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Message no. 1
From: R Andrew Hayden <rahayden@*****.WEEG.UIOWA.EDU>
Subject: The party
Date: Wed, 24 Feb 93 03:03:59 CET
>>>>>[You want me to pay for this party? Well . . . ok. But only if we
can have it at my place.]<<<<<
-- Joseph Yoshida <19:54:32 / 02-23-54>
President
Yoshida Technologies
Message no. 2
From: ROBERSON@***.EDU
Subject: The Party
Date: Sat, 27 Feb 93 02:21:15 CET
>>>>>[Hey Highlander, you got a date yet? Not that I'm available, but I
have several friends who are. . .]<<<<<
--Jaez <15:56:37/2-26-54>
Message no. 3
From: ROBERSON@***.EDU
Subject: The Party
Date: Sat, 27 Feb 93 02:22:01 CET
>>>>>[BeerBelly here. I wuz just awunderin', where's this here party I bin
herin' 'bout]<<<<<
--BB <Miller/Time>
Message no. 4
From: ROBERSON@***.EDU
Subject: The Party
Date: Wed, 3 Mar 93 06:24:14 CET
>>>>>[Why Herr Doom, how could I possibly forget such an outstanding man as
yourself? Your very presence was felt felt from the perimeter and grew like an
enveloping cloud of strength and security as I approached the house. And may I
say that your lovely wife was a splendid conversationalist, relating tales
regarding your early exploits in a marvelous manner. Did you really rescue her
from a castle when you were that young? It was an honor meeting you, and I
thankyou sincerely for your extension of help regarding my career.
Nightstalker, you may come off with a rough edge but sometimes great
friendships start out that way. Raven and I were like that (Don't tell her but
I still get jittery about magic-especially now that she has that SWORD and calls
herself an Initiate. What exactly does that mean?) Anyway, I would be delighted
to accompany you to Tivoli Discotheque tomorrow. . .provided you still REMEMBER.
And Highlander, now that Ramirez is on the board, I ask you this: Can't
there be only one? Watch your head, dude: Those eyes are too cute to waste.
Well, I see I've wasted everyone's time now.]<<<<<
--Jaez <20:47:38/3-2-54>
Message no. 5
From: "Jason Carter, Nightstalker" <CARTER@***.EDU>
Subject: RE: The Party
Date: Wed, 3 Mar 93 23:26:21 CET
>>>>>[ Tivoli Discotheque? I guess we must have talked about that after I
talked with Tommy. Everything after that is kinda blurry. We'll have to
postpone the date til after we find Highlander. ]<<<<<
-- Nightstalker <17:03:41/02-04-54>
Message no. 6
From: Doctor Doom <JCH8169@*****.TAMU.EDU>
Subject: The Party...
Date: Thu, 4 Mar 93 02:51:13 CET
>>>>>[ Ahhh...you are far too kind, Fraulein. As far as the question of
rescuing my beloved from a castle...well, I recall no such events. Perhaps she
was exercising her marital perogative for poetic license in regards to
retelling of my earlier exploits... Admittedly, some of those tales I had not
even thought of in years; it gives one cause for being rather nostalgic, in my
view. Alternatively, if that story followed the bottle of Dom Perignon '37,
I would conjecture reality might have been blurred slightly for her.

I am curious, you said you sensed my presence... Odd, my shamanistic comrades
would probably interpret that to mean that you sensed my aura. However, as
neither you nor myself are magical, I am curious as to how you did it. I do
not refute the validity of your statement, it just hearkens to a puzzeling
question. Interesant, nicht wahr?

Oh, when next we meet, Fraulein, if you have permitted yourself to forget my
instructions to you on how to waltz, I shall be quite disappointed. You danced
divinely (and expertly avoided a stumbling CRUSH wearing a lampshade), and such
talent should ne'er go to waste. ]<<<<<
-- Doctor Doom <18:02:24/03-03-54>

>>>>>[ Oh, that was Jaez...the red-haired elf? The one Doom gave waltzing
lessons? Man, she was HOT, I'm telling you... ]<<<<<
-- Hangtime <18:02:45/03-03-54>

>>>>>[ Herr Hangtime, are you still suffering from the effects of being
inebriated four days ago? Please conduct yourself more within the grounds of
propriety. ]<<<<<
-- Doctor Doom <18:03:16/03-03-54>

>>>>>[ Oh, yeah...I guess I still am feeling real loose (that's uninhibited
to
you, Doom) from the party... Like I said, Jaez, you're mightily attractive...
a good start for any actress. ( I would use longer words like Doom, but after
a follow-up celebration with Jack Hack, my head still hurts. ) ]<<<<<
-- Hangtime <18:03:54/03-03-54>
Message no. 7
From: Brian Angliss <angliss@******.PSU.EDU>
Subject: the Party!
Date: Thu, 18 Mar 93 19:33:36 -0500
>>>>>Sorry to disappoint you, Cerise, but Foxey Roxey will be unable to
attend
the party. She has some work to do, and she has to get ready or the stars will
not be ready when she is(or something like that...). Don't worry about THE
Nexus. I'm bringing a paid profesisonal with me for the express purpose of
distracting him. With her cybernetic sexual implants and nymphomania, I think
she can handle him without too much difficulty. At least she had better, for
the fee she is charging.<<<<<
Slash(19:34:37/03-18-54)
Message no. 8
From: S90H000 <S90H@******.BITNET>
Subject: Re: The Party
Date: Fri, 19 Mar 93 11:40:05 EST
>>>>>> If I can invite myself, I'll bring my Yamaha drum set with
me.<<<

g.g. (11:35/3-19-54)
Message no. 9
From: "You bloody hagis!" <MKNABUSCH@******.BITNET>
Subject: The Party
Date: Mon, 22 Mar 93 20:15:00 EDT
>>>>>[Hey Dulimer, sounds like the kinda job you like.
Relaxing people, making them party. Hey, why not bring BC
along. I promise I won't do anything to hurt the place...
no mulutuv is another story.]<<<<<
-Masque <Its been a while>
Message no. 10
From: DANIEL WAISLEY <LGLUMKA@***.BITNET>
Subject: the party
Date: Tue, 23 Mar 93 02:54:39 CET
>>>>>[ CRUSH want know when party??. CRUSH bring Behemoth leg, should
feed everyone. How big is door, CRUSH had hard time bringing leg into
house. Nightfox say that he has made sure it not go bad for atleast
a week. CRUSH not coming with Spirit. Spirit not been happy with CRUSH
since wedding. CRUSH wonder if it something CRUSH said at wedding. CRUSH
not say anything different from normal. Sheena wants to come, she loves
parties. Claw is out checking on things, gang war never happened. Made
Claw very happy. Me think on bringing Circuit Breaker too, she likes parties
almost as much as Sheena. CRUSH got go now, nature call.]<<<<<
-CRUSH <20:32:28/03-24-54>

>>>>>[ CRUSH didn't say anything different at the
wedding.]<<<<<
-Spirit < sigh >

***** HUH?
women.
Morrison: I hold nothing against you nor against any who feed on the predators.
I just dislike the ones who I have found who kill the innocent. I hunt them
like I hunt any other killers of the innocent. I am sorry if I offended you.

Nexis: I will endevore to attend the party. Although I shall not be consuming
any behemoth. After a while the same type of foods get to be tiring.*****
-Nightfox <the blackness shines with inner light>


>>>>>[ Hey DOA. Nightfox is really handsome and Elven, maybe we could
set him and Brandywine up at the party. He is free and single and handsome.
He is really fluent Spere', he knows like 100 or so poems and songs.
Unfortuanatly, for all his knowledge he just doesn't know about women.
Did Ah mention that he is handsome? ]<<<<<
-Circuit Breaker < he is really >

***** ahem, thank you for the input CB ***** Nightfox


>>>>> CB is right, he is handsome. If he wasn't like a brother to us,
well..
I definately would like to come. I can help provide entertainment like I did
at Yoshida's party. I'll bring along my synth. As to instruments, I really
don't play any but I can sing up a storm. I can even do jazz.]<<<<<
-Sheena <20:53:53/03-22-54>

***** CB, Sheena, please, no more. I am 16. I have the rest of a very long
life ahead of me to worry about dating.*****
-Nightfox < like it has been said, Women >
Message no. 11
From: Reality can be useful <MHILLIARD@******.BITNET>
Subject: The party
Date: Wed, 24 Mar 93 17:10:00 EDT
>>>>>[Harlequin, will you EVER grow up? BTW, how'd Max's surgery go?
I wasn't planning on attending this party, but since simply EVERYBODY is going
to be there I think I'll stop by. Especially since I had to miss out on the AI
victory celebration. I'm looking foreward to meeting Dr. Doom in particular.
Raven was quite impressed with his...style. Or something.]<<<<<
Cat Dancing <17:10:40/3-24-54>
Message no. 12
From: Cysgod ac dwr melys <MHILLIARD@******.BITNET>
Subject: the party
Date: Tue, 7 Sep 1993 18:05:59 -0500
>>>>>[Nice party, AJ. That was GOOD brandy. The firefight was a little
dull,
though.]<<<<<
-- Raven <Quoth the Raven/Nevermore>
Message no. 13
From: Brad Shantz <bshantz@****.COM>
Subject: The Party
Date: Fri, 30 Dec 1994 15:14:39 -0800
>>>>>[Alright, looks like we got a real party about to happen. I've got to
head to Tacoma for a few errands and might not get back till tomorrow
afternoon. If you need anything, directions, etc. Call Jas. By the way our
address is >>encrypted<<. Just look for the house where all the lunatics are
diving into the 4 foot deep hot tub headfirst. We'll see ya at the
party.]<<<<<
-- Shields < 15:15:00 / 12-30-55 >
Message no. 14
From: "Brian E. Angliss" <ANGLISS@******.BITNET>
Subject: The party.
Date: Fri, 3 Mar 1995 11:35:54 -0500
>>>>>[Well, the party went well, for once. Only one or two folks got rowdy
after a while and had to get thier blood detoxed. But there was a nice little
surprise from our friends at Maxim. Apparently they are trying to send some of
us a message, since the excitement of the party was three grenades, of Maxim
manufacture, busting through a window and then just sitting there. The
explosive had been removed. There would have been some unhappy people at the
party had they been live.... This and the tails are getting a bit annoying.

But I'm pulling a fade while I work on a run of mine and hopefully things will
be a little calmer when I return.]<<<<<
-- Diana, Mistress of the Night <11:37:49/03-03-56>
Message no. 15
From: Brian Angliss <angliss@*****.COLORADO.EDU>
Subject: The party
Date: Sat, 2 Nov 1996 10:41:16 -0700
>>>>>[Sor sorry. I'm goint ot bed now. I draknek a litlle too mcuh last
>>>>>nibht and I can beryly type on this fucking turngls.

No majroy problems to repotd, thank goodness. I'll get the actual fotohate
up[plaed.....upploadked when I qweke up .]<<<<<
-- VAlentine <Hic:Hic:Hic/Up-Up-Up>

>>>>>[(snicker)]<<<<<
-- Mercury <10:39:41/11-01-57>
Message no. 16
From: Wes Nicholson <wes@********.COM.AU>
Subject: The Party
Date: Tue, 28 Jan 1997 08:33:39 +1100
***** PRIVATE: Invasion_Force.1, Chaos
>>>>>[ It's taken me almost a day to send this, since the damned party
went to the wee hours, and I'm not much for doing a job with no sleep. For
those who are interested, here's what happened at the Gloaming last night:

The scene is a night club in downtown Seattle. There are a few people
lined up waiting to enter, and a pair of tough looking bouncers on the door.
As we make our way into the foyer, there is a receptionist who politely asks
for membership cards, or checks guest lists for names of non-members. It
is obvious this is a private club. People who are admitted are asked to
hand over any weapons and it is obvious who the members are - they hand them
over without being asked.

A careful observer might spot the security camera checking everyone who
comes in, but most people wouldn't notice it.

A party of four make it to the receptionist. He addresses the group
as a whole:
D Are you members?
Ly No, we were told to ask for the green room.
D Ah, I see. And your names?
Ly Lynch, Lilith, Easy, and Quinn.
The man checks a list and nods.
Please, go inside and get comfortable. Someone will show you to your
party room shortly.
He presses a hidden switch and the entry door clicks open.

Over the next few minutes several more people arrive and go through the
same ritual. The only difference is their names: Chris D'Arkan and James
Crawley draw a strange look from the door staff, quickly hidden when the
green room is mentioned, AlexandriaN draws looks from many folk waiting to
get inside, but only because of the beautiful woman on his arm, who gives
her name as Miriya. Again, mention of the green room causes the staff to
become totally professional at once. The other patrons are not so easily
distracted. Arashi and Vernier get admiring looks from every male in the
vicinity, but they too are treated with the utmost respect by the staff at
the mention of the green room. Blade knows he's being assessed as a
possible threat by the staff, but they relax as soon as he says where he's
going. Rage and Streetwolf get similar treatment. Jose Montoya looks out
of place here, but he too is admitted when he mentions the green room.
A young man, probably a wannabe, cottons on to this "green room" thing,
and
tries it out. He gives his name as Red Rider, but it isn't on the list.
The receptionist asks him to leave, and the young man reaches into his
jacket. The doorman doesn't flinch, even with a pistol in his face. He
merely smiles at the young man.
D I'd put that away if I were you, and leave quietly.
YM Oh, yeah, why don't I just blow your fraggin' head off and go inside for
some fun.
D Because, sir, that's not how things work here. Now, please leave.

The young man makes no move to leave, but an alert observer would notice
him take up the slack on the trigger. Still the doorman does not flinch,
and a small fraction of a second later the young man is screaming in pain
and clutching a hand that is now covered in his blood. Standing in the
door to the street is one of the bouncers, and he is returning a large
pistol - Ruger Super Warhawk for those who know their guns - to a concealed
holster under his jacket. His face is expressionless, as though it was
nothing to him to shoot a loaded pistol from someone's hand through a small
crowd of people. Oddly, there is no more trouble at the door that evening,
and JayCee - who witnessed that little scene - could tell you all why.

Meanwhile, inside the club, one end of the long bar seems to have been
vacated and reserved for some special guests. The barman waves a hand at
Lynch's party as they enter, and indicates the empty space to them. There
aren't enough stools for everyone who's coming, but it is obvious to Easy
straight away that the spot has been chosen to allow the guests to survey
the whole room, including the entrance, while providing them with maximum
cover themselves, should anything go wrong. Lynch seems a little uneasy at
first, possibly suspecting a setup, but Easy puts his fears to rest.
Lilith looks briefly at the dancefloor, then at Lynch. Easy laughs and
Lynch gives in to the not so subtle hint and takes Lilith for a spin around
the floor. While they are dancing, the other guests arrive, AlexandriaN
and Myria also making their way to the dance floor, where Myria is quickly
the centre of attention. Others among the group dance with each other, or
with other patrons - although never for more than a brief dance. The
'runners among the group pick up quite quickly that this is more than just a
night club - it's a place where the SINless arrange biz.
As JayCee enters and spots the group at the bar, a burly ork makes his way
to AlexandriaN and Myria. Lynch - and the others in the group who know
Lefty - see him moving across the floor towards the trio. The ork does
not, being too busy planning what witty remark to make to Myria. To anyone
who is trained, AlexandriaN is preparing for trouble. It never happens.
As the ork is about the make his pitch, there is a polite cough behind him.
Lefty turns to AlexandriaN as the ork decides to look elsewhere for company.

Le You must be AlexandriaN, please forgive my tardiness. I'm Lefty, your
host for the evening. The group at the bar can tell that Lefty is
distracted by Myria, but not in the way most males have been. It's not so
obvious to AlexandriaN and Myria, who AlexandriaN introduces to the troll.
Lefty indicates that they should return to the bar, while he gets the other
guests off the dance floor.

The whole group, who by now have all been introduced to anyone they didn't
already know, are led to a door behind the dancefloor. Some people seem
less comfortable than others, but everyone is determined not to be the one
to spoil the evening. There is an audible click, although nobody and no
camera can be seen, and Lefty indicates that everyone should go through.

Behind the door is a plain corridor with several doors, all of different
colours. One is a bright emerald colour and it is currently open. Not
being too big on ceremony, Rage marches straight through it before anyone
else can move. The others hear a low whistle. The door to the nightclub
closes and there is the sound of a lock engaging as Lefty catches up to the
group. Since Rage didn't get blown up or shot, Jennifer and Arashi go in,
closely followed by the others.

Inside, the room is all decked out in shades of green, mostly light shades
with a few dark highlights to set it off. There is a table against the
back wall, and a stack of plastic chairs in one corner. A half dozen
armchairs and two two-seaters complete the furniture. On the table is an
assortment of finger food, and an array of bottles. They don't look like
synthenol. There is an icebox at one end of the table, packed with beer,
and not the soy variety. There is soft music coming through speakers in
the ceiling, and a control panel near the door.

Lynch looks at Lefty.
Ly Man, you know how to set up a party, but it's supposed to be my treat.
Le Null persp, these guys owed me a favour anyway.
Ly (with a knowing look on his face, probably recalling the reactions of the
staff) Ah, of course they do. Well, everyone, who'll join me in a drink?

Everyone charges their glass (yes, real ones) with their favourite drink,
and Lynch proposes a toast

Ly To all of you, for your help and support in these trying times.
Tomorrow, many of us may be on opposite sides of another conflict, but for
tonight at least we are united in a common cause - the bringing down of a
terrible menace to our city. I'd like to thank each and every one of you
for your contribution to the operation, however lrage or small your part
was. But, most especially, to my closest friend and confidante, the woman
who shares my life - Lilith. Love ya, babe.

Lynch raises his glass and there is a general chorus of "to us" or
"Lilith" as the toast is made.

Lynch's obvious ease with everyone and everything seems to set the mood -
at least on the surface. Lynch and Lilith move around as small groups
form, D'arkan and Crawley talking quietly to Jennifer and Arashi, Rage,
Montoya, JayCee, Lefty and Streetwolf swapping stories, and AlexandriaN
hovering protectively near Miriya as she chats with Blade, Easy, and Quinn.

It's not a wild party by the standards of the shadows, but neither is it a
stuffy state occasion as some of the agents have done duty at - early in
their careers. Every time the food or drinks run low, staff appear to
replenish whatever is needed. It isn't long before everyone is looking for
the hidden cameras with more than the cursory glance they gave when they
came in. Only Lefty seems unconcerned by the goings-on, at least until he
notices the undercurrent of unease.

Le Ah, Angeline, are you there?

He spoke to the air. There is a soft knock at the door, and it opens to
reveal a stunning young red headed woman. She flounces over to Lefty and
stands on tip toe, like a little girl expecting her father to pick her up.
The troll obliges, giving her a hug and it occurs to just about everyone
that this is the first time they've seen the troll at ease around a woman.

Le Everyone, this is Angeline. She helps run this place, and keeps an eye
on special groups like this. There aren't any hidden cameras or mikes,
there's just Angeline and her friend.

The magically active guests notice at once that Angeline is a spirit,
although it is difficult to identify just what kind of spirit. Angeline
smiles at each person in turn, and again it's like a little girl's behaviour
when she wants to please someone.

A I've got another party to watch over as well, but I'll be back soon.

She simply disappears.

Lynch and Lilith take it all in stride, and still nobody wants to be the
first to break the bubble. The pair make their way towards the
storytelling group as Lefty adjusts the control panel on the door and dance
music filters through from the night club.

As the pair approach the storytellers, Streetwolf reaches into his jacket,
very carefully. He pulls something out and holds it out to Lynch.

S Many of Seattle's people contributed to this, and all of them asked me to
ensure you got it. It's the unofficial reward for Thunda's demise, we know
you can't claim the government one. This doesn't ever have to appear on
your records,

Lynch looks shocked at the suggestion, but it is immediately obvious he is
putting on a show. He accepts the credstick and puts it in his pocket,
without checking it. Streetwolf nods an acknowledgement of the trust Lycnh
has shown.

Lefty holds out what looks like a business card to Lilith, although he
looks a little uncomfortable.

Li What is it?
Le Take that gorgeous car of yours to this place, and they'll make it so
nobody will be able to break in, and add some armour to the important bits.
Li But won't that make it slower?
Le Not when they've finished with it.

The troll blushes and Lynch intervenes

Ly What's up, big guy?
Le It's just that Lilith is so ....
He begins to stutter and stammer
Ly What, gorgeous, beautiful, attractive, desirable?
Lilith is just basking in this
Le Uh, yeah, all of that. It's her and these other women, I just don't
know how to behave around them.
Lynch looks surprised
Ly What about Easy, she's a woman?
Le She's full of cyberparts - I know how to act with machines.
he blushes again
Ly Jesus! Don't say that so she can hear you, she'll tear your head off.
Lefty bursts into laughter at that.
Le She'd need a stepladder to reach it!
At this, Lynch and Lilith join in the laughter and move on to talk with
Alex, Miriya, Blade, Easy and Quinn. After a brief chat, Easy looks over
to Lefty and grins, before she makes her way over to the storytellers.

E So, I'm a machine, am I?
Lefty looks uncomfortable
Le Umm, you're a very NICE machine.
Easy laughs and Lefty looks even more uncomfortable
E It's OK, I am part machine, and I can't be really mad at someone who was
my knight in shining armour, now can I?
Lefty looks REALLY uncomfortable now, and Rage takes pity on the troll
R Easy, would you like to dance?
Lefty takes the opportunity to duck away, and Easy looks daggers at Rage
before deciding a dance would be a good idea. Lefty gives Rage a nod of
thanks.

Meanwhile, Chris D'Arkan is having a wonderful time, fitting right in while
James Crawley is trying not to add up the reward money for turning a bunch
of these people in. He excuses himself as the troll is getting another
drink, and the pair move to a corner for a quiet chat.

While nobody wants to be the first to leave, the party winds down after
about five hours of comfortable company, during which Lilith dances with
every male at least once - even Alex and Lefty have one dance each with her,
and Miriya is the belle of the evening. When it's time to leave, and more
than one of the guests discovers they're not legally able to drive, Lefty
(who is apparently still sober in spite of what he's had to drink) arranges
limos for everyone and promises to deilver their vehicles to wherever they
want in the morning. Lynch can't resist a parting comment.

Ly So, they owe you a favour, do they?
Le Well, OK, this place is owned by some friends of mine - it's one of a
very small number of places I feel safe.

There are genuinely warm good nights all around, and the party is over.
As the last limo drives off, what looks like a tank with wheels pulls up to
the door. Lefty climbs into the front and punches a couple of buttons
before his head drops forward and the last thing we hear is loud snoring as
the vehicle drives off.] >>>>>
-- The Watcher <21:24:38/01-27-58>

Further Reading

If you enjoyed reading about The Party, you may also be interested in:

Disclaimer

These messages were posted a long time ago on a mailing list far, far away. The copyright to their contents probably lies with the original authors of the individual messages, but since they were published in an electronic forum that anyone could subscribe to, and the logs were available to subscribers and most likely non-subscribers as well, it's felt that re-publishing them here is a kind of public service.

Thwap!