Spiralling circles of bones chase you up and down the spirals of the galaxy, and you find yourself playing 'tag' with a giant purple dragon as you run as well.  Hysterical laughter wells up from the bones while the dragon tries to explain in completely serious tones the nature of warp travel, but it keeps getting interrupted by the manic bones as it gets to the good part.

Finally, you hear a call, a compulsion...and with a jolt your eyes open.

You're looking at the back of a woman's head.  You're in an alleyway with a bit of sand between the tightly packed stones.

"I have done as you requested.  My apologies for not being able to mend the situation further."  She's talking to someone else.  You hear a wheeze.  She stands up, and moves aside, and begins to move past you.

You see a young black man, rather handsome, laying against the wall of an alley, with a dagger shoved into his ribs.  He's dressed in ornate robes over a stylish, but more ordinary to you set of trousers and a buttoned up shirt.  He looks pale, and rather terrible.

"Never can tell what that woman is going to do when you cash in a favor."  He mutters weakly, and then stops.  He is trying to slip off his heavy ruby ring.

"You have fifty-five seconds before I freeze him into stasis."

"He's white, older." The wounded man

"Easily adjusted. 49 seconds."  And then she disapears.
PT

OOC: "disappears" as in "moves out of the alleyway quickly", or as in "vanishes into thin air"?

I glance about quickly, taking in my surroundings, as my mind races.

:I... died.  And helped deliver both Oleander and the Station, at least for now.  And, LORD willing, left them my comp unit with the Bible, and Jerome to help spread the Gospel.:

:Thank you, dearest LORD.  But where am I now?  Please guide me, I pray.:

I check to see if I sense any other "versers" and/or my belongings.

As the woman disappears, I blink, and turn my attention to the injured young man.

And as I do so, I reach out with my mind, attempting to access his surface thoughts...

"'Peace be unto you.'  You are wounded.  Do you need my help?  And what did that woman mean by 'freeze him into stasis'?"

Your belongings are next to you on the floor of the alley, and you spot them quickly as you sense for them.  No other versers are spotted.

The woman dissappeared like she was suddenly not there.  There was no thunderclap of displaced air.

"If she can't help me, no one can. I need your help. My ring. Uggh. Quickly, no time."

And you see he's trying to force more words past blood-flecked lips.

Your Read Surface Thoughts kicks in, but its incredibly difficult, like you are pushing a car uphill, and you only catch intermittent bits.

*Please protect. Family. Kingdom.*  There's garbled bits here.  * High Pass. Consortia.*

He drops his ring into your outstretched hand.  And then you see ice begin to cover his face and eyes which grow still, as his mind does as well.  And your hand is itching ferociously.  You look down on it, and the skin and muscle ripples.

PT

PT

I quickly place the ring on the ground, and sit down next to it, and regard it quietly as I pray.

:Dearest LORD, you have brought me here, to someone apparently in need, who apparently desired that I take this ring.:

:Is this ring evil?  Is this ring dangerous?  Is this ring not pleasing in your sight?:

:Oh LORD, you revealed to me the evil of the Stationers' Killing Blade, and the harmlessness of the other items I found.:

:Please show me now, if you would have me take up and wear this ring, or not.:

:I pray in the name of Jesus Christ...  Amen.:

You study the ring, and it feels okay.  No warnings come to your heart about it's evil.  And engraved in the side of it is a symbol you recognize.

Three crosses, one higher than the others.

There are other symbols as well.

Your hand continues to itch and then it fades as the itching moves up your arm.  It leaves behind a smooth, strong hand of darkest bronze.

PT

I watch thoughtfully as my hand and arm transform.

"You have fifty-five seconds before I freeze him into stasis."

"He's white, older."

"Easily adjusted. 49 seconds."

"If she can't help me, no one can. I need your help. My ring. Uggh. Quickly, no time."

*Please protect. Family. Kingdom.*  There's garbled bits here.  * High Pass. Consortia.*

You study the ring, and it feels okay.  No warnings come to your heart about it's evil.  And engraved in the side of it is a symbol you recognize.

Three crosses, one higher than the others.

And my eye returns to the ring.

:'Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.':

I pick up the ring, regarding the various symbols, seeking insight.

Assuming that I don't see any symbols that I would recognize as being anti-Christian or displeasing to the LORD, I then place it upon the ring finger of my right hand, and examine if I perceive any changes, other than my continuing physical transformation.

Then I check to see if I am able to use clairvoyance, in order to scout out my immediate vicinity...

OOC: I'm supervising a tot who thought tossing a couple hundred pennies on the floor was fun.  He's not amused at the thought of picking them up.  So, if my brain is scattered, you know why.

IC:

There are four symbols on the ring's band.
1. Three crosses.
2. Two mountains with a notch between them.
3. An irregular outline
4. A large block letter "A"

Inside the ruby is a "Lion Rampant".

Inside the band are four names: Jacob Dulane, Esther Dulane, Mark, Lydia, Joseph and the phrase "For Jacob, Commemoration of your ascendancy 472 A.S."

You feel the itching race over your body even as the young man is covered with a chrysalis of gleaming, opaque ice.  And when its done, you feel the small goatee on your smooth facial skin, and the slightly different jaw line, and the burnished black arms....

The ferocious itching is gone, but questions remain in plenty.

And your clairvoyance fails, at least this time.

PT

I thoughtfully regard the figure in ice, and my own transformation.

Then I glance around to see what else can be seen of my current surroundings, looking for any tidbits of information that will give me clues or insights.  Does the style of the dagger, the alleyway, the stones, the robe, the clothes underneath, the building architecture of whatever is forming the alleyway, etc. indicate anything about the culture, tech level, etc., of where I am now?  Is there any sign of whatever attacker stabbed Jacob?  What can I see at the end(s) of the alleyway?  What else is in the alleyway -- Jacob's possessions, old newspapers, discarded items?  Is there anyone else in sight?  Such are the questions I have as I glance about.

Then I move to gather together my possessions, realizing with a twinge that CU1 was indeed gone, and that CU2 was the only comp unit I had left, without any backup.  My most valuable possession.  But there was no choice.  Oleander needed the Word of the LORD, and sacrificing one of my comp units had been the only way.  In ten years, who knew how far the Gospel would spread, helping them face the possible returning threat of that evil spirit?  I'd do the same thing over again, if I had to.

CU2.  Are you still in contact with CU1?  If not, discontinue synchronization protocol.  Scan for any detectable communications.

I also go to gather any possessions I am able from Jacob, looking for insight.  Is it just his body that is encased in ice, or his clothing as well?  If I am able to remove his robe, I do so, and put it upon myself.  I also check his pockets, if I am able.  Is there anything useful to be found, like a map, perhaps?

So many questions...

Who was that woman?  How did she disappear?  How was Jacob put into stasis?  How was I transformed?  It seems that psionic powers don't work so well here.  Could it be some type of magic, like Haston?  Could it be some type of tech?  Could it be some type of natural ability?

Well, first things first.

Inside the band are four names: Jacob Dulane, Esther Dulane, Mark, Lydia, Joseph and the phrase "For Jacob, Commemoration of your ascendancy 472 A.S."

*Please protect. Family. Kingdom.*  There's garbled bits here.  * High Pass. Consortia.*

I regard Jacob's icy body, suddenly blinking back tears.  For I remember my own family, and my lack of success in finding my way back to them, and my fervent desire that they would be protected in my absence.

Then I bow my head, and pray.

:Dearest LORD, you have brought me to this situation by your Sovereign Hand.  Please guide me now, and show me where to go, and what to do.  Show me the way to Jacob's family.  I pray in Jesus' Name... Amen.:

And then I sing...

"Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah,
Pilgrim through this barren land.
I am weak, but Thou art mighty;
Hold me with Thy powerful hand.
Bread of Heaven, Bread of Heaven,
Feed me till I want no more;
Feed me till I want no more.

Open now the crystal fountain,
Whence the healing stream doth flow;
Let the fire and cloudy pillar
Lead me all my journey through.
Strong Deliverer, strong Deliverer,
Be Thou still my Strength and Shield;
Be Thou still my Strength and Shield.

Lord, I trust Thy mighty power,
Wondrous are Thy works of old;
Thou deliver’st Thine from thralldom,
Who for naught themselves had sold:
Thou didst conquer, Thou didst conquer,
Sin, and Satan and the grave,
Sin, and Satan and the grave.

When I tread the verge of Jordan,
Bid my anxious fears subside;
Death of deaths, and hell’s destruction,
Land me safe on Canaan’s side.
Songs of praises, songs of praises,
I will ever give to Thee;
I will ever give to Thee.

Musing on my habitation,
Musing on my heav’nly home,
Fills my soul with holy longings:
Come, my Jesus, quickly come;
Vanity is all I see;
Lord, I long to be with Thee!
Lord, I long to be with Thee!"

And I pray fervently for insight for where to go.

And I also stretch out my thoughts, as difficult as it may be, seeking insight as to the location of Jacob's family.

The style of the dagger was baroque.  It does not fit with the local environment which seems to tend toward simple geometries in design and be rather spartan or with the injured man's robes or regular clothes which are again a totally different style that is reminiscent of nature and of rocks, and has a Christian theme in some of its elements.

Jacob and his clothes are completely covered by the oblong egg of ice.

CU2 does not respond.  Checking it, you see it has the blue screen of doom.

You stretch out your thoughts, and aching with the effort, you reach beyond the alley you're in to the street outside.  The white sun overhead casts down blue-edged shadows.

There are people walking the streets, but they are paler than you are now.  And they have robes on, but without multiple patterns.  Instead, they fit with the local environment having clean, classic lines.

You look about, finding many block-shaped buildings of limestone? in your sight.  Most are not more than four stories tall, but in the distance you see one that is eight, and most importantly on the exterior is a symbol of two mountains next to each other with a notch in between.

You feel yourself swaying from exhaustion as if some vague, impersonal force were pushing down on you as you use your esper powers.

PT

I observe what I am able as far as the best route to the tall building, as well as the typical behavior of those I see walking along the street, before ceasing from fatigue.

Then I pray for healing and strength and wisdom, and quietly sing.

^{_{'Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Wounded and weary, help me, I pray!
Power, all power, surely is Thine!
Touch me and heal me, Savior divine.'}}

After this, I regard the body, and the alleyway and the contents therein, to see if there is any way that I can provide any protection for the body, and to see if the ice seems in any danger of melting.

Then I pray once again, seeking wisdom regarding the dagger, trying to sense if I can discern any evil associated with it.

And I regard the ring once again.

:Psionics don't seem to work well here.  And from CU2, technology may not either.  Magic, perhaps?  When the ring touched me, I was transformed.  But what kind of transformations is the ring capable of?:

:Should I try to transform into something else now?  But no... Jacob needed my help, and he wanted me in this form.  For now... so be it.:

I take one of the coins in my pocket, and try to attach or embed it into the ice holding Jacob without damaging the stasis field, so that I may have a way of tracking the body if it should disappear.

Then I hide my possessions along with the body as well as I can, and choose clothing as appropriate to the setting as I can find.

And with a final prayer, I depart the alleyway, and start walking toward the tall building...

The ice is in no danger of melting which seems rather odd given the eighty plus degree temperature.  You feel lighter, but you had put that down to being in a normal gravity, and then the feeling of a younger body, but no.....you really feel lighter than what you remember of Earth.

There is a tarp that laying over some small cans of garbage about thirty feet down the alley.  You sense no evil regarding the dagger, but it looked nasty and melodramatic and with a bunch of junk attached to it that would make it less efficient as a dagger, but more scary looking.

You push one of your coins into the ice, and the ice melts, and the coin drifts one inch inward, and then the ice freezes again.

You drape the tarp over Jacob and your possessions.

Once out in the street, you definitely notice that people have a more bouncy stride with a bit of a glide to it.  There is chatter in the street.  You recognize some English with a bit of Spanish tossed in, and a few words that are unknown altogether.  With a bit of difficulty, you can usually figure out what a person is saying.  It helps that these people talk loudly and freely.  They shout to their friends across the street, and ask how the baby is doing, and whats the latest idiocy from the new confederation, and how those jerks in Bascomb are pushing their weigth around.  But while Bascomb doesn't seem popular.  It also doesn't seem to have the same level of dislike and distrust that the Station had on Oleander.

Everyone is very polite to you.

One person bows slightly as he passes you.

"M'lord."  He says casually.

PT

I subtly watch the behavior of the others I see, in order to blend in as smoothly as possible.

I attempt to interact politely but nonverbally if that seems to be within normal cultural parameters, giving pleasant courteous nods and smiles, etc.

I observe and listen as I walk, picking up as many clues and tidbits of information as I can.

And I make my way as politely, directly, quickly, and nonchalantly to the tall building as possible, praying silently for wisdom and strength as I go...

You seem to be doing fine.

The locals have a love/hate relationship with their city government.  They regard it as corrupt, but not incompetent.  Its a great source of complaints for them.  Loud and vocal complaints.

However, you seem to, while being quiet, to be acting like they expect you to do so.  Its evident that this is not Jacob's city.  He is a visitor here.

And then you come up to the building, and to a set of wide double doors, flanked by two large black men in robes who are armed with autorifles with bayonets at the end of them.

One bows to you, but his eyes keep watching the street.

"Welcome home, Emmissary.  We were worried about you.  Your wife has been turning the city upside down looking for you."

They seem to be checking you over with a clinical intensity.

PT

I inwardly brace myself for the effort, and attempt to read the surface thoughts of the speaker.

And in response to his words, I nod somberly.

"With good reason."

"Please provide me with an armed escort to my bedroom now, and an escort for her to met me there at once.  And where are the children right now?  I want them well guarded.  There are daggers all too near."

You get nothing but strain from your esper powers.

The man on the right reaches over to an intercom set into the wall.

"Go to Guard Four Now. Guard Four.  Bring, the missus out guarded.  Base of stairs to wait."

The other guy grabs you under the left arm, scans the street in a rush, and practically hurls you into the opening door.  He rushes in after you, and bootslams the door behind him.

Then he rushes you through a receiving area and into three story vaulted ballroom with double-winding staircases up to the third floor.

A man runs up to you as you stand at the base of the stairs.

"Emmissary. It is done. Now what is the threat?" He demands.

PT

I return his gaze with a somber expression.

"Attempted murder.  With a dagger."

"I'll give you details later... but for now, I wish to speak with her alone, and see with my own eyes that she is safe, and that none have attacked her... as they attacked your Emissary."

"And soon, I'll wish to see the children as well... but not yet.  For now, just guard them well from harm."

They give you quick bows, and retreat to their duties.  The lady of the house rushes down the stairs to greet you with an attempted kiss and hug.

"I was so worried, Jacob. I had my spies out looking everywhere for you.  And then when one of them repeated that you had been seen talking to two Consortia troopers, I feared the worst."

She looks you over.

"Unusual clothing for you, Jacob.  But I like it."

PT

I subtly dodge the direct kiss by intercepting her lips with my cheek while swiftly moving into the hug.

Then I regard her solemnly.

"Your concerns were well founded.  I must talk with you, and we must be certain absolutely no one else can overhear us...?"

And after we are at a place she deems secure...

"I bring grave news, and I grieve to bring it in this way.  So please listen carefully, and hear me out in full."

"Esther, your husband has sent me, and has somehow given me his likeness.  For I came upon him in an alleyway, stabbed with a dagger in his ribs..."

I describe fully the scene as it unfolded before me.  The woman who brought me there, and what she looked like, and what she said.  Jacob, and what he looked like, and what he said.  What I said when I beheld the scene.  How Jacob responded...

"... And so he took off this ring, and placed it into my hand.  And my body began to transform, taking the appearance that you see now."

"The final few words I could understand from him were: 'Please protect. Family. Kingdom.', then some garbled bits I couldn't understand, then: 'High Pass. Consortia.'"

"And then ice began to cover him, which must be the 'stasis' that had been discussed.  And the ice encased him, and showed no signs of melting, despite the heat of the day."

I pause, regarding her with grief.

"In his hour of need, he obviously was able to somehow summon help from the woman to bring me to him, and to put him in stasis.  And he obviously wished my help to protect his family and his kingdom, and thought that giving me his likeness was necessary to accomplish this."

"I am a traveler from very, very far away, and know nothing of the peoples and kingdoms here.  But I do follow the LORD God Almighty, and give thanks for my salvation through Jesus Christ.  And since He has placed me here, and since Jacob so earnestly desired my help, from such a position of desperate need... here am I."

"Was Jacob correct?  Do I need to impersonate him successfully, and continue doing so, in order to protect his family and kingdom?  And is there anyone else who can be trusted with this knowledge?"

"I stand ready to serve you, however I am able.  But I need information, and your counsel..."

She takes you to a glass walled room inside a room.  The air feels dead and still inside, and your voice is muffled.

"Jacob, Jacob, you've been altered.  Did the Consortia do this to you, turn your mind inside out with the devilish medicines...?  You're telling me nonsense.  Its like a children's story of the Goddess, and we are both Christians, Jacob.  You always said the Goddess couldn't be the Goddess.  That Carla and James seemed too common, too human to be divine in all the stories.  Jacob, come back to yourself.  Remember who you were, please."

PT

I regard her gently and sadly.

"I understand that this is difficult to believe."

"Just for the sake of discussion, let us suppose that my recollections are accurate."

"If that were the case, then who else can be trusted with this knowledge?"

"For I left Jacob in the alleyway, encased within his icy stasis field, along with my possessions, and covered by a tarp -- I had no other choice.  All I could bring without drawing unwanted attention were the clothes I am wearing, which as you can see are not Jacob's."

"Just for the sake of discussion, let us suppose that I am speaking truthfully and accurately.  Then you see that it may be vital to retrieve Jacob, as well as my possessions, from that alleyway immediately.  For I do not know anything of this stasis, or of the chances of reviving Jacob from it, or of healing him from his dagger wound.  But he may be vulnerable now, and need protection.  If he fell into the hands of his enemies, he could be in greater danger."

"So then, in such a circumstance, who could be trusted to go to the alleyway with me, and help discreetly retrieve what is there?"

She looks at you with a mix of fond exasperation and worry.

"Very well. We shall play this out, husband of mine."

She takes you down to the first floor garage, and asks for two men-at-arms to join her and the Emmissary.  You get into a hovervan.  It revs up, and soon you're zipping back along the streets.

One of the men-at-arms says you took the long way around, and points out a shortcut.

And then you're all back in the alley with the van and one of the men-at-arms at both ends of the alley to keep out snoops.

You show her the opaque ice, and she gasps.

"It is like the miracle stories."

PT

I nod, inwardly relieved that the evidence to help convince her didn't disappear while I was away.

"Thankfully, the ice makes it less obvious who is encased within.  But I believe that we should immediately secure it, and my belongings, and return to a place of safety."

"And then, I'll need you to tell me of many things that I am currently ignorant of.  And we'll need to take counsel together, to seek the LORD's guidance..."

You and the others tote the slippery oblong ice stasis back into the hovervan.  Its a tricky job with some bruised knuckles and a bit of very politely exasperated "This is annoying." from the men-at-arms after one bloodies his thumb when the stasis scrapes his hand against a door frame.

You would have expected curses from most other people you've met.

The van starts up with a howl of air, and roars away as the passenger seat man-at-arms hands out bandages and something that says 'nuevobactina'.

And then you see your wounds heal, and itching start at your fingertips which turn white.

*Thank you for your efforts, verser.  My calculations did not betray me, I chose well.  But you are now released from service.*  The voice echoes in your head with a kind of crystalline clarity and power of will and intellect that has you wanting initially to shrink against the bench seat you're on.

PT

I blink in surprise, first as my fingertips itch and turn white, then at the telepathic contact.

::I am honored to serve the LORD, and those in need He puts before me.::

::May I be of any further help?  Or should I depart immediately, before I revert to my own visage?  And please... may we converse yet awhile?::

I glance rapidly toward my belongings, estimating whether or not I would have time to stop the hovervan, give a quick explanation, and depart with my stuff before the transformation becomes too noticeable, based upon how long the transformation took originally...

The answer pops into your head with a shocking rush.

*You have a 37.2999943 percentage chance of completing this maneuver if begin at ...Now.*  Its a voice like the woman's but less.

And somehow you know this with a certainty that makes doubts seem feeble.

*I am neither the Lord, nor an angel.  I cannot give you advice.  My strategic analysis is perhaps fatally corrupted after I chose you.  Every nanosecond, I converse with you, I become less sensible, more prone to logical delusions. Do as you see fit.*

Your ring shivers.

*my LAsT GiFT to tHe WorLd*

PT

In an instant, a number of thoughts quickly flash through my mind.

:The odds aren't good for me to depart undetected anyway... and besides, where would I go?:

:And I might still be needed here, for who knows how Jacob, and Esther, will fare?:

:And this may be my only opportunity to get more information from whoever, or whatever, I'm in contact with...:

I touch the ring as it shivers.

::What powers does this ring have?  How are they invoked?  How can Jacob be healed, and released from stasis?  And what is the ring's purpose... and yours?::
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:33, Mon 05 Feb 2007.

*Error 404* is the reply in your mind to your questions.  When you touch the ring you hear a calm, but insistent male voice that has no depth of personality to it.  It simply asks a question, and then waits.

*Do you wish to continue reversion to Form One, or to revert back to Form Two?*

In your mind you clearly see a Windows data screen with the question printed on it, and a "Continue" and a "Revert" button on the monitor screen.  And there is a ticking clock counting down 55..54..53... in the corner of the screen.

PT

I gently and quietly lean over towards Esther, speaking just loud enough for her ears alone to hear.

"I perceive now that this ring somehow has the power to change my form... and that Jacob somehow instructed it to change my form to his."

I hold up my white fingertips for her (and her alone) to see.

"Now that Jacob has been successfully retrieved, the ring is asking me whether I wish to return to my own form now, or to continue in the form of Jacob."

"I have about thirty seconds to respond, before I revert to my own form by default."

"Do you wish me to remain in Jacob's form, to help protect your family and kingdom?  Or do you wish me to revert to my own form?  You are his wife, so I give you the choice... but you must choose swiftly."

"I don't even know this person in the ice is Jacob."  She then looks at your fingertips which are white, and pauses.  You can see she is trying to decide, but its too much for her.  Her mouth opens and closes.

"I don't know what to say.  I just want my Jacob back."  Then her eyes clear a bit.  "I do want whatever aid you can give my family and kingdom."

PT

I nod at her gently.

::I wish to revert back to Form Two.  "Revert".::

And with a prayer, I mentally press the "Revert" button, holding my fingertips so that only she and I can see them...

And afterwards (assuming that I fully resume Jacob's form):

"There is much we do not know.  Let us arrive back safely, and we shall take counsel together, and seek the LORD's will."

"For it is written: 'If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.'"

"Take courage.  The LORD has preserved Jacob thus far."
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:57, Wed 07 Feb 2007.

She squeezes your hand as if you were Jacob, and then confused stops.

Your fingers itch, and they turn dark again.

*If you wish to change forms later, open this screen.*  The screen in your mind winks out.

Everyone is taken to Embassy House as you pray. You can see that she is done praying, and she's running up lists of pros and cons for various actions in her head.

"San Jalingta doesn't have the best doctors.  Not bad, but not even on the par of Twin Mountains, let alone Non Pareil's University of Medicine. So Jacob, err, the man in the ice, we don't call him Jacob now, needs to go to Non Pareil.  I've heard legends, everyone has about the Goddess, but her interfering like this, so odd.  I didn't even think she existed, truth be told."

PT

OOC: I assume that we have either already returned to the secure glass room to converse, or that the noise of the hovervan completely prevents anyone from overhearing us.  If not the latter, I wait until we have privacy before conversing...


I gently squeeze her hand back with a sympathetic smile, and show her the wedding ring on my left hand.

"Peace, daughter Esther... for truly, you are young enough to be a daughter of mine.  I fear the LORD, and will do nothing to dishonor you, and thus sin against Him, and against your own husband, and against my own wife."

"But we are brethren in Christ, and as it is written: 'Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.'  And so He has brought me here to you both in this time of need."


I gently shake my head.

"We know that the LORD, He alone is God.  But there may be other, lesser beings that have powers we do not know or understand."

I pause, composing my thoughts.

"As I have told you, I am a traveler from very, very far away.  I know absolutely nothing of the peoples or kingdoms here.  I know absolutely nothing of the legends you speak of.  I know absolutely nothing of what skills or powers you have here, such as for stasis or healing.  And I know nothing of who can be trusted with the knowledge that I am not Jacob, and know nothing of these things."

"Please, fill me in.  For it seems that Jacob thought that my taking his form would be necessary to help protect his family and kingdom.  Is this true?  Please tell me of everything I need to know -- of peoples and kingdoms, of legends, of skills and powers.  Please tell me of the current situation, and why the Emissary is here now, and whether we may leave here and travel to Non Pareil."

"For I currently know nothing... but if I would act the part of Jacob, I must know everything..."

She has a table sized map brought up to the secure room, as well as a map of the solar system, and a map of the galactic arm.

The local white dwarf: Neccessity's Mother
Planet: Not really a planet, but a tidally locked moon about Goldleaf, a Saturnian gas giant.  Name: Second Chance.
Supercontinent: Drakis
World System: nation-states with some tribal units and a few city-states and leagues of city-states.  Total of twenty-six independent political units.
Primary political powers: Kingdom of Houses; Resurgency Consortium; Twin Petals Imperia.
Topography: Rocky in the middle, but with abundant deep valleys and minerals along with several very good passages from E to W and SE to W and so forth--this is the KoH.  Toward the East is the Great Valley, a dry but fertile and flat land with the League of City-states holding power here.  San Jalingta is one of the more prominent due to its geographical proximity to KoH.  After leaving San Jalingta, there is a cool dessert until one reaches KoH.

Further East, it gets wetter, and near the coast there are some actual swamplands.

West of the KoH is an enormous and not heavily developed plains that is the site of the Resurgency.  They also have a rim of cities on the ocean which is where seventy percent of their pop. lives.

After she explains this to you, she turns to you.

"I am a swordmistress and noblewoman of the Kingdom of Houses.  It is my duty to divide my time between training, and rearing the next generation, and daily work.  It is said 'one free knight of the Kingdom is worth three free men, or ten slaves.'  At age fifteen I was an adult, and took the job of buying fish on the Western Islands, and transporting them in bulk to the Lislynders who dearly love fresh fish, and are land-locked as we are.  I also managed to pick up some information on who was smuggling arms for Resurgent guerrillas into the area, and was able to lead a raid to capture them, and see the Consort who ran the operation, hung. People will tell you I am exceptional. Perhaps they are right, but I think most any nobleperson of the Kingdom would have done as much."

She pauses.

"I speak not to be prideful, but to speak clearly.  We of the Kingdom are more competent as a group than any other on this continent.  Its because of our childrearing practises.  One is forbidden to spend too much time on other things.  Otherwise, your children will not be nobles."

PT

I listen closely, taking in this information.  Then I ask a series of question in turn, waiting each time for her reply...

"So we are currently in San Jalingta?  And Jacob is an 'Emissary' here?"

"What is the purpose of Jacob's being here, rather than at home?"

"What is his rank in the Kingdom of Hearts?"

"Who are the Consortia, and what dangers do they pose?"

"Is it indeed necessary for me to pose as Jacob to protect your family and kingdom?"

"Can we depart this place, and bring Jacob to where he can be released from stasis, and successfully healed?"

"What skills, or powers, or technology exist here?  Are there people who know how to release him from stasis, and heal him successfully?"

"This ring includes not only your name, but also that of three children?  How old are they?  How often does Jacob usually see them?  Can they be told of my true identity?"

"Can anyone else know of my true identity?  If so, who?"

"And of the others, what plausible explanations could be given to explain away how I lack the knowledge and memory that Jacob would surely have?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:14, Wed 07 Feb 2007.

"Mmmmm. Well there's always traumautic amnesia.  Its a favorite of the story books."

PT

I ponder this information as well, before asking further questions...

"Are there people in this world who know how to deactivate the stasis field, and heal Jacob successfully?"

"Where is Non Pareil located?  How far is that from here?  How long will it take to get there by train?"

"What are these legends you have spoken of?  Who is this 'goddess', and 'Carla', and 'James'?  And what powers did the legends speak of, if any?"

"You have spoken of this planet, but there are maps here beyond that.  Are there other inhabited planets you know of?  If so, does any communication and/or travel and/or trade take place between here and elsewhere?  And what powers or technologies do they possess?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:30, Thu 08 Feb 2007.

I nod thoughtfully.

"Well.  It seems to me that we should bring Jacob to Non Pareil then, as soon as an Express train can be commandeered.  And if those who know my true identity are aboard with us, that will decrease the chance that word will leak out, at least until Jacob is healed.  Is this how you wish us to proceed?"

"When do you advise that we inform the children, and the Captain of the Guard?  And how much detail should I go into?  Should I tell them everything I have told you?  Should I use the ring to transform into my own form, so that they will know the truth of my words, and not think me a madman?  And shall I tell the Captain separately, or together with the children, all at once?"

I pause, considering.

"Where did this ring come from?  For the inscription comes from you, does it not?  But how is it that it has such an extraordinary power?  Are such things common here, or rare, or unheard of?"

"I'm not sure.  Perhaps it would be best if you went as Jacob to Non Pareil, and took him.  Then I stay here to keep up a strong front.  We can't let the Resurgency or the Jalingtans think we are weakened."

You can see that she is ordinarily a much more decisive woman than this, but that grief has overwhelmed her ability to decide.

"I think you should do separately, and if you can transform, you should.  In front of them.  You'll have to have me with you as well. Otherwise, I'm afraid the Captain might shoot you."

She laughs a little, sounding like broken glass is caught in her throat.

"I gave it to him five years ago when he became an ambassador.  But it had no such power.  The powers you speak of are things of legend, of the goddess, and even of the saints, but not of such as I, nor of any mortal woman.  They are stories told to a great-grandchild by one who heard it from a friend who saw something at a miracle site.  I will set my net out looking for information on strange artifacts, but I hold out little hope of information.  There are rumors occasionally that certain of the great nobles might have something, an artifact from the Ark or elsewhere, but..."

PT

"Are you needed here, or could you be spared to make the trip with us?  For I may have Jacob's form, but I lack his knowledge.  And Jacob is obviously unable to protect himself while in stasis."

"If someone successfully attacked Jacob before, then they may well try again.  And if I am slain, who else would see Jacob safely to those who might be able to help him?  You know the potential threats, and how best to respond to them, far better than I."

"I think the journey would be more risky without you.  But I don't know what risks are involved in your leaving whatever duties you may have here."

"What is your counsel?"


I nod gently, and look at her reassuringly.

"I know that this is difficult, and that you already grieve."

"But there is still cause for hope that Jacob will yet survive this, and be back at your side once more."

"For the powers here at work that have brought me here, and have put Jacob in stasis, and have given me his form to help protect his family and kingdom, are powers most extraordinary here."

"Why would these things have taken place, if there was no hope that they could save Jacob?"

"As it is written, 'Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.'"

I regard her gently.

"Shall we pray together now?  Or do you need time alone to come to terms with these things?  Or do you wish to proceed immediately to brief the Captain and the children?"

"Or do you wish me to choose?  For I am well aware that the weight of decision making is a heavy burden to bear at such a time as this..."

You both pray, and she regains clarity of thought.

"I think it would be best if you took Jacob with a single guard, and in your other form. I am needed in both places, but most of all here.  The Resurgency wishes to turn the League and San Jalingta against the Kingdom.  If they do that, then they may invade us from our eastern frontier. However, I am aware that someone sent you to me, and perhaps they did so because you have a wisdom denied to us on Drakis. So I will submit to your decision."

She sighs, and then stands up straight.

"At least one benefit already of your coming.  The assasins will think they missed with you being seen so openly after the attack."

PT

I shake my head, and speak gently.

"They will certainly be perplexed... but those who actually did the deed will know that they did successfully put a dagger into his ribs, and leave him for dead."

I consider.

"If I am to proceed in my natural form, and have no further need to impersonate Jacob, then should I simply transform back now? Or leave here as Jacob and return shortly thereafter in my own form?"

"Or should we still brief the Captain?  And is there still a need to brief the children?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:14, Mon 12 Feb 2007.

She nibbles on her fingers, and then sits up.

"Give him your sidearm, Stefan."

One of the men-at-arms pulls out his rather bulky weapon,and his also bulky ammobelt.

"Sir, this is a Copperhead Trailblaster.  It is an extremely deadly weapon out to a hundred feet.  After that, it usually begins to tumble, and the deactivation trigger kicks in."

He pulls out a mini-rocket.  It looks like a black egg with fins.

"Air propellant launches it ten feet.  Then the rocket ignites.  The rocket contains a warhead.  It is not a precision weapon.  Potential kill radius is contact plus three feet.  There is no appreciable shrapnel danger unless someone is very unlucky.  You can fire once every five seconds."

PT

I quietly follow Esther out of the glass walled soundproofed portion of the secure room as she calls the nearest man-at-arms, and listen to his instructions.

"Thank you, Stefan.  I will ask if I have any questions."

Then I escort Esther back within the glass, and the deadened still air within.

"You have a plan of some sort?  What is it?"

"And what is your counsel regarding when you wish me to transform, and who you wish to be briefed concerning these things?"

"You will take Jacob to Non Pareil, and I will noise it about that he has gone on a secret mission.  I will stay here.  It is true that the assasins will know they stabbed him, but we of the Kingdom are the subject of some superstition, and besides his superiors are not likely to believe him.  They will think him a liar or a dupe when there are so many reports of you walking about after the 'hit'.  Thus, you will not need to face my Captain, or the children."

She pauses.

"I think you should take the hovervan, and the gun, and the Item, and some cash, and oh, a Writ of Authority from my hand....you should then be seen leaving, make it obvious, and at some point ditch the van, revert back to your non-Jacob looks, and get  a train heading up valley to Twin Peaks, and from there to Non Pareil."

PT

I nod understandingly.

"Should I be accompanied by any men-at-arms?  For I am untrained with these weapons, and am also utterly ignorant of even the simplest facts.  Everything from where the train station is to proper procedures boarding, to proper procedures riding, to proper procedures disembarking, to transporting the Item to the correct location in Non Pareil, to the appropriate cultural ways of interacting with all I may encounter."

"Of course, then we would have to decide how much they would be told or not..."

"What is thy counsel?"

I regard the weapons I have been given.

"Also, I have been given weapons of destructive power... but are there not times where less lethality and more finesse is required?  Can you also provide me with any quieter, less lethal weaponry in case of need?"

She thinks.

"I can send you one, but I'm not sure its best.  He will have to dress as a normal person, and I'm not sure he would succeed in looking normal.  I think your best hope is to get through like you are a normal person.  Only the train engineer needs to know you have my Writ of Authority.  But, I leave it up to you."

She hands you her pistol.

"Its a dart pistol with tranqs.  However some few, very few people may recognize it."

PT

"I do not wish to deprive you of your weapon in such a time as this.  Are there any other alternatives for non-lethal weaponry?  Particularly any alternatives that do not require ammunition or reloading, but continue working as long as required?"

I consider her former words quietly.

"As for going alone... I am honored by the trust you place in me.  If you believe that my best hope is to go alone, then I am willing to try."

"But that depends upon my looking like a normal person, does it not?  Yet neither of us knows if my own form would pass for 'normal' here."

"I do have a photograph of myself in my luggage.  Shall I get it and show you, so that you will be able to assess if I can pass for 'normal' here?"

She sends for Stefan to get you a choice of a kendo stick, a nightstick, a sap, and a garrotte.

She looks at your photo.

"Well, you could never pass as Kingdom, but you could pass as a Resurgent, or an Exister, or a Lislynner, or one of about a half-dozen other nations.  Resurgents mean you'd be a high-level businessman.  An Exister, well, an academic and a fanatic--they hate the Kingdom--of course, losing a nuclear war will do that to you if it doesn't shake some sanity into you.  Just foam at the mouth a lot, and shout incomprehensible seven syllabic insults at random intervals.  Lislynners are our own fanatics.  They hate the Resurgency with a passion."

"Its up to you if you go alone.  I can't balance the odds in my head, so I'm left thinking that whoever sent you wanted you for what you are as her tool."

PT

I ponder the choice of weapons, wishing that there were less... violent... options available for subduing enemies, before reluctantly selecting the nightstick.

"'...whoever sent me wanted me for what I am...'"

I ponder these words aloud.

"I daresay there may be truth in these words... but what am I?  That is a deep question indeed, on many levels.  And given that I have also been provided with the means to change my external appearance, it is an interesting question as well."

"But for what I might be able to pass as... I would think I would be more successful passing as myself, as much as possible.  In other words, someone who may not be familiar with local procedures or cultural norms.  Someone who is a dedicated follower of the LORD.  Someone who is essentially peaceful.  And someone who is indeed an academic."

"Which nation would best fit such a profile?"

She shakes her head and laughs.

"You are so different from my Jacob, but he would have loved to talk with you."  She leans back.  "You describe a mandarin class individual from the Empire of the Twin Petals.  Unfortunately, you're not imperia in looks.  However, they do take in visiting scholars.  You could be an exiled Rihondan of the League of City-States.  They have some palebloods there, a small colony of them right on the Gulf of Storms.  You decided that fishing and smuggling was not the life for you, and took advantage of a passing mandarin to become his servant and then apprentice.  Now, you're on your Great Tour searching for a proper doctoral theses to impress the Masters of Word in Living Song....so you can become mandarin yourself."


She raises an eyebrow.

I ponder, then nod.

"That certainly sounds promising.  Of course, if this ring is capable of acquiring new forms, it might be possible for me to look like a typical mandarin, rather than a paleblood.  But perhaps being myself is less risky..."

"Your suggestion may well have the added advantage of being somewhat more obscure.  Would you say that the odds of my encountering someone else from that colony during the journey would be rather small?  If so, that would be well."

"Do you have any other information I may have need of?  Details about the Rihondans, or the Empire, or the mandarins, or the Masters of Word in Living Song?  Details about the journey, and what route I should take, and where I am to take the Item, and who can be trusted to seek assistance from?"

"Yes, the Rihondan palebloods are 'it would take twenty typhoons to drag a Rihondan from his beach, one for each toe and finger'.  They are rather insular, and homebodies with few ever leaving their lands."

She pauses.  "I hesitate to describe the Empire except to say that they are an aristocracy that claims to be a meritocracy.  They have battled the Kingdom from the beginning.  They are interested in becoming greater than they are.  Each generation strives to be greater than the one before, and the devil take the hindmost.  As to the Masters....well, I think you could be one of them if I didn't know better.  'One might as well take a question from a Master as from a toddler.'  As to where to take him too...Non Pareil University Hospital.....and you may trust anyone who wears the Twin Peaks as you do.  In my childhood, it was not so.  I could say trust anyone of the Kingdom, but corruption seems to have set in."

She shows you a train map.  Its a twelve hundred mile journey.

PT

I grin at her depiction of me as a Master.

"Well, if Masters ask as many questions as a toddler, then the part will fit me well, will it not?"

"But why 'Masters of Word in Living Song'?  I am also a musician... are these Masters also musicians?"

I look over the train map with her.

"Are there any points along the way that I need to be especially wary of?"

"Are you indeed commandeering this train, or am I taking a train that others will also be on?"

"And if it somehow becomes known that I carry your Writ of Authority, is there any plausible reason I should give why I, a 'Rihondan', would have one?  Or what the Item I carry is?  Or why I bring it to Non Pareil University Hospital?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:37, Mon 19 Feb 2007.

"The Empire of the Twin Petals emphasizes beauty, harmony, and tradition.  Thus the names of their cities are Living Song, and Glorious Light Upon the Mountain, and so forth.  The Masters of Word are their academics...scholars of literature, and poetics, and sociology, and history and military science."

She points out two spots on the map as well as a couple others.  "First, you'll be leaving into the Stranning Dessert here.  Its hot, dry, and most of the residents are unfriendly at best.  Here on the far side of Twin Peaks is Coloumb Vale, and Lord Coulomb is a Western Lord, and well, I have my doubts about him.  He's supposed to be working for me and Jacob, but he's fully a Westerner of the Kingdom."

She smiles.

"Well, there is one plausible one.  I am 'the most dangerous lady in the East', spymistress for the Kingdom.  They will assume you're working for me on a secret mission.  Which is true.  But, perhaps you can convince them that you're bringing back a relic nuke from the Exister War...and its leaking just a bit...Its not much of a story...but no one wants to be around nukes."

PT

I consider, then nod.

"OK.  What train am I to take, and when and where will I need to meet it?"

"Are there any last bits of advice or wisdom you can think to offer me?"

"I will do what I can.  And thankfully, we are in the hands of a Sovereign LORD.  LORD willing, you and I and Jacob will be together again... and he will also be able to join in the conversation."

"Please pray for me, and for us..."

I stop, and ponder.

"One thing more, that perhaps I can try, in case of need."

"For we know very little of this ring, and what it is capable of."

"Would you be willing to allow me to attempt to acquire your form with the ring, so that I would have the option of taking your likeness in case of unforeseen need?  Or do you find this inadvisable?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:25, Wed 21 Feb 2007.

She is willing to try to let the ring acquire her likeness.  You mess around with the mental 'screen' for a bit, and find a pull-down menu.

It offers some choices, most of them 'grayed out', but one choice is "Listed Forms".

You tab on this with your intention, and it opens to show a small table in another window with five slots.

--Form One: John Oakmaster
--Form Two: Jacob Dulane
--Form Three: Esther Dulane

You tab the last.

And there is considerable itching all over, and when it ends, you look like Esther.  It seems to have taken longer to make the shift than it did to shift to Jacob.

PT

I look at my faint reflection in the glass wall that surrounds us.

"Curious...  I do not believe that I did anything to 'acquire' your form -- the ring already presented it as an option."

"When you first had the ring, you must have touched it when you bought it... unless it was already yours, passed down through your family perhaps?"

"By any chance, did you ever try it on?"

"And the available forms are listed in the order of me, then Jacob, then you."

"Perhaps the most recent form is listed first... and since you had the ring before you gave it to Jacob, the earliest form is listed last?"

"Well, even if this is a secure room, I suppose that I had better not linger in this form..."

I use the ring to revert to Jacob's form.

"OK, I think these are my last two questions:

"What train am I to take, and when and where will I need to meet it?"

"And are there any last bits of advice or wisdom you can think to offer me?"

OOC: What other choices were offered?  What other choices were grayed out?  :)

"I have no real knowledge of the Artifacts of the Goddess.  Before today, I would have said they were a myth. Um, yes, I tried it on as a joke once.  Put it on my thumb, and teased Jacob for getting all stuffy and on his dignity."

She gives you directions to the train, and says one leaves every hour.

You leave in the hovervan with Jacob's body.

OOC:

Offered: About; Trash; Port to Other Storage; Contact; Product

 Greyed Out: Heal; Minor Modifications; Intellect Modification (this has a line marked through it as well); Template Creation; Weather/ Enviromental Control; Code Display; Arch Control; Submenu Four

:Hmmm...  Now how did the other guy drive this thing?  I managed to ask about plenty of things, but never got around to hovercraft lessons...:

If I am able to figure out the controls without looking confused, I do so.  Otherwise, I return back to Esther as if I forgot something, and get whatever instructions I need.

Then with a prayer I drive off, with Jacob and as Jacob, following the instructions as well as I can to find the train station.

:Hmmm...  Esther said to ditch the hovervan.  But then how would I get this big hunk of ice to the train station?  The four of us could barely load it the first time.  And besides, I do have her Writ of Authority... so it isn't so big a deal if I am seen with the hovervan...:

I find some point alone the route when I can change to my own form without being observed, and proceed to do so, gritting my teeth to keep myself from scratching the itches.

Assuming that I make it successfully to the train, and get myself and my cargo aboard, I take my assigned location for the ride.

And when I finally have the opportunity, with solitude, and without having to drive a hovervan...

I access the ring's mental menu again.  First "About".  Then "Product".  Then "Contact"...

Its two joysticks and a throttle lever and a brake lever, but you get the idea of it fairly quickly.  Its a bit harder doing the actual driving, and you bounce off a few stone houses on the way to the train station.  But you can see the nicks in some walls which you add too, and you realize you're not alone.

Sweating freely, you pull into the station parking lot.  A porter comes out to ask if you need help, and soon enough he and another porter are helping you load the Item onto a wheeled cart.

Once inside, you check the ring.

About: It has information for Microsoft Windows 2010.

Product: This is an advertisement page offering several dozen different kinds of Microsoft products.  Two of them jump out at you---Bioengineer 2.2 which will 'lets you create new bacteria' and Brainmap Link 3.4 which 'lets your computer know what you're thinking'.

Contact: Offers an email link to contact Microsoft.

PT

I blink in surprise as I access the ring's menu system.

:You mean that this thing *really* is an alternate Microsoft artifact?  And here I was thinking that it was just adapting the interface to what it thought was familiar to me...:

I scan the rest of the product list.

Then I access the "Trash" menu to see if there is anything interesting that a previous owner may have marked for deletion but didn't actually get rid of yet.

Then I attempt to activate CU2, and to activate my laptop.

Then I access the "Port to Other Storage" menu to see what options I have.

Then I go ahead and attempt to send an email to Microsoft.

Then I attempt to reach out mentally along the same "Brainmap Link" that I previously had made contact with the female voice.

::Requesting access to "Carla".  Please acknowledge...::

There are three files in the Trash folder.

1.Its a list of four hundred ten names under the heading 'Second Chance'.
2.Its fifty pages of some sort of document on terraforming.
3.Garbledygook computer symbols.

Blue screen of doom for CU2, and laptop.

1. Arch
2. Base Level
3. Orbital One (and two and three and four and five...)
4. GGOne Explore
5. Earthlink is crossed out
6. Protein
7. Quantum
8. Arch-restricted

Ten seconds later you get an 'unable to access Earthlink Net. Mail Returned.'

Error 404 on reaching Carla, same as before.

PT

:Please identify, but do not run, the third file in the Trash folder.:

:Please list system specifications, including total memory capacity and unused memory capacity.:

:The ring is now in physical contact with two external computational units that use different operating systems than yours.  Please access these units, read only, and identify current reason for malfunction.:

I monitor the feeling of familiarity associated with the coin I placed in the stasis field to ensure that the Item is not being moved.

I read the Bible and pray as I look out the window at the passing scenery.

Then I scan the list of "Second Chance" names, and start to read the Terraforming document...

OOC: What is the train like?  Are there other passengers, or did Esther commandeer the entire train?  Am I in the same compartment as the Item, or is it in a baggage car of some type?

landingsiteprotocols.wpd

"Define system."

"Arch limited."

The Item is still there, and you're on a full train with passengers with much supplies.  The Item is in a baggage car.  The Writ got you a chair, a table and a sleeping car alone, and evicted some other guy from all that.  It also got you the private assurance from the train conductor of 'assistance as required.'

You see a Dulane in the list.

Reading the terraforming doc, you see it is an arguement for making a gravitationally locked moon of a gas giant to be a swamp dominated planet.  Many of the concepts are unfamiliar to you,and some of the jargon is as well, but what you have the background for you find it clear, and brilliantly logical.  In fact, as you flip to the tenth page, you identify whats bothering you.

Whoever wrote this is much smarter than you which is a feeling you're not used to.  But, even more than that, probably the smartest person you've ever read.  The darting speed of the intelligence and the stunning clarity of the insights are amazing, and yet at the same time you get the distinct feeling that this is a first draft.  And when you see a note to the effect --Deal with this topic later under Item Fifteen as if it had been scribbled there, you're sure of it.

:Please list your own specifications and capabilities, including total memory capacity and unused memory capacity.:

:Please list all other systems you are currently able to access, with a summary of what you know about each of them, and their current status, and their current capabilities.  Also identify physical locations of these systems relative to our current position, if known.:

:Please access available information and documentation regarding "Arch".:
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:14, Fri 23 Feb 2007.

It replies with a measurement you're not familiar with. 1 Zekabyte.  When asked, it replies that this is much more than one Petabyte.

.2337% unused, 114 Megabytes.

It then explains that most is being used by the reformation program, or being held in reserve for that use.  It seems form-changing is really expensive in data usage, and holding the forms in memory is as well.

Most of the rest is for its 'user interface programs'.

"Base One: Geosynch. Outrider One: Opposing Solar Orbit. Arch: Sysop Restricted.  Deep: Gas Giant Interior"

In response to your last question, you receive a question.

"Are you willing to certify that you have at least one hundred minimum ready for Godstorm?"  "Y/N"

PT

OOC: If the total capacity is much more than one PB, then 0.2337% has to be much more than 114MB, right?  Or am I misinterpreting something?  :p

I blink, and consider.

:"No.":

:Please access available information and documentation regarding "Godstorm".:

:Does Base One currently possess the environmental capability to sustain human life?:

:Is there currently an operational means of transport between the planet's surface and Base One?  If so, please provide information on how to access it.:

:Please access available information and documentation regarding "Second Chance".:

:Please check the names listed under "Second Chance" against known records, and summarize available information for each of them.  If known, indicate how long ago they were alive, highlighting any still living and current locations.:
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:53, Mon 26 Feb 2007.

OOC: You're right.  I tried to skate on by, but the thin ice cracked on me.  Just being lazy.

IC:

"Sysop Restricted"

Long pause. "Yes."

"Access Form Modulation Screen. Enter 'James2'."

"Sysop Restricted."

"What 'records'? "

It then clarifies that they were all alive 420 years ago, and the oldest was alive 350 years ago.

Each of the person's on the list has a picture, and usually a police record.  There are three groups, the largest has police records such as your Dulane.

" Rick 'Devil Dog' Dulane": Age 22, born May 2nd, 1992. Armed robbery, murder second degree, manslaughter, four trafficking and possession charges of Class Four narcotics, illegal possession of explosives, and sundry misdemeanors. Juvenile record sealed. Known associates: Connor Street Nephilim gang. Place of residence: LA, California.  Current guardian: Program for a Rational Existence, director Dr. Kevin Talbott."

The record has gaps.  It does not explain how Devil Dog Dulane got from LA to a tidally locked moon of a gas giant on the other end of the galaxy.

He looks like he could be a cousin to Jacob.

PT

OOC: Those in the largest group have police records.  What information can I glean about those in the other two groups?

I pause, and consider.

:The previous possessor of this ring, Jacob Dulane, was gravely injured by a stab wound between the ribs, and put into stasis.:

:Does Base One have the capability to bring him out of stasis and heal him?:

:What is the capacity of the transport system between the planet's surface and Base One?  Can two people be transported together successfully?  Even if one of them is in stasis?:

:Once transport is initiated, how long is required to complete transport between the planet's surface and Base One?:

:Access system logs.  List all commands issued in the hour before form "John Oakmaster" was acquired, inclusive.:

"That information is not in the Ring1 database."

"Up to five.  However each transported will delete one modulation file. Stasis is an additional one file load."

That is, if you transport five people, you won't be able to go back to being John Oakmaster since that information will be lost.

"It depends on temperature conditions, and the solar wind. At present, one to two hours."

There is a long list of several thousand "sysop private" and then....

Tag ring 'one ring'
Concentrate nanite group 190087890098 to 190095893253 inclusive.
Tag concentrate -1 as 'power'
Assign group concentrate 'power' to tag 'one ring'
Download 'Carla3145.formmod.godstorm'
Download 'Eureka.godstorm.'
Define 'ringbearer'
Assign control function to 'ringbearer'.
Open

After this, there is a bunch of commands that you recognize as your own work.

PT

OOC:

(Q1) Those in the largest group have police records.  What information can I glean about those in the other two groups?

(Q2) Does that mean that I can reacquire a form lost after transport?  Or does that mean that some amount of that five slot capacity is permanently decreased by a transport?

(Q3)-(Q7) are below...

:Please list any other databases you have access to.:

:Please list available resources and procedures for healing life-threatening injuries.:

:Please list available resources and procedures for deactivating a stasis field.:

:Please access available information and documentation regarding files 'Carla3145.formmod.godstorm' and 'Eureka.godstorm'.:

:Please list other files available for download, with a summary of available information and documentation for each.:
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:32, Wed 28 Feb 2007.

OOC: This query mysteriously expanded.  I wonder how that happened.

IC:

Group One seems to be European with nationalities ranging from Spain to Britain to Greece.  Jobs listed are Pilot, Steward, Safety Officer, EVA Officer, Engine Control.

Group Two seems to be American with degrees in criminal justice, and a heavy amount of degrees in the field of Co-existing to Create A Rational Existence.  One of them is a Director Talbot.

"If a slot is filled with a form, you may use it."

"None"

"None active"

"Sysop Restricted. Password Required.  Illegal attempts to access data will be met with lethal force."

"None"

PT

OOC: Well, the message says "This message was last edited by the GM...".

So given that you are the GM of this thread, obviously you must have been responsible for the expansion of the query.  :D

I've heard of sleepwalking before... but sleep-posting???  :p

OOC: Sorry, I'm still quite confused here.  Does this mean that if I transported with Jacob (in stasis), three of the five slots would be empty but refillable by acquiring new forms?

Or does this mean that three of the five slots would be permanently lost, and the ring's form capacity reduced to two slots thereafter?

OOC: I assume that the last two answers are for Q6 and Q7.  So for the first two answers above, what answers go with Q2, Q3, and Q4?

I blink as I receive the message regarding the godstorm files.

:It is my understanding that the Sysop has assigned Control Function to me, the Ring Bearer.  Is this correct?:

:What is the difference between Control Function level access and Sysop level access?:

:Please specify what operations are illegal for the Ring Bearer, so that I may avoid accidentally attempting to perform them.:

:The Sysop has life-threatening injuries, and has been placed in stasis.  The Sysop has requested the assistance of the Ring Bearer.  Please access any available relevant databases to answer the following query: What resources are legal for the Ring Bearer to access that can help bring the Sysop out of stasis and heal him?:

As to being confused, I'm going to have to explain by saying 'this is a Windows product', confusion is the natural state of affairs.  You ask the question, and it replies using basically the same response as before.  You've reached a limit in its programming.  Its assumed that you know that.

Above is Q2, and the GM being a smart aleck.

Q3: "None"

Q4: "None active"

New queries:

1. "Yes"
2. "Functions are limited in various ways. Sysop isn't.  See Help files for further definitional study."  The problem with this is you don't remember seeing Help files. "Ringbearer Function is control of Ring and associated information."
3. It is illegal to attempt to subvert the system with outside programming.  Usage of godstorm data by any means other than certification is illegal, and will be met by lethal force.  Evading Arch restrictions on technology is illegal. Providing assistance to denizens of the Godstorm, other than Carla and James is illegal, and will be met by lethal force.
4. "Certification. Transport to Base One.  For further details, return in 2 hours, 14 minutes."

PT

OOC: I suppose that to accurately play the role of a Microsoft product, you actually have little choice but to be a smart aleck...  :p

OK, I think that I've gotten answers to everything except Q5's ":Please list available resources and procedures for deactivating a stasis field.:".  Any response to that one?  :)


:For the following queries that you are able to answer immediately, please do so.  For the following queries that you require additional time to answer, please notify me when you are ready by ring vibration.:

:Please specify procedure for accessing Help files for further definitional study.:

:Please list current Arch restrictions on technology, so that I may avoid accidentally trying to evade them.:

:Please specify distinguishing characteristics of 'denizens of the Godstorm', so that I may avoid accidentally providing assistance to them.:

:Please specify distinguishing characteristics of Carla and James, so that I may  proceed to provide assistance to them if needed.:

:Please describe the operation of certification and its significance, so that I may ensure that I only attempt to use godstorm data in a legal manner.:

"The Non Pareil has the Great Key."

"Vibration notification is set as on."

"Tab Help."  Which, if I'm remembering right isn't much help since you don't have an active 'help', but the Ring is computer stupid.

It lists computational levels above a 386 Pentium roughly, certain experiments in particle colliders meant to create tachyons, creation of quantum and protein based memories, creation of laser computer chips, theoretical studies in 'n-14 Mastorkainian mathematics' or 'n-11 Mastorkainian mathematics', creation of extra-solar laser signalling devices, brainmapping.

"Uncertain. Megalomania and extreme reaction speeds are likely. Approach all suspected denizens with the most extreme caution."

"Carla is off-line. James is extra-solar. Your existence provides assistance."

"Do you wish to certify that you have a hundred minimum ready for Godstorm. y/N?"

PT

:Please specify the location and distinguishing characteristics of the Great Key in Non Pareil, and provide instructions for how to find and access it.:

:Help menu is currently not displayed.  Please display and activate help menu now.:

:I do not understand your query.  Please clarify the following, so that I may respond correctly...:

:Please explain the term 'hundred minimum' in your latest query.  Are you referring to some quantity of individuals, or nanites, or memory units, or energy units, or financial credit units, or something else entirely?:

:Please explain, in detail legal for me to access, the term 'Godstorm' in your latest query, since you are asking me to certify something pertaining to it.:

:Does Carla require assistance to be reactivated?:
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:47, Thu 01 Mar 2007.

"The Non Pareil has the Great Key."

"Unable to comply. Help menu is off-line. Suggest contact Tech Support. Email MS at Redmond.com."

"Individuals."

"This unit does not have sufficient discretion to answer."

"Your existence is assistance."

PT

:Is simply existing sufficient for me to provide assistance to Carla?  Or are there tasks I need to perform to provide assistance to Carla?:

:Please specify all tasks I should perform in order to provide assistance to Carla.:

:Please specify procedure for acquiring new forms for transformation.:

:Please identify all limitations for form parameters.  For example, do valid forms have a minimum and/or maximum size, or weight?  Can non-humanoid forms be acquired, such as animal forms, or plant forms, or inanimate forms?:

:Are you able to function as a stand-alone unit, or do you require a server unit of some type?:

It repeats itself for your first question.

Pauses, and does nothing for a long time for the second question.  Keeps on pausing.

For your third question: Physical contact with desire to acquire form.

Three to seven feet. Eighty to three hundred pounds. No, this functionality is not authorized.

"Stand alone capable."

PT

:Please consider this query in the background, and notify me by ring vibration when you have an answer.:


I inwardly wince at this unexpected limitation.  I had hoped to be able to morph into a bird and fly, or morph into a fish and swim.  I sigh.

:Is this functionality possible if authorized?  If so, how can I obtain this authorization?:

"Yes. Base One Authorization required or Sysop."

PT

:Please specify procedure for obtaining Base One Authorization.:

:Please specify procedure for obtaining Sysop Authorization.:

:Are there any Sysops currently available, or is Jacob Dulane the only current Sysop?:

:If the former, please identify names and locations of all current Sysops.:
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:17, Sun 04 Mar 2007.

"Base One has that information."

"You may email Sysop if they are in range."

"The only active Sysop is currently extrasolar. Jacob Dulane is not Sysop."

"Carla is in orbit, and off-line.  James is extrasolar.  Fido is resting at Deep Gas Giant."

Your foot gets kicked.  You look up and you see the train conductor straightening up from the ground next to you, and handing you a pamphlet.

"You dropped this sir.  Please be careful to pick up all trash."

PT
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:39, Mon 05 Mar 2007.

:Please specify access privilege level of Jacob Dulane.  Is it identical to my own?:

:Is there any estimate available as to when Carla will be back online, or when James will be within range, or when Fido will be active again?:

:Is Fido a denizen of the Godstorm?  Is it legal for me to render assistance to Fido, as well as to Carla and James?:

I blink in surprise to find the train conductor speaking to me, and quietly thank him as I take the pamphlet.

:Hmmm...  I don't recall having a pamphlet.  And this guy is the one who knows about the Writ, and who has privately assured me of 'assistance as required'.:

I discreetly look over the pamphlet, looking it over both for content and for any hidden notes he may be trying to pass me...

OOC:

(Q1) I have my own table and chair and sleeping car.  But where am I now in relation to other people?
(Q2) Am I crowded in a passenger car at the moment, in full view of others, while I've been looking out the window having my telepathic conversation with my ring?
(Q3) What has the scenery been like?
(Q4) How long is the journey supposed to be, and how long have we been traveling so far?
(Q5) What answer does the ring give me to my latest query?
(Q6) What is on the pamphlet?
(Q7) There is no seventh question... :p
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:09, Mon 05 Mar 2007.

"Jacob Dulane has Denizen of Second Chance access level, aka as Citizen Access.  This is one step lower than yours."

"Fido may become active temporarily in 73 hours, and 42 minutes for ten minutes. After which 'good dog' will go back to sleep."

"Fido is 'good dog'.  He is property of Carla and James."  You get that feeling of limits to your program again.

You are in a passenger car with tables for each of the other nine passengers in the car (and for yourself, of course.)  There is a total of fourteen tables.

Q2--yes, although the car is quite spacious.  You're in first class, and its much better than first class in a jumbo. You have a spare seat next to you, and a table, and its a good seven feet cross the aisle to the little old lady of perhaps eighty who's avidly playing solitaire on her table.

q3--dessert, jumbled rocks, joshua trees, small ravines.

q4--four hours to Twin Mountains.  You're not sure.  Your time sense seems to have been not in use while you had your chat with the ring.

q5--"Visit Valencia Canyon, a natural beauty five hundred feet deep with a jungle at its bottom.  Also Valencia Canyon hosts exciting hotels in the walls with great views of the bottom, and once you get finished trekking the jungle and playing in the river, at night you can go downstream to Valencia Landing for fine dining, dancing, and dicing at our two world-class casinos."

Written on it in pencil is this.

"Two men left second class, and were spotted examining your Item.  The porter thought they looked suspicious, and hopes that he did not alert them to our notice.  They were directed to sit back down as the baggage car is off-limits without a porter present.  Both were rather tall, and one had a fishhook shaped scar on his right cheekbone."

PT

:Access system logs.  List all commands issued in the period of time five minutes before you first asked me '*Do you wish to continue reversion to Form One, or to revert back to Form Two?*', inclusive.:

:Carla has given me this ring to assist Jacob.  There are two men aboard the same train we now travel on who seek to oppose the mission Carla has given me.  Do you have any strategic suggestions, relevant resources, or defensive capabilities, should these two men seek to thwart Carla's mission by force?:

There is a long list of several thousand "sysop private" and then....

Tag ring 'one ring'
Concentrate nanite group 190087890098 to 190095893253 inclusive.
Tag concentrate -1 as 'power'
Assign group concentrate 'power' to tag 'one ring'
Download 'Carla3145.formmod.godstorm'
Download 'Eureka.godstorm.'
Define 'ringbearer'
Assign control function to 'ringbearer'.
Open

After this, there is a bunch of commands that you recognize as your own work.

OOC: Does that answer your question?

"Defensive and offensive functions are not engaged; not part of this functionality.  I am unable to assist you except with shapeshifting and transport for you and other designates."

PT

OOC: Last time, I believe that I asked about the system logs when I first received the ring from Jacob (at least, I assumed that was when Oak's form was acquired).

This time, I asked about the system logs when Carla made telepathic contact with me and I first had telepathic contact with the ring, when we had just moved Jacob into the hovervan.

I'm assuming that the commands from those two incidents are different in the system logs.

Could you let me know what the system logs are for each of those times?

OOC: I'm going to make this easy on myself.

IC: You recognize a DOS derived, although considerably more advanced, computer language behind the commands.  You also take note of about twenty commands, and the basic form they are given in.

Its a high-level language not much different than jargon-heavy human speech.

And you recognize that if you could get the proper authorizations you could pretty easily use it with a little bit of study considering your ample experience with computers already.

You recognize how to use the system commands to 'email Carla' or to use the tab in the menu.  Unfortunately, in either case, Carla remains off-line.

PT

:Can transport between the planet and Base One take place to and from anywhere on the planet's surface?:

:If I transport to Base One with Jacob in stasis, that deletes three modulation files, correct?:

:After one such transport, will the ring still be capable of storing five different forms?  Or will the capacity of how many forms can be stored be permanently diminished?:
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:25, Fri 09 Mar 2007.

1. Yes
2. Yes
3. Yes
4. No

PT
OOC: And that was easy.

I pray, and consider the various alternatives.

And then... I quietly get up, and make my way to the baggage car, and to Jacob.

Assuming I make it there without incident, I examine the Item to see if it has been tampered with in any way.  I check to ensure that the stasis field is still intact, and that nothing further has been added (like I did with my coin).

And if there aren't any unexpected problems:

:Please initiate transport for myself and Jacob (in stasis), from here to Base One, now.:

You feel itching all over your skin at once, and then you feel like you're getting hit by sand carried by the sea breeze on a beach.  You look down, and you realize that you're surrounded by a cloud of tiny particles.

Your hands have no skin on them.

It doesn't hurt.

Your vision changes.  Now its 360 degrees.

You can see your bones.

Two men enter the baggage area.  They have a look of secret endeavours about them.  They stare at you in complete shock.  Then one flees in terror while the other one makes an obvious effort to keep cool with his lips trembling as he repeats details of what he is seeing.

And then you exit the train.  You left via way of a closed window.  And now you're above the train, and you feel like you're carrying a heavy weight on your 'arm'.  But all you can see of yourself is a fifty foot wide cloud of dust.

PT

:Please watch over me now, dearest LORD, I pray...:

When the two men arrive, I take a good look at them, memorizing their appearance.

Then I watch as I slowly dissolve into a cloud of dust, layer by layer.

And one specific verse comes into my mind...

:'...for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.':

As I fly through the air, I experimentally attempt to contact the ring:

:How long do you estimate the journey will require under current conditions?:

OOC: Which arm feels heavy?  Is it the one with the ring on it?

Did I also see the Item turn into dust as well, and follow me?

"1-2 hours in Stealth Energy Conservation Mode.  However, your perception is 10 to 15 X normal."

Your mind feels different.  It is sharper, more precise, and less flexible all at the same time.

"At this time it is customary to offer a selection from '1000 Greatest Computer Games'.  Carla preferred Gin Rummy, and Mah Jong while James was a Poker aficianado. Fido prefers 'Dog Treat Cannon'."

OOC: The 'weight' is on the side where the Item was, and yes, you saw the Item evaporate as well.

PT

I observe all that I can from my aerial vantage point, storing away the information for later.

:You use past tense for Carla and James, but present tense for Fido.  Do you believe that Carla and James will not be transporting again?  How often does Fido transport?  And how often did Carla and James transport?:

:By the way, the two men that observed us in the train as transport was initiating -- did you see them?  Do you know anything about them, such as their identity, or probable nationality?:

:For that matter, do you have information on what exactly happened to Jacob, and how he was stabbed, and how it is that he was able to receive Carla's aid, and how Carla was able to seek my aid?  If you know what happened to Jacob, were either of those two men involved in that incident?:

:As for how to pass our transit time together, I would if possible prefer to learn more about you, and Carla, and James, and Fido, and Base One, and Jacob, and such things.  Do you have any historical archives, or blogs, or diaries, or help manuals, or even fictional works that they enjoyed?:
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:52, Mon 12 Mar 2007.

As you rise through the clouds, you can see from the bay up the river valley, and to the mountains.  If one wanted to invade the mountains to control the heavily trafficked mountain passes with their four-track raillines plus highways, this would be an excellent path to do it.

You can see what Esther is concerned about.

"I make no supposition about their future transport.  However, it has been over three hundred years since they played the games on this CD file.  Fido however still enjoys them.

Fido transports 1-3 times per three month period.

Such information about their actions is restricted due to security concerns.

Base One has Identity information.  It is probable they were Resurgency or hired locals for the Resurgency.

Carla calculated that Jacob's situation would be such as to inspire the maximum beneficial response from you, and thus saved his life at age eleven, and at age eighteen when she made herself known to him.  I believe another factor was 'friendship'.

Carla believed her understanding tainted.  She felt that you would have the ability to reason out the proper course with the minimum interference or information from her which would therefore make your actions less likely to be tainted.  So, it is not capriciousness that makes me refuse to explain Carla and James' powers.

And you spend the next six hours watching the 2009 Superbowl between the Oakland Redskins and the Costa Rican Dolphins complete with advertisements at half-time for 'human-level computers' from Microsoft and Apple.  One of the announcers is a robot, and it does a very credible imitation of Howard Cosell.  The other two announcers say they think it isn't intelligent, and they seem sincere although they joke about being unsure.

PT

OOC: Six hours?  But won't we already be at Base One in one or two hours?  :p

I alternate between observing the planet, observing the game, and conversing with the ring.

:Let me check my understanding, then.  Carla knew of me, even though I was outside of this universe?  And she befriended Jacob to inspire the maximum beneficial response from me?  And she seeks my assistance to analyze the current situation and choose the proper course of action?  And she believes her own understanding to be tainted, and therefore wishes to minimize contamination of my perspective?:

:Thank you.  This helps me to understand my purpose here.:

:Now suppose that I analyze the situation, and conclude that a certain course of action is advisable.  Suppose, however, that this course of action requires additional information, and/or Sysop privileges.  Would I then be granted the power and access I deem necessary to carry out my mission?:

:Observe these ads for "human-level computers".  Please compare the capabilities of Carla, James, and Fido to these "human-level computers".:

:Do you know if Carla actively brought about my arrival here, or if she merely computed that it would happen?:

:Carla called me "verser" when she interacted with me.  What does she know of this, and how?:

:By the way, the inscription on the ring says "472 A.S.".  Do you know what "A.S." means?:

:You stated previously that you are stand-alone capable.  Does that include the ability to change form, and the ability to transport?:

I then scan the list of "Second Chance" names and photos, looking for anyone named Carla or James.  I also look at all of the photos, looking for anyone who looked like the woman who was disappeared from the alley.  For any matches, I read whatever information is available about them...
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:11, Wed 14 Mar 2007.

OOC: Your perceptions are 10-15X your normal speed.  The one to two hours is at your previous mental speed.

IC:
"Yes."

"It is possible if obtained in the proper path for you to receive sysop privileges.  The path you choose is part of your decision making process."

"Fido is human level. Carla and James are vastly superior.  These 'human-level' programs are similar to me, and not truly 'human-level'."

"This is unknown to this functionality."

"Unknown."

"After Settlement.  It was debated whether the local 'planetary' time frame should be 'after landing' or 'after settlement' or 'orbital insertion.'  A.S. won out as the easiest to explain."

"Form change-Yes.  Transport requires server net."

There are two Carlas, and three James.  None of the Carla's look like the woman in the alley.  None of them are married or otherwise related it seems.

PT

I look not only at the photos of the Carlas, but all of the photos, to see if there is any match with the woman in the alley.

:You previously mentioned that it is illegal to provide assistance to denizens of the Godstorm.  Are these denizens known or suspected to be anywhere in our vicinity?  What goals might they have, and what type of assistance might they seek?  What type of threat do they pose?  What capabilities do we have to resist or defeat them?:

:What type of offensive, defensive, and miscellaneous resources/capabilities do Base One, Outrider One, Arch, and Deep have?:

:Carla placed me in contact with Jacob to inspire the maximum beneficial response from me.  Jacob's wife, Esther, has briefed me as to some aspects of the current geopolitical situation, and the possible threat to the Kingdom of Houses.  Do you know if my purpose is to protect the Kingdom of Houses from threats such as other nations, or to protect all of Second Chance's humans from threats such as denizens of the Godstorm, or neither, or both?:

No match.

1. Not believed to be in the vicinity.
2. High probability of reproduction of Godstorm.  Lower probability of humanoform modifications of other types.  Lesser probability of genocide.
3. Minor to Annihilatory.
4. Primary defense is stealth.  Also James is operating extrasolar to destroy probes. Certification of minimal grouping for Godstorm. Y/N?

1. This is not in my discretion.

1. What is your opinion?

And you arrive inside Base One, and reintegrate.  Its a recognizable descendant of a Space Shuttle, but expanded for lunar missions, and for passenger carriage.  And then there are a bunch of other machines, or webs, or slippery mounds of plastic fused with ceramics which don't appear to operate on principles you're familiar with.

These oddities and others dot the shuttle.  The one oddity that you most clearly recognize is a two -inch wide flawless rose quartz crystal that runs from the aft of the passenger cabin, and out through the front of the ship.

Some of the oddities you can't exactly look at.

PT

:You state that a high probability goal of the denizens of the Godstorm would be reproduction of the Godstorm, correct?:

:And you state that it is illegal to provide assistance to denizens of the Godstorm, correct?:

:However, you also periodically ask me to certify if I have a minimum number of individuals ready for Godstorm, correct?:

:What is required for an individual to be ready for Godstorm?  What would be the result of my obtaining the minimal number of individuals, and certifying that to you?  How will this differ from the denizens' high probability goal of reproducing the Godstorm?:

After reintegration, I thank the LORD for a safe journey, and explore the ship with interest, looking everything over in detail, but not yet touching anything.

Remembering my experience aboard the Marcus Caine and the Ring of Fire, I relax and stretch out my scriff senses to see if I sense anything.

And as I explore, I ask the ring to identify everything, particularly the less familiar stuff...

OOC: In what sense can't I look at some of the oddities?  I question the ring even more closely about these...  :)

"Yes."

"Yes."

"Yes."

"It is uncertain what is required.  Your existence is assistance."

"A new Godstorm would occur.  Hopefully it would be more sane and stable than the last one."

"The denizens would wish to repeat the last, failed Godstorm."

You don't sense anything scriff related except for your stuff.

The ring identifies some things, but others it denies saying you lack the intellectual background to understand, and for others it says it does not have discretion to answer.

However, it identifies quantum memories, eight bit billion wide parrallel processors, a tachyon array, laser processing chips.

The 'not quite see' items are apparently not wholly in this reality, and your brain has a hard time deciding what to make of them so it tends to delete them as 'noise'.

PT

:OK, let me summarize my understanding thus far.:

:Mankind has achieved a level of technology enabling human pattern storage, transport, and modification, among other things.:

:And that capability to modify the human pattern includes the capability to modify the human intellect.:

:And the creation of "intellectually enhanced" humans was attempted on Earth -- the "Godstorm".:

:However, when this "Godstorm" was attempted, the "intellectually enhanced" humans produced were neither sane or stable.  Side effects included megalomania and extreme reaction speeds.:

:But their power was such that they took over civilization, and humanity was scattered.:

:This "Second Chance" settlement has thus far escaped their notice, and relies upon stealth to avoid the fate of the rest of civilization.:

:Mankind has also achieved a level of technology enabling artificial intelligence far above human level.:

:Carla and James have sought to protect this settlement with their vast intelligence.  They work to destroy probes that would discover us.  And they suppress technology above a certain level, hoping that this settlement will avoid the same mistakes that were made on Earth.:

:But they suspect that either the fact that their intelligence is artificial, or that their intelligence is vast like the denizens of the Godstorm, or both, taints their own judgment of the best course of action to pursue.:

:Therefore, I have been brought here, with knowledge of technology, and wide experiences of various civilizations, and a fervent dedication to faithfully serving the LORD, with normal human intelligence.:

:And with that perspective, I am appointed by Carla and James as an Overseer of this planet, to attempt to preserve this settlement from both internal and external destruction.:

:And I must decide whether it is more dangerous to give this "Godstorm" power to a people who have already engaged in nuclear war with one another, or more dangerous to not give this power in a universe where others already possess it, and stealth is our only shield.:

:Is this a correct understanding of the current situation?  If not, please correct me, or at least tell me which statements are inaccurate.:

I pause, listening carefully to the reply.

:Are you now enabled any additional discretion to answer any of my questions about the equipment aboard Base One?:

:What level of access do I have with Base One's systems?:

:Please specify procedure for accessing Base One's systems.:

"They absorbed civilization with death tolls reliably estimated to be between four and five billion.  Upwards of eighty percent of the remainder became 'denizens' during this process.

It is a virtual certainty 99.9876% that humanity has achieved the creation of superhuman AI's.  However, Carla "Given the mental instability of advanced sentients post-human entities it is gravely uncertain that the creation of purely logic based artificial entities would be superior."  We are uncertain what this sentence means other than Carla disaproves of superhuman AI.

Correct, the Arch is the suppression device.

It is 95.43% certain that Carla and James judgment is tainted.  The critical question is whether it is tainted to a sufficient degree that we should disregard their path. We rely on you to make this determination which is a judgment that was not provided by Carla and James.

 It seems that the process of becoming superhuman has 'many treacherous pitfalls that a simple supergenius like moi never anticipated' according to James.

Your evaluation is, after minor corrections, accurate to within the normal limits of the English language.

You are accorded Normal User status within Base One system.

Speak to Base One with intent.  We are able to sense the electrical currents in your brain and decipher who you wish to talk too."

PT

:Is it known under what conditions these denizens currently exist?  Are they oppressed by these superhumans?:

:Why is it only a "virtual" certainty that humanity has achieved the creation of superhuman AIs?  Are Carla and James not in that category?  Did not humanity create them?:

:What entities do you refer to when you say "we"?:

:What is "Normal User" status, and how does it compare with "Citizen"-level, "Control Function"-level, and "Sysop"-level status?:

:Has my current understanding of the current situation been sufficient to accord me Sysop status with you?:

:By the way, I assume that you were given to me to assist me in this mission, correct?  But your functionality is attached to a ring that belongs to Jacob.  Did Carla create your functionality when I arrived, or did it exist for Jacob prior to my arrival?  If I am successful in helping revive Jacob, will I not need to return this ring to him?  If so, will I lose your assistance?  Is it possible to transfer your functionality to another physical object, such as the gold ring upon my left hand that is owned by me?:

"Base One, this is John Oakmaster.  I am a new user.  Please brief me regarding what equipment is currently aboard, and specify the function or purpose of each device."

"I have with me Jacob Dulane, who is gravely injured and in stasis.  Do you have the capability to release him from stasis, and heal him from a life-threatening stab wound?"

"I am informed by this Ring that 'The Non Pareil has the Great Key'.  Please access relevant databases, and elaborate."

"Denizens = Superhumans"

"Carla and James are Superhumans"

"That part of the Local Net that is currently authorized to talk to you or assist you, and that part that evaluates."

"Normal User is equivalent to Citizen.  Not all databases in the system are properly clarified.  To quote James 'There's an awful lot of kludge in this here plan of ours.'"

"No.  However Normal User is a significant upgrade.  You are still restricted from activating the hyperdrive, destroying the planet, etc.."

"If you wish to transfer the functionality to your other ring, then give the command."

=========================================================================

"Yes, sir."  It begins with a long list of extremely high-grade computational devices.  But listening to it you can already tell places where you would have done things differently.  There is a good bit of kludge, of backyard mechanic, of Yankee make-it-work to things.  And there is some pure gleams of brilliance--design elements that if you had ten years to improve on it, you couldn't.  But there are also things that are just stupid--basic logic errors that a competent programmer-engineer should have caught.

You've been listening for two hours, and your brain is revved up, and tired at the same time as you try to cope with the ideas and devices.

And by this time, you ask your question about Jacob Dulane, but you already know the answer.  Of course, they can.

Tossing up and down as swarms of nanites heal Jacob is a small black matte ball that could hold the Library of Congress in it.  Meanwhile you're trying to read some of the defense plans, just in case the denizens do attack.

There is one that involves magnetic shields to core the sun, and turn it into a tachyon cannon.  Of course, after that, they have to move the planet to a new solar system....

And while you have authority to read this, much of it goes over your head, and it requires Sysop authority over the whole system to blow up the sun.

PT

OOC:  I thought that Citizen Access was one step lower than my Control Function Access, correct?  But now I've received a "significant upgrade" to Normal User... and "Normal User is equivalent to Citizen"???

BTW, what was the answer to my "The Non Pareil has the Great Key" query?  :p

:I am confused.  If Carla is not an AI, then why do you say that she is "off-line"?:

:Are there any other normal humans known to exist in this universe, or only the ones on this planet's surface?:

:How many entities are on the Local Net?:

:Please transfer your functionality to the gold ring upon my left hand, now.:

:The menu item "Heal" is currently inactive.  Can you upgrade yourself to activate this functionality with the resources aboard Base One?  Can I be authorized to use this functionality?:

:Can you upgrade yourself to enable an increased variety of assumable forms, such as allowing animal forms, and a wider range of size and weight, with the resources aboard Base One?  Can I be authorized to use this functionality?:

:Can you upgrade yourself with offensive and/or defensive capabilities with the resources aboard Base One?  Can I be authorized to use this functionality?:

:Can you upgrade yourself to allow stand-alone transport capability with the resources aboard Base One?  Can I be authorized to use this functionality?:

:Can you upgrade yourself with additional memory capacity with the resources aboard Base One?:

"What is the estimated time required until Jacob will be healed?"

"Is Jacob authorized to see Base One?  Or do I need to ensure that he is returned to the planet's surface before he awakens?"

The computer pauses.

"Error Detected. Multiple Values Prescribed for One Symbol.  Do you wish to Debug?  Now? Ask me later? Never?"

It shows you a picture of an attractive and composed young Black woman with a definite hauteur about her.

"This is the Non Pareil.  Leader of the Kingdom of Houses."

It shows you a picture of two small asteroids joined by metal cables, and profuse with shiny fibers.  In between the asteroids, a fine dust sparkles and waits.

The whole thing gives you the feeling of quiescence, of sleep.

"This is Carla in her current state.  She is currently below dreamstate."

"The only known humans to this Local Net are on this planet.  Others may exist elsewhere.  There is a 42% chance this planet has all non-adapted humans in conscious awareness right now."

"The Local Net is currently divided up into seven entities.  However this may be altered."

"Transferred." It says after a pause of twenty seconds.

"Heal is now active."

"You will need another functionality to handle that.  Creating a high-level functionality is Sysop only.  However, you may create low-level functionalities."

"The use of superhuman weaponry carries two dangers.  One, certain types may be detected at extrasolar ranges.  Two, certain usages, or over uses may tear the social fabric on Second Chance.  That said, you are the Overseer.  So, yes."

"Base One lacks this capability to provide stand alone transport."

"Yes.  Memory increased by ten percent."

"Jacob is healed now. Do you wish to awaken him?  It is your choice whether he should see Base One."

PT

"Ask me later."

"Base One, what is meant by 'the Great Key'?"

"Why is Carla currently off-line?"

"Please specify the seven entities on the Local Net."

"Is the Heal functionality usable on others, or only upon myself?  What are its capabilities and limitations?"

"Base One, I previously queried my Ring regarding if it could be used to change into animal forms as well as human forms, and was told 'Yes. Base One Authorization required or Sysop.'.  And you are Base One, correct?  Will you please give me authorization to use this functionality from my Ring, and inform my Ring accordingly?"

"Offensive and defensive capabilities should be available as an option in case of extreme need.  However, your concerns are well founded.  Please list options for acquirable stand-alone superhuman offensive and defensive capabilities, starting with those which are least detectable and least lethal.  For example, do you have any options available that could mesmerize or stun or sedate or paralyze a hostile entity?  Do you have any options available that could put a hostile entity into stasis?  Do you have any options available that could create a force field?  Etc.?"

"Base One lacks the capability to provide stand-alone transport.  Do any of the other entities on the Local Net have this capability?"

"You are currently able to access thoughts via Brainmap Link, correct?  Are you able to use this capability to access the thoughts of others, and relay them to me?  If so, what range does this capability have?  If not, can you upgrade yourself to acquire this functionality with the resources aboard Base One?  Can I be authorized to use this functionality?"

"My perception was changed during transport.  Is it possible to create low-level functionalities to enhance my perception, such as more acute senses, night vision, 360 degree vision, remote sensing, etc., with the resources aboard Base One?  Can I be authorized to use this functionality?"

"Base One, please give me a brief summary of what broad categories of data you contain that I am authorized to access, such as history, geography, linguistics, theology, literature, music, science, technology, mathematics, various how-to and survival texts, etc.  Can this data be downloaded onto my Ring?  If not, how much additional memory is required, and can it be upgraded with the resources available aboard Base One?"

"No, please do not awaken Jacob yet.  I must consider what course of action would be best."

OOC: When I was given the long list of equipment aboard Base One, what broad categories did they fall under?  Were they all computational devices?  Were any of them weapons, especially non-lethal ones?  Any potentially useful portable tech gadgets?  Any pocket-sized extra-dimensional boxes that can fit a hovervan inside, and still only weigh one ounce?  Etc.?  :)

BTW, what was the answer to my query regarding the access level hierarchy, and where Jacob and I currently stand in the hierarchy relative to a Sysop?  :p
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:05, Wed 21 Mar 2007.

"It is theorized that an encounter in 214 A.S. damaged some orbital equipment, and scattered some on the planet below.  The Great Key is thought to be a functionality ring with override protocols over other functionalities."

"Carla took herself off-line fearing further corruption."

"What entities are you familar with already on the Local Net? Base One is one example."

"Usable upon others requires local server support."

"You are now authorized for full form-shift."

"A nanite touch that would interefere with the voluntary nervous system; a stasis ability could be provided however such is a poor choice for an attack system as its too slow for a determined attacker.  A forcefield would be possible, however such would not be stealthy."

"Deep. Arch."

"Electropathy, Invasive is forbidden by direct Sysop order.  It is a high-probability path to madness, and to superhuman intelligence."

"More acute and panoramic senses are possible.  But to quote James "Whew, thats a head rush. Radar/Sonar capabilities really messed with my mind.' which suggests caution is in order."

"This unit has relatively little of such data pre-Settlement.  However, I have full records post-Settlement.  You are authorized to utilize such data in whatever form you wish with the Sysops blessing.  Please describe how you wish to utilize this data."

Most of the devices were computational ones.  However, you've only begun your study.

There was a crystal labelled a 'temporal delay mechanism'.

And there was another device labelled 'an unfinished prototype of a point singularity generator'.

The computer admitted that it had an error in its data, and asked if you wanted to debug.

PT

"Do we have any way of detecting or recognizing the Great Key?  And how do we know that the Non Pareil has the Great Key?  Can our security protocols be modified in such a way as to neutralize the override capabilities of the Great Key?"

"Please elaborate concerning how exactly Carla is thought to be 'tainted' or 'corrupted'.  Has she taken herself off-line for some specified period of time to recover, or has she taken herself off-line indefinitely?  Is there any assistance we can provide to help her recover?  Is it possible to reverse the process of intelligence enhancement?"

"I am aware of the existence of Base One, Outrider One, Arch, and Deep, which I presume are four of the entities.  I am aware of the functionality attached to my Ring, which I presume is another entity.  Is this correct?  What are the other entities on the Local Net?  Would they be the devices that Carla and James are currently using?"

"Which of these entities are locations that are capable of sustaining human life?  Which of these entities can be reached by transport?  How long would be required to complete transport from here to each of these destinations?  How long would be required to complete transport from the planet's surface to each of these destinations?"

"What does 'local server support' mean in the context of using the Healing functionality on others?  Does that mean that my Ring's stand-alone functionality is sufficient?"

"Are there size and/or weight restrictions associated with full form-shift?  For example, am I now able to change into forms such as a hummingbird, or a blue whale?"

"How many hostile entities could be neutralized simultaneously by nanite touch, and at what range, and for what duration?  Is this functionality without lasting side effects?"

"I believe that it is advisable to add nanite touch, stasis, and forcefield capabilities to my Ring, usable as stand-alone functionalities, as available options in case of need.  For example, nanite touch followed by stasis would be useful for a hostile entity requiring longer-term incapacitation, and a forcefield could provide essential protection during the initiation of transport in an emergency situation.  Please add these functionalities now."

"What types of life support functionalities are available?  Are functionalities available to provide the equivalent of air, water, sustenance, temperature and pressure control, etc.?"

"Is non-invasive electropathy available?  For example, could two willing parties send thoughts to one another to communicate by electropathy?  Could two willing parties who do not speak the same language send thoughts to one another to communicate by electropathy?  If so, at what range?"

"Is remote sensing possible, kind of like clairsentience?  What other types of sense enhancements have Carla and/or James used, and what were their responses?"

"I wish to copy this data into my Ring's memory for further study and analysis.  It is my task to acquire as thorough an understanding of the current situation as possible, in order to make as informed a decision regarding future paths as possible.  If I am to be an Overseer of this people, I must understand as much as possible about them."

"If this is the only known settlement of unmodified humans, it is prudent to consider how best to preserve it.  Do capabilities exist for building new equipment here, or do we only have the original equipment to work with?  If other planets could be found, would we have the resources available to create new settlements?  Does the data you have include the technical knowledge to recreate the various devices being used here?"

"Please describe more fully the functionalities associated with the devices labeled 'temporal delay mechanism' and 'point singularity generator'."

"Please categorize the list of equipment by general functionality and portability, and redisplay.  Example categories might include computational devices, weaponry, protective devices, communications, surveillance, physical storage devices, miscellaneous devices such as this 'temporal delay mechanism', etc."

"Please initiate debugging of previously detected error now."
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:03, Thu 22 Mar 2007.

"No."

"Past events require its presence in the Non Pareil's control."

"Uncertain."

"It is not in my purview to describe the 'taint'.  Indefinitely. It is her hope that a proper Godstorm would be able to rescue her, and purge her taint. Uncertain--this question has not been asked by either Carla or James."

"Correct."

"The original four you listed can sustain human life.  All. Time varies due to orbital movements, however, the Arch is on the planetary surface."

"There is a nanite cloud penetrating much of Second Chance.  This is the local server support.  Your Ring is insufficient by itself to Heal others."

"Such form-shifts require substantial time.  And they require substantial parts of your physical brain to be nanite."

"Unlimited. Range-touch :).  One to two days maximum.  It may cause significant pshcyological distress."

"Functionalities added."

PT
OOC: And we'll deal with the rest starting with life support later.

OOC: I'll just add a few more queries to the end of the queue...  :p

"Please summarize past events leading to the conclusion that the Non Pariel has the Great Key."

"Please access statements made by Carla and James regarding the 'taint'.  Display their most relevant quotations on this topic."

"Please display a geopolitical map of the planet's surface, and indicate the location of Arch.  Please upload as detailed a map as possible to my Ring."

"What is the current duration of transport required to Deep?"

"Will the Ring still retain its other functionalities indefinitely, even if away from this nanite cloud?  Are the nanites in my Ring capable of replenishing themselves?"

"How much time would be required for a hummingbird, or a blue whale?  What are the side effects of having my physical brain be nanite?  Is that what happens during transport?"

"Is it possible to specify a nanite cloud form, like the one used for transportation, as a form to change into?  Is it possible to include clothing as part of a form's pattern, so that I could for example change from my own form wearing my own clothes into Jacob's form wearing Jacob's clothes?  Is it possible to include other possessions as well, such as luggage, so that I wouldn't have to physically carry them around when in a different form?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:05, Sat 24 Mar 2007.

It lists a one hundred year history with the Resurgency and the political group of the same area but a different name trying to mess with the KoH with supertech artifacts, and these artifacts being turned against their users, or shut off.

Carla: "I think like lightning, like lightning falls, but I never hit what I aim at.  There's something wrong with me.  I'm tainted."
James: "Maybe humans aren't ready for godlike power.  Maybe it inherently taints, corrupts, and destroys everything they touch."

A map is displayed of the supercontinent of Avalon.  In the very far north, in the artic regions, the Arch stands.

"Thirty hours, twenty minutes."

"There is a limited degree of replenishment.  It is uncertain how long they would last without resupply.  Probabilities indicate no more than ten years."

"Gross physical transformations take from twenty to thirty minutes depending on a wide array of contingencies.  Increased speed of perception, more brittleness of mentality, possible hallucinations and fatal malfunctions, especially if usage coincides with solar flare activity.  Yes, when transported, you are mentally and physically nanite."

"Yes to all."

PT
OOC: Yes, I still have the 'start with life support' to go.

"Is it possible to bring along equipment that can create new nanites, or to bring along a large amount of replacement nanites for resupply, if traveling in regions away from the nanite cloud for extended periods of time?  For example, how does James maintain his supply during extrasolar travel?"

"The nanite touch functionality is subtle and non-lethal, but is only effective through physical contact.  Are there any options available for ranged weaponry that is relatively subtle and non-lethal?"

OOC: And insert the other pending queries here...  :p


This message was last edited by the GM at 21:39, Sun 25 Mar 2007.

"Theoretical studies were completed, but not finished."

"The first four yes."

"No."

"Remote sensing is possible.  Also, biosign alterations are usable."

"Data copied."

"Second Chance, with Sysop authority, has the ability to recreate itself indefinitely."

"The files containing descriptions of these devices exceed my Understanding Level by at least 20%.  Do you wish to access and study these files yourself?"

It gives you a long list of devices.  However, you notice that some devices are multi-use.  The technology has a strong 'tranformable' element to it.

"Debugging complete.  Citizen status is less than Normal User status.  You have Normal User status."

PT

"Please add available life support, remote sensing, and biosign alteration functionalities now."

"Are levitation and flight functionalities available?  Are camouflage and invisibility functionalities available?  Please add available functionalities related to these areas now."

"Please describe the nature of these theoretical studies, and if they were sufficiently complete to construct a working prototype for testing."

"Access list of available equipment.  Create sublist of equipment consisting of all available stand-alone portable devices capable of indefinite operation, without requiring replacement batteries, ammunition, etc., and display.   Is there any non-lethal ranged weaponry satisfying this criteria?  Are there any devices capable of nanite creation satisfying this criteria?"

"No, I will access the files later.  Are these files included in those uploaded to my Ring?"

"You stated that if I supplied the necessary certification, 'A new Godstorm would occur.  Hopefully it would be more sane and stable than the last one.'  In contrast, 'The denizens would wish to repeat the last, failed Godstorm.'  But what basis is there for hope that a new Godstorm would be more sane and stable than the last one?  What parameters are different now, to give hope that the outcome would be better?"

"You quoted James as stating that the process of becoming superhuman has many treacherous pitfalls.  Please list and describe these pitfalls, using relevant quotations as needed."

"You stated that 'It is 95.43% certain that Carla and James judgment is tainted.  The critical question is whether it is tainted to a sufficient degree that we should disregard their path. We rely on you to make this determination which is a judgment that was not provided by Carla and James.'  What is 'their path'?"

"Access sensor logs.  Is there any current sign of solar flare activity that would facilitate nanite malfunction?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:47, Tue 27 Mar 2007.

"Added."

"Levitation and flight are not recommended as they are insufficiently stealthy.  A chameleon function is available.  It is added."

"A prototype of a quantum interference field may be built.  It is theorized that psionic abilities are a function of the brain's ability to affect the quantum.  Thus the mind is a quantum phenomenon which refutes 'mind is meat' and possibly independent of the brain.  Such a QIF would have unknown effects on a human brain--however at high levels, it appears it would certainly kill.  It is very stealthy as it would appear to be normal random fluctuations in the quantum foam substrate."

It displays your sublist.  Some non-lethal weaponry fit (feel free to make up one or two).  No nanite creation devices are independent.

"Files included."

"It was Carla's hope that a different society would have a different result."

"'Beware of asking questions you don't want the answer too.--James.' 'The beauty of knowledge can be more dangerous than a mirage in the desert to a thirsty traveller.  Seek and you shall find, but will you survive the journey?--James.' 'Absolute power tends to corrupt absolutely, unless you're a very, very good person. And who is that good?--Carla.' 'Intelligence is a magnification of the strengths and more importantly the weaknesses one already possesses.--James.'  'The little lies we tell ourselves can kill.--Carla.'  'I know my project worked, even though it blew up.  I know it because the logic is beautiful.  Its just that reality is ugly.  I'm tempted to do away with reality.--James.'"

"Their path is to see if they can trigger a second Godstorm with more beneficial effects before all human-level intelligence is destroyed in this galaxy, and all superhuman intelligence succumbs to madness and destruction."

"No. However, we do not have tachyon based sensors in operation.  You may activate them if you wish.  Solar change models indicate a high degree of safety for current travel, but if they are wrong, the warning signal will arrive after the flare arrives."

PT

"Acknowledged.  However, it may be necessary to have levitation and flight functionalities available for remote areas such as Arch, or for use of last resort in extreme need.  Therefore, please add these functionalities now."

"You mention psionics.  Do they exist in this universe?  I note that they are difficult to access here.  Are psionic powers Arch limited?"

"Does available equipment include protective armor that appears to be normal clothing?"

"Do any combination of devices exist that can be used for independent nanite creation, such as a nanite creation device dependent upon some power source, and an independent device able to supply the needed power?"

"Is temporal remote sensing technology available for postcognition or precognition functionalities?"

"Is technology available to enable travel between universes?"

"Is technology available to create a 'pocket dimension' of extra-dimensional space, usable for living quarters and/or storage, accessible through some portable device?"

"What is the current population of Second Chance?"

"If we wished to rapidly colonize other planets, at what rate could viable settlements be produced, with necessary supporting technologies?"

"How long is required to travel from here to other inhabitable planets?"

"Is there any extrasolar detection danger from use of tachyon based sensors?  If not, please activate them."

OOC: I've got some nifty ideas for the non-lethal weapons, which I'll flesh out and bounce off of you soon...  :)
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:00, Fri 30 Mar 2007.

Added.

Unknown. No.

Yes.

At the Arch and Deep.

Unused prototypes available.

Not precisely.

Such is very non-stealthy.

How stealthy do you wish to be?

One day.

Active.

PT

OOC: I'm confused -- which answers go with which questions?  :p

BTW, welcome back!!!  :)
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:10, Fri 25 May 2007.

OOC: I've included the PM suggestions for non-lethal weaponry here for your convenience, since it has been awhile...  ;)

"Please specify location of the protective armor that looks like normal clothing, and of the postcognition and precognition prototypes."

"Please elaborate on the 'not precisely' analysis regarding the existence of technology enabling travel between universes."

"No, there is no need for more precise population figures."

"At what rate could viable settlements be produced while maintaining sufficient stealthiness to be undetectable at the equivalent of extra-solar distances?"

"Is it possible to transport Jacob directly back to his bedroom in the Embassy House of San Jalingta, and not have him awaken until transport is complete?"

"Are there planet-wide communication devices available here, of a level of technology such that one could be given to Jacob without potentially disrupting the planet's social fabric?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:54, Mon 28 May 2007.

Out of what you've listed:
Kinetic: Repulsive effects available, non-differentiated.

Empathic: Calm and fear are available. Benevolence is proscribed by Sysop authority.

The local net directs you to two different lockers in the facility you are in.  Nothing drastic happens when you open the items, or when you touch them.

"Its evident that some degree of travel capabilities are available by your sought for and achieved presence."

"In system or outsystem?"

"Yes."

"Yes, a basic laser comm dish would require him to be outside, but such a device is well with in the Arch proscribed limits."

PT

"Outsystem."

"Would such a communication device be portable?  Would it be obvious when not in use?  Are such devices currently aboard and available?"

I try on one set of the personal armor for size (how many sets are available, and what do they look like?)...

OOC: What do you mean by "non-differentiated" repulsive effects in this context?

And are any other types of empathic effect allowed by the Sysop?  (Let me know if you want me to give any more suggestions...  ;)
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:58, Tue 29 May 2007.

One month. Most of this is travel time.

Yes. It would be obvious.  The fabs on board could easily construct it.

There are three on board.  One for females.  They adjust to fit your size.

If you block a bullet with a wall of repulsion, you repel everything in that area including air.

Suggestions are welcome.

PT

"How would people be selected for creating other viable outsystem settlements?"

"How many would be required per settlement?"

"Would the process of acquiring people for outsystem settlements disrupt the social fabric of Second Chance?"

"Are there any less obvious means of communication that could be given to Jacob, to allow us to contact one another, that would not disrupt the social fabric?"

I put on one of the sets of clothing/armor, and pack a second set in my luggage, along with the useful prototypes and weaponry I've found...

OOC: For the Kinetic Repulsor, am I able to control the starting radius for the omnidirectional mode, such that I still have some air left inside the bubble?

For the Empathic Field, is Sleep available?  :)

Yes on the weapons. No on the available here less obvious comm system that is not disruptive, but they do have disruptive if discovered devices. One plan had a minimum of a thousand transportees. No real way to do it without disrupting things on the planet, although they did consider kidnapping everyone on a small isolated island.

"You speak of a minimum of a thousand transportees.  What is the maximum we can transport per settlement?"

"Please display geopolitical map of planet, color-coded by population density.  Identify isolated groups suitable for resettlement, and give background information on each group."

"Is there a reason why the population is ignorant of their background and current circumstances?  Are the geopolitical leaders also ignorant, or only the masses?"

"What would be the anticipated effect of informing the population of their current circumstances, so that additional settlements could be populated by volunteers on an informed basis?"

No maximum.

It shows you a map of the supercontinent.  It points out a few islands on various sides which are isolated.  There is a peasant fisher culture on one, and another has a rather bizarre religion called the Way of the TrueEarth which involves scarification, and another is a paranoid group that got driven off the mainland, and while they maintain high tech levels, they also are extremely xenophobic feeling that mainlanders are by nature 'thieves'.

There is a nomadic tribe in the central dessert west of the Kingdom of Houses and north of the city you were in.  They are rather bloodyhanded, and have a reputation for being friends and allies of the KOH, and extreme hatred of the Resurgents to the point where they torture male adult Resurgents to death.

"The original colonists were 'kidnapped' or 'rescued' from a Lunar 'field trip' they had won.  Carla and James kept them in the dark as a precaution, and deposited them here with little explanation.  I'm uncertain of the reasons they did this."

"Too many variables for an effective answer."

PT

I ponder this information quietly for several moments.

"Display concentrations of Protestant Christians, and give population figures and background information for each group."

The highest concentration is in the nomadic tribe which approaches 100%, but the Kingdom of Houses is not far behind.  There are large numbers of them all over the supercontinent with the Resurgents at 25% being almost the lowest except for the Exister Hierarchs to the west of San Jalingta  and south of the KOH at 9%.

The EH has a very low population for the area they have, and some peculiar symbols on their lands.  You check them, and ...

The Existers has two notes attached.
1)Site of most of the damage from the nuclear war.
2)Active religious persecution involving mass murder.

PT

"How do people groups interact?  Are international relations conducted bilaterally or multilaterally?"

"What multilateral entities exist, and what people groups are represented?"

Most relations are bilateral.  However, a Rescue Commission exists as does the Pirate Bounty Courts.  Also, the General Investigative Court is occasionally convened for war crimes.

There are also political groupings such as the Mountain Alliance (led by the KoH), and the Progress Union led by the Resurgents.

Lastly, there are general academic and evangelical groups such as the Avalonian Astronical Union, and the Association of Baptist Ministers.

PT

"How often do these entities meet?"

"Which entities have the highest-ranking governmental representatives?"

The Mountain Alliance meets once per six months.  The Progress Union once per every quarter.  The Rescue Commission meets monthly, and the Pirate Court meets once every six weeks.  The Gick meets intermittently...the last time was a year and four months ago.

The Non Pareil is the Chairwoman of the MA.  The PU rotates their President among member states, although some argue that real power is consolidated in the General Clerk position which is alway s a Resurgent.

PT

"You stated that the current population of Second Chance is approximately seventy-five million.  What is the current population of the Kingdom of Houses?"

"Cross-reference relevant databases.  Is there any information available regarding how the Godstorm process might be reversed?"

"The functionality from Jacob's ring has been transferred to my own ring.  Did Jacob's ring have any technological capabilities prior to today?  If so, please list them verbally, and recreate them now."

"You stated that a combination of devices usable for independent nanite creation exist at Arch and Deep.  Can these devices be fabricated here at Base One?  If so, please do so now."

And after these things (and any follow-up queries and requests that may result), I consider thoughtfully, gazing out at the stars, and at Second Chance below, and at Carla and at Jacob in their unconscious states.

And I pray...

OOC: Just when you thought it was safe...  :)

*Approximately twenty million.*

*Hearsay borne on the stellar winds suggests that Incarnation is possible. It is also possible that Carla once used such a process herself, but such information is locked away under private seal.*

*Primary usage was to contact here.  Command completed, new ring enabled with identical effects.*

*No, they may not. Base One is lower security. Arch is control for the whole system, and Deep is research area for hazardous items.  Full bore nanotech is hazardous.*

As you study the stars, you notice one blink out.

Your startlement is responded too.

*It is eighty percent likely that englobement by a Dyson Sphere has been completed. Eighteen percent likely that the star was destroyed by deliberate or accidental means. Two percent unknown effect. Subject star is two hundred lightyears distant. In the centuries since the first Godstorm, approximately 42,000 stars have been seriously altered.  The largest number was in what was referred to by participants as Star Wars Ten for reasons that escape me. 1085 stars were destroyed in that conflict.*

I consider quietly.

"Do the data files copied into my Ring include descriptions of currently known advanced technology, including both theory and fabrication detail sufficient to recreate?  If not, please copy them into my Ring's memory for my further study."

I nod thoughtfully, and pray again.

And then... I walk over to Jacob, and sit next to him.

"Please awaken Jacob now."

If and when he awakens, I give him a reassuring smile.

"'Peace be unto you'.  How do you feel now?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:26, Tue 11 Mar 2008.

He opens his eyes.

"I feel....better."

Then he looks around.

"Oh....wow."  His mouth sags open.

PT

I nod, smiling.

"I know how you feel.  This is one of the places where Carla and James live."

"We must leave now, for you are needed.  Esther will also be worried about you, until she sees you whole and healthy again.  But I wanted you to see this place first, so that you may bear witness later."

"We can talk further on the journey back, for I expect that you have many questions... as do I..."

"Are you ready to return now?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:13, Tue 11 Mar 2008.

He nods, although you can see a hungry curiosity in his eyes.

You activate the transport, and descend to the planet in a flurry of particles accompanied by a directionless awareness.  Once you reintegrate, you find yourself in strange terrain.

Grass and small trees cover rolling hills.  A quick look up reassures you that you are in the same universe.

"Why did you take us to the Restorationists? If they catch us, they will surely kill us."

PT

PM

Mea culpa. Let's try that again.


IC:

You turn to particles and mind and descend from Base One. You quickly realize you're not heading where you thought you were heading.

You start interrogating the Ring, and it informs you that  you are heading where you wanted to go.  More study of its claims reveals that Base One has moved relative to the position on the planet, but it is not taking that into account.

You're heading into Restorationist territory.

You start trying to debug the program, to hunt for the menu item, or the glitch that has it ignoring the planetary movement.  Two hours later, you have some realization of the problems inherent in being the Chief Programmer for a database of over a hundred million lines of code, composed by half-mad super-geniuses. Even when its wrong, its usually wrong in ways that are mind-bending to understand, and while logic is logic, lack of documentation is lack of documentation, and private personal abbreviations can be terrifically obscure.

To really manage this database, you'd have to be more than human. Even when its clear, and well-documented, you run into the problem that the level of complexity is about an order of magnitude too much for you to fully grasp what you're doing.  So you're left with 'let's poke it, and see what happens.'

You reintegrate in Restorationist territory still trying to argue with the system.

PT

I run my fingers through what is left of my hair with a sigh.

"We were supposed to arrive in your bedroom in the Embassy House in San Jalingta.  But it seems that even advanced technology such as Carla and James possess is not without flaws."

"I suspect, though, that returning to try again would be preferable to remaining here.  I'll try to get us back..."

::Ring, initiate transport back to Base One, immediately.::
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:11, Thu 13 Mar 2008.

OOC: Time for a GE roll on solar prominences which interfere with travel by 'ring'.  "9","7","9"...

IC: *Unable to comply.  Solar storm has affected stability of transport. Time span should be thirty minutes to seven hours before system is back online.*

Jacob looks at your face, and reads it.

"No luck, hunh? You speak so casually of the Two. Some here revere them as gods.  Its especially common in Restorationist or Resurgent territory. If we're going to stay here a while, a question of strategy needs to be decided.  We can go immediately to the authorities, present my diplomatic credentials, and hope we don't get 'dissappeared', or two, we can hide.  But if we're caught hiding, its almost certain we will be 'dissappeared'."

He pauses.

"Also, can you tell me what is going on?"

PT

I consider.

"Transport is currently unavailable.  The current estimated time until it is again functional is somewhere from thirty minutes to seven hours."

"We have much to talk about, and I will also need you to tell me what you know of what is going on.  But first, we indeed must decide strategy... and you know this people far better than I.  Which course do you recommend?"

"If we go in now, we might get by with a rough time.  But we really don't want to give them Carla's stuff...that could be very bad if they get it."

He chews his lip.

"I'm thinking we should hide.  Find a small cave, or some thornbushes, and lay up until nightfall."

PT

I nod.

"OK.  Do you know this area?  Where do you suggest?"

"Give me a second, and I'll try to see if Carla's stuff has any useful information..."

I look around as I access my Ring.

::Ring...  Access maps for this area, including geopolitical and topographical data.  We need somewhere safe to hide until transport is back online.  Analyze, and suggest most promising alternatives.::

::Do you have sensor capabilities?  Are you capable of detecting life forms in this area?  If so, relay this data to me, and include in the analysis of safe locations.::

::Also, are you able to access and control my Kinetic Repulsor and Empathic Field devices, so that I can activate them via mental command through you?  If possible, please add this capability now.  What are the effective ranges of these devices?::
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:54, Tue 25 Mar 2008.

"No, not really.  We have safe houses, but those are primarily in the larger cities."

He looks around.

A map appears in front of your eyes of the supercontinent, Avalon.  You're on the rainward side, near the top of the watershed, and about a hundred fifty miles from the political border between the KoH and the Resurgents.  There are other nations nearer.

Some cave feautures are five miles distant, and a deep ravine that is choked by brush is three miles distant.

"Yes."

PT

OOC: Was "Yes" in answer to all of my questions about both sensors and mental control of  devices?  What are the effective ranges of the latter?

::What range do your sensors have?  Do you do detect any humans within range?  Do you detect any animals within range?  Identify locations of both categories of life form, and include in map display.::

"Carla's stuff knows about some caves about five miles from here... that way, and a deep ravine choked by brush about three miles from here... that way.  Any preferences?"

"No. I'm up for a light run to either location."

PT

::Zoom map view to a 25 mile radius centered at this location.  Display humans with red, large predators in yellow, and known smaller creature data in green.  Include data on water sources, roads, and buildings.::

I look to see which place is most promising in terms of available water (and potential food, if we are delayed too long), as well as the how risky the location and route to it are in terms of humans and large predators...

The view glitches, fuzzes, glitches again, and then stabilizes.

Down the deepest, darkest part of the canyone water dribbles.  Two large predators also make their home in the canyon area.

You see bright swathes of green with percentage change estimates for the density of critters per each fifty yard square area.

The cave likely has water, but at some depth.  No large predators use it, or are near it.

Both are close to equally patrolled with the cave having perhaps four percent more patrolling density near it than the canyon.

There is a small village about two miles downslope to the east and toward the sea (but a long ways away) from you on the other side of a grove of trees.  The grove is marked 'possible religious site'.

There is a major train railway seven miles south of you.  It leads into the KoH territories.

PT

OOC: BTW, which direction is the cave?  Which direction is the canyon?

I relay all of the information to Jacob, then add my own observations...

"...  The canyon is closest, but the large predators give me pause."

"The religious site sounds interesting, but we are trying to avoid people."

"The train railway might be useful if our own transport remains unavailable, but I still hope that we can avoid such risk."

"So I'd probably lean towards trying the cave.  There is hope of water, shelter, and a place to hide.  But I'm less familiar with this world than you, so I will leave you with the final decision."

The cave is northwest, and the canyon is north.

"Some of the Resurgents worship High Church, but there has always been a considerable number of them that followed darker rites, and some smaller group with considerable influence, in part from fear, that followed much darker rites.  Some of those are associated with groves."

He follows your advice, and you both head toward the cave.

Its an easy hike, and you're not spotted.  When you get there, you a large, dry expanse inside the cave mouth, moving deeper into the cave you find a seep that trickles out of a wall into what looks like a man-carved pool.

"Kingdom work. At one time, this land belonged to my people, and so someone must have spent a little effort improving this cave.  We do enjoy building our houses in rock."

PT

I look around the cave, breathing a thankful sigh at the discovery of water, and nod at his observation.

"Indeed, the LORD provides."

"Well, it seems we have some time, and many questions for one another, no doubt.  In the interest of being chronological, I'll ask you a couple of questions first, then answer the rest."

"What were the circumstances that led to you being in that alley with such a serious stab wound?  And what do you know of Carla, who desired me to aid you?"

"I am the Ambassador to the City-states for the Kingdom of Houses.  I am also a high-ranking noble in my own land....twenty-second from the throne, to be precise although the Grand Duchess is having twins which will push me down to twenty-fourth.  I will not achieve the throne, nor do I desire it, but I say this so you understand me."

He harrumphs.

"As Ambassador, I sometimes...am engaged in discussions of a private nature. Sometimes, I have to aid certain others.  Usually, all that is required is my presence as a validation.  An agent is to be recruited, and he wants to be sure he's actually in touch with the KoH instead of being false flagged...well, I'm a pretty good voucher for that purpose.  So, I went to this alley at the suggestion of a certain other person, who I trust implicitly, and was to say a few friendly words.  that is all.  Shake hands, introduce myself."

He grimaces.

"I shook his hand, he stabbed me."

He rolls his broad shoulders.

"Now as to the other question...that is a bit tricky. Carla needs to understand the mindset of the people on this planet. I'm well-placed to explain much of it.  So I prepare her reports. I do not tell my superiors of this, but I do not see this as treason either. My loyalties to the KoH and to Carla do not ultimately conflict.  However, I am aware that some in the security forces might disagree with me. I do not think my King would, but I have not asked him."

PT

I nod thoughtfully.

"What is the mindset of the people on this planet?  And why does Carla need to understand it?"

"How do you know Carla, and what are your loyalties to her?"

"And what questions do you have for me?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:20, Wed 02 Apr 2008.

"I could write a book on that." He laughs. "I focus on the KoH. We are a hereditary nobility whose primary duty is the creation of little nobles to follow us. We have a Constitution, but the primary check on our power is we are not allowed to hire help. And given that we are limited to working thirty hours a week so that we can spend time with our family, and properly raise the next generataion....well, we have a limited government by simple lack of time on the part of the governors.  I find this set up congenial.  It is the second oldest governance on this planet.  Also, KoH nobles are known to be more capable than the leaders of other societies.  This is because we are taught by our parents. We focus, I guess you could say on quality, rather than quantity. And it seems to work."

He pauses to consider your second question.

"I, well, she has goals for this planet, its clear.  She and her husband 'created' it, somehow. I know we are some form of refuge from some great madness.  Also, I think from her, she is looking for some remedy for this madness.  But she does not know how to achieve it.  So she tends her planet, like a guardian angel, or a gardener, and tries to come up with the fruit she needs.  I do not think, as some do, that she is a goddess, but it is clear that she is more than human."

He goes over to get a drink of water, and splashes some on his face, and then takes off his shirt to splash some on his chest and arms.

"I was reading a book about the early days of my people, before the Saint came to us, and convinced us of our evil, and a woman came up to me in the library and began talking to me very knowledgeably.  I was fascinated, and talked with her for an hour as I learned much.  THen she leaned over to me, and handed me a ring...right after we had been discussing a difficult passage in the histories about an intervening Lady who gave her followers rings.  When I looked up, she was gone. I am loyal to her because I think she has the best interests of humanity at heart, and she is far smarter than me so unless it clearly damages the KoH, I would not go against her.  And she has never asked for such."

He looks at you.

"Who are you? What are you? Clearly you've been given great power, greater than any one since the Lady or the Saint...but there is still something odd about you.  For one, your face seems odd.  My people are black, but you don't seem to be of the Resurgent blood line either, nor of course of the Empire of the Golden Petals, nor of the Existers who are white, but they do not have your face...."

PT

"I am John Oakmaster, and I too am just a man, and a follower of our LORD Jesus Christ.  And I am also a wholehearted supporter of the child-raising practices of your people, for those you have described to me are clearly Scriptural, and I also share them."

"However, I am not from this world of Second Chance.  In fact, I am not from this universe at all."

"In the universe I came from, I was apparently exposed to a substance that causes me to travel from one universe to another at the point of death.  So if I perish in one universe, I am simply transported to another universe."

"It would appear that Carla has the power to either help bring about my arrival here, or to foresee it, and at the exact time and place that I was needed to assist you."

"It seems that I have been brought here not just to help save you, but to attempt to help save your people, and indeed all of Second Chance.  For I have some unique knowledge and perspective of your current circumstances.  And I have been granted power to attempt to help preserve this remnant from threats both external and internal."

I pause to take my own turn at getting a drink of water and splashing my face.

"You have spoken of Carla... but what do you know of the Saint?"

"Are the threats internal, the Resurgents? The Existers?" He sluices more water down his broad, muscle-laden shoulders.  He slips his shirt back on as he studies you with a measuring glance.  He's focused on threats to his people. "The Resurgents have been getting antsy, like they'd like to have another go at world supremacy, and the Existers hate us for who we are."  He smiles grimly.  "Which brings me to the Saint. When we first came here, we were not the Kingdom. Instead, we were 'Seventh Street Crips' and 'Monsgarden Deathdealers', common thugs, but with aspirations of grandeur. We chose the best spot on the trade routes, and set up castles, and became barons.  We became wealthy as the only practical route from East to West ran through our country.  But in our wealth and power, we yearned for something more. And then the Saint came to us, did many miracles, preached to us of righteousness and the wrath to come. Practically the whole nation converted, and we became the Kingdom of Houses over the next generation as we sought for a good way to run things.  The Existers had thought us 'authentic' before then, and had been our chief apologists for our brigandage. They felt we betrayed them by taking up 'the oppressor's ways'. We thought they were a bunch of academics who wanted picturesque people to study.  Things got bad. They launched on us. We practically obliterated them. They had been a fairly major power, but now they are a source of madmen, and rumors of strangeness, and they are but one-tenth of the power they were.  The Saint had of course, left before the Five Minute War, nearly ten years before it, and we never saw her again."

PT

"At the moment, I have more knowledge of the external threats than the internal ones.  And they are potentially far more dangerous."

"What was the Saint's name?  What miracles did she do among you?  And how long ago did she come to you?"

"By the way, when I first arrived to aid you, you and Carla both desired that I appear as you, and she changed my form accordingly.  Why?  How did this help you?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:56, Thu 03 Apr 2008.

"Her first words were 'You may call me Lydia.'. She called fire from the sky, broke the wall of a castle with a great noise, caused manna to fall from the sky, allowed a computer much more powerful than ours to work, and healed many.  She also appeared in numerous spots, and knew things that no one could know. She gave very good advice...and on the night she left she spoke her only prophecy....'a tree will grow in the midst of you, tho' it will be planted elsewhere. This tree will have fruit that may make you as the angels, or as the demons. Pay heed to the words of this tree.' It is said she was greatly frightened by her prophecy."  He sits down and begins to do stretching exercises. "Every day we train our bodies for health and for war," he explains. "Your second question is easy, I assume. If you are seen as me, then those who sent the assasin think they failed. They think I am still in play as an enemy to them, and their actions are restrained."

PT

I nod thoughtfully, all too aware of the likely meaning of this prophesy.

"How long ago was this?  And what do you think the prophesy means?"

After his answer, I pause to take another drink while querying my Ring.

::Ring...  Access data concerning this 'Lydia'.  Analyze and summarize.  Who was she, and how did she have access to these powers?  Was she Carla, or someone else?  And what does this prophesy mean?::
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:48, Sat 05 Apr 2008.

"Almost four hundred years ago." He gives you a straight look. "And I suspect you know quite well the meaning of this prophecy. We stand in the Last Days, I suspect, Friend Oak."

*Lydia is Carla's middle name.*

*Fire from the sky may be created with satellite laser systems, what you would call 'Star Wars'. A loud noise and the destruction of a castle wall could be a sonic pounder. With nanotechnology, it would be possible for dust in the sky to be merged molecularly with various airborne elements to produce a waxy sucrose substance, or perhaps a hydrocarbon.  The Arch limits the action of computers to a low level. Such an effect may be rescinded at the will of the Opsys.  Holographic generators are available.*

*'Lydia' was very frightened of the 'prophecy'. She considered it likely proof of her ongoing descent into madness. She claimed that 'it felt as if my tongue were not my own, and I spoke words that seemed as if they were truer than matter. Words that must come true, or the universe would end because the universe could not exist in such a state of illogic as to deny these words.'*

PT

I ponder his words, and the words of the Ring, and nod slowly.

"Yes.  I suspect so as well."

"How widely known is this prophesy?  Is it known throughout the Kingdom of Hearts?  Is it known throughout Second Chance?  And how is it interpreted?  What is believed concerning the nature of this 'fruit'?"

"You obviously know something of the internal threats you face.  What do you currently know of the external threats?"

"You have spoken of Carla, and of the Saint.  What do you know of James?"

"In the Kingdom of Houses, everyone will have heard it, but most probably did not memorize it. Elsewhere, they might know the name of it--The Last Prophecy of Lydia, but that is all. Some argue that it is a metaphor for righteousness. Others that it is a path we take to get to be like Carla."

He pauses.

"I cannot help you in either case."

PT

I pause, considering.  Then I follow his lead and start my own stretching, to join him in his exercises.

"What would those of Second Chance think that becoming 'like Carla' means?  Would they desire to do so if they could?"

"How much do you know of how your ancestors came to Second Chance?"

"If people from Second Chance had the opportunity to leave this planet to colonize another, do you think any of them would desire to do so?"

Casually, he points out where you're not doing the moves quite right, while at the same time complimenting the parts you do well.  He's a natural teacher.

"I think many would like it, but at the same time, everyone knows that some sort of disaster or curse attends Carla and James. So, there would be a lot of fear."

He begins a set of balance exercises that look deceptively simple, but have your legs trembling in a few tens of seconds.

"We, that is everyone on Second Chance, we had won, or been given, a school trip to the Moon to visit Moonbase. We were on the Trans-Lunar Shuttle. Something happened on Earth, there was the Great Passage, and we arrived here."

"I'm sure many would like the chance."

PT

I nod my thanks to him as he instructs me on the exercises, and adjust my attempts accordingly.

"But what exactly do people think of as becoming 'like Carla'?  If many would like it, there must be more to it than disasters and curses..."

"What is known about this 'disaster' or 'curse' that attends Carla and James?"

"What is known about what exactly happened on Earth?"

"What is known about the Great Passage?"

:: Ring, please access relevant data, and elaborate on Jacob's responses after he finishes speaking. ::

"She took us from Earth to here, terraformed this planet, and has lived for centuries. She is also spoken of as impossibly beautiful, and indescribably brilliant. There is much to like about the Two."

He sputters just a bit,and then goes back to a back stretch.

"It is said to bring madness and death. There is much speculation, books full of it, but of hard, concrete details there is little. As to Earth, we know even less. 'And the people of Second Chance travelled through a great void between the stars as they left Earth behind.  Several weeks of passage were filled by many difficulties.' From the descriptions, and bits of diary that I have read, I think the travellers were half-mad with fear."

===============

*Carla has, as you know, powers sufficient to remake a substantial portion of the galaxy to her liking if she were not opposed by another of her kind, or betrayed by internal difficulties.*

*The Godstorm Process tends to result in illogical speculation followed by death: This is due to violent disagreements between 'gods', or to using illogic in making devices. The Great Passage took three weeks, two days, nine hours. It was a passage through hyperspace. Unprotected human brains tend to hallucinate and fall into a torpid state in hyperspace.*

"Would people here be interested in leaving here to colonize other planets, then?  Or would they be too fearful of the journey?"

:: What kind of protection would be needed for a human brain in hyperspace? ::

:: If the Godstorm process has had such difficulties in the past, are there any theories on what the causes might be, or on what might make a new Godstorm process avoid such difficulties? ::

:: If one identified difficulty is conflict between those who have been 'enhanced', then why is it necessary to certify one hundred minimum for the process?  Why not fewer?  Why not just one? ::

"I think some. There are always those who are ambitious, and while we try to have openings for them...and those with other religious persuasions, intellectuals, snow crystallization points we call them...the sort of people who 'want to make things more individual' by which they mean, make everyone like them....and adventurers...we have a fair number of those...our society excels in creating adventurers," Jacob replies softly.

*Unknown*

*The most common theory is that Humanity is inherently flawed, and that such power is meant for something better than us.*

*Uncertain.*

PT

I pause in my exercises, and regard Jacob quietly.

"Jacob, out there beyond this solar system, there are many others besides Carla and James.  Many others of similar power... but not necessarily similar benevolence."

"Our current safety rests upon being hidden.  However, who knows when we might be discovered?"

"So I believe that there are two important choices that must made for Second Chance."

"One: should new colonies be created, to increase the chances of 'unenhanced' humanity's survival?"

"Two: should any here dare eat this 'fruit', so that we may be better defended against the existing external threats... at the risk of creating similar internal ones?"

:: Is the requirement for one hundred minimum to invoke a new Godstorm here a requirement that I am granted power to alter, if in my judgment that is deemed best for Second Chance? ::

"I have to wonder why Carla and James did not already establish other colonies as they had four hundred years to do it.  Also, what are the problems, and how can we ameliorate them with this process...or are you asking for volunteers to test an unknown process?"

*You may alter it.*

PT

I sigh thoughtfully.

"In the past, notably on Earth, the Godstorm process has produced superhuman intelligence, but mental instability.  The resulting destruction threatens the survival of normal humans in this galaxy."

"I too have wondered at what specific problems have resulted from this process.  The best information I have been able to glean comes from various quotations of Carla and James."

"In Carla's words... 'I think like lightning, like lightning falls, but I never hit what I aim at.  There's something wrong with me.  I'm tainted.'... 'Absolute power tends to corrupt absolutely, unless you're a very, very good person. And who is that good?'... 'The little lies we tell ourselves can kill.'"

"In James' words... 'Maybe humans aren't ready for godlike power.  Maybe it inherently taints, corrupts, and destroys everything they touch.'... 'Beware of asking questions you don't want the answer to.'... 'The beauty of knowledge can be more dangerous than a mirage in the desert to a thirsty traveler.  Seek and you shall find, but will you survive the journey?'...'Intelligence is a magnification of the strengths and more importantly the weaknesses one already possesses.'...  'I know my project worked, even though it blew up.  I know it because the logic is beautiful.  Its just that reality is ugly.  I'm tempted to do away with reality.'"

"It was Carla's hope that a different society would have a different result.  Their hope is to see if they can trigger a second Godstorm with more beneficial effects before all human-level intelligence is destroyed in this galaxy, and all superhuman intelligence succumbs to madness and destruction."

"But Carla doubts her own judgment, deeming it tainted.  So I have been brought here, with wide experience, fervent dedication to the LORD, and normal human intelligence.  And I have been appointed to determine if this path is advisable or not."

"This society is still all too human.  Even with technology suppression, you all have used the powers you do possess to wage nuclear war.  With superhuman intelligence and superhuman power, what might you all do to yourselves?  But without it, what might the rest of the galaxy do to you?"

:: Have Carla and James established any other colonies? ::

:: Please continue to monitor our vicinity, and give me warning of any humans or larger animals approaching our position. ::
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:15, Wed 16 Apr 2008.

"The Existers are generally considered to be evil. They launched on us. We...retaliated. But, it was also in self-defense as we had to stop them. So, while I would agree the remnant of unrepentant Existers does not need this process, I think we of the Kingdom of Houses are not necessarily disqualified."  Jacob argues.

*There are no active colonies of Second Chance.*

*Command is filed, and held in active memory.*

PT

I give Jacob a gentle reassuring smile.

"Jacob, my friend.  There are none that I currently know of that I would trust more with such abilities than the Kingdom of Houses."

"And yet, we are all fallen sinners, totally depraved, except for the LORD's grace working within us.  Recall the words of Carla: 'Absolute power tends to corrupt absolutely, unless you're a very, very good person. And who is that good?'.  Recall the words of James: 'Maybe humans aren't ready for godlike power.  Maybe it inherently taints, corrupts, and destroys everything they touch.'"

"Even Carla and James, benevolent as they have been, feel tainted by such power, not knowing if they can trust their own judgment.  Would you fare better in their place?  Would I fare better in their place?"

"Perhaps... but perhaps not."

"So since you asked for the problems of this process... it is important that whatever course we choose, we be certain to count the cost."

"Others beyond this solar system have this power.  Do we dare to eat this fruit ourselves, and possibly destroy ourselves?  Do we dare not to eat this fruit, and be defenseless if others come to destroy us?  Which course is best?  That is what must be decided."

Jacob thinks for a bit.

"I would rather die fighting, if that is the choice, but before we get to that point, is there some research, some prayer, some bit of history that we might attend to to guide us?"

PT

"Our records of history are limited... but the Godstorm was tried on earth.  The 'enhanced' humans absorbed civilization with death tolls reliably estimated to be between four and five billion.  Upwards of eighty percent of the remainder became 'enhanced' during this process."

"So we must consider carefully if this 'fruit' should be eaten... and if so, which ones should do so.  Would it be more ethical to give to none, or to some small number of representatives from one group or from many groups, or to all of one group or many groups?  Would it be ethical to withhold from some, and not from others?  Would it be suicidal not to?"

"My grandsire was considered to be formidable in logical debate. So lets try to use logic," He pauses and thinks. "You seem to be merely restating the problem. But let us see..."

He pulls off his shoes.

"In one shoe there may be a scorpion. In fact, there may be scorpions in both. In fact, one might have five scorpions, and the other none. You have to stick your hand blindfolded into one shoe."

He pauses.

"Or do you? I suppose you could stick your hand into both. I'm not sure why you'd want to, but we're thinking here. First principles. Ethical...well, I'm sure you'd have volunteers. So you don't need to ask whether the need is great enough to justify coercion."

He thinks some more.

"If we give to none. We put our hand in this shoe. Accept the fate that is given us at others hands. I've stated my preference. I'd rather have a chance to fight.  But this turns upon how likely it is that we will be found, really. One in a thousand chance, and I'd take the chance of not doing anything. On the other hand, one in one, well, we know they are up to no good. So I'd have to take the other shoe then. What are the chances we are discovered?"

He gets up and paces in his socks.

"You are charged with oversight of this world, by its creator. I'd say you have the moral right to give out the process as you see fit.  That's reasoning by analogy of course, as you're not the people's creator, but I think most people on Avalon acknowledge the paramountcy of the Two. And you're their agent."

PT

PT

::Ring... analyze available data.  Estimate likelihood that Second Chance will be discovered by denizens of Earth's Godstorm.::

I regard Jacob quietly.

"Perhaps... but I too am just a man.  I think... I need to pray..."

I sit and bow my head quietly, the weight of an entire world upon my shoulders.

But thankfully, the burden is not mine to carry alone.

:Dearest LORD, please guide me now, I pray...:

After praying, I consider further.

::Ring... do I have the authority and ability to contact James, to consult with regarding this decision if I deem such consultation advisable?  Would contacting him involve a danger of extra-solar detection?  Do I have the authority and ability to bring Carla back online for the same purpose?  Would reviving her be potentially harmful to her?::
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:13, Tue 22 Apr 2008.

*It is known that 3% of the denizens are engaged in galactic surveys. While Second Chance has certain camoflages, such are not likely to stand up to intro-solar probes. At substantially less than lightspeed, the whole galaxy could be probed in a 100,000 years with Von Neuman probes. Most of the Denizens have FTL capabilities. It is a virtual certainty that we will eventually be discovered.  The time frame is the question. My calculations indicate a small chance this year, rising every year thereafter until it approaches 99.999999% in Year Five Hundred from present.  However, if we last until Year Five Hundred, there is a distinct possibility that we will never be found as the Denizens are unstable, and are likely to have destroyed themselves by that time. Exact figures on this are unavailable, but there is at least a one in four chance of this happening which does not exceed a two in three chance of it happening.*

You pray and you feel a sense of companionship in holding up the world, and a sure and certain knowledge that you are where you need to be.

*You have the ability and the authority. You cannot do it from the planetary surface. The Arch would be preferable. Yes, there would be a risk. It is judged to be small, but not insignificant. It is unknown if you can revive Carla. It is unknown if you have the authority as my internal diagnostics are giving multiple answers which is probably due to a glitch or a logic error in my coding.  Damage is likely.*

I consider further, recalling the Ring's previous words...



::Who decided that I should be appointed Overseer?  Was it Carla alone, or Carla and James together, or James alone?  Did you and the Local Net also play a role in the decision?  What were the parameters governing my Oversight according to the path of Carla and James, and in what ways have those parameters been modified by you and the Local Net?::

*I do not know the answer to your first question. No, I did not play a role. I am 'one of the family dogs' as James calls me. I am not even as smart as many humans. The Two wished you to study and, if necessary modify the situation to solve their problem. They preferred a group of a hundred be altered at one time as it was felt this struck the proper balance between too much individuation, and too complex a society. It was thought to be more likely to be stable. Certain powers were only to be granted to you after you experienced certain events on the basis that you needed experience to properly use them.*

PT

::Is our current presence here in Restorationist territory truly an accident or malfunction?  Or is it one of the events that I need to experience?  What other events do I need to experience?  What other powers am I to be granted?::

::I am told that there is an unusual substance in my blood that I was exposed to, causing me to be transported to a different universe whenever I die.  Please scan me, as well as the morphing pattern you have of me.  Can you identify any substances that might cause such an effect?  Is there knowledge of such a substance in your databases?  Can it be isolated and extracted?::
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:13, Sat 26 Apr 2008.

*I believe it to be an accident, but I've long speculated that there may be other residents of the Local Net than my boss. I cannot say. Keep in mind that the entities whose agent you are are considerably smarter than even a highly intelligent human, and so their plans to some degree will not be comprehensible by you, in any case, even if I were free to give you full knowledge.*

*This is highly unusual. A radio wave bisecting your body travels at 100.00214% of c, which is supposed to be impossible. Even theoretically, I can see no way for you to be partially in hyperspace, and partially out. Other than that, scans detect nothing. This is simply impossible.*

It starts to repeat itself as it focuses on the
'impossibility', and it begins to order diagnostics of its logic processors.

PT

::Remember that I am not from this universe.  There are other universes with their own technologies, not all of which may be known here.::

::Suppose that your sensors and logic processors are not in error.  From what you know of technology known to this universe, what would be the implications of your readings?::

I consider thoughtfully, then quietly lean over and gently spit into an out-of-the-way nook or cranny.

::Please scan the spittle I have just produced.  Does it share this unusual behavior under your scans?::

*Unknown.*

A moment later you 'hear'. *Your spittle has identical properties*.

PT

I nod thoughtfully, and rise to rejoin Jacob.

"I believe I see the way ahead."

"The estimated chances of our discovery within the next five hundred years are extremely high."

"And though I may be appointed Overseer, the choices are of such difficulty that even Carla and James are uncertain of the best course of action.  And the choices made may well be the difference between life and death, both for the individual here and for unenhanced humanity in this universe."

"Where I was born, we had an old proverb: 'Do not put all of your eggs in one basket'."

"I believe our best course is to pursue multiple survival strategies, in the hope that some shall succeed."

"We have the capability to produce multiple extra-solar settlements."

"So I believe that each and every person on Second Chance should have the right to know the options before them, and to choose their own path.  To be enhanced, or not to be enhanced.  And to migrate, or to remain."

"For those who migrate, each should have the right to choose the type settlement they prefer.  Since we can create multiple extra-solar settlements, we can create settlements that are segregated or integrated in terms of those who are enhanced or unenhanced.  We can create settlements that are segregated or integrated in terms of nationality.  We can create settlements that are segregated or integrated in terms of religion."

"The locations of these settlements can be kept secret, so that stealth may serve as a defense from external threats and from one another."

"Each shall choose his or her own path.  And whether their settlement survives or fails, it will at least be the path they themselves chose."

"Additionally, there is yet another option, beyond migration or not, and beyond enhancement or not."

"For it seems that I myself have been exposed to an unusual substance that transports me from universe to universe at the point of death... and Carla's devices are able to indirectly detect it."

"I believe that it may be possible for me to share this capability.  But I no doubt only have so much of this substance that can be shared... and I choose to do so with all that I am able to of those who may desire to do so from the Kingdom of Hearts."

"Thus it shall be that, even if all other choices within this universe fail, there will be an avenue of escape for a chosen remnant from the perils of this universe... and a seeding of the multiverse by faithful followers of the LORD."

I sigh and take a deep breath, regarding my companion.

"What are your thoughts, friend Jacob?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:20, Tue 29 Apr 2008.

"Perhaps my fears are unreasonable, but I truly do believe that the Resurgents are sowing a great crop of evil.  And it will be the job of my children to fight the Resurgents. This same culture, it goes under different names, but my people have been fighting this culture for centuries.  It hates the ways of my Kingdom. They hate my skin color. My love for God. My wife for they believe in consorts and temporary arrangements.  Perhaps, centuries of war have warped my perspective, but although they are cunning and wise, I feel it is a dark wisdom."

PT

I nod thoughtfully.

"I understand.  Yet our Sovereign LORD, the Potter, hath in His wisdom made both vessels of honour and vessels of dishonour.  Is it for me to raise my hand against them, when I have the power to send both of you off to segregated settlements in secret locations, hidden one from another, and thereby protect you and yours without violence?"

"What if it were you, friend Jacob?  If you were in my place, what would you do?"

He stares at you a bit.

"You're a pacifist are you? I served in the royal forces as an artillerist for four years. I fought in one war, and had to suppress a bandit warlord who had dreams of creating his own bandit kingdom, to boot.  I think God wants us to protect the innocent, and if that means killing the wicked, then so be it."

He waits for your reply with calm attention.

"What I would do...perhaps its foolish for me to say, as its not my burden. I have no problem with giving the Resurgents their own planet, but I do have a problem with giving them Carla's powers.  And that goes for the Existers, and even for my allies, the Tlinza tribe who are fine, honorable, and completely unmerciful.  You give the Tlinza the powers of the Two,a nd they will bring war to the stars. They will hunt the Resurgents down, and if necessary blow up a star to kill them. And in ways, I can't blame them.  The Resurgents treated the Tlinza worse than I would treat vermin for over fifty years.  I understand the need for personal forgiveness, but to the Tlinza, the Resurgents are the Amalekites. They don't believe the culture can be reformed, and it should be destroyed outright.  I...disagree.  My people disagree.  The Resurgents can be reformed...after tehy have been crushed beneath our feet. In fact, I'm willing to say most Resurgents are not actively evil.  But evildoers control their nation, and please, you can't give these powers to those. You might as well kill my people now, yourself."

PT

PT

"Indeed, that is The Issue here -- What Does God Want?"

"Does He want us to protect the innocent?  From what I know of Him and His Word, I dare say that He does."

"Does He want us to protect the innocent even if that means killing the wicked?  His Word saith, 'Thou shalt not kill'... but there are also many times that He commanded the Israelites to kill His enemies.  So I conclude that I must kill when He wishes me to, and that I must not kill when He does not wish me to."

"So my question to you is: is it really the case that in order to protect the innocent, the only alternative in our current situation is to kill the wicked?"


I listen to Jacob's words quietly and thoughtfully.

"What would you do, then, friend Jacob?  Would you trust yourselves with that kind of power over them?  After so many years of fighting, would you be able to wield such power with justice and mercy?  If and when the rest of the universe finds us, would you leave them unable to defend themselves?  Would you defend them?  Would you leave them to perish?"

"Or would you not trust even yourselves, and leave everyone defenseless against those who roam the stars already wielding such powers?"

I sigh, looking calm but troubled.

"I tell you, friend Jacob, I do trust you, more than anyone else on this planet.  And though I may have been granted such power and such responsibility, this really isn't my universe.  It is yours.  So your words carry great weight with me.  But think carefully, and think it through.  You have said what you would have me avoid doing.  What then would you have me do?"

"If the cost of leaving them unenhanced is my defendng them, then I can pay that. I have mistrust, and I feel hatred, but I do not think it rules me.  If I saw an honest chance for peace, I'd take it."  He stops for a long moment. "I hope. I hope I would. My grandfather on my mother's side, and both my great-grandfathers died at the hands of what later came to be called Resurgents. They called themselves the Order then, but it was teh same sort of people. It was war, but ...prison camps...well, it was a long time ago."

He looks down.

"I don't trust many with this power. No, to be honest, I don't trust even myself.  But someone has to bear the burden, and as I said, I'd rather have a fighting chance, than simply be a target. For me, its a matter of keeping the most unworthy from the power, and then hoping that your path is wise."

PT

I regard him with kindly reassurance.

"Your honesty does you credit, friend Jacob."

"Well, the LORD has brought me here, and has placed this responsibility in my hands.  And I do not carry the scars and struggles of war and personal conflict with anyone here.  No one here has killed my loved ones.  Could I be trusted to bear the burden, friend Jacob?  Would you trust me to wield this power in your defense, and in the defense of all of Second Chance?"

"As much as anyone can be. I'll put my life in your hands."  He nods in readiness for you to pull a miracle out of your hat.  Its a readiness that is largely controlled terror with a bit of faith, and another bit of insatiable curiousity.

PT

I nod thoughtfully.

::Ring, how long does the Godstorm enhancement process take?::

::Can it be done anywhere, such as in this cave, or does it need to be done at some specific location, such as Base One?  What location(s) are more advisable, if any?::

Then I bow my head to pray once again...

:Dearest LORD, you have put me here, with this responsibility, and with this representative of these people.  You know the circumstances.  You know the risks.  It seems that I should take up this burden alone, at least at first, rather than put others at such risk.  Is this the path you would have me walk?  Please guide me now, I pray...:
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:12, Mon 05 May 2008.

*Two to three minutes by external clocks, but by subjective time it takes five to eight hours. This process may begin now, at this cave.*

A Bible verse comes to mind. One that reminds you that you have life and breath in God.

*Process begun.*

A flickering mosaic of light reflects off the walls of the cave with you at its center. Your companion stares, and then stops moving altogether.  Your feet suddenly lose their capacity to move, and before you can worry, you realize the nanites from the ring are sucking neutrients up through the ground, and through your feet.

You've become in one sense a tree.

Suppositions and ideas flicker through your brain with speed, and an awesome clarity.

Absurdly, or perhaps appropriately, my warped pun-prone sense of humor supplies my final non-praying unenhanced thought as I regard my rooted feet:

:So... I become an Oak tree to be enhanced...:

And I begin to feel the awesome clarity and speed of my thoughts.

: 'And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.' :

:Dearest LORD, please guard and guide me now, I pray...:

I pray, and experimentally turn my thoughts to examine various subjects, and to self-examine the differences in the manner and depth and capacity of my current thoughts verses my old self:

(*) the Bible, and various matters of doctrine
(*) the current situation in this universe and on Second Chance, and the best solution(s)
(*) Carla's state, and how she may be aided
(*) the nature of the enhancement "taint" if any, and how enhancement drawbacks may be avoided
(*) the technology in this universe, both theory and reproduction
(*) the errors in the technology, and how to fix them
(*) the Great Key, and the nature of it, and how to neutralize it if necessary
(*) my own state, changing universes at the point of death, and the nature of the substance within me that causes this, and how it may be shared with the Kingdom of Houses
(*) how to travel to a universe of one's choosing, such as my own native universe

I draw upon the Ring's knowledge as necessary...

:Ring... at the completion of this process, will I be given Sysop-level access?  Or is there more to this path, that I must still travel?:
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:37, Tue 06 May 2008.

You find that your intuitive grasp, and logical step carrying faculty are enormously enhanced. In other words, you have but to wonder about something, and a logical answer comes screaming into your brain.

You think of the Bible, and suddenly you see a deeper structure to it. One of your books by a man known as a 'scholar for scholars' had hinted at an underlying pattern, and tried to explain it.  At least you think he had, but you hadn't been able to grasp what he was saying because the man was simply decades in advance of you in learning.

And you see great depths beyond this.

"If I can speak all languages, and have all knowledge, but have not love, what does it profit me?" The words seem to echo in your mind. You have no doubt that this is a warning.

But your curiosity already has questions coming, and like a freight train the answers don't stop.

You find yourself lost in a wilderness of mirrors at the second question. Because your opponents include beings as smart as you are, and hence their strategies could be as deep, or intricate as they could conceive.  And looking for the answer to the perfect strategy....strategy after strategy, each more amazing and devious than the last marches through your brain, without end as your brain tries to find perfection in an imperfect universe.

PT

I pause at the LORD's timely prompting and reminder, and give things, and ask for His strength to love.

After wrestling with the enhanced-vs-enhanced mirror maze, I put such types of questions on the back burner for now, and move on to the other question types...

(*) Carla's state, and how she may be aided
(*) the nature of the enhancement "taint" if any, and how enhancement drawbacks may be avoided
(*) the technology in this universe, both theory and reproduction
(*) the errors in the technology, and how to fix them
(*) the Great Key, and the nature of it, and how to neutralize it if necessary
(*) my own state, changing universes at the point of death, and the nature of the substance within me that causes this, and how it may be shared with the Kingdom of Houses
(*) how to travel to a universe of one's choosing, such as my own native universe

Then I experimentally ponder the political situation of Second Chance, seeking insight, and whether or not the complexities of large numbers of unenhanced are more tractable than the enhanced-vs-enhanced problems...
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:13, Tue 06 May 2008.

It takes all your strenght to stop asking the question, and you wake feeling deyhdrated, and bone weary.  Jacob is staring at you with a mixture of fear for your and for himself.

You're laying on a damp spot on the ground, and then feeling your clothes which are soaking wet, you realize you're the source of the water.

Jacob eases you up. You try to speak, and it comes out as a croak.

"You were babbling for nearly an hour at fast forward about war strategies. I wrote some of it down. What I could catch.  Its....brilliant."

He hands you a cup of water.

"But then you went places I couldn't follow. Nine hours later, you are awake. I thought you were  going to die. Sorry about the bruises, but I tried to wake you about four hours ago by slapping you."

PT

I look at Jacob as I sip the water, and slowly nod.

"It's... OK... friend... Jacob..."

I sip more of the water.

"I must ponder more...  But one thing... is clear already..."

I take a deep, shuddering breath.

"The complexities of enhanced-vs-enhanced are too great to find an optimal strategy."

"Therefore, to survive, we must avoid such conflicts, by means only I have."

I look at him once again.

"To find a refuge, we must leave this universe.  And I must find the way..."

I rest, and replenish my depleted resources, and prepare to ponder my previously-stated questions (except for the enhanced-vs-enhanced types).

Especially... how to move to a different universe of my choosing, when I choose.

And... how to take a world with me...

:Dearest LORD, thank you for bring me back safely.  Help me to love you with all my heart and soul and mine and strength, and my neighbor as myself.  I pray in Jesus' name... Amen.:

Before I try to ponder again, Jacob's words echo back to me:"An hour... nine hours..."

:Ring... how much objective time has elapsed since the process was initiated?:

:What is the current status of transport to Base One?  Is it operational yet?:
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:44, Tue 06 May 2008.

Halfway through your conversation with Jacob he speaks.

"Slow."

You look at him curiously.  He does nothing. He moves a lip.

"Down."

As you rest, you find that you've lost over ten pounds in weight, and while most of that is water, not all is.  You find it hard to think as if you'd overexerted yourself by correcting five hundred exam papers in one night.

At the same time, you feel a raging curiousity at the answers that are just out of reach.

After you pray, another snatch comes to you...knowledge will fail, but love never faileth. It has the definite flavor of a warning. You're in grave peril.

*Eleven hours, fourteen minutes, thirty two seconds. Do you require more specific than that?* The ring replies.*With your greater capacities you may transport there now with Jacob, if you wish.*

You ponder how to move a world to another dimension...and plans start unfurling in your brain. There are a number of plans because you're not sure whether you just want the people, or the whole planet. These require different plans. Then there is the question of ....

You've designed a hyperdrive capable of moving the planet, but while a hyperdrive is similar to a extradimensional gate in some respects, in others its vastly different.  You start to plunge into that problem...

Faintly in the back of your mind you realize you've spent more time on this problem than you did on your search for a perfect strategy.  But that seems unimportant compared to the sheer joy of such dazzling bursts of intellectual fire.  You're way more than a genius now. In the last...bit of time...you've invented several hundred years of scientific progress, and all of its turned to moving a world extradimensionally

:Dearest LORD, please help me to love you with all my heart and soul and mind and strength, and my neighbor as myself, and to worship you alone, I pray...:


I again look at Jacob curiously at his slowness, and try to speak more slowly myself.

"Transport to Base One is available.  Let's go.  I'll try to fill you in on the way..."

:Ring... Initiate transport for Jacob and myself to Base One now...:

And while en route...

:Ring...  Do I now have Sysop-level access?  Or is there more to this path, that I must still travel?:

:What more of the path are you now at liberty to reveal to me?:

:Are you able to help replenish my body as we reintegrate after transport?:

:How much has my thinking capacity been enhanced?  How much of that enhancement is retained in my current mid-transport state?:

:As we wait for transport to complete, please download and store my post-enhancement thoughts for further analysis later...:

And after arrival at Base One, I prepare to ponder the problem of how to transport everyone out of this universe.

"Jacob, I'm going to try to figure this out, but I'll try to be more careful.  I'll try to come back every few minutes, so I don't burn my body out.  Pray for me..."

:Ring...  I am now going to ponder some of the issues, but I must be careful not to let my thinking spiral out of control, at the expense of my body.  Are you able to alert me every five minutes, and help pull me out of any thought loops I may become entangled with?  And are you able to download and record my thoughts for later analysis?  If so, please do so.:

:Dearest LORD, please guide and guard me, I pray...:

And thus I take the plunge...


:Why am I still pondering?  I'm losing control...:

Even my old, unenhanced self had the tendency to get absorbed in an intellectual task and lose awareness of time...

:I meant to start more slowly.  I meant to stop every few minutes...:

The intellectual joy of problem solving, magnified to the same degree that my intellect has been enhanced...

:Time is passing, more than I realize.  Jacob slapped me before, and I was oblivious.  Why would I be less oblivious now to the Ring's time warnings?:

The sheer exhilaration...

:Pace myself.  Control.  They need me.  I won't help them if I kill myself...:

:Dearest LORD, my God, help me now, to walk your path, and not my own.  Help me now, to do what you want, how you want, when you want.  Give me your strength now, I pray...:

I put forth all my effort to pulling out, and returning my awareness to the outside world...
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:13, Thu 08 May 2008.

Bleary-eyed you wake, and almost slip back under except the Ring starts blaring out the Ride of the Valkyries at painful volume.  Jacob comes bolting back in.

"Problems. We've received a message from James. A dispersed over a dozen lightyears fleet of robot probes is coming in our general direction. He can destroy eight of them, and probably make it look coincidental, but that leaves four to find their way through, and eventually find us. Or he can destroy them all, and announce to anyone paying attention that someone is hiding something in this corner of the galaxy."

PT

I blink up wearily at Jacob, and nod thoughtfully.

"How long ago was the message?  And how long have I been out?"

:Ring...  How long would it require for James to return to Second Chance?:

:Assume that James destroys all of the probes.  Estimate the time range in which a monitoring entity would be able to arrive here.:

:Assume that James does not destroy all of the probes.  Estimate the time range until they would be able to detect Second Chance.:

:Download thoughts from recent cogitations, and analyze.  With currently available resources, how long would it take to create extra-dimensional travel capability for the population of Second Chance?  How long would it take for the entire planet itself?:

:You have stated that my mental capabilities are further enhanced in nanite form, correct?:

:What dangers are there to applying my enhanced mind to problem solving, other than bodily neglect and strain?  If I attempted to problem solve in nanite form, would that mitigate the danger of bodily neglect and strain?:

:Do we currently have, or do we have the resources to create, an environment where someone in nanite form would be shielded from external dangers such as solar flares?:

:Would it be feasible for me to enter such a state, and have you reintegrate and sedate me after a certain set period of time, or in case of external need, in the event that I did not initiate reintegration myself in a timely fashion?:
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:27, Fri 09 May 2008.

"You were out about twenty hours, and it was four hours ago." Jacob replies.

*Aproximately two days, unless he has invented a faster method.*

*One day to fourteen days. Seven days is the highest probability arrival time.*

*Three days to twelve days. Five days is the highest probability detection time.*

*I cannot. You are smarter than me at this point by a significant margin. I am, after all, Carla's and James' 'dog'.*

*A  nanite form can resist starvation with ease, but it is more vulnerable to a number of ills which includes solar storms, and you're able to turn yourself insane easier.*

*Deep has protective devices against solar flares. Also, hiding in the shadow of the gas giant would mitigate such effects. Remember, in nanite form you may live in space unprotected, as long as a flare does not scramble your mind.*

*Yes.*

*Let me caution you to remember Carla and James' many cautions about the Godstorm process. I have noted a distinct rise in 'optimism' in your behavior. I am uncertain if I am diagnosing this properly as you are a superintelligence, but the literature seems to indicate manic upswings are common. I do not understand all the dangers that apply to your situation. And those who could tell me of them, the Two, were distrustful of themselves. They did not want to leave hard and fast suggestions.*

OOC: Have I solved the problem of how to move everyone to a different universe yet?  Or were my previous cogitations upon the subject incomplete?

If the former, how long do I estimate it will take to successfully go from completed theory to extra-dimensional-travel-ready?

If the latter, how long do I estimate it will take to successfully complete the theory?  And how long from there to extra-dimensional-travel-ready?

For that matter, how long do I estimate it will take to successfully go from completed theory to hyperspatial-travel-ready?  :)
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:33, Sun 11 May 2008.

I take in this information, and nod.

"Base One...  Send reply to James as follows..."

"'James -- I urgently recommend the coincidental option, immediately followed by you returning here at maximum speed.  LORD willing, we will all be departing soon.  In His service, John Oakmaster @ Base One.'"

After signing off, I regard Jacob wearily.

"Best estimates suggest that it will take around two days for James to return, and three to twelve days for the remaining probes to detect Second Chance."

"Meanwhile, I estimate that, if necessary, we could make the entire planet hyperspace-travel-capable in one hour.  Extra-dimensional-travel capable will take longer to figure out -- probably more than an hour and less than a week."

"So we'll set up the hyperspace capability first as a backup.  Then I'll try to crack the extra-dimensional problem in the time that remains.  If we run out of time, we can escape through hyperspace, and try to buy enough additional time to complete our extra-dimensional escape."

"Ring... prepare to carry out the following instructions."

"First, please replenish my body, changing me to nanite form and back if necessary.  Also, download from my mind the necessary instructions for implementing the planet hyperspace capability, and inform me if you would have any difficulties implementing it."

"I will then try to crack the extra-dimensional problem."

"If I am needed before I am able to finish my cogitations, then sedate and revive me to bring me out of it."

"Are there any questions?"

If there are not, and/or after they are dealt with...

"Jacob... pray for me, and for James, and Carla, and for all of us."

"Ring... proceed now."

The Ring agrees to proceed.

You start thinking, and questions are asked, and the answers swirl up out of your intuition. It takes a while, but then with a feeling of triumph, you see it.  So elegant, so beautiful, so really quite simple that you're surprised you didn't get it before.

You come out, and the Ring replenishes you, and then reports in.

*The planet is set up for hyperdrive. There are political disturbances on the planet as the population is disturbed by the 'aurora borealis' effects.*

Only five hours have passed, and you have your extradimensional gate.

Jacob is severely troubled.

PT

"Ring...  Download from my mind the necessary instructions for implementing the planet extra-dimensional gate capability, and inform me if you would have any difficulties implementing it."

I wearily regard Jacob with concern.

"You are troubled, friend Jacob.  What is on your heart?"

"Is it the political disturbances upon Second Chance?  How do you recommend that we inform them?"

OOC: I assumed that this would be part of my problem-solving process, but I thought I had better double-check...

(Q1) Does my extra-dimensional gate solution include control over which universe to aim for?

(Q2) Does my extra-dimensional gate solution include control over where in that universe to aim for?

If not, the problem isn't really solved, since I would need to find a location within a new universe that would put it into a proper orbit around a suitable sun to sustain the planet without frying or freezing it.

Other questions:

(Q3) Does my extra-dimensional gate solution work for creating gates within the same universe?  (If not, I'll have to work on that, or some other way of retrieving Deep and Outrider One...)

(Q4) Does my extra-dimensional gate solution work scale down to work for creating a person-sized gate, powered by a portable device like a Ring???  :D

*Several hours will be required, but I foresee no insuperable difficulties.*

Jacob drops heavily to a chair in your room. He acts as if he weighed forty pounds more than he does.

"I don't know. The situation on the planet bothers me, but not too much. We have strong governments manned by cautious and capable people."

No to Q1, and to some degree yes to q2. You'll be able to aim for the habitable zone of a star that is similar in size due to gravity calculations.

No.es

Not yet. You drop into a trance without even making a conscious decision to do so, and start seeking the answer to making a personal gate.  You wake with a plan for a personal gates, and its late afternoon.

: Good.  Proceed with implementation. :


"Do you have any recommendations?  I could make a planet-wide broadcast, or try to pinpoint the various leaders and brief them.  However, they do not know me... so it may be more advisable to await the arrival of James..."


OOC: Is "No.es" supposed to be "No. Q3: yes?"?  No matter how I try to parse that, it looks like some letters were lost somewhere...  :)

After waking...

: Ring...  Download from my mind the necessary instructions for implementing the personal Ring-powered extra-dimensional gate capability, and inform me if you would have any difficulties implementing it."

I check the time elapsed and current status of the planet and the preparations, get replenished, and check with Jacob.

Then, if we don't currently have the capability to precisely control gate creation within the same universe, I attempt to crack that problem.

Ultimately, I want to be able to gate Outrider One and the interesting stuff from Deep (or Deep itself, if possible) into orbit around Second Chance, so that we can bring it all along.  I also want to be able to create precisely controlled personal gates within the same universe, so that I can in the future choose where to personally gate to when desired...  :)