Lost Heroes #45 - "Population Explosion"
In the Med Sphere, Solitaire has asked to join with Beth in an attempt to repair her damaged mind. After a brief discussion, Beth agrees to this.
Beth - "As a doctor it is my task to care for those in need. Very well, Solitaire, you may proceed."
The ghostly form of Solitaire slips out of Slade. He falls to the floor, his form shifting back to its normal state. Solitaire glides forward and merges with Beth. If the joining causes any pain or discomfort, she does not show it. Beth closes her eyes and starts to fall back. Fortunately, Lord Lunatic is there to catch her.
Beth is placed in one of the hospital beds for observation. The hours pass by and Beth is still unconscious.
Once more the group goes their separate ways. Rem continues to watch over Tarantula. Lord Lunatic and Slade wander off. Number 6 returns to the computer.
Number 6 - "Computer, relay all information concerning the six scientists in currently in cryogenic freeze."
"Scientists are from the 24th Century. Volunteered to remain behind in hopes of rebuilding the mother world in some future age. The treatment they underwent will render them inert for one thousand years. There is a procedure for early revival."
"The subjects are: Dr. David Mendelson, Terraformer; Prof. Sharon Johnson, Botanist; Jason Stern, Engineer; Lt. Gary Brock, USSS; Amy Stephenson, Geologist; Dr. Jill Harvey, MD."
As Nunber 6 works, his assistant Fred approaches.
Fred - "Warning! Intruder alert! Unidentified personal in the Hanger Bay!"
The computer quickly relays the warning throughout the entire base.
Up in the Hanger Bay, there is a small display of energy and several people appear out of nowhere. They are all stunned to find themselves here. They are equally surprised to see each other.
Looking around, they find themselves in a gigantic room, some 200' wide and circular. The ceiling is, at it's highest, 50' over their heads. There are aircraft of some type close by. They are futuristic/primitive, depending on your point of view.
Then a voice is heard over the loudspeakers: "Intruder alert! Intruder alert! Unidentified personal in the Hanger Bay!"
GM Notes:
Say hello to the new PC's. I was vague on their number because there are few people I have yet to hear from. At the very least, there are 4 men appearing the Hanger Deck.
Number 6, I believe that you might have misunderstood a portion of Solitaire's memory. The people in the tubes WERE NOT the scientists... ];>
SUBJ: INTRUDER (R) FROM: GM Yiseal 02/16/90 S#: 514100
Suddenly I find myself in a hanger bay. I activate my weapon, which looks like a portable cannon, and turn to see whom else is present in the room. Seeing the others standing there as surprised as me, I start looking for the doors expecting trouble to come to meet us.
For those paying attention I am approximately 2 meters tall. I am dressed in a wet set of coveralls. I appear human. The weapon I have is approximately 2 feet long and the barrel is a good 6 inches in diameter.
Spectrum's Comments: Meet GM Yiseal. No, I have no idea what a Yiseal is either. He played a shape shifter named Ug.
SUBJ: Doug Ballant (R) FROM: Shadeblade 02/16/90 S#: 500278
Doug, laying on his bed in thought, jumps at the alarm blasting out an intruder alert. He quickly gets up, wincing as he leans too much on his wounded hand. He reaches for his blade, but then stops, thinks, and leaves it behind. He mutters as he runs to the hangar.
"Carrying weapons might not be too smooth, especially if these people are in the same boat we are. If they ARE hostile, I should be able to hold my own until support comes."
He finally reaches the hangar and enters slowly and cautiously. He catches sight of the group of bewildered people and clears his throat for attention. Man, is that gun BIG!
"My name is Doug Ballant. I wish I could tell you where we are and what is happening, but I haven't found out yet myself. I hope to Heaven that you aren't hostile, 'cause I have a severe allergy to pain...(Doug waves his wounded had.)...even if I cause it myself. You'll meet the others before too long, so get comfortable. By the way, what are your names? We may as well get off on the right foot."
Doug waits warily for any reply or reaction.
SUBJ: Enter "Impact" FROM: Bloodshard 02/16/90 S#: 809299
One of the new figures looks around. He stands slightly over 6' muscular with orange skin, purple Mohawk, and baby blue eyes. He looks startlingly charming for such a bizarre looking man. He's wearing camouflaged pants, combat boots, and a faded "Billy Idol" concert shirt. He shakes hands with the wounded Doug, smiles and says, "Hi, Jack Bloodshard, you can call me IMPACT. Somebody hurt you? I hate bullies. Where are we? Are there any girls around here or are we all male?...Wait maybe I better slow down."
"Hi, how ya doin'"
-Bloodshard
Spectrum's Comments: Another of the new players. A punk flavored brick.
SUBJ: Doug Ballant FROM: Shadeblade 02/17/90 S#: 402330
Doug takes Impact's hand... with his good hand, and returns the shake. After a moment of being battered with questions, he actually gets in a couple answers.
"I' doing great, despite my hand. And no, no one is responsible for my hand but me. Tough to talk about. There ARE some women around, but you want to be careful around them. Stay cool and be a "gentleman" and you'll get along great. We don't know why we are here, and even the best guesses can't be proved yet. You a Billy fan? I play a couple of his tunes, when I'm not sparring with walls. We should get along well."
Doug then looks back toward the others, hoping all the reactions will turn out as well. That gun is making me NERVOUS! I don't really like guns, especially hand cannons.
SUBJ: LORD LUNATIC - Victor Feury FROM: NightStlkr 02/17/90 S#: 428168
Vic goes back to his quarters. He kneels before a small shrine that he has recently constructed in the middle of his room .The shrine consists of several small crystalline monoliths forming a circle (somewhat like a miniature model of Stonehenge). In the center of the structure is an altar decorated with a red drape and a solid gold statue of an ankh.
LORD LUNATIC rests his Phoenix Sword between two upright pedestals in front of the ankh and falls into silent prayer.
A few moments later, the alarm sounds out, interrupting his meditative state. Lunatic rises in frustration.
"By Marduk's Beard!! What sort of cretin would disturb a Mystic Knight whilst he is conversing with his holy deity?!?"
The Mystic Knight grasps his sword from the altar, puts on his helmet, and heads for the hangar.
Upon his arrival, he stands ready for battle; the mystic flames from his sword throwing an eerie glow on his muscular form. But the flames die down, as LORD LUNATIC sees Doug conversing with these strangers; he realizes that they are not hostile. He sheathes his sword and raises his hand in friendship.
"HAIL, good people. My name is Victor Feury, though ye may address me by my Title of Mystic Knighthood: LORD LUNATIC. Forgive me for my paranoia. I knew not whether ye be friend or foe. But now, I do bid thee...Welcome."
Vic will proceed in meeting all of the new arrivals.
For the new members:
Lord Lunatic is about 6 1/2' tall; blue eyes, long blonde hair, and well built. He is garbed in Mystic Robe Armor; the armor worn only by Mystic Knights. This armor is of gray chain mail on his arms and chest, light brown leather over his legs, and a red robe that drapes down to his upper thigh. He also wears leather boots and gauntlets, a studded black belt with sheathe, and a golden amulet around his neck. On his head is a red helmet that covers most of it, and throws a shadow over his facial features. He seems to have a violent flickering in his eyes. He carries a sword with a golden hilt and a silver blade that burns bright with Mystic Flames.
SUBJ: THE WARLOCK (R) FROM: DMG 02/18/90 S#: 514837
After trying to recover from the shock to his system WARLOCK not liking too much company will ready his weapon, a small GRAVITY GUN and switch on his DIMENSION WARPER field to protect him. If any would look at him he would appear to be average height and 175 pounds. He could pass for an average non-descriptive person if it would not be for his bright green cats eyes and shock of pure white hare by his forelock. His dress would be a bizarre robe of many colors that appeared to pulsate.
Once THE WARLOCK realized these were friends he would lower both his weapon and shield. Although he is filled with questions he will listen to what other people said and form an opinion before asking about current happenings. After he has been answered he will stay with the group although ask about a storage or hardware room.
Spectrum's Comments: I hadn't realized this before, but this Warlock is the same character who later turned up in the New Crusaders game and was a member of the LA Knights. He's not a spell caster, but rather a gadgeeter who can alter probablilities.
SUBJ: REM FROM: REM9 02/18/90 S#: 484810
REM, totally oblivious to everything else but her two friends in sickbay, lets the others handle the intruder alarm. There are people down here that may need her. When Tarantula is asleep, REM will try and scan the Beth/Solitaire figure to see how the assimilation is going. She will see if Beth is all right and if not quickly wake ups her companion, to have him join her inside their minds.
SUBJ: Relaxing FROM: Yiseal 02/18/90 S#: 796962
Seeing another human come in, in a friendly mood puts me on edge but as the others come in armed and then relax, I lower my gun but leave the safety off. I listen while I watch any others arrive. I don't offer up any information yet as I am still unsure of the area.
Once things have calmed down and I feel a little more secure, I will put my weapon on safety and put it away. I will not give any name or other information yet, but I will ask if there might be some dry clothes around for me to change into? I will be paying special attention to how each person looks.
SUBJ: Number 6 FROM: Deslock 02/18/90 S#: 20209
- So, more new arrivals? This makes an already questionable situation all the more unbelievable. And now, from what REM read in Solitaires mind, it appears the original story of our own arrival here is refuted. -
"Fred, go to the hangar and observe the proceedings. Should hostilities arise, execute defense program. Otherwise, observe and report later."
- No point in my going, there's little I can do until I finish some more of my projects. I also wish to come to the bottom of what's going on. No point in asking the computer, it's the source of the erroneous information. Time for some hands on research. -
I'll sit at a computer console, and do some work the old fashioned way. In particular, I'll attempt to uncover information about Solitaire's version of our arrival. I'm assuming this information has been hidden, and will be attempting to uncover the true story. Failing that, I'll at least try to find out when, how and who planted the cover story.
Spectrum's Comments: Number Six was the first player to realize, and post, that things were not really as they appeared...
SUBJ: Beth
Oblivious to what is going on around her, Beth quietly rests. After sensing Rem in her thoughts, Beth will reply: 'I'm all right, Rem. This is a most interesting experience.'
Spectrum's Comments: Anyone want to bet that Beth doesn't come out of this situation with Solitaire exactly the same way she went into it?
GM Notes:
A few minutes after the arrival of Lord Lunatic in the Hanger Bay, Fred enters the room. Fred is robot in the classic sense. He is humanoid in appearance, but each section of his body is geometric shape. His head is round, his chest rectangular, etc.
Seeing nothing hostile taking place, Fred merely watches the proceedings.
Elsewhere, Number 6 works at the computer. The answers to his questions continue to elude him. However, he does discover one fact. The entries about the original Lost Heroes were the last files added to the memory core.... After the base had been abandoned!
SUBJ: BLACK TARANTULA (R) FROM: AREION 02/19/90 S#: 807454
As the crisis passes, TARANTULA releases REM's hand abruptly. What had he been thinking? He doesn't deserve that kind of contact any more! And REM certainly deserves better than a deranged psychopath who's killed for the taste of blood. Slipping back into his self-hate, TARANTULA curls up on his cot in the med-lab.
'I don't deserve to be with normal people. I should be put away, or at least kept in isolation. If I had the GUTS, I'd walk out of here and NEVER look back!' are his last thoughts as he drifts off into slumber. His sleep is not restful. Images of Blood, violence and death fill his dreams. Even here, there is no escape. He awakens to a numbing exhaustion. No matter how much sleep he gets, he fells as though he hasn't had any.
Lying awake in the cot, he can feel REM sitting beside him; the warmth of her body, so close to his; the tenderness of her thoughts. He yearns to hold her, to weep his lament for all to hear, as though his pathetic remorse could atone for what he's done! But he has no right he knows that. So he lies very still, pretending to be asleep. Praying she accepts his charade at face value!
When the intruder alert sounds, its relief...not concern or anxiety that flashes through Tarantula's mind. Springing from the bed with an agility and speed unrivaled by the best of Olympic gymnasts, TARANTULA launches himself towards the door, shouting behind him: "I'd better check that out..."
Instinctively, TARANTULA thrusts out a hand, preparing to cast a swing line, then stops in his tracks. NO! It will be a LONG time before he's ready to use THOSE powers again! Instead, he takes off at a brisk jog for the hanger bay. Once he arrives, he begins demanding in a loud voice: "Who are you people and What are you doing here?!?!"
For the Newcomers: BLACK TARANTULA is about the average weight, height, and build for a man in his mid-twenties who engages in moderate regular exercise. The only thing he's wearing at the moment is a pair of light blue jogging pants. No shirt, no shoes, no socks. His hairy arms and chest visible tighten and relax in unrythmatic intervals. His mid-neck length, curly brown hair obviously has not been combed recently, and the thick stubble on his face suggests several days of neglect. The worst part is his eyes! The deep blue orbs have a crazed, faraway look to them. It seems obvious to all that this man is teetering on the edge of his sanity.
"I don't like being ignored D**N IT! Who the H**L are you people."
Sorry for being rude, but as I've stated, BT's walking a tightrope emotionally.
SUBJ: Outback FROM: Psycho Tim 02/19/90 S#: 800545
Looking startled, I immediately draw one of my handcrafted machetes and dangerously swing it around. Noticing no one attacks me; I grin and say "oops". "OY! Me name is Outback, I only have one question, mates, WHERE THE BLOODY HELL ARE WE?!!"
Outback is about 6'3 and he is totally muscle-bound without 1 ounce of fat on him. He is almost out of proportion and he has very tanned skin, almost leathery.
Spectrum's Comments: You gotta love a username like Psycho Tim. Outback was an Austrialian flavored brick. Later on he was on the Crusaders after LH folded.
SUBJ: Number 6 (R) FROM: Deslock 02/20/90 S#: 402750
- So, at least that much is confirmed. Damn this computer! Perhaps one of these newcomers has some skill in this area? -
I'll head to the hangar bay, to see about our latest guests. Arriving, I notice Tarantula's somewhat unstable state.
"Tarantula, I believe you can relax. These people seem to have arrived much as the last batch did, and appear to be just as peaceful. Perhaps you should return to sick bay and make sure REM and Beth are all right."
Assuming BT leaves, I'll wait until he's out of earshot and move to a com-station.
"REM, BT's heading back in your direction. He appears somewhat distraught, see what you can do for him."
All this done, I'll turn my attention to the new arrivals.
"Welcome to Alpha Base. My name is Dr. Henry Driscoll, although most call me Number 6. For those of you familiar with the Earth, we seem to be in an area somewhere along the New York/Pennsylvania border. The date is 2635, give or take a century. Humanity has fled this planet, using it now as a penal colony. Until recently, it was surrounded by a series of energy damping satellites, the last of which were destroyed not long ago by an alien space fleet, most of which left. Some of us arrived here much as you just did. Others, myself included, were awakened from cryogenic storage, although the details of the placement of these tanks in this facility have just come under suspicion. Any of you trained in computer science?"
Number 6 is about 5'9", 130#. His short hair is dark, flecked with gray. He's currently dressed in slacks, shirt, and a lab coat. He seems somewhat frail, and much of the skin you see is heavily scarred, apparently by fire.
SUBJ: Doug Ballant FROM: Shadeblade 02/21/90 S#: 822700
Doug watches carefully, noticing a tension in everyone. A tension thick enough to slice off and keep for later. A tension strong enough to blind reason and draw violence. The solution comes in a flash. It might take a good week to get ready, but, God willing, it might work. It might also take his mind off of Tricia...
Tarantula's entry breaks the reverie. Recent memories scream at him, "Hold him! Catch him or someone will be hurt. Protect him from himself and the others..."
The momentum of power builds in a flash, ready for use. The scientist man, Number 6, brings relief with his level head. Doug makes a plan to get to know this man better. Doug's skill with electronics might come in handy. Finally, he gathers his wits to speak.
"Not everyone is free to come to this party. This place is anything but boring. This hangar, however, is not the greatest place to chat. If no one objects, I say we move this fiesta to the lounge..."
If everyone is agreeable, Doug will lead the way. He doesn't know the place too well yet, but he DOES know how to find the lounge.
Doug has hair that seems either black or dark brown. He stands at about 5'7", but has a body that seems accustomed to heavy activity. He has a quick and powerful build. His face, while not the best looking, still rates high on the scale.
SUBJ: Warlock FROM: DMG 02/21/90 S#: 824125
Hearing #6 speak Warlock listens carefully. After the speech he decides to offer him help. Of coarse with a catch that #6 show him where the spare parts are kept.
Spectrum's Comments: Once more we get to listen in on Ermon talking to himself...
Prolog: Elsewhere...
"See, I told you! They are beginning to suspect."
"Let them... There's not much they can do about it."
"What about your brethren? They are sure to take the offensive."
"I have little doubt of that... They will be in for quite a surprise."
"They may not be the only ones...."
Lost Heroes #46 - "Metamorphosis"
A potentially explosive situation in the hanger bay appears to have been defused. Led by Doug, everyone who wishes to travels to the Rec Sphere on Level 3. The discussion continues as everyone tries to learn more about each other and what is going on.
As a public service for the newer players, here is a quick review of Alpha Base.
The base's history can be traced back to the 20th Century. Back then it was a secret lair for the organization known as Genocide, a band dedicated to the removal of the 'mutant menace'.
Later, the US Army took over the base, turning it into a research installation. Much of the base was changed and it grew many times in size. The remains of the Genocide occupation were safely stored away in a Sphere on the 3rd level. Still later, as the alien parasite took its toll on the planet, Alpha Base became one of the last bastions of humanity.
The base was abandoned when a series of power dampening satellites were placed in orbit to neutralize the parasite. The inhabitants of Alpha Base took all the workable aircraft and fled to Gamma Base. From Gamma Base they took shuttles into orbit.
Alpha Base consists of 4 levels. The 4 levels are all connected via a central shaft. Eight tunnels shoot off the main shaft on levels 2 and 3. Each shaft ends in a section of the base. Each of these sections is called 'Spheres' because they are circular in design.
Level 1: This level holds the Hanger bay and the Control Center. The aircraft in the hangers are all in need of repair.
Level 2: This level is the refugee's came to live. Five of the eight Spheres' are living areas. Usually 2-3 room apartments. One Sphere is the Education Sphere, essentially a futuristic school. Another is dubbed the Mall. Virtually any goods imaginable can be found here. Clothing, minor equipment, anything in keeping with 24th century life style. Items taken from here cost no characters points. The last Sphere is the Gym Sphere. This area as almost every athletic activity you can think of.
Level 3: This level is where the main work of the base was done. It holds the Bio-Labs and the Med-Labs. There is a Receiving and Storage area, a Machine Shop and an Officer's Quarters. This is where everyone is currently quartered. The Rec Sphere is on this level. It holds all the non-athletic pass times. The last two areas are currently sealed off. One is the Botany Sphere that has an unusual life form in it. The other is the remains of the Genocide Base.
Level 4: The main power plant for the base is on this level. Each Sphere has a back up generator for emergencies.
In addition to all the characters met, there are 22 Sisters currently living in the base. They were formerly part of the Shrine of Spinadria. When their God was slain by the Heroes, the sisters were invited into the base. They handle the basic tasks of day-to-day life.
After a time, Fred reports to Number 6.
Fred - "According to sensors, the alien spaceship is entering the atmosphere. The base appears to be its destination."
All is quiet in the Med Sphere. Beth continues to sleep... But much is going on inside! In her mind, she speaks to Solitaire.
Beth - "Is it working?"
Solitaire - "Yes... I'm almost whole... It's a pity..."
Beth - "What do you mean?"
Solitaire - "I understand now... My time has long past... I must go away..."
Beth - "But where? How?"
Solitaire - "I shall let my essence drift apart as it should have... Without my madness, I could never have lasted this long... Farewell, Beth... You have my gratitude..."
The image starts to move away.
Beth - "Where are you going?"
Solitaire doesn't answer. Her image continues to move away, until it is out of sight. Not quite knowing what to make of this, Beth opens her eyes and sits up.
Beth - "She's gone."
GM Notes:
Well, this post should help everyone get around the base. Until I looked it up, I didn't realize that I had yet to describe to base to the last batch of new players. Made up for it now!
Now what?
SUBJ: Beth
Beth feels fine after waking up from her experience with Solitaire. Seeing the concern on Rem's face, I take her hand.
'Not to worry, my friend. I am well. I seem to have no ill effects from the merger... She gone now... I saved her, but not the way I had intended...'
Upon learning of yet more new arrivals, Beth heads for the lounge.
'This is crazy, Rem. How do all these strangers keep popping up? Someone must be responsible for it...'
Once at the lounge I will introduce myself to the newcomers.
Beth is a fairly attractive young woman in her twenties. She stands about 5'6", has brown eyes and wears glasses. Her long brown hair is in a ponytail. Her dress is casual, blue jeans, a UCLA sweatshirt and sneakers.
SUBJ: Outback FROM: Psycho Tim 02/24/90 S#: 400926
In the lounge, I flirt with all the ladies and listen to my stomach growl.
"Hey me mates, I'm a bit peckish, so could you spare a Large bite to eat?" Saying this I pick up a soda machine (its a lounge, there is one right?). After scarfing down my food, I ask" are there any weights? Preferably in the 40 ton range please."
SUBJ: Number 6 FROM: Deslock 02/24/90 S#: 394378
I go with the others to the Lounge. Seeing that they are settled in, and that Doug is a much better host than I, I prepare to return to work.
"I'd like to sit and chat, but this base is still not fully operational, so I have to get going. Doug can show you how everything operates here, and there's no shortage of accommodations. Come along Fred."
Bumping into Beth in the hallway, I temporarily halt her trip to the lounge to speak with her.
"Beth, I fear we may still have a problem with Tarantula. Psychiatry is not my specialty, but I believe he may be suffering a breakdown. I'll check on him, and talk to REM to see what she can do."
On my way over to the medical area, I stop off in the lab to pick up some tools. While there, my glance falls upon my latest pair of projects.
- Looks like it may be time to start carrying these things full time. I don't know what it is, but I fear something is about to happen. -
I strap on the odd-looking belt and holster, and head over to medical. Assuming Tarantula is there, I'll have a talk with him, and attempt to determine his mental state. If he is still agitated, I'll sedate him. In any case, I'll take REM aside to have a talk with her.
"As you no doubt have noticed, Tarantula isn't dealing with his recent 'illness' well. This is not an area I'm good in; I deal with the physical, not the mental, the latter being your forte. See what you can do for him."
All this done, Fred and I will head down to the generator room. It's time to get this place up to snuff. Our maintenance/repair priorities will be power, shields, and base weaponry, in that order.
"Ready to get to work, Fred?"
Mail From: Yiseal Date: Sunday 25-Feb-90 00:54 EST
Lost Heroes:
My guy is going to take on the image of Doug. He seems to be doing all the talking so I figure for safety; I can mimic him in case this is a trap.
(Slightly paranoid ain't I ;) )
Don't worry; as soon as I settle in, I will not cause you too many problems. At least not more then a regular player would. 0:>
SUBJ: Quiet ? (R) FROM: Yiseal 02/25/90 S#: 810340
Still being unsure of what is happening, I will follow the others but keep on guard, ready for the first sign this is a trap. I pay special attention to this Doug fellow. Once we reach the rec room, I will find a chair that faces the door but is close to a wall. I will then sit down with my weapon across my lap.
At some point during the chitchat going on, you will suddenly notice 2 Doug's in the room. One is sitting against the wall with my weapon across his lap.
SUBJ: Warlock FROM: DMG 02/25/90 S#: 437897
Asking one last time in Number 6 needs any help fixing any thing I'll head to the Machine Shop for spare parts to build a robot (not a big one about 2 feet) with A.I.(artificial intelligence. If that's not possible then he'll go check out the aircrafts. BUT WARLOCK IS ALWAYS READY FOR TROUBLE.
SUBJ: Number 6 FROM: Deslock 02/25/90 S#: 408504
"Thanks for the offer, Warlock. Once you've settled in, I'm sure I could use the help. Take your time, get to know the others and the base. There's plenty of work to do around here, it won't all get done today. Tomorrow we can get you to work."
SUBJ: Hmmm... FROM: Bloodshard 02/26/90 S#: 32229
Impact follows a tour of the base. He grits his teeth at Tarantula's aggressive behavior. He politely kisses Beth's hand upon meeting her. "A pleasure to meet you my lady."
At seeing Outback lifting heavy objects he mumbles, "Show-off". He goes inspects every room carefully. He goes to the mall and tries to get the computers to make an electronic laser optic rose to give to Beth.
The alarm of the in-coming ship makes him tense up. "Hmmm... we seem to have company approaching."
"I don't know who's in charge, but if I'm needed my ... umm... assets are mostly physical. I can help you keep an eye on Tarantula and/or keep watch at the hanger bay in case the in-coming ship is carrying trouble."
*side note- Anyone paying attention notices "Impact" doesn't seem to eat, drinks nothing but Diet Cola, and rarely sleeps.
SUBJ: Doug FROM: Shadeblade 02/26/90 S#: 794798
His recent troubles buried in a wave of new faces, Doug actually relaxes somewhat. He does what he can to help the new people, learning what he can as he goes along. He tries his best, considering his short residency. With all the questions and moving around, he doesn't notice the "new" face sitting next to the wall for five minutes.
"Food? Well, you can dial up almost anything, but it tastes pretty bl..." He stops dead as sees himself on the other side of the room. Needless to say, he is more than confused and a bit worried.
"Wait a sec... Is someone trying to pull a fast one on me? That's no mirror!"
He grabs desparately for his composure in the midst of frantic discomfort.
"Hey, I almost thought I was having an out-of-body experience. Geez! Scared me, there. But then, I don't typically carry cannons. Guns & I haven't ever gotten along well. My blade does well enough by me, with a couple tricks thrown in for help. Who's doin' that? Neat trick, but I've had more practice being me than anyone I know. Makes me jumpy, looking at another face as handsome as my own..."
He gives a hammy pose, to the groans and chuckles of others. With that, he continues to do what he can to help, but with a slight hidden impatience to get to work on his latest scheme. He also watches "himself" closely, trying to gauge the enigmatic newcomer.
Mail From: REM9 Date: Thursday 1-Mar-90 22:05 EST
As Beth comes out of her trance and grabs REM'S hand, REM wastes no time in giving Beth the biggest hug she can muster, causing Beth to catch her breath.
"Beth, thank God you are alright. I was starting to get worried it was taking so long. If anything would have happened to you, I don't think I would have forgiven myself for believing in Solitaire. Well I am glad that is over."
When Deslock approaches REM with his suggestion (sorry I meant Number Six) REM explodes with unexpected rage.
"What do you expect Tarantula to feel right now?!? Of course he is having trouble dealing with what happened. You don't know what it is like having your body do things that you would not do like kill someone else. You have no right to try and judge him. Why don't you go and do what you should be doing like finding out how all these people are getting in our base with our precious force screens up instead of meddling in things that are none of your business!"
It is apparent that almost as soon as she says this, REM regrets every word.
"Oh my God. I am sooo sorry Number 6. I didn't mean any of that. I should be grateful for you caring like you do instead of snapping like that. I guess all that has happened lately has been a lot for me as well as Tarantula.
Maybe what we need is a change of scenery. We have been awake for about (5?) months now and still no very little about what the world is like. Maybe it is about tine that we did some exploring. Can you fix up one of those cars upstairs? Then maybe Tarantula and me and anyone else who wanted to come could go out and see what we can find while the rest stayed and took care of the place. What do you think? Maybe we could bring it up while everyone is together in the rec room. By the way, who is in charge here, you or Beth? I don't remember anyone ever saying, but maybe it would be nice if everyone knew. And then what are we going to do about our friends still caught, or maybe dead in that gook in the Biology room. So much to do, so little time."
Spectrum's Comments: Rem mailed me her response as opposed to simply posting it. Next time she's a regular chatter box in the main post! Speaking of next time, the mysterious aliens finally arrive!