AGWW Online - Log 2003/03/11

Mage - Adventures in the Digital Web

Session 1x11: Refugee

This page was last modified: 2003/03/25

Stayka's World of Darkness Stuff | Digital Web Campaign | Online Games Overview

 A.C.Newton (Sons of Ether) - played by Stayka
 Asmodai (Virtual Adepts) - played by Asmodai
 Deadalus (AI) - played by Asmodai
 D.A.N. Primus (Orphan) - played by 'Top Hat' Jon
 Hannibal Golux (Virtual Adepts) - played by Nimrod Jones
 Agent Kevin Grey (NWO) - played by Stayka
 Dr.Marcello Keagan (OoH bani Thig) - played by Dingo
 Marvin Black (Hollow One) - played by Sven
 Moonchild Farstrider (Dreamspeaker) - played by Fuzzy
 Teora (AI of the Meteor) - played by Stayka

 ST - Stayka

 Session Start: Tue Mar 11 20:31:37 2003

<ST> Okay... The current situation is as follows: MC, Moira, Grey, Marcello, AC and Dan are on the Meteor. Asmo, Marv and Hanni are in the DW on the Zeppelin Deck. Francois jacked out and it probably in his Chantry right now. The Meteor just collected Dan and is now on the way back...

Marvin_Black thinks a spirit who shares his point of view would be a nice company *eg*

MC_Farstrider thinks DAN's in protective custody of Teora till it's determined he's "safe".

<Hannibal_Golux> I move to vote that he's just being debugged and having the deadman switch installed by Teora for the whole session.

Hannibal_Golux also votes that we change the deadman switch to a bomb in his head...

<ST> Hanni: Yeah. Teora will be happy to do something interesting for a change :-)

Marvin_Black votes to cancel the operation.

<Teora> A.C., I somehow don't feel well.

<ST> Everybody in the command center of the Meteor hears the dialogue.

AC_Newton looks at the projection.

<AC_Newton> Not well? What do you mean?

Teora looks somehow miserable.

<Teora> I wish I knew... My scans have not given any conclusions that there might be a malfunction, though.

Marvin_Black exchanges words of wisdom with Hanni... Hangman style.

<Hannibal_Golux> (Marv: LOL)

<Asm0dai> (I am too busy snoozing in my comfy chair in the world ;))

<AC_Newton> So, what exactly is it that makes you - feel unwell?

<MC_Farstrider> Teora, what's wrong?

<Teora> The closest analogue I can give you as a comparison is - "I feel dizzy."

Teora looks miserably at MC.

<Teora> I feel ...dizzy

<Hannibal_Golux> (Damn that dizzy logic.)

MC_Farstrider meditates a bit and tries to diagnose the problem.

<MC_Farstrider> !dice 5

<agww-dice> MC_Farstrider rolls the dice and gets the following results: 8 1 2 3 6

<MC_Farstrider> hmmm

<Marcello> You have problems in locating your position in space?

<Teora> Marcello Well, there are incongruities.

<ST> (MC, what did you use?)

<MC_Farstrider> (I'm doing a Mind/Spirit/Prime/Life/Corr scan of the ship and of Teora.)

<Teora> I have the impression that my position doesn't match my calculations. And moreover, there were strange ...incongruities during the flight towards Autocthonia, too.

<Marcello> That's indeed a good definition of the term dizzy.

<MC_Farstrider> (Level 1 scan, 1 sux)

<ST> (MC, what you find is that the ship is functioning within normal parameters, as far as you can tell.)

<Teora> Well... I'm not sure what it is. My self-check didn't give any malfunctions either.)

AC_Newton looks very worried at the AI.

<AC_Newton> Teora, do you feel well enough to return to the Moon?

<Teora> This shouldn't be a problem. Maybe I just need some rest and some fresh Quintessence.

<Marcello> Please try to consider the fact that you aren't broken, but not at the position you think you are.

<Teora> I think this might be a solution, Marcello.

<Marvin_Black> Hanni, *if* they come back - what other suicidal act do you think will come to their minds?

<Hannibal_Golux> Um. I dunno, maybe a vacation in a corrupt sector?

<Marvin_Black> And of course sealing it from the inside...

<Hannibal_Golux> Yeah. Well, why would anyone want to leave such a wonderful vacation spot?

<MC_Farstrider> Teora, can you display the area around the ship? I'm well versed in Cosmology and might be able to figure out where we are.

Teora projects the surroundings in the command center. It's an impressive view - it appears as if they float "above" the Solar System; the Sun is right below them, just as the planets that are graphically highlighted in the holographic projection.

<Marcello> (Somewhere in space)

<Hannibal_Golux> (methinks AC needs an AI specialist)

<ST> (We just need to get back in range)

<Asm0dai> (methinks she has me ;))

<Marcello> (...and have a VA have his hands on Teora? Perhaps you have seen Andromeda. I don't think that's a good idea)

<ST> (There was a VA who did a lot of fine-tuning at her

:-)

<Marvin_Black> Hanni: Of course. They are just crazy. They could jump from a high cliff or in front of a train at full speed. But they want to die in a spectacular way.

<Hannibal_Golux> (Pfah! There's only *one* AI *specialist* in this party. ;) )

<ST> (Hehe)

<Asm0dai> (Yes, and that would be me, Hannibal :)

<Hannibal_Golux> Marv, actually I'm wondering why they haven't just walked into a Union Construct and handed themselves over. Before long we're going to be an Amalgam.

<Marvin_Black> Or a nice good-bye letter would be enough to let others know about their will to die. This world is crap, but there are less complicated ways to leave it.

<Hannibal_Golux> Well, in truth I think I don't particularly want to die. The world has *some* wonder left in it yet, but people just need to throw away their shackles. You gotta learn to debug the world the way you want it to be.

<Marvin_Black> Yeah. It's a wonder how much pain the world holds for people. You can't debug a big bug.

<Hannibal_Golux> Well, when you fail to completely debug a system, you just rebuild it anew. Reality 2.0.

<Marvin_Black> Reality V2... Now with more pain and torture to bear and longer periods of endless misery.

<Hannibal_Golux> (LOL. Well it doesn't need to be as bitter as a game of The Sims: Torture and Pain expansion pack.

<Marvin_Black> (ROTFL)

<Asm0dai> (I want that one... When are you gonna write it, Nimrod? ;))

<Hannibal_Golux> (heh-heh)

<Marvin_Black> That's what will come up. That's what always happens. All effort is lost, it all will end eventually anyway.

<Hannibal_Golux> Yes, but we can do our best to improve and live in bliss before it all comes crashing down.

<AC_Newton> Teora, I think we should just return to the Moon. Is that okay with you?

Teora looks slightly pained at AC

<Teora> I'm functioning okay, but I don't know what happened to me.

<Marcello> No, Captain Newton, I think that that could possibly spell disaster for us. She's dizzy. That usually means that your senses tell you you are somewhere and your mind tells you something else.

<MC_Farstrider> (Cosmology+Int to map what I see onto my knowlege of what's where.)

<MC_Farstrider> !dice 7

<agww-dice> MC_Farstrider rolls the dice and gets the following results: 2 6 2 4 9 1 9

<ST> You see that Teora projected a valid picture of the Solar System according to scientifical astronomical data.

<Teora> Marcello, actually it seems to be okay again. But I cannot understand what made it happen the time before.

<Marcello> Teora, shut down all your external sensors, and restart them one at a time. As soon as you feel dizzy, you may have found the conflicting source that causes your "dizzy spell". You have logs of the event. Try what I told you with the logs... It might give you a good indication as to what happened to you.

<MC_Farstrider> !dice 5

<agww-dice> MC_Farstrider rolls the dice and gets the following results: 8 4 10 5 4

<MC_Farstrider> (4 sux)

<ST> (You get the location is about 0.6 AU away from the Sun, declinaton 50 deg, direction towards Earth.)

<MC_Farstrider> I've been to the Moon and with Corr/Mind and Corr/Spirit (both versions of WhereamI?)

<Asm0dai> (I should have stayed home and not entangled myself with these hippies! Ah, stayka? ;))

<ST> (Asmo: heh)

<Teora> Systems rebooted. - Marcello, the period of my "dizzyness" coincided with our pass towards and away from Autocthonia's Lagrange point L4.

<ST> (MC, as you are in the Meteor, you are at 0.6 AU from the Sun, 50 deg up the ecliptic, in direction to Earth.)

<MC_Farstrider> (I ask Teora if what her senses tell her are the same data?)

<Teora> Yes, MC. Currently my scans come up with proper data again.

<Marcello> And what about the guy we were supposed to pick up?

<Teora> I beamed him aboard. He is in an isolated room. I made sure that he cannot be tracked, nor that he can get into contact with anyone outside.

<AC_Newton> Well, Teora, if you are well enough, we should just return now. Okay?

<MC_Farstrider> (Nods, I asked where Teora thinks we are to compare data.)

<ST> (MC, the data match now)

<Teora> As you wish. I feel somewhat ...hungry, and I'd like to get through a thorough check.

AC_Newton sets course to the Earth's Moon.

<MC_Farstrider> AC+Teora, my feeling is we should take the ship to Moonbase for diagnotics.

<AC_Newton> That's what I'm doing right now.

<ST> It takes about 1 hour until the Meteor has safely landed at the MoonLab.

AC_Newton looks a bit worried at Teora

MC_Farstrider agrees with Teora

<AC_Newton> Teora, do you mind if we just take a moment to report to Hannibal and the rest in the DW?

Teora smiles, a bit more confident again.

<Teora> I will run some extensive self-diagnostics. Don't worry too much. But check on me a little later, please?

<AC_Newton> Sure, Teora.

AC_Newton looks at the others in the command center.

Asm0dai's icon is still snoozing innocuously.

<AC_Newton> I think we should return to the others in the Zeppelin Deck and tell them what happened. Teora is so far fine, and Dan seems to be safely closed away for the time being.

AC_Newton suggests to the others to get into their rooms on board to get into the DW.

<Marvin_Black> Hanni: Bliss? Life's all f*cked up! And it will end. So why put this effort into it? It's all in vain and will end in pain.

<Hannibal_Golux> Perhaps, but not everyone need suffer.

Asm0dai sends a mental message to Marv.

<Asm0dai> Great, a bit more and you'll have another convert...

<Marvin_Black> Hanni, I guess, no one has a need to suffer, but there is no choice and no way out of the pain and misery. Try to run and it will come after you... You can run, but you can't hide. But I'm not telling you anything you don't already know...

Hannibal_Golux gives Marvin a concerned look. Almost startled as if he has spoken a moment of truth that has hit close to home.

<Marvin_Black> You see? Hanni, you know I'm right.

<Hannibal_Golux> You're right. But you don't realise what you are right about.

<Marvin_Black> Pain, torture, misery... The big three of life... And of course the end, decay and death. You can't escape those. That's the essence of life.

<Hannibal_Golux> It's not escaping those that concerns me.

<Marvin_Black> So what then? Them being all around and always on the watch when to strike most efficiently to torture the mind and the soul?

Hannibal_Golux is silent for a moment before responding.

<Hannibal_Golux> Not them. Just Him.

<Marvin_Black> Him? Death? Or who else?

<Hannibal_Golux> I don't want to talk about it. I am haunted enough by my own mistakes.

<Marvin_Black> As you wish... But we all are haunted, always and in every moment. No escape, no relief, no way out. Life is a bitch and the worst thing is - she enjoys it.

<Hannibal_Golux> Hmm.

<AC_Newton> MC, let's get into the DW again. We need to tell Hannibal and he rest what happened.

AgentGrey walks to his room - Teora gave him the direction with a neat blue line on the floor again. Somehow he had the impression the layout of the ship was ever changing.

<ST> (Ok. Could Marcello, MC and Moira please find themselves into the Zeppelin Deck, please?)

Moira asks how to get there without climbing the Weavers Webs.

<AC_Newton> Moira: Well, you only need to jack in with some VR Gear, of course.

<Moira> Jack? Huh?

<AC_Newton> You just put on the VR Gear, and then you log into the DW.

<Marcello> I will help you connect.

MC_Farstrider looks for a room to use for staging.

<Moira> Could somone show me?

Marcello tries to show her.

Moira thanks him.

<Teora> You only need to follow the yellow line on the floor, and you will reach your room.

MC_Farstrider goes to the same room as last time and appears at the Zeppelin Deck right away.

Marcello hopes he connected Moira well enough.

AC_Newton already waits impatiently. She has chosen a similar getup as last time, a shimmering white dress and carries a tiny parasol.

<Moira> (Once Marcello shows me, I do what he says.)

<Hannibal_Golux> MC: Not dead yet, then.

AgentGrey wears a very neat black coat with top hat and smiles noncomittally at the others.

Hannibal_Golux is still dressed as he was when he got here.

AgentGrey offers his arm to Acy, who blushes and lightly puts her hand on Kevin's arm. She feels wonderfully at ease with him.

Hannibal_Golux scowls a little at Agent Grey.

MC_Farstrider appears in Zeppelin Deck. There is a small winged creature hovering by her shoulder. It glows in a pale blue light and looks like a pale glowing Elizabethan fairy.

<Marvin_Black> Oh... There's the suicide commando

Marcello appears looking much like a late 19th century factory worker, smiling.

Asm0dai is suddenly wide awake.

AC_Newton walks to the booth the others occupy.

<Hannibal_Golux> What in god's name is that program you're running, Moonchild?

<MC_Farstrider> Program?

Hannibal_Golux points to the fairy.

<Marcello> Mr.Golux, I don't think that's a program, sir.

<AC_Newton> (brightly) Hello Hanni! We made it!

AC_Newton beams as Hannibal, Asmodai and Marv.

<Asm0dai> So, been to techno-hell?

<Hannibal_Golux> Hello, Newton. I'm glad to see that you're not dead.

<Marvin_Black> Just wait... Death and misery can be a creeping pain the ass.

<AC_Newton> Yeah. We were there, we fetched Dan and we came back - just as I said.

<Hannibal_Golux> Marv: Yes, I fear it's just a delayed reaction.

<Marvin_Black> Backlash will follow for sure...

<Hannibal_Golux> It all seems... too easy.

<AC_Newton> There was only one peculiar thing...

Hannibal_Golux arcs an eyebrow.

<AC_Newton> Teora said she didn't feel well, right after everything was finished.

<MC_Farstrider> *sigh*

<Marcello> Aye, Mr.Golux, Sir, I agree...it was a tad too easy.

<Hannibal_Golux> Hmm. Maybe I should have a look at her subroutines and algorithms.

<AC_Newton> If you could do that? I'm not bad with computers, but not that good.

<Hannibal_Golux> I can certainly have a look.

MC_Farstrider salutes Captain Newton, space hero :)

AC_Newton smiles at MC.

<Asm0dai> So you just waltzed in... got the fella and got out. If you ask me - they let you pass. May I take a look at the defenses you made?

AgentGrey doesn't say anything - he seems to be content to have Acy right by his side. He is listening very intently, though.

<Asm0dai> I reallly need to see what you got off the visuals and sensors.

Marcello looks around for a pack of cards...and starts playing patience.

<AC_Newton> I will ask Teora to send it to you.

<Asm0dai> Thx.

AC_Newton takes the comm-unit out of her bag and talks to Teora, who then transmits the data to Asmodai.

Asm0dai starts a laptop and moves a bit away from the others.

<Marvin_Black> I just can't wait to see how fate will strike hard for what you have done. Better now than later. So we don't need to fear anymore and it's done.

Marvin_Black sighs

Asm0dai checks the data with his knowledge of mechanus (you know what I mean ;))...

<ST> (Well, the pics you get are that the Meteor indeed approached a *planet*, albeit a very mechanical looking one. Roll Int+Techie Lore, diff 9. Autocthonia is extremely classified.)

<Asm0dai> !dice 6

<agww-dice> Asm0dai rolls the dice and gets the following results: 8 9 2 4 3 9

<ST> (Heh. The pictures you see don't match what you know. Not at all.)

<Asm0dai> (guessed as much)

<Asm0dai> Acey, I have a suggestion...

<AC_Newton> Yes?

<Asm0dai> Don't go near Autocthonia on this info.

AC_Newton looks puzzled at Asmo.

<AC_Newton> But we were already there...

<Asm0dai> I think they toned down the security so that you could get DAN out.

<AC_Newton> Well, we assumed that already...

<Asm0dai> It is obvious from his file that he was pushed out, and I think that we haven't removed all of his countermeasuers. He is supposed to integrate with us.

<Hannibal_Golux> Well, I can have a look at it now if you wish.

Hannibal_Golux contacts the Meteor.

<Teora> Yes?

<Hannibal_Golux> Teora, Newton wanted me to take a look at you. Port me up?

<Teora> No problem.

<Hannibal_Golux> Marvin, it's been... interesting talking with you.

<Marvin_Black> Oh. I hope you used the time to run from pain for some seconds.

Teora gives Hannibal an uplink.

<Hannibal_Golux> (ST: Int+Comp to check Teora?)

<ST> (Hanni: Yup. Diff 8)

<Hannibal_Golux> !dice 10

<agww-dice> Hannibal_Golux rolls the dice and gets the following results: 1 7 7 1 10 7 7 2 8 9

<Hannibal_Golux> Ack!

<ST> (1 sux)

<ST> (Well, you think that someone might have tampered with the sensory data.)

<Hannibal_Golux> (ST: I'll keep working on her.)

<ST> (Ok Han)

<Hannibal_Golux> !dice 10

<agww-dice> Hannibal_Golux rolls the dice and gets the following results: 6 6 6 7 7 8 2 2 1 4

<Hannibal_Golux> (None for now.)

<ST> (Yup.)

<Hannibal_Golux> (ST: I'll keep working on her.)

Teora looks somewhat miserably at Hannibal.

<Teora> I just don't know what happened to me there.

<Hannibal_Golux> It's okay Teora. Someone's been tampering with you. I'm going to try and find out when and who.

<AC_Newton> Well, yeah. So far Dan is still on the Meteor. Teora put him into a heavily secured room there.

<Asm0dai> I think we should really watch what we are doing and saying in front of him.

<Marvin_Black> You know how to spell t-r-a-p?

<MC_Farstrider> Marv: DAN?

<Marvin_Black> And now c-o-n-s-e-q-u-n-c-e-s.

MC_Farstrider leaves the description of the conseqences to Marv who is a master at such things.

<ST> (MC hehe)

<Asm0dai> They will probably take him back at first option and they will rip his memory banks. He has seen the Meteor. He has seen Teora... He has seen too much.

AgentGrey also saw all of this. He smiles at Acy and tries to continue looking as inconspicuous as possible.

Marcello seems quite irritated.

<Marvin_Black> I'll tell you: Doom, misery... pain. Even worse than the stuff life gives you for free. But I am not telling you anything you don't already know.

<AC_Newton> Well, we will make sure they won't take him back!

<Asm0dai> If it ever gets to him sending them what he knows willing or unwilling...

<Hannibal_Golux> (For my next roll I'm going to spend a Willpower point <- first one of the entire game)

<Teora> That would be very nice, Hannibal.

<Asm0dai> I say we make a killswitch on him.

<Hannibal_Golux> (Asmo: Already doing that on him now.)

<AC_Newton> Hannibal said something about a data-wiper. Teora works on him at the moment.

<Asm0dai> If he gets caught, we wipe his memory and circuits.

<AC_Newton> Asmo - Yes, Teora has him isolated to do right that.

<Hannibal_Golux> (Doh! We shouldn't be saying this in front of Grey. Now we *are* going to have to kill him.)

<AC_Newton> (You will not kill my cute Agent!!)

<Hannibal_Golux> (Oh yes, I will... ;) )

<AC_Newton> (*sulks* He's mine!)

<Marvin_Black> (You can keep the ashes, AC ;) )

<Asm0dai> Okay I want killswitches up on him and keys for each of us, except for Grey. Sorry, Grey, but I still don't trust you - and you could use it wrongly.

AgentGrey smiles wryly.

<AgentGrey> Understandable...

<Hannibal_Golux> (Asmo: Are you insane? You're saying this in front of Grey!?)

<Asm0dai> (Oh, I am sane. I have a reason to trust Grey - for now...)

AC_Newton makes her usual doe eyes at Kevin.

<Hannibal_Golux> (ST: Shall I roll again for my diagnosis on Teora?)

<ST> (Yup. 1 WP, I remember)

<Hannibal_Golux> !dice 10

<agww-dice> Hannibal_Golux rolls the dice and gets the following results: 7 7 5 10 8 1 9 3 2 2

<Marcello> Mr.Asmodai, Sir, do you have a small moment.

<ST> (3 sux)

<Hannibal_Golux> (3 sux, 5 in total)

AC_Newton leans her head against Kevin's shoulder.

Marvin_Black sighs.

<ST> (Hanni: Well, you would say as soon as the Meteor was in scanning range, she got fed wrong information. Obviously everything that showed on her sensors was what the people *wanted* her to see.)

<Hannibal_Golux> (By whom?)

<Asm0dai> (Autochtonia herself)

<ST> (Well, The Computer or someone else who is in charge of Autocthonia.)

<Marvin_Black> So, are you going to play the next part of the game show 'How do you want to die today?' now?

<Hannibal_Golux> (OK. I'm going to go over this and ensure that there are no "harmful" trace elements left in her code.)

Asm0dai comes nearer to Marcello.

<Asm0dai> Yes?

<ST> (Okie... Same procedure as before.)

<Hannibal_Golux> !dice 10

<agww-dice> Hannibal_Golux rolls the dice and gets the following results: 2 9 7 6 5 4 8 4 7 10

<ST> (4 sux)

<Hannibal_Golux> (That's better. 4 sux)

<ST> (It seems there is nothing left. The "dizzyness" was caused when the sensors switched back to normal, and the Meteor wasn't where she was supposed to be according to the calculated trajectories.)

<Marcello> (whisper) Is there any chance you can program the food replicator so that Grey's coffee gets laced with something that will make him suffer the moment he decides to leave this ship?

<Hannibal_Golux> (Ooo, I'm forgetting to reroll my 10s!)

<ST> (We counted 10s as 2 sux)

<Hannibal_Golux> (We don't reroll for specialities?)

<ST> (Hanni: Well, we can do that if you prefer. I don't mind. Either 2 sux or reroll.)

Asm0dai grins and whispers in Marcello's digital ear.

<Asm0dai> No, and I don't want you... and as for my opinion on you - you ain't kosher in my eyes, kid...

<ST> (Marcello, Asmo: Be glad AC doesn't hear that :-)

<Asm0dai> (I actually said something in Grey's favor)

<ST> (Asmo: You did :-) But Marcello might get targetted as new Evil No.1)

Marvin_Black leans back and feels ignored as usual.

<Hannibal_Golux> (Well, I've done it in the past, but right now it doesn't really matter. - so if you count 10s as 2, then specialities are redundant?)

<ST> (Hanni: Well, I usually take specialties to modify the difficulties. If you have the specialty, the difficulty in that is lower than otherwise.)

<Hannibal_Golux> (Whoa! So the difficulty would have been 9?)

<ST> (Hanni: Sure. The tampering was good enough to fool Teora.)

<Hannibal_Golux> (Whoa. - OK, anyway, I'll tell Teora everything I discovered, and then ask her to port me back to the Zeppelin.)

<Marvin_Black> What do you want to do next to get yourself killed?

<Asm0dai> (Oh I don't trust anyone in this group except for Acey - and that is as long as she is that naive.)

<ST> (Hehe)

AC_Newton currently looks pretty happy.

<Marvin_Black> (<--- Can be trusted ^_^)

<Asm0dai> (Okay, I trust Marv as well and Deadalus, but that is about it.)

Teora looks at Hannibal in shock.

<Teora> You mean what I experienced was just a simulation?

<Hannibal_Golux> Not so much a sim, I don't think - think of it more as an illusion.

<Teora> I don't liked that someone fooled with my sensors that way.

<Hannibal_Golux> Nor do I. It also means that they knew full well that you guys were there.

<Teora> It was so real...

Teora looks very uncomfortable.

<Teora> I don't know if I can ever be sure again about what I scan!

Hannibal_Golux is impressed with the algorithms that simulate that look.

<MC_Farstrider> (Something like Parry's (Satan) visions that he sent Noron (Chronos) off on/)

<Hannibal_Golux> Can we be sure about anything we perceive? Either way, it's confirmed many of my suspicions about the rescue being too easy.

<Teora> Well, I'm currently working on Dan.

<Asm0dai> As I said...

<MC_Farstrider> (Your reading of the data did say they wanted him to escape.)

<Asm0dai> (You are repeating my words, Hannibal.)

<Hannibal_Golux> (Asmo: am I?)

<Marvin_Black> What madness strikes your minds now?

<MC_Farstrider> (Marv: I don't know, pick one;))

<Marvin_Black> Run into a construct, scream 'You're assholes!' and run out again?

<Teora> When I'm through with him, he should be as safe as I can make him.

<Hannibal_Golux> We are clearly in some danger. Teora, you need to try to convince Newton to be careful about what she reveals to Agent Grey.

<Teora> I'm not very happy about this situation either. I'm programmed to guard her, but if she defies me and closes herself up in a room with him, I cannot really do anything.

Teora looks at Hannibal and appears very worried.

<Teora> A.C. seems to be very determined to get involved with him - and very obviously he won't fight her in that.

<Hannibal_Golux> Do your best. - Can you install something a little different into the android? Rather than just a memory wipe, install a triggered bomb. It needs to be subtle enough that it won't be obvious. Make it tamper proof. If anyone tries to tamper, it will go off. I don't want to take any chances. As for Grey - it's his lack of resistance that worries me.

<Asm0dai> I am not feeling comfortable walking around with a bomb. I'd rather place an EMP inside him.

<Hannibal_Golux> (Asmo: you're not there)

<Teora> It will be difficult to do this in a way that he won't realize it.

<Asm0dai> ...and a strong magnetic field that is triggered before the EMP itself. It will wipe everything and trash any memory he has.

<Hannibal_Golux> (Asmo: you're not there)

Teora looks at Hannibal in astonishment.

<Teora> You mean he *should* try to resist her?

<Hannibal_Golux> It's is the perfect ploy for any interloper, for any spy.

<Asm0dai> ...and who here would want to walk around with a bomb next to him, oh holy one?

<Hannibal_Golux> (Asmo: YOU'RE NOT THERE!)

<ST> (Asmo: Hanni is right - you are not there ^_^)

<Asm0dai> (Yes, I know. I am talking about all of you walking around with a walking, spying technocratic bomb.)

<ST> (AC isn't there either... As long as Teora doesn't say anything, no one will know ^_^)

<MC_Farstrider> (We don't know that Hanni suggested that option to Teora.)

<Marcello> (We are all doomed, doomed, I say...)

<Marvin_Black> (Marc: That's *my* part ^_^)

<MC_Farstrider> (Hey, that's Marv's line)

<Marcello> (Yeah, but a bomb inside a spaceship - that is really something...well...to be doomed from.)

<Marvin_Black> (Hmm... Perhaps Marvinitis is infecting others after all ;) )

<Marcello> (Ever noticed that Marcello can be pretty invisible too?)

<MC_Farstrider> (me starts working on a remedy)

Marvin_Black orders another coffee.

Marcello curses again, after having not been able to solve his fifth game of Solitaire in a row.

AC_Newton doesn't get anything of the worries the others have. She is content to sit there at the table and have the object of her utter adoration right by her side.

AgentGrey also feels very comfortable where he is right now. And it's pretty enlightening to listen to the RDs, too.

Marvin_Black sighs.

AC_Newton sighs, too.

<Marvin_Black> So you don't plan anything? Nothing like trying to fly through the sun, or trying to juggle skyscrapers?

Marcello looks at Marvin.

<Marcello> What's the matter, Mr.Black?

<AC_Newton> Oh, at the moment I'm just feeling fine...

<Marvin_Black> I'm just wondering what suicidal deeds are planned next.

<AC_Newton> Hm. I don't really plan anything suicidal. It's all well-calculated risks.

<Marcello> Well, from what I've heard from Captain Newton, we are just going to take Teora to the Base. Wherever that may be.

<Asm0dai> Riiight.

<AC_Newton> She is already there. Hannibal told me he wanted to take a look at her. I hope he found what made her feel so dizzy

<Marvin_Black> Some madness that will bring up pain to us will come up your minds to lure Death to our direction.

<Marcello> You do seem to have some unhealthy obsession with death and decay Mr.Black......any reasons why?

<Marvin_Black> Obsession? Just the truth about the world. Though it seems hard for some people to accept it, it's an allpresent truth of life that surrounds us. That's all. All is doomed to die and to suffer. But I'm not telling you anything you don't already know...

AgentGrey thinks he could get used to this - a cute girl in one arm and a nice scotch in the other hand ^_^

Asm0dai starts up a huge version of pacman across the table and starts munching pellets...

<Hannibal_Golux> Teora, at least keep a very close eye on him at all times. Interrupt AC - if necessary - if she is talking a little too freely with him.

<Teora> Well, I have to respect her privacy if she asks me to.

<Hannibal_Golux> You may have to violate that at times.

Teora looks very unhappy.

<Teora> My directives say that A.C. is to be obeyed.

<Hannibal_Golux> It's for the good of us all. More importantly, it's for Newton's sake, too.

Teora nods reluctantly before she changes the topic.

<Teora> I have created a nano explosive with a virtually undetectable quantum charge that permeats Dan's brain and will destroy it when it's set off.

<Hannibal_Golux> Is it tamper rigged, too?

<Teora> As of your request, it is tamper rigged. I have the key of course.

<Hannibal_Golux> Good. Now delete the key.

<Hannibal_Golux> (ST: I am going to try to see if I can override Teora's directives - I just want to see how to do it, first, rather than actually do it. i.e. I'll do it, but hold off at the last moment.)

<ST> (Ok. That'll be very tricky, though. diff 9, 5 suxx)

<Hannibal_Golux> (Sure... I'll take my time with it. And spend another WP - this is important, IMO)

<ST> (ok)

<Teora> If I delete it, then no one will be able to extract the bomb from him without extensive tests.

<Hannibal_Golux> Good. We don't know how long it will be before they attempt to retrieve him. It may be years before they come for him. We can't afford to take *any* chances.

<Hannibal_Golux> !dice 10

<agww-dice> Hannibal_Golux rolls the dice and gets the following results: 2 4 1 3 3 7 8 9 7 6

<ST> (1 sux)

<Hannibal_Golux> (1 with the WP. I'll keep at it to accumulate.)

<ST> (ok.)

<Hannibal_Golux> !dice 10

<agww-dice> Hannibal_Golux rolls the dice and gets the following results: 1 7 3 8 5 9 2 1 5 4

<Hannibal_Golux> (Nope)

<ST> (Not good....)

<Hannibal_Golux> (That's probably as far as I'm getting for some time.)

<ST> (Exactly. You'd say Teora's programming is very deftly done. The more surprising is how easily she got fooled at the Autocthonia raid)

<Hannibal_Golux> (Well, I'll have a look at it another time, but clearly I'm not going to be working on it at the moment.)

<ST> (Yup)

<Hannibal_Golux> (I'm going to look at the entire code for Teora, so that I can analyze it back at my Sanctum.)

<ST> (ok)

<Hannibal_Golux> Teora: Yes, but I just want to make absolutely certain there are no dormant quirks.

<Hannibal_Golux> (I'm still going to memorise her code.)

<ST> (Ok. It's not little ^_^ And you see that the basic code got some upgrades that bear the signature of a very good VA coder.)

<Hannibal_Golux> (I wouldn't think it to be - if I can at least identify the directives segments, I'll concentrate on remembering that.)

<ST> (The directives belong to the original set of the program. They are not so elegantly programmed, but at the very core of Teora's personality)

<Hannibal_Golux> (Fine - I'll remember them to work on them later when I can think clearer.)

<ST> (ok)

<Hannibal_Golux> Well, Teora. It might not be a good idea to mention about our alteration to Dan's killswitch to anyone. The less people know about it the better.

<Teora> I understand.

<Hannibal_Golux> For now, however, you seem to be functioning okay. Port me back to the Zepplin, please.

<Teora> I will not tell AC actively, but I cannot lie to her if she should ask me about it.

<Hannibal_Golux> If she asks, if you installed the deadman switch. You answer yes. You needn't go into detail.

<Teora> I think this is a viable solution.

Teora switches Hannibal back to the DW.

<Hannibal_Golux> Newton, may I speak to you about Teora? Over here?

<AC_Newton> Hm?

Hannibal_Golux takes AC_Newton to one side.

AC_Newton looks at Hannibal, then looks excusingly to Kevin and gets up and walks toward Hannibal

Hannibal_Golux treats Grey to a passing scowl.

AgentGrey just gives Hannibal a somewhat insolent grin.

<AC_Newton> What is with her? I hope she is okay?

Asm0dai uses Corr to listen in on Hannibals talk with Acey.

<Asm0dai> !dice 4

<agww-dice> Asm0dai rolls the dice and gets the following results: 7 7 2 5

<Marvin_Black> (Has Marc already given up? *g*)

<Hannibal_Golux> Yes. It seems okay for now, but I'd like to look at it again at a later date. It would seem that everything that Teora's sensors told her was, in fact, a lie. The dizzyness Teora experienced was a symptom of the scanners switching from the fakes.

<AC_Newton> A lie???

<Hannibal_Golux> Yes. Autocthonia fed you false readings.

<Marcello> It's actually quite interesting to hear your point of view Mr.Black, it's definately not mine

<AC_Newton> You mean... They just put us into some big simulation?

<Marvin_Black> Marc: Oh? So all your relatives are still alive? You never got ill or sick? Your whole life was a big meadow of happynes?

Asm0dai has an evil grin as on the fine oak table he is just munching ghosts... He simply smirks in the waiter agahst direction...

AgentGrey looks over to Acy.

DAN_Primus *Command - boot, safe mode, systems check, log bot sequence.*

<Teora> Hello Dan. Welcome

<ST> (Dan: You see a silver-haired woman with snow white skin and violet eyes, clad in a black and silver overall.

<Marcello> Marv: I'm quite content with my life, of course all my relatives are not still alive. Of course I've been sick....but if I count all the countless wondrous things I have seen in my life and count all the happy moments....my life is a good one....but what makes you so bitter about life?

<DAN_Primus> The internal systems seem to check out. Did you run an external check as well?

<Teora> I checked you completely and you are now safe.

<DAN_Primus> Good. Did your scans show any tracers, bugs, or any other surveillance equipment?

Teora smiles at Dan.

<Teora> Dan, you are clean. It seems there were three tracers implanted, but I could take them out.

Teora points at the devices on a table.

DAN_Primus walks over to the table, trying to see if he can recognize what the devices are.

<ST> (They are some very sophicticated tracing devices.)

<DAN_Primus> (Yeah, but they're ItX design, and I'm ItX. I should be able to tell what they are and how they're used, and specifically whether or not they are part of an incomplete set. (If the set is incomplete that means we all missed some bugs.)

<ST> (You would say they are separate tracers - and they are no set, they are used separately)

<DAN_Primus> Interesting devices. I would suggest you store them in a safe place. The safest place I can think of for these is the core of Io.

<Teora> Of course. I will disassemble the devices to examine them.

<AC_Newton> Hannibal: You mean, all the data - was fake?

<Hannibal_Golux> AC: Quite possible. Most probably.

Asm0dai grins as he hears in his spy program what Hannibal is repeating.

<AC_Newton> But... Do you think it was a setup by Dan himself?

Asm0dai goes and munches more and completes level 7.

Hannibal_Golux kills the spy program.

<Asm0dai> (You do have to detect it, genius.)

<ST> (Hanni: Counter roll - Asmo had 3 sux)

<Hannibal_Golux> !dice 4

<agww-dice> Hannibal_Golux rolls the dice and gets the following results: 2 3 9 8

<Marvin_Black> Marc: Oh, sorry you... I don't want to be in your shoes the moment fates selects to give you your share of the pain of the world. Poor you. Especially if you try to hide your pain behind those puny moments of happiness, that prepare you for more pain, to make you feel it even more.

<Marcello> Sorry me, didn't you have any moments of happiness in your life? I'd know that life is all about how you handle those moments and the moments of unhappiness..

<Marvin_Black> Nice explanation of the fear to admit the pain you feel, that's deeply buried in your soul. Nice way to put it aside and never look again at it, even though it still lurks inside you. A heap of trash won't smell less, even though you have turned your back at it.

<Marcello> One man's trash is another's treasure.

<Marvin_Black> Sure, if you want to influence people and make them do things you want them to do... We're talking about pain and torture. But I'm not interested in digging in your dirt to see what you have buried. Thanks...

<Marcello> (That didn't make any sense.)

<Marvin_Black> (It made sense if you take a deeper look at it. At least to me it makes sense and holds some logic.)

<Asm0dai> (And he does need to actively check for it first... since I had 4 success he needs at least two with corr2 to detect connection and then 4 with corr 2 to stop my scrying... he is checking only becaasue I noted something that cannot be connected to anything.... I was munching ,oe at the time... grumble rumble...)

<ST> (Hanni only had 2 sux, so it is ok)

<Asm0dai> (Yeah... but I find it silly that he never checks and now that I am doing it he checks... a bit silly.)

<ST> (Maybe he noticed Grey watching AC intently :-) Even though Grey isn't even spying - he's just looking at her.)

<Asm0dai> (Riiight... Grey would have used Mind and Hannibal can do jack against Mind.)

<ST> (Hanni: You didn't get Asmo's spy prog, sorry)

<Asm0dai> (Oh, so it worked ;))

<Hannibal_Golux> AC: I'm not sure that Dan is aware that he's being used. It makes sense that he doesn't. However, I would be very, very careful of Agent Grey and what we say around him. If he's still working for them, then he cannot be trusted with our plans.

AC_Newton blushes very deeply red. It wasn't that she had really *planned* to spend the night with Kev after she showed him how to change the design of his room.

<AC_Newton> Well, Hanni... Talking wasn't so much what we did. ^_^

<Hannibal_Golux> You realise that this is exactly how they get spies into places. Listen, I don't care what appetites you satisfy with him. Just don't talk to him about *anything* we're doing.

AC_Newton nods, she's still very flushed.

<Hannibal_Golux> Be careful... And I *don't* mean in *that* sense. Mind yourself.

<AC_Newton> Yes...

AC_Newton sighs. She just can't help that she is so smitten with Kevin. Probably it is because he is the first man who ever managed to conquer her heart.

<Hannibal_Golux> Anyway, I'll want to have another look at Teora at a later date.

<AC_Newton> Well, she seems to like you, so that shouldn't be a problem.

Hannibal_Golux smiles at AC.

<Marcello> (Arrrghh... I have a really dirty mind...That comment of Hannibal about Teora was actually triggering some nasty thoughts.)

AC_Newton smiles back.

<AC_Newton> You see, otherwise she would have called me and complained.

<Hannibal_Golux> (Marc: Heh-heh.)

<ST> (Marc: Hm... Teora likes VAs ^_^)

Hannibal_Golux smiles again.

<ST> (Hanni: You notice that Grey is watching AC intently, BTW)

Hannibal_Golux turns AC and himself in such a manner as to ensure that he cannot see their faces... you know, just in case he can lipread or something.

<ST> (Han: :-)

AgentGrey looks a bit disappointed as Acy turns her back towards him now.

Hannibal_Golux tries to hide his smile.

<Asm0dai> (Oh, but in the VR all is possible. AI's can do ANYTHING humans can ;) including wild sordid sex of all sorts...)

DAN_Primus (is inclined to agree w/ Asm0. He is an AI...)

<ST> (Asmo, Dan: Tsk tsk tsk)

<DAN_Primus> Teora, would be so kind as to direct me to Miss Newton's current whereabouts?

<Teora> Cpt.Newton is in the DW, Zeppelin Deck. I can get you a line...

<DAN_Primus> Thank you, that would be more than sufficient.

Teora smiles at Dan and opens the connection.

<DAN_Primus> AC: Good day, Miss Newton. I trust all is well?

Asm0dai grins widely as he has gotten to level 27 and the nasty ghosts still ain't even clsoe to hitting him....

Marvin_Black sips his coffee and looks at Marc.

Marcello looks at him with pity.

<Marvin_Black> Continue hiding your pain until it is piled up to a size it all will break down on you. Let's see how long you can hold up your facade of a happy life... But I'm not telling you anything you don't already know...

<Marcello> I hope that one day you will disover what happiness is.

<Marvin_Black> I already know: An illusion to make sure you always be able to feel pain and not get used to it. And deep inside you know it's true.

<Marcello> And why do you want to stop feeling that pain? As soon as you stop feeling it, you are not human anymore.

AC_Newton finally sees Dan.

<AC_Newton> Oh, hello! You are finally awake again!

<DAN_Primus> Yes.

<AC_Newton> So I take it that you are fine now... Great!

<Hannibal_Golux> How are you feeling, Dan?

Asm0dai wonder how Mister Treachery here would love to be dumped inside as one of the pellets... He smiles wryly in Hannibal's direction.

<DAN_Primus> According to both internal and external scans, all systems are functioning at tolerances and any tracking devices were removed by Teora.

Asm0dai continues on to level 28... pineapples galore...

<Hannibal_Golux> (Mr Treachery?)

<Asm0dai> (You are plotting behind everyone's back and seeing ghosts everywhere - and I am the paronoid guy here ;))

AC_Newton sighs.

<Hannibal_Golux> (Asmo: Um, bear in mind that you know nearly nothing as to what I'm up to... And perhaps OOC you are being too paranoid, too. ;) )

AC_Newton looks over her shoulder to her cute Agent and gives him a dazzling smile. ^_^

<Marcello> (me does my best AC voice: Oh Agent....)

<ST> (Marc: *g*)

Hannibal_Golux gently turns AC's head back.

<AC_Newton> Hm?

<DAN_Primus> AC, Is there anything I would be able to do in return for your efforts on my behalf?

<Hannibal_Golux> Dan, I'm glad to hear that. Although will understand my extended caution.

<AC_Newton> Hm... Well...

AC_Newton looks at Dan.

<AC_Newton> I don't think so...

<DAN_Primus> (I think I'm going to have to buy off the Dark Secret. Everyone knows anyway...)

AC_Newton is a bit puzzled.

<AC_Newton> But you don't need to repay me for anything. You were in need and I helped you.

<DAN_Primus> It is not a need, Miss Newton. It is a desire.

<ST> (Dan probably ^_^)

<Marvin_Black> Marc: So what? I accepted that life means pain. You don't. You are talking about putting aside the pain inside and about hiding it below puny shades of so-called happiness, not me. So you strive to be human no more?

<Asm0dai> (Oh, but you wouldn't like to know who Asmo is... and what he has done up to this day. It ain't too nice for anyone here ;) Good we are commenting OOC, otherwise Hannibal and Asmo would start growling at each other. Tragically not even over a female or vast treasures...)

<Hannibal_Golux> (I already suspect a lot - from, like, the first session. :) )

<Asm0dai> (Oh... nice :))

<Hannibal_Golux> Dan: We shall keep that in mind.

<Asm0dai> (Well, at least I am not working behind anyone's back here :))

<AC_Newton> (me doesn't work behind anyone's back either...)

<Hannibal_Golux> (nor do I! ;) )

<AC_Newton> Dan: Well, maybe you can help me one day if I am in need.

<Marcello> Marv, I don't tell you to put the pain away, I'm telling you to learn live with it. As long as you feel the pain you know you are still alive. But the pain is part of being human, and you should accept. There is a time for happiness and a time for pain. And you seem to think that it's time for pain every day.

<Marvin_Black> I live with the pain. I seem to be the only one telling the truth. I'm just realistic. Happiness is the moment between the pain to build it up even more. You should leanr to live with pain, instead of turning your back to it. It's not time for pain every day. Every day *means* pain, misery, misfortune, decay and a step further into Deaths arms

<Marcello> Living with pain doesn't mean wallowing in it. It means knowing it is there, knowing you will get it and knowing that it can come any moment. But it doesn't have to come any moment and you don't have to live your life waiting for the next moment of fear, pain, decay, misfortune and death to come around. It's called life, Mr.Black and I'm living it. And you, Mr.Black...just seems to wait for it to end.

<Marvin_Black> You're just repeating my words... I know there is pain, I know it will get me, you anyone. I'm not waiting, I'm *knowing* just as you just told me. As I told you, I'm not telling you anything you don't already know. You seem to be the one not wanting to know pain, not wanting to feel it, not wanting to accept it.

AgentGrey wonders when he'll get his spacegirl back.

<Asm0dai> (Let's quote the alltime favourite Iceman - <COughBullshitCOugh> )

DAN_Primus feels slightly hurt. Well, for an android. Why do they refuse his help?

AC_Newton just smiles at Dan.

<Marcello> (Cause they don't trust you, tincan?)

<DAN_Primus> (I'll have you know there isn't a scrap of tin on me.)

<Hannibal_Golux> (moot)

AgentGrey gets up and walks to Hanni, Dan und Acy.

Hannibal_Golux leaves and goes to sit back down.

AgentGrey notices Hanni's reaction, puts on an amused smile and gallantly escorts Acy back to the table.

DAN_Primus loads RLA.bmp (the 'I look like the real me' avatar.) and walks to the 'depressive one', glancing at Grey and frowning slightly as he passes by.

Waitress walks towards the table.

<Waitress> Can I get you anything else?

<Marcello> Some happiness for my friend here and a glass of scotch for me. No ice.

Waitress smiles and takes note of the orders.

<Marvin_Black> No need for that, Marc. I got my coffee and the knowledge of being the only one realistic around here.

AC_Newton would like a Frozen Margarita.

AgentGrey orders another scotch.

Hannibal_Golux orders a White Russian.

DAN_Primus walks up to Marvin and Marcello.

<DAN_Primus> Do you mind if I joined you?

<Marvin_Black> Who cares? Perhaps it will be the last time you sit down. You never know...

DAN_Primus takes a seat across from Marv.

<Marcello> (You may notice that talking with Mr.Black actually seemed to cheer Marcello up.)

Asm0dai is still looking like a haggard, well-travelled adventurer with a brown fedora and a whip on his side.

<DAN_Primus> Life is like a roller coaster, Mr.Black.

<Marvin_Black> Yeah... Slowly upwards to slide down very fast.

<Waitress> Anything else?

Asm0dai orders a Tequila Sunrise.

Waitress smiles.

DAN_Primus waves the Waitress away when she asks him.

Marcello grins.

Waitress transmits the orders to the bar already, before she returns in record time and distributes the drinks.

<DAN_Primus> No. Like a roller coaster, it has its up and its downs, but no matter what happens, the ride will always end.

<Marvin_Black> Yeah.. You will slowly go up and then you will go down very fast and the ride will end after a downslide. Just as I said.

Waitress disappears again.

<Marcello> (me wonders what kind of drink she thinks happiness is *G*)

<ST> (That drink is very colourful, bubbly and sweet. Obviously it was just concocted for the occasion.)

Marcello laughs.

<Asm0dai> (Hehe... It is a box of chocolates ;))

<Marcello> Mr.Black, I think your "Happiness" has arrived.

<Marvin_Black> You can have it. I don't give in to such illusions.

<Marcello> But I am not the one in need of a little "Happiness", Mr.Black. I am quite content with the way my rollercoaster runs.

<DAN_Primus> I think I'm currently on one of the downs.

<Marvin_Black> Get used to it.

<Marcello> Unlike you, whop can only see the end of the ride and not enjoy the ride itself.

<Marvin_Black> You are just denying to look at the inevitable. You are the one running, not me.

Marvin_Black takes another sip of his coffee

<Marcello> I'm not running, I'm enjoyin the ride while it lasts.

<Marvin_Black> Just keep telling it to yourself. Perhaps one day you'll even believe it

AC_Newton sips her Frozen Margarita and ponders what they should do next. Of course she already has some ideas, but they are more ...private. But of course there still is something else that needed to be done here...

Asm0dai is enjoying the aftertaste of sunrise and nibbling on the orange.

<Asm0dai> (nonchalantly) What about that factory and the gauntlets?

AC_Newton starts.

<Asm0dai> We did have some Nephandi butt to kick before all of this turncoat business...

<AC_Newton> I was just thinking about this, too! Can you read minds?

Asm0dai eyes Grey, Dan... and Marcello.

AgentGrey raises an eyebrow, but he doesn't think he felt any Mind procedure used at the moment.

<Asm0dai> (Nope, I just remmbered we just spent this session not even saying one word about it :))

<DAN_Primus> Destruction is inevitable. Pain is not.

<Marvin_Black> Dan, what do you know about pain?

<Asm0dai> Pain is inevitable, hair brains. Life is pain...

<Marvin_Black> Asmo: Yes. Agreed.

<ST> (Asmo, we had other matters to attend to :-)

<Asm0dai> (Like suicidal attacks on the Techies and getting spies among us.)

AC_Newton leans against Kevin and seems to feel very comfortable there.

Marcello glances a little enviously at AC and Grey.

Asm0dai smirks and looks at Acey with a playful smile.

AC_Newton blushes and smiles back.

<DAN_Primus> I know more about pain than you ever could, goth boy.

<Marvin_Black> Are you that sure? Eh?

<DAN_Primus> Yes.

<Marvin_Black> Asmo, it's a little bit estranging that we agree more and more often

<DAN_Primus> There is more than mere physical pain. That always goes away eventually. Emotional, mental. Those never fade, never grow old. Those pains haunt you for as long as you exist.

<Marvin_Black> Look who's talking. If you want to learn about the pain of life, open your mind and I could give you some real pain...

<Marcello> Nephandi? Could anyone please explain? We can't allow such abominations to go around, no matter where our loyalties are.

<AgentGrey> Well, that's in fact why I'm here with the ...others. I want those abominations to be exterminated, too.

AgentGrey smiles inwardly. And capturing this spacegirl's heart was a very pleasant side-effect.

<Asm0dai> Who will be so nice to recap the events with the nice bracelet to the newcomers...

Hannibal_Golux leans forward.

<Asm0dai> I would if this evil Tequila Sunrise in my hand wasn't stopping me from talking politely.

Asm0dai grins.

<ST> (Hanni? :-)

AC_Newton sighs and somehow feels to comfortable to get into lengthy explanations ^_^

AgentGrey looks at her and grins.

Marcello sighs.

<Hannibal_Golux> As far as we understand it, these Nephandi are distributing corrupt programs, that look like bracelets throughout the Digital Web. These bracelets are taking control of their subjects and distributing more and more of them.

<Hannibal_Golux> (I don't think we worked out what their ultimate goal was, did we?)

<ST> (Hanni: Not yet. To spread corruption is always a good guess.)

AgentGrey hears the "bracelet" word and suddenly his mien turns to "embarrassed". He didn't like the idea that he got caught by one of those things, too.

<Asm0dai> (Nope, we found what it was that worked, but not why... The Techie files were sketchy on that. Btw, did I find out anythign about the SPD connection, Stayka?)

<ST> (Asmo: Yeah, you can assume there were traces of files that hint at SPD/Pentex/Wyrm stuff, too. The files were half wiped out, but not well enough that you couldn't restore parts)

<Asm0dai> (Perfect. They were among that stuff I ripped from the mmaster database? Shit, I have that still in triplicate at home :))

<Hannibal_Golux> Agent Grey, here, was under the influence of one of those things and it would seem that his supervisor within the Union is also under its influence.

<DAN_Primus> Were you able to destroy the bracelets?

<Asm0dai> Well, I wrote a nice counter procedure for killing the bracelet off, and that is how we got him out. - Continue, Hannibal, you are doing just fine :)

<Hannibal_Golux> I believe it was a joint effort, Asmodai.

<Asm0dai> (Well, I did it first time on my own.)

<Hannibal_Golux> (Asmo: Not exactly. The first one involved me isolating the bracelet's influence, first, aiding your code.)

<Asm0dai> (Ain't sure. Doesn't matter, really... We found a way to get rid of it.)

<ST> (Yup. That's what counts)

<Hannibal_Golux> (*nods*)

AgentGrey nods to Asmodai. He was pretty thankful that they got the bracelet off him.

<Asm0dai> (Thankful enough that he bonded with us...)

Asm0dai looks at Grey and Acey, smiling.

AgentGrey grins. Well...

Marvin_Black leans back and looks at the others who are pondering about another mad plan.

<Hannibal_Golux> Dan, no, we couldn't destroy it. We sealed the one we found in a corrupt sector. But then we discovered that there are others.

<ST> (And the things have a nasty lure to them.)

Asm0dai uses this chance to reintroduce to Grey's mind the warning about hurting the little naive space cadet.

AgentGrey replies telepathically to Asmo that he heard him well.

Asm0dai just smiles and says that he is just reminding him...

<Asm0dai> (Oh, I love Mind so much ;))

<AgentGrey> (me too)

<Marcello> (me three)

<Asm0dai> (I like it even better than Corr and Entropy, amazingly :))

<DAN_Primus> So you were unable to destroy it. Do you plan on sealing all of them? Or do you actually plan to destroy them at some point in time?

<Asm0dai> Destroy where they are made...

<Hannibal_Golux> So now, we have to discover what the connection to these things are with Grey's supervisor. We have yet to discover the exact source.

<Marvin_Black> Yeah.. We have to stumble to Hells Gates, knock stick our tongues to the devil, turn around and go home, eh?

<Asm0dai> Correction, Marv, we summon the lord of hell, trick them and then flip them off when we are done...

<AgentGrey> Well. My supervisor appeared inconspicuous enough... But it's a bit awkward that I haven't returned to my Construct for two days now. Not that I would like to miss the experience...

AC_Newton blushes again.

<Hannibal_Golux> (I don't mind Mind, and Matter doesn't matter. You need to be spirited to have Spirit, I don't have time for Time. etc.)

<Asm0dai> (ROTFL ;) I wouldn't want to force Forces upon you!)

<Asm0dai> So, Grey, what are your long term plans? I'd say you have about 24 hours more to report before you are declared a liability.

<DAN_Primus> (By spirited do you mean drunk, or energetic?)

<Hannibal_Golux> (Take your pick)

<DAN_Primus> (Energetic drunk.)

<Marvin_Black> Asmo: I see you get my point. Is there anyone here who isn't insane and doesn't want to die with as much fireworks as possible?

<AgentGrey> Well. I should return "home", but I have to admit I do not really care for the fact that I'd be in for a thorough PsychOps examination and Conditioning thereafter.

AgentGrey grimaces.

<Asm0dai> Oh, you'd be into much more. Maybe you should stay and get away from the good ol' ironheart...

<AgentGrey> That's something that might indeed get dangerous for everybody here.

AgentGrey sighs.

<Asm0dai> Or you could simply go and return after "using RDs to destroy a huge RD headquarters" - without pointing out which RDs helped you.

Asm0dai looks amused...

AgentGrey has to admit that he is indeed sorely tempted. He doesn't really know anymore where exactly his loyalties lie.

<Asm0dai> You should pick a camp and soon. And I should warn you that there will be consequences for any of the choices - and sacrifices...

AgentGrey looks somewhat pained. He was thoroughly educated in the belief that the Union was about the fight for the good of humanity.

Marvin_Black looks at Grey.

<Marvin_Black> Ah, another one learns what life is all about.

<Asm0dai> (Just what I wanted to say ;))

<AgentGrey> (LOL)

<Marvin_Black> (hehe... Asmo and Marv seem to understand each other more and more ^_^)

AgentGrey wonders if it might be less painful to just return and let PsychOps wipe his memory and replace it with conform memories. Then he looks to AC and thinks that there are some things he wouldn't like to have wiped, though. He sighs again.

Marvin_Black sighs, too.

Asm0dai noisily slurps the rest of his Tequila Sunrise with the straw.

<AgentGrey> I am aware that I'm in very deep trouble.

<Asm0dai> Maybe you should go and pick what your heart tells you.

Hannibal_Golux almost chokes on his White Russian.

<Asm0dai> Mind does tend to screw things up...

<Marcello> (mutter) and you have no idea how deep.

<Asm0dai> That's what got ol' ironheart where it is now.

AgentGrey appears to be in deep thought.

Marvin_Black drinks his coffee.

<Asm0dai> (Oh, I can kill with Mind more effectivly than with any other Sphere ;))

Asm0dai looks around the table, smiling.

AC_Newton looks hopefully at Kevin.

<AC_Newton> Can't he fake to stay with the Techies and instead work for us?

DAN_Primus wonders if he can drink in the DW.

AgentGrey smiles wryly at her.

<AgentGrey> Don't think this is so easy.

<Asm0dai> It wouldn't work. At least not for long.

<DAN_Primus> Double agents always get caught.

Asm0dai coughs loudly.

<ST> (heh)

Marcello looks at Asmodai questioningly.

<AgentGrey> Well, the Union does not look fondly at traitors at all.

Hannibal_Golux mutters under his breath... He pretends to work with us to pretend to work with them while reporting on us. We're just giving him back to them?

<ST> (eg)

<DAN_Primus> Death is considered an easy punishment for traitors.

<Asm0dai> I wouldn't agree. They are caught always, but Agents can work for quite a while before being caught.

<AgentGrey> Well, I'm aware of that. I'm a member of the NWO, you see?

Hannibal_Golux mutters under his breath... But he won't be a traitor will he?

<Marvin_Black> Dan, that's life. It means pain and Death.

<Asm0dai> (ROTFL :) We know that you know that we don't know that you know that we know you know.)

<Hannibal_Golux> (LOL)

<DAN_Primus> Yes, Mr.Black, I am quite aware of that.

<Asm0dai> And I think we are doing this wrongly.

<AC_Newton> I don't want him to get hurt.

AC_Newton looks tearfully at Kevin.

Asm0dai tries to scan Dan for any Corr connections.

<Marcello> It seems to me that Mr.Asmodai here has quite some personal experience with the Union.

<Asm0dai> !dice 4

<agww-dice> Asm0dai rolls the dice and gets the following results: 8 2 2 9

<Hannibal_Golux> Asmo: What was your first clue?

<ST> (Asmo: Dan has a Corr connection to the Meteor.)

<Marvin_Black> AC: Oh, that's impossible. That's what life is about. But I'm not telling you anything you don't already know.

<Asm0dai> (ok)

Asm0dai sends a message to Grey: Don't talk in front of DAN... He is hard evidence that could link you to us.)

<AgentGrey> (telepathically to Asmodai) You are right. It seems, this situation unbalances me so badly that I get careless)

<Asm0dai> (to Grey) Yes, this is incommodating for all of us - as is your public display of affection for Acey.

<Hannibal_Golux> (Han would seriously choke on his drink if he could hear that message Asmo just sent. Isn't it fortunate, he didn't?)

<Asm0dai> (hehe)

AgentGrey appears to be very embarrassed.

<ST> (sticks out tongue to Asmo)

<Asm0dai> (Actually, on the sanity scale it is not smart. Imagine someone using that against him or Acey.)

<ST> (*g* Sure. But it's more fun that way. Gets them both neck-deep into trouble...)

<Asm0dai> (Oh yes... and this old sod just wants to keep them happy.)

DAN_Primus decides to give the whole drinking thing a try. He's heard that humans drink to forget their troubles.

Waitress appears as she perceives that one of the guests looks around searchingly

Hannibal_Golux wishes it was that easy.

Marvin_Black empties his coffee.

<Waitress> Yes? Is there anything I can get you?

Waitress smiles and sends the order

<DAN_Primus> A triple scotch, no ice, with a triple scotch, no ice chaser.

<Marvin_Black> Another coffee, as black as the deepest depths of the soul.

<Hannibal_Golux> Another White Russian.

Waitress nods.

<Marvin_Black> (Another of course)

<Waitress> Is that all?

<AgentGrey> I'd like to have a double scotch.

<Asm0dai> Another Sunrise...

<Marcello> Another scotch, please - and can you take this "Happiness" back?

Waitress takes the bubbly glass.

<Waitress> Didn't you like it?

Marcello looks at Mr.Black

<Marvin_Black> I never ordered a drink called after an illusion.

<DAN_Primus> (The Happy Skipper: 1 1/2 cl Spiced rum (Captain Morgan's), Ginger ale, Lime (optional), Ice Pour Captain Morgan's Spiced Rum over ice, fill glass to top with Ginger Ale. Garnish with lime. Tastes like a cream soda. Named for the Gilligan's Island reference ("The Captain" *in* "Ginger" is a Happy Skipper!)

<Asm0dai> (ROTFL!)

<Hannibal_Golux> (LOL)

<Marvin_Black> (Lol)

<DAN_Primus> (Closest thing to 'Happiness' I could find.)

DAN_Primus downs the drink and the chaser, grimaces, shakes his head a bit, and orders another of the same.

AC_Newton sips another Frozen Margarita and looks somewhat tipsy.

<Asm0dai> (Hmm, can you get inebriated on virtual Margaritas? I think not....)

<ST> (Asmo: *g* She believes it *hehe*)

<DAN_Primus> (I don't know, but Dan's trying.)

<Hannibal_Golux> (The same way someone can get drunk on lemonade.)

<Asm0dai> (oh :) I've seen cases like that... People that get "drunk" just by thinking they are drunk.)

<Hannibal_Golux> (yep)

Marvin_Black waits for his coffee.

<DAN_Primus> (I would assume that the drinks are programmed with a Mind effect to induce the same syptoms as real alcohol.)

<Asm0dai> (They aren't...)

<DAN_Primus> (Drat. That means Dan's wasting his time.)

<Hannibal_Golux> (We should probably start making plans into investigating Grey's superior.)

<Asm0dai> (AFAIK... besides I'd use Mind just to make them not kill of my mind functioning...)

<ST> (Exactly that's the idea. And leave the deed for next time)

DAN_Primus orders a Long Island Iced Tea.

<Asm0dai> (Well, but you can make yourself believe you are drunk. That will work)

<ST> (For AC, it works. Although she just feels tipsy... and very well.)

<DAN_Primus> Why ishn't tish werkin'? I wanna git drunkt!

Asm0dai looks at Dan.

<Hannibal_Golux> (The way things are going - now towards the end of the session - I'm not sure how much of a coherent plan we're going to come up with.)

<Asm0dai> Danny boy... you are drunk...

Marvin_Black looks at Dan.

<Marvin_Black> Order a Zombie. That should kill your mind fast enough.

<Asm0dai> (I'd agree with Nimrod on this.)

<Asm0dai> I'd recommend a lobotomy, Marv. That takes care of it much faster.

AC_Newton thinks it's easy. We will just confront the bad guy, overpower him and then destroy the plant.

<Hannibal_Golux> (Actually, next session we could probably look into taking MC up on her invitation and we can aim to have a plan by the end of that at least.)

<ST> (Hanni :Good idea ^_^)

DAN_Primus orders a Zombie.

<Hannibal_Golux> (Zombies are cool.)

<Marvin_Black> (Zombie should contain five different sorts of rum and some other stuff, am I right?)

<Marcello> If we are going up against the Nephandi, some time to prepare would be nice.

<ST> (Hanni, provided she doesn't cast her Blessing around again...)

DAN_Primus drinks the Zombie, having forgotten about the Long Island, and orders three more.

Zombie_in_suit has joined #agww

Zombie_in_suit shambles to the table

Zombie_in_suit heads towards DAN...

<Hannibal_Golux> (Heh-heh...)

Zombie_in_suit grabs Dan's head.

<Hannibal_Golux> (I think they misunderstood your order.)

Zombie_in_suit starts screaming: BRAINS BRAINS

<Marcello> (Hmm, I know a Dutch cocktail that can get you drunk after just one drink)

<Marvin_Black> Oh... The barkeeper has a sense of humor.

Waitress grins.

<DAN_Primus> Wuh the fukh

Zombie_in_suit opens Dan's head and looks inside.

Zombie_in_suit walks away...

<Zombie_in_suit> No brains...

Hannibal_Golux gives the zombie some Welsh bitter, called Brains.

Asm0dai kills of the program

<DAN_Primus> Wha? No brainsh? Hulk Smash!

AC_Newton stays with Frozen Margaritas.

DAN_Primus turns into big green robot monstrosity and stomps after the zombie.

Asm0dai creates himself a samishen and turns his Indy costume into a kimono. He starts to string on the samishen, a haunting sound echoes around them.

Asm0dai starts waving around with a fish in Acey's direction.

<Asm0dai> Fish says... FILLET ME, ACEY! Feel the power of Puni Puni Acey!

<DAN_Primus> (Are you sure Asm0 isn't drunk?)

<AC_Newton> (hehe)

Asm0dai continues playing on the samishen...

<Asm0dai> (well I am ;))

AC_Newton looks into the group which seems to be in various stages of mental disarray.

Hannibal_Golux thinks everyone has lost it now.

Asm0dai suddenly starts playing a long riff on the samishen, lights turning on him and him changing into a punk rocker and hitting off a tune and screaming.

<Asm0dai> "Venus in a Hardshell!"

Marvin_Black looks at Asmo.

AC_Newton sighs and cuddles up to Kevin.

<Marvin_Black> Oh... The decay of mind kicks in. Great.

DAN_Primus drops the robo-Hulk act and slaps Asm0 around a bit with a large trout.

Asm0dai stops after sprouting some really foul mouthed lyrics.

<DAN_Primus> Knock it off!

<AgentGrey> I have the impression, this day was too much for most of us here.

Asm0dai turns back into himself and has a guitar in his hand. He starts playing "This is the end of the world as we know it" and humming the melody.

<Marvin_Black> Asmo: At least this song as a good title... What about "Eve of Destruction"?

<Marcello> (Marvinitis)

<AgentGrey> Maybe we should better call it a day and return tomorrow after a sound and enjoyable night...

<Asm0dai> Come on, people, join in! It is obvious we won't do anything creative tonight.

<Hannibal_Golux> Yes. Let people sleep off their virtual hangovers.

Marcello sighs.

<Asm0dai> "...and this is the End of the world as we know it..."

<Asm0dai> "...and I feel fiiiiine..."

AgentGrey looks thoughtfully at Acy and shakes his head.

Hannibal_Golux shoots the band.

Asm0dai dodges

<DAN_Primus> ( |'|\/| |\|0t t00 b|g @ |=@|\| 0|= 1337, |\/|y$31|=....)

AC_Newton worries that she has no problems to read what Dan writes.

Marcello wonders why the crew on the Zeppelin doesn't do anything about this.

<ST> (They put a force field around the booth. The rest of the customers aren't disturbed.)

Marvin_Black sips his coffee.

Asm0dai grabs his guitar (Gibson Eb-0 1964) and bashes Hannibal on the head.

Hannibal_Golux doesn't need to move as the guitar passes straight through him and breaks on the chair.

<Marvin_Black> I knew I was the only sane person around.

Asm0dai kills off all the effects and is back in his suit and having his lennons over his eyes. Then he puts his legs on the table and starts humming : "This goes out to the one I love"

DAN_Primus thinks Asm0 needs to shut the hell up.

Hannibal_Golux hates REM as much as his User does.

<DAN_Primus> And it's 'This ONE goes out to the one I love."

Marvin_Black starts a MP3 "Soylent Green" from Wumpscut.

<Marcello> (Dan: If you aren't a fan of leet, then why do you go through all that trouble to write it? I needed to change my font to see what you intended to write.)

<DAN_Primus> (Because I'm hypocritical when it comes to 1337$|03@|<.)

<Hannibal_Golux> Marv: That's a good idea. Let's eat Asmo.

Asm0dai decides that the time has come to give a full show. He turns back into the punk rocker.

Hannibal_Golux burns the stage.

Marvin_Black gives himself a shirt saying "I'm not telling you anything you don't already know"

AC_Newton sits down on Kevin's lap, puts her arms around his neck and looks at him in a rather R-rated way.

AgentGrey raises his eyebrows and thinks she definitely had too much of whatever she imbibed. He definitely preferred to do things like this in private.

Marcello disconnects and goes to his cabin.

Asm0dai starts to sing, a shadowy band seems to be behind him.

<Asm0dai> "love adventure death and glory / the short goodbye the whisperd story..."

Hannibal_Golux recodes his icon and becomes...

Hannibal_Golux is now known as ZenCadet

<Asm0dai> "...one last glance at the chameleon dance / and into the dark across the park..."

DAN_Primus put a force field around Asm0 so we can't see or hear him.

<Asm0dai> I ain't no mark for the venus of the hardshell

<Asm0dai> (say it!)

ZenCadet spills flesh burning acid over Grey.

<ST> (Oh no, it's Grey mutilation time again ^_^)

<Asm0dai> I ain't no mark for the venus of the hardshell / saints and sinner raw beginners / lipstick traces and tv dinners

DAN_Primus is now known as eye_onus

<Asm0dai> cigarsmoke bars and expensive new cars

<eye_onus> I think this session is over with.

Marcello is now known as d1ng0

<d1ng0> yeah...a strange ending..

<Asm0dai> the acapulco dive and the media jive

AgentGrey teleports away, ridding himself from the acid before it could work on him.

<d1ng0> and he's silent now for me :)

<Asm0dai> they all survive for the venus of the hardshell

eye_onus smacks Asm0. "Hey, the sessions over! You aren't drunk anymore!"

<Asm0dai> (know it!)

<Asm0dai> they all survive for the venus of the hardshell

<ST> (Yup. Orgies, orgies...)

<Asm0dai> (ROTFL)

Marvin_Black looks around and feels somewhat out of place

eye_onus slaps Asm0dai around a bit with a large trout

AgentGrey grins broadly and carries his spacegirl away.

<d1ng0> Hmm that works like a jiffy... Just ignore him :)

AgentGrey has quit IRC (Be seeing you!)

Asm0dai stops and turns off the roleplayign chip

Session Close: Wed Mar 12 00:06:15 2003

-- To Be Continued --

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