Session Start: Wed May 24 20:31:43 2000 * Logging #whosim to '#mf1log' I actually don't know how long I can stay. Looks like dinner might be early tonight oh no:-( oh well, we understand Both. ::sigh:: Alright, I can take Mama Legba. I say roll creits and if some scenes fall through, so be it. I'll make sure the bad guy scenes work. And I'll be the Doc. okey dokey see you all on the other side:-) <> <> <> # = the TARDIS # = TARDIS *** AlxKeegan is now known as DWGL $ = The Citadel of Troygon Corporation # ::the time rotor rises and falls in a rhythmic pattern of flight:: # ::Irish paws through a book examining it with interest:: # ::enters console room and sighs with relief upon seeing the Doctor:: # Doctor, you should be resting. # :: The Doctor turns away from the TARDIS holding a map of the surface of Adam Smith.:: @ = Mama Legba's Shelter @ = Shelter in Keynes #Bingo's Clams Allegro looks quite delicious.. $ ::In the gleaming and semi-stratospheric sjyscraper of the Troygon Corporation, a vast office faces onto a huge window overlooking the scarred and polluted countryside.::: #::Irish flips the book "Cat Nips!" shut:: Some two legs know how to cook for felines at least .. @ :::Hungry, disenchanted people stand in the food line of Mama Legba's shelter::: *** NthDoc (~NthDoc@tethys.ts5-dvrf.att.kynd.net) has joined #whosim *** NthDoc (~NthDoc@tethys.ts5-dvrf.att.kynd.net) has left #whosim *** NthDoc (~NthDoc@tethys.ts5-dvrf.att.kynd.net) has joined #whosim # This won't be an adventure planet I'm afraid. I believe Lora's killer is down there on that planet, and perhaps in a position of considerable importance. *** DWGL sets mode: +o NthDoc @ ::a large woman in robes dishes out bowls of brown gruel to a line of indigents:: # Doctor, :;says with a concerned whine:: what are you doing with that? # Maker You should rest some more .. Your mental shields are still a little gleeky .. <===Doctor < I am Green Lantern> # I'd have thought you wanted a break from all this running around. <===I am playing bad guys until anyone else would like them. # ///In other worlds you make my fur itch when you get close/// <> <> # :: The Doctor takes a deep breath:: It is difficult to rest when I know where the answer is. I've done so much to find it so far. <===Gimbel @ ::the woman calls:: Come on waiflings. There's plenty to go round. Fill your stomachs, at least. @ ::::Many ofthe indigents wheeze and cough from the bad air they have breathed as they wait in line::: <> $ ::In the gleaming and semi-stratospheric sjyscraper of the TroygonCorporation, a vast office faces onto a huge window overlooking thescarred and polluted countryside.::: @ ::::Some of the indigents sigh, wishing they had air and not just food and water::: $ ::Odo marches into the office and stands besides a desk cut from what seems to be a single crystal.:: @ ::plops a laddleful in a beggar's bowl and notices him wince:: I know it's not the best smelling, but it's warm and nuitritious. # IF you are going to be dog stupid then Maker .. Stay away from me .. ::Irish moves to the other side of the room well away from the Doctor:: @ :::others smile gratefully at Mama as they get their food and water::: $Gimbel>Ah, Odo. So good to see you. @ Or as nutritious as I can afford. Just hold your nose when you eat. <> $ ::Odo coughs:: All hail the business cycle, it giveth and taketh away, your entrepreneurship. $Gimbel>No one could build a better capitalist than you, Odo. $ Quatloo> :::Enters and stands at Odo's side:: May your assets rise daily, Chair Gimbel. $Gimbel>Mr. Quatloo! Please, have a seat. @ :::A one-eyed bum dressed in seedy clothes stands in the line::: # So why are we going to this awful place Maker ? Is the assassin there ? ::Irish says from across the room:: # :: The Doctor nods his head at Irish:: Oh, and if you knew who had killed Trouble, your mother, you would simply read a recipe book? # Mom is dead of old age.. I sent some catnip to be placed on her gravestone .. # ::blinks at the site of the Doctor's new found energy and gleam in his eye:: $Quatloo?:::Takes a seat, and notics it is less elevated than Gimbel's:: What profitable weather we are having, it seems. # Lora's killer. You're certain? $Gimbel>I must tell you...I was enjoying a nice can of Troygon Cola-- $Gimbel>--the good stuff, not the stuff we're giving the homeless-- # And yes I would read the recipe book anyway .. $Gimbel>...and it HIT me, you know? I was blessed with this divine inspiration. @ ::Mama frowns at all the coughing beggars:: Come on now, waifs. Get your bowls of sustenance. #We need to find out hat is going on down there. And while we are at it, stop the Troygon Corporation for once and for all. I have, I fear, avoided it for too long. Perhaps there was a reason, those pathetic criminals who edited my brain. # But yes, I believe that the murderer is down there. Please don't ask me how I know, please trust me. # ::Irish puts his nose back in the recipe book:: If you say so .. *** brynna (~java@c1033085-a.lwstn1.id.home.com) has joined #whosim @ I wish I had more air capsules to give, but... maybe tomorrow. <> $Odo> My main manager, please tell me your dividend enhancing divination! <> $Gimbel>...well, I think we're putting a little too much energy into the Stock Market project--oh, by the way--how is that coming, Mr. Quatloo? #There are three central elements to the situation on Adam Smith. The first is the corporate headquarters itself, the nerve center of the Troygon empire of pain. # ::watches Doctor eagerly reset the time rotor coordinates and wonders what has inspired his newfound direction:: #The second is the stock market, which controls the middle and managerial classes. # The third is the underclass and, I assume, the resistance. We need to know about these three elements, and I propose that we each take one. # ///I have no desire to play hero Maker . So unless you care to offer a reward I will be staying in Home//// # How do you know Lora's assassin is on this ::stops to read the databank entry on the planet:: Adam Smith? $Quatloo> The market is booming, new invstors coming in all the time. We will sell high ahd then engineer a crash, putting the oinvestors into debt, and thenh we will loan them money with huge interest rates. *** IrishTCat sets mode: +o brynna $ Quat> I await your signal to sell and thn let it crash. @:::the indigent waifs continue to move thru the line::: # Irish, I need to get inside of the Troygon data network. With your shape shoifting and agility, you could sneak into any fortress. I, on the other hand, am a bit too broad of beam for that. $Gimbel> Very good, Mr. Quatloo...we'll get to that in due time--in the meantime, I suggest we invest our energies in carrying out the plan that the muses handed me last night. # ::enchanges a knowing stare with the Doctor and slowly nods:: # Of course If you cooked me some of the recipes then I would graciously aid you in your plan.. # Alright, what do we do? @:::Squinto enters the shelter, getting into line behind the one-eyed bum::: # All right, all right. Three main courses and two appetizers, it's a deal. # ::Irish knocks the recipe book over to Maker:: @::::He tries to strike up a conversation with the bum, but the bum doesn't cooperate::: $Odo> We await your sound investment advice, Chair Gimbel. $Gimbel> I can sum it up in one word...organs. <> <> # I will infiltrate this Trogun place for you then .. <> # Just don't touch me until you get your shields ungleeky .. $Odo> While I detest music, something tlls me this is a more visceral use of the word. $Gimbel> The only thing that is more precious than platinum or gold is a fully functioning liver. # I'm not one for executives or econimists. @ :::Squinto catches Mother Legba's eye::: $Quatloo>::Smiles::: And look down there, under us, there are millions of livers. <> <> # So I guess that leaves the resistance for me. Any leads where I can find them? # :: The Doctor hands out small packets with basic maps, instructions, and oxygen pills.:: *** TimeLadyX has quit IRC (Quit: Leaving) *** brynna has quit IRC (Quit: brynna) # You might contaminate me with more of your annoying compassion and mercy if Im not careful .. $Gimbel>Exactly! If we can get our hands on some gizzards, we can charge whatever we want--after all, we would control the market! # Well, now that you ask, I believe you might find them in one of the homeless shelters or gruel kitchens. Especially when they hand out the oxygen capsules, which I have included. $Quatloo> But your omnipotent moneyproducer, hav you considered the problems with galactic law enforcement if we harvested livers without permission? # ::Irish looks at the maps sort of puzzled before pushing them away :: <> $Gimbel>Normally I would punish you for your doubt...but your question is quite valid. All we need to do is *get* permission! # ::shakes head:: Well, if we've finished tending the cat's stomach... # We will meet back at the TARDIS after our initial information gathering. I'll try and meet up with you if I finish early. #:::The TARDIS wheezes in that old familiar ay as it lands outside the factory town of Keynes on the planet Adam Smith.::: # So I am rub to paws with the elite while Roaming Girl plays in the mud .. ::Irish looks amused by that:: *** brynna (~java@c1033085-a.lwstn1.id.home.com) has joined #whosim $Gimbel>Look down there, gentlemen...how many of those people are out of work? $Odo> :::Guffaws::: What thpose useless meat sacks won't do for the promise of some extra breath pills! # :examines air capsule:: What is this for? $Odo>:::Drools (tough for a robot) and stomps his feet in excitement::: So, my master manager, that is why you had me gather a group of new trainees? How brilliant. $Gimbel>...right on the nose, Mr. Odo. What I suggest is that we offer them an irrefusable deal. A chance to jump social strata... *** DWGL sets mode: +o brynna # ::looks at pill:: Oxygen capsules? The air is that bad down there? <> # Typical of a cooperation. <> # The air there is so bad, you will start suffering within a few hours. Your body will be starved for oxygen and it will start to take in some other gases, and eventually your blood will be polluted like the streams of this dead planet. There are millions of people down there, and they shouldn't live like this. $Gimbel>:::removes a manilla envelope from his desk::: Look at this, gentlemen. It's art. The most divisive release form in the history of the universe. <> $Gimbel>We offer them more money than we've ever seen in their lives...then we have them sign this release which covers us in the event of their deaths. > $Odo> :::Bows:: Well, shall we sign up our trainees? <> $Gimbel>I like your initiative, Mr. Odo. $Quatloo> How very exciting, but I have a rich new client down at the Money Temple, and I just can't pass it by to join in your fun. > *** Jacie has quit IRC (hub.aohell.org irc.rma.edu) *** Jacie (jen@207-172-104-159.s286.tnt1.clm.md.dialup.rcn.com) has joined #WhoSim *** irc.rma.edu sets mode: +o Jacie $Odo> :::Howling and drooling he leaves the room to get the trainees.::: *** Jacie (jen@207-172-104-159.s286.tnt1.clm.md.dialup.rcn.com) has left #whosim $Gimbel>Well, Mr. Quatloo, if the quest for capital takes you away, who am I to stop you? <> $Quatloo>:::Backs away::: Yes, the invisible hand drives us all. *** Jacie (jen@207-172-104-159.s286.tnt1.clm.md.dialup.rcn.com) has joined #whosim *** DWGL sets mode: +o Jacie <> <> #For now we need to know what is going on. Jacie, you should make a marvelous Duchess. With your confidence you won't even have to act! @ Mama> Squinto, what are you doing back here. I hope you'll behave this time. # In other words shes a Haughty human type .. @ Mama> I don't need the profit police breathing down my neck again. Not now. @ Squinto> :::laughs at Mama's joke:::: # ::Irish swallows all of his pills at once:: @ Squinto> I will try, but I'm not promising anything. @ :::the one-eyed bum gets his food from Mama and goes thru the line to sit down::: # Me a duchess? If you say so, Doctor. ::puts on a royal blue cloak for disguise:: * = Monery Temple # ::Irish walks out of the Tardis breathing deeply:: Ick This air is terrible and the smell is worse .. # ::affixes the clasp and makes certain the cloak covers her bag of tricks and real thief attire underneath:: %= Irish wandering * :: The Doctor is ushered into the inner sanctums of the Money Temple by priests dressed as cashiers who bow and scrape to him:: # ::steps out into the streets and gasps on the air:: Oh, talk about foul. % Its a lovely day in the neighborhood .. A lovely day in the neighborhood .. ::Irish wanders by several heavily guarded entrances:: * :: The Doctor scowls at them::: Enough of this ritualistic bootlicking. I am here for service, not subservience. # ::pops an oxygen capsule in her mouth, checks her map then continues down the street in a fake haughty stance:: % Hmmm Cant get in there .. A mutliphase Andrimidion shield with a reverse polarity biofilter .. @ ::hands over the food line to another worker and joins Squinto at a bench:: % ::Irish passes by severeal other places rejecting each one after studying it for a minute:: *::Suddenly a section of the wall slides back and the Doctor finds himself in a large room with a figure in a dark blue suit of a Money Priest. He knows it is Truman Quatloo, chief broker of Adam Smith:: *Quatloo> Waves his arms and a huge scren behind him reflects the rising pace of the Adam Smith stock market. % Time to change shape .. The natives look like they would love to eat cat for dinner .. Even if I agree I would make a tasty dinner.. @ Mama> ::pours a glass of dirty water for Squinto and sits down:: @ Mama> ::hushed voice:: So what are you planning this time Squinto? % Hmmm I could be one of Maker's kin .. ::Irish changes into a young looking timelord with green hair:: *Quatloo> MY dear Doctor Smith, what you see behind you is an accurate graphic representation of the movement of the Adam Smith stock market. It makes your wallet feel heavy just looking at it, don't you think? Praice to the invisible hand for lifting all of us! % No even if the sense are a trifle keener than a normal two legs it still wouldnt do.. ::Irish changes back to kitty cat mode:: * :: The Doctor looks askance at the display::: But it hasn't shwon it over time, don't forget Black Wednesday on Adam Smith! Millions died because they couldn't afford air any more, I don't want to be one of them. $Odo? :::Marches in with a long line of healthy young workers.::: @ Squinto> What you don't know won't hurt you. ::winks:: $ Odo> You exalted profit prophet, I present these humble trainees for your instruction. % ::Irish growls at some of the indigents who get to close:: @ Mama> Don't hand me that, you ingrate. I told you I don't need you stirring up trouble right now. $ :::Gimbel tries to hold back a gleeful giggle.::: *Quatloo> Oh, but that was then, and this is now. Our chair has ingenious nw policies which will keep this economy running strong for the forseeable future. % I could be a Verilion Catro .. ::Irish changes into a 3 eyed beast with green scales:: *Quatloo> Even now I expect a new breakthrough in the biotech investment issues currently being offered by the Money Temple as a votive stock option. < % Hmmm No They process the air to much .. ::Irish shifts back to kitty cat mode again:: must do another for English! i gotta run..>> @ Squinto> Worried Gimbel'l put you out of a job, Mama? % Lets see I have seven other forms that I can change into .. ::Irish shifts to each one but rejects for one or another reason:: * :: The Doctor walks over and looks up at the huge display::: Can you depict the soial responsibility of your investments, Truman? *** NthDoc1 (~NthDoc@ananke.ts1-dvrf.att.kynd.net) has joined #whosim *** NthDoc has quit IRC (Ping timeout for NthDoc[tethys.ts5-dvrf.att.kynd.net]) *Quatloo> Well, JOHN SMITH, I would say it would look the ame --- up, up, up. Profit is social responsibility. <> @ Mama> ::lowers voice even more:: I hear the Green Gang is about. You making a new alliance prince? <> *** brynna has quit IRC (Quit: brynna) $Gimbel>Hello, fellow citizens. Please...have a seat. $:::Trainees have a seat, but look uncomfortable, some stare out the huge window::: @ ::The one-eyed bum interrupts Squinto and Mama:::: @ GL> The Green Gang are a bunch of guilt-ridden do gooders! $Gimbel>How have you been? May I offer you anything? Drinks? Breath pills? @ ::startles at the interruption:: @ Mama> ::jumps up:: Shut up, you fool! *Quatloo> The invisibl hand lifts the gifted, such as you and I, Doctor Smith, while those unwporthy of offering prosperous genetic code are, shall we say, held bak by the system. @ GL> Just you like, Mama. If anything good will be done against Troygon, it will be done by us $:::A few of the trainees wheeze in excitement at the mention of breath pills::: @ Mama> Chairman Gimbel himself paid for that gruel you're sucking down, you ingrate. @:::cocks his eye at Mama::: * :: The Doctor rubs his bearded chin::: Yes, I imagine it has worked out that way, fortunately for you and I. @ Mama> If you don't keep your mouth shut from comments like that you won't be getting anymore gruel from me. Or air. @ Mama> Not tomorrow, not ever! @ :::Squinto hurriedly finishes his gruel::: $Gimbel>Mr. Odo, please bring these fine denizens of Adam Smith some liquid refreshen and a little good old fashioned Oh-Two. @ :::The one-eyed bum grumbles and quiets down::: @ Mama> I don't have time for this foolishness. Look at this place. Have you ever seen such squalor? *Quatloo> But enough of these pleaantries, perhaps you would like to see my current portfolio prospectus for the next six rotations of the market? @ Squinto> I'll be going now, Mama. We'll talk again soon! [[Dorm room at the local college ? ;) ]] @ Mama> Duchess Hunter will never want to toss coins at this ragged lot. @::Squinto leaves the shelter::: @ Mama> ::yells at her staff:: You there, get out the mops. And you ::points to bums:: wipes your chins. * Oh, I would prefer to have it on this disc, please, so that I can format it myself. You know what they say about the truth and statistics, I am sure. @ :::The one-eyed bum finishes his gruel, goes over to a heater and sits down to warm himself::: * :: The Doctor hands a disc to Quatloo::: % ::Squinto stalks from corner to corner keeping a wary eye out when he sees a most extraordinary site of green cat assuming a wide vaiety of shapes:: $Odo> :::Shouts::: You should be glad of the honor to be bestowed on your in the name of increased productivity! @ ::some time later, a young redheaded woman dressed in a fine blue velvet cloak strides into the shelter past the line of hungry, startled beggars:: *Quat> :::Takes the disk and puts it ino a data port where, oddly enough, it seems to fit perfectly, almost like it changed chape to adapt.::: % S>Dont see that everyday .. Hmmm he seems to be heading toward our camp .. Oppurunity is knocking on my tent today .. ::Squanto scurrys after the catman:: @:::The one-eyed bum watches the young lady's entrance carefully::: @ ::Jacie looks around the place, surveying the sheer numbers of indigents savoring a noxious smelling brown soup:: $Gimbel>Let's get down to business, shall we? I have selected you fine specimens to participate in a program that will turn you from mere assembly line grunts to wealthy, prosperous citizens. @ Mama> ::busily mopping the floor:: There, that's how you do it, boy. Now get a fresher pale of water. % Perhaps I should make inquireess from a likely lot of humans.. ::Irish settles on a slimmer version of his catman form and walks over to the nearest selection of humanity:: @ Mama>::her back to Jacie:: This place has to be spic and span before the duchess arriv-- ::turns around and sees Jacie:: Oh no! $Gimbel>...there is something inside each and every one of you that I see as valuable... *** DWGL sets mode: +o NthDoc1 @ ::Jacie arches brows at the woman:: Is something amiss? % ::Irish stalks into the hobo camp :: Hello I would like you some questions .. ::The hobos back away in fear:: $Gimbel>If you've got the guts to participate in my project, you will be rich beyond your wildest dreams! @ Mama>::turns three shades of pale before she recovers:: Duchess of Hunter, my apologies. ::bows humbly:: @ Mama> I didn't expect you until tomorrow. % Squanto> Here you green furry beasty .. You are scarring these people .. ::Squanto waves his ragged hands around as he walks into the camp:: $Odo> Here are the release forms, approved by our lawyers. They stipulate that you will have a multiplation of your talents. And MORE! @ Jacie> My transport was early. I can come back later if you wish. ::turns toward the door:: % Squanto > Why dont you tell me what you want .. Its sort of abvasious yous aint from around thas parts .. @ Mama> No, no, no! Please... ::grabs Jacie by the arm:: let me show you around. % Squanto> You are too clean and too healfy looking .. @ :::The one-eyed bum sits up, subtly making himself noticeable::: @ Mama> I was so pleased to hear you were coming. We don't get many contributors to our important cause. % ::Irishs looks thoughtful:: [[Ok it is Squinto I agree ]] @ Mama> All funds we do get go directly to tend the needs of Adam Smith's neediest people. [[Can I help it the a key is close than the i key ]] * :::The data disc pops out of the data port and into Quatloos itchy palm.:: @ ::Jacie gets an eyeful of people, women, men, children of all ages huddled in the shelter gasping over their soup:: * :: The Doctor snacthes the disk away from Quatloo::: Yes, that is what I will be needing. @ Jacie>Seems like they need air more than.... :scrunches nose:: whatever that is they're eating. @ :::inidigents continue to gaspily breathe::: * :: The Doctor looks around again::: Yes, I will study this and return tomorrow. I hope to make some substantial investments, and hope that you will be my broker here in the Monet Temple, you seem to know business on this most businesslike of planets. $Gimbel> So let me pose you a question, folks...are you ready to stop breathing this terrible air and move on to better things? @ Mama> We do the best we can, duchess. Troygon, praise the cooperation, has somewhat strict rules on oxygen capsules. % ::Irishs eyes gleam brightly:: I am here to raid the belly of the beast to gather the spoils of war for my faithful companion.. He searches to slay the great dog of commerce and find the slayer of his mate .. I search for the hiden ways into the beast to mark the best points of clawing away. @ Mama> We get so many per month, never enough I fear. @ Why? How can anybody exist in this stifling atmosphere let alone work in it? % Plus I get some very nice dinners out of it as well or else I would have stayed in Home and napped .. @ I'd have thought it would be in any cooperation's best interest to let people as least breathe properly. % So tell me what I want to know or I will claw you .. ::shows wicked claws to hobos:: $Trainees> :::Begin to look interested and excited, they hope things are looking upo foir them:: Just once, :: said a trainee:: , I would like to breathe like a millionaire! @ GL> The corporation believes in getting the most value for the least investment, milady @ Mama> I know not these things. Troygon has it's reasons, I suppose. I do the best I can do provide what little I have. $Gimbel> Good for you! You've got INITIATIVE! I like that! @ Mama> ::scowls at the beggar:: Pay him no mind, milady. @ Mama> Some do not always appreciate the severe obligations of their benefactors. %Squinto> Now that didnt make a lot of sense to me or the boys but since you are a green talking shapeshifting furry beasty I will give ya the benifat of the doubt .. @ GL> There are plenty of warm bodies for them to use...and we do get used, milady :::makes sure she can see he only has one eye:::: @ ::holds up a hand to silence Mama:: I'd rather hear him, if you don't mind. % Squinto> So if you scratch my back I will scratch your if ya catch the spindle of drift of my convarsational thard . @ Our bodies are worked to the breaking point and we get little food and the barest amount of air possible. $:::One trainee signs and rushes toi give it to Odo:: I'm ready to make a difference for the Troygon Corporation! ? $Gimbel>I promise you...if you agree to help me out, Troygon will find your best parts and bring them RIGHT OUT! % ::Irish looks at the odd talking human:: I have no idea what you just said.. But I work alone .. Its a cat custum .. @ That's criminal. Why doesn't somebody stop it? @ GL> Some try to fight the corporation, but few succeed, Milady. * :: The Doctor arrogantly strides down the halls of the Money Temple, with acolytes wearing change machines at their blts hummed jingles::: %Squinto> Is can reaspet that Furry Beasty .. Yes Is can .. But if you want to know how to snak into the big corp place then you ought ta be willang to help us just a little bat.. @ Mama> And rightly so. Troygon is a powerful company. Milady please, let me show you the kitchens. $Gimbel>:::watches with greedy eyes and tries not to laugh out loud as trainee after trainee freely gives of their innards::: % ::Irish nods his head:: Ok What do you want to trade for showing me a way in ? $Trainees> :::All happily sign and hand them to Odo, then they stamnd around expectantly. The brave one steps forward again:: Now what, Boss? @ GL> If you'd like, Milady, I can show you the true depth of suffering that we experience here. @ ::looks humbly at the Duchess::: % Squinto > A breaf partnershap as it were.. I show you that way in and you help me get past all the nesty little track traps the Corp has set up.. @ ::nods:: Yes, I think I'd find that most educational, sir. $Gimbel> Well, if you'll follow Mr. Odo, we can get started right away. %Squinto> Of course if you is just some sort of Corp trick then my fraends her will tear you inta stew and caak you up as saop.. @ Mama> Milady please! ::grabs Jacie's arm:: You shouldn't go with a bum like him. Not without your escort at least. @ ::The one-eyed bum makes a sketchy bow and gets up to leave:::: * Odo>::Odo laughs evilly and triggers a series of force beams which restrain the trainees. Numerous stainless steel tables appear and the force beams pin each of the trainees down to one, and the tables float in midair and move towards Odo. :: $Gimbel> HAHAHAHAhAHAHAHAaaaaah! @ ::gently pries Mama's hand from her:: It's alright. I'm more than capable of looking out for myself. @ GL> If you'll follow me then, Milady? % ::Irish grins cat like:: Its a stupid human custum to make threats that they cant carry out .. Your friends wouldnt even make me pant .. @ ::when she sees woman scowl she quickly adds:: I'll return tomorrow and we'll see what we can do to give these poor people some air. $ ::The trainees begin screaming in terror. Odo extends a sharp blade attached to his index finger and approaches one of the trainees. Translucent containers appear to hold the harvest. :: $Gimbel>As of right now, my dear friends, you are all rich beyond your wildest dreams. I just wish you had an opportunity to spend some of that money. @ Thank you for the tour. ::follows the bum out of the shelter and past curious glances:: @ :::the one-eyed bum leaves the shelter, leading the way for the Duchess::: % But I do want to get in and the best chance of that without spending precious energy is you .. ::Irish twitches his whiskers:: Let us go.. $Odo>:::Laughs and drools:: Well, some part of their body will spend the money, but their brains won't know it! Muwahaha!!! @ = Jacie & Green Lantern @ :::The bum leads the Duchess to an indigent work camp:::: $Gimbel>However, I hope you can take some solace in knowing that someday, the very heart that beats inside your chest will be given to someone else who needs it. % Squinto> I am gled you decided to be reasanble .. I would have hated to blaw you up .. Lets go the way .. ::Squinto points and motions for the Cat to go first:: @ ::traverses the streets over muddy polluted potholes and past wheezing people:: @ :::Wheezing, hungry people sit around barrels, warming themselves as best they can with the small fires::: %::Irish and Squinto head in rust colored mist:: $Gimbel>Oh, let's not fudge anymore...we're going to harvest your organs. @ ::is led into a dark corner of the city filled with drums full of fire surrounded by people:: <> $::Odo opens the first box and begins to make an incision to open the chest and abdominal cavity of the first victim.::: @ It's like a scene out of A Christmas Carol. ::says to self:: <> $Gimbel>...then, we're going to sell them at ludicrously high prices and give all the money to the invisible hand. @ As you can see, people of all ages and sexes suffer here. @ Is it like this all over the planet? $Gimbel>Namely, me. @ GL> Yes it is milady, everywhere except the high rise towers of the right and middle class @ ::nearly trips over a bulge covered in oily rags and sees a decaying hand fall out:: $Gimbel>Lets out a maniacal, if high-pitched, laugh. $:::The screams of the trainees is deafening, for they all now know they will be sliced apart alive -- vivsection!::: @ ::covers nose from the smell:: Oh God. @ GL> That, milady, is what we must do with the dead, until we can purchase enough oxygen to burn them with. $::: ((DETAILS OF VIVISECTION BLOCKED OUT TO RETAIN NADWS G RATING)) <=-)> [[We are PG ]] $Odo>::drools::: -- excess workers become valuable products. @ :::the bum lowers his voice::: $Gimbel>...yeah...maybe we should breed them. $ ::((SCREN USES HITCHCOCKIAN DIVERSION SHOTS OF STAINLESS STEEL, HORRIFIED FACES, AND NASTY SOUNDS, AND SO IS PG)) @ GL> There is one more thing you must see, in order to truly know what goes on here, Milady. @ ::shields eyes from the horrifying site of a half dozen other bodies lining the street where children are trying to play:: $Odo> Oh, well, if you wish to breed them, we can simply save those parts. @ ::drops head into hands:: This is far worse than I thought. $Odo>:::Is removing organs and tossding them into different translucent bins::: $Gimbel>Very well, Mr. Odo! Continue your gruesome procedure, which is certainly unsuitable for children to watch. @ ::looks up when bum grabs her wwist and pulls her forward:: @ GL>This way, Milady... @ What more do you want me to see? @ ::The bum takes her into a small, dark grove of stunted, dead trees::: @ I already believe you. This place is a true horror. + = Mama Legba's kitchen and gruel dispensary @ GL> You must see...This! @ :::suddenly, as if from nowhere, a lasso appears in the bum's hands:: +::The Doctor arrives looking for Jacie, assuming that he has finished well before she has, and hopes h can assist her in locating the resistance now that he has cracked the stock market computers. :: @ ::belatedly notices the bum has strength in his grasp and stops wheezing as the enter the airless grove:: @ What's going on. Who are you? @ ::He adroitly drops the lasso over the "Duchess", encircling her feet, then pulling tight::: +::Mama Legba is suspicious of the strange Doctor, and offers him a bowl of gruel and says if his story sounds convincing she may tell him of the young woman he asks about, if she was ever there. ::: @ ::backs away trying to reach under her cloak for her bag of dust:: @ :::He pulls the "Duchess off her feet::: @ ::falls flat on her back, struggling:: Stop it! +::The Doctor keeps to his cover story, about how he is an investor and his young friend is a philanthropist who wants to help.::: @ :::He drops another lasso over her hands, swiftly pulling it tight::: +::Mama Legba finds it hard to believe they are friends if they have such different agenda, and the Doctor comments that people need not agree on everything to be friends. The Doctor finds the gruel rather repulsive but tries to eat it. ::: @ I'm warning you. You don't know who you're dealing with. @ GL> Now then, missy, just what kind of game are you playing? @ GL> You're not a rich do-gooder, that's for certain. @ I'm about to play kick the attacker, if you must know. Get off me! +:::When it becomes clear that Mama Legba isn't buying it, the Doctor looks her in the eyes and makes a powerful hypnotic suggestion. ::: @ GL> You don't move, talk, act like a Duchess. @ I've never been so insulted in my life. Let me go or I'll bite your nose. @ :::He grins at her threats::: @ GL> In fact, you act more like a thief than a Duchess @ ::stares indignantly at the bum:: @ GL> Now be a good girl and tell me who you are and what you're doing here. @ ::struggles to free her hands and feet but they are well tied:: +::Mama Legba instantly says that it is none of her business, but she hopes the donation will take place tomorrow, and that in the meantime Jacie has gone off with a one-eyed bum who promised to show her the true situation of unfortunates on Adam Smith. She suggests they might have gone to the indigent camps not far away, near the acid pools and the dead forest. The Doctor is stunned by the depth of information he received from Mama Legba during his hypnotic conn @ :::silently, other figures approach thru the gloom, forming a circle round them::: @ Why don't you tell me who you are first. $:::Robotic cleanoing devices arrive to wipe up and random blood, some of which is dripping from Odo's razor finger:: Muwahaha!!! I know I always had a career as a meatcutter if I wanted it! @ ::sees figures approaching from all sides and realizes she's cut off by friends of the bum:: @ :::the bum watches the "Duchess", his chin in his hand::: $Gimbel>Brilliant work, Mr. Odo. $Odo> Excess workers become valuable products! @ I won't tell you anything, so you may as well cut my tongue out if you dare you to try. @ I've seen better thieves and murderers than you lot. $Gimbel>True, true. Did you like doing that, Mr. Odo? @ :::the bum chuckles wryly at her spirit:::: $Odo>It is a joy to carry out your profitable visions, my supreme mega manager! $Gimbel>Good, good! I'll be sure to line up plenty more for you! Now...let's see about crashing that stock market... @ GL> Thieves? Murderers? We are not those! [[David Do the Green Lantern oath ;) ]] @ Then who are you? @ :::The bum, in one swift motion, straightens up to his full height, pulls a green hood up over his head and takes off the rubber mask of the bum:::: @ ::the others begin the low chant::: Green Lantern! Green Lantern! @ GL> I am Green Lantern, and this is the Green Gang. @ ::eyes widen at the transformation from humble wrinkled bum to a tall man of strength and legendary knavery:: @ GL> We are on a sacred mission to shine the light of justice upon the evildoers of the Troygon Corporation. @ GL> If you are one of their agents, then this is the end of the line for you! [[Knavery Hehehehehe]] @ :::points at the "Duchess":: @ ::lies there, staring up at the killer gazes surrounding her:: @ GL> If you are not, but are on some other mission, then speak now! @ ::realizes she has completed her mission and just smiles:: Oh, I thought I'd find you, eventually. @ Now untie me! <<>> <<>> Hurray!!! Good job everyone! Bravo gang! We did it. Yeah! Bravo! This is a good story. Session Close: Wed May 24 22:17:06 2000