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NUMBER OF LINES: 999
001=Usr:0 Null User 06/30/87 20:34 Msg:0 Call:0 Lines:19
1$If you are in need of help, you need but ask...
2$************************* INSTALLED: 2 DEC 89 ****************************
3$Welcome to BWMS II (BackWater Message System II) Mike Day System operator
4$**************************************************************************
5$GENERAL DISCLAIMER: BWMS II IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY INFORMATION
6$ PLACED ON THIS SYSTEM.
7$BWMS II was created as an electronic bill board. BWMS II is a privately
8$owned and operated system which is currently open for use by the general
9$public. No restrictions are placed on the use of the system. As the
10$system is privately owned, I retain the right to remove any and all
11$messages which I may find offensive. Because of the limited size of the
12$system, it will be periodically purged of messages (only 999 lines of data
13$can be saved). To leave a message, type 'ENTER'. Use ctrl/C to get out
14$the ENTER mode. The message is automatically stored. If after entering
15$the message you find you made a mistake, use the replace command to
16$replace the line. To exit from the system, type 'BYE' then hang up.
17$Type 'HELP' to see other commands that are available on the system.
18$**************************************************************************
19$
002=Usr:1 CISTOP MIKEY 12/02/89 02:30 Msg:4641 Call:25839 Lines:2
20 Positive: Mistaken at the top of one's voice -- Ambrose Bierce
21 *************************************************************************
003=Usr:322 Stray Cat 12/02/89 08:47 Msg:4642 Call:25842 Lines:2
22 **I'm** first??? Hey, wow!! ... and for the record, I'M ***NOT*** MISTAKEN.
23
004=Usr:84 Michael Miller j 12/02/89 12:39 Msg:4643 Call:25849 Lines:7
24 &*&*&*&*'s
25 Another disk. Predicted time of filling. March 5 1990.
26
27 An Astral Dreamer (Why am I always so cynical? Don't bother to answer. I
28 thought I'd say that just so I wouldn't be dissapointed when nobody did.)
29 &*&*&*&*'s
30
005=Usr:4 Milchar 12/02/89 13:41 Msg:4644 Call:25850 Lines:5
31 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
32 AD: I'm certain you're just suffering from attacks from your personal
33 malevolent demon, a being who follows you around causing mischief. I believe
34 McKane Industries has a prayer service you could call....
35 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Milch +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
006=Usr:368 Nemesis Warlock 12/02/89 22:18 Msg:4645 Call:25861 Lines:86
36 :::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::====
37
38
39 The chamber was silent, save for the humming of the great machine that
40 took up most of the western wall. Huge cabinest lined the base of the machine,
41 shuddering with concealed power. A dim red light on an ivory console glimmered
42 every so often, like a sickly heartbeat, though none were present to count its
43 feeble pulse.
44 Across from the bank of machinery, carved into the rough, cavernous stone
45 of the eastern wall, a hollow tube of glass pulsated in tune with the light,
46 throbbing with what might have been caalled anticipation, were the descriptioon
47 applied to something that could be considered alive. Yet, anticipation it
48 resembled, glimmering with a vigor of power that the ancient cavern had not
49 borne silent witness to in whaat had seemed like millenia uncounted.
50 Within the confines of the glass tube, a thin green mist seeped from a
51 silver cannister, ntil, eventually, it filled the whole of the tube. In a
52 matter of moments, in convulsed spasmically, shaping itself into a form most
53 familiar to these echoing halls.
54 Michael stepped out of the chamber, brushing away ambient sparks of
55 energy from his softly glowing aura of royal blue. "Pathetic," he whispered,
56 in his metal voice. "One would think that the Masters would provide me with
57 a more satisfactory method of dimension shifting." Frowning with distaste over
58 the fluffy bits of raw energy lining his cloak of red, he removed the garment
59 and flapped it a few times, sending the particles flying into the air, where,
60 free from the bonds that held them, they departed from the visible reality.
61 Sighing, Michael limped over to the gigantic machine, mindful of the
62 wounds he had recieved from the paradox on Pyrrix A'aaal. At least here,
63 while he was outside the relative time frame, they would nnot worsen, and tyhe
64 paradox would remain in a state of self-proportion until his return.
65 His thin fingers jabbed absently at a rounded pattern of squares within
66 circles, until each of the four shapes hidden in the overall pattern were
67 glowing with tthe same aura as his own. The machine's droning increased, as
68 small bits of raw data began fluttering across a miniature screen embedded in a
69 thick, blocky monitor of black.
70 Michael eyed the read-outs with interest. "Ambient energy fluxes
71 centralizing around Stone Triangle." he read, repeating the words aloud.
72 "Centralization of fluxes indicates up to %90 probability of Stone Triangle as
73 source for up to %99.9990108 of energy creating paradox. Focal pont of main
74 thrust of paradox remains Quantier."
75 Engrossed as he was in his thoughts, Michael failed to notice the presence
76 creeping up on him from a corner of the cavern. *Difficulties, Michael?* it
77 whispered, in a voice of satin.
78 Michael started, drawing around, his hand reaching for the thin line in
79 the holster of his belt. His muscles, tensed in anticipation of battle,
80 relaxed suddenly when his eyes made contact with the large dog that stared up
81 at him with deep brown eyes. Michael tousled the thick white fur on its
82 head, noting, as always, the slight tingle of electricity thatprickled through
83 him. "Oh," he sighed. "Mukluk, I just wasn't expecting you to be here."
84 *People seldom do.* came the nebulous response. *Have you settled the
85 location of the paradox?*
86 "Well," Michael began, seating himself in a rotating chair. "I've
87 centralized it as unique to Pyrrix A'aal, and to the Quantier, naturally. But
88 as for the actual site of the temporal fluctuation, the computer has only
89 given me percentages and probabilities, though those lend strongly to the idea
90 that the solution is intrinsic to the Stone Triangle."
91 *Could it be related to the destruction of Innisfall?*
92 "The thought's crossed my mind more than once, but I don't think so. I
93 did, however, detect some familiar presence while I was there, but I lost it
94 before I could make any sort of meaningful contact. I think that it might have
95 been little more than a stranger passing over familiar ground. I was planning
96 on having PRISM run some diagnostics on the temporal patterns,, though, just to
97 make sure I'm not missing anything in my concentration on the Friar."
98 Mukluk winced. *Things didn't go well. I can feel it in your thoughts.*
99 "That, my friend, is the understatement of the century. Apparently, he
100 has the Quantier."
101 Another wince. *Preserve us. I'd have thought you would take it fm him
102 straight out.* The brown eyes glanced upwards critically.
103 "Believe me, I've tried. It seems that the damnable thing has bonded
104 itself to Friar, possibly even to the whole of Pyrrix A'aaal. My presence as
105 a foreign entity to the temporal stream triggered some violent reactions along
106 the fourth Element that I'd rather not go into atpresent." AA weary fist
107 pounded against the stone table. "I've failed, at least for now."
108 Mukluk suddenly brightened a bit. *The Fourth Element? Could The Pool be
109 somehow involved in this?* Long dead memories of a forgotten dsert realm
110 flooded the husky's mind.
111 "I know what you're thinking, and I'm having PRISM look into it. The
112 ties are strong, but I can't be certain that this dimension's Pool is the same
113 as the one we're looking for. I do know, however, that Friar expressed an
114 interest in it, and, as such, it must have at least a minor connection to the
115 paradox. Something else, though."
116 *What?* the husky queried.
117 "I'm not sure," came the reply. "I just can't shake the feeling that
118 there's something here, simmering just beneath the surface.... something
119 so familiar to me that I'm missing, that could be all encompassing to much of
120 the puzzle."
121 :::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::==Zephyr::=====:::::=====:::::======:::::===
007=Usr:368 Nemesis Warlock 12/02/89 23:03 Msg:4646 Call:25862 Lines:2
122 Engaging in a little nostalgia never hurt anyone. :)
123 :::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::==Zephyr::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::====
008=Usr:13 voyeur 12/03/89 00:10 Msg:4648 Call:25866 Lines:48
124
125 Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al
126
127 Surveillance detection had always seemed simple enough in theory.
128 Bt Simon Albright was finding it exceedingly difficult to monitor his
129 surroundings from behind an upturned overcoat collar. He was surprised
130 to discover how highly a dry neck rated on his priority list.
131 Head down against the driving rain, he made his way steadily to-
132 ward the designated point of rendezvous, where agent Scarlet would become
133 his first post-recruitment contact. As McQueen had explained to him,
134 security dictated minimal knowledge of George's internal organization.
135 For some time Albright would be allowed contact with only a few agents.
136 Eventually he might be able to recruit new members. Only after years of
137 service under observation could he hope to gain admittance to the upper
138 levels of George administration and policy.
139 Albright arrived at the bus stop where the meeting was supposed to
140 take place, located the telephone booth, and leaned against it as per the
141 plan. In the event of a problem, Scarlet could reach him by phone, though
142 this was unlikely.
143 The 2 pm meeting time came and went. At ten past two a bus
144 arrived, which left Albright standing conspicuously alone at the corner.
145 At eleven past two the phone rang.
146 The voice on the other end said exactly what Albright expected it
147 to, but not in the way he expected. The conversation was a standard code
148 any outsider would have interpreted as a wrong number.
149 Hello, may I speak with Mr. Marco please? I'm sorry, you must
150 have the wrong number. Are you quite certain? Yes, sir. This is a bus
151 stop. Could you make certain? There's no one here, sir. This is a...
152 And so on. But the voice Albright heard was not cold and low or
153 gavelly or disguised or nervous or uncertain or any of those things he
154 imagined his own to be. It was a voice that belonged to an old man --
155 or, better yet, to an absent-minded scholar. Ruse? or was his contact
156 actually (as Albright had sketched him) a bookish man with one hemisphere
157 stranded in academia?
158 The crux of the message was that Scarlet had been delayed, but
159 that the meeting would take place in fifteen minutes. Same location.
160 Normally such occurrences would altogether void a scheduled rendezvous,
161 but Albright had been warned that standard frames of reference were of
162 little value where Scarlet was concerned.
163 Leaning near the phone again, Albright realized what had been
164 bothering him. Along with the background traffic noise, the stranger's
165 voice had been accompanied by a quiet, constant clicking -- like fingers
166 tapping a keyboard. Albright decided to keep his eyes open for a man with
167 a portable computer.
168
169 Albright
170 Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al
171
009=Usr:11 L'homme sans Par 12/03/89 10:28 Msg:4652 Call:25869 Lines:5
172 *$%)_@#*%)_%(*)_$#(%)_#!(%_)$#%#_@!*^%_)(^)_$#^)_#(^)_$#^()_#^()%^()_$#^()_#@
173 Delta V: well, you missed my visit to your neck of the woods. I tried calling
174 but got strange answering machine responses. Maybe you are in deep hide mode?
175 ($)_@(#$)_#@(%)_#$(@_)%()_*(%)_# L'homme sans Parity *%$_)#@_)(%@)_#%(@#)_%(@
176
010=Usr:84 Michael Miller j 12/03/89 21:25 Msg:4659 Call:25886 Lines:47
177 &*&*&*&*'s
178
179 It was 4am, and I was halfway through my history term paper. It
180 was due at 8am sharp, I was in trouble. (Note to the reader, this is all
181 PURE fiction. The Editor.) This being my last year I'd had to take
182 Histriography. Its sort of the class where you prover yourself before they
183 give you you're degree. If you're a history major that is. And here I was
184 staring bleary eyed at my computers CRT wondering what to write next.
185
186 The subject had seemed like an easy one. I'd been able to pick it out
187 myself, and since one of my favorite eras has always been the sixtees, I
188 decided to find a subject that fit somewhere in there. Since I also had
189 a great love for music it seemed like a natural to combine the two. I'd
190 read a good deal about the two over the last several years, so I figured the
191 paper would be a breeze. Wrongo. First, most of what I had read had been
192 in music periodicals that had since made the long pilgrimage to the dump. And
193 it's not like you're average library keeps the last 15 years of Rolling stone
194 on hand either. And finding reference books hadn't been much easier. I'd
195 managed to chase down a couple, but they just weren't enough to base
196 a 35 page paper on. Not if I wanted to do anything other the parrot what
197 the authors said.
198
199 So here I was, 15 pages in and out of wind. 'Time to turn on the
200 B*llsh*t gland.' I thought to myself. It was about then that I heard the
201 music. It wasn't very loud, and since I was up already it didn't really
202 bother me either. I sat staring at the screen for another fifteen minutes
203 or so. Searching for inspiration. All that time the music had been droning
204 on in the background. It sounded somewhat like the Psychedelic stuff that
205 a lot of the San Francisco Bands had been playing around '66 and '67. Sort
206 of different though, kind'of like Jefferson Airplane meets REM. I began to
207 wonder where it was coming from. It sounded like it was coming from behind
208 me. I figured maybe I'd left my clock radio on or somthing. Wondering what
209 station it was I wandered back to see. It only took me a moment to figure
210 out that the radio was not on. So the mystery had deepened. The sound seemded
211 to be coming from under my bed. Very strange indeed. Now that I looked,
212 I noticed a rather peculiar thing. There was a blue light eminating from
213 under my bed. Carefully I pulled it aside to see what was going on.
214
215 My room had sprouted a hole about 3 feet in diameter. I looked over the
216 edge, but could see nothing at first but a misty haze permeated with the soft
217 blue light. suddenly somthing seemed to grab me and pull me in. I flailed
218 out trying to find somthing to hold onto. My hand came to rest on the handle
219 to my guitar case. Instinctivly I grabed ahold.
220
221 An Astral Dreamer
222 &*&*&*&*'s
223
011=Usr:368 Nemesis Warlock 12/04/89 14:51 Msg:4660 Call:25896 Lines:6
224 :::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::====
225 Astral Dreamer: An interesting start, but have you been singing any spells
226 recently?
227 My first log on of the day, and only 10 lines at my disposal??? I'm melting,
228 melting....
229 :::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::==Zephyr::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::====
012=Usr:11 L'homme sans Par 12/04/89 19:25 Msg:4662 Call:25902 Lines:6
230 *%@*%)#@%_)*%)_@^_)#)_$(^_#^!)^%^_+)$#%()$*(^%$)&+_)(#+_(^%@|!~+_%)+_^(+_!#^(+_
231 voyeur: Any new additions to your computer family yet? Inquiring minds want
232 to know!
233 Astral: IS that a Martin hard-shell by any chance?
234 (%)_#@(%)_@(%)_#@(%)_#%)_@(%)_@(%^)_@()_@()_#(%_@* L'home sans Parity *%@_)%*@#
235
013=Usr:13 voyeur 12/05/89 00:21 Msg:4664 Call:25910 Lines:8
236 ::::::::::O O::::::::::12/05/89::::::::::::::::::00:26:57::::::::O O:::::::::::
237 L'homme: Indeed, yes! As we speak, a Northgate Elegance 386/33 wings its way
238 from Minnisota. (well, actually, the order is in some stag of processing
239 there; I won't see the machine for a little while yet). I must admit to
240 being all a quiver with anticipation... although, I wonder if I should call
241 them back and tell them to drop that '486 in instead?
242 Any word on the compatibility of the CompuAdd HardCache?
243 ::::::::::O O:::::::::::::::::::::::voyeur::::::::::::::::::::::O O::::::::::
014=Usr:11 L'homme sans Par 12/06/89 00:58 Msg:4666 Call:25930 Lines:7
244 *%#)@%)(%)_(#@%)_@!(%#)_@^_$(^*_)#@(^_)+(@#+_%)(~+_@)%$+^(*!_+#^)#!^)!#+_!^)+_#
245
246 voyeur: as you heard it from the horse's mouth - congrats on the order, and
247 beware cheap hardware caching hard disk controllers. The seek times you lose
248 may be your own!
249
250 *$@_$)_@#($)_@#@#%)#_@(*%@#)_%(@ L'homme sans Parity *$_)@!$(_)!($_)(~_)$_!)$!$
015=Usr:287 Ralph Steadman 12/06/89 14:33 Msg:4667 Call:25934 Lines:3
251 696969696969
252 696969696969696969
253
016=Usr:368 Nemesis Warlock 12/06/89 16:18 Msg:4668 Call:25938 Lines:1
254 :::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::==Zephyr::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::====
017=Usr:49 Bob Bennet 12/06/89 20:42 Msg:4674 Call:25946 Lines:1
255@news feed deleted by sysop --
018=Usr:84 Michael Miller j 12/06/89 22:16 Msg:4675 Call:25949 Lines:23
256 &*&*&*&*'s
257 LHSP, time will tell.
258
259 Onward.
260
261 I fell for what seemed like an eternity. The dull blue light all around
262 me, and that strange music always somewhere in the distance. I grabbed ahold
263 of my guitar case. It was a bit of reality in the pale sea on unreality
264 that surrounded me.
265
266 And then there were voices, I could here them indistinctly at first, and
267 then with greater clarity. They spoke in some strange language that I had
268 never heard before. I realized that the voices were droning over the music,
269 in some strange sort of vocal accompanament. I had no sense of the speed at
270 which I was falling, but it didn't take a genius to figure that I'd be making
271 a big red splatter wherever I happened to land.
272
273 was no evidence to indicate that I was falling at all. Then there was a sudden
274 fade to black. 'Touch Down' I thought as the mist overcame me.
275
276 An Astral Dreamer
277 &*&*&*&*'s
278
019=Usr:368 Nemesis Warlock 12/07/89 18:43 Msg:4676 Call:25979 Lines:88
279 :::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::====
280 *Consider your move carefully, my friend.*
281 Michael grimaced, his eyes making contact for a moment with those of the
282 great beast that sat before the opposite end of the marble chess table. His
283 thin fingers rested lightly on a carved tower of ivory, his Rook. "Don't I
284 always?"
285 *You certainly didn't on Pyrrix A'aaal.* A wave of empathetic
286 chastisement sent a shiver up Michael's spine.
287 "Point taken." He eyed the pieces on the board once more. The game had
288 barely begun, and already Mukluk had managed to drive him into a dead lock, or
289 so the situation appeared. "Any suggestions?"
290 *Michael, the game is yours.*
291 "No, I'm referring to the paradox."
292 *Then my advice is the same.*
293 Michael rolled his eyes. "Ever the cryptic mentor?" he smiled.
294 *It's my job.*
295 Michael sighed, his other hand tapping against the stone table. "It's
296 just so frustrating," he began, after a long pause. "To come so close to one's
297 goals, only to have them snatched away." He stared out the giant picture
298 window bhind his companion, at the swirling mists of the time stream. "And
299 all because I was unprepared."
300 *Happens to the best of us. But I see no point in moping. What are your
301 plans?*
302 Michael thought for a moment. "The paradox is, as I said, in a point of
303 stasis at present, self-perpetuating. My degeneration has halted, and I
304 COULD forseeably contact the Masters for a new assignment."
305 Mukluk scowled mentally. A black tide of emotions tingled through
306 Michael's being. *But you won't.* It was not a suggestion.
307 "No." Again, he paused. "But I certainly can't go running willy nilly
308 through a closed dimension that has just gone through an energy shift of major
309 proportions. The timeline is much too unstable. I'm having an unfavorable
310 relationship with their Primary Source already."
311 *The Stone Triangle, you mean? I can identify.* Thoughts of the Tower
312 ran through Mukluk's mind, and the half hearted sigh of images trailed through
313 his empathetic link with Michael.
314 "Contemplating Tanis again?"
315 *It's nothing, really.*
316 "I wouldn't abandon all hope. It is not an impossibility. Were we to
317 locate the proper Pool, we could-"
318 *It's Nothing, Really.* Mukluk repeated.
319 Michael felt a surge of heat well in the bottom of his soul. Fighting
320 off the contact, he continued. "You simply can't go on trying to forget."
321 *You think I have?"* A seething wall of anger began to cloud the link.
322 *My life is linked to Tanis.* The small green stone at the base of Mukluk's
323 collar began to glow softly. *I carry a legacy of my contact with that
324 realm. It is as much a part of me as my spirit.*
325 "Then why the avoidance?"
326 *You have more important things to think about..* Mukluk hesitated for a
327 moment, pensive. *I'm going with you next time.*
328 Michael frowned. "I was thinking more along the lines of bringing along
329 Standor."
330 *Any particular reasoning behind your objection?*
331 "I'm certainly bringing Standor. I'm dealing with a dimension that has a
332 combination of Magiks and Science. It isn't something I'm ready to deal with
333 at this stage. A Magik Paradox is one thing, a Technical Paradox another,
334 but the causes of a paradox on a world such as this could be so varied as to
335 threaten more than just one single factor of Reality Prime. Standor's
336 experience on the SINAT Station as well as his familiarity with Magikal realms
337 will be vital. And I can't jeopardize both of you. We're shorthanded as it
338 is. I need your advice, but you'll be better equipped to give it researching
339 back here. Someone needs to guard PRISM while I'm away."
340 #I'm more than capable of handling any situations that arisse during your
341 absence.# The soft, soothing voice echoed through the cavern.
342 Michael looked up, instinctively. "Forgive me, PRISM." he addressed the
343 computer, whose network of sensors ran throughout the entire compound. "Have
344 you uncovered athing new?"
345 #Nothing yet. I've been trying. It's not easy to pierce the veil.#
346 "Well, continue."
347 #I hear and comply.#
348 Michael returned his attention to Mukluk. Sighing, he moved his piece
349 across the board.
350 *Check.* Mukluk stated.
351 Michael cursed, realizingthat he had lifted his hand from the Rook.
352 "I'm beaten, I'm afraid."
353 *So I SHALL accompany you to the surface.*
354 "This is Pyrrix A'aaal! Remember, a good portion of Innisfall's
355 population arrived en masse during the catastrophe. And, as I recall from
356 some of your stories, you'd established quite the reputation there."
357 *Be that as it may, I insist.*
358 "Very well." Michael gave in. His heart really wasn't in the argument.
359 "We shall depart as soon as I have recovered my strength and stocked enough
360 provisions to protect us from the effects of the Stoneriangle... and the
361 Quantier."
362 *Aren't you forgetting the Friar?*
363 "Oh no," Michael replied. "I'm most certainly nt forgetting Friar. In
364 fact, I've been considering a plan to deal with him once and for all."
365
366 :::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::==Zephyr::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::====
020=Usr:322 Stray Cat 12/09/89 17:29 Msg:4680 Call:26013 Lines:1
367
021=Usr:394 Rayall the Pirat 12/09/89 18:04 Msg:4681 Call:26015 Lines:5
368 ArrArrArrArrArrArrArrArrArrArrArrArrArrArrArrArrArrArrArrArrArrArrArrArrArrArr
369 The old salt looked up from the worn table andd eyed the chap in the
370 tweed business suit. "Anyone castin' about news'd walk the plank on MY ship."
371 He returned to examining the proportions at the bottom of his whiskey glass.
372 ArrArrArrArrArrArrArrArrArrArrArrArrArrArrArrArrArrArrArrArrArrArrArrArrArrArr
022=Usr:82 SWORDSMITH 12/09/89 21:16 Msg:4683 Call:26021 Lines:2
373 SS.SS.SS.SS.SS.SS.SS.SS.
374 OFF
023=Usr:1 CISTOP MIKEY 12/10/89 10:22 Msg:4686 Call:26031 Lines:4
375@This is a test, this is only a test.
376@No need to worry about that mushroom cloud
377@Nor about the strange yellow glow.
378@*********************************************
024=Usr:322 Stray Cat 12/10/89 14:43 Msg:4690 Call:26038 Lines:4
379 }*{}*{}*{}*{}*{*}*{}*{}*}{*}{*}{*}{}{}*{}{*}{}*{}*{}{*}{}{}{*}{}*{}*{}*{*{
380
381 SS2.SS2.SS2.SS2
382 on
025=Usr:29 The Bard 12/10/89 16:23 Msg:4691 Call:26041 Lines:45
383 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
384 Code
385 Words by BobKnefsky
386
387 What's the use of incantations
388 Needing stange gesticulations,
389 Eyeballs of obscure crustacas,
390 Toenails of a toad?
391
392 What's the use of years of training,
393 Spells that don't work when it's raining
394 Or because the moon is waning?
395 Better far is Code!
396
397 Code's the stuff we write now.
398 Code that's clean and tight now.
399 Run it through your Apple II
400 (Try not to stay up fixing it all night, now.)
401
402 Ancient mages, through the ages
403 Frequently were prone to violent rages
404 Due to poring over pages
405 Filled with ink that glowed.
406
407 Oftentimes a poor old biddy
408 Found on her familiar kitty
409 Ticks and fleas, which (more's the pity)
410 Moved into her rugs.
411
412 Shamans using dung from cattle
413 With small insects must do battle.
414 We have code to serve us that'll
415 Not be fraught with bugs.
416
417 Shaman, save your tonic;
418 Witch, your pets bubonic.
419 We've the means, with our machines,
420 To make phantasms visual and sonic.
421
422 If you've stayed with code that's made with
423 Principled techniques and not been played with,
424 You won't need a wizard's aid with
425 User-friendly code!
426
427 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~BARD~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
026=Usr:322 Stray Cat 12/10/89 23:17 Msg:4692 Call:26046 Lines:5
428 }*{}*{}*{}*{}*{}*{}*{}*{}*{}*}*}*{}*{}*{}*{}*{}*{}*{}*{}*{}*{}*{}*{}*{}*{}
429
430 ... that aint easy. Sorry I played with your code or whatever ...
431
432
027=Usr:31 The Doctor 12/11/89 00:58 Msg:4693 Call:26049 Lines:2
433@????????????????? Lurk, Lurk, Lurk ?????????????????????? The
434 ???????????????????? Lurk, Lurk, Lurk ?????????????????????? The Doctor????
028=Usr:483 Lord Beaker 12/11/89 13:40 Msg:4694 Call:26057 Lines:13
435 -=======-=-======-=---------=-=-==========-=-=-----------=-======-=----=-===
436 HA HA HA HA...
437 There is NO god!!
438 YKCanreBA"7
439
440 At least there dosen't seem to be.
441
442 L. Beaker (just chek'n inn).
443 \__/
444 oo
445 -{-===-=-------=-=========-=----------=-=-=-==========-=-=-=---------=-=--=-
446@
447@
029=Usr:84 Michael Miller j 12/11/89 19:11 Msg:4695 Call:26060 Lines:30
448 &*&*&*&*'s
449 Fiction alert.
450 The mist cleared slowly from my eyes. The view that greeted me was not
451 an altogether pleasent one. Standing around me where three of the toughest
452 looking men I had ever seen. Being a bit on the scrawny side myself I didn't
453 really like my chances if it came to a fight.
454
455
456 One of them grunted. The one with the large ear ring piercing his left
457 lobe nodded and motioned for me to stand. I got to my feet and took the time
458 to check out the rest of my surroundings. It appeared that I was in some sort
459 of club, with a fair sized stage and several tables. The place was empty and
460 dark, and there was a strange aroma wafting about. Earing grabed me by my
461 coller and started to drag me towards the stage. I barely managed to grab my
462 guitar. His two companions followed. Strewn about the stage where the sort
463 of instruments you'de expect to see in you're typical Rock oriented band.
464 Electric Guitars, Drums, keyboards , amps and mics. As I passed the keyboards
465 I noticed a woman sitting listlisly at the boards. My 'guide' led me up to
466 one of the amps, beside which sat an electric guitar. He let go of me for a
467 moment, but one of his companions took his place nearly immediatly. soon my
468 right leg was chained to the floor.
469
470 Earing picked up the Electric Guitar and handed it to me. I carefully
471 put down my case. I'd never played an electric. Earing and his buddies
472 wandered off to other parts of the stage. It didn't suprise me a bit when
473 Earing stepped up to the front center of the stage.
474
475 An Astral Dreamer
476 &*&*&*&*'s
477
030=Usr:31 The Doctor 12/12/89 14:47 Msg:4696 Call:26073 Lines:1
478 ????????????????????????? Lurk, Lurk, Again ??????????????????? The Doctor
031=Usr:498 Hagbard Celine , 12/13/89 01:13 Msg:4697 Call:26100 Lines:80
479
480 {}
481
482 Thought for the day;
483
484 Are you truely free? Do you have true freedom and the ability to
485 move about and do as you please? Can you go anywhere on the
486 face of the Earth without being accosted? Can you walk into your
487 local Armed Forces Base - remember, they are protecting you
488 freedom - and go where you please?
489
490 Can you ever have freedom in a society? Can there ever be
491 a society without police? Do the police protect your freedom or
492 do they take it away? Does the legislature create your freedom in
493 Written Law, or do they remove your freedom with the Written Law?
494
495 What about junkies? Overnight, by Act of Congress, millions
496 of junkies became criminals. Which do they need - to regain their
497 freedom through rehabilitation, or to loose it through
498 Law Enforcement?
499
500 Who pays for your freedom? You do. How do you pay for it?
501 Through taxes. How are the taxes used to accomplish this?
502 They fund the Law Enforcement groups and your local legislature.
503 What happens if you refuse to pay taxes? You loose your freedom.
504 How does that happen? Law Enforcement interprets written Laws
505 made by the legislature and takes your freedom from you.
506
507 BUT...
508
509 Can you enjoy your freedom without need of Law Enforcement?
510 Can you walk down Union Avenue at midnight without being molested,
511 mugged, drugged, or generally abused by other people? Does Law
512 Enforcement allow you to maintain your freedom? Does it protect
513 you from horrible things done by horrible people? Does it protect
514 you from otherwise deadly situations?
515
516 Which is more important - your freedom or your personal
517 rights? Can you have both? Can you have both in society?
518 Can you have both without society?
519
520 Freedom is a word that has been misused and overrated. Freedom
521 simply means that you can select from several different actions the
522 one best suited for your needs. This does not always include ethical,
523 moral, or religous implications. To say that I am free is to
524 say that I may do as I please, reguardless. Yet if I am to have
525 the mutual respect and understanding of my rights and the rights
526 of others, must I sacrifice freedom?
527
528 Next election, think about what freedom means to you. Think
529 about how every candidate and every Senator and every Legislator
530 will view your freedom. Are the two images of your freedom, and
531 their interpretation of your freedom the same?
532
533 Think about how advertisements show politicians "protecting
534 your freedom" and how they are "patriotic to their country".
535 Then think about the (roughly) $80,000 to $1,000 they will
536 make a year, not including fundraisers, keynote speaker appear-
537 ences, books, contract deals, and the occational under-the-
538 table kickback from companies (not everyone is corrupt,
539 but to say that none are is a misnomer) that they will POCKET.
540
541 Now do you understand why Mickey Mouse stood a good chance of
542 becoming our president several years ago?
543
544 Next election, I ...might... ...maybe... ...could...
545 participate. (there, I said it.)
546
547 I think I'll elect Dr. Fu Manchu for mayor of Portland.
548
549 See you next election...
550
551 H. Celine
552
553 {}
554
555 AD - keep up the good work - methinks the plot to thicken somewhat in
556 the next entry.
557
558 {}
032=Usr:78 mark taylor 12/13/89 10:15 Msg:4698 Call:26111 Lines:2
559
560 c
033=Usr:11 L'homme sans Par 12/13/89 20:06 Msg:4699 Call:26117 Lines:10
561 *)#@*_@)_$#@*$_)@#$_)@&*%_@)#*)_$(_)@$_($_)@*_@)*%_)@*+_)+_!|~_)$!$(*_)($_!!($_
562
563 voyeur: Well? Well? I know, it's still too early, but this machine sounds so
564 good even I am getting impatient.
565 AD: Yes, keep up the good writing. Oh, a small question - what was the name of
566 that great movie you were talking about at lunch yesterday? Here's one for
567 Gage and the rest of the gang currently stinking up Cinemax: _Alien from L.A._
568 Phew!
569
570 *%)@#*(%)_@*%)_@(%)_@#^)_@%(*@)_# L'homme sans Parity *%$#@_%*_@)#%*_)#@%*)_@#%
034=Usr:84 Michael Miller j 12/14/89 20:19 Msg:4703 Call:26132 Lines:7
571 &*&*&*&*'s
572 The movie was called TerrorVision. Don't know when exactly it was released,
573 but I'm sure int was sometime after '81.
574
575 An Astral Dreamer
576 &*&*&*&*'s
577
035=Usr:483 Lord Beaker 12/15/89 13:49 Msg:4704 Call:26143 Lines:19
578 ---=-========-=--------=-=========-=--------=-========-=-----=-=====-=------
579
580 Adam got back up on his feet. The blow from the deamon had knocked
581 him about ten feet from the battle. He reached for his rifle, sighted in
582 on the last two fighters and watched. The deamon had black markings on its
583 arms, it must be one of Kayl's, he thought. The man fighting it had on the
584 clothes of the Christian Army. Adam watched as the deamon drew up its hell
585 sword for a death blow on the man. He fired his rifle shooting it in the
586 back of its head. The christian approched Adam, his hands spread in thanks.
587 Adam pointed the rifle at his chest and fired killing him.
588 It was time he thought. I shall begin the preporations for Tabernacky.
589 Adam laughed to himself at the thought of the fools fighting for good and
590 evil. He was of the new religion, the anti-religion as it was called. No
591 more would mans destiny be controlled by the two jealous gods. Many people
592 were ready for Tabernacky, and he was almost here. It was time...
593
594 LB\__/
595 oo
596 -==-=--{=-=-----=-==========-=---------=-=========-=-------=-======-=-----=-
036=Usr:368 Nemesis Warlock 12/15/89 15:30 Msg:4706 Call:26145 Lines:6
597 :::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::====
598 OooOooOooOooOooh! Astral Dreamer's telling a story, Lord Beaker's telling a
599 story, I'm telling a story, and the NET is starting up again! There were
600 actually NEW LINES in ONE DAY! It looks like this board may be riding out of
601 its slump! Hit me with that creative magic, you literary things! :)
602 :::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::==Zephyr::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::====
037=Usr:13 voyeur 12/15/89 23:54 Msg:4708 Call:26154 Lines:5
603 :::::::::O O:::::::12/16/89:::::::::::::::::::::::::::00:07:27::::::O O::::::::
604 L'homme - the disk and VGA card will be arriving circa Thursday (12/21); wadda
605 ya doin Xmas day? :-) By the way, know where I might obtain data/control cable
606 s for the HD?
607 ::::::::::O O:::::::::::::::::::::voyeur::::::::::::::::::::::::::::O O::::::::
038=Usr:13 voyeur 12/16/89 00:06 Msg:4709 Call:26155 Lines:81
608
609 Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*
610
611 At 2:49 pm a nearly empty bus pulled up to the curb where Albright
612 was waiting. Moments later it pulled away, two individuals nearer to
613 emptiness.
614 The odd tandem peering from their curbside vantage was far too
615 conspicuous to include the veteran spy he was waiting for. But, on the
616 other hand, they were so unlikely, it was unthinkable that one of them was
617 NOT the spy he was waiting for. But then, knowing that they would be seen
618 as unlikely spies, and knowing that others would know that they knew them-
619 selves to be unlikely, they certainly could not be spies, owing to their
620 knowing that others would know them to be relying on the unlikeliness of
621 their owning the identity that they so obviously concealed by way of
622 obviously possessing.
623 One man was tall and thin and was hunched over a small hand-held
624 device that he tapped nimbly with the bony fingers of his right hand.
625 A small coiled cable ran from the machine to his belt. The gray suit he
626 wore was rumpled and included a black tie that was loosened and tattered.
627 He squinted savagely when he looked up, but appeared to be carrying no
628 glasses to afford him a view of such objects whose greater-than-arm's
629 distance rendered them uninteresting. Mostly he was absorbed by the
630 little device in his hand.
631 The other man was shorter and a little bit dumpy. His position
632 just behind and to the right of his companion, plus an intangible air of
633 ready attentiveness, bespoke a subservient nature. Albright could easily
634 picture the man scribbling in a notebook, dutifully recording every word
635 his master uttered. He wore a brown suit with a vest whose buttons
636 strained under the tension of an overly-liberal belly.
637
638 The two made their way toward Albright. They stopped a few feet
639 away, where the thin man squinted at Albright, then looked down at his
640 device, and back and forth again. Satisfied at last, he hit a few keys,
641 and spoke.
642 "One wonders," he said, "if one would be favorably disposed
643 towards lending one a cigarette."
644 This was the proper greeting, but Albright was surprised at the
645 third-person format. "I've got two left." He responded, offering him the
646 expected brand.
647 The thin man took a cigarette and tore off the filter. Albright
648 lit up his last, waiting for his contact to complete the greeting. But
649 the man had returned to his device and seemed all at once oblivious to
650 Albright's existence. The pause was just reaching the discomfort thresh-
651 hold when the plump man leaned to his master and whispered something.
652 "What? Don't be ridiculous!" The odd man responded too loudly.
653 "You know I don't smoke!"
654 At which the assistant grimaced, checked quickly over his shoulder,
655 and whispered again.
656 "Huh? Oh!" The thin man proclaimed. Then he checked his hand and
657 seemed genuinely surprised to find a cigarette residing there. "One
658 wonders if one would be favorably disposed towards offering one a light."
659 "Of course." Albright answered, handing the man a lighter.
660 The thin man lit it a couple times, apparently intrigued by the
661 functioning of the thing. Then he typed something on his keyboard and
662 tried to light the cigarette.
663 But Albright realized that, until that moment, the physical act of
664 smoking had never once presented itself as an option to the man. He held
665 his mouth about an inch from one end of the cigarette, and the flame about
666 an inch from the other end. And as he slowly moved his mouth toward the
667 cigarette, his hands involuntarily moved ahead of him, maintaining all the
668 same distances and preventing any of the necessary contacts.
669 Just about the time when Albright expected the craning-necked,
670 bulging-eyed man to fall over, the latter managed, with a valiant
671 "oo-like" lip contortion, to make lip/cigarette contact. And then, slowly
672 bringing the flame back, the circuit was closed! With a deep, wide-eyed
673 sucking, the man breathed in his first and undoubtedly his last lungful of
674 tobacco smoke.
675 Albright had to draw puprosefully on his own cigarette to keep
676 himself from laughing. Within moments the thin man was gasping and
677 wheezing. For the first time, Albright sensed that the man was conscious
678 of the world beyond the little device now clipped to his belt.
679
680 And so it was that contact was made, albeit somewhat ungracefully.
681 And on that day, anyone passing by a certain corner in a certain city
682 would have witnessed a rather unusual trio: one sniggering behind a
683 cigarette, one frantically checking over his shoulders, and one stabbing
684 zealously with his foot at a small, mangled object on the pavement,
685 driving it quite mercilessly into the most profound state of oblivion.
686
687 Albright
688 Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*
039=Usr:13 voyeur 12/16/89 00:25 Msg:4710 Call:26156 Lines:8
689 A note - a common misconception is that the entry above represents a resurgence
690 of the NET. This is not true. Once the necessary groundwork has been laid,
691 the story will be thrown open for others to participate in. If someone wants
692 to resurrect the NET, that is fine - the story will need an antagonist (George,
693 by default, being the protagonist). On the other hand, unless someone else
694 brings up NET, L'homme sans Parity, Joshua, Ian MacHinery et al., they will NOT
695 be appearing. Thank you.
696 Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*
040=Usr:368 Nemesis Warlock 12/17/89 10:41 Msg:4717 Call:26183 Lines:6
697 :::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::====
698 Albright: Is it possible for you to give us your account number, that we may
699 plan this multi-author tale in private to ensure that it follows a proper
700 course and avoids tangents a la "Suddenly, aliens land next to Albright and
701 spirit him off to Innisfall!"
702 :::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::==Zephyr::=====:::::=====:::::====:::::=====
041=Usr:11 L'homme sans Par 12/17/89 15:11 Msg:4719 Call:26186 Lines:8
703 ()%(#@)_(@#)_%(@)_%()_@(%@)_#%($_)#@^_)^_@(&)_{body}amp;*)_@$(&)_@+$_)^_)^+#@)^+)^_+@)^
704 Gee, and I was hoping the Doctor would show up at the wrong Chinese Restaurant
705 again...
706
707 voyeur: Hmmm. I guess the weekend of the 23-24 will be a possibility, but I
708 doubt Christmas day.
709 *$(@!*$_)$*)_!@$%&*)_!@*$%_)!*!)_% L'homme sans Parity $*)$*!@)_$(_)!@$%*_)!@$
710
042=Usr:84 Michael Miller j 12/17/89 17:47 Msg:4724 Call:26191 Lines:49
711 &*&*&*&*'s
712
713 I've decided to start doing these story entrys at home, and then upload
714 them. This gives me a chance to (Hopefully) do a better job.
715
716 ***********************************************************************
717
718 A Primordial scream errupted from Earing, and his two partners
719 began to lay down a really crunching beat. It was rather obvious that
720 these guys were way out of my league, but I began to doddle a bit
721 anyway, as I didn't seem to have any place to go at the moment. Behind
722 me I could hear the woman playing at the keyboards. There was an
723 almost tangible energy there, and it blended well with what the others
724 were doing.
725
726 I hadn't been paying much attention to how I was playing, but
727 slowly the realization came to me that I was playing better then I had
728 ever done before. My skills on the guitar were at best average, and
729 yet I was belting out a fairly complex counterpoint to the keyboards. I
730 began to anaylze what I was doing, and I flubbed several notes badly.
731 Earing growled more loudly into the microphone while looking back my
732 way. (Nothing he said seemed to be inteligible.) I tried to relax.
733 my fingers began to fly over the strings again. After that
734 I just decided to enjoy what I was doing.
735
736 Two hours passed, and I was really feeling fatigued. It
737 was begining to look like I was going to be late with my paper. We'd
738 gone through better then a dozen songs, though they were all a blur in
739 my mind by that time. These guys seemed to favor the major cords. I
740 didn't recognize any of the songs, so I assumed they were all origionals.
741
742 My fingers were nearly raw when the rehearsal finally finished.
743 Numbly I was led from the stage, and into a vehicle of some sort. My
744 guitar case was placed beside me carefully by the bassist. He gave me
745 a dirty look, and I got the impression he didn't approve of my
746 forgetting it. I got the distinct impression in fact, that he liked it
747 a good deal more then he liked me.
748
749 My legs were chained to the steel seat I sat in, and the
750 woman who had played keyboards was shackled in the opposite corner. I
751 could feel the vehicle begin to move. Suddenly the drowsiness overcame
752 me. Later I found out I had been drugged.
753
754 When I awoke I was in a room much like my dorm room. I wasn't
755 restrained, and I was needing a rest room.
756
757 An Astral Dreamer
758 &*&*&*&*'s
759
043=Usr:322 Stray Cat 12/18/89 23:40 Msg:4728 Call:26225 Lines:12
760
761 hmmmmmmmmmmm ... shades of Justin the Blue, seems to me.
762
763 BTC ... If you log in here.... I'm having trouble logging onto your system.
764 Must be something on this end, huh? I have trouble with Quick looks like.
765 Any suggestions???
766
767 kate
768
769 Home ... please bring a list of BBS's so's I can call more than here and CBBS.
770 Of course, you probably won't log in here until sometime next week ... +#;]
771
044=Usr:368 Nemesis Warlock 12/20/89 13:41 Msg:4732 Call:26250 Lines:1
772 :::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::==Zephyr::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::====
045=Usr:1 CISTOP MIKEY 12/21/89 00:36 Msg:4734 Call:26260 Lines:3
773 for a list of bbs's in the portland area, just type BBS at the command:
774 prompt here.
775 ------
046=Usr:286 Jeff Marten 12/21/89 03:18 Msg:4735 Call:26262 Lines:20
776
777
778 {+}{+}{+}{+}
779
780 *
781 |
782 Hello, Manuel
783 It's your Uncle Sam
784 Time to pay the check
785
786 -+|[ ThingFish ]|+-
787 Rambo Ranger
788 |
789 *
790
791
792
793 {+}{+}{+}{+}
794
795
047=Usr:322 Stray Cat 12/21/89 10:13 Msg:4736 Call:26266 Lines:5
796
797 Come on ... that wasn't ALWAYS there, was it??? But guess I can't call anyway.
798 Something seems to be wrong with my program ... and my computer. It's all so
799 complicated.
800
048=Usr:368 Nemesis Warlock 12/21/89 10:28 Msg:4737 Call:26267 Lines:1
801 ISN'T EVERYTHING???????
049=Usr:81 Albright 12/22/89 02:19 Msg:4738 Call:26288 Lines:7
802 Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*
803 Zephyr: Albright's # is 81. Since I don't get on with that ID every day,
804 don't expect quick responses to any mail you may send. Logon frequency is,
805 of course, dependent on story activity.
806 >Suddenly, aliens land next to Albright and spirit him off to Innisfall!
807 Yeah, especially if they are alien rabbits, eh? ;-)
808 Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*Al*
050=Usr:11 L'homme sans Par 12/22/89 17:51 Msg:4739 Call:26297 Lines:5
809 *%@#)%)_*%)_*)_#@(%_)$#@()_$#@^*)_%_)#@(^%_)#@(%)_#@(%_)@(@!_)($!~_)@($_+#%()_$
810 Albright: Rabbits? Clever. Especially rabbits that don't give up even after
811 being turned into coat lining.
812 *%)_%*)@_#(%)_#@(%_)@%*(_)@#(%)_#@% L'homme sans Parity *%@)#_%)_@(%)_#@%)@#_%@
813
051=Usr:368 Nemesis Warlock 12/23/89 20:02 Msg:4744 Call:26323 Lines:4
814 :::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::====
815 Alien bunnies? That, or vicious Parity Demons from Apokalypse. And I'm not
816 trying to DC-v you.
817 :::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::==Zephyr::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::====
052=Usr:1 CISTOP MIKEY 12/23/89 20:12 Msg:4745 Call:26324 Lines:2
818 be careful of that rabit fur linign, it just might bite!
819 -------------
053=Usr:84 Michael Miller j 12/24/89 08:48 Msg:4746 Call:26332 Lines:8
820 &*&*&*&*'s
821
822 Happy Hollidays all. I'm working on my next story entry, it should be done
823 early next week. I'll upload it then.
824
825 An Astral Dreamer
826 &*&*&*&*'s
827
054=Usr:82 SWORDSMITH 12/24/89 13:53 Msg:4748 Call:26336 Lines:5
828 MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!
829
830
831 Swordsmith
832 ss.ss.ss.ss.ss.ss.ss.
055=Usr:11 L'homme sans Par 12/24/89 15:13 Msg:4749 Call:26337 Lines:4
833 *%@)(_%*_)#@%(*)_#@(%)_@(%_)@(%_#()%_#)_^+)%^_+)_+^)@#)^+#@)^_+@)^_+#@)^_+@)
834 Oui, Joyeux Noel from L'homme sans Parity.
835 *)_@#*)#()#()%@()%(#)_%(@#)_%(()_@#(%)_#@(%)#(@% L'homme sans Parity *%@#*%_)#@
836
056=Usr:4 Milchar 12/24/89 16:42 Msg:4752 Call:26339 Lines:3
837 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
838 Y Feliz Navidad! + Milch +
839 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
057=Usr:53 prince dragon 12/24/89 17:18 Msg:4753 Call:26341 Lines:6
840 *****````*^
841 .-=-.-=-.-=-.prince dragon.-=-.-=-.-=-.
842 APPLEPHILIA|IS|*DOWN*|DEW|TO|LOSTING|HARDDIVE|
843 lisa|says|it|will|not|be|back|up|for|a|*LONG|TIME|if|ever!!!!!
844 any.one.out.there.who.would.take.over.the.LIST.?
845 .-=-.-=--.-=-.
058=Usr:1 CISTOP MIKEY 12/24/89 22:57 Msg:4754 Call:26348 Lines:3
846 XMAS, Bah! Humbug! Just an excuse to steal money from the pockets
847 of employers! ;-9
848 --------------------------
059=Usr:333 Bartender Slug 12/25/89 12:25 Msg:4755 Call:26353 Lines:2
849
850 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
060=Usr:368 Nemesis Warlock 12/27/89 22:14 Msg:4764 Call:26419 Lines:3
851 :::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::====
852 Wow! Anmd for Christmas, Mommy, I want 100 New Lines When I Call Back!
853 :::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::==Zephyr::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::====
061=Usr:92 Katherine Dohert 12/28/89 10:37 Msg:4765 Call:26430 Lines:1
854 ****************************happy*holidaez*****kathyD**************************
062=Usr:272 Talos 12/28/89 13:22 Msg:4766 Call:26433 Lines:5
855 <*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*>
856 Just captured the current text. I'm out of school, and have LOTS of time to
857 resume BBSing again. See ya soon.
858 Talos Valheru
859 <*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*>
063=Usr:84 Michael Miller j 12/28/89 17:00 Msg:4767 Call:26436 Lines:53
860 &*&*&*&*'s
861
862 ------------------------------------------------------------------
863
864
865 The next several days passed rapidly, and I learned a great
866 deal about this strange place I had been thrown into.
867
868 It seemed I was not the only person who had come upon this
869 world strangly. Most of the people in the building had a story of
870 some sorts to tell, though none quite as colorfull as my own. One
871 guy I met had been snorkling when he found himself in the middle
872 of a puddle staring up at two fellows much like the ones who had
873 greeted me.
874
875 It turned out that we where housed in a large complex. The
876 population was around 3000. The cavemen (As our captors were called.)
877 only came in on rare occasions. The day to day running of the complex
878 was left up to us. There was one exit, and it was heavily guarded on
879 the outside. All neccesities arrived through this one bottleneck.
880
881 It didn't take me long to discover one of the more intersting
882 facts about what was going on around me.
883
884 I was talking to Lydia (The Keyboardist) the day after my
885 arival. We'd been talking about the way things worked.
886
887 "They come to the door, hand a piece of paper to whoevers on
888 duty at the door. It will contain the names of however many people
889 they want. The call goes over the intercomm, and when you hear you're
890 name you show up pronto at the door."
891
892 "What happens if somebody doesn't show?" I asked.
893
894 "They come in, find them, and beat the sh*t out of a half a
895 dozen or so innocent people. Then they drag them out and have them
896 do whatever it was they wanted them to do."
897
898 "I'd imagine anybody who refuses is very unpopuler."
899
900 "Occasionally they end up dead, and its not the cave men
901 that do them in either."
902
903 "Seems Harsh."
904
905 "This is a harsh world."
906
907 Another fascinating discovery was still to come however.
908
909 An Astral Dreamer
910 &*&*&*&*'s
911
912
064=Usr:84 Michael Miller j 12/28/89 21:00 Msg:4769 Call:26446 Lines:8
913 &*&*&*&*'s
914 I'm not going to be uploading my story entries untill I see atleast 250
915 lines by other people go by. I don't want to be accused of hogging the
916 board.
917
918 An Astral Dreamer
919 &*&*&*&*'s
920
065=Usr:368 Nemesis Warlock 12/28/89 22:42 Msg:4770 Call:26450 Lines:73
921 :::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::====
922 All: Michael and Company are in stasis, considering the permutations of the
923 Pyrrix Paradox. Until such time as the Cloaked Man's adversary, the Friar,
924 can pull himself free from the diabolical permutations that have befalled him,
925 the adventures that transpire after such time will remain a mystery.
926
927 And Now For Something Completely Different....
928 :::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::====
929 The man at the back of the filthy restaurant pulled his hat over his eyes
930 in a mock attempt to avoid drawing any attention to himself, as if that were
931 really possible. His giant frame, half hidden in his huge green trenchcoat,
932 was -always- bound to incit murmurs from assembled onlookers.
933 He'd learned, over time, to ignore their sibilant mutterings, just as he
934 had learned to ignore almost everything that made up the disjointed group
935 psyche of the States.
936 A fly landed on his table, sipping from a thick red puddle of spilled
937 drink. Without hesitation, the man slammed his hand down, crushing the
938 insect before it could effect escape. A satisfied grin crossing the man's
939 half-concealed features, he resumed his waiting, content in the knowledge
940 that he had also satisfied the desire of those assembled patrons for some
941 utterlt trite cliched show of menace.
942 About half an hour later, another man entered the establishment. After
943 a precursory inspection of the confines of the room, including a check for
944 quick escape routes, he limped over to where the other man had been sitting.
945 "Liechter!" the new arrival stammered. "It really has been too long."
946 From beneath the shhadowy cover of his fedora, Liechter eyed the arrival
947 cooly. "Sandis." he responded at last.
948 Shifting uncomfortably in his seat, Sandis eyed the room once more.
949 "Your taste for the melodramatic never abates, does it?" Slow, ponderous,
950 each word seemed a struggle, as if great pain hid behind tfalsely jovial
951 tone.
952 Liechter leaned forward, suddenly, his icy blue eyes callously observing
953 his companion. "Nor does your damnable stammering. I've learned to ignore it.
954 Point taken?"
955 "You know the real reason I'm here." Sandis remarked, changing the
956 subject that had struck a nerve in his associate. "There's been some
957 activity in sectors that warrant your attention. I thought you should know
958 before heading into something you can't handle."
959 "Can't ... handle?" There was no further response for a tense moment.
960 Liechter tipped his hat back slightly. "Whatever do you mean?"
961 "The Group is on the move."
962 "Again, eh? And so it goe."
963 "And there's more...." Sandis gulped suddenly.
964 "... "What exactly?"
965 "There may be some personell from an outside source involved as well."
966 "Which... source." Liechter's pausing was beginning to wear on
967 Sandis' nerves.
968 "I've heard rumblings that some NET-"
969 Liechter tipped his hat completely back. His free hand brushed away loose
970 bits of flesh from his right cheek, pausing momentarily to rub at the two
971 deep red gashes that ran to the chin along burnt lumps of skin. "The Net?"
972 he said, without the dramatic annunciation that Sandis had intoned. "Ever
973 since their last fiasco, they've been little more than a whispered private
974 joke, and you know it. I'm surprised that you even bothered mentioning it to
975 me." Yet Sandis recognized a trace of mild concern behind the blue eyes
976 set deep within the recesses of Liechter's hellish features. "Either way, I'm
977 not going to involve myself in their business unless they cross paths with
978 my interests."
979 "I'm surprised that you'd take that tone, consideribf...." his voice
980 trailed off.
981 "This Meeting Is Over." Liechter stated clearly.
982 The little man gathered his meager belongings and limped away, taking one
983 last glance back at his associate. But the dark figure in the green coat was
984 already lost behind the recesses of his fedora.
985 When Sandis had left, and some tima had passed, Liechter finally
986 rose. Quietly, he fished through a massive pocket and withdrew a few dimes
987 and nickels and dropped them onto the glass covering on the table.
988 "The Net." he muttered as he walked out onto the street, hailing for a cab.
989 "I'm sure that Z.E.P.H.Y.R has much more interesting things on its agenda than
990 concern over a has-been group like that."
991
992 And slowly, it bagan to rain grey.
993 :::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::==Zephyr::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::====
066=Usr:4 Milchar 12/29/89 11:07 Msg:4771 Call:26462 Lines:6
994 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
995 With only a few lines remaining on the disk, how can I refuse to enter?
996 At last, the opportunity to have THE LAST WORD, the FINAL SAY, et cetera.
997 I see that quite a few storylines are progressing.... well and good.
998 As for my own, let's say, ideas are forming- 'tis slow work and constantly
999 interrupted. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Milch ++ AT THE BOTTOM!