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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$If you are in need of help, you need but ask...
2$************************* 18 JUL 90 **************************************
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 07/17/90 23:59 Msg:5394 Call:30143 Lines:3
20 It is circumstance and proper timing that give an action its character and
21 make it either good or bad. -- Agesilaus
22 ************************************************************************
003=Usr:13 voyeur 07/18/90 00:23 Msg:5395 Call:30144 Lines:3
23 ::::::::O O:::::::::07/18/90:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::00:33:31:::O O::::
24 Hey, I'm King of the Hill! (and you're Not <g>)
25 ::::::::O O:::::::::::::::::::::::::::voyeur::::::::::::::::::::::::::::O O::::
004=Usr:4 Milchar 07/18/90 13:22 Msg:5396 Call:30149 Lines:4
26 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
27 *snif!* Not...King? <sob>
28 ++++++++++++NotQuiteAMilchlurkButClose++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Milchar
29
005=Usr:368 Nemesis Warlock 07/18/90 14:00 Msg:5397 Call:30150 Lines:1
30 :::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::====
006=Usr:368 Nemesis Warlock 07/18/90 14:04 Msg:5398 Call:30151 Lines:5
31
32 Oh, great! Just what we need! A --voyeur-- on Top of the highest
33 point in all of Pyrrixall! What next?
34
35 :::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::==Zephyr::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::====
007=Usr:269 Butch/Dana (2 Us 07/18/90 18:42 Msg:5399 Call:30156 Lines:6
36 my bologna has a first name i think?
37 /\/\/\/\\/\\\\/\/\/\/\/ BUTCH\/\/\\/\/\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/
38
39
40@ BUTCH IS A CREEP!!!
41 `*`*`***`**`*`*`*`*`*`*`DANA*`*`*`*`*`*`*`*`*`*`*`*`*
008=Usr:267 phoenix polymorp 07/18/90 21:27 Msg:5400 Call:30160 Lines:8
42
43 Master card, I'm bored!
44
45 phoenixlurk>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
46 off
47 bye
48 quit
49 LET ME OUT!! oh, yea,^C
009=Usr:368 Nemesis Warlock 07/19/90 14:02 Msg:5401 Call:30171 Lines:71
50 :::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::====
51
52
53 At the very heart of Central City, amidst the vast demons of rock
54 and glass that teased the feeble light from the triad of moons, there
55 rests a great Stone Triangle.
56 Once, long ago, there had been many of them... Fifty-three grand
57 structures floating in open space over cities great and small. Now, only
58 one remains.
59 The magical aura is gone. It faded into dust with the fall of the
60 Anglers. The protective shield, too, has fallen away, as did the coatings
61 of primal energy that coated every Triangle, when the Transition made the
62 Obscure into reality.
63 Now, among the 349 worlds that make up the BorderZones of Pyrrixall,
64 only the realm of Zephyr plays host to the silent observations of the
65 Triangle. As the others spewed their Obscure reality onto the barren surface
66 of this once decrepit plane, the other Triangles fell, shattering, the
67 brittle stone fragmenting into a thousand million shards that were swept
68 away into the breezes that played across new continents where once desert had
69 held sway.
70 But Zephyr's barony never felt the spasms of rebirth, his world being
71 the one that had Been Before... Crushed and compacted until, where
72 once the mighty Medalic Prophet had gripped all of Pyrrixall in hhis iron
73 hands, now he was but King of a single city, a tiny realm amidst a vast array
74 of distinctly 'Other' worlds... tiny microcosms linked side by side,
75 connected by the Gates... shimmerinng waterfalls of light that led to the
76 next landscape, the next part of the ever-swirling patterns drifting over
77 the surface of Pyrrixall.
78
79 Only one Triangle remains.
80 And today, were any citizens of Central City foolhardy enough to
81 venture out during Patriot's Hour, they might have noticed something...
82 out of sorts.
83
84 They might have heard the hissing from the heart of The FFirst Triangle.
85
86 They might have seen the dark clouds circling overhead... The
87 flash of lightning without thunder... Silent bolts of light clamouring for
88 supremacy over the peak of the aged Triangle's grey surface.
89
90 And they might have seen words, carved from the hands of an unseen
91 caligrapher, grinding their way into the ancient rock...
92
93 'You Shall Not Test,'
94 'You Shall Not Test,'
95 'Lest You Be Tested,'
96 'You Shall Not Flee,'
97 'The Worlds Are One.'
98
99 'This Then Is the Judgement.'
100
101 'Let Those Who Hold Worlds,'
102 'These Barons,'
103 'Medalic Prophets,'
104 'Let them Come Forth,'
105 'And The Armies of Day,'
106 'With Them...'
107
108 'We are the Sisters Unheard,'
109 'Listen.'
110 'We are the Sisters Unseen.'
111 'Watch.'
112 'We are the Sisters Eternal.'
113 'Die.'
114 'We are the Sisters.'
115 'Fear.'
116
117 *** EnTrOpY *** *** EnNuI ***
118
119 The words began to bleed.
120
010=Usr:368 Nemesis Warlock 07/19/90 21:26 Msg:5402 Call:30180 Lines:1
121 :::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::==Zephyr::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::====
011=Usr:368 Nemesis Warlock 07/20/90 18:41 Msg:5403 Call:30190 Lines:99
122
123 ArrArrLurkArrArr
124
125 :::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::====
126
127 "N, no, this isn't working out at all!"
128 The ErosTemp snapped gum blandly. _You did say a memo, didn't you, sir?_
129 "Not now... I'm preoccupied!" The disembodied voice hovered just
130 over the opaque desk.
131 _Whenever._
132 The voice concentrated its 'presence' over a Zone Calendar that
133 was spread wide over the desktop. As the voice 'moved' its 'vision' from
134 one area to another, the Calendar complied, shifting its area of display
135 along like parameters. "This just won't work out. There isn't any...
136 There isn't any AMBIANCE to Pyrrixall as it stands... Damn these communal
137 realities!"
138 _Flowers?_
139 "I'm talking CREATIVE ambiance. Look, think back to every single
140 collective 'shared-world' type reality you can think of. What do they all
141 have in common?"
142 _Loose ends? Plot threads? Non-Committal Values?_
143 "Gathering places!" The voice drew the ErosTemp's admittedly vapid
144 attention to a thick Terran book that lay on the desk near the Calendar.
145 "Look at this! They had The Vulgar Unicorn... They had Callahan's...
146 They had Elsewhere... Ithcar's Caravan ... the whole planet Darkover, for
147 crying out loud. And what have we got?"
148 _Factual or Consoling?_
149 "Nothing! Zero! Zip! Zephyr may have created the grounwork with
150 this Temporal Enforcer bit... but Pyrrixall STILL doesn't have what it
151 needs to be a fully functioning reality Shared-World environment! It lacks...
152 cameradery... togetherness... a place where all the Medalic Prophet's
153 characters can go and get completely smashed before the next adventure
154 starts up."
155 _I wouldn't know._
156 "You'd get drunk on occasion too if you kept travelling halfway around
157 the universe only to end up back at the bar where you started from. We
158 were doing it with The Inn for YEARS! Really!"
159 _Really?_
160 "Really!"
161 _Really._
162 "And that's just what's MISSING from Pyrrixall! We've got this Zone
163 relationship between the Prophets... They make their Zones, share Zones with
164 other Prophets... but we STILL don't have a place for the Prophet's
165 characters to meet the characters of another Prophet's, down a few whiskeys
166 and save the cosmos... A good stiff drink'll start the ball rolling every
167 time. Audiences THRIVE on the barroom atmosphere coupled with a fantasy or
168 science fiction setting."
169 _Forgive me for asking..._
170 "Yes?"
171 _If each Zone is connected to another Zone at a given time, but the
172 connections between Zones shift in minute-long transitions, how can you
173 possibly set up a place where every Zone can meet every Zone at any time?_
174 "That's the bugger of Zephyr's system... It simply doesn't allow for
175 a real-level meeting place."
176 _You could try a central hub, and make it the bar..._
177 "I thought of that... but it just doesn't jibe well with the reality
178 hounds. A BAR being the central point of an entire planet's reality scape?
179 I don't think so."
180 _Why not?_
181 The voice was silent for many long moments. Then, "You know
182 something... you're right. SCREW the Reality Critics! Let's open this
183 puppy up right now!"
184 _And your memo?_
185 "Oh yes, right, right." The voice cleared its non-corporeal
186 throat. "To all Medalic Prophets... Pyrrixall will be undergoing a minor
187 reality shift... You will all notice that there has been an addition to
188 your usual BorderZone Gateway. You should now also see, to the left of
189 every Gateway, a large..." His presence shifted over to the ErosTemp.
190 "What sort of door should it be?"
191 _Gold, with a lion knocker?_
192 "Right... A large golden door with a Lion'sHead Knocker... I like
193 it. Smooth yet tacky. It works." He prided himself for a few brief moments
194 before continuing. "... A large golden door with a Lion'sHead Knocker.
195 This is the Gateway that leads to the Central Hub of Pyrrixall... a gathering
196 and meeting place that exists in a parallel Zone outside of the usual
197 BorderZone shift... Do not be alarmed, use it to your satisfaction, and please
198 make all subordinate characters in your corrall aware of its function. It is
199 our intent to see that..." He stopped again. "We need a name."
200 _Eros' Place?_
201 "Too flimpy."
202 _Flirt's._
203 "Too Terry."
204 _Callahan's._ the Temp winked.
205 "Why not just call it the Titanic? PLEASE!"
206 _How about Backwaters?_
207 "I *love* it!" He continued... "It is our intent to see that
208 Backwaters becomes a common ground where citizens from the various Zones
209 that make up our little communal reality can meet and gorge themselves
210 as equals. Thank you."
211 _Will that be all?_
212 "For now, Eros-21."
213 _I'll have it sent out right away, Mister Day..."
214
215 :::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::==Zephyr::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::====
216 Note: Any similarity between the Michael Day listed in this story and the
217 Michael Day of our relative reality, beyond satirical intent, should not be
218 inferred. That doesn't mean it isn't there, but it should not be inferred.
219 Thank you.
220 :::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::==Zephyr::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::====
012=Usr:368 Nemesis Warlock 07/21/90 22:42 Msg:5404 Call:30200 Lines:80
221
222 _--O _--O _--O _--O _--O _--O _--O _--O _--O _--O _--O _--O _--O _--O _--O _--O
223
224
225 :::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::====
226
227 The golden door that led to the BorderZone of Central City blew open
228 with a fetid blast of deathwarm steam and sickly yellow neon mist. Droves
229 of feral flies skittered towards the opening from Zephyr's side, but were
230 summarily electrocuted by protective wards, and turned elsewhere for their
231 nightly entertainment. The thin beam of moonlight from Central City's triad
232 of natural sattelites lit the polished wooden floor of Backwaters, the prime
233 gathering place of the myriad of dimensional entities that made the
234 world, or perhaps worlds, of Pyrrixall their home.
235 From the heart of the mist skulked a shadowy being, his image
236 barely discernable from the dank lighting, even then fading in and out
237 like the grim silhouette cast by a flickering flame. As the being
238 entered, it tipped a wide brimmed black hat upwards with one leather
239 gloved hand, the better to take in the atmosphere of its new environment.
240 Twin eyes of green, faintly red in the center, absorbed each shape and
241 contour in the richly furnished establishment. The figure crossed
242 the threshhold, the blackmetal spurs on the knee high boots clanking almost,
243 but not quite silently, against the oaken floorboards. It paused for a
244 brief moment at the doorway, looking at the bartender polishing glasses
245 at the other end of the hallway thaat led to the main barroom of Backwaters.
246 "Quiet night."
247 "Doesn't get much quieter than this." The bartender, a jovial old
248 Terran with a scraggley red beard, finished his polishing. "Belly up,
249 son..." He gestured a broad, powerful hand towards the empty barstools.
250 "I don't mind if I do..." He allowed the edges of his obsidion
251 cloak to drop to the floor and expand outwards on an invisible wind, the
252 edges grasping at the almost intangible substance of his visible form. His
253 hat again slipped over his eyes, and his collar widened as he walked. The
254 silver buttons that ran the length of his coat corroded into a dull russet
255 hue in seconds.
256 "Haven't seen you around here before..."
257 "You haven't seen much of anyone here before., I'd wager."
258 "To be expected. Day only included us in the relative reality
259 a few days ago."
260 "True. Don't worry, I'm sure that business will pick up before too
261 long." He managed a weak grin.
262 The barkeep returned the gesture. "Me? Worry? Day pays the bills for
263 this place, not me. I'm just a minor supporting player..." He motioned
264 towards the empty black box that sat behind him on a silver rack. "Can I
265 get you anything?"
266 The visitor nodded. "Dry martini with a Terran accent..."
267 The drink appeared in the box, and the barkeep passed it along. He
268 tapped gently on the box. "Praise Schrodinger..."
269 The visitor chuckled. "Or maybe you shouldn't... I can't decide." His
270 mood seemed to waver between content and disturbed.
271 The visitor sipped his drink from a thin red straw that led to
272 thin red lips. There was an audible silence. "You're one of Zephyr's crew,
273 aren't you?"
274 The visitor sighed. "Presumably. Though I can't say much for his taste
275 in relative realities. I wouldn't put a dog in Central City, much less a
276 textual representation of myself."
277 "Go figure... I'll never pretend to understand authors."
278 "Who could?" He spread his hands and spoke dramatically. "They work
279 in -+-mysterious-+- *ways*!" The visitor extended a hand. "Winston
280 Pale..."
281 The barkeep shook it, surprised by its coolness, even through the black
282 leather. "Tolkien Lovecraft, at your service."
283 Winston fanned himself. "Is it always so terribly hot in here?" He
284 slipped off the leather gloves to reveal pallid, milky skin and short
285 black fingernails, placing the twin accessories in a pocket that Tolkien
286 could have sworn he hadn't noticed before... a wide zipper arrangement
287 along the left collar.
288 "So what's your angle?" Tolkien asked conversationally.
289 "I don't know... to be brutally honest. Zephyr hasn't given me one...
290 THE Zephyr, I mean..." He spun the ice in his drink with the straw.
291 "Mmmmmm... Protagonist, maybe? Observer? Perhaps a little of both?"
292 "Looks like you just found out."
293 "I guess so... even if it was a little backhanded fourth wall bit..."
294 "It's the price you pay..."
295 "... To be self defining, you mean? Not as blissy as it's cracked
296 up to be in the trade journals... Just a lot of fluffy confusion and no real
297 direction."
298 The bartender nodded, almost sympathetically. "How do you think I
299 feel? I'M usually an author's outlet to get in touch with his cast... and
300 it looks like THIS discussion is no exception..."
013=Usr:368 Nemesis Warlock 07/21/90 23:23 Msg:5405 Call:30201 Lines:129
301 "How true..."
302 "But it's refreshing to see that at least Zephyr isn't intimidated by
303 self-referential texts. Or innate randetermined character development."
304 "Nothing I could do if he weren't... Hell, I'm just glad to be
305 alive, and glad that I get the chance to wait 'til it's all over... however
306 long that might be."
307 Tolkien pointed at the empty glass. "Another?"
308 Winston rose, his cape, not a cloak now, swaying gently in the
309 absent wind, the frayed edges darting in and out of Tolkien's peripheral
310 vision. "I don't think so... I'd better be moving along..."
311 "Nice talking to you, Mister Pale..."
312 "Winston."
313 "Winston."
314 "And it was nice talking to you, as well, my good man..." Winston
315 gathered himself together and drew his hat down over his eyes,whisping
316 towards the golden door that led back to Central City. He turned and
317 saluted. "Be seeing you." He opened the door and stepped through.
318
319 *^*^*
320
321 Time imploded, and the world disintegrated into a blazing miniature
322 light. Then, just as suddenly, time resumed its clockwork course, and the
323 light gave bitth to sight and taste and smell and sound and touch...
324
325 *^*^*
326
327 Winston wandered away from the throngs of escapees who were plunging
328 headlong into the Gateway next to the golden door. He pitied them. So
329 eager were they to escape the iron grip of Central City's dictator that
330 they were willing to risk utter destruction by fleeing into a new
331 BorderZone blind. Without a map, it was almost impossible to discern just
332 which world one might end up in when passing through a Gateway at random.
333
334 He soon found himself in an old abandonded cemetary somewhere in the
335 Networks, the havens for the wretched souls reduced to petty pickpocketing
336 to survive. He restedd on a fat white coffinstone and looked up into the
337 starry sky... The thick blanket of yellow mist having thinned out with
338 the coming of midnight.
339 "Why am I here?" he asked.
340 you have a job to do
341 "What sort of a 'job?' Why can't you tell me?"
342 it isnt my place
343 "Damn you."
344 that may already be true, im afraid winston
345 that may already be true
346 "Why continue this?"
347 why not
348 "It isn't FAIR! I could be a child, or a magician, or a powerful
349 emperor. I could hurl bolts of light and command the elements. WHY can't I
350 fly free?" His white hands clenched together tightly, his pained expression
351 wracking his pale, elfin features.
352 you are what you are i cannot change that it is for the best
353 "You areinhuman..."
354 no just too human
355 "Then I don't want to BE a human. I don't want to be part of this sick
356 game. Adventure! Romance! Thrills! Chills! Suspense!"
357 stop
358 "Intrigue! Action! Fun! Comedy! Erotica!"
359 you arent being fair with me now stop it and calm down
360 "Why not go all out? Let's kill some CHILDREN tonight!"
361 please
362 "Oh! That's right! You already DID that bit!"
363 it was necessary zephyr is a villain
364 "YOU'RE Zephyr! You're just playing little MINDGAMES!"
365 no im not theres a difference really please please believe me you
366 have to
367 "Don't go soft on me! You spin these webs of death and blood... you
368 write of knives writhing through supple flesh." He grinned darkly.
369 "Even now you can't resist the shock value. It teases and torments. Come
370 on, let's get REALLY down and dirty with this! You started it."
371 you did
372 "Because YOU did. I'm only doing what you tell me to. Remember that."
373 youre self referential you can think whatever you want
374 "Because YOU WANT me to be self referential. Just like you made
375 Michael and Mukluk Solid Protagonists, the Anglers and Zephyr Antagonists...
376 Hell, you even made Tolkien Lovecraft a Go-Between for the whole mess. You
377 LOVE it!"
378 i hate it
379 "Then why continue? Why not just end it right here? Right now. Why
380 not just STOP!? Come on! Do it! Do it!"
381 i will
382 "You won't! You're addicted to this! The mastery... the GOD ALL
383 MIGHTY of ALL your survey! Make a mountain, then demolish it... Make a
384 child, and kill it. IT! Make a WORLD and tear it to shreds with a
385 keystroke or two. You ADORE the subtle violence of it all!"
386 im going to stop it right now
387 "You're still going."
388 no really
389 "Still going."
390 please
391 "And more..."
392 no
393 "More..."
394 more
395 "Another stroke... and another and another. Keep going. Come on."
396 im sorry i cant im going to leave now and give someone else a turn
397 "Why? So they can pick up where you left off?"
398 winston im sorry its over for
399 tonight
400 "Ever think you made me self referential for a reason? Maybe you
401 just can't stand being behind the scenes."
402 remember that everything i do with you happens for a reason even
403 this its all part of the same basic design youll see eventually what the
404 reasoning was
405 "And I'm going to be watching you, my dear fellow. Even when you use
406 other worlds... even when you use some other medium... You've made me aware,
407 and I've discovered some things about you that I'm not sure I like... As for
408 the violence... you're no more guilty than anyone with an imagination... it's
409 why stories can only be told with some sort of CONFLICT. That's what you
410 are creating here... But that energy could be put to good use elsewhere.
411 Damnit, you're YOUNG and INDUSTRIOUS and CREATIVE and those aren't just
412 bragging, self-centered accolades. They aren't even accolades. Just GO
413 with it..."
414 i really opened up a can of worms when i brought you out didnt i
415 "Hell yes. And like I said, I'm going to be watching. So remember
416 that the next time someone dies without purpose... or a needless conflict comes
417 up. Tell a story, damn it! Just tell a story!"
418 i will i promise
419 "Good."
420 im ending this
421
422 :::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::==Zephyr::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::====
423
424 "In truth there are a myriad of worlds upon worlds and realms upon realms...
425 each is a layer, and when peeled back the next layer will lead to the next
426 and the next. The secret comes in never letting one layer see what the
427 other layers are doing..."
428
429 :::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::==Zephyr::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::====
014=Usr:368 Nemesis Warlock 07/23/90 12:14 Msg:5407 Call:30223 Lines:4
430
431 "In Entropy and Ennui Come Only Endings..."
432
433 :::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::==Zephyr::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::====
015=Usr:92 Katherine Dohert 07/23/90 14:03 Msg:5408 Call:30224 Lines:12
434 *******************************************************************************
435 A weekend spent driving around, expelling fossel fuels into the atmosphere. On
436 Saturday, spent all day moving a friend from aproximately 82nd and Duke to
437 aproximately Walker and Murray. In 100 degree weather, it was a labor of love.
438 Sunday was a little funner, went out in search of garage sales from 10:00 A.M.
439 to 5:00 P.M.. Drove all over Portland, in search of furniture for yet another
440 friend who has an empty apartment. Found a couple things, but the day was for
441 the most part a wash-out. Did have lunch at the Skyline resturant on the
442 corner of Cornell and Skyline. Fresh strawberries in the milkshake really
443 made it special. Bacon burger was cheap and great too. Barbeque last night
444 out in the backyard, (more burgers) grapes taste great too.
445 *****************************************************kathyD*******************
016=Usr:368 Nemesis Warlock 07/23/90 19:19 Msg:5410 Call:30231 Lines:76
446 :::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::====
447 Winston Pale reached into Aa pocket that had been a leather strap seconds
448 ago and withdrew a long, thin cigarette that didn't really exist. A match
449 flared into life in the air next to his right hand, and he took it, setting
450 the edge of the white stick ablaze and allowing the useless match to blow
451 itself out of reality. He drew the stick to his lips and sucked in the
452 raw sensation of the facimile, his lungs burning from imaginary smoke, his
453 nerves flooded by intangible nicotine, his perfect teeth unstained despite
454 the false clouds of smoke that swirled from his mouth through tighly pursed
455 lips, swinging away on an all to real wind that carried them off to mingle
456 with the neon yellow mists of night in Central City... Zephyr's domain.
457 Not the Zephyr he had spoken to the night before in the cemetary... the
458 frightened youth a heartbeat from this reality who stuttered away at a
459 bespeckled keypad. The other Zephyr... the grim Author's localized, imagined
460 Revisionist interpretation of the dark corners of his own soul... the evil
461 little Anti-Zephyr, the petty, foul beast that Zephyr the Earth-Child kept
462 hidden, just as everyman and anyman hid his own beast, his own Anti-Self.
463 Winston couldn't help being what he was... the Eternal Tourguide... the
464 Giver of Direction... the Observer... but most importantly, Pale the
465 Self-Referential... Hearer of Voices. The voices spoke to him even now, a dim
466 buzz when he wasn't listening back, but nevertheless there, with their
467 confusing hum of puce nonsense aand gibbering drive... libido and tar...
468 plastic frenzy and orange innuendo on green glassware. He heard the buzz.
469 He felt the Earth as it rotated in his spirit's mind's eye. He blew another
470 smoke ring.
471 He ignored the voices and strolled down a Network alley. For some twisted
472 reason, he liked it here. The screams of the pathetic were quieter, often cut
473 short by a dirty red blade or a lead shell long as a Patriot's fingernails.
474 He liked it here. Loved it here. Lived here, if anywhere. It was as
475 good as any, and certainly better than the primary alternatve.
476 He could feel that he was growing older as the moments ticked by in story
477 time... He had only been alive in reality for a day, but here in
478 Pyrrixall he was almot 50... and his whole life had already happened,
479 somehow. Tie between the worlds was nonexistant... It was simply taken for
480 granted that he was an old man... He could remember the childhood that had
481 never really happened, that was only a brief flicker of plot substance created
482 on an alien keyboard in a distant realm that he had and could never have known.
483 Not that he would ever want to. He liked this reality just fine, and who
484 was to say who was more 'real'... Perhaps Zephyr, the Earth-Zephyr, was
485 the transient dream in the night that had given birth to Pyrrixaland
486 Michael the Enforcer and Mukluk and Tolkien Lovecraft and Backwaters and
487 Central City and Winston annd... It didn't matter. Best just to live
488 with it and enjoy things.
489 Being self-creating did have its advantages, though. Reality was a
490 foolish joke to the Outside Voice, the Zephyr-Thing that clung to the corners
491 of his mind. The real, little boy Zephyr who wrote didn't worry about the
492 confines of Winston's reality... that had been part of his creation and false
493 childhood and psuedo-puberty and auto-focused adulthood and misanthropic
494 maturity. If he wanted a gun, it was there.
495 The pistol appeared in his right hand. He fired a bullet through the
496 soft flesh of his head, yet the wound closed itself and the bullet faded out
497 of reality. He forced himself to remember the brief sensation and stored
498 it somewhere n the phantasmal thing he tried to call a mind, though such was
499 an impossibility when he was being dictated to by an unseen presence that
500 he could only feel and somtimes hear.
501 Winston had often entertained the notion that the Zephyr-Thing, the
502 User-Thing, was a product of his OWN mind, and not the other way around.
503 Who was to say whether or not Winston's coming into being had not directly or
504 indirectly brought forth thelife and thought of the Zephyr-Thing that
505 claimed the truth to be his own... the mantle of reality to be his birthright.
506 Who was to say that his mother had not been real, had not felt the ripping
507 screams of labor or soft ice cream spilling down her sore throat and into
508 her expanding womb? WWho could say that those things WEREN'T more than
509 story elements brought into being by the Zephyr-Thing that Winston should have
510 hated,, but somehow did not.
511 Yes, Winston could have anything he wanted... His was reality, reality
512 was his. He could toy with it and tease it and seduce it... and even rape it
513 if the thougt ever crossed his mind, which it did not. Pain was real, and
514 was the UNIVERSAL reality.
515 Pain... and desire...
516 ... But mostly pain.
517 He coughed on invisible smoke, and looked out at the sky, winking at the
518 invisible Zephyr-Thing.
519 "Baby, is it good for you, too?"
520
521 :::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::==Zephyr::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::====
017=Usr:368 Nemesis Warlock 07/24/90 09:40 Msg:5415 Call:30241 Lines:69
522
523 Zephyr trudged across the cold tile floor for what seemed like the
524 fourteenth time that night. Already the sickly morning birds that perched
525 on the higher skyscrapers were commencing their daily vigil with a
526 raspy song.
527 He approached the mail alarm that had disrupted his fitful sleep,
528 pressing the thin wafer on the marble stand and allowing it to expand into
529 a serviceable cam-screen.
530 --Zephyr! Thank gracious that I've gotten through!--
531 "*Why not? It's 2:00 am... not the peak hours of the system.*" Damn
532 these servobots... Tact wasn't a function.
533 --Forgive me, your excellency... It's the Emperor...--
534 Zephyr yawned in boredom and fatigue. "*What of him?*"
535 --He's taken leave, I'm afraid. Stepped through a random Gateway
536 without so much as a map.--
537 "*No word?*"
538 --Not for several hours.--
539 He turned away and began walking back towards the bedroom, running a
540 hand through his tousled red hair. Anything he did on this end didn't
541 matter... The image the servobot saw was a computer-generated, pristine
542 Zephyr. "*Right and well... If he lives... kill him.*"
543 --SIR?--
544 "*The Emperor has obviously taken a leave of his senses. We've no
545 use for that sort of behavior in our Regime. Now leave me be and NEVER
546 call upon me again at this hour.... or I shall be forced to contemplate what
547 might be done with servo-eyes...*"
548 --Yes, well...-- The robot gulped nutri-sludge. --Er, very good sir.--
549 The image vanished.
550 Damn it all, Zephyr thought as he struggled to remain awake on his way
551 back to his bedchambers, now I suppose I shall have to appoint someone else
552 to the position of PR activities... I wonder if Johannas Swift would be
553 amenable... Or shall I create someone new? Perhaps-
554 A figure burrowed out of the thick silk covers on the canopy bed.
555 "Who was that, milord? You look troubled..."
556 He smiled weakly. *Affairs of State. Don't let it concern you,
557 Joshua. I'm just considering some candidates for a... vacancy.*"
558 "Well and good, milord."
559 Zephyr forced a grin. "*Quite... Now...*" He took his place beside
560 the autumn-haired youth. "*I believe that we were-*"
561 The bay window that looked out at the horizon shattered in a tide of
562 PlastiGlass, which disintigrated before touching the canopy bed or its
563 occupants.
564 "I should think, my Lord, that you would install better security at
565 these higher levels..." Winston Pale levitated up through the window, the
566 smouldering, dripping head of a Patriot Guardsman, Zephyr's private
567 security force, in each hand. He allowed the wreckage to clatter
568 noisily to the floor, sending Joshua cowering under the sheets. "Oh, but
569 forgive me." Winston bowed floridly. "I had no idea you were indisposed....
570 Else I might not have made such an unruly entrance... Then again, I
571 probably would have, anyway."
572 Zephyr seethed. "*I'll have you-*"
573 "As a guest! Nothing mmore... Remember who you're dealing with."
574 "*I know who you are.*"
575 "Then you know that you can't touch me. If it bothers you, you
576 know who to talk to."
577 "*Why has HE orchestrated this?*"
578 "Probably to let you know that I'm back from my voyages, and perhaps
579 because he thinks you've gotten a bit too callous for your own good."
580 "*...*"
581 "Oh, I see you're speechless with joy at my unexpected return."
582 "*Not...likely.*"
583 "Milord?" Joshua managed a weak whisper from behind the protection of
584 goosedown.
585 "Worry not, my good lad. I'll not harm you. Wouldn't want to disturb
586 the Commandant by teasing his new pet."
587 "*State your business and begone. I've more to do than mince words with
588 the likes of you.*"
589 "Yes." Winston gave a sly winkk. "I can see that." He drew back his
590 wide fedora, allowing wild black hair to spring up haphazardly. "Not
018=Usr:368 Nemesis Warlock 07/24/90 10:21 Msg:5417 Call:30242 Lines:28
591 wishing to perturb the Commandant any more than... I have to... I come with
592 a message of utmost urgency to you and the rest of Pyrrixall..."
593 "*This being...?*"
594 "Only this... my, ah, SOURCE has informed me that Pyrrixall's
595 dimensions are to be visited by an unknown enigma... He will be a dark
596 traveller bearing sad news..." Winston's green eyes narrowed, and his
597 skin became even more white than usual, especially in the flourescent
598 lights. "You MUST treat this visitor as a brother in arms. REGARDLESSof
599 his allegiances."
600 "*Dreamer...*"
601 "I didn't say that." Winston made another grand gesture. "And with
602 that, I'll be off. Any messages that you might want to send over to my...
603 SOURCE?"
604 "*Only this... Recursive reality can sometimes work both ways... I'll
605 have to arrange little talk with your SOURCE...*"
606 Winston couldn't help a grin. "Oh, dthat. Perhaps we'll all meet
607 again in a grand debate of literary tastes. Preta-Na-Ma, good Commandant,
608 faithful pet. I take my leave of your -----illustrious----- presence..."
609 Pale vanishd into the night.
610 "What does it all mean, milord?"
611 "*I wish I knew. Thing are changing on Pyrrixall.*"
612 "Is it not said by the Tanisian Whales 'Change is for the better'?"
613 "*Yes. But no one ever accused Whales of having a developed taste for
614 politics...*"
615
616 :::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::==Zephyr::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::====
617 All: This ---IS--- a collective reality. Any thoughts out there?
618 :::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::==Zephyr::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::====
019=Usr:31 The Doctor 07/25/90 10:49 Msg:5419 Call:30251 Lines:1
619 ????????????????????? GenuineDocLurk ????????????????????????? Doc
020=Usr:84 Michael Miller j 07/25/90 14:49 Msg:5420 Call:30261 Lines:29
620 &*&*&*&*'s
621 I've been gone for awhile. Zephyr, you seem to be hinting at something
622 in the story for my character. Could you drop me mail(user 84) and give
623 me some hints so that I know where to go?
624
625 Meanwhile.
626
627 TW (The wonderer, a shorter alias is less disruptive.) pulled the playing card
628 sized box from somewhere within his day pack. It had three seperate meters.
629
630 'Ah, a high magic world, perhaps I don't have to worry about getting
631 stuck here after all. Tech and Mental axioms look good as well...' With
632 a mental pop, the gate he had just steped through vanished.
633
634 'Looks like I'm going to be stuck here for awhile. Might as well
635 take a look around.' He retrieved another small box from within his pack
636 and began perusing the tiny pulsing green screen. At the same time he
637 reached out with his mind, searching... Suddenly it was there. It was so
638 close that he very nearly soiled himself. A large door with a lions head
639 knocker had appeared beside him. 'da*ned improbability field' he muttered
640 as he tried to catch his breath.
641
642 'Ok, come out with your hands up, mental, magical and otherwise.' he
643 said in a not to steady voice. Nothing happened. 'Its never that simple,
644 is it?'
645
646 An Astral Dreamer
647 &*&*&*&*'s
648
021=Usr:368 Nemesis Warlock 07/26/90 23:30 Msg:5431 Call:30276 Lines:4
649 :::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::====
650 -Hey, Lovecraft! Looks like you just might get your first corporeal
651 customer!-
652 :::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::==Zephyr::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::====
022=Usr:368 Nemesis Warlock 07/27/90 22:47 Msg:5433 Call:30293 Lines:63
653 INTERLUDE I - The Steel Covenant
654
655
656 "Oh, I dare say, DEUCE of a good play, Elizabeth, luv..." The man with
657 the red tophat saluted his female companion across the table.
658 "Why... why THANK you, Jack. You know I've never been any good at
659 Poker..." She waved a crimson fan back and forth near her face, and then
660 drew up the russet chips piled high in the center of the table.
661 "You should have folded when you had the chance, Jack, like I did."
662 The fellow with the firey jacket leaned back in his chair, all smiles,
663 and lit a cigarette with a sulpher tipped match.
664 "Did I ask your advice, Theodore? I believe not, my dear
665 fellow." Jack reached for the bottle near the place where the pile had been
666 and poured himself another glass of dark wine. It poured like blood into
667 the crystal glass, seemingly becoming thick and congealed as the liquid
668 ceased its bubbling and rippling.
669 "M'lady! Gentlemen! This IS, after all, a civilized match, is it
670 not? And we *are* civilized, are we not?"
671 "Point taken, Edward." Elizabeth blushed.
672 "Forgive m." Jack stood and bowed floridly. "It would appear that
673 the intensity of my playing session left me rather indisposed." He
674 returned to his seat.
675 "Accepted." Theodore tapped the eddge of his rusty lighter against the
676 cherrywood tabletop. "And I believe it would serve us all best if we let
677 the statement conclude our evening of gaming. There is much to do when
678 morning comes, and I, for one, do not wish to attempt my goals while
679 nursing a frightful case of the redeye." He excused himself, and
680 vanished into the next room.
681 "Charming fellow." Jack's demeanor betrayed the true feelings
682 behind his words. "But nevertheless, he has made a valid point. I believe
683 that the time HAS come for me to also take my leave of your company for this
684 evening. G'night, all, and may your dreams be sweet." Drawing a ruby cane
685 from its resting place beside the table, Jack trotted out the door,
686 closing it after a grand sweep of his blood-velvet cape.
687 "SO..." Edward sidled closer to Elizabeth's position on the plaid
688 couch. "I would suppose that that leaves only us, this evening."
689 "Oh, Edward." Elizabeth looked down her strawberry ball gown. "This
690 really HAS been the best of evenings. And so much is left... To taste and
691 touch and feel... I adore having it all once more... The wild sensation of
692 and sensuality of it..." She frowned, worriedly. "You DO understand what I
693 mean, Edward, don't you?"
694 He grasped her trembling hand and stroked it gently. "Of course I do,
695 Elizabeth. Of course I do..." He cooed soothingly. "We'll have it all.
696 Every last bit."
697 "Forever."
698 "I promise."
699 "It all went away before. It was so dreadful. Cold. Pain. I..." Her
700 rose-colored lips trembled. "I don't want to go back..."
701 "None of us do. And none of us will. You'll see, once this is over.
702 We'll all have a place. And we'll be happy."
703 "Why do you think they wanted US, Edward. We're all so different..."
704 "Not in the ways that are the most important." He lookeed deep into
705 her autumn eyes, and then reached into his pocket. "I have something for
706 you. A present."
707 "For me? Why-"
708 "Shhh." He placed the circlet of steel over her finger...
709 "Oh... God... My God..." She held the ruby up to the light.
710 "Pigeonblood..."
711 "Only the best for you, Miss Borden... Only the best."
712
713 END INTERLUDE I
714
715 :::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::==Zephyr::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::====
023=Usr:92 Katherine Dohert 07/30/90 09:47 Msg:5434 Call:30320 Lines:3
716 ****************************************************************************
717 am 30 now, IEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
718 ***********************************kathyD***********************************
024=Usr:368 Nemesis Warlock 07/30/90 10:52 Msg:5435 Call:30329 Lines:3
719 :::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::====
720 kathyD: I shall erect a monument in recognition of your suffering.
721 :::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::==Zephyr::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::====
025=Usr:4 Milchar 07/30/90 12:08 Msg:5436 Call:30333 Lines:5
722 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
723 kathyD: So, when is the celebration? Thirty years is not a death knell, nor
724 a reason to wail-- after all, the alternative is NOT aging (only one way I know
725 of you can do that... :-{ )
726 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Milchar ++++++++++++ July 30, 1990 ++++++++++
026=Usr:1 CISTOP MIKEY 07/30/90 23:38 Msg:5437 Call:30343 Lines:3
727 KathyD: Welcome to the "establishment"! Now you can no longer trust
728 yourself since you are 30. <grin> You think 30 is bad? Wait til 40!
729 ****************************** CM **************************************
027=Usr:4 Milchar 07/31/90 14:50 Msg:5438 Call:30366 Lines:4
730 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
731 Well, yet another month I don't think I'll be at the pizza social- I'm
732 going on vacation. Talk to you all later on the 8th!
733 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Milchar ++++++++++++++++
028=Usr:368 Nemesis Warlock 07/31/90 22:35 Msg:5440 Call:30376 Lines:52
734 :::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::====
735 In a dirty alleyway, Pale was casually observing a Patriot hosing
736 down a sleeping vagrant with powerful acid sprayers. The resulting pool of
737 raw genetic material was drawn up and the alley drenched with CleansWater,
738 after which the Patriot took to the skies, rocket pods crackling.
739 Pale looked skyward. "Pointless Death?"
740 not really i was trying to emphasize the callous nature of a
741 given patriot i think it worked dont you
742 "Perhaps, for the gore mongers out there. I delivered the message."
743 i know
744 "Of course."
745 zephyr should be acting on it relatively soon he isnt thrilled about
746 your modus operendi though im getting some nasty vibes from him
747 "That's what you get when you try and split up your personality like
748 this. A conceptual entity for every facet... You're well on your way to a
749 good case of a split personality disorder." He gestured dramatically.
750 "A character for every mood! A name for every thought! Feel guilty about
751 your evil urges? Just give 'em a name and they VANISH! Ta-da!"
752 i didnt come here to be taunted pale
753 Pale made himself look hurt. "Oh, and why then?"
754 you need to go to the astral dream the conference will be there and
755 i want you to serve as observer think you can manage or should i jaunt you
756 there offscreen
757 "I'm feeling industrious today. I'll stroll."
758 fine but be there
759 "You want me to be there?"
760 yes
761 "Then how could I not show up?"
762 true but I still had to tell you for continuity you couldnt just be
763 there all of a sudden could you
764 "I suppose you're right. Now, I want to have a word with you about
765 that vagrant."
766 i needed to show that
767 Pale spread his hands. "Oh, yes! Yes! Of course! But just think of it
768 this way... You showed them..." He looked up again. "It's up there in
769 storage. Why not just bring him back? For me?"
770 it would be silly
771 Pale darkeneed. "Do it."
772
773 The vagrant hobbled over to Pale. "Thankye fur savin' me life
774 from that godAwful Rezz-Bucket, mih lad! Mad Buck 2112?" He offered the
775 Observer a bottle wrapped in plastic.
776 "No thanks. I'm contriving."
777 "Oh well... Maybe nex' time? See y'round?"
778 "Perhaps."
779 The vagrant laughed as he was swept away into the thick yellow
780 mist...
781 there feel better
782 "Much."
783 yes i suppose i do too
784
785 :::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::==Zephyr::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::====
029=Usr:1 CISTOP MIKEY 08/01/90 00:14 Msg:5441 Call:30380 Lines:6
786 on the first thursday of every month there is a pizza social
787 at Stark Street Pizza on 92nd and Stark from 7PM to whenever it is over.
788 All are welcome. Sometimes the BW regulars meet there when the mood
789 strikes. Unfortuntely this month I won't be there as I have a
790 previous commitment.
791 ************************* CM *****************************************
030=Usr:368 Nemesis Warlock 08/01/90 22:05 Msg:5442 Call:30398 Lines:39
792 :::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::====
793
794 INTERLUDE II - Interm
795
796 In the Networks, a group of six boys fell victim to a lamb's axe.
797
798 In Central Hall, two Empirical Candidates made a suicide pact using
799 red balloons.
800
801 A maid in Lapina Square's Truffle Heights lept from 800 stories
802 up in an attempt to escape from militant surveillance devices.
803
804 Vendors in Central Square staged a protest demonstration. The streets
805 ran red with blood and katsup.
806
807 A kitten owned by an elderly couple in MiddleTown briefly molested
808 her owners and did away with the bodies by stuffing them in a feather mattress.
809
810 Plums began to spew Terran Pavorrati when struck by ExpressLaners
811 upon whose road they rested.
812
813 A screaming girl battered herself into a nunnery near SimpleTon.
814
815 Phantom retrievers stormed the SkyLine. None were safe from their
816 pelting gazes.
817
818 A thick black computer virus regulated itself to only two Patriots,
819 forcing them into bizarre contortions on the steps of Zephyr Plaza.
820
821 The Citizen's News broadcast a teleplay from Terra-Cultist Programs.
822 The Actors were Serpents.
823
824 Freedom conceptualized itself but was killed by a runaway tricyclist from
825 RedBreadth.
826
827 Ten hedonistic elves sought Innis Square, thinking evil red
828 suggestions.
829
830 :::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::==Zephyr::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::====
031=Usr:352 Katie Kolbet 08/02/90 20:33 Msg:5443 Call:30416 Lines:29
831
832 ++++++++++++++++++
833 Amanda paused as the lightning streaked across the sky. Strange, she thought,
834 that a storm should rise so quickly where the sun had glared only moments
835 before. she looked down at the book in her hand, then returned to shelving
836 the stack before her.
837 Twenty minutes later, all of the stack carefully placed in order on the shelf,
838 all but one book, the same one she had held before, another flash caused her
839 to pause. Curious about the odd coincidence, she took a closer looked at the
840 book. *Journeying* in gold lettering was scrawled across the front cover. No
841 author was listed.
842 *Almost done?* a high voice called out across the room, from behind a half
843 dozen shelves.
844 *Yes* She stuffed the book into the rack.
845
846 Leaving the library, she barely noticed the drops of water dotting the pavement
847 Her mother would call tonight to see if she had found a date yet, The bills had
848 to be paid, and her car was probably still not fixed. the rain beat harder,
849 and she pulled out her umbrella. more and more of the other pedestrians ducked
850 beneath the store awnings, but she passed without a glance. If only there were
851 some way to escape the drudgery of the library and find a more interesting life
852 Maybe if she'd done something in college, maybes seldom were.
853 Pulling out her key, she unlocked the door of her apartment, and slipped in.
854 Stumbling over a package, she fumbled for the light switch. I wasn'
855 t expecting a package, her mind raced. closing the door behind her, she
856 scooped it up, and collapsed on the couch.
857
858 ..........more to come?
859 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++Kaitlyn++++++++++++++
032=Usr:322 Stray Cat 08/02/90 23:51 Msg:5444 Call:30418 Lines:12
860 @)#{body}amp;(@$+_)#$_(@!#^)!&^#!@#+!_#$@&%#+!@)(#!_#{body}amp;*#($(!@#*+!_)#@!$^!(@#&@+!@#
861
862 l'HsP: your phone has been busy all night!!! I just called pc and tried unix
863 and they're ALL busy. leave bpr# whydoncha?
864
865 @#)({body}amp;)@#{body}amp;!(*#@_!+@(#&$@#(*+_!#(*+!@&#^!@#!@#+!@()#&!@#IT'S LATE!!!!!!!!!!!
866
867
868
869 ..... and let's buy Zephyr a new computer ... the stories are hard to read
870 in that format!!
871
033=Usr:1 CISTOP MIKEY 08/05/90 15:44 Msg:5445 Call:30421 Lines:4
872 The power company must have been watching. Right after I go away to
873 california on a 2.5 day vacation they dump power causing the system to lock
874 up. Gee, thnks guys, you're so thoughtful.
875 ********************** CM *********************************************
034=Usr:368 Nemesis Warlock 08/07/90 22:48 Msg:5449 Call:30460 Lines:8
876 :::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::====
877 --^-^--Sister... It is time.--^-^--
878 :::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::==Zephyr::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::====
879
880 "Pray for James' health, Bobby. Otherwise, we'll be coming after ^you^...
881 Got it?"
882
883 :::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::==Zephyr::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::====
035=Usr:232 bob lindski 08/08/90 10:52 Msg:5450 Call:30468 Lines:15
884 WARNING TO ALL TRAVELLERS ON HIGHWAY 97 BETWEEN YAKIMA, WA AND THE DALLES!
885 The Yakima Indian Nation Tribal Police is on revenue enhancement drive
886 otherwise known as SPEED TRAP along isolated strip of State Highway 97.
887 The Indian braves stay as late in the night ambushing unsuspecting motorists,
888 who happened to be passing through.
889
890 I heard rumors that the Indian braves used their own cars in this venture.
891 The area is also known for high crime rates: drugs & robbery. But strange as
892 it seems, the Indian Tribal police concentrates on motorists. It could be
893 the reason for the high crime rates.
894
895 If it possible at all: AVOID PASSING THROUGH YAKIMA INDIAN RESERVATIONS!
896
897 Bob
898 WARNING TO ALL TRAVELERS ON HIGHWAY 97 BETWEEN YAKIMA, WA AND THE DALLES!
036=Usr:92 Katherine Dohert 08/08/90 14:34 Msg:5451 Call:30471 Lines:5
899 *******************************************************************************
900 Survived the big 30, thanks to all for your support, So you guys still do pizza
901 huh? Sounds like fun, it's too bad that it's so far away from my stomping
902 grounds. Oh well, got to get back to work. (Boss is gone today :))
903 ******Igotanewcarformybirthday1970MercedesBenz***sneer**kathyD****************
037=Usr:368 Nemesis Warlock 08/08/90 17:42 Msg:5452 Call:30473 Lines:1
904 :::::=====Anewcar?HA!Igotadate!:)::==Zephyr::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::====
038=Usr:116 ted mittelstaedt 08/08/90 21:03 Msg:5453 Call:30478 Lines:6
905 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
906 Today I bought a perfectly good 1200 bps modem at a surplus store. Capable of
907 syncronous connection as well, and apparently once used at Intel, as it still
908 has the inventory taggs on it.
909 It is amazing what $5.00 will buy today.
910 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++LURKMODIOUS++++++++++++++++++++++
039=Usr:28 troy wirth 08/11/90 00:27 Msg:5455 Call:30503 Lines:5
911 ************************************************************************
912 Could somebody please tell me the phone # for a bbs call Mikes Mansion?
913 thanks.....
914
915 ***********************************************************************
040=Usr:292 Zan Darno 08/12/90 12:25 Msg:5456 Call:30522 Lines:1
916
041=Usr:368 Nemesis Warlock 08/12/90 14:02 Msg:5457 Call:30523 Lines:38
917 :::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::====
918 "So you understand my position on this matter, Emmisary?" Zephyr stared
919 blankly in the Wanderer's general direction, always seemingly distracted though
920 by a speck of dust or another patron of Backwaters.
921 "We understand each-other..." the Wanderer corrected. "I also think you
922 understand your... counterpart's status on this matter. I'm sure he's made it
923 evident."
924 "Quite." Zephyr absently corrected Joshua, who was rapidly devouring a
925 plate of shrimp, handing him proper utensils. "Now, I'm more than willing to
926 follow you into the Astral Dream... But I'm not going to be a party to the
927 ludicrous norm..." He gestured, almost as if by accident, to the lumbering
928 Patriot that clamped back and forth across the doorway that led to Central City
929 and to Zephyr's domain. "That sort of thing won't be tolerated."
930 "We can arrange immediate transportation directly to the conference room
931 from beyond the BBackwaters doorway to the Astral Dream... If that is what you
932 wish."
933 His eyes darkened. "That is what I wish."
934 "Are we really going to the ASTRAL DREAM?" Joshua put down the glass he
935 had been sipping a viscous black liquid from. "...*wow*..." He sat back in
936 his chair, evidently stunned by the very thought.
937 "Hush." Zephyr gathered together his belongings and his companion.
938 "While we're in the Dream, Joshua, you'll be under the care of Patriot Prime.."
939 The great beast bowed dramatically to Zephyr's moll. #At your command,
940 User #368 Joshua Danei...#
941 "Felling..!"
942 Zephyr brushed loose hair from Joshua's face. "Yes, quite. Now, we're
943 going to be involved in some deep negotiations with the Astral Dream and the
944 Tanisian Whales... You may attend, but only as an observer. The whole
945 experiece should be most educational."
946 The Wanderer shifted uncomfortably. "Yes.. Well, then, shall we be off?"
947
948 "Most certainly." Zephyr snapped, and with his order the procession
949 stepped through the oaken door...
950
951 :::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::==Zephyr::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::====
952 All: This is an open-to-all storyline. Anyone may join in from their relative
953 reality. Any takers out there? We need everyone we can get...
954 :::::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::==Zephyr::=====:::::=====:::::=====:::::====
042=Usr:296 D DUFF 08/13/90 11:55 Msg:5458 Call:30537 Lines:3
955 FOR SALE:Commodore 64,Seikosha SP-1000VC Printer, 1541 DD, C2N Casette Drive,AE
956
957 A PK-64A-HFM Radio Modem, & More. $350 or offer. Phone:655-xxxx
043=Usr:297 DAVID STULTS 08/13/90 18:28 Msg:5460 Call:30544 Lines:18
958
959 **** * * **** **** **** **** * * BULLETIN
960 * **** *** *** * **** **** BOARD
961 * * * * * * * * * * SYSTEM
962 **** * * **** **** * * * * * SYSOP: DAVID STULTS CO-SYSOP: TIM FRISIUS
963
964 COME JOIN US! WE'RE A NEW BBS!
965 GIVE US A CALL:
966
967 CHEETAH BBS
968 (503)650-xxxx
969 24 HRS A DAY
970 7 DAYS A WEEK
971 2400 BAUD MAX.
972
973
974 JOIN US! WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
975
044=Usr:165 Bart Simpson 08/13/90 22:35 Msg:5461 Call:30549 Lines:3
976 HEAR HERE HEAR HERE HEAR HERE HEAR HERE HEAR HERE HEAR HERE HEAR HERE
977
978 HERE HEAR HERE HEAR HERE HEAR HERE HEAR HERE HEAR HERE HEAR HERE HEAR
045=Usr:116 ted mittelstaedt 08/13/90 23:11 Msg:5462 Call:30550 Lines:21
979 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
980 "Three hundred and fifty copper pennies?" quavered the soft voice of the thin
981 alien as he(it?) eyed the motley collection of dusty parts.
982 "For the lot of it" stated the greasy fat shopkeeper, leaning down to drag
983 yet more piles of old junk out from under the table. "Your sure to be able
984 to get your ship running, lookie here, a complete navigational module!"
985 He placed the filthy old computer part on top of the pile. Dust coated
986 the circuit boards so thickly it was impossible to tell what color they
987 might have originally been. With trepedation the alien brushed a finger along
988 the side of the case, noting the number beneath.
989 "How do I know any of this even works?" he said.
990 "Well, it was all working when it came out of the console!" grumbled the
991 owner, "I pulled it myself!"
992 The alien sighed. "Here is your money"
993 He pulled a small bag out of a pocket and dropped the money on the counter,
994 then bent down to lift the old box.
995 "Hey! the box isn't part of the deal! That'll be five pens more!" The
996 shopkeeper shook his finger. "They aren't cheap y' know!"
997 Dutifully, the alien dposited five more pennies on the table and hefted the
998 box. He wasn't going to argue, what with being luckey enough to find the
999 only remaining XP647 unit that appeared intact. +++++++Ariel++++++++++++