ABOARD ZULU'S SHIP 

Z1 leads Adan (and Marrik, if he wants to come along too) to his ship. 

Marrik will go along. The other three people at your table are also
interested. 

On the way there, the male human spiritualist askes the surprizing
question of Z1, "Do you need to sleep?" 

Z1: "Only when I get tired. I do not tire easily, like most humans." 

When the door closes on the group in the ship, the Rachak suddenly falls
to the floor. Marrik reacts instantly, opening the door, picking up the
Rachak, and bolting for the nearest door into the base. Adan also feels
something pass over him, but he's not quite sure what happened.
"Intrigueing," Adan whispers 

After Rachak falls, Z1 swiftly pulls his rifle and goes around the ship,
searching for hidden enemies, holding the rifle in one hand. 

Z1: "Be careful. Enemy may be present." 

When he returns, he says, "Your companion told me that he will meet you
in the morning." If questioned about what happened, he explains. "This
ship is enclosed in the reality that it came from, and apparantly, in
that reality, magic does not work. Rachak naturally use their magic to
fly and to maintain their bodies, so in a non-magical area they will
fall and start to die." 

"Yes I had heard rumors of such effects happening to others so far I
have not personally experienced the effect though," Adan offers. 

Z1: "Define meaning of 'magic' here. I have no knowledge about it." 

The psionic responds, "Magic is one of those concepts that difficult to
define, something like 'number' or 'intelligence,' but I will try." 

"Imagine that reality is a surface covered with small bumps and knobs
that define everything about it. Now some areas of this surface are soft
and easy to manipulate, these are regions where magic is easy to use.
Other areas are hard as steel, these are no-magic or no-mana regions.
Some people have the ability to sense and manipulate the surface of
reality, and when these people change reality we call it 'magic.'" 

"Magic the most flexible art we of N'Ferra know, but also the most
fatigueing and the least likely to stand up for long periods. Sooner or
later the surface of reality will revert back to what it was before the
mage changed it." 

Z1: "Will all of you others confirm this? . . . I have been living
totally ignorant of magic or its possibilities. It is an intriguing
description, thank you." 

Z1: "Mastermind itself is a huge evil metallic brain, hidden underground
in the world I come from. Mission of my life is to eliminate it, and
thwart its plans whenever possible. Tens of thousands of metal monsters
serve it, destroying organic beings and stripmining metals from the
ground or asteroids. These metals are used to build more monsters, and
so the plague spreads." 

"Interesting," Adan states his muscular hand rubbing his chin. "I have
to complete my job tomorrow but afterwards I may wish to speak with you
some more." 

As she observes the pictures, the female human psionic suddenly says.
"Well, have we identified group 4?" 

The male human replies, "I think so, but I'll need to get off this ship
to check. Z1. Would you mind accompanying me while I ask the spirits
some questions?" Adan studies the pictures intently. When finished Adan
hands the photos back to Z1, 

Actually, no photos. Pictures can be seen through an odd device which Z1
calls 'screen'. Some of the pictures are moving ones and some even have
sound. Most pictures include same odd symbology which can be seen on the
buttons. 

Adan looks completely puzzeled at this conversation, "What is this group
4 if you don't mind, I know that I am an outsider on this but from the
sounds of these creatures I may prove a useful ally." 

Z1: "Define meaning of the word 'spirit'. I have no knowledge of how it
could relate to this matter." 

The psionic says, "Oh boy, and I thought 'magic' was difficult. Well,
let's see. A spirit is an entity that does not rely on a particular body
for its existence. This gives them certain advantages and disadvantage
that we, I mean, that embodied beings, do not posess. Initiates, like my
friend here, are able to communicate with spirits and trade favors with
them." 

"Do you recognize the contents of these pictures?" 

Again it's the psionic who replies, "I do, but perhaps I should explain
first. This gentleman, myself, and the Rachak you met earlier are all
diviners. We each see into time in a different way, but all of us
percieve its changes in one way or another. All of us have been
recieving information recently that we haven't been able to make sense
of because we weren't able to ask the right questions. We had reached an
impasse with our shared information when you interrupted us." 

"For a long time time I thought group 4," (she taps the screen), "and
group 1 were the same because they both used metal ships. My companions
assured me that was incorrect. With the information you've given me,
hopefully I'll be able to find out more. For some reason it's important
for _me_ to concentrate on group 4 instead of groups 2 or 3 who are also
hostile and more likely to strike sooner." 

Z1: "Could you inform me of those groups as well?" 

"Well, group 1 I've already explained." 

"Group 2 is composed of a fleet of spelljamming ships. One of my visions
had a voice saying, 'If we had destroyed them outright, maybe _then_
they would listen to us.' The ships were strangely designed, not a type
that I've ever seen. When I talked to the military I got the impression
they knew a lot more about what was going on." 

Z1: "Would you be so kind and explain 'spelljamming'?" 

"Spelljamming is the means of propelling our vessels. A device called a
'helm' enables an idividual with the correct power to move and control
the vessel they are on." 

Z1: "How many energy units per unit of time are required, or is this
'magic'?" 

It draws upon the energy of the helmsman. We haven't been able to
quantify those units yet. It's partially magic, but not fully so. . . .
Actually, . . . yes, it's magic. 

"Group 3 has something to do with the monsters that people have been
reporting recently. They seem to be very sneaky, and not involved in
direct assaults. But like the other groups there's nothing to indicate
where they came from. Somehow they're infiltrating us, but we have no
idea how." 

Z1: "What do they look like?" 

There's no way of telling. I've seen dozens of types, and they have
shapeshifters among them as well. "Group 4, I've already told you
about." 

Z1: "Then, how can you identify them as a group, if they have no common
traits or motives? 

She shrugs, "Because it's easier to assume there's one group involved
rather than several. They could break into two or more groups, like
group 1 did. Their distinctive feature is their use of biologicals and
reality manipulation." 

Z1: "But that is not logical. Unless they have similar goals or models
of behavior, they are not clearly one group. Making such assumption
would be a mistake of great proportions. I have no problem treating
different units as individuals, I have lots of capacity if not too much
depth of thought. Because some units are hostile, does not necessarily
mean that all would be, especially if they seemingly have nothing in
common." 

"Mastermind thinks that all organic beings are vermin, including humans.
This is why it attempts to eliminate them whenever they chance upon its
territories. Only shared characteristic here is being organic, but that
makes it logical." 

She laughs, "If I tried to deal with all my visions as individuals I'd
never get anywhere. The essence of psionic interpretation is to relate
similarities. If you are prepared against whatever the visions show, it
doesn't really matter whether you're looking at one group or more. I
realize military types like more specifics, but that usually isn't
possible when you're looking into the future. 

Z1: "Military types may kill innocents. However, I am only concerned
about humans because my orders do not include other lifeforms.. It is
unfortunate that my mother died, she always had clear answers for me." 

"Z1, I see you're going to meet with the Admiral tomorrow. I can tell
that he's going to discuss several options with you. Why don't you
suggest a course of action to him and see what he says? With the
military's manpower shortage they can use all the help they can get."
She chuckles, "Of course, the pay's awful." 

Z1: "Pay is not so important, money is not of much use for me. Supplies
are more important, I need water and materials to make firearms and
ammunition. As I told, my mission is to stop Mastermind and protect
nonhostile human life. I will perform it whether or not I get paid.
Meanwhile, I am learning to feel human emotions." 

"Do you recognize contents of these pictures?" 

"I will do whatever you ask, fellow human, unless it is to harm another
human. I will accompany you and fight at your side if you want to
destroy these metal monsters." 

The initate blinks, "A small correction, 'fellow human' implies that you
yourself are human, the appropriate phrase would be 'friend' or
'cousin.' 'Son' isn't appropriate unless you know more about the subject
under discussion than the one you are addressing, and 'Fellow'
unmodified implies you are of higher social rank." (Note: these language
clarifications have been going on all along and I've been ignoring them.
This one could become important. That's why it's here.) 

Z1: "I have no society of my own, except myself. My mother Selena Keller
died recently, and she was last human on my world. I do not know what
social rank I would have under your system. I own a vessel, so would
that imply that I am a 'Captain'. Although I command no crew, I command
a ship which does not need crew." 

Z1: "Yes, you guessed correctly. I am an artificial imitation of human,
but the creator of my mind, Selena Keller, thought that I would have
sufficient capability to become like human emotionally - I am still
working on that one. I am sorry if my presence offends you - My mission
is also to protect all nonhostile human life. I must also warn you,
because Mastermind has servants which look like humans and possess same
physical abilities as I." 

"I'm not offended. You're obviously a person, regardless of your
emotions or soul. Should you truly wish to become more human, I would
suggest calling at the church. Possibly the bishop or the Servants of
Ferris could help you." 

Z1: "Thank you. But that is of secondary importance now. Masterminds
threat to humans here has not been fully assessed yet. Resistance must
be organized, new tactics implemented and possibly new weapons made.
Your infantry would need weapons like this, firing ten shots within a
heartbeat." Z1 shows his riflelike weapon and takes off the box from it
- Box seems to contain many bullets which have no casing, perhaps as
many as half a hundred. 

Z1: "I have evaluated my chances against Mastermind without any outside
help. They are 1 against 2,533,146 - This assuming that I can
appropriate Masterminds equipment, particularly powerful bombs. This is
why I retreated here, to look for help." 

He shrugs, "While I'm more than happy to help Tilseth, I'm more
interested in what we've designated as 'unidentified group 2.' They
could attack any time now, and we need to be sure to destroy them
totally. I need to be prepared to sound the warning so the military can
move their ships into position." 

The psionic explains about group 4 (full title = Unidentified Group
Four, soon to be name 'Mastermind'), "I've had these visions of metal
ships, large and small, traveling past the base and striking at it with
deadly weapons. The base breaks into millions of pieces, and the small
ships come back much more slowly and hunt down every living creature.
Four large ships form a tetrahedron, and a gate opens in their midst,
and smaller ships, different from the killing ones, travel through that
gate and into N'Ferra Sphere. In some of my visions N'Ferra warships
launch missiles at the attackers. Cannon are ineffective, but there is a
weapon that works and destroys one of the attackers, but there are just
too many of them. In another vision people jump from the military ships,
attempting to board, but that apparantly has no effect. In another
vision, the large ships move to form the tetrahedron, but then one of
them attacks the other three and the gate fails to form." 

Z1: "I have knowledge of Masterminds only portal. I have detailed
information of its location, both here and in my original world. At this
time, Mastermind has only one portal." 

"In my other vision of metal ships, these small ships, much more
maneuverable than our own, come to the base and humans emerge from them.
They are greeted with fanfares and cheers. The ships are different from
the ones in the other vision" 

Z1: "Perhaps these could be powerful allies." 

"I'm sure they could be if we could find them. Unfortunately, so far
nothing's turned up that might lead us to them." 

Z1: "My ship might be helpful in the search, although it needs 800 tons
of water before it can take off on a long journey. Such a search could
take lots of time, however and I might be of most help in here." 

"At first I thought this meant we would be betrayed by the people in the
metal ships, but I've been told that the visions are of two different
groups." 

Z1: "Based on evidence, it would seem likely." 

The initiate sighs, "I sometimes think this age will be known as 'The
Age of War.' Back in N'Ferra proper there are many people who think we
have explored too many places too quickly." He continues with a hint of
anger, "Of course, those are the same people who keep the Confederation
military from getting any larger. The military probably relies too much
on independents, but it's not like they have much of a choice." 

Z1: "During a war, one needs to mobilize as much forces as one can.
Gaining a decisive advantage right in the beginning of the engagement is
vital. Smaller numbers can be compensated for with greater mobility." 

"I do have some experience and knowledge about tactics, and I can
propably think much faster than your leaders, I could help you with your
strategies. Especially against Mastermind." 

For a long period of time Adan was very quiet as if taking in all of the
information that was given and turning it over in his mind finally he
speaks with one simple question, "How much time do you think we have?" 

Z1: "Based on my current knowledge, about one month at most untill the
conflict starts. Mastermind will collate knowledge and prepare an
overwhelming attack force during this time. For some yet unknown reason
Mastermind could delay the attack, but as that would be to our
advantage, it is not very likely." 

Also, Z1s ship is quite unlike those usual to N'ferra. It is completely
enclosed and appears to be of thick steel, it has no sails whatsoever,
and strange buttons are alive with lights and symbols. 

Z1 gets an odd feeling while Adan follows through the ship. Adan seems
overly comfortable and unsurprised by the unusual vessel even though it
is obvious that he has no clue as to how the ship operates, nor does it
seem like he has ever been on this type of ship. 

"Here is the room I'll be staying at," Adan hands Z1 a piece of paper,
"I have to get my paycheck so if you want to talk to me tomorrow while I
work by all means come see me early, if not I shall return there every
night at 800pm please come and see me." 

Z1: "Thank you, but I have not yet had opportunity to learn local
writing, and all communication I have learned is in form of these rather
limited hand signals. I would like to learn the spoken language you used
in the bar, it would be far more useful." 

"Well let me give you verbal directions and you can write it down in
your language," Adan states. "I am fairly skilled in mosts languages
that I know of, eleven to be exact, so I would be glad to give you basic
instructions on any you desire." 

Adan proceeds to give Z1 directions to his room. 

"I enjoy hearing stories of history and far away lands," Adan continues,
"purhaps you would like to share with me some stories of your home world
tomorrow?" 

With that Adan takes his leave and heads back to his room while Z1 joins
the two humans. 

~~Should I get involved? Maybe this is my pupose in life, flesh against
steel; man against metal? I don't know but I must find out more.~~ 

Adan prepares to go and turns to the assembled group, "I don't know if
this is important but during my time in the Gate Constilation I was
attacked by some assassins who used some rather unusual devices they had
destroyed both themselves and the items rather than let me capture them.
I wonder if they could be related to the groups you speak of. I would be
interested in a position if you have one though. I must be honest though
my talents don't go for less then the equivelent of a junior officer pay
and authority. If you need me to prove my value I would be glad to but I
am beginning to wonder if this event isn't immenently important to me." 

Z1: "If you want to travel with me, that is okay. Although I must say
that it may get potentially quite dangerous at times - I promise to
protect you to the best of my ability. I do not have any significant
supply of currency, so I cannot pay you in money. I could make a good
gun for you, though - If the nitro-powder can be acquired. Or a
lightbeam gun, given some more time and good chrystals. I think we
should go see the admiral tomorrow and discuss about our options
further." 

"Protection is not what I desire or need," Adan pulls out his .44 pistol
puts one hand to the barrell and pulls the trigger before anyone can
react. After the loud bang he pulls his hand away and the slug sits in
his and causing no damage to Adan's flesh. "I am a warrior, I do not
know my past nor my future but I know what I'm good at. Tomorrow I have
a job to complete first before I could possibly go see this Admiral. My
obligations are very important to me. These substations must be
completed. If someone wanted to construct me a weapon I think a very
strong sword or axe in my hands would do sufficient damage to these
metal monsters but from the sounds of it plain steel wouldn't do the
trick. I would travel with you gladly Z1 but I do have some financial
needs so that I can purchase supplies in the future but this is sounding
interesting enough to preclude my job hunt." 

Z1: "You may be an artificial construct. Your skin seems to be very
tough." 

"I also know how to make close combat weapons. Watch this." 

Z1 pulls out the boxlike saw device from his back - Suddenly it starts
emitting whining sound and the sawblade starts simultanously vibrating
and whirling at high speed. Z1 lets it touch floor, and does not apply
much pressure, even so, the blade sinks in easily, like hot knife into
butter.. Z1 stops the device and places it back onto his back. 

"This can also eat through thick armor plates. Over one inch of hard
steel is needed to stop it. I could perhaps make a sword or axe
utilizing same principles without the rotating saw part, if you are
interested." 

"Perhaps the admiral will pay me much, because I have many advantages
over soldiers of this place, as well as knowledge of advanced tactics
and strategies. I may be able to provide for your financial needs, but I
will need to negotiate with the admiral. Will we go see the admiral
together?" 

"By the way, could I help you with the 'job' you mentioned needs taking
care of?"

"You could if you wanted to it's small potatoes if you know what I
mean," 

Z1: "I am not interested in monetary compensation. If I do not have
anything better to do, I could just as well help you for no
compensation." 

Adan states, "Just a substation construction job. I don't know how long
it'll take but it increase my personal finances by five fold, shouldn't
take me long if you know what I mean. As for the sword or axe I'm
skilled with a broadsword but not an axe but from the sounds of it I
think a large axe would be more effective an I might do well to learn
it's abilities quickly if you would like to make me a weapon of the sort
you are talking about. I really should take off, I have a hard time
resting at night so I thought I might try and get some rest. How about I
meet you tomorrow at the same bar about 7pm (OOC: or later depending on
the meeting with the admiral) tomorrow and we can discuss pooling our
abilities then. That will give you time to speak to the admiral and me
time to complete my job." 

Z1: "Yes, agreed. 7 pm, Brown Feather Inn."