far left is Oukami.  Bringing up the rear is a large wolf.  None
appear to notice it as they move quickly along.  Quietly Oukami says, "Three
people coming are way."

Death Jestor quickly points to the side buildings.  They only have to wait a
minute before a trio of japanese men come walking by.  You are surprised by the
lethality of the strike.  Before the trio knows what has happened two men are
down by gunfire and one is seriously dazed.  The third one never recovers as
he drops messily from a wolf pouncing on him.  Quickly and efficiently they
remove as much of the blatant signs of combat as they can, and then move on.
In the distance behind them you can see another four exiting from a van.  In
the lead is a human with an assault rifle out.  To each of his sides in perfect
firing order is another person.  On his left appears to be a human, on the
right an ork.  Bringing up the rear is a troll, most likely Doomsday.  You
notice dryly that they are moving fast!
---
Count von Doom says in German, "Hangtime let us know when Nightmare and Death
Jestor have created suitable noise for us to go in quietly."

*Hangtime*  Yes sir!
---
You watch in silence as Death Jestor's crew move forward.  After a little while
they reach a major intersection.  The wolf growls a little bit and looks back.
Strikes-Like-Lightning taps the wolf on its shoulder and it is quiet.  Death
Jestor quickly leads the group around an alley way so that they don't have to
walk through the intersection.
---
Blitzkrieg smiles watching the group in front of them go.  He quickly glances
behind him to his left at Nightmare.  Nightmare calmly points at another alley
way.  Blitzkrieg doesn't give any other reaction then immediately heading
toward it.
---
*Red Ronin* Lure is spliting from trail.
Death Jestor:  We are all alone now.
*Red Ronin* Primary is fearful of their run.  Want some more noise before they
break and slide with it.
Death Jestor:  That shouldn't be to long.
*Scourge* Found HAMMER he is far too close to point.  Death Jestor commence
hunting.  Nightmare pick up the pace.
Death Jestor: We are both long ways away from primary.  The zone is covered
pretty well.  We'll do our best.
---
*Hangtime*  Better start in.  Otherwise, HAMMER will defeat us to our target.
Count says quietly, "So it has fully started.  There is no turning back for
now."
+++++ pause transmission ]<<<<<
        -- Ratspeak<15:00:00/05-27-56>

>>>>>[ And so we continue . . .

+++++ continue transmission

Nightmare quickly gathers up his friends.  He speaks softly, "I'm going to
maintain a spell over you to cover as we run to the target.  You will not be
able to see each other save through astral space.  Sorry Doomsday, there is no
other way.  Blitzkrieg, if you want us to stop you had better do it through the
radio."

Everyone nods.  The rain starts to worsen.  Blitzkrieg quietly says, "What
weather we have?"

Doomsday says in a loud whisper, "It is fittin'."

Nightmare casts his spell.  Blitzkrieg quickly blinks and without hestitating
says, "Move!" as he runs out into the open.  Quickly he travels the street,
headless of the drones that are flying about.

*Ratspeak*  I see you have some drones tailing.  I'll see what the little girl
can do about it.

Nightmare says quietly, "Tell her to be careful about it.  If it doesn't
succeed don't worry.  Doomsday and I have gotten out of tighter situations than
this."
---
*Red Ronin*  They have watchdogs that have spotted you.

Death Jestor snarls silently.  He points up in the air.  The other two look up
and see the drones.  Oukami looks pale with fear.

Death Jestor says in a barely audible voice, "We need drone back up.  We are
being followed by drones.  Only matter of time before we get some people are
way."

*Rolling Thunder*  This is more like it.  Helps on the way!
---
You don't know how much time has passed.  You watch in a sick kind of dread as
Blitzkrieg sneaks up on someone and kills him from behind.  The person never
even knew what hit him.  Another point, you see the group calmly crawl accross
an alley way as a firefight rages above their heads.  If they have any fear it
doesn't show.

*Ratspeak*  You are close to the primary, Lure.  Scourge is in trouble.  You
are without overwatch.  BE CAREFUL!

Nightmare says, "Help him out.  Go to next alley Lure.  There I will drop the
invisibility spell."

Blitzkrieg nods and runs accross the street.  He is followed very closely by
Nightmare.  As soon as Nightmare is most of the way accross Fenris starts out,
followed by Doomsday bringing up the rear as Fenris gets into the alley way.

Blitzkrieg watching out on the street says, "Glad you have elementals along
brother."

Nightmare smiles coldly as he drops the spell on everyone but Doomsday.  Fenris
curses and says, "TROUBLE! Van bearing down on you!"

Nightmare says, "Shoot the damn tires!"

Blitzkrieg and Fenris open fire on the van.  Doomsday shakes off the affects of
being stunned just a little to late, and is hit squarely by the van.  When he
realized that he was going to get hit though he jumped up and punched the
windshield with both arms, letting his machine gun swing behind him.
Desperately he grabs onto the dashboard as the van starts to swerve out of
control from loosing a tire due to gunfire.

Meanwhile Doomsday is slowly pulling himself into the van.  You can see two
people are tryin to loosen his hold on the dashboard.  After a little bit the
one stops and starts pistol whipping him.  Doomsday is in obvious pain but he
lets go of the dashboard with one hand and grabs the guy hitting him with the
pistol-butt.  He shoves the guy into the driver.  The driver surprised flinches
and the van swerves.  Using the momentum gained by the swerving Doomsday
somehow manages to swing himself into the van and starts immediatly punches out
the driver.  As the van, now completely out of control, starts heading to a
building at a rapid pace.   Doomsday manages to fight off the two people.
Right before the van hits the building Doomsday looks out the window and says,
"I DON' KNOW HOW TA DRIVE!"
---
Fenris watches in stunned silence as the van swerves and crashes into the
building.  Nightmare has shock on his face and Blitzkrieg looks stunned to.
Fenris runs quickly to the crashed van.  Nightmare shakes his head and tugs
Blitzkrieg along.  Quickly they move.
---
On the other of what must be the building you see the Count's team moving out.
Kor is leading the way with Jack Hack.  The Count and Countess are bringing up
the rear of the team.  You can barely hear the sound of a van crashing in the
distance but mostly what you can hear is gunfire.  Scarface stops and sees
something.  Without telling the others he breaks off.

Kor and the Count both look stunned.  The Countess sighs.  The Count quickly
re-evaulates the situation.  As he sees Kor starting to head he says, "Kor, we
need you here.  According to Hangtime there are no enemies currently over
there."

Kor grumbles angerily, but enters the building, where all hell breaks loose.
---
You see HAMMER watching Kor enter the building.  He says, "They have arrived.
Attack."

The elf standing next to him goes, "Nightmare and Doomsday are missing.  Along
with others.  Plan?"

HAMMER smiles, "Let them get through the whole building with the mercs.  Before
the Yakuza show up let see if we can find Nightmare and find out what he is up
to no?"
---
*Ratspeak*  Drek!  Where are all these fragging deckers coming from?
*Scourge*  Arrrgh.
*Ratspeak* FRAG!  LOOK OUT LADY! BACKUP!!!
*Red Ronin*  On way through tunnel!
*Hangtime*  Will be there in a few.  Need to advise first.
---
"Where is Scarface going?"

The irish elf responds, "To Nightmare perhaps."

"Let's find out.  Move out as soon as Count's team is in the building!"

The irish elf says, "The Yakuza are here."

HAMMER curses.  "Damn lets get our target before the Yaks kill everything.
MOVE!"
---
You watch in silence, since you cannot match the ferocity or loudness of the
fighting going on in the building.  Kor through his magic, and Jack Hack
through his skill in guns are slowly making progress, but you can see alarm in
the Count's eyes.

He shouts over the fight, "The whole merc squad must be here!  Death Jestor,
get your team to primary!  We need back-up!"
---
Death Jestor listens to the radio blankly.  Quickly he gathers up his team and
says, "Change in plan.  We are going in for the target and to back up the
Count's team.  Apparently except for Hangtime we have no matrix watch right
now.  Yakuza have arrived as well.  Let's go!"

Oukami trembles in either fear or excitement but tries to calm himself after
looking at Strikes-Like-Lightning.  Quickly they move out.
---
Kor says, "2 floors down, 3 to go."

Count says, "Slow down the pace.  Make it look like we are tiring.  It will
give Death Jestor time to catch up."

Kor gives the Count a blank look.
---
Blitzkrieg and Nightmare are walking around in a warehouse.  Blitzkrieg says in
a whisper, "Do you think that HAMMER will find us here?"

Nightmare says, "I would prefer it was his drones that found us and not some
bounty hunters.  I have no way of knowing though.  Be prepared for the worst."

You see Scarface enter silently and quickly move away from the door way.  Soon
after HAMMER enters and then has to hit the deck as a machinegun nearly fills
him with holes.  You can barely make out the roar, "DIS IS DA END HAMMER!"

Blitzkrieg and Nightmare look at each other and smile.  You hear Nightmare
whisper, "Godspeed and happy hunting brother."  The smile that Blitzkrieg gives
him in return sends shivers down your spine.
---
"Damn it."  You watch as HAMMER points to an Ork, an elf and a human.  He says,
"Go deal with it."  The human looks alarmed, but doesn't say anything.  Looking
at the irish elf, a very muscle-bound japanese man, and another european elf,
he smiles thinly and points in.  They enter.

+++++ pause transmission ]<<<<<
        -- Ratspeak <15:00:03/5-27-56>

>>>>>[ I have to appologize before I continue.  I lost any camera footage from
Kor's point.  I didn't get that team back on footage until the came out of the
building.  The same also happened to Death Jestor's team.  I can only wonder
what happened.  I believe it has something to do with the fact that the whole
matrix team was fighting for there lives at this point, but hey, that is only a
small matter anyway!

+++++ continue transmission
You see the elf, ork and human set up a quick ambush.  Doomsday limping and
Fenris start wearily approaching.  As they get close to the door, they tense
up.  You hear a grunt of pain as Fenris gets tackled by an Ork.  Doomsday spins
only to get tripped by the elf.  Snarling Doomsday gets up.

The elf sneers and says, "So I get the priviledge of killing the mighty
Doomsday."

Doomsday smiles and says, "Dream on tooth-pick."

They start carefully circling each other.  They seem to be weighing the
approaches.  In the back ground you can see the human move over to get a better
look at the ork and Fenris fight.   You note, that Fenris is slowly loosing.
The human seeing this smiles coldly and leaps to pounce on Fenris.

Fenris seeing this pales as the human comes down.  At the last second he
switches and viciously attacks the ork that was pinning Fenris.  The ork gets
slammed back into a building and says, "Traitor."

The human shrugs and shoots the ork and says, "Sorry Doc.  Not today."

As Fenris looks toward Doomsday he sees Doomsday blocking a flurry of blows.
Snarling he slams his forearm into the elf.  On the elf's face you can see
pain, as he slowly sinks to the ground.  You can see regret clearly on
Doomsday's face.  Doomsday quickly glances at Fenris and enters.  You can only
wonder if Doomsday saw the other human.  Fenris shrugging follows in.  The
human watchs the ork die and then shaking his head, closes the ork's eyes.
Realizing that Doomsday and Fenris entered, he shakes his head and enters.
---
Nightmare sighs and opens the door to the stairway.  He blinks and sees HAMMER
see him.  Grinning he bolts into the stairway and races up the stairs.
---
Blitzkrieg curses as he sees HAMMER race toward the stairs.  The irish elf
smiles and stays behind.  The other elf shrugging follows HAMMER.

Blitzkrieg moves to a better vantage point.

The elf says, "Hey Blitzkrieg.  Come out and play."

Blitzkrieg moves quietly again as the elf keeps wandering in and out of his
eyesight.  Doomsday and Fenris enter.

The elf snarls.  Doomsday points to ceiling, and Fenris nods and bolts off to
one side.  Doomsday walks up to where the elf is.  Blitzkrieg looks like he is
really pissed because Doomsday just walked into his line of fire.  The elf
smiles.

"I see you got through Doc and his partners.  Too bad.  Much better if we never
had to fight each other.  Oh well."

The two start circling each other.  Unlike the other elf, this one wastes no
time.  It is immediately obvious that the elf has the speed advantage.  His
left hand strikes Doomsday's jaw with a load crack, and his right leg shoots
out as he spins around connecting with Doomsday's left knee.  Doomsday crashes
to the floor.

Blitzkrieg curses as the elf ducks down again.  The human hearing the cursing
decides to investigate.
---
Fenris quickly paces up the stairs.  At the second level he stops and looks
out.  Not sensing anything, he turns to enter back into the stairway and
doesn't react quick enough as a bullet slams into his left upper arm.  Cursing
in pain the ork, now off-balanced, falls down the stairs loudly.
---
Blitzkrieg saw the flash out of the corner of his eye.  He quickly moves to
re-aim.  He switches a switch on the scope on his assault rifle.  He mutters,
"Where are you?"

The human about strike, pales and manages not to be shot by Blitzkrieg who
whirled around suddenly.  Blitzkrieg, feeling suddenly paranoid, looks around
and decides to find a new hiding spot.  The other human manages to carefully
avoid being spotted as Blitzkrieg finds another spot.  Blitzkrieg then starts
looking for the mysterious gunman on the second level.
---
Fenris gets up slowly.  You can tell the wound his hurting.  Slowly leaning up
against the wall, he walks back up the stairway.  Briefly he wipes the blood
off his forehead.  You notice a decent cut on his forehead from the fall down
the stairs.   He casts a spell before entering the level again.  Above him, he
can hear the sound of metal meeting metal in a series of rapid moves.  Looking
up he can see Nightmare fighting HAMMER on the middle of a catwalk.  Suddenly
lightning flares and slams into HAMMER.  The catwalk doesn't look to stable.
You notice that Fenris is transfixed on the fight above.
---
The elf curses as he hears the metal ringing out.  Doomsday gets to his feet
carefully.  The elf spins quickly and launches another attack.  This time, the
injured Doomsday is ready and drops to the ground.  Doomsday foot reaches out
and smashes into the shin of the elf.  There is a look of pure pain on the elf
as he buckles to the floor.  In supreme effort of will the elf backs up and
trys to draw a gun with his right hand.  Doomsday manages to bat the gun out of
the elf's hand.  He grabs the elf's shoulder and pins him on the ground.

The elf winces in pain.  "Go ahead and kill me Doomsday.  I deserve it."

Doomsday sighs sadly, "Sorry kid.  Not my style."  He takes out a pair of
handcuffs and puts them on the elf.  He then throws the elf over his shoulder
and runs toward the stairway.
---
The human watches for a little bit as Blitzkrieg searches for a target up on
the second level.  He slowly so as to not attract Blitzkrieg's attention moves
back to the door.  It looks like he is trying to get to the stairway.
---
The elf, long black hair pulled into a pony tail, moves away from the door.  He
moves through some offices near to a catwalk that HAMMER is walking upon.
Smiling he moves to a vantage point.  Behind HAMMER, a man appears out of
nothingness.  HAMMER moves to the middle of the catwalk.  The man walks on the
catwalk.

A quiet voice, the man, "So Herr HAMMER, who is the traitor to the country now?
It seems, there is a small charge of treason on your head."

HAMMER turns and draws his sword.  Snarling he says, "So we meet again.  This
time no one interfers.  No vampires, no gangs.  Not Doomsday, or your weakling
brother.  Just you and me.  I could have been the head of operations if it was
for you. . . I could -"

Nightmare smiling thinly, "You haven't changed one bit.  You would have been a
horrible director.  Time and time again we meet.  Last time I told you beware
of when I strike.  Last time I warned you to watch your back.  You didn't.   So
you got hit by a car.  You correctly identified the passanger as Doomsday.  Yes
I put him there.  I figured he would like the irony of the fact that you were a
passanger when Commander Drake hit him.

"I also thought you would figure out who the driver is.  Nightmare isn't my
first handle.  It is merely my latest."

HAMMER whispers in anger, "Changling."

Nightmare smiles tightly, "So you learn."  You notice the smile isn't reaching
the eyes at all.  "You -"

HAMMER spits and interrupts, "You betrayed Germany long before I did.  You and
your manuevering.  Who killed you father, a respected member of the military
intelligence?  I didn't.  Who through politcal manuevering killed three other
respected individuals in our government that now, neither of us are welcomed
to?"

If Nightmare is affected he doesn't let it show.  "My father.  He was a blind
fool.  So are you.  If you know about those three deaths, then you also know
that they were ordered to me by one dead Erik Schmidt.  I obey orders.  Unlike
you.  All you needed from Blitzkrieg was his memory, yet you were the one who
decided to torment me, and force me to have him brutally interrogated.  You
cost me my job, my brother's sanity.  And yet you did more.  You blamed
failures on my when it was your own inept failings that led to the disaster in
the mountains.  You blamed me when the concentration camp ambushed failed.  You
blamed me for AJ's attack on the BIS, when you full well knew that he had
plenty of motivation to kill you.

"Unlike me, you used your position to further your political aims.  No HAMMER,
you shouldn't point a finger at me and call me a betrayer to the government.
When Erik Schmidt was appointed director, you didn't see me trying to kill him.
You didn't see me using my resources to get revenge.  Not like you.  How many
times did you send shadowrunners or mercs to kill me?  How many times Shadowfox
or Blitzkrieg?"  (He draws his sword)  "You were so conviently at hand when
Doomsday was captured, and when Shadowfox was taken by the Yakuza.  Just as you
happened to be orchestrate MET2000 arrival in Africa to keep the dwarves slave.
Peace-keeping force my foot.  How far did you use your power to strike at me?

"To you, my long time enemy, there can be no more toying with.  There can be no
more giving you warnings of what is to come.  You have pushed me for the last
time.  I don't know about anyone else, but I can see your hand in the setup
that framed Shadowfox.  Once more to lure me out.  Unfortunately for you, it
will mean death.

"Now you dance one last dream.  Now you live one last time of darkness.  You
tried to backstab everyone who offered you a hand up.  You wouldn't let old
things pass and go on with life.  NO!  You had to keep on living them.  You had
to play out your fantasies in your mind until you started to believe your
dreams were reality.  I bet it hurt to loose you real legs.  Imagine the hurt
that will be when death has come to you by my hands -- "

*Hangtime*  Recall your team.  Mission objective has been reached.  Recall your
team for backguard.

Nightmare smiles coldly, "For you who are about to die, " as he walks onto the
catwalk toward HAMMER, "There is no justice.  There is only pain.  The pain of
knowing that you are going to die, without knowing love.  Without knowing
friendship.  When was the last time you ever were happy with yourself?  You
delude yourself with power.  You delude yourself with material things that mean
much to others but nothing to yourself."

HAMMER is trembling with rage.

Nightmare, "This is your final dream of life, HAMMER.  You never knew any of
things that make people truly happy.  You buried yourself in your job, because
you had no life.  And now, as you so deserve - and not for what you have done
to me, you will die.  I could accept your backstabbing me and blackmailing me
to destroy my brother as just a cruel way to deal with someone in your way.  I
could accept you not wanting to live because I knew to much.  Doomsday,
Shadowfox, Rebecca Jones.  Attacking them is unacceptable.  Attacking the poor
Cerise and stealing her dead beloved's sword is unacceptable.  I wish my life
hasn't come to this.  For the first time, I'm looking forward to death's cold
embrace.  But before that shall happen, you must face justice!"

With a spring, Nightmare's sword crashes down on HAMMER's.  Throughout the
building you can hear clang after clang of metal meeting metal.  You can see in
each other's eyes that there will be no quater given and none accepted.
Unfortunately, Nightmare is not as strong as HAMMER.  Relentlessly HAMMER
pounds Nightmare.  The sheer force of the blows driving him back.  Nightmare
snarls and his hand glows red.  Lightning shoots out from his hand and crashes
into HAMMER.  HAMMER falls back.  Nightmare leaps up and casts again, this time
the lightning strikes the catwalk.  You hear a squeal of metal giving way, as
the catwalk suddenly shifts.  One side has broken free of it's moorings.
---
Hearing the squeal, Doomsday starts running up the stairs.  Passing Fenris
without thought he continues to run up the stairs.  Fenris sensing Doomsday
panic,  forgets out trying to find his assailant and runs up after him.

The human starts up the stairs.  You hear a strangled yell from Blitzkrieg as
he sees the human and runs after him.  The human curses and runs up the stairs.
---
The elf pales as he sees the catwalk weakening.  He moves over to the catwalk,
plainly afraid to do anything that might send the catwalk crashing.
---
*Hangtime*  Uhhh... we got a problem.  Nightmare is ignoring the plan.

Kor says, "What a shock."

The Count frowns at him, and says, "Kor, Maze and I shall try and extract him.
The rest will continue on their evacuation."

The Count points a finger at Kor and says, "Time to prove your loyalty.  Let's
go before it's too late."
---
Blitzkrieg has just passed the third landing.  As he moves to continue up, a
blur tackles him.  You can tell it is going badly for him against whatever he
is fighting.  You hear a japanese voice, "With you captured, I still have a
shot at getting Shadowfox back."
---
The human pauses as he is almost to the fifth level.  He stops and listens.
Hearing no footsteps he pales, and looks over the railing.  Not seeing
Blitzkrieg he curses.  And looks indecively as to where to go.
---
Kor enters the building.  Above they can here the clash of arms.
---
Doomsday drops the elf and runs to the catwalk.  He quickly fishes around and
digs out a rope.  As quickly as he can, he ties the rope around his waste and
throws the other end to Fenris.  Quickly Fenris ties it to the stairway railing
and holds on to it.

The elf looks at him and says, "What's your plan?"

Doomsday shrugs.  "Hold on ta catwalk."

There is a scream from the otherside, "NEITHER OF THEM DESERVE TO LIVE!"  There
is a flash of a powerbolt slam into the catwalk.

Doomsday dives for the catwalk as the other moorings give way completely.
Nightmare looks completely surprised.  HAMMER uses the surprise to his
advantage and strikes home, slashing Nightmare across his middle.

Nightmare grabs on to the side of the catwalk, dropping his sword.
---
Kor watches unable to move as Nightmare's sword comes crashing down.  The
breaking of the sword releases him though.  He looks at the Count and the
paling Countess.

The Count says grimly, "Find that mage that destroyed the catwalk and bring him
to me."

Kor nods.  And slumps to the ground.

Maze says softly, "I'll stay with him."

The Count starts running to the stairs.
---
Blitzkrieg didn't hear the shout or the giving way of the catwalk.  He did
however, hear the sword breaking.  Struggling his best to break free of the
man, he was slowly loosing consciousness.  Bringing up his cyberarm he jams it
into the mans face.  He uses the spare moment to try and crawl away, but it
doesn't work.  The man recovers to quickly and slams down on top of him.
Savagely the man brings down a knife right in the elbow joint of Blitzkrieg's
cyberarm.  Blitzkrieg cries out as feedback consumes his mind.
---
Kor smiles and gets up.  He turns to Maze and says, "My elementals should be
able to bring --"  He smile turns to a frown.  The beautiful Maze watches him
carefully.

Kor curses.  "The fool is attacking my elementals."  Snarling he runs across
the room.
---
The Count appears outside the door, and steps to the side to assess
the situation.

The elf has managed to get Nightmare over the railing as HAMMER climbs over.
Count points his pistol at HAMMER and fires a shot.  HAMMER rolls and stops
with a knee at Nightmare's throat.  With a vicious uppercut he punchs the elf.
HAMMER moves his foot to Nightmare's throat as he stands.

The elf somehow manages to hold on to the rail and slides down a little.  Once
outside HAMMER's reach he hops over the railing.  HAMMER scowls and says, "Come
any closer, and Herr Nightmare dies -- ARRCEHHH!"

HAMMER winces in pain as lightning shoots into his legs.  He stumbles to the
ground.  With a great lung Nightmare places a knife into the center of his
back.  The elf smiles and stomps on the top of HAMMER's head, as the catwalk is
dropped by Doomsday with a horrendous crash.
---
Kor races up the stairs.  He reaches the 3rd level and swears as he sees
Scarface battling two elementals.  Kor shouts, "What the hell are you doing?"
as Scarface knocks one elemental back.

Scarface scowls, "They deserve to die.  Leave me alone Kor."  He turns and runs
off.  The elementals following.  Kor swears and chases after him.
---
Doomsday races down the stairs with Fenris following.  The human realizing that
he is standing in the middle of the damn stairway tries to get out of
Doomsday's way and fails.  He ends up going bouncing down the stairway.
Doomsday somehow avoids falling on him and continues down (almost completely
uncontrolled).  Fenris grimaces in sympathy at the human and continues on.
The human grunts and gets up and stumbles down the stairs.

Doomsday and Fenris come flying in to the room with HAMMER and Nightmare.
Fenris seeing Nightmare curses and and goes over to him. Doomsday looks at
HAMMER and Nightmare and looks really sad.  Slowly he walks out back onto the
stairway.
---
The human struggles into a landing.  He sighs as he sees the man dragging
Blitzkrieg along.  He says, "It's over.  HAMMER isn't leaving alive."

The man looks up and smiles.  "Help me with him.  We can still get out alive."

The human says so softly you almost don't catch it, "You can?"  He stumbles up
to the man and smiles.  So causally he draws his gun that the man doesn't
realize it until it is to late.  "Goodbye."  He fires and the man falls to his
death.

Doomsday hearing the gunshot runs up stairs.  Seeing the human above Blitzkrieg
he roars and draws his gun.  The human drops his gun and raises his hands, but
not registering it in time, Doomsday fires a shot and hits him in the shoulder.
The human falls back and continues to try and raise his hands.  Blitzkrieg
crawls to the man and checks him.  You hear barely, Blitzkrieg say, "You saved
my life?"

The man smiles and leans back, letting his blood trickle down the wall.
Doomsday lowers his head in obvious pain.  He walks back down, without entering
the room so that the Count can see him he says, "Fenris, two people upstairs
need your help."

Fenris sighs, "I've almost stablized Nightmare to the point where he can be
moved."

Count says, "Hot extraction."

*Hangtime*  This out to be fun.  Red Ronin will co-ordinate the vehicles.  They
other team is out and Shadowfox and Nightingale are safe for now.  They need to
be moved . . . but that can wait a little bit.

The Count sighs and says, "That is good.  Where is Kor?"

*Hangtime*  He is chasing -- oh.  He caught our mysterious assaliant.  He is
bringing him back.  You might not want to tell Nightmare this. . . it's
Scarface.

The Count looks at Nightmare and says, "At least Nightmare should live.  I
don't -- Where is Blitzkrieg?"

Doomsday says softly, "Upstairs.  I -- "you can hear the pain in his voice,
"shot da man dat apparently saved his life."

Fenris gets up and puts a hand on Doomsday's shoulder.  He starts to say
something but seeing the pain in Doomsday's eyes decides not to.  He quickly
goes up stairs.  The Count bends down and feels for a pulse on HAMMER.  After a
minute he says, "He's evil is thworted as his body expires.  Thus ends the
career of someone who had the potential to do many good deeds and chose not
to."

Looking at Doomsday and the elf, he says, "Why don't you two go up stairs and
help Fenris?"  As they leave you have one last glimpse as the Count bends down
and gently picks up Nightmare.

+++++ end transmission

Nightmare lives but is still weak.  Shadowfox is still recovering from the
drugs that Nightingale fed him.  Nightingale has gone back to her usual
activities.  Doomsday isn't really talking to anyone.  Fenris won't let him out
of his sight.  Blitzkrieg lives but is as weak as Nightmare is.  And I cannot
speak for the rest of the people that went.  Oh, I do know one thing, before
everyone found out what Scarface did, he managed to pull a disappearing act.

You know, it is kind of strange.  I have lived through an awful lot.  I
remember the rise of HAMMER's career through the BIS.  Early on him and
Nightmare made a very effective team.  Yet they had so many differences.
HAMMER never respected Nightmare, and I think that is what got him in the end.
It is almost though as if an era has come to pass.

The people left Japan, DragonEyes was around.  Now they come back broken and
weary from all that has transpired and there is still no DragonEyes.  It almost
seems like a broken circle.

It seems to me that we might not ever fix that circle either.  Shadowfox looks
like he has lost something more precious than he had ever found.  Doomsday
hasn't smiled since getting back.  Scarface has fled his friends.  And
DragonEyes the person who usually helps everyone out is still missing.

Indeed, I fear the time ahead.  It will not be easy.

Well, I have spent enough time pondering the events that have occurred.  I'll
leave it to others like Scourge to fill in the many gaps.  'til I have more
news to report . . . Ratspeak signing off. ]<<<<<
        -- Ratspeak <15:00:09/5-27-56>