Spheres PBEM: Log of posts

Spheres PBEM Message Log

This page contains all the relevant posts which have been made in the game. Only messages directly related to the story will be posted here. Also, the messages will be posted in chronological order, from earliest to most recent. Don't forget, though, that in the event that posts overlap and time becomes disjoint, I reserve the exclusive right to engage in reverse time-engineering. This has already occurred once, as we have agreed to move things back a bit, assuming that the characters starting chatting before the call to "follow." The following posts are assumed to begin at an indefinite point -- probably a dozen or so minutes -- before the call came.

From Fred, Sat, 08 Apr 2000 09:41:14 -0400:

Korshnoi disentangled his beard from the playful grasp of the child, smoothing it
back into shape, a shape reminiscent of the thing in front of old earth trains (a
cowcatcher, they called it). He wore his old uniform, without the patches of course, its
loose fitting, heavy fabric and earthy tones a familiar, conforting presence. On his upper
arm, a black armband, held in place by his rico and inscribed with arabic letters and the
words 'Ali's Hope'. "'Fraid my ride is here." He said, addressing the child's mother.
"Pleasant trip." He stood, squared large shoulders, flicked the gold tack on his ear for
luck and walked towards the concession area, heavy boots making a subdued thump with
each step, his seemingly calm blue eyes dancing about as he looked over his future
comrades.

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From Terry, Sun, 9 Apr 2000 12:19:37 -0700:

You don't really take much notice of this character at first. He seems to be
part of the background/landscape of the area. Not until he moves (at the
same time as a number of other characters) does he catch your attention.
This man seems to be some sort of direlict of Middle Eastern descent. His
clothes, mannerisms and smell try to convince you of that. If so, then why
is this swarthy complected man meandering in the same direction that you
are?

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From Wayne, Sun, 09 Apr 2000 12:09:57 EDT

Among the professionals who remain in the waiting area some will notice a
very large, dark haired, dark eyed man of light brown complexion seated off
to one side who appears to be engrossed in a leatherbound softcover book
titled "Manasek: Proper Procedures for the Devout". A cursory examination
will show the very large man dressed in a utilitarian traveler's robe w/hood
emblazoned with symbols and designs of a distinctly Arabian flavor. On the
seat next to the very large brown skinned man is a long wooden walking staff
ringed at several spots in metal, and on the seat next to him is a small
backpack with many external pockets, strapped atop which is a very worn
looking rolled up rug. On two occasions during the waiting period before
the woman makes contact the others will notice him unstrap the rug from his
backpack, lay it in one corner, kneel upon it and begin a series of prayers.

< He answers the woman's contact on a cell phone, after which he stands up,
stuffs the book into the backpack, which he then shoulders, picks up the
staff, nods briefly at one of the other people waiting impatiently in the
waiting area, and strides off to follow his prospective employer to places
unknown. > has not happened yet

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From me (Rachel), Mon, 10 Apr 2000 11:37:13 +0800

The man stood against one wall, possibly a little impatient, or maybe it
was some sort of hyperactive readiness. It was hard to tell, as he
appeared to have no eyes. His head was covered in a mirrored sheath
from just below his eye sockets to his cranium. It was obviously some
sort of cybernetic enhancement, though exactly what, the others there
were unsure.

< When the call came to "follow," the man jerked upright.

"Vacc this," he said in a low voice. He then moved off directly towards
the food concession, passing the others who were non-chalantly moving in
the same direction. As he passed the last of them, he broke into a run
and appeared to get out some sort of instrument. > has not happened yet

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From Scott, Mon, 10 Apr 2000 18:10:50 -0400

Amidst the remaining individuals is a slender man, unremarkable looking, wearing a
grayish-green jumpsuit. Until the call came in, he had been sitting quietly by the door,
talking to himself or reading, unnoticed by most as they came and went. The only reason
that anyone might notice him now, is that he stood up after answering his phone, as did
several others in the room. Running a hand across his close-cropped brown hair, he looks
down at the seat where a large carry-all and a small glass case are resting and mutters,
"About time, eh Norris?" Picking up the carry-all and case, he stands aside as yet another
impatient person runs by, this one with a chromed head. "Goodness, whatever will people do
for attention, eh, Norris?", he mutters, looking down at the case he is carrying.

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From Chuk, Tue, 11 Apr 2000 08:52:20 -0700 (PDT)

A Caucasian male human sits in one chair in the corner. He is not very
tall and looks vaguely like someone from the Mediterranean area of
Earth...dark hair and eyes, with olive skin. He is intently watching
something on a rico, with occasional exclamations of alternating joy and
dispair. He sometimes looks away and up at the rest of you, but usually
for only about the length of a commercial break. When the call comes
through, he shuts off his video and gets up.

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From Terry, Tue, 11 Apr 2000 18:32:02 -0700

The not so well dressed man, that maybe you thought was a drifter or just a
bum perhaps, stands up from his squatting position inside the room/hallway
and moves to the knot of other men. As he does, you notice a leather thong
threaded with beads. Maybe you assume that these are his prayer beads and
that he is in-fact a man of the Islamic world view <besides the fact that
most of the party are muslims anyway>. Your guesses are confirmed as he
addresses you with the traditional "A'Selaam Ahley-Kuum <phonetically
written in this case> and begins playing with his beads in his right hand.
He pauses while some of you say "Ahley-Kuum A'Selaam." Others just sit
around and wonder what it all means.

Finally, he says "I saw that you all got the call from the woman. Who she
is, I don't know but I don't like working for women. How about you?"

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From Chuk, Tue, 11 Apr 2000 08:56:11 -0700 (PDT)

The guy who was watching the rico doesn't return the greeting, but he
says, "Hi" in a way that indicates he seems to understand at least the
general idea. At the man's comment, his mouth falls open for a
second. "What difference does that make?" he says.

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From this point on, most of the characters' names had been introduced. I have therefore not inserted the dates or posters of each post, both to facilitate smooth reading and because of my own laziness. :)

Looking at the character on whom the post seems to focus will generally tell you who made the post. You can always check the list of players or characters if you forget who's playing who.

"What difference?" Says Selaam, "My last boss was a woman. Now I believe
all woman are problem and need men to control them. Maybe I am wrong, but I
don't see many business run by women."

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Korshnoi raises his voice so as to be heard from his position at the outskirts,
"Women run it all anyway, brother." he says with suppressed laughter, "Praise Allah most
of them don't know it!"

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The large man slows to a halt and turns upon hearing the words of the not so
well dressed man and the other speakers. To the not so well dressed man he
says, "Aleikum a'Salaam, my brother. Forgive me for overhearing your
comments, but I am cursed with large ears and excellent hearing and could
hardly refrain. Though each man is indeed entitled to his own opinions,
some perhaps weigh on the scales of Allah better than others. I would
suffer you to perhaps ponder on your opinions about women in light of
remembering the actions of the Prophet himself. It is said that when in the
early days of his battles with the tribe of Quraish after the flight to
Medina he turned to his young wife Aisha to provide the generalship his
troops needed to win victory over his harassers. Thus if the Prophet deemed
that a woman was fit to command his armies, indeed he must feel her able to
command any man if the need be. Alhamduallah!!"

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With a partial nod towards the case in his left hand, the nondescript man
says "Well, howdy to yourself. Norris here says 'hi' too" With a closer
look, one can see a small green plant, most likely a fern, within the case.
"My name is Jon Walker, since we're bein' friendly and all, this is a good
pal of mine, Norris."

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The rico-watcher man says, "I'm Nick." He looks closely at the case, then
says, "Did anyone ever mention to you that your good pal appears to be a
plant?"

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The man moves closer and you begin to SMELL him. "Yes, my name is Salaam."

Looking around at the others a little perplexed, he says, "What? No one is of the
Qumrah? No one knows the Selam?"

"What...you smoke that crap?"

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"Ummm, of course he's a plant..second best friend I've ever had, too. He
doesn't talk much, but he listens well."

"...and no, you can't smoke him either.."

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As nobody seems to be moving down the corridor, Korshnoi curves his path and
plunk himself one seat over from the very large man. "Sometimes think things were better
in the service." he remarks off-handedly. "Less discussing... You seem the quiet type at
least." His upper body dips down in greeting. "Korshnoi. Parent's gave me a proper
Muslim name, course, but doesn't quite fit anymore. Asgar <smallest>, Asgar Korshnoi."
He smiles a small, self-mocking smile.

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After commenting to the not so well dressed man, the large man turns to
Korshnoi and exclaims, "a'Salaam, my friend! It is good indeed to see that
the people of Allah have made such a presence for themselves in the Spheres.
The Muslim colony here is not very large, yet this day I have met two new
brothers. I am most fortunate, indeed. I must admit, though, I am curious
as to why you say you had to change the name your father gave you for sake
of convenience. Does this not cause you to lose touch with your true self?"

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Korshnoi raises a thoughtful eyebrow, somewhat surprised, "Prob'ly would at that.
Still got the name though, just go by the paternal one." The man smiles from a sudden
memory, "Father was pissed when he found out about the nordic connection too. You go
out of your way to show your son's spiritual heritage and people think you're honoring
some viking valhalla! Hehe, haven't thought about that in years..." He focuses back on the
robed man in front of him, "You're from Keuschburg ? Didn't notice you at Mosque,
brother..?"

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Setting the plant down on a chair, Walker turns back and says with a small
grin, "Not too close, I take it?"

"Say, do any of you know what it is she even wants from us? I know why she
might want my services, after all, I am a pretty good chef, but why all the
holy guys? Am I cooking for a holy convention? What?"

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Nick quickly begins zoning out on all the talk of Islam. He says, "Maybe
you guys could catch up on old times later? Any ideas about what to do
about chromehead and our potential patron? If he's got hostile
intentions, well, I'm not carrying anything that would stop him. What do
you guys do, anyway?"

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The not so well dressed smelly man that introduced himself as Salaam
chuckles at the others remarks and nods in stern agreement when the holy
book is mentioned. He seems as though the comments from Mr. Walker went
totally over his head.

When everyone is who seems to be involved in this little caper seems to be
gathered together, Salaam speaks in a hushed tone. "I'm not sure what this
woman wants but I think it must have something to do with what we have to
offer her. For many years I have lived 'underground' and tend to have good
ears if you know my meaning. People don't notice me or think that I am a
threat so I can get very close to them."

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"Explains the toxic fumes on Akapulco. Allah is indeed merciful." Korshnoi
continues in a louder voice, "Could just ask her.... But guessing passes the time, I guess.
Me, I'm your hardware guy." He pats a large pocket and is answered by the soft clink of
metalic things loose in their housing. An interrogative look then goes towards rico-man
and the Quran expert.

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After pondering the question for a moment, Joseph forms a reply to
Korshnoi's inquiry, "Ahh, it is true I have not seen you at Friday prayers,
my friend. I have only recently arrived on Keuschburg and am still
exploring our community here. Outside of a fine family of well wishers who
have taken me into their home during my stay here I have not had the good
fortune to meet many people. I HAVE had the opportunity to explore the
culinary arts of Mediterranean cuisine with my good friend Mr. Walker here,
"he points to the man carrying the plant" ,whom I highly recommend if you
enjoy traditonal Arabic cooking. I have also had some small opportunity to
speak with some of the local scholars, but outside of that I am still
learning my way around this fine planet of yours."

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"Assalamu 'alaykum, Walker," says Korshnoi. "Can't say our Masjid boasts the
best of anything, not like the one on Central anyway, but I like the quiet vibe and Allah
willing, Jouseph Emerick will be our kathib this friday. The guy's got passion -"

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The exchange between Salaam and Korshnoi engenders a thoughtful look on
Joseph's tanned face. After looking curiously at the RICO-addict for a
moment, he replies to Korshnoi's implied inquery. "Hardware, eh, Korshnoi.
A man who is good with his hands need answer to no other, so you are most
fortunate. And Salaam here is a man of ears and eyes and obviously smell
most exuberant. Again, most useful. And of course my good friend Johnny
here makes a most excellent shawarma and couscous dish, Allah Be Praised for
His Foresight in allowing man the Art of Cuisine. I myself am not so lucky
a man as yourselves, but in compensation I have been blessed by Allah with
the ability to....facilitate answers to other people's dilemma's. How about
you, my RICO watching friend? Are you a watcher of stocks & bonds, that you
view that little screen with such intent?" He turns to the RICO guy....

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Here's what else is going on in the corridor as you are talking...

... The mirrored man is resting against one wall, with one leg up. He
seems to be staring directly ahead, although of course this is hard to
tell as he has no visible eyes.

... The ads at Kambela's change to a rather loud promo for Bantu Beat.

... A caucasian man and woman walk past, towards the food court. The
woman has her passport plugged into a small infosystem, and appears to
be checking the details of her visa. The man is glancing at her
infosystem, but also gives a rather patronizing or perhaps disapproving
glance to Korshnoi's armband.

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Korshnoi stares back, daggers in his blue eyes, still addressing the men around him,
"Al Raheem, one block off north Mandela... They think it's some suicide pact. Idiots.
Malacca would never raise such Muslims." As the couple disappear, Korshnoi's jaw
unclench and he speaks in a more relaxed manner, "My home system you see... 'trying to
kick the authorities into greater zeale in the Ali's Hope investigation. Would either of you
want an armband ?"

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"Ali's Hope?" says Joseph, "Would that make you of the Party of Ali, my friend? I have
not heard of this group before in relation to our Shia brothers. Enlighten
me, if you have the time."

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Here's what else is going on in the corridor as you are talking...

... Two kids run past out of the customs area. They don't appear
related to the two caucasians above. The two kids are arguing over who
gets to be "Lisa."

... A man walks out of Andruus and heads towards the bathroom rather
nervously. He eyes eyeryone in the corridor, but pays specific
attention to the group of men gathered in the waiting lounge (in other
words, the PC's).

... Two more cargobots head down the corridor, apparently as yet
unaccompanied by the people who rented them.

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The rico-man says, "If you're hardware, I must be software...at least,
that's what I'm best at. I've patched up a wound or two in my time, too,
although I haven't got my medkit with me at the moment. My name's Nick
Kazantz."

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"Stocks and bonds? I wish I had the money for that kind of thing. No,
I've got a game on here, between the Stars and the Mittetal Waves. The
Waves are doing pretty good, especially compared to the whipping they took
from the Slicers in their last game. Any of you guys see that
one?" Nick glances at everyone hopefully.

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"Oh man, the Slicers were rocking! I loved it when Gonzalez swept those
last couple of points away from the Waves like they were little kids! The
only downside was the bad cream I had, made dinner that night a little bland
without it, but the game was good.", says Walker with a smile, "I try not to
miss the Slicer games, but travel makes that difficult sometimes."

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Korshnoi shakes his head at the sports talk, "Follow the kites myself, but that's
about it. Too much looking leads to a lack of doing, I always say..." He looks pointedly at
the two, shades of friendly ribbing dancing behind his eyes.
"Speaking of lack, rather like the lack of focus in what we do. Looks like she
picked for range and that could mean long term, Allah willing." He turns to Walker,
scratching a bearded chin thoughfully, "Can't quite place you though. As much as I like a
good meal now and then... You do some chemistry or you're a plant expert on the side,
right ?"

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This is as far as the game has progressed at this point.

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