[19:40] -------------- Game Start -------------- [19:40] *** katster is now known as Nicole [19:40] We left off with Fearless and Edward last time, talking to Rath downstairs. [recap snipped] [19:47] * Fearless waits for Cabbage to respond to our comments. [19:47] "You're doubtless here because you're curious about the strange events you've been going through recently. Am I wrong?" [19:48] "That could be one way to put it. Mind if I light up?" [19:48] "Actually, we're from Amway..." [19:48] "Feel free." [19:48] "Avon calling!" [19:48] * Fearless lights up one of his Pall Mall cigarettes. [19:48] "We'd like to talk to you about the Kingdom of Heaven..." [19:49] "Have you heard about the wonders contained in the Book of Mormon?" [19:49] "Your souls are in danger." "Our lives are in danger, ya beatnick!" [19:51] Clue :) [19:51] * Fearless takes a long drag on the cigarette, figures the direct approach is best for now. "So, what is going on?" [19:51] "Your souls are in danger." [19:52] * Fearless cocks an eyebrow. "Does this have anything to do with the jumper I interviewed?" [19:52] "And the dolphins are rampaging through the quicky mart!" [19:53] "Our *lives* are in danger, ya beatnick!" [19:53] %) [19:54] "Len is one of our companions -- out right now on duty with Wesley, but he will be back tonight." [19:54] * Fearless nods. "Go on." [19:55] * Fearless hits *record* on the tape deck in his trench pocket. [19:55] "One thing before I do. Your friend, Burgess. He is not here tonight. When I visited him, I asked him to do a thing. Did he?" [19:56] "He didn't say. And BA had to run home, he had a visitor. From out of town, I would assume." [19:56] I forget. What did No-Yoda ask me to do? :) [19:56] Check up on the background of Xavier. [19:56] Ah [19:57] *heheh* the one who did do all that work is talking to Rath right now. :) [19:57] Well, Fearless already did that for me, so all I need to do is ask about it. If the character thinks to. [19:57] :) [19:57] "Hm. You might be less open to what would have to say then. You see... how can I put this?" [19:58] He begins pacing. [19:58] * Fearless takes another puff [19:59] "I am charged, in a sense, with keeping peace. It would be trivially simple for me to display certain... evidence... that would easily convince you of my verity. But to do so would betray a trust. As a reporter, I am sure you can understand the need to keep sacred a trust." [20:00] * Fearless nods. [20:00] He looks at Edward. "I do not mean to exclude you. I am not familiar with the workigns of computers, but it is my understanding that a systems administrator acts as a sort of warden? A gatekeeper?" [20:01] "Among other things, yes. I'm trusted with various pieces of security information." [20:01] He's really from the Galaxy Police :) [20:01] *hee* [20:02] what was the person who designed those space stations smoking, and why ain't he sharing? :) [20:02] "I asked your friend Burgess to look into the background on this 'Xavier.' I thought that me night find some of the information surprising." [20:04] "Indeed." *another puff* "And how does Javier Montenegro fit in to all this, anyway?" [20:04] "Well, we've done some of that ourselves. Some of it was, I suppose...." [20:06] "It is an identity closely associated to the man you know as Xavier Montblanc. He is a criminal, and the crimes of one may be imputed without hesitation as crimes of the other." [20:06] "It is our belief that Xavier means to do each of you harm -- that he sees in you some potential for a great plan, that he wishes to either twist to his own purposes, or erase." [20:07] . o O (In other words, they're the same guy.) "And what was his crime, other than a simple, allegedly racism-based, assault?" [20:08] Rath pauses. "This should be told to all, rather than two. We should bring your friends downstairs, and Mr. Altmeir as well." [20:08] "I'll go outside, and give him a call." [20:09] "Very well." [20:09] * Fearless heads upstairs and outside, fast-dials BA's number. [20:09] Burgess Altmeir...UL, I hate to ask what you were thinking. ;) [20:10] Nicole: I was looking for a name that hadn't been used yet :) [20:10] *cellphonering* [20:10] "BA? Fearless. Can you talk?" [20:11] Nicole, Ellis, you see Fearless come upstairs, of course. [20:11] * Nicole frowns. "That fast? And where's Ed?" [20:11] "John. We need to talk. May not sound like it, but I am seriously freaked." [20:12] "Well, get over to the stoneworks. The rest of us are here, and I think the puzzle may come together." [20:12] * Ellis trades a glance with Nicole, then heads over to where John's standing. [20:13] * Nicole shakes her head in puzzlement, but stays where she is for the time being. [20:14] Nicole: Zeke looks down at you. "Feeling okay?" [20:14] *in a soft voice* "Listen, BA, this line may be tapped by either side. Can you get here quickly?" [20:15] "I don't know. Too much weird stuff in the last couple weeks." [20:15] "I'll be there in a few. But I'd feel a lot better if we could talk somewhere first." [20:15] "I don't think we have the time, right now." [20:16] "Oh, and don't forget to pack." [20:17] "Sure. Uh... anything I should bring you. Think I still have a couple of your tools from the last time I had to upgrade a older system." [20:18] "Just rumble on down the strip, pal. See you shortly, 'k?" [20:18] "See you then." [20:18] * BA gets his stuff together and motors over [20:18] "What's going on?" [20:19] By "stuff," BA, do you include anything in particular? [20:19] "BA's on his way over." [20:19] * Ellis looks puzzled. [20:20] Nicole: Zeke looks unhappy for a moment. "I could wish that you'd been able to live your life without interference from all this. But I'm also glad to have met you. Life has thrown you an obvious and difficult challenge. You show every sign of bearing up well under the strain." [20:20] "The shit's gonna hit the fan downstairs. Cabbage is down there, and wants to tell us all something. Near as I can tell, as tightlipped as he's being, he's telling the truth. It's what he's *not* said yet that bothers me." [20:20] BA: Okay. [20:20] * Ellis frowns. "Think there's any danger?" [20:21] "Possibly." [20:21] "But I can't tell if its immediate, or long-term." [20:22] * Nicole nods. "Trying anyway. Not perfect with it, and I still miss him." *watches Fearless and Ellis, tries to hide the fact there's a tear or two in her eyes.* [20:22] "But, it has something to do with Xav, the fact that he hasn't aged in thirty years, and was arrested for attempted murder thirty years ago, and got off on a technicality, under a different name." [20:23] * Ellis 's eyes widen a little. [20:23] * Ellis has to fight down the urge to say, "What sorcery is this?!" Goddess, too much Gargoyles fanfic... [20:23] "I didn't want to believe it myself, but the evidence is in the paper's morgue." [20:24] "And the police mug shots." [20:24] *heheh* [20:24] "This... is not good." [20:24] * BA pulls his car into the stoneworks' parking lot, drops Rumblestrip out the door, and moves it around to the back, watching everything from his laptop [20:25] "No. I still haven't decided how Cabbage and his stabber figure into this. We'll be hearing his side of the story soon." [20:25] * Fearless waves BA over. [20:25] * Fearless explains, in the same soft voice, everything he told Ellis about Xav. [20:25] Fearless: I'm not in the same area as you yet [20:25] * Nicole idly sings a lyric that appears in her head. o/~ where do I fit in this puzzle, what good are these gifts o/~ [20:26] I'd sing the song lyrics in my head, but while White Rabbit is appropriate to the situation, it's not exactly IC. ;) [20:26] *snrk* [20:27] Which song? I recall my a cappella group talking about singing White Rabbit. [20:27] Jefferson Airplane. [20:27] What Nicole Said. [20:27] I can't remember the lyrics offhand, so I'm gonna have to turn you over to Ellis for those. ;) [20:28] o/~ And the white knight is talking backwards / And the red queen's off with her head / Remember what the doormouse said! / Feed your head! Feed your head! o/~ [20:28] * BA gets a heads-up on the situation through Rumblestrip, then parks the RC car where it won't be noticed/run over/kicked/etc, and walks over to Fearless [20:28] Mmmm, Plastic Fantastic Lover's up next. :9 [20:28] *heh* too appropo. [20:29] * Fearless explains, in the same soft voice, everything he told Ellis about Xav. [20:29] "You packing, by the way?" [20:29] "Freedom's vigil." [20:29] "Good. Now, before we go downstairs, what's your news?" [20:31] "Xav paid me a visit about an hour ago. He... whatever you've read in the comics... let's just say Jericho lives." [20:31] * Ellis blinks a couple times [20:31] "*ow*." [20:31] "I spent my teen years in a monastery. Mind telling me what this is about?" [20:31] ohyeah, that's right... forgot to mention that Joseph Wilson/Jericho also died in '91. [20:32] Nicole: Zeke leans over to you. "The *city* Jericho?" [20:33] *to Ellis* "I'll explain later. My brain's still trying to catch up with what happened."' [20:33] "From what I hear, it's going to have a little more catching up to do." [20:34] "Well, I'll have to show you my collection from that era." [20:34] "I'll explain all that later." [20:34] o/~ and the walls came a'tumblin' down! o/~ [20:34] "Thank you. I think." [20:35] * Fearless puts his hand in the trenchcoat, fingers both the tape deck, and the pistol. [20:35] * Nicole looks back up at Zeke. "I don't know. Doesn't seem the sort of allusion BA would use." *grin* o/~ and the walls came a'tumblin' down! o/~ [20:35] "We had to learn that song in guitar class when I was a kid." *grins again* [20:36] "Well, shall we head in to see what Cabbage has to say?" [20:36] Zeke stands back up. "So they did. I'd claim shoddy workmanship, except even the thickest stone walls fall before the Allmighty..." and in a much softer voice, adds, "a lesson in humility being frequently among the hardest to learn..." [20:37] Bah! It was the first real use of vibrational warfare. %) [20:37] there's a reason troops and marching bands don't march in step when crossing bridges. [20:38] Arriving on foot at this point is a black man, who does a doubletake at all of you. He looks over at Zeke, who waves him in to the shop. "If you'll excuse me, Nicole..." [20:38] "No problem. Should catch up with Ellis and them." [20:38] * Fearless waves Nicole over to the group. [20:39] Zeke and the new guy walk together into the cutting floor, talking softly. [20:39] * Nicole rolls over, happily singing o/~ you can talk about your men of Gideon, you can talk about your king of Saul, but there's none like good ol' Joshua, at the battle of Jericho! o/~ [20:40] "I think this is a bit more sinister than the destruction of the world's oldest city, Nicole." [20:41] Actually, it's ALL ABOUT YOU PERSONALLY! ;^) [20:41] "Perhaps. Or perhaps not." [20:42] "The 'Jericho' BA refered to was a character in fiction who could physically possess people through simple eye contact." [20:42] "He's talking about Xav." [20:42] "... Ah. My." [20:43] "Interesting." [20:43] "Yes. And our 'friend' Cabbage downstairs has more revelations for us. He wanted all of us here." Meanwhile, downstairs(played individually later)... Edward: "Xavier asked me to cover for him while he made his escape. When your friend confronted me about that in english, I answered in japanese. He then mumbled something and then said I should be able to understand him now. What did he mean by that?" GM: OOC-- are you asking this question in English? :^) Edward(OOC): Yes. Edward(OOC): (If you'll remember, Xav told us just before I asked him that that he'd give us the straight story -- and then he lied outright in his answer. So if Rath answers truthfully, I'd be inclined to trust him...) Rath: "That you could understand English -- as, obviously, you can. We're admittedly difficult to dissimilate towards, and don't appreciate attempts at it." Rath: "Let me ask you, though -- why did you cover for a complete stranger? Might he not have been a criminal, we law enforcement?" Edward: "Because I felt like doing a good deed for the day? *shrug* We'd just been talking, I didn't have any reason to mistrust him at the time, so I decided to take him at his word." Rath: "Hmm... a noble enough reason. I... no, that's beside the point. It was your choice, and I bear you no hard feelings for it. He was being overly suspicious anyway." * Edward achieves with a blank stare what people less versed in sysadmin-level sarcasm would require a snide comment along the lines of "I hope that satisfies your requirements for the Good If Naive Samaritan Test like it did for Ellis and Nicole, hint hint" * Edward shrugs. "that's pretty much in the past anyway." * Rath achieves with a small smile what people less versed in ineffable-sageness would require "And if it does, most people would feel better abou themself for passing anyway, so why worry?" GM (OOC): ;^) * Rath, at Edward's next comment, grows more serious and says, "This is untrue. It is the present, and I think the very near future, with which I am concerned. For all of you." ...and now, back to our conjoined story... [20:44] Edward, at this point, comes up to join you, while the new guy goes below and Zeke waits some distance off, leaning against a block of stone sporting the rough outline of an outsize bust. [20:44] * Fearless explains 'stuff' to Ed quickly. [20:45] "Opinions on who is the real deal, and who's lying to us?" [20:45] * Nicole nods. "So, should we see what he wants? And what's going on? Anybody been cursed as of late?" [20:46] "At this point, I'm just waiting for some flying dude in spandex and a cape to show up." [20:47] * Ellis is studying his feet, looks up. "I suppose we should hear their side of the story. This whole thing worries me." [20:47] * Fearless lights up yet another cigarette from the pack. [20:47] "Zeke seems to be a nice guy." [20:47] * Fearless inhales half of it in one drag. [20:48] * Fearless lets it out of his nose slowly... [20:48] *softly to Fearless* "You *will* want to see the security footage of Xav's visit." [20:48] "Yes, I will." [20:48] *musingly* "Possession... tongues. I don't know, but *something* weird is going on." [20:48] "I think we all will." [20:48] Edward(NPC'ed) looks up. "So much for stating the obvious... sorry." [20:49] "Its okay, Ed..." [20:49] "That's the kind of thing you have to do when you're an NPC." ;^) [20:49] "We ready?" [20:50] "Yeah, you're gonna have to ask Zeke where the service elevator is." [20:50] "Unless you want me to take the stairs." [20:50] "Certainly." [20:50] Zeke hears this and comes over. "Back this way. Mind the greasy spots." [20:50] "Elevator's fine with me." [20:51] "Forget that. Elevators are too trappable. I'll take the stairs." [20:51] * Fearless leans back with BA as they walk over to the building. "Remind you of that time the Jersey Mafia visited?" [20:51] * Ellis goes with Nicole and Fearless [20:52] Zeke eyes BA. "Suspicious one, aren't you? Well, I suppose you have a right these days." He points out the stairs with a wave of his hand. Down that way. Follow the light." [20:52] * Nicole grins, and follows Zeke. o/~ The Lord done told ol' Joshua, you must do just what I say... o/~ [20:52] "Yeah. But that time we didn't have to worry about people being bullet-proof." [20:52] * BA heads for the stairs [20:52] "With what Jerseyites drink, you think they ain't by now?" *grin* [20:53] yes, I just slammed Jersey water. [20:54] Zeke leads Nicole and Co. to a standard service elevator, a simple iron platform in back of the shop, and presses for down. You are slowly lowered to the floor below, where you see an open space containing foundation for some of the heavier equipment, hydraulics for some of the lifters, and a doorway on the right with a light inside. [20:54] * Nicole points to the doorway. "There?" [20:55] * Ellis follows Zeke over to the light, assuming that's where we're going [20:55] Fearless, BA, the place where Ed and Fearless talked to Rath is empty now, but a door leads to an open area in the direction of where you saw the service elevator go down. Both groups meet up in a middle area, a foyer for a larger room capable of holding the whole crowd. [20:55] "Looks it." [20:55] Zeke does indeed lead Nicole and Ellis in that direction. [20:55] * Fearless puts a hand in his trench's pocket. [20:55] * Nicole follows. [20:55] . o O (Trap. Trap. Trap. Trap. Jedi mind tricks. We're screwed.) [20:56] * Fearless looks around, taking in *everything*. [20:56] * Ellis is, idly, occasionally pinching the bridge of his nose and muttering "It had to happen again" in Italian. [20:56] * Fearless keeps his ears open as well. [20:56] * BA tries to not look freaked and takes a good look around the place [20:57] Fearless: There's a lot to take in. The new room is much larger than the offices. It has two distinguishing features -- one is a Japanese-style table, a block of smooth slate supported by squat cylinders of limestone capable of seating a dozen people around its sides. The other... [20:59] . o O (Both are claiming to be the truth, yet neither has really been fully open with us. I doubt this is a good vs evil type deal. Chaos vs Order, maybe? Nah, that's getting too Hawk and Dove. Why'd I think of them now, been over five years since I read those...) [20:59] The other is a relief in some light stone, filling the back wall of the room. It is a good ten feet high and fifty feet long. Its base molding is in the shape of dark caverns filled with stalactites and stalagmites. Just above this are depictions of men working in mines, collecting everything from coal to diamonds. Above this, people on the surface quarry stone and plough fields. Above this in the back are mountains, tall and sharp, forming the horizon of the whole scene. [21:00] . o O (One thing's for certain, the only paper that will buy this story is the Weekly World News.) [21:00] * Ellis raises an eyebrow at the piece. "Nice work." [21:00] . o O (Assuming that I live to write it.) "Yes, very nice." [21:00] "Whoa." [21:02] "Nice mural." [21:02] Zeke looks over at Nicole. "Our table is authentically Japanese, but unfortunately situated for someone in your straits. May I assist you to take up a position?" [21:03] *softly to BA* "Well?" [21:04] "Hmm? Well what?" [21:04] * Nicole nods. "Yeah. Once I'm down, I can get around okay, but some help down would be nice." [21:04] "Chances?" [21:05] Zeke helps Nicole to take a sitting position near the head of the table, then seats himself beside her. [21:05] "I'll give you 10 to 1 odds on Winchester's Round." [21:05] * Nicole thanks Zeke once she's down. [21:06] "Always the better horse to bet on." [21:07] Rath comes in with the black man, Rath taking the seat at the head of the table and the black man beside him. "Good evening, Mr. Altmeir. Good to have you wi... here." [21:07] * Fearless nods. "Not bad odds at all. But, Live Wire will end up being a close second, in this case, I think." [21:10] "Yeah, hi. What's this all about?" [21:12] "Right now, you. I was wondering if you had done that which I asked you when last we met." [21:13] "You mean the background on Xav? Well, sort of. Fearless did some checking of his own, so I guess he'd be the one to ask." [21:14] * BA gives Fearless a "Sorry." look [21:14] * Fearless nods an "its okay" nod [21:14] "Yes. We've spoken about that." [21:15] "Tell me..." and here he addresses all of you... "what do *you* think is going on?" [21:15] * Nicole blinks a few times. [21:16] "What I think is that some people need a straightjacket and case of JD. Otherwise, there's some very heavy kaka about to hit the fan." [21:16] * Fearless keeps silent until the others have spoken. [21:17] "Weird stuff is going on, and it has something to do with Xav." [21:17] * Ellis looks up from studying the tabletop, looks over him for a couple seconds, and says, "I think you're all angels." [21:17] * Fearless cocks an eyebrow. . o O (Interesting.) [21:18] Wesley startles, Rath gets exceedingly imperturbable, and Zeke scratches his chin. [21:18] "And what led you to this... remarkable conclusion?" [21:18] * Ellis raises an eyebrow. "The fact that you're not calling me out indicates either I'm right or something else just as bizzare is happening." [21:19] * Nicole looks at Ellis strangely. [21:19] "I didn't say you were wrong -- although you must admit that if I cared to take advantage of you, it would be an easy illusion to manipulate. I am truly, *strongly* interested in why you think so, though." [21:19] Because we saw an EVA not to far back. That battle it had with Angel 10 was nasty. [21:19] "A number of things. First there was the healing... and the strength of whoever stabbed you. I've moved Nicole's wheelchair, and it's not easy." [21:19] He nods. "Continue." [21:20] "And it's never ever gone over when somebody's crashed into me like that. Never." [21:20] * Fearless takes all this in. [21:20] "Then there was speaking in tongues around Edward... the 'cabbage'-Cherubim connection... and last but not least, our mutual friend Xavier not only not aging in 30 years, but being able to possess people." [21:20] "Possession is not an ability commonly ascribed... to *angels*." [21:21] * BA can think of several other reasons for Xav's not aging. [21:21] "The stonework and the knowledge of society could just be flukes, but... let's just say this is the sort of thing that *happens* to me, and leave it at that." [21:21] * Ellis smiles. "Besides. I wanted to see what you'd say." [21:22] "But, he has stated that you are opposing his efforts, and plans... He is obviously not on your 'side', whatever side that is." [21:23] "And, what force is allegedly out there that a) can possess people, and b) are opposed by angels?" [21:23] "Demons." [21:23] * Ellis sighs. "I'm scared that I'm right, scared that I'm wrong..." [21:24] "Exactly. Now, are we dealing with a Heaven vs. Hell deal here, or is Ellis here way off his rocker? No offence, Ellis." [21:24] "None taken. I've often wondered that myself." [21:24] Rath nods. "In a sense, I am relieved, but only in that my options are opened. Far better for humanity that it can live its life and exercise its free will without interference from our kind. Still, we must now do what we can to right this wrong." [21:24] * Nicole mutters. "Oh man, the weird just keeps multiplying." [21:24] He turns to Zeke. "Ezekiel," he says, putting a formal inflection on it, "show them." [21:25] Ezekiel gives a wide grin and stands up. "You know," he addresses all of you, "we don't usually get to show up in uniform. So I don't get to do this much. But I love doing it." [21:25] *muttered* "Why do I feel like I'm at a cult meeting?" [21:25] * Nicole watches Zeke carefully, knowing full well that I'm trapped here. [21:26] * Ellis takes slow, deep, breaths, and clenches his hand around the crucifix in his pocket. [21:26] Zeke closes his eyes and concentrates for a moment, folding his hands as if in prayer. [21:26] A moment later, he disappears. [21:26] * Fearless puts his hand in the trench's pocket, fingering the gun. [21:26] "Whoa....trippy." [21:26] * BA keeps his hand away from his gun [21:26] *Vulcan-esqueeyebrowraise* [21:27] Another, longer moment later, he reappears over the table -- but not quite as he was. Instead, a translucent, genderless figure -- nevertheless with Zeke's face -- smiles at you from in front of a pair of broad, glowing, white-feathered wings. [21:27] * Fearless glances at Ellis. [21:27] "*nnnnnn...*" *blink* *swallow* "Sorry." [21:27] * Nicole blinks a few more times. "Oh...oh..." [21:28] * Ellis closes his eyes, composes a swift, silent prayer, and opens them again [21:28] Is it *bad* that the radio's playing "Caught Up in the Rapture of You"? [21:28] "Fear not! For we are indeed the angeloi, and we are here not to harm or to rule, but to serve. You are our charges and our loves, and we are here to protect you." [21:29] * Ellis takes a couple more deep breaths. "That is... indeed... reassuring..." [21:29] He says this in a language none of you have ever heard, but all understand intimately. Those of you familiar with the concept of "universal-language glossolalia" will recognize the concept. [21:29] "Ah... yeah. Question. If you 'angels' are supposed to work behind the scenes, God given authority and all that stuff, just why do you need us 'mortals' to work out this business?" [21:30] * Ellis turns and [glares] at BA. This is an Angelic Moment, here! I want to enjoy it! [21:30] "So the 'man' that 'Javier Montenegro', aka Xavier Montblanc, attempted to kill those thirty years ago was another like you?" [21:30] ;) [21:30] "And, shouldn't that be 'eldil' or 'oyarsa'?" [21:30] "This is..." *puts her head in her hands because she can't work out what she wants to say* [21:31] "Unexpected, Nicole?" [21:31] * Nicole , still at a loss for words, looks up and nods. [21:31] Zeke takes a moment to step down off the table and reassume human form. Rath answers BA's question. "Because God created humanity to exercise its free will. The reason I was so circumspect earlier was because we are not supposed to reveal our existence. The acts of the demon we call Exavenos forced our hand." [21:32] "Can you, now, say that the options you have before you are as clear or as numerous as they were before we made these things clear?" [21:32] "Our very existence impinges upon your free will." [21:32] *to Fearless* "I trust my reference to Exavenos answered your own question?" [21:33] * Ellis takes another breath and finally finds some words. "Forgive me... even the Vatican isn't clear on what to do when an angel manifests in front of you. So it will be a few moments before I can answer any questions." [21:33] "Riiiiight. So, you 'angels' are an imposition, despite your alleged 'mission' to hold us as 'charges'?" [21:33] "Yes. When I came in here just now, I expected one of two scenarios; neither are printable in the public newspapers, except for the tabloids. One was good vs evil, the other was chaos vs order. The two are not mutually exclusive, but not mutually inclusive, either." [21:33] * Nicole looks at Zeke s'more in a mix of awe and fear, still unable to find words. [21:34] "Chaos and order can work together. Good and Evil, never." [21:34] *to BA* "Had there been no demonic interference, we would have done our utmost to keep all of this secret, so that you could live your lives as you chose, and be judged for it when you ended your days in peace. We would, hopefully, have removed Exavenos from his attempt to interfere with your lives without you ever knowing we were here." [21:35] "... what exactly has... Exavenos done?" [21:35] "But, by definition of your mission, aren't there ALWAYS demonic influences?" [21:36] "BA, I am perfectly willing to give you a lesson on theology later in the day." [21:36] "Theology my ass. This whole situation just plain makes no sense." [21:37] Rath leans back from all the questions. "This, you see, is why we prefer secrecy." He sighs. "Mr. Ellis, Exavenos had gathered you all together, and he is not the kind to do so for the purpose of friendship and laughter. He is a demon with the particular ability to sense potential for great good or great evil, and tries to advance the latter." [21:38] "Remember the Jersey Mafia deal, BA? That made no sense at first, either. Yet, it did in the end." [21:38] "Uh.. another question. Why the farking snad would a demon need to take a direct hand in something when these suckers are perfectly capable of manipulating pawns?" [21:39] *to Fearless* "That was your run of the mill convoluted gang war crap." [21:39] "Not from what I saw, and *didn't* print." [21:39] *to BA* "An excellent question. Of course, it is our own firm belief that, without demonic interference at *some* level, humanity would strive to fulfill its better potential, thus defeating Hell's efforts without our help. So they must take a hand at some point." [21:40] "Then again... this doesn't sound too different." [21:40] "Well, that is one way to look at it." [21:40] "Tell *me* something. Xavier demonstrated his abilities in front of you. He must have wanted something out of it. What?" [21:40] "He did?" [21:41] * Nicole still remains silent, processing. [21:41] "Demonic posession certainly sounds like demonstration of abilities." [21:41] "According to what you told your friends, and then they to us." [21:42] *to Fearless* "Remind me to stop talking about stuff in front of people I don't necessarily trust." [21:42] "So noted." [21:42] He smiles. "We were some ways off, but we have sharp ears. No reason for less when we must wear flesh." [21:43] *to Zeke* "And just what makes you so certain it was demonic possession? And for that matter, how do we really know you're what you say you are?" [21:44] Zeke opens and closes his mouth a few times. He finally manages to get out, "Well... most people... when they see... you know, with the wings and the Angelic tongue, and the translucence and all..." [21:45] Rath leans over and whispers something to the black guy. [21:45] "Uh, huh. I've read the Bible a few times, and what I've seen there kinda tells me that a demon or angel can appear pretty much what they want people to see them as. What are your credentials?" [21:46] *quietly* "No demon can speak in the Heavenly tongue, whatever form they wear." [21:46] *quietly* "What would you require?" [21:46] *to Ellis* "Bullshit." [21:46] * Ellis raises an eyebrow at BA [21:47] "If they can look like the real deal, don't try to tell me they can't talk it, either." [21:48] * Nicole still stays silent. [21:48] Rath shrugs his shoulders. "Perhaps we can take a more practical tack. Mr. Altmeir, what would it take to convince you that we are a group desiring your safety and the ability to live your life in peace, while Xavier Montblanc desires... your subversion to a less-than-noble cause?" [21:48] "You have read the Bible. I went through six years of seminary and three at the Vatican looking through texts." [21:49] "Well, for one thing, it'd be a lot less mind blowing if you knock off the freaky Vorlon act." [21:50] "We were circumspect because we felt it was our duty to be. We can now be as open as you could desire. What do you wish to know?" [21:50] *to Ellis* "And most of you advanced degree theologians are still unable to agree on anything. So what?" [21:51] * Ellis sighs. "Fine. Believe what you wish. I won't impede you." [21:51] "First off, you can explain why a demon would need a case of custom made assassin rounds and a gun." [21:51] "What type rounds?" [21:51] *to Fearless* "Mercury filled hollow tips. What gets hit, stays hit." [21:52] "Neither an angel nor a demon can kill somebody just by wishing them dead. A gun or a sword has just as much utility to us as to any soldier. Wesley --" he nods to the black guy. [21:52] "And the mercury slowly poisons the body." [21:52] "Almost as effective as a glaser round." [21:53] The guy holds out his hands, and pulls -- seemingly from nowhere -- a finely crafted shortsword. He runs his hand along the blade, which lights up with a thin white flame. [21:53] "Yeah. But mercury's nastier." [21:53] "But perhaps you think this is sleight of hand and trickery." [21:53] "The jury's out on that one, BA." [21:53] "Or you managed to trick out gas vents and an igniter along the blade." [21:54] Wesley extinguishes the flame and passes the sword to you. [21:54] * BA takes the sword, gives it a good looking over. [21:54] "Well, answer us this, please. What are Xavier's plans for us?" [21:55] * Nicole nods in agreement with Johnny. [21:56] It's elaborately engraved along the blade with scenes of wings and flames. The hilt and grip are both solid pieces of some stone, graven to produce a gripping surface. [21:57] * BA looks for vents, white phosphorus residue, or any other identifiers that would show up if the flame were artificial. (Although there are ways to accomplish the same effect that wouldn't leave visible traces) [21:57] *to Fearless* "As I said, Exavenos is a demon with the particular ability to sense potential for great good or great evil. He seeks to advance the latter -- failing this, to prevent the former. We believe that he found this potential in each of you, and was attempting to ply his trade." [21:58] BA: You find none of the identifiers you just listed. [21:59] "By 'prevent,' I refer to one of two courses. One, to make it impossible for you to fulfill this destiny during your life; or two, if necessary, to kill you." [21:59] "To gather us together, scope us out, approach BA to show off the 'demonic' abilities, and ask for a gun with assassin bullets... there has to be some bigger picture." [22:00] BA [22:00] "This is entirely possible. I wish Mr. Altmeir would tell us what passed between them, if as I suspect he has met recently with Exavenos. Did he make any other requests of you? Or, for that matter, promises?" [22:00] "OK, I'll buy that your friend here's a good showman. Maybe I'm just too educated and skeptical to accept you as super natural critters. All that spiritist, good vs evil crap aside, what's going on here?" [22:00] "BA, did he say who the intended target, or *targets* of the ammo were?" [22:01] "Well, Xav did seem pretty fidgety about Cabbage and Rath." [22:01] Cabbage *is* Rath. :^) [22:02] * Nicole puts her head back into her hands. *mutters* "Not again." [22:02] "Nicole?" [22:02] Rath winces. "If you don't mind. 'Cabbage' is a bad Hebrew pun they enjoy annoying us with...." [22:02] * Ellis swivels and looks at Nicole, worried. "Are you..." [22:04] "Heh. So much for Milton's Devil as a gentleman. Sounds more like the devil's a spoiled brat." [22:04] Rath gazes sadly at Nicole. "It is a great deal to handle. Too much, perhaps, for many. We believe there is divine Wisdom in our injunction to remain as hidden as possible. My humblest apologies, Nicole, for the intrusion on your life that is going on now." [22:04] * Nicole looks up, nearly in tears. "Again. It took me forever to get over one crisis of faith, to understand how a benevolent loving god could let this happen, and when I finally get it together, things fall apart AGAIN." [22:05] *to BA* "Good vs. evil cannot be set aside here, in my opinion. However, to make it as 'physical' as possible, it is this: you -- all of you here tonight -- will be forced to make difficult choices, I think very shortly. Not many people have the opportunity to know beforehand which of the many choices they will make in their life will be the determining factors. Take advantage of your situation." [22:05] "It's called life, kid. Stuff happens, then you die." [22:06] Zeke puts a hand on Nicole's shoulder. "You aren't falling apart. Your friends can help, we can help. You held together once before. You can do it again." [22:06] *to Zeke* "Let's just say I prefer real names to things rather than nebulous concepts." [22:06] Rath frowns at BA. "I grow more interested in what Xavier said to you during your meeting." [22:06] * Nicole looks at BA angrily, and just slumps back in head in hands. *mumbles* "...too much" [22:07] * Fearless stands up, heads over to Nicole, and sets a hand on her shoulder, trying to comfort her as best as possible. [22:08] Rath stands up. "Come, men. Let us leave them to deal with this event in private for a while." [22:08] Rath and his group leave. Zeke turns around and says, "We'll be outside if you need anything." [22:08] They go. [22:08] * Nicole keeps her head in her hands, but cries. [22:09] *to Zeke* "So far, I have Xav asking me to make some patently illegal stuff for a murder. Then I have you spouting quasi-religious gobbledy-gook that in some way implicated Xav. Now just what am I supposed to think?" [22:09] * Ellis puts a hand on Nicole's shoulder. [22:09] "The way I see things, Xavier and these people are of opposing views. What these views are, I don't rightly know yet. But... here are the facts as I see them..." [22:09] "One, Xavier *has* lived for over thirty years without aging." [22:10] *to Fearless* "Graceful aging? The right medications? Lots of make-up?" [22:10] "Two, he did ask for assassination-grade bullets on a rather nasty caliber, and a gun to go with them." [22:11] * Nicole mumbles, through her hands, "n'th walls came tummin down" [22:11] "Three, Xavier was arrested thirty years ago for an attempted murder, and got off on a technicality." [22:11] * Nicole looks up from her hands, tear stained. "I hate judicial technicalities." [22:11] "Four, we have these MiBs here, who claim to be angels. Whether they are or not, I don't know. Whether Xavier is a demon or not, I don't know." [22:12] "But I do know this. Facts alone are not going to get us through this." [22:12] "Well, Xav asked me to have those bullets ready in two days." [22:13] "I have the whole thing on my home security recordings." [22:13] "I say we take a look at those records before making any decisions." [22:14] "Yeah. You'll love the part where Xav pulls his vanishing act." [22:15] "Fact five... how many people do you know that could pull that off? This ain't the comics, BA, Joseph Wilson didn't really exist. Nor should anyone else with a similar ability." [22:16] "It's a strange world, Johny. What shouldn't happen also includes alien abduction, speaking and tongues, and Frick and Frack in the back room, there." [22:17] "This would make a great X Files episode." [22:17] * Fearless smiles. "Yeah." [22:17] *twitch* DON'T SAY THAT [22:17] You flatter me. :^) [22:17] :) [22:17] "What do you think, Ellis?" [22:18] "I don't watch X... sorry?" [22:18] "About the whole situation. What's your opinion?" [22:19] * Ellis sighs. "I'd like to say that I'd *know* if they were demons, or anything but what they appear... but the truth is, I wouldn't. But I am deeply disturbed about the evidence you've come up with against Xavier." [22:19] * Nicole tries to pull herself together. [22:20] "So am I, to be honest. We have evidence against Xavier, what we don't have is evidence for him, or against them." [22:20] "And if I had to pick a candidate for the demons in this situation... I'm afraid I'd have to vote for our friend." [22:20] "Well, seems pretty clear cut to me. He wants to kack somebody and wants me to make the deadlies." [22:20] "But... the questions are why, and who are the targets?" [22:21] "I'd still like to know why he'd need a weapon. If he's actually a demon that is. Can he just do some funky spirit thing and give his target a heart attack?" [22:22] "All things are bound by laws. Even angels, it seems. I don't think that Xavier would be so different." [22:22] "And, he may not be a demon, nor they the angels they claim to be." [22:23] "OK For now then, it's Xav vs the Jerky Boys. Sounds good enough for me." [22:23] "So, we know who the targets are. The 'angels', and/or... us." [22:24] * Ellis jerks his head around at Fearless' last statement... then nods. [22:24] "We also have *their* version of why. Can anyone give me another reason why?" [22:24] "Hey Johny. We need to talk. Privately." [22:24] *to the others* "Excuse us." [22:25] *softly* "Yeah, what's up?" [22:25] * BA heads out to his car and recalls Rumblestrip [22:25] * Fearless heads out with him. [22:25] You pass by the stoneworkers on your way out, but they just look up and watch you pass. [22:25] "Greg, could you bring my chair here and set the brakes?" [22:25] * Ellis sits down next to Nicole again. "Think you're going to be all right?" [22:25] "Sure." [22:25] * Ellis does that. [22:25] "Yeah. Just a lot to process." [22:26] "If it helps, I think I know what you're going through." [22:26] "I was... thrown out of the priesthood. On my ear. Day before my initiation, no less." [22:26] * Nicole does a nifty hop up into the chair. "Why?" [22:27] "Right. Here's the deal. I want you around when Xav comes for his bullets. I'll have the cameras rolling, but I want you to make sure you're in a position to unload a few rounds in case he tries anything funny. Now, obviously, there's no way I'm going to be an accessory to murder. But I want you there in case things get ugly." [22:27] "I'd been raised to believe that the Pope is the spiritual descendent of St. Peter, that the Church knows what is best for our souls... being summarily dismissed because of an... incident was a little bit of a shock." [22:28] "You have a DVD copy of the incident on your laptop?" [22:28] "Of course." *cues and plays it* [22:29] * Nicole nods. [22:29] * Fearless watches it, watching and listening to everything. [22:29] "It led me to a lot of soul searching about the Church, about God... how could His servants allow me, a *very* pious follower, to be discarded and flown back to the US, coach?" [22:29] * Nicole nods again. [22:30] * Fearless rewinds it to where Xav does the vanishing act. [22:30] * Fearless plays it in slo-mo. [22:30] !roll 3d6 [22:30] Rolls for 3 dice at 6 sides per die: 5 4 1 [22:30] Ellis: Because they couldn't very well have you fly first class on the same flight while they were transporting Sasquatch back to Warehouse 23 after his Bahama vacation :) [22:30] Johnny: one frame there, next frame gone... [22:31] "Damn. Not even a trace." [22:31] "Nope. Freaked me out, I can tell ya." [22:31] "... I can joke about it, but it hurt. And I finally came to some conclusions." *deep breath* "God has not deserted us. But neither does He or His servants bind us or steer us to our favorite path." [22:32] * Fearless scrolls back to a spot, and plays one line. "This is odd." [22:32] Hmm? [22:32] Xavier looks at this. "You really are my type of human. You're going to Hell for making this, you know. Can you make me one?" He grins. [22:33] "Play that part again." [22:33] * Fearless rewinds it, and plays it back. [22:33] Heh, keen. Actual use of game logs! [22:33] "Yeah." *looks at hands* "See, I'd come to the conclusion that God didn't care, that he was so busy working on another project that he couldn't find the time to care for us." [22:33] "Why do I feel like someone just walked on my grave?" [22:33] "Because we are given free will, we make mistakes. Other people make mistakes. We do good things for bad reasons, and bad things for good reasons. I still believe in everything I've been taught. I just don't think that they made the right decisions... even if they made them for the right reasons." [22:34] * Nicole nods. "I know. Was just kind of a shock to see what I saw today, and this after believing I had been forsaken, left for broken..." [22:34] "Think we should show the others this, or keep it here?" [22:35] "Keep it here until we know more." [22:35] "Yeah..." [22:35] "We are never forsaken. Nor forgotten. Merely given our own choices, for better or worse." [22:35] "But yeah, you've backed me up more times than I can lose track of. I owe you at least one good backup of your own." [22:36] "But... my peashooter may not be much good against him, if it comes to that." [22:36] * Ellis looks away. "That... that is one reason why I want to trust these men as angels... what they say makes sense. It feels like what I believe." [22:36] "Thanks. I'll need you at my place two days from now. Best make it early AM." [22:36] "No problem." [22:36] * Nicole nods again, letting a few tears spill. "But inches either way...inches this way, and I'd be dead, not caring. Inches that way and I'm not broken and John survives. Inches I had no control over." [22:37] "And yeah, I want to believe them, if just for the spot of hope it brings back." [22:37] "Let's get back to the others, before they get too suspicious. [22:37] "At this point, I'll probly be up all night cooking up a garage-special laser. Think a couple car batteries, some PCV piping, and few light enhancing chemical chambers should do the trick." [22:38] "Inches? I would have given my rosary beads for seconds. I had no idea the Cardinal was going to be checking *my* door." [22:38] ... [22:38] "Let's hope it works. But I'd prefer something with a little more... kick, if you take my meaning." [22:38] "... and no, that is not what it sounds like." [22:38] *hee* [22:38] "In case you are wondering." [22:39] Yes, Will. That's the low-tech version of a laser. And it DOES work :) [22:39] "Dear Mr. Altmeir: Garage laser, my ass. Love, the GM." [22:39] "What exactly were you up to?" [22:40] * BA lets Fearless get back to the others and drives home [22:40] Will: at least let him make the rolls to see if it works. Every team needs a MacGuyver. %) [22:40] * Ellis grimaces. "Do you know anything about quantum theory, pan-dimensional physics, iridium-xenon glass and H.P. Lovecraft?" [22:40] * Fearless returns to the others. [22:40] "Ummm...not really. Trying to summon Cthulu or something?" [22:40] !roll 1d100 [22:40] Rolls for 1 dice at 100 sides per die: 26 [22:40] "I don't know, either. And I'm keeping it that way." [22:41] I know the Banish Cthulhu spell :) [22:41] * Nicole grins. [22:41] no, that's the spell that cooks calamari without staining the porcellain. %) [22:41] Of course, it only works if Cthulhu's emerging into our dimension through the toilet... [22:41] "But then again, to go back to my childhood faith, where I honestly believed that no sparrow fell without God knowing..." [22:42] and yes, the toilet was still intact at the end of that spell! %) [22:42] (the rest of the building wasn't, however) [22:42] "Knowing? He is the Infinite. But knowing about something does not mean that you can change it." [22:43] * Fearless walks in on the others at this point. "BA had to leave." [22:43] * BA spends the rest of the day fine tuning his cameras and recorders, then sets up additional sound equipment. [22:44] * Nicole nods..."I'm sorry, I'm still a lot bitter. Hey, Johnny." [22:44] * Ellis nods. "Can you tell us what he's decided to do about Xavier? And the gun?" [22:44] !roll 3d6 [22:44] Rolls for 3 dice at 6 sides per die: 2 1 6 [22:44] "Well, he's asked me to be there when Xavier shows to pick up the package." [22:44] "Ah. Good luck." [22:44] "He'll need some backup, if he's doing what I think he's doing." [22:45] * Will_GM idly reminds BA that Xavier wasn't *coming* for the bullets... he gave you an address and asked you to bring it there. You may remember this before you leave, if you wish... [22:45] * BA gives Fearless a yell on the cellphone [22:46] * Fearless picks up. "Utten nutten." [22:47] "That's my line. I forgot. I'm heading out to Xav's out of town residence to drop the stuff off. You up for some spy games?" [22:47] "Got the address?" [22:47] * Fearless pulls out the notepad and pen, to write this down. [22:47] (note: I'll prolly misspell the street on the paper.) [22:48] " Yeah." *gives Fearless the address* "And stop by my place before we go. You'll probably want to bet on my horse. It has more kick." [22:48] "Right." [22:48] * Fearless hangs up. [22:48] And I am going to scram for the night. Later folx [22:49] Feels like a stopping point to me. Everyone's facing some decisions. [22:49] "Well, we're in for a little treat. BA needs backup, and I don't think I'll be enough. Will you help me out in keeping BA's back covered?" [22:50] "I think I need to think on that one." [22:50] * Ellis raises an eyebrow. "I don't know if I'm up to dealing with a demon... I don't even know how to hold a gun. [22:50] "But, you are a good swordsman, are you not?" [22:51] "Yesssssss..." [22:51] "That may be an edge. Xavier's shown a preference for guns, both now and when he was arrested." [22:51] * Ellis nods. "Of course, a gun has a slightly longer reach." [22:52] "He may not be prepared for a close-in attack. Especially if we can keep him from touching the gun." [22:52] "Heh, I'll prolly be more of a liability than an asset." [22:52] "I understand, Nicole. I don't ask this lightly, but BA's saved my bacon more times than I can count. I owe him at least one good one." [22:52] * Ellis narrows his eyes. "I'd want a bulletproof vest. In case he has a gun already. And I'd need a real sword." [22:53] * Fearless 's eyes fall on the sword on the table. [22:53] "Will they let us borrow that?" [22:53] *eyebrowraise* [22:53] * Ellis blinks, stammers a bit. "Uh, I suppose we could ask." [22:54] "So, if I was to come along, what would I get to do, play the hostage?" [22:54] "Well, can you work a camera?" [22:54] "Yeah." [22:56] "If Xav gets killed, its our necks on the line, legally speaking. What we'd need is some proof of what happened. And... home video is admissible in court, nowadays." [22:57] "Ahhh...our own technicality." [22:57] "Yes. The rules work both ways, so to speak." [22:59] "I see...I think I can do that." [23:00] * Ellis looks again toward the sword on the table, picks it up, tests its balance. [23:00] "Well, BA's delivering the package to this address," *copies down the address on three more slips of paper, hands one to each. The spelling of the street is slightly different on each, but recognizable as the same name. [23:01] Ellis: It's a good quality sword -- not a fencing weapon, so it feels a little weighted to you, but it's well-made for its type, sturdy and apparently cared-for. [23:01] * Ellis folds it into his pocket. "Why don't we all meet at BA's house before we meet Xavier? It would probably be easier for all concerned." [23:02] "I'm thinking we converge there tomorrow." [23:02] * Ellis sets the sword back on the table reverently [23:03] "Will Xavier believe that BA has the... weapon for him by tomorrow?" [23:03] "And, to be honest, we should remain out of sight as best as possible while BA and Xav meet." [23:03] * Nicole puts the slip in her pocket. "Okay. You have a video camera?" [23:03] "No, he did say 'two days'. So we meet tomorrow to make plans, and then the next day, we see what happens." [23:03] "I don't know what it takes to get a gun these days, much less mercury-tipped bullets." [23:04] "Ahh. Yes, that sounds good." [23:04] * Ellis looks around for where their hosts went [23:05] "And I do belive I can get a video camera from the paper." [23:05] "I think we should alert... these people of what we're doing. They might have some suggestions... and I might be able to borrow a sword." [23:05] Ellis: They're just outside the door, talking. They look up if you stick your head out. [23:05] * Nicole nods in agreement with Ellis. [23:05] ---------------- Session End -------------------