Lisa's Story part 3

(Lisa writes a letter and posts copies of it in the school and at other important places in Nerima.)

Attention all available bodies!

I am planning a trip to Egypt over the weekend starting Next Friday at 4:00 p.m. We are going to be looking for a hidden underground pyramid somewhere in the area. I will not kid you. Those of you who choose to go may be putting your life at risk but your efforts will be greatly rewarded. Anyone who is going must notify me before 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday so I can make the necessary arrangements. Food and shelter will be provided. Take care.

Sincerely yours, Lisa Michelle Calaway

RL Note : This trip is currently open to anyone, including NPCs and "expendables". It also a good way for newbies who are just starting out to fit themselves into GRIT. I will let you know some of the details later on.

> (Lisa writes a letter and posts copies of it in the school and at >other important places in Nerima.)

Principal Kunou: (finishes reading the note) Oho! So, you want the school to finance this trip, Dr.StDrake?

Gaeld: StGeorge. And if you don't want to use the school's funds, I'll provide for any necessary expenditure; I just want you to endorse it as a field trip; I could teach much about the history and way of thinking of a bygone people to the students by taking them to the site proper.

P.Kunou: Allright then! Take the kids to Egypt! Say... do they have palm trees and coconuts there?

Gaeld: I'll bring one if I find one. (rises and gets up)

P.Kunou: What about transportation?

Gaeld: Plane. I could arrange transdimensional transportation, but half the experience of a trip is getting there...

>RL Note : This trip is currently open to anyone, including NPCs and >"expendables". It also a good way for newbies who are just starting out >to fit themselves into GRIT. I will let you know some of the details >later on.

And now it's a Furinkan High field trip; with an assigned chaperone <MML>

That makes *two* chaperones, since Corrie is already on the case (and she doesn't give up). Maybe three, if Robert (Keido) is going to be back soon.

Besides, I think we were planning on going via TARDIS.

AA3

The Martians will come in their own UFO and they'll lots of them coming.

AAA4

You know; this villain schtick is good for the Machiavellian brain-muscles; I _knew_ you two were going to do that <eg>

Gaeld: Class; the school has authorized a field trip to Egypt; assistance will cover the grade for the running month. I expect written permissions by your parents or legal guardians in two days at most.

Lisa: (whispers to Jay) I'd rather go with Corrie on the TARDIS.

Gaeld: Assistance is obligatory; your final grade may depend on it. Those who go separate from the class will _not_ be graded.

Lisa: Oh, boy.

AAA5

>>>That makes *two* chaperones, since Corrie is already on the case (and she >>>doesn't give up). Maybe three, if Robert (Keido) is going to be back >>>soon. >> >>>Besides, I think we were planning on going via TARDIS. >> >>the Martians will come in their own UFO and they'll lots of them coming.

>You know; this villain schtick is good for the Machiavellian brain-muscles; >I _knew_ you two were going to do that <eg>

I thought he knew we knew. I sense a BIG conflict coming in.

And so...

Martian Mothership, The Lab.

(The Martian walks in Several martian techs are bustling around a big metal box with lots of wires coming out from and going into it.)

Tech#1:GREETING SIR!

Martian:<winces>Please keep quiet...

Tech#2:(not the same one. It's dead)<whisper>All right sir.

Martian:<sighs>Anyway, you said you had something that might interest me.

Tech#4:<whisper>Yes, sir. Here. (points at the box)

Martian:Interesting...What is it?

Tech#6:<whisper>Magic Nullifier

Martian:A what??

Tech#5:<whisper>As you know, we have observed the magic-users of Nerima for a long time now, gathering readings and so on. I think we have been able to find out the wavelength of magical energies and build a machine which should interfere with Magic, the same way jammers interfere with communications.

Martian:I see...Are you sure it'll work.

Tech#7:<whisper>Uhh...<really faint whisper>We haven't had a chance to test it.

Martian:Pardon? I didn't hear you.

Tech#7:IT SHOULD SIR!

Martian:Please keep on whispering. Now then, how should we carry it around?

Tech#1:<whisper>Well, this is to be installed in the UFO we are going to use. We are currectly designing smaller, portable units.

Martian:I see...Carry on.

(walks out.)

Now then...Will the Martians gadget work at all? If it works, what will be the consequences? I know very well that magic cannot be blocked the same way communications are jammed, but they don't. Very unpredicatable results _might_ occur. Or nothing at all. I like it.

RLJussi:HEHEHE. Another silly gadget introduced. Boy this will be fun.

JN:You are sadistic.

RLJussi:I know. <VEG>

AAAA6

> I thought he knew we knew. I sense a BIG conflict coming in.

Well, based on his actions in the ruins, it was obvious (actually it was obvious when Lisa decided not to give him the gem back at the beginning)

> > And so... > > Martian Mothership, The Lab. > > (The Martian walks in Several martian techs are bustling around a big metal > box with lots of wires coming out from and going into it.) > > Tech#1:GREETING SIR! > > Martian:<winces>Please keep quiet... > > Tech#2:(not the same one. It's dead)<whisper>All right sir. > > Martian:<sighs>Anyway, you said you had something that might interest me. > > Tech#4:<whisper>Yes, sir. Here. (points at the box) > > Martian:Interesting...What is it? > > Tech#6:<whisper>Magic Nullifier > > Martian:A what?? > > Tech#5:<whisper>As you know, we have observed the magic-users of Nerima for > a long time now, gathering readings and so on. I think we have been able to > find out the wavelength of magical energies and build a machine which should > interfere with Magic, the same way jammers interfere with communications. > > Martian:I see...Are you sure it'll work. > > Tech#7:<whisper>Uhh...<really faint whisper>We haven't had a chance to test it. > > Martian:Pardon? I didn't hear you. > > Tech#7:IT SHOULD SIR! > > Martian:Please keep on whispering. Now then, how should we carry it around? > > Tech#1:<whisper>Well, this is to be installed in the UFO we are going to use. > We are currectly designing smaller, portable units. > > Martian:I see...Carry on. > > (walks out.) > > Now then...Will the Martians gadget work at all? If it works, what will be the > consequences? I know very well that magic cannot be blocked the same way > communications are jammed, but they don't. Very unpredicatable results _might_ > occur. Or nothing at all. I like it.

snip a bit

Corrie's TARDIS arrives on the Martian Mothership. She steps out, wearing a dress and lab coat. It's right after school and she hasn't taken time to change.

Corrie: We've got a minor problem.

Martian: Wbat is it?

Corrie: Dr. StGeorge has decided to turn this into a school field trip. I trust him as far as I could spit an Altarian Mega Elephant. He's after the gem.

Martian: We suspected something was up. (He shows the prototype portable device to Corrie. She studies it critically as he describes its functions.) We hope it will work.

Corrie: It looks like you have a few things loose in here. (She shows the technicians the problems and makes a few more suggestions) Hopefully it will work. If you want, I can have K9 check it.

AAAAA7

>> I thought he knew we knew. I sense a BIG conflict coming in.

>Well, based on his actions in the ruins, it was obvious (actually it was >obvious when Lisa decided not to give him the gem back at the beginning)

>> Now then...Will the Martians gadget work at all? If it works, what will be the>> consequences? I know very well that magic cannot be blocked the same way >> communications are jammed, but they don't. Very unpredicatable results _might_ >> occur. Or nothing at all. I like it.

>snip a bit

>Corrie's TARDIS arrives on the Martian Mothership. She steps out, >wearing a dress and lab coat. It's right after school and she hasn't >taken time to change.

All the Techies instantly run to the TARDIS, trying to get in. Alerted by the unauthorised entry the Martian runs to the lab leading a squadron of guards. It takes a few minutes to calm the Techies down.

Martian:Corrie, I wish you wouldn't do that. Unauthorised teleport puts the whole ship on alert.

>Corrie: We've got a minor problem.

>Martian: Wbat is it?

>Corrie: Dr. StGeorge has decided to turn this into a school field trip. > I trust him as far as I could spit an Altarian Mega Elephant. He's >after the gem.

>Martian: We suspected something was up. (He shows the prototype >portable device to Corrie. She studies it critically as he describes >its functions.) We hope it will work.

>Corrie: It looks like you have a few things loose in here. (She shows >the technicians the problems and makes a few more suggestions) Hopefully >it will work. If you want, I can have K9 check it.

Martian:(checks that none of the Techies is near.)<whisper>You better do that. They are good techies, but their prototypes never seem to work as planned. I'm glad they've been able to perfect the transporters.

Martian:Anyway, if you can give me the trip's timetable I can go ahead of him to check things out. Hopefully we'll be able to search the pyramid before he gets there with the students.

Corrie:Presumed you get in the pyramid.

Martian:Point. I hope we get, since it'll be sheer hell after all those civilians get there. Lots of potential hostages, and we don't know what's in the pyramid.

AAAAA8

Corrie: Getting in won't be easy. If we're dealing with something alien and ancient, they may have some types of technology we've never faced. Having Dr. StGeorge around won't help matters. K9's still working on the translation of the papers. And there's something else.

Martian: What?

Corrie: Something the Doctor had told me about. There was a correlation between a pyramid on Mars and a pyramid in Egypt. The two pyramids were working together to keep some godlike being trapped. The being tried to escape back in the 1920's. The whole situation evolved into the Egyptian mythology. I need to check my TARDIS Archives (RL Note: My copy of Dr. Who and the Pyramids of Mars) and refresh my memory. Anyway, let me get K9 out here to work with your techs. (Corrie blows a silent whistle. K9 emerges from the TARDIS. Corrie explains the situation.)

AAAAA9

>snip some here > >> I thought he knew we knew. I sense a BIG conflict coming in. > >Well, based on his actions in the ruins, it was obvious (actually it was >obvious when Lisa decided not to give him the gem back at the beginning)

Gaeld: What? Does one declares himself a villain and all actions are taken for the worse? By Tiamat! These people are more prejudiced than McCarthy!

RLAl-X: Did you mean any good to Lisa?

Gaeld: No; but I didn't mean any harm either; what's the use? I could've taken that gem from her anytime I pleased. Ninth Hell! I even _commended_ her for her sense of honor, something these other monkeys know nothing about... I should just get rid of them instead of plotting this stupid trip.

RLAl-X: But your'e not because it's good for the plot.

Gaeld: Yeah, yeah, whatever. You realize I hate you.

>> And so... >> >> Martian Mothership, The Lab. >> >> Now then...Will the Martians gadget work at all? If it works, what will be the >> consequences? I know very well that magic cannot be blocked the same way >> communications are jammed, but they don't. Very unpredicatable results _might_ >> occur. Or nothing at all. I like it.

Oooh, boy; evil idea on the way! <EG>

>snip a bit > >Corrie's TARDIS arrives on the Martian Mothership. She steps out, >wearing a dress and lab coat. It's right after school and she hasn't >taken time to change. > >Corrie: We've got a minor problem. > >Martian: Wbat is it? > >Corrie: Dr. StGeorge has decided to turn this into a school field trip. > I trust him as far as I could spit an Altarian Mega Elephant. He's >after the gem. > >Martian: We suspected something was up. (He shows the prototype >portable device to Corrie. She studies it critically as he describes >its functions.) We hope it will work. > >Corrie: It looks like you have a few things loose in here. (She shows >the technicians the problems and makes a few more suggestions) Hopefully >it will work. If you want, I can have K9 check it.

Just for the record: Magic is but one of Gaeld's skills...

AAAAB7

>Gaeld: Yeah, yeah, whatever. You realize I hate you.

RLJussi:So what. He's an RL, you are just a PC. Live with it.

>>> And so... >>> >>> Martian Mothership, The Lab. >>> >>> Now then...Will the Martians gadget work at all? If it works, what will be the >>> consequences? I know very well that magic cannot be blocked the same way >>> communications are jammed, but they don't. Very unpredicatable results _might_ >>> occur. Or nothing at all. I like it.

>Oooh, boy; evil idea on the way! <EG>

Goody. But remember, Gaeld doesn't know of that device. He doesn't even know it excists.

>Just for the record: Magic is but one of Gaeld's skills...

Maybe, but he can't be an expert on everything.

AAAABA8

And, not to offend anybody but to mention a point Blade and several others made to me back when I started, there is a point where a character becomes too powerful. All of the characters have lots of skills, too. Let's not get carried away with our characters. Even the Master and the Rani have their limits.

AAAABAA9

Well, I like to think Al-X has been with us long enough (heck, he's been here longer than me! Ne, Al-X-sempai? ^_^) to not fall into that kind of trap. Besides, Gaeld's an archvillian - by definition, he has a fatal weakness that the heroes can exploit at the Last Possible Moment and his plans, no matter how well-planned or executed, will always fail. That's the way archvillians are.

AAAABAA10

>>>> Martian Mothership, The Lab. >>>> >>>> Now then...Will the Martians gadget work at all? If it works, what will be the >>>> consequences? I know very well that magic cannot be blocked the same way >>>> communications are jammed, but they don't. Very unpredicatable results _might_ >>>> occur. Or nothing at all. I like it. > >>Oooh, boy; evil idea on the way! <EG> > >Goody. But remember, Gaeld doesn't know of that device. He doesn't even know >it excists.

Your lack of faith... disturbs me...

Don't worry, it was taken into account.

>>Just for the record: Magic is but one of Gaeld's skills... > >Maybe, but he can't be an expert on everything.

6000+ years of experience and an avid mind. He's still tuning up on tech, though.

AAAABAB9

>>Goody. But remember, Gaeld doesn't know of that device. He doesn't even know >>it excists.

>Your lack of faith... disturbs me...

I got an incerdible Star Wars flash after I read this. Coincidence?

>Don't worry, it was taken into account.

Oh, goodie! (umm...ehhh...too much Kawaii I guess...)

>>>Just for the record: Magic is but one of Gaeld's skills... >> >>Maybe, but he can't be an expert on everything.

>6000+ years of experience and an avid mind. He's still tuning up on tech, >though.

Just as I thought.

AAAABB8

>>>Goody. But remember, Gaeld doesn't know of that device. He doesn't even know >>>it excists. > >>Your lack of faith... disturbs me... > >I got an incerdible Star Wars flash after I read this. Coincidence?

In my experience, there's no such thing as luck.

>>Don't worry, it was taken into account. > >Oh, goodie! (umm...ehhh...too much Kawaii I guess...) > >>>>Just for the record: Magic is but one of Gaeld's skills... >>> >>>Maybe, but he can't be an expert on everything. > >>6000+ years of experience and an avid mind. He's still tuning up on tech, >>though. > >Just as I thought.

Just remember: the power to destroy planets is _nothing_ compared to the power of the Force.

A library, a few decades back. Gaeld is reading from a pile of books.

Gaeld: I don't get these humans; why get rid of such an elegant theory like ether? I can understand dispensing of spontaneous generation but this...

later...

Gaeld: Chaos theory... Now _this_ one has a clue...

AAAABB9

After Dr. StGeorge's class, Lisa and Jay go to science, where Lisa informs Corrie of the latest developments with Dr. StGeorge. She isn't surprised.

Corrie: When he tried to pull that stunt back at the ruins, I knew he'd try something like this. Don't worry. I already got wind of this. Both Keido and I will be along as chaperones, even if we don't take the TARDIS.

Jay: Keido?

Corrie: The truant officer. You haven't met him yet, have you? (sly grin)

Jay: (uncomfortably) Err...

Corrie: Anyway, we'll both be there. I think the Martian is coming along, though he might teleport directly to the site. I *am* bringing K9 along, and I have direct access to the TARDIS, so I can call it from where ever we are in case there's danger. I think we should make a game plan before we leave: you two, me, Keido, and the Martian.

AAAB6

reater Nerima Institute of Technology:

Student (wearing a robe and a pointy hat): Could you please explain what's wrong with this answer?

Maki-sensei: Well, phlogiston is _not_ a scientific explanation for combustion. It's a useful metaphorical construct to focus one's magical abilities, but this is Science for Sorcerors, not Sorcery for Scientists.

Student: Oh. *points to a tube-shaped device* Say, is that a mana battery? I've never seen one before.

Maki: Oh, no. It's a transporter. It works by creating a dimensional warp between two places. Right now I've set it for Egypt. I want to see what's up. It's a target for alien invaders! *points to a computer screen showing the path of Martian ships headed for Egypt. Yup, she's getting her little green men confused.*

Student: What's Martian?

Maki: They don't have Mars in your home dimension?

Student: Oh. What's *Mars*?

Maki: It's a planet.

Student: What's a planet?

Maki: Astronomy is *next* week. Let's stick to chemistry right now.

The student nods, then snaps his fingers and disappears.

Maki: << Hmph. Who needs sorcery to do that? >> She picks up a passport and a hula hoop clearly marked "return trip to lab" and steps towards her transporter.

AAAC6

The minute she tells the martians to stop their invasion (or something similiar) she'll have her hands full of _very_ angry (but probably non-violent) martians. Confusing them with the evil little green men is *BAD*. To whom depends on who is confusing things. If it's Nasty, then it's bad for the martians. If it's somebody at Jay's powerlevel it is bad for the one who got things confused.

AAAC7

Speaking of Robert, how is he doing? Last I heard, he was undergoing eye surgery.

AAB4

> --Well, speaking of Robert, he asked me to post this for him:

[RL-KDO: Hey everyone, I wanted to let the collective GRIT know that I'm alright and recovering well from the recent eye surgery, and I will probably be coming back to the GRIT full-force by the end of this week. FOr right now, I'm posting through Time Lady, as she was kind enough to let me know about the pyramid thead. And away we go... ]

Keido: (skimming a copy of the note) Hmm... This could be interesting. I've always wanted to know more about the pyramids. (utilizes a new power, phasing briefly into hammerspace. When he emerges, he is dressed in khaki archaelogist's clothes, with a sheathed scimitar hanging from his belt.) Alright, I'm in!

-KDO

TL-RL: And now, my addition:

Corrie: Good. I'm glad to have you coming along. I don't trust Dr. StGeorge. I think he's after the jewel for his own.

AABA5

(Lisa joins Corrie and Keido.)

Lisa : Hello, Keido. Do you remember me? We met briefly.

Keido : Have you been staying in school?

Lisa : Yes.

Keido : That must be why we only met briefly

Corrie : How many people have answered your message?

Lisa : Quite a few. Of course now that Dr. StGeorge has turned it into a school field trip it is harder to keep track of who is going. So far I've gotten replies from Harley, Tsurgi, Jay and his NDF troops, Ashley, Josh, Fred Expendable, Jane Expendable, an entire UFO full of Martians, and of course the two of you. Under the unusual circumstances, we may want to gather all these people together. It will be hard to gather all the Martians together but if the Sabers will come they could tell the other Martians our plan.

Corrie : What is the latest word on Dr. StGeorge.

Lisa : He has been fairly low key about it under the circumstances. (pauses) Maybe I shouldn't go with him. It's only a grade, peoples lives are at stake here.

Keido : We'll protect you as well as you protect that jewel. With so many people coming Dr. StGeorge will have his hands full.

Lisa : (doubtfully) I certianly hope so. We have at least two problems to worry about, probably more.

AABAA6

You know the description; dark room, water bowl, blah, blah, blah ^_^

>Lisa : Quite a few. Of course now that Dr. StGeorge has turned it into a >school field trip it is harder to keep track of who is going. So far >I've gotten replies from Harley, Tsurgi, Jay and his NDF troops, Ashley, >Josh, Fred Expendable, Jane Expendable, an entire UFO full of Martians, >and of course the two of you. Under the unusual circumstances, we may >want to gather all these people together. It will be hard to gather all >the Martians together but if the Sabers will come they could tell the >other Martians our plan.

Gaeld: Pitiful; they could go to the administration offices to check the list of assistants, but these incredible wastes of space insist on making a fuss of it (reads his list)... I should plan something extra-special for Trina Kuonji and the Changeling...

>Corrie : What is the latest word on Dr. StGeorge. > >Lisa : He has been fairly low key about it under the circumstances.

Gaeld: And why should I be otherwise? <chuckle> You're all playing into my hands as it is.

>(pauses) Maybe I shouldn't go with him. It's only a grade, peoples lives >are at stake here.

Gaeld: Only because they choose to go with you, child; if there's a gift you monkeys never appreciate enough to assume full responsibility of, that's free will.

>Keido : We'll protect you as well as you protect that jewel. With so many >people coming Dr. StGeorge will have his hands full.

Gaeld: <snort> Hmm... should I? What the hell; just to see their faces... Penumbral Passage.

>Lisa : (doubtfully) I certianly hope so. We have at least two problems >to worry about, probably more.

Gaeld walks up to them, having ported from around a bend.

Gaeld: I was looking for you to detail the trip schedule, Miss Marselena, and I couldn't help but overhear your conversation.

Corrie: How?

Gaeld: I have ears. (looks about) I see; cute little gathering (walks up to Lisa, who cringes. Keido moves a step between Gaeld and Lisa) <sardonic smile> I hear you're a swordsman of no small note; it'd be a pleasure to have a worthy sparring partner. (to Lisa) Miss Calaway, you seem to forget that the Guardian fears crowds; amongst the class, you'd be surrounded by a bunch of hard-to- separate people unless, of course, you made the crass error of going about yourself alone. Or with scarse and easy to fool companionship. And I've faced more fearsome spirits than the one you run from; your security'd be 100% guaranteed.

Keido: What about her security from you.

Gaeld: <hearty laugh> I don't know if I should be amused or offended by your comment. Why should I act against a child? It'd be most dishonorable; maybe your species can contemplate hurting the creature, but not mine. Besides, I respect her sense of duty. It's a rare find among humanity. Oh, and the spar offer was not in jest; I'd like to measure your skill with the sword against mine. What do you say, godling?

Tension can be cut with a knife, as Keido decides on his answer...

AABAA7

;> > Corrie: Good. I'm glad to have you coming along. I don't trust Dr. ;> > StGeorge. I think he's after the jewel for his own. ;> > ;> (Lisa joins Corrie and Keido.) ;> ;> Lisa : Hello, Keido. Do you remember me? We met briefly. ;> ;> Keido : Have you been staying in school? ;> ;> Lisa : Yes. ;> ;> Keido : That must be why we only met briefly ;> ;> Corrie : How many people have answered your message? ;> ;> Lisa : Quite a few. Of course now that Dr. StGeorge has turned it ;into a ;> school field trip it is harder to keep track of who is going. So far ;> I've gotten replies from Harley, Tsurgi, Jay and his NDF troops, Ashley, ;> Josh, Fred Expendable, Jane Expendable, an entire UFO full of Martians, ;> and of course the two of you. Under the unusual circumstances, we may ;> want to gather all these people together. It will be hard to gather all ;> the Martians together but if the Sabers will come they could tell the ;> other Martians our plan. ;>

Corrie: I really don't like having so many people along. Too many of them will be at risk. Not everyone has abilities that can protect them

Lisa: I didn't think of that when I posted my note.

;> Corrie : What is the latest word on Dr. StGeorge. ;> ;> Lisa : He has been fairly low key about it under the circumstances. ;> (pauses) Maybe I shouldn't go with him. It's only a grade, peoples lives ;> are at stake here. ;> ;> Keido : We'll protect you as well as you protect that jewel. With so many ;> people coming Dr. StGeorge will have his hands full. ;> ;> Lisa : (doubtfully) I certianly hope so. We have at least two problems ;> to worry about, probably more.

Corrie: The Martian and I have been working on some things to keep him in check. Meanwhile, I want you to keep this with you, in case It tries attacking again.

Corrie hands Lisa what looks like a futuristic gun, painted pink.

Corrie: This is a high intensity laser pistol. It ranges in power from stun to incinerate.

Keido: Why pink?

Corrie: (smiling devilishly) Think of it as the ultimate in "feminine protection." (Keido and Lisa facefault).

AABAB6

>;> So far >;> I've gotten replies from Harley, Tsurgi, Jay and his NDF troops, Ashley, >;> Josh, Fred Expendable, Jane Expendable, an entire UFO full of Martians, >;> and of course the two of you. Under the unusual circumstances, we may >;> want to gather all these people together. It will be hard to gather all >;> the Martians together but if the Sabers will come they could tell the >;> other Martians our plan. >Corrie: I really don't like having so many people along. Too many of them >will be at risk. Not everyone has abilities that can protect them

Maki (carrying a hula hoop and a blaster, and wearing an improvised jetpack): What, you're working with the Martians?

Corrie: They're benevolent.

Maki: But then everyone's here to...?

Lisa explains the _whole_ thing.

Corrie: By the way, who are you?

Maki: Koujiro Maki. I used to teach junior high, but now I'm a professor at GNIT. Perhaps you've read my papers about dimensional theory or about magical power and the clash of paradigms.

Corrie: Not really. I did study dimensional theory at the Academy, but that was long before you humans were inventing lightbulbs. *points towards the hula hoop* Interesting use of dimensional warp technology, though.

AABAB7

> ;> > Corrie: Good. I'm glad to have you coming along. I don't trust Dr. > ;> > StGeorge. I think he's after the jewel for his own. > ;> > > ;> (Lisa joins Corrie and Keido.) > ;> > ;> Lisa : Hello, Keido. Do you remember me? We met briefly. > ;> > ;> Keido : Have you been staying in school? > ;> > ;> Lisa : Yes. > ;> > ;> Keido : That must be why we only met briefly > ;> > ;> Corrie : How many people have answered your message? > ;> > ;> Lisa : Quite a few. Of course now that Dr. StGeorge has turned it ;into > a > ;> school field trip it is harder to keep track of who is going. So far > ;> I've gotten replies from Harley, Tsurgi, Jay and his NDF troops, Ashley, > ;> Josh, Fred Expendable, Jane Expendable, an entire UFO full of Martians, > ;> and of course the two of you. Under the unusual circumstances, we may > ;> want to gather all these people together. It will be hard to gather all > ;> the Martians together but if the Sabers will come they could tell the > ;> other Martians our plan. > ;> > > Corrie: I really don't like having so many people along. Too many of them > will be at risk. Not everyone has abilities that can protect them > > Lisa: I didn't think of that when I posted my note. > > ;> Corrie : What is the latest word on Dr. StGeorge. > ;> > ;> Lisa : He has been fairly low key about it under the circumstances. > ;> (pauses) Maybe I shouldn't go with him. It's only a grade, peoples lives > ;> are at stake here. > ;> > ;> Keido : We'll protect you as well as you protect that jewel. With so > many > ;> people coming Dr. StGeorge will have his hands full. > ;> > ;> Lisa : (doubtfully) I certianly hope so. We have at least two problems > ;> to worry about, probably more.

(Dr. StGeorge arrives, they talk, then he departs.)

Lisa : Dr. StGeorge always seems to be one step ahead of us. He must have eyes in the back of his head!

Keido : I'm sure it's a little more sophisticated than that, but that may be almost literally what he has.

> > Corrie: The Martian and I have been working on some things to keep him in > check. Meanwhile, I want you to keep this with you, in case It tries > attacking again. > > Corrie hands Lisa what looks like a futuristic gun, painted pink. > > Corrie: This is a high intensity laser pistol. It ranges in power from > stun to incinerate. > > Keido: Why pink? > > Corrie: (smiling devilishly) Think of it as the ultimate in "feminine > protection." (Keido and Lisa facefault). > (Lisa takes the gun)

Lisa : That didn't stop Mickey in A Very Brady Christmas. He shot Jessica with her own pink water gun and didn't seem to give it a second thought.

Corrie : If you'll remember, Jessica shot him first. Besides this isn't a water gun and we're not fighting Bradys.

Lisa : Quite true.

(She sets the gun on the lowest setting in case of an accident and practices a few manuvers.)

AABAB8

[A familiar figure in a familiar purple tunic and black pants, with a katana strapped to his back, and smoked glasses, steps into view. He then removes his smoked glasses, revealing that his eyes have turned an alarming shade of blue, with sky-blue whites and solid blue pupils and irises.]

Keido Muad'Dib: Hello, fellow GRITers. It has been a long time. But as you can see, I have returned...

[A moogle comes up behind him and whaps him with a sign reading "Cut the bullshit!" The blue contacts fall out and we see KDO's normal eyes]

RL-KDO: Ahem..well, anyway, as you can see, I'm back now. It's taken about three weeks to recover to the point where I can use the computer without straining my eyes again, and now that I'm healed from my surgery, I'm returning to the GRIT full-force, and am very excited to be back. As you can tell, I've developed a bit of a Dune fixation in the last few weeks...if I get too silly sometimes, it's the mysterious spice they put in Pepsi <g>.

Anyway, I'll be posting sparsely for a few days while I get caught up, but I'm here now, I'm back, party, yahoo.

AABB5

>And now it's a Furinkan High field trip; with an assigned chaperone <MML>

Jay: Awright guys, get packing. We're gonna hit the sand.

Yoshi: Do you mean we get a day off at the beach?

[A loud cheer rises from the rest of Jay's NDF/Blazing Crescent squad]

Jay: Heck no! Egyptian desert survival and tactics training, with the added bonus of pyramid dungeon warfare. Pack those stillsuits and infra-goggles.

[Collective groan from squad]

AB3

(The squad runs practice drills for any situation Jay can think of then Lisa suddenly arrives on the scene.)

Lisa : Hi, Jay. Glad to hear you're squad is coming on the trip to Egypt.

Jay : (somewhat surprised) Oh, hi, Lisa. What brings you here?

Lisa : You said I could learn combat from you and your NDF troops sometime. Seeing how the trip to Egypt is next Friday I thought I'd spend he next few days learning some basic combat skills. Do they allow concealed weapons on school field trips?

Jay : I always keep my weapons out in the open just in case.

Lisa : (somewhat puzzled) Good idea. It isn't the only thing we have to worry about. Dr. StGeorge is up to something and I think he still hasn't show us the full limits of his power yet.

Jay : Dr. StGeorge has always given me the creeps.

Lisa : I'm trying to arrange a meeting for the rest of us shortly before we leave so we can talk about what to do about Dr. StGeorge.

Jay : Pick a time and a place and we'll be there.

Lisa : (smiles) I'm sure you will.

AB4

Jay: So... about training, let's get on with it.

[Lisa joins the squad in practice, with Jay's coaching. She doesn't seem to be doing any worse or better than expected, until...]

Jay: Alright now, guys, time for HUHE training, situation 42. Break out those VR goggles.

Lisa: HUHE?

Jay: Highly Unusual Hostile Environments. Crumbling bridges above bubbling lava, or dark dungeons full of traps. That sorta thing.

Lisa: (Donning her goggles) I can see why you'd use VR for that.

Jay: (Donning his own goggles and reciting to the computer) Situation 42. Added complications 15, 99, and 33. Execute.

[As the training progresses, Lisa's combat ability seems to be drastically higher in the VR sim, easily progressing through most of the situations the computer hurls at the squad]

Jay: (deactivating the sim) Wow! I don't get it... there aren't any bugs in the program, and all settings are on normal.

Lisa: (remembers the Martian ship and the party at NDF HQ) Maybe I have a knack for VR or something. I always found Virtua Fighter an easy game to play even against expert opponents, and I never played it much.

Jay: Hm... maybe your mind's wired better to handle this digital stuff? I think Dr. Atomu would know more about this. Better go ask him, or maybe CMaster...

Well, since Lisa is looking to develop some combat ability, and she's shown to be quite good in Virtua Fighter in previous posts, I thought this might be an interesting thing to consider instead of just normal run-of-the-mill combat skills. Maybe she'd be good at mecha or harsuit piloting or something, or if you REALLY want to go sentai, she could become a <gack!> VR Trooper. Take it away, GRITers!

AB5

Lisa : I haven't really talked to either one of them. Do you know where I can find them?

Jay : I'll write their adresses down for you. Dr. Atomu has had a lot on his mind recently. (long pause) He could explain it better than I could.

(Jay writes their addresses down on a sheet of paper and hands it to Lisa.)

Lisa : Thank you.

Jay : How are you doing with teleporation?

Lisa : I've memorized the word.

(Lisa demonstrates.)

Jay : You've teleported twice as far as you did last time.

Lisa : Two millimeters?

Jay : Yes. Now that you have the scroll memorized you should improve a little faster. Memorizing the scroll is the hardest part.

Lisa : Have you improved any?

Jay : I once teleported 31 centimeters a few days ago but I haven't able to do it again.

(Lisa waves good bye and goes off in search of Dr. Amotu.)

AB6

<MML>

Ashley is walking to her next class when she sees the note.

Ashley: Lisa's note! Better go tell Josh.

Later,they are looking over the note.

Josh: I hear that now theyre organizing a field trip to Egypt in response to this.

Ashley: You know what this means...

They look at each other.

Both: BATTLE PLAN!!!!

AC4

(A man and a woman of unknown age approach Lisa on her way home from school.)

Man : Lisa?

Lisa : Yes.

Woman : My name is Jane Expendable and this is Fred Expendable. We are interested in your trip to Egypt.

Lisa : Due to some clever manipulations the school had taken over the trip. I'm not sure if they'll let people your age who are not teaches go. Ask the school board and see if they'll let you go. If not, I'm sure Martian will have some extra room in his spacecraft. I'll talk to him about it.

Fred Expendable : Good. I'm just dying to go to Egypt.

Jane Expendable : Shhh! You'll give the plot away.

Lisa : I noticed the two of you have the same last name. Are the two of you related.

Jane : We are not related in any way.

Fred : Yep! We're two unrelated people who just happen to be Expendables.

Lisa : Well we're glad to have you. I'm sure whatever skills you have will be useful.

(Fred Expendable and Jane Expendable go to the school to talk to the principal leaving Lisa to continue home.)

RL Note to other RLs : The term Expendable is self-explanatory. You can do basically anything you want this them. Perhaps they can become pawns of one of the major GRIT villians.

Heh...don't let Nabiki hear you say that, fact she isn't a PC notwithstanding. I could just see her casting the hapless Expendables in a gratuitous porn video and mass-producing it for huge profit...

Harris: Eygpt? Why not? I've inherited some of my mother's tourist blood and my grandmother's taste for anthropology...

Tsu is looking over the flyer, posted in the KnK. ; ; Tsu: Egypt huh..? ; ; ; < Snip flashback> ; ; Tsu: Heh. Those where the days, I wish Tsuki would visit. ; ; Ama: Why would you want that bundle of depression and darkness to come ; her!? ; ; Tsu: I always thought her personality was cute! ; ; Ama: *sigh* anyway, she's covering for me with father. ; ; Trina: <defening> I WANNA GO TO EGYPT! </defening> can we, please? ; ; Susa: It's been 175 years, I'm sure they've stoped telling stories by ; now. ; ; Tanto: Anou... what is this "Egypt?" ; ; Ling, displaying a holographic map: <insert complete history, economy, ; culture, religious, etc. overview> ; ; Tanto: *piku* Okaaaaay... ; ; Tsu: *sigh* It's a big place with lots of sand and sun! ; ; Tanto: Sun! Amaterasu-sama, it sounds like a fine place for you. ; ; Ama: So long as I don't need to go into the pyramid. Yuck. ; ; Tsu: It's all set then! We're off to Egypt to- ; ; Susa: Loot a pyramid and piss of Anubis!

Harley:(who coincdently hapens to choose this moment to stop at the KNK for a snack) Did somebody say loot?

Susa: Yep.

Harley: Well, then you'll need the help of an expert thief like, for example, myself.

Susa: I doubt we'll need help, but what the heck, the more the merryer.

Harley: Great! When do we leave? > > Tsu: *sigh* I have a bad feeling about this. > > Tsurugi

RLKeido Muad'Dib: I have tried twice to post a reply about the sparring match. The weather locally is making it difficult to stay connected for more than ten minutes at a time, so here we go again. I lost the snip material for this last time I got disconnected.

Keido considers Gaeld's offer to spar. With a slight smirk, he replies...

Keido: Alright, I'll spar with you. Just say when and where.

Gaeld grins slightly evilly and replies...

RL Keido-moogle (sign): This should be interesting, especially if Gaeld is really good and Keido decides to up the odds by using the Spice...the Spice effects immortals somewhat differently than others, as you'll see...

>RLKeido Muad'Dib: I have tried twice to post a reply about the sparring >match. The weather locally is making it difficult to stay connected for >more than ten minutes at a time, so here we go again. I lost the snip >material for this last time I got disconnected. >Or have you > >Keido considers Gaeld's offer to spar. With a slight smirk, he replies... > > >Keido: Alright, I'll spar with you. Just say when and where. > >Gaeld grins slightly evilly and replies...

Gaeld: Good; how about at the end of classes, at the gym; choose a style: fencing, kendo, freestyle; your choice. We'll be using wooden swords of course; we wouldn't want to be... injured before the trip, would we?

>RL Keido-moogle (sign): This should be interesting, especially if Gaeld >is really good and Keido decides to up the odds by using the Spice...the >Spice effects immortals somewhat differently than others, as you'll see...

Foresee combat moves?, use the Spice that way and Gaeld will despise (no pun, Aaron!, it's not a pun!) Keido for eternity for dishonorable fighting.

EA3

> RL Keido-moogle (sign): This should be interesting, especially if Gaeld > is really good and Keido decides to up the odds by using the Spice...

Spice: I'm ready!

Keido: O_o? Huh?

Myri: Now, have fun you two!

Keido: But I don'...

Myri: Don't stay out too late!

Keido: But... Corrie... and I...

Myri: <pulls Keido aside> Now, I wouldn't let it go around that you're "using" Spice... She's a sweet girl, and I don't think Zephyr will take it too kindly, if you know what I mean...

Keido: <smoke comes out of his ears and he passes out>

Spice: That was fun.

-------------------- Jorge, was Spice in any versions of the participant's guide? I couldn't find her. And I hope you don't mind me grabbing her again. ^_^;

EB3

Corrie: (angrily) HEY! HANDS OFF!

Corrie proceeds to whack Spice and Myri with her satchel.

TL-RL: Hey, she really *is* calming down. At least she didn't pull out the dagger ^_^. (Though she does tend to get *very* jealous.)

EB4

>> >Corrie: It looks like you have a few things loose in here. (She shows >> >the technicians the problems and makes a few more suggestions) Hopefully >> >it will work. If you want, I can have K9 check it. >> >> Martian:(checks that none of the Techies is near.)<whisper>You better do that. >> They are good techies, but their prototypes never seem to work as planned. >> I'm glad they've been able to perfect the transporters. >> >> Martian:Anyway, if you can give me the trip's timetable I can go ahead of him >> to check things out. Hopefully we'll be able to search the pyramid before he >> gets there with the students. >> >> Corrie:Presumed you get in the pyramid. >> >> Martian:Point. I hope we get, since it'll be sheer hell after all those >> civilians get there. Lots of potential hostages, and we don't know what's in >> the pyramid. >>

>Corrie: Getting in won't be easy. If we're dealing with something alien >and ancient, they may have some types of technology we've never faced. >Having Dr. StGeorge around won't help matters. K9's still working on the >translation of the papers. And there's something else.

RLnote What papers?? /RLnote

>Martian: What?

>Corrie: Something the Doctor had told me about. There was a correlation >between a pyramid on Mars and a pyramid in Egypt. The two pyramids were >working together to keep some godlike being trapped. The being tried to >escape back in the 1920's. The whole situation evolved into the Egyptian >mythology. I need to check my TARDIS Archives (RL Note: My copy of Dr. >Who and the Pyramids of Mars) and refresh my memory. Anyway, let me get >K9 out here to work with your techs. (Corrie blows a silent whistle. K9 >emerges from the TARDIS. Corrie explains the situation.)

Martian:Hmm...God like creature? I have to inform my higher ups. If there is a chance that creature would appear on either Earth or Mars, we could be in big trouble. Anyway, we'll be going ahead, and even if we can't get inside we can scout the surroundings and look into a few things that might prove useful.

(Martian walks to the Techs with K-9.)

Martian:Okay boys, this is K-9. Its Corries(points to Corrie) android, so you won't tamper with it. Understood?

Techs:YES, SIR!

Martian:(rubbing its ears)Carry on.

Snip for Space.

> RLnote > What papers?? > /RLnote

TL-RL: Weren't there some papers in the stuff that Lisa took from her parents' room?

> > >Martian: What? > > >Corrie: Something the Doctor had told me about. There was a correlation > >between a pyramid on Mars and a pyramid in Egypt. The two pyramids were > >working together to keep some godlike being trapped. The being tried to > >escape back in the 1920's. The whole situation evolved into the Egyptian > >mythology. I need to check my TARDIS Archives (RL Note: My copy of Dr. > >Who and the Pyramids of Mars) and refresh my memory. Anyway, let me get > >K9 out here to work with your techs. (Corrie blows a silent whistle. K9 > >emerges from the TARDIS. Corrie explains the situation.) > > Martian:Hmm...God like creature? I have to inform my higher ups. If there is > a chance that creature would appear on either Earth or Mars, we could be in > big trouble. Anyway, we'll be going ahead, and even if we can't get inside we > can scout the surroundings and look into a few things that might prove useful. >

Corrie: (shrugging) Supposedly the Doctor stopped it back in Earth year 1911 and caught it in some kind of time trap, but with that type of power, you never know.

> (Martian walks to the Techs with K-9.) > > Martian:Okay boys, this is K-9. Its Corries(points to Corrie) android, so you > won't tamper with it. Understood? > > Techs:YES, SIR! > > Martian:(rubbing its ears)Carry on.

Corrie: I'll leave K9 up here for a few hours. I want to get back down and keep my eye on Dr. StGeorge's plans. I'll be back later this evening. This time I'll call first.

>Snip for Space.

>> RLnote >> What papers?? >> /RLnote

>TL-RL: Weren't there some papers in the stuff that Lisa took from her >parents' room?

RLJussi:Oh, I had forgotten.

>> >> >Martian: What? >> >> >Corrie: Something the Doctor had told me about. There was a correlation >> >between a pyramid on Mars and a pyramid in Egypt. The two pyramids were >> >working together to keep some godlike being trapped. The being tried to >> >escape back in the 1920's. The whole situation evolved into the Egyptian >> >mythology. I need to check my TARDIS Archives (RL Note: My copy of Dr. >> >Who and the Pyramids of Mars) and refresh my memory. Anyway, let me get >> >K9 out here to work with your techs. (Corrie blows a silent whistle. K9 >> >emerges from the TARDIS. Corrie explains the situation.) >> >> Martian:Hmm...God like creature? I have to inform my higher ups. If there is >> a chance that creature would appear on either Earth or Mars, we could be in >> big trouble. Anyway, we'll be going ahead, and even if we can't get inside we >> can scout the surroundings and look into a few things that might prove useful. >>

>Corrie: (shrugging) Supposedly the Doctor stopped it back in Earth year >1911 and caught it in some kind of time trap, but with that type of >power, you never know.

Martian:Time trap? You mean like being cought in a time loop? Those are nasty.

>> (Martian walks to the Techs with K-9.) >> >> Martian:Okay boys, this is K-9. Its Corries(points to Corrie) android, so you >> won't tamper with it. Understood? >> >> Techs:YES, SIR! >> >> Martian:(rubbing its ears)Carry on.

>Corrie: I'll leave K9 up here for a few hours. I want to get back down >and keep my eye on Dr. StGeorge's plans. I'll be back later this >evening. This time I'll call first.

Martian:Okay. Use this frequency. (gives Corrie a note.) I think I'll go and try to dig up some dirt about that StGeorge character...

(later, Mothership's library room)

Martian:An archvillian? (remember when Gaeld's job interview, Al-X?) That explains things. Lisa said something about some kind of dragon I think. DILBERT!

Computer voice(Dilbert):Yes, The-Martian-Who-Is-Too-(I'll snip the rest, okay?)

Martian:Were you listening?

Dilbert:I am always listening, The-Martian-etc.

Martian:You have any ideas who this St.George character might be?

Dilbert:I will run a check, but it will take a while.

Martian:All right. I'll need the info tomorrow morning.

Dilbert:All right, The-Martian-<youknowthedrill>, I will give you the information then.

(the Martian leaves the library)

>Martian:An archvillian? (remember when Gaeld's job interview, Al-X?)

Yep; the interviewer got his memory of it erased and the record was destroyed. ^_-

> That >explains things. Lisa said something about some kind of dragon I think. >DILBERT! > >Computer voice(Dilbert):Yes, The-Martian-Who-Is-Too-(I'll snip the rest, okay?) > >Martian:Were you listening? > >Dilbert:I am always listening, The-Martian-etc. > >Martian:You have any ideas who this St.George character might be? > >Dilbert:I will run a check, but it will take a while. > >Martian:All right. I'll need the info tomorrow morning. > >Dilbert:All right, The-Martian-<youknowthedrill>, I will give you the >information then. > >(the Martian leaves the library)

Dilbert: (contacting earth's info net) Faster than I thougt...

Dr. Drake StGeorge 46 hits

Born: England, March 21st. 1950. <display birth certificates>

Finished Doctorate on Archaeology, 1972 Miskatonic University; Arkham, Mass. Summa Cum Laude

Finished Doctorate on History, 1975 Miskatonic University; Arkham, Mass. Summa Cum Laude

Finished Doctorate on Asian Philosophy, 1977 Yale Summa Cum Laude

Received Doctorate on Comparative Mythology, 1978 Cambridge Honoris Causa

Received Doctorate on Anthropology, 1978 Cambridge Honoris Causa

Teacher, Warfare Strategy in Ancient Greece, 1980-83 West Point Academy

Newspaper clips: <lots of articles with Dr. StGeorge receiving this or that award, available photos show him much like he is today, actually aging. One article details the StGeorge's disappearance a short while ago, announced as a prolongued sabbatical>

Photos:

RLNotes: The StGeorge identity is a perfectly constructed alias; Gaeld did all of that; he just forged the papers from high school and earlier; the aging effectt was done via illusion. No other graphic evidence exists; this is the first time he allows himself to be portrayed. In other times he remained fairly anonymous.

: Finished Doctorate on Archaeology, 1972 : Miskatonic University; Arkham, Mass. : Summa Cum Laude

All right! Miskatonic U.! Go 'Pods! ^_^

>>Martian:An archvillian? (remember when Gaeld's job interview, Al-X?)

>Yep; the interviewer got his memory of it erased and the record was destroyed. >^_-

You really thought Ratzik is the only one who monitors almost everything in Nerima?

>RLNotes: The StGeorge identity is a perfectly constructed alias; Gaeld did all >of that; he just forged the papers from high school and earlier; the aging effectt >was done via illusion. No other graphic evidence exists; this is the first time >he allows himself to be portrayed. In other times he remained fairly anonymous.

Is he using the illusion to look completely different or just an older version of himself?

>>>Martian:An archvillian? (remember when Gaeld's job interview, Al-X?) > >>Yep; the interviewer got his memory of it erased and the record was destroyed. >>^_- > >You really thought Ratzik is the only one who monitors almost everything in >Nerima?

<tap, tap, tap, tap>

><SNIPPETY a lot> > > >>RLNotes: The StGeorge identity is a perfectly constructed alias; Gaeld did all >>of that; he just forged the papers from high school and earlier; the aging effectt >>was done via illusion. No other graphic evidence exists; this is the first time >>he allows himself to be portrayed. In other times he remained fairly anonymous. > >Is he using the illusion to look completely different or just an older version >of himself?

Younger versions of himself, what you see now is his true appearance.

(A new message is personally delivered to everyone who said they would go on the trip to Egypt, except Dr. StGeorge.)

Dear (insert name here) :

I would like to thank you for agreeing to go on this dangerous trip to Egypt. The trip is still going to be on Friday as planed but the trip is now being sponsered by the school. I fear that at least one of the teachers has plans that may be an even greater burden for us than the shape-shifter, It. An emergency meeting will be held outside the school precisely one hour before the trip in a place of safety. I would like everyone who can possibly attend to come. We will discuss what to do about It and the corrupt teacher(s) who have plans to stop us and hopefully come up with a plan of our own.

,Lisa Calaway

(Although not as many people showed up as Lisa had hoped, a small group managed to get together about an hour before the trip is scheduled to begin.)

Jane Expendable : The principal is allowing us to go on the trip to Egypt. I'm surprised he didn't even ask us who we were or why we wanted to go.

Lisa : Dr. StGeorge might have had something to do with it. When he's involved you never know what is going to happen.

Fred Expendable : What about It? You said It was a shape-shifter.

Lisa : So far It has only attacked people when they are alone and unprepared. It is connected to the jewel and is never too far away. On our trip to the pyramid I have a feeling things may be different.

Fred : You said Dr. StGeorge may be an even greater threat than It. What do you know about him?

Lisa : He appeared to me earlier and asked me to hand over the jewel. I also saw some type of dragon creature. I'm not sure what it was. It could be Dr. StGeorge's natural form. Somehow he always seems to know what we are planning.

Fred : Supposed he is listening to us now.

Lisa : Unless he is more powerful than I suspect, he'll be busy making final preparations for our trip to Egypt. Even if he does hear us I doubt he'll do anything. He hasn't done anything except disturb us during our previous conversations.

Jane : What about the people who are helping us?

Lisa : Some of them are going on the trip with us. The rest of them will join us once we get to Egypt. Any more questions?

(Fred and Jane look at each other but neither of them says anything.)

Lisa : This is it! Time to go to the school and make the final preparations for out trip to Egypt.

(The small group seperates and enter the school at various times. A shape-shifter watches them from a distance.)

It : Lisa is right. If I don't stop them before they reach the pyramid I will surely perish. From now on, I will not be as cautious as I use to be.

Maki: He's named "Dr. StGeorge". St. George and the Dragon, which "D-R" for "doctor" also just happens to abbreviate in English. Either he's a dragon, or he's the enemy of a dragon, or he fell into a magic dragon pool like poor Ran- ma Saotome fell in a magic girl pool. It's the same principle which gives names like "Dr. Doom" to bad guys, "Skywalker" to good guys, and "Le Pew" to skunks. (author's note: "saotome" can mean a girl.)

Fred: Hey, wait a minute. So you're saying he has something to do with a dragon because his name has something to do with a dragon?

Maki: It's theoretical, but likely.

Fred: Well, uh... does this work for other names?

Maki: I don't see why not. Any particular one you're interested in?

Fred: Well, I'm named "Expendable" and even though my parents are named "Expendable" and they were around long enough to have me, I'm _really_ starting to get the idea that if I value my life I shouldn't be on this tri---

At that point a meteor hits Fred and explodes, leaving behind only a somewhat bloody, sandy, crater.

XA3

(The rest of the group is stunned silent as they try to take in what has just happened.)

Jane : Poor, Fred. He was just standing around talking one moment and the next he gets hit by a meteor.

Lisa : Do you think someone or something was behind this? It seems very unlikely to be just a coincidence.

Maki : I don't have enough evidence to tell but it is definitely a possibility.

Lisa : How can we defend ourselves against someone who controls meteors?

Jane : My last name is Expendable too. I don't feel very safe. One Expendable has already been killed and the trip hasn't even started yet.

Maki : Why don't you change your name?

XA4

Jane: Unfortunately, I come from the same village as Tom Tarou, and we're not allowed to change our names ourselves; we have to find the outsider who named us and get them to do it. What idiot came up with the custom of having the nearest outsider name kids is beyond me...

XA5

Flashback to the beginning of that village:

[We see a council session of the elders, with an odd-looking gaijin fellow. The eldest Elder gestures to him...]

Eldest Elder: Council members, I'd like to introduce our new Minister of Nomenclature, Namingway!

Namingway: Hello everyone. I have a few ideas about laws for naming people...

</Flashback>

Sorry, I couldn't resist either.

XA6

> (Although not as many people showed up as Lisa had hoped, a small group >managed to get together about an hour before the trip is scheduled to >begin.) > >Jane Expendable : The principal is allowing us to go on the trip to >Egypt. I'm surprised he didn't even ask us who we were or why we wanted >to go. > >Lisa : Dr. StGeorge might have had something to do with it. When he's >involved you never know what is going to happen.

Ashley: you got that right.

>Fred Expendable : What about It? You said It was a shape-shifter. > >Lisa : So far It has only attacked people when they are alone and >unprepared. It is connected to the jewel and is never too far away. On >our trip to the pyramid I have a feeling things may be different.

Ashley: If anything happens,we'll be ready for it!

Josh: (smiling) you can say that again.

>Fred : You said Dr. StGeorge may be an even greater threat than It. What >do you know about him? > >Lisa : He appeared to me earlier and asked me to hand over the jewel. I >also saw some type of dragon creature. I'm not sure what it was. It >could be Dr. StGeorge's natural form. Somehow he always seems to know >what we are planning.

Josh: Creepy...

Ashley: you said it..

>Fred : Supposed he is listening to us now. > >Lisa : Unless he is more powerful than I suspect, he'll be busy making >final preparations for our trip to Egypt. Even if he does hear us I >doubt he'll do anything. He hasn't done anything except disturb us >during our previous conversations. > >Jane : What about the people who are helping us? > >Lisa : Some of them are going on the trip with us. The rest of them will >join us once we get to Egypt. Any more questions? > > (Fred and Jane look at each other but neither of them says anything. ) > >Lisa : This is it! Time to go to the school and make the final >preparations for out trip to Egypt.

Ashley & Josh: RIGHT!

> (The small group seperates and enter the school at various times. A >shape-shifter watches them from a distance.) > >It : Lisa is right. If I don't stop them before they reach the pyramid I >will surely perish. From now on, I will not be as cautious as I use to >be.

In Its new non-cautiousness,It fails to see another figure in a nearby tree,watching It.

Figure:(quietly) Yeah,right. I want that jewel for myself! Egypt,eh? I guess i know what my travel plans are...

He climbs out of the tree and goes speeding off...

XB3