💾 Archived View for gemini.spam.works › mirrors › textfiles › messages › BACKWATER › bw840128.txt captured on 2022-06-12 at 15:45:10.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-
FILE ON MARGIN IS 76 STATUS: ALL ALLOWED NUMBER OF LINES: 629 1 If you are in need of help, you need but ask.... 2 ********************* REMOVED: 28 JAN 84 ******************* 3 Welcome to BWMS (BackWater Message System) Mike Day System operator 4 ************************************************************ 5 GENERAL DISCLAIMER: BWMS IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY INFORMATION 6 PLACED ON THIS SYSTEM. 7 BWMS was created as an electronic bill board. BWMS is a privatly owned 8 and operated system which is currently open for use by the general public. 9 No restrictions are placed on the use of the system. As the system is 10 privatly owned, I retain the right to remove any and all messages which 11 I may find offensive. Because of the limited size of the system, it will be 12 periodically purged of older messages. (only 629 lines of data can be saved) 13 To leave a message, type 'ENTER' and use ctrl/C or break to get out of the 14 ENTER mode. The message is automatically stored. If after entering the 15 message you find you made a mistake, use the replace command to replace 16 the line. To exit from the system, type 'OFF' then hang up. 17 Type 'HELP' to see other commands that are available on the system. 18 ************************************************************ 19 20 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< *.* >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 21 <<<T.P.W.E.B. cont.>>>> 22 ... the story teller paused and looked around the Inn. He should at 23 least say hello to the Lady 'C'. (even though her friends here 24 know her by a different calling--certainly he'd not give the game 25 away) After all it was she who gave him the worn chart showing 26 cove near the Inn, where good anchorage was to be found. Oh! Well, 27 he'd go on with the story... perhaps later or much later 28 Nila's own garden was a very special place, with special 29 treats all about; things to see and hear and touch and 30 smell and taste and think about. It was full of flowers 31 with names like Perfume Delight and Fragrant Hour. It was 32 the most pleasant of places and Nila spent many happy 33 hours there, throughout her whole life both before and 34 after the adventure we are now telling. 35 36 Nila was idly following the sound of bees, when she 37 suddenly realized that she was hearing music instead. 38 The barely heard music of the finest of strings. As she 39 rounded a hedge, Nila suddenly caught sight of the 40 musician. He was a kindly looking man from the hills 41 dressed in a patched cloak and he was sitting cross-legged 42 under a great Banyan tree, facing south, playing a little 43 stringed instrument that he held in his lap. His eyes 44 were closed and Nila thought that he must be absorbed in 45 the fragile humming sound he played. Though he looked a 46 little rough and unconventional Nila had no fear, even at 47 finding him in her private garden, for she knew that you 48 could hear a man's soul in the music he played and his 49 music was gentle and fine. In fact, remembering the 50 story of the prophesy, Nila had a pretty good idea of 51 who this ragged man might be. Discarding her normal 52 impulse to be polite Nila walked straight up to him and 53 sat down facing him. He neither opened his eyes nor 54 stopped his fingers moving on the strings, which Nila 55 thought a little rude. "Sir", she said politely, "do you 56 know Truth?" The ragged musician opened his eyes and 57 looked at Nila. For a moment Nila thought he had mistaken 58 her for someone else because he looked at her with all the 59 love of a father for a daughter. 60 61 The strings shimmered beneath his fingers. "Yes", he said. 62 "Can you tell it to me, please?" 63 "No." 64 The singing bees continued unbroken as though the 65 conversation were of no import whatever. As Nila pondered 66 she suddenly thought of the line to the song that said, 67 "The answers' in the question, ho! 68 She didn't know quite what that meant but she said, "Sir, 69 am I asking the right questions to learn what I wish to 70 know?" 71 "No.", said the musician and his instrument hummed, "but 72 now your knowing has begun for you know it requires a 73 proper question to get a proper answer." For a moment 74 Nila felt a little flash of pride that her knowing had 75 begun. But as she reflected she realized that she was no 76 closer than before to knowing what a proper question was. 77 The more she thought about it the more her mind spun 78 around and around with all the thousands of questions 79 she could think of to ask. Finally, in the natural 80 course of events she ran out of thinking and said with 81 all her heart, "Please sir, I have thought and thought 82 and thought and I don't know what a proper question 83 might be. Will you help me please?" 84 85 "That is the proper question.", the musician said. 86 Though his fingers ceased to move on the strings, it 87 seemed that his music continued. "Princess", he went on, 88 "You are beautiful beyond your beauty and wise beyond 89 your intelligence, indeed your wisdom surpasses that of 90 scholars for you now know that the answer you get is 91 contained in the question you ask. I cannot tell you 92 Truth because Truth cannot be told, it can only be 93 experienced." 94 95 "I see, I think.", said Nila. Her head felt a little 96 strange. "The rule is you only answer the question I ask, 97 so if the question is wrong the answer is wrong too." 98 "Not I alone.", said the musician, "It is the whole 99 world that answers thus. There is a more secret meaning 100 to this as well, which you will realize in the natural 101 course of events." 102 103 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< ... >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 104 105 Since that one group in the corner seems intent on discussing who should be 106 chosen as the new leader (I assume that is what "president" means) I think I 107 shall sing a song that speaks of kingship's responsibility... 108 109 Burden of the Crown (words & music: Derek Foster) 110 111 The battlefield is silent, the shadows growing long. 112 Though I may view the sunset, I'll not live to see the dawn. 113 The trees have ceased to rustle, the birds no longer sing. 114 All nature seems to wonder at the passing of a King. 115 116 And now you stand before me, your father's flesh and blood, 117 Begotten of my sinews on the woman that I loved. 118 So difficult the birthing, thy mother died that day, 119 And now you stand before me, to bear my crown away. 120 121 The hour is fast approaching when you come into your own, 122 When you take the ring and sceptre and sit upon the throne. 123 Before that fatal hour, when we each must meet our fate, 124 Pray, gaze upon the royal crown, and marvel at its weight. 125 126 This cap of burnished metal is the symbol of a land, 127 Supporting all we cherish, the dreams for which we stand. 128 The weight, you'll find, is nothing, if you hold it your hand. 129 The burden of the Crown begins the day you put it on. 130 131 See how the jewels sparkle, as you gaze on it again. 132 Each facet is a subject, whose rights you must defend. 133 Every point of light a burden you must shoulder with your own. 134 And mighty is the burden of the man upon the throne. 135 136 The day is nearly ended, my limbs are growing cold. 137 I feel the angels waiting to recieve my passing soul. 138 Keep well for me my kingdom when my memory is dead, 139 And forgive me for the burden I place upon your head. 140 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~BARD~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 141 :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: 142 ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::<>:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: 143 :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: 144 HERE WE ARE. A WORLD OF ILLUSION. ONE KNOWS ONLY A LIE AS LIE CONTRADICTS 145 TRUTH AS WE SPEAK NOW. HAST THE SPOKEN OF "I KID YOU NOT"? WHEN IN ACUTALITY WE 146 KID ONLY OURSELVES. WE ARE BOUND TO THE ILLUSION OF REALITY AS LONG AS WE 147 CANNOT SEE PAST THE BIG GULP. ONCE YOU VENTURE PAST THE STRAW, 148 YOU WILL SEE A NEW PERSPECTIVE ON WHAT IS REFERED TO AS YOUR REALITY. AS 149 WE ARE ALL FINGERS ON THE HAND, AND TIME IS NON EXISTANT... TRY AND BE 150 OPEN MINDED. AND NOT UNDERSTAND WHAT I SAY, BUT ACCEPT WHAT SAY AS THE TRUTH. 151 OR THE NON-TRUTH AS IT IS EQUAL IN MEANING. 152 153 MERDDIN EMRYS 154 :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: 155 :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::<>::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: 156 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 157 This system is becoming ever harder to get on to. Many may 158 complain about the content of this board, but the length 159 of time it takes to access it is proof (to me, at least) that 160 the stories are becoming more and more popular. I only 161 wish that Breden and d would write more often. 162 Bo 163 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 164 ================================================================ 165 I HAVE ONE QUESTION. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHO DECIDED 166 THE FREQUENCY FOR THE DIAL TONE ON MY PHONE. 167 IT SEEMS TO BE PITCH AT ABOUT A LOW D WITH A DIMINISHED 7TH 168 AND A HINT OF AN INVERTED Bb. WHO'S IDEA WAS THIS. I COULD THINK 169 OF MUCH MORE PLEASANT CHORDS. DOES THE PHONE COMPANY USE THEIR 170 DIAL TONE IN MUSIC AT THE OFFICE? I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW. 171 172 + 173 Andy Rooney. 174 175 ================================================================== 176 177 YES, BUT WHAT DO YOU DO WITH ALL THOSE CAN OPENERS 178 THAT DON'T WORK ANY MORE? 179 << VERY OLD INSIDE JOKE TO YOU NEW USES >> 180 @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ 181 YeS, BuT tHeN tHeY aLwAyS wErE a ShIfTy LoT! 182 @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ 183 184 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 185 The morning light streams thru the windows of the Inn. There 186 is little activity as the Innkeeper busies himself cleaning 187 tables. Worry on his face for best employee Pam had made mention 188 of leaving for a long trip the night previously. Looking across 189 the room he spies Tarn still sleeping at the table quite worn 190 from the nights activities, and finds himself a little envious 191 for the happiness Tarn appears to have found. As he is watching 192 Tarn stirs, then is up. Rubbing his neck, for a crick had 193 developed for sleeping in such an odd position through the night, 194 Tarn looks around a bit dazed at first, then searching as if 195 looking for someone. He sees the Innkeeper looking at him, and 196 returns a questioning look in return, but the Innkeeper just 197 shakes his head no and moves on about his work. Though 198 momentarily saddened, the smile quickly returned. 199 Folding his cloak over his arm for there was no need for it 200 on such a beautiful day as this! Tarn strides from the Inn with 201 a livly stride. As the Innkeeper watched him go, he could have 202 sworn he saw Tarn click his heals together in pure joy as he 203 left. Yes, he was definatly envious of Tarn. 204 Leaving the Inn, Tarn notices a new addition outside the 205 Inns doors, a Rowan tree had recently been planted by someone. 206 Odd he thinks "I am reminded of something by that, but cannot 207 think what." Then not knowing why he did so, he breaks a small 208 twig from the tree and puts it through the button hole in his 209 lapel, and moves on down the road in a light stride that was 210 almost a dancing of his feet. 211 The sun was shining, and the birds singing in time to his 212 light steps. A beautiful spring day in the heart of winter. 213 Yes, it was indeed a glorious day! 214 * Tarn * 215 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 216 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 217 *Three cheers to the one who can get a debate going on this 218 system. It appears to be impossible. 219 (hey! let's debate on how to get th conversation going!) 220 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 221 ============================================================ 222 223 COULD SOMEONE PLEASE EXPLIAN WHAT IS GOING ON WITH THE STORIES. 224 SOME OF THIS WRITING IS FAIRLY GOOD. I HAVE ONLY LOGGED ON A FEW TIMES A 225 FAIRLY LONG TIME AGO, BEFORE THE STORIES BEGAN. I READ BOTH DISKS 226 AND FOUND REFERENCES TO 'MULTI AUTHOR' AND SUCH AND WONDERED HOW THIS WORKED 227 228 IS THERE ANY WAY TO GET THE BEGINNINGS OF THESE STORIES? 229 230 KEEP WRITING ANYWAY 231 EVAN 232 233 ============================================================ 234 235 B I G B R O T H E R 236 I S 237 W A T C H I N G 238 Y O U ! ! 239 =================== 240 Citizens...do the jig! 241 Is it not enough to have some 19 odd BBS's trying to impress people with 242 their importance by carrying on learned discussions about ingrown toenails 243 and the like ? Why should this board cater to a clientel that has no other 244 idea of a good time than to quibble amongst themselves. I for one enjoy the 245 unique atmosphere of this system, and it is indeed a welcome relief from the 246 clone bulletin boards that some seem to perfer over the originalkity of the 247 multi author stories we are able to experience here. Yes folks - you could 248 almost call this art, and that is something some people just cannot relate 249 too. (there I go... now I'm starting to quibble) 250 HI EVERYONE, THIS JEFF BLACK (SYSOP) OF THE NEW WEST SIDE NETWORKS. 251 PLEASE GIVE ME A CALL AT 649-xxxx 300 BAUD/24 HRS. 252 253 THANX 254 EXIT 255 ****************************************************************************** 256 You awake with a start, to just the beating of your heart, 257 Is your consience at rest when put to the test? 258 You shout in your sleep, perhaps the price is just too steep. 259 You set sail across the sea, past thoughts and memories, 260 childhoods end your fanticies, who are you and who am I? 261 all thing condiment and so this all must end, 262 263 All proud men turn to dust 264 <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><\ 265 A drunken stranger at the back of the crowded common room lurched 266 to his feet and somehow managed to stand on the table. 267 "Someone get him down from there before he starts to..." 268 "I shall now recite from my uncollected works!" The inebriated 269 newcomer's voice somehow carried to every corner of the Inn. 270 "Oh, no!" came a moaned reply from the crowd, as he began to speak: 271 "Thy face is fair to human eye 272 Thy form is song, thy movements light,Thy spirit paen thrown on high 273 The Lord and Angels to delight. 274 Thy voice the murmur of the earth 275 Is, thrilling to the soul of man. 276 Praise heaven for thy day of birth; 277 Such grace could be but by some plan 278 To echo in the earth below 279 The delights that are above 280 That all who thee percieve should know 281 That there walks one who God does love. 282 and nothing lovely do I see, 283 But being so, reminds of thee." 284 As he finished, the room remained silent for several seconds, until 285 the moment was broken by a ripe tomato striking the poet in the 286 forehead. "Everyone's a critic," he muttered, and sat down to 287 finish his ale. 288 ||||||||||||||||||| The Mad Actor | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| 289 ((((((((((((((((((( But aren't we all?))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) 290 pppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppp 291 The piper looked at the bearded journeyman a long moment. "Yngvi?? Now 292 that name has a familiar ring to it. It seems that one of that name (obviously 293 not you, you are of a more savory mein) was fed his own toenails on an adventure 294 by Heinlien -- Glory Road?? -- and somewhere before that------------- 295 296 Pardon me, but I will not write any disrespectful words on the slate. I have 297 grown older and wish not to change this reality too greatly. Yngvi, you may 298 have been a louse, but I never dislliked you." 299 300 Turning away from the stranger the piper pressed the bag flat. He had collected 301 more moisture in it that was good for the reeds. The evening had grown ripe, 302 to night, then overripe with the brightning towards dawn. As he passed the 303 apprentice --conjuring demons?-- he called 304 "Gently pleas!e! James Clerk Maxwell was a Scot and due certain protections 305 --- his demon has been strained by overuse these past 50 years!" 306 307 ppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppp the piper pppppppppppppppppppppppppppppp 308 The apprentice thought for a while, but still could not bring the reference to 309 mind. He had definitely heard the name before, perhaps in one of the tales of 310 storm giants? Ah well, no matter. 311 "Milord piper, I fear that you have Yngvi confused with Igli. Though I must 312 admit that I do recall something about an Yngvi being a louse..." 313 He paused, and attempted to look both innocent and hurt. "And as for this talk 314 of 'Maxwell's demon', I fear that I have no idea what thou art referring to." 315 At the piper's raised eyebrow he continued in a much lower voice, "Besides, 316 milord, I merely used his name in the invocation. I did not summon that creature 317 thou hast spoken of." 318 Louder, "Farewell, piper" 319 ......................................the apprentice............................ 320 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 321 The Inspector had just a moment to see that sword raised for the 322 final stroke when the sound of a gunshot and broken glass pierced the 323 room. For a moment, he could not comprehend what was happening, when 324 the ninja slowly crumbled into a heap on the floor, as if all of the 325 air had been let out suddenly. Salizar lay on the floor, panting and 326 regaining his wits for a moment, and then managed to sit up against the 327 sofa. The tall stranger was sitting up, having pulled the daggers out 328 of his arms, and was trying to examine Serena, the blood flowing 329 unstaunched from his woulds. The sound of rapid footsteps from the hall 330 produced a dwarf, carrying a rifle. 331 The man's ministrations seemed to have an effect, as Serena opened 332 her eyes. The dwarf stepped over her in the entranceway and went to 333 examine the ninja. "Sergei?" She whispered. "How..." 334 "I escaped from McKane in Argentina two days ago, and have been 335 searching for you ever since, dear Serena. I killed four of the 336 dogs, but McKane has again escaped me. It is clear I have arrived nono 337 too early." 338 Serena sat up, rubbing her head. "I was struck from behind. Verry 339 clumsy of me." and then she saw Salizar. "Inspector! What's happened? 340 Who is..." 341 Phillipe interjected "It's the Ninja. Valerius sent me to watch over 342 the Inspector, and I had the room in my rifle scope from across the 343 street. Look!" As he pulled what was obviously the shift lever from 344 a Chevy from the figure's bag iof implements. 345 The inspector, finally roused from action, said "Give me that! So 346 we know who killed Natasha, but why?" 347 Sergei rolled the figure over with the toe of his boot, the dull 348 lifeless eyes of the ninja stared at the ceiling. "We may never know..." 349 The sound of sirens approaching galvanized them into action. The 350 dwarf dropped the rifle, and Serena helped Sergei out of the room. 351 Only the Inspector was left, holding the shift lever gently in his 352 hands, left to ponder what had happened. The case may be closed, but 353 for the Inspector, it could never be over. 354 ************************