After a few minutes, the Hyperion bumps against the ground.  "Someday," X says, maybe we won't have to find a hardline to jack you in, "but for now, we're stuck here until you get back."

He leads you to your chairs and plugs you in.  "I'll send you each in with $20,000.  I don't have any local uniforms or security badges on file.  I'll have to search or program them if we need them, and we may not have time.  Good luck," he says.

Upon jacking in, you find yourself behind the pyramid hotel, in the shade of the building near the parking lot.  It is evening, and there is a clear sky above you.  The light at the top of the Luxor points like a pillar to the sky.

X has given you each earpieces for communication.  He can talk to you, but you can't talk to him without getting to a hardline connection...some kind of ground phone line...or through the cell phones he gave you.  Leaving the Matrix will require the ground phone line.  There seem to be plenty in the hotel.

You walk around to the entrance.  The inside is full of Egyptian themed sculptures and decor.  To your right is the Bell Desk, and the check in counter just beyond that.  To your left are some stairs down, and in front of you is the entrance to the main casino down some other stairs.

It appears to be very busy.  People are walking all around you, not taking any notice.  Security guards are posted here and there, and you see security cameras (mostly encased in non-obtrusive orbs or other mountings) almost everywhere.  The inside is loud with the noises of slot machines and mechanical melodies.

Screed looks around and says, "Allow me."

He walks by the information booth and picks up a random pamphlet/notice or some paper.  Sauntering up to the checkin desk he says, "Excuse me.  I'd like to get a suite for my friends and I.  We've just arrived into town and definitely wanted to stay here.  We'd like to stay a little quiet though.  You see, they're trying to," he smiles his most honest smile, "stay out of their fans notice.  If you know what I mean."

He feels around until he sinds the money and pulls out the wad.  Serruptitiously he slides two one hundred dollar bills into the pamphlet and slides them across the counter.  He smiles sweetly and asks, "Will you be able to ensure the privacy of Mr. Jake Savee and party?"

“Home sweet home,” Demain says to himself. After orienting himself, Demian pats his sides to make sure he is armed and slings the duffle bag containing the “good stuff” over his shoulder.

Once they are inside, Demian recounts the riddle, “Now we just need to push ‘Be one’ and look for the ‘H’.”

"Welcome to the Luxor," the receptionist says to Screed.  She looks at the others and nods, taking the tip.  Softly across the counter, she says, "In that case, I'll put you on the east side where you can avoid attracting attention.  You can access your room by the inclinators either by Ra's Nightclub or behind the registration desk.  You can avoid the public eye by taking the Ra Nightclub inclinators."  She waits to see if Screed agrees.

While she waits, she slides a map of the hotel across to him.

http://www.luxor.com/property_map/home_map.php3
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:30, Fri 04 Feb 2005.

Fault inhales the lobby air deeply and smiles. He looks a bit taller in the Matrix, and much less fidgety. "Ah, the land of the gods. It's good to be back."

 Overhearing the receptionist's suggestion, Fault perks up. "Ra's here?" he asks innocently. "Ooh. I always wanted to meet him!"
This message was last edited by the player at 04:35, Fri 04 Feb 2005.

Jade walks over and asks the lady, "What's an inclinator?"

Winking he says, "That will be perfect."  Pulling out $3K he continues, "I'd like to keep a tab open and five keys please.  I'm kinda absentminded."  Winking again he picks up the map and the keys when they're ready.  Pausing long enough he pretends to not be paying attention while she answers, expecting something like elevators that run at an angle or  something.  After hearing it he heads back to the group if he has all the information to find the room.

::flanking the other party members, staying silent as others do the talking, leather duster gathered around him, looking at the various people knowing any of them can at any moment turn into a agent, waiting for Screed to complete the transaction, adjusting his silvered Ray Bans::

::to Screed::

So did you schedule some casino time for us, all work and no play makes us a dull team

::flashes a smile::

Well maybe next time then, shall we get going:::

::hefts his duffle bag on his left shoulder waiting for the others::

The desk clerk answers Jade, "Inclinators are what we call our elevators.  In a pyramid, the elevators don't go up or down.  They go at an angle.  So they incline up and decline down instead of ascending or descending.  Most people enjoy sensation since the feeling of acceleration goes along with it."

Methesulah allows calmer heads to lead right now.  His eyes wide in wonder, he mutters softly, "This is so much overload.  I should probably avoid the casino.  A jackpot, with all the bells and lights, the shock'd probably kill me."

Cutter, too, is quiet. Looking around from behind his own shades, he seems to be absorbing the 'reality' he hadn't seen since he'd been rescued by Chief and the others. The weapons under his coat feel like an almost ominous presence, dragging him down with their shear lethality waiting to be unleashed on the monsters prowling among the unknowing conciousness of the people around him.

Cutter gives himself a mental shake as they enter the hotel, attempting to pull his scattering thoughts together and pay attention to what the others are doing. He makes a concious effort to slow his heart as he runs a hand through the hair he had almost gotten used to not having. His eyes roam around the lobby, taking it in as though a Vegas first timer, as indeed he was.

As Demian looks around, seeing if anything sparks an idea, he catches a glance at Methuselah. The shock on the man’s face reminds Demian that this is his first trip to the Matrix. “Of all the places to jack into first, you come to Vegas.” A rare smile finds Demian’s face. “Take it easy Meth. Don’t let the lights and sounds distract you. This is just like the simulations...only busier.”

Hearing mention of Ra’s Nightclub does spark Demian’s memory. “Ra declines, or was it descends?” Demain says to himself, trying to recount the riddle. To the others, away from the receptionist, “I think we should take the elevators by Ra’s Nightclub.”

Just before leaving the counter, he turns back and says, "Oh, and one more thing.  Our friends and I are quite hungry.  Could you have service sent up for, oh, say ten people with a variety of tastes?  Thanks a lot, really!"  Screed seems quite happy as he returns to the group.

Listening to the group, he opens the map and says, "Okay, those elevators are right around this corner over here."  He seems to be wetting his lips a bit as he leads the way.

Demian nods approvingly at Screed, “So far, so good. Let’s hope our luck holds out.”

“By the way, which one of us is Mr. Savee?” he asks Screed with a grin.

::smiles::

Well Screed Can be Mr Pink.....Demian can be Mr White...and I forget the rest....but I'm the cool one....so where to?

Daredevil's comments illicit a roll of Demian's eyes, though it's partially hidden behind his sunglasses.

"Elevators by Ra's nightclub. Screed's leading the way."

As you approach the inclinators, you notice that they are back behind the hustle and bustle of the casino, but two security guards are checking room keys.

"By the way," X says in your earpieces, "For all you new guys, remember that the earpieces are only one way into the Matrix.  They are not likely to attract the attention of Zero-One.  However, if you use the cell phones to call out of the Matrix, you could be sending out a beacon.  So only use them in case of emergency.  Don't worry, I'm watching you on the monitors."
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:24, Sat 05 Feb 2005.

To no one in particular, Screed says "Well, isn't that a pleasure?"  Moving ahead of the group, he puts on his best smile and walks right up to security while flashing a room key.  Then turning just his head, he smiles wider and waves everyone else over.  Pausing just long enough for them to examine the key, he heads towards the elevators as if they own the place.

did someone say pink?

The security guard appears not to really notice.  He looks at the keycard and hands it back to Screed, waving him through.  However, a newlywed couple seems to be eyeing the group.

As long as they are not between the group and the elevator, Screed will make his way to the elevator and press the button to try and make their way tot he room as quickly as possible.

Methuselah follows without comment.  He helps usher the group along silently, trying not to attract any unwelcome attention.

::follows the group noting the look from the couple but not acknowledging it::

Demian follows Screed past the security guards, trying to remain stoic in the excitement of this place. “I think that maybe we are stars here,” Demian says softly to Screed after seeing the attention from the newlyweds.

Snow stares cooly at anyone who gets too close as they walk through the casino.

The security guards hardly take notice as you shuffle by and into an elevator.  Everything inside, even the elevator/inclinator, is decorated in Egyptian style.  Your Suite is on the 20th floor, and the inclinator's buttons read B2, B1, Casino Level, Attractions Level, and then they go from the numbers 3 to 30.

Screed mutters, "Hmnmm... straight and plain levels," and he presses 20.  He looks like he is ready to get to the room and check out his gear because he keeps playing with the catches on the case.  He keeps his eyes on he numbers as they count up, while peripherally looking for cameras and the like.

::looks out the window at the numbers going by....not feeling to secure right now and not saying much, and unsure what he would do if they were in a fight::

Jade says, "I think that's the wrong way, guys.  Remember the riddle?"

"In descending, Ra declines;
Be one, he pushes,
And then look for this:
In heaven abides one,
And in hell one too.
He has one also,
And though there’s none in eternity,
In hypothesis there’s two."

She waits for their reply as the elevator ascends and says, "Don't you think we should be going down to B1?"

"But..but... can't we go to the room?  We have food coming."

"If they break Binary before we get him back, chances are you won't have a body to go back to.  And not to mention that the ship is in danger as long as it's connected.  I just say that because last time we barely escaped with the ship.  Remember that hole Hammer was repairing?  That was from the Sentinels."  She pauses.  "But if there's an actual good reason to go back to the room, I'm all ears."

Screed sighs and pushes B1.  He lick his lips and looks a little sad.

Demian nods as Jade straightens Screed out. B1 was exactly what they were looking for...of course a buffet did sound really good after that crap they have to eat in the “real” world. “Someday Screed; Someday we won’t have to run from the machines. But first we have to do our job.”

Demian pulls out his Zippo, flips it open, and stares at the flame for a minute as they come down from the initial ride up. “Does anyone else think that this is going way too smoothly? At this rate their will be a door with a big ‘H’ just right outside the elevator on floor B1. In my experience, things are never this easy.”

"The calm before the storm," Fault says calmly, his bright yellow eyes jumping about, taking in the inclinator's decorations. "I still say we should go see Ra before we go back to our bodies."

The elevator opens on floor B1.  You enter a hallway.  Behind you are the three inclinators.  The hall is wider than most, about 10 feet wide, obviously used in conjunction with service elevators.  The hall itself is in a T formation, with the three inclinators at the top of the T and rows of doors lining the wall.  Down at the bottom of the "T" is a service elevator.  Each of the doors is marked with an Egyption heiroglypic, except for doors marked "Janitor" and one marked "Lavatory."

X's voice in your ear says, "You must be getting close.  The signal's getting bad.  I think once you get into his digital fortress, we won't have communications.  But I guess that was obvious."

Elle's feminine voice pipes in, "Now, remember, Vincent is not the kindest man.  He hates people.  A real misanthrope because he's in that wheelchair.  He's got all that hair loss, growths on his face, and cokebottle glasses.  You shouldn't miss him."

Before you have a chance to respond or to look at the symbols on the doors, one of the other inclinators opens.  The newlywed couple steps out and looks at you.

They are both well groomed and have kind faces.  The clean-shaven man says, "Are you searching for God?"  They look at you as though you might have in common some kind of inside knowledge with them.

"Maybe," Fault says innocently, "which one? I hear Ra's up at the nightclub."

"Maybe we were wrong," the woman says anxiously to the man, tugging on his shoulders back toward the inclinators.

He stands still.  "No," he says.  "I don't think so."  He looks appraisingly at each of you.

Screed piously clasps his hands in front of him and looks heavenward.  Bowing his head he continues in a subdued voice, "Brother and Sister, I noticed you upstairs, but I dared not approach.  We know how secret some things must stay.  Pray tell me, good people, what you might know if God and how to seek this mighty one out."  He glances back so that the others will keep their peace for a moment.

The man says to the woman, "See, I think we were correct."  Then back to you, "G.O.D. is the Global Operations Designer.  You seek him, correct?  We seek him also."  He pauses again, waiting to see how you respond, as though testing you.

Screed tries to cover up his surprise and drops his religious pretense.  "Yes, but he doesn't want to be found, now does he?"  He turns his head back to the group and says, "Meth, anyone, some help here please?"

 Fault's featureless yellow eyes widen. He leans toward the group and whispers quietly. "Wait a minute, if God is the system creator... wouldn't that make those 'agents' angels?" he stares off into space for a moment, apparently mulling over the concept in his mind. "If so... we're gonna need a lot more fire-power."
 The off-kilter man looks over at the newlyweds. "What about Ra? Regional Administrator? Ooh! Thor could be the Technological Hubris Retention Operations System! And then of course there's the Sin Activation and Temptation Agent Node!" He turns back to the group. "This is fun... I like these two."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:14, Thu 10 Feb 2005.

Methuselah approaches the couple, his hands open in a gesture of peaceful approach.  "My dear seekers, you wish to follow where we cannot lead you.  The search for the Almighty always tugs at our souls, but now in these end times, that search must be personal.  The day of judgement comes as a thief in the night, and no man or woman knows the hour or minute.  Please ignore the caustic remarks of my companion," he continues as he motions at Fault.   "However, many from various walks are called to the presence of the Almighty, though all seek Him for different reasons.  That is why we cannot travel together."

::listens quietly, pretty apparant he isn't the most outgoing person in new company then chimes in unexepectantly::

Did anyone consider that RA is exactly what the Egyption name suggusts....the god of the sun...the lightbringer....be it a computer program or not, it probably seves the same purpose...

Demian waves a hand over the flame of his lighter before closing and sliding it into his jacket pocket. He stands to the side and just slightly behind Screed as they come off the inclinators and encounter the couple. The others in the group seem to each have their own approach to this unexpected event, and Demian lets them do it their way, though he lets out a quiet huff and slight roll of his eyes. That is, until Fault voices the concern that was in Demian’s own head.

“I’m thinking that these two need to be explaining themselves, quickly. And no more of this secret talk. Lay it all on the table,” Demian says quietly to the group, though the couple might be able to overhear him.

Demian unzips his black leather jacket, slides off his black sun glasses and starts to put them in an inner pocket of the jacket...leaving his hand comfortably close to one of his hidden pistols.

 Fault slaps his forehead. He turns to Daredevil and smiles. "Of course! Radiance Administrator!" he exclaims happily.

Cutter, having followed along quietly since he had nothing important to add, just leans casually on the nearby wall. He watches the two intently, but refrains from saying anything. The wildly different tangents taken by the others should be enough to confuse anyone.

Seeing the man’s inability to connect, the woman steps forward and says, “We are dissociated artificial intelligence units.  We have no existence outside the digital universe.  Our creator is not the G.O.D., but is instead the man we believe you seek.  Vincent.  We are what you might call—”

“Scouts,” the man interrupts.  “We could see your unusual Matrix signature.  We are here to help…or hinder…those who would enter the Digital Fortress, the only place where free roaming sentient programs like us can be completely safe from Zero-One.”

“Yes,” the woman clarifies, “and unlike most of Vincent’s creations, we are able to leave the Digital Fortress Bubble to roam the Matrix and take care of Vincent’s outside operations without arousing the notice of Zero-One.”

“So,” the man says, “although we are unable to unduly assist you, if you are allies of Vincent, we can help protect you and follow you into Digital Fortress.”

“If you would like,” the woman says.  “Otherwise, you are on your own, and we can do nothing to help you against the defenses of the Digital Fortress.”

The man nods toward Demian's weapon.  "Do not bother with your weapons.  You could not hit us if you tried.  If we wanted to harm you, you would be dead already."  He says this with a friendly smile, no insult intended.

"Well, so much for subtlety," the old man mutters before continuing brightly, "Okay, so we're playing with all the cards on the table.  You know about Vincent, and so do we.  The only problem is, other programs are looking for him and their intent is not benign.  Now I know, or at least I think I know where my companions are coming from, so I trust them.  You two may be what you say, or you might not.  But if you were programs intent on harming Vincent, then you need us to lead you to him, so killing us does you no good.  At least not yet."

Methesulah shrugs and turns to the group,  "I've said my peace.  If we want them to help us, then I'll go with the plan.  But I'd as soon send them ahead to tell Vincent we're coming, rather than have them tag along."

Screed looks to be deep in thought and a little confused.  "Programs that are just programs and not enemies, interesting.  So we lead you to Vincent?  And you wave your hands and the defenses go away.  Why not just take us to him?  With all his abilities, it would seem that we would be at his mercy within the fortress.  It certainly would cause less disruption in the matrix that way."

Demian shrugs at the groom program, “You can’t blame me for wanting to defend myself.” His hand slides back out from inside his jacket.

Nodding in agreement with Methuselah, Demian ponders their predicament.

“If they are what they say they are, then they should be able to enter the fortress without our help. I’m not for having them follow us. I say have them go first and meet us inside.”

"We cannot go first," the man said, "because that would show you the way in.  However, we are happy to wait here while you proceed."  The couple stands back in the corner by the elevator and watches your group.

"Good luck," the female program says.  "Getting into the Digital Fortress is the part that tests you.  Surviving its defenses is simply bypassing the mechanism by using the tools given to you--us.  For example, since we would not accompany programs created by Zero-One, if we are not with you, then the defenses will assume you are programs of Zero-0ne, and they will attack you."

Methesulah raises his hands in resignation.  "Well, now, if you two are so certain that we'll fail, then why don't you just wander back home and watch from the sanctuary of the Fortress?  The only aptitude you two have displayed is that you can follow us, which, having watched this group in action only a short time now, is no great feat.  You have openly scoffed at our ability to defeat you, which reminds me of all the hype around football games.  If the pundits are so convinced of who's going to win each week, why even bother to play the games?  Because you never know what might happen."

Methesulah shrugs, "No, it still sounds like you need our help a lot more than we need yours, begging the lady's forgiveness.  Maybe I'm an old man set in my ways, so I'll leave the floor to someone younger who may be able to explain how the two of you can possibly help us.  But if not, I think the best thing for all parties involved is to bid one another adieu and part ways."

"As you wish," the man says.  "As we stated, we are simply scoutsfor Vincent looking for true messengers from the real world and helping to prevent any spies from Zero-One from entering.  Our purpose is therefore to fight off any of Zero-One's agents and to make sure that those who are fit may enter.  If you desire, we will simply wait here for you to do what you must, but we must stay here to make sure you are not spies from Zero-One.  After you succeed or fail, we will go upstairs and wait for others worthy to enter the abode of our master."

The woman nods.  "Every program has a purpose.  That is our purpose.  We cannot deviate."

Jade says, "Well, if you're going to hang around anyway, don't lurk.  Let us do our jobs and find the way in.  What do you say, guys?  Let's look at these symbols and see where to go next."

"I've got a bad feeling about this,"  Screed mumbles.

Demian sighs in frustration. “I doubt that agents could’ve located us so quickly. We’ve only been jacked in for a few minutes, and we haven’t caused a ruckus yet. So, my feeling is that these two are telling the truth, though they could make a bit more sense.”

Nodding to Jade and then Screed. “Let’s find our way in, then we’ll deal with these two if they try to cause trouble. However, if they are telling the truth, then I want them to come with us and handle the defenses.”

Screed quickly jumps on Demian's statement, "Agreed."  Then with more authority, "They aren't agents."  He walks over to the couple to shake their hands.  "Pardon me, but your programming is quite good," he says, wondering if the compliment was appropriate.

I agree, lets take them with us. We should be able to find Vincent quicker with these people guiding us. Snow says in his low monotoned voice.

PM

The man, surprised and confused at Screed's statement, shakes his hand and asks, "What is an...'Agent'?  We are, after all, agents of Vincent."

 "They're angels." Fault says to the groom, smiling. "Though, as far as I can tell they seemed to have ditched the wings and flaming swords in favor of a more business-like ensemble."

::waits silently through the discussion, feeling way too small to add anything to it right now, letting the others figure out what they need to, he looks around at the walls, studing them, scanning them::

"Okay, my first thought would be that agents could have gotten this far but need us to progress closer to Vincent.  However, Vincent did apparently want to be found, as evidenced by the information we already possess.  So if the group is okay with these tagalongs, we'd best keep moving before we attract any more unwelcome attention."  At which point, Methesulah takes to searching the room for their next clue.

Demian gives Methuselah a nod of agreement and also starts looking around. He walks down the hallway looking at each of the Egyptian hieroglyphs on the doors, specifically looking for anything resembling an ‘H’.

Screed remains high strung down here.  He slips his hand into his jacket and rests it on the comforting grip of the Uzi.  As he looks around, he tries to keep a watch out for everything, seemingly taking everything in at once.  He walks incredibly quietly and seems to naturally find any shadows without even noticing as he moves down the way.