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Post by HoudiniDerek on Oct 21, 2005 20:59:07 GMT -5
</move>
Fokus is back relaxing at the Hinkley home after sending the comic store owner on his way. He is only waiting for the return of the Hinkleys and Maxwell.
Something beeps. He takes out his communicator and speaks in English.
"Trouble. Our "colleagues" have put Ralph in the past. Go get him and stop him before he fixes what has happened."
Fokus puts his communicator away and flies from the backyard. Arizona should not be too hard to spot now, he thought gleefully.
</move>
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Post by MelMac on Oct 21, 2005 22:17:46 GMT -5
<Move>
Ralph slowly opens his eyes and finds himself lying in a bed. He's covered with a quilt and is inside log cabin room, just like Dr. Hasburgh described. Over to the left, there is a table with a chair and a table with a hurricane lamp, bowl of water and mug. He finds he's has a wet towel on his forehead on top of a bandage and realizes what happened.
*Damn,* he thought to himself, wincing at the pain in his head. *What did I run into? I know I followed the instructions exactly. I wish the suit would protect my head.* He realizes he's not alone and someone's watching him.
"Glad to see you're finally awake mister," the young man said. He was tall and lanky, with a shock of brown hair and five o' clock shadow. He was carrying a cup and what appeared to be a coffee pot.
Ralph sat up as best as he could on the bed, which was sagging in the middle, and ignored the slight dizziness he felt. "How long was I unconscious?" he asked, remembering to speak in the same lingo as the century's time and not use any slang which would confuse the other.
"About two hours. We heard a cry and found you lying near a rock in the middle of the plain. It looks like you tripped over something or were thrown and struck your head. Don't know where you came from, or why you're in those fancy longjohns and robe."
Ralph blushed slightly. *Well, it seems Dr. Hasburgh forgot to tell me about the rock. At least it wasn't a billboard again.* "I got a bit lost. My horse must have spooked and threw me, and I must have hit my head on the rock. I don't know what happened to my outer clothes," he said.
"Well, at least if someone stole them they didn't kill you," the man said. "Lost one of the riders that way. What's your name?"
"Ralph, and yours?"
"Well, it's Henry Danielson, but most people call me HD," he said. "You feel up to some breakfast?"
Ralph smiled. "Sure, but you said 'we.' Who else is here?"
"Well, right now there are six of us at the cabin. Normally there are seven but Jack's on a run. You were lucky to end up near an exchange post. Come on guys, he's all right." A group of five men walk in and look at Ralph with a slight smirk, but Ralph notices the humorous glint in their eyes.
"Uh, is there a way that you could lend me a set of clothes. I don't want to be shot for what I'm wearing."
HD nodded, "Hey Dusty, get Ralph here some clothes and boots. Now, you mind telling me what you were doing on the way to Phoenix before you had your fall?"
"Well, I'm trying to find a parcel that was mailed by accident. I think you are carrying something that could harm someone, and I need to get it back," Ralph said.
"Can't help you too much. The last post came just before we heard you cry out. It's on its way to Santa Fe. Next rider won't be here for another day or two."
"Oh no. I know I've got to find the him and stop him before he crosses the state line. It's vitally important I get this parcel back," Ralph said.
"Well, there's a general store and saloon about 20 miles from here, just before the border. But Jack doesn't usually stop there, he prefers to rest under the stars. Rather odd that," HD said.
"Never mind that, I should be able to find him," Ralph said. "What does he look like?"
HD told him, and Ralph blanched. It was the fellow he was supposed to find. Jack had been there and Ralph's accident gave Jack a two hour start. "I've got to get out of here, can you bag me some food while I change?"
"Sure, but when you find him, be sure to give Jack a signal and this piece of paper before taking your item. We've had problems with horse thieves, and the riders have been ordered to shoot first and ask questions later."
"I understand, thanks for your help and taking care of me," Ralph said as he finished dressing and gathered the food, water and paper.
"Just be careful and take it easy," HD said. "You may have a concussion, and if you go too strongly, you could black out again. Need a horse? We've got one saddled up."
Ralph nodded. *At least I'd better let them think I need a horse, can't risk them seeing me fly,* he thought. He went outside and mounted the horse, and, waving good-bye to the kind riders, headed on the ride to find Jack. </move>.
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Post by HoudiniDerek on Oct 21, 2005 23:39:10 GMT -5
Thanks for the nod to me, MelMac.
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Post by MelMac on Oct 21, 2005 23:42:32 GMT -5
Thanks for the nod to me, MelMac. You're welcome, HD. Fits well with the theme, as a lot of friends I know go by initials (well, in this case it's your username, but still works.) Look forward to your next move.
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Post by HoudiniDerek on Oct 22, 2005 14:38:54 GMT -5
</move>
Ralph let the horse go about two miles from the cabin, knowing that it would find its way back and that the guys would think he hurt himself again. Quickly he undressed and vibed off the small mailbag he had swiped that Jack had left hours earlier. He got a vision of him about two hours due west and riding slowly. Ralph tucked his clothes in the mailbag and slung it over his shoulder. Three steps and a jump later, he was flying through the countryside.
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"Bill, we have to do something," Pam said as she paced nervously in front of the barrier. Ralph had been gone several hours and darkness was rapidly closing in.
"What are you going to do, Counselor? The suit doesn't protect us." Bill paced back passed her and kept staring intently at the wall of fog.
"I don't know, but I want to do something to help. He is my husband."
"I know, Counselor...I know."
Darkness creeped in and Dr. Hasburgh set up the tents left there earlier that day. He had found and revived Babs as well and convinced her of the necessity of helping. She still seemed a little shell-shocked, but was doing much better with the Doc seeing to her.
"You might as well come eat," Dr. Hasburgh called to Pam and Bill who were still pacing adamantly. "You can't do anything, you know."
"Why can't we?" Pam asked. "Didn't Ralph say that as long as he wore the suit that the rogue green guys could not hurt us?"
Bill's head jerked around. "Counselor, great job. I forgot! Let's go."
"WAIT!" yelled Dr. Hasburgh. How are you going to find him? He has been gone for hours AND has the immediate protection of the suit. You heard the green guys say that even in the past the suit could be finnicky."
"True." Bill resumed pacing. So did Pam.
"Professor?" Babs asked. "Is the wall moving towards us?" Everyone looked and they could see that the wall of fog was slowly creeping outwards.
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Jack was a simple man and lived a simple life, most of it on the Arizona desert. He could travel by night or day...thanks to his timely abduction by the Apache when he was three. He could track wild game on rocks and live without water for days. For all he could do, he was still missing something in his life: He wanted to love a woman and settle down.
People were moving into the west all the time and he wanted to get out of the mess and just raise a family, love a good woman, and teach his kids right from wrong. He believed that war was wrong and that violence only served the Devil and not any God-fearing folk.
That was why he took his job riding mail across the southwest. He was hoping to earn enough money to settle down and move on with his marriage plans. He had a woman in mind and he was already to make her his world. This last parcel he was dropping off to a man in the morning who was riding Santa Fe way and then he was continuing west to California where he could get married. He had grand plans to build a house and everything.
It was this afternoon that he had picked up the black ruby. He had found it in a creekbed and nearly choked on it when it went into his mouth. He had coughed it out and found a perfectly formed black ruby...odd if you think about it.
He lost no time in Phoenix getting it set into a necklace. He was going to give it to his woman when he proposed. She would love the effort and the fact that it was one of a kind...as far as he knew. Then, the rest of his life would be great.
"Therefore, sonny, I cain't give you this ruby. It goes to my girl. She will set store by it." Jack asked for the necklace back and Ralph handed it over. He had found the campsite an hour ago and had gotten permission to approach. He had explained the situation to Jack, but Jack said that the only letter to deliver was going east to Santa Fe and that it had come from Wyoming country...not from California.
"Can't you get her something else? Maybe a diamond or red ruby?" Ralph asked. He knew that he would have to take it from Jack if nothing else and he did not relish that thought. Jack had done him no wrong and Ralph knew his own stubborness when dealing with Pam. This would not be easy.
"Mister, I don't have much money and what I got ain't for rings, it's to raise a family with. Shorely you understand that." Ralph nodded...he knew perfectly. Mortgages were like that, he thought cruelly. "Besides, if you saw her, you would understand."
"Do you have a picture?" Ralph asked. He was becoming more and more uneasy now...but it was something about that necklace.
"Shore do." Jack pulled out a small tintype black and white picture. "That's my Mel," he said proudly. Ralph nearly fainted.
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"Why is it doing that?" Bill asked.
"I don't know, but I have an idea, " Dr. Hasburgh said. "It may be that Ralph has failed or that the closer it gets to a state line, the more the fog increases because the likelihood of the package crossing the state line is more intense. We may have to face the fact that Ralph has failed." Four sets of eyes gaze back to the increasing fog.
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"You okay, buddy?" Jack asked with a lot of concern. "You look like you have seen a ghost."
"She just reminded me of someone," Ralph said recovering himself. "Pretty lass." Jack stood up even straighter.
"She shore is. Lookie here, I know that you think this could hurt someone, but are you sure this is not your package?"
"No, I am not," Ralph said. "I did not send it, but I was closest to retrieve it."
"I know," Jack said. "Why don't you go with the messenger to Santa Fe and have it opened in front of you. That way you know."
"I can't...I am going back to California."
"Really?" Jack asked. "Well, if you don't mind company, you can go with me. We will have to walk to rest the horse since you don't have one, but at times we can double-up if necessary. Betsy here is a fine horse." Ralph smiled his thanks and went to lay down. The black of eyes of Fokus watched him go.
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Ralph was up late staring into the dark. He knew now that defeating the rogue green guys was going to be even tougher than planned. He thought he knew that necklace. In fact, it would be his in another hundred years. His great-great grandfather had given it to his great-great grandmother in the 1800's. He remembered stories about how his great-great grandmother had always felt neglected, but that Jack had been redeemed after finding a black ruby and realizing that love was far more superior than money. It had become an heirloom and now Ralph knew that if he took it and left...he might never be born and that he would never have the suit, and that history would change for the worst. How was he to stop Jack AND still be alive in his timeline?
</move>
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Post by MelMac on Oct 24, 2005 17:25:34 GMT -5
Sorry for the wait. I had a long weekend.
<Move>
Back in present day, Pam and Bill finish eating dinner with Babs and Dr. Hasburgh. Although Babs is looking at a book on mineralogy and gemology, they all still glance at the wall of mist that just minutes ago stopped advancing toward them.
“I don’t believe that Ralph’s failed,” Bill said. “If he did, this fog would have already enveloped at least this part of California.”
Dr. Hasburgh nodded. “You’re right. Since it stopped, I think that Ralph at least has found whoever it is carrying the item. But as far as it nearing the border, I don‘t know.”
Babs gasped slightly at the sight of a gem before her. “Gosh, I’ve never seen a gem as pretty or unusual as this,” she said. “Dr. Hasburgh, have you?”
“No, it‘s very rare,” he replied. “I did hear a story about how someone, a mail rider named Jack, found one in the middle of a creekbed, perfectly formed and even in a cabochon cut. It was set in some sort of jewelry. A second one was found later, though not quite as perfect, and was also set in the same setting.”
“It was perfectly formed and in a perfect stone cut?” Babs asked. “I may be your assistant, but I even know that doesn’t happen, at least in nature. If so, stone cutters would be out of business and people wouldn’t be paying so much for gemstones.”
Bill put two and two together. “That must mean the green guys were incorrect. The item wasn’t in the mail, the item was carried by the rider on his person.”
Their interests piqued, Pam and Bill looked over both the geologist and assistant’s shoulders. Pam gasped when she the stone. “I know this gem,” she said. “Ralph has one exactly like it at home. It’s in a necklace. It belonged to his great-great grandmother, Mel. It was given as the equivalent of a wedding ring when her then boyfriend, Jack, proposed to her.”
“Oh no.”
Pam turned to Dr. Hasburgh. “What do you mean, ‘Oh no,’” she said. “Is this a problem for Ralph?”
He nodded. “If Ralph owns the necklace in this time, after being handed down for generations, it means that the necklace must not be destroyed. If it is, it could alter the course of his history.”
“By that you mean that if Ralph plays bouncy-bouncy with the necklace, he could cease to exist,” Bill asked.
“Yes, and I think the rogue group knew that,” Hasburgh said.
-------
Ralph was still thinking about the situation before him as the full moon made its appearance over the horizon. *They aren‘t taking chances,* he frowned. *Those rogue green guys knew that I had that necklace in my time, so they put a different black ruby in Arizona to keep me from destroying it. The stone must be of a different composition than the one in my necklace, maybe extra-terrestrial, and that‘s what‘s affecting history.*
He turned and glanced at the fire, which Jack was tending to. Jack said he’d take first watch to let Ralph sleep. Ralph knew he couldn’t sleep much, given his head injury, but decided it’d be best to at least rest.
It was then he heard an odd rustle. Ralph mumbled to Jack, “Hey Jack, can you come here for a second? I need you to help me with the bed roll.” When Jack came over, Ralph, said sotto voce “Jack, I think there is something out in the bushes.”
“Do you think it‘s a horse rustler?”
“I think it‘s more than that, but I can‘t explain now. When I give the go, I want you to walk over to that boulder and hide. Act casually, as not to attract attention.”
Jack nodded and moved over when Ralph nodded. Just then, a man dressed all in black with a silver key design on the chest and a black gambler hat appeared near the campfire. What Jack saw next was rather odd. He received a shock when the robber completely changed into the form of a, well, some sort of weird creature. He then saw Ralph strip down to a set of odd longjohns and some sort of black duster cape with red trim and start toward the man.
Ralph glared down at Fokus. “I see that you took no chances in your group’s plan,” he scowled.
“All the more reason to enjoy watching you fail, as well as take over your planet,” Fokus smiled. “We knew that the black ruby necklace was yours in the future, and now if you destroy it, you destroy your timeline. We checked, and know it’s an important heirloom in your history. It’s not like you’ll ever find the other. …” he stopped, realizing to his horror that he revealed the existence of a second stone.
Ralph caught the Freudian slip. “The other black ruby, I think you were about to say,” he said. “Where is it? I know you know where it is.”
“You’ll never find it, and you’ll have to decide which is more important to you, your life or others‘,” he said.
“Not if I make you tell me,” Ralph growled as he advanced toward Fokus.
There was a scuffle, and Ralph had a bit more difficulty than he had normally fighting anyone when fighting the green guy. Jack was worried when it looked as though the green guy was gaining the upper hand. Jack came out from around the boulder and pointed his rifle at the green guy. “You better stop right now. I can shoot a flea off a dog‘s back without the dog noticing,” he said.
Fokus just smiled and pointed a finger at Jack, lightning coming out the end. “No,” Ralph screamed and placed himself between the two. The suit absorbed the energy, and Ralph again charged toward the green guy, who was already flying.
Ralph took three steps and jumped, but flew about 125 yards before feeling oddly faint and crashing. Shaking it off, he decided that speed running would be just as good, but when he started, he realized that the familiar engine style sound of his feet hitting the ground wasn’t there. In fact, he lookedback and noticed he was only another 50 feet away from Jack. Sighing, he walked back.
“Are you OK,” Ralph said.
“Yeah, but what the devil was that?” Jack said.
“Believe me, you don’t want to know. We better get moving, I know he’ll be coming back and next time, we might not be able to stop him.”
Jack nodded and looked at Ralph’s attire. There was not a scorch mark on the long johns, but, though apparently uninjured from the lightning, Ralph seemed to be a bit unsteady and was pale, save for a bruise on his forehead Jack didn‘t see earlier. “Are you OK, Ralph? I don’t know if we should be moving just yet. You look as though you need to rest, especially since you just got hit by lightning and should probably have been killed.”
“Well, that’s another story in and of itself, but let’s just say these are my lucky longjohns,” Ralph said, smiling weakly. “But I assure you, I’m all. …” Suddenly, he started pitching forward, and Jack caught him. Ralph recovered, shook his head and looked at Jack. “I guess maybe I‘m not.” He noticed Jack looking at Ralph’s head. “Oh this, I got it when I hit my head on a rock after being thrown off my horse trying to catch you before you left the cabin. Has nothing to do with the fight.”
Jack smiled at Ralph‘s embarrassment. “Don’t worry, I’ve seen this happen before, trying to be tough after an injury. I bet you met HD at the cabin?”
Ralph nodded. “Yeah, he was the one who found me after my fall, and took care of me until I woke up.”
“Well, he’s just as ‘tough as nails’ after an injury. Had to lock him in the cabin once after breaking a leg so he‘d heal,” Jack grinned. “Since you are insisting that we get a move on, we’ll go, but you will take the first ride and rest. I’ll lead the horse.”
“All right, if you insist,” Ralph said.
They packed up camp and headed on their way. “Could you tell me more about Mel?” Ralph said. He knew that meeting her was unavoidable with the black ruby necklace being in Jack‘s possession right now, so any information Jack told him would keep him from blurting out something he knew about her that Jack didn’t.
“Well, we met not too long ago when she was watching the children during recess,“ he said, “She’s a school teacher. Fine looking gal, fairly tall, has ash-blonde hair that glows in the sun and a smile that’ll make you smile even if you’ve had the worst day of your life. I remember that first day especially, the children were playing stickball and. …”
As Jack talked, Ralph took an assessment of what happened *I see what the green guys said about the suit having problems while protecting me from time changes. I can’t speed run, and my strength isn‘t as strong, but the latter could be from fighting someone who also has a suit. I know I can fly short distances, though I have to take breaks, but the combo of the lightning hit and my head injury puts prolonged flying in question. I don’t think the injury is too bad, should know tomorrow. Getting holographs isn‘t affected. Hopefully, I‘ll be able to find the second black ruby so I can take Jack‘s necklace and replace it with the ruby the rogue green guys put in the river. That way, I don‘t destroy my future. *Sigh* And all I wanted to do was have a day off looking at a comic store.*
He finally nodded off and dozed the rest of the night, with Jack waking him up at times to make sure he was all right and didn‘t fall off the horse.
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Fokus continued his flight toward the California boundary. *That was too close,* he thought. *If Jack hadn’t gotten in the way, Ralph would have forced me to tell where the other stone was. He knows there are two, but he won‘t find the other,* He chuckled.
His mind wandered to a different thought. *What if the Hinkley mate and Maxwell have found out about the second stone as well? Nah, won’t be a problem, as Ralph is too far away from the border to protect them with the suit as well. I won’t hurt them, yet.* He wanted to be near the rider’s log cabin to see the “fun” that was about to be in store for them.
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“You find anything?”
“No HD,” Dusty said. “Found the horse, but there’s no sign of Ralph anywhere.”
“Well, we haven’t found him lying somewhere injured or dead, so he’s at least conscious and walking.”
“Hey, HD, I found another set of hoof prints just past where we found the bay, and they ain’t hers,” called out Paul as he ran to the duo.
“Good, Ralph must have found his horse, and being a gentleman, decided to let ours go so she could come back. Now let’s get home, I want us to get some grub set for the rider who’s coming. …” he stalled as he looked at the sky. Everyone turned around and looked at the sky wide-eyed. There was a tornado coming across the terrain, but instead of a green sky, the sky was more of a purplish-grey haze with flashes of light.
“Everyone, get in the storm cellar,” shouted HD. The men went inside the cellar, and waited out the storm.
Once the winds subsided, HD and his fellow riders opened the door and realized to their surprise that the land hadn’t changed. The log cabin was still in place, although they knew for sure the storm ran right into it and it was too strong to not have flattened the cabin. The air for some reason seemed a bit thicker like just before a rainstorm or a hot, humid day, but there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. They also felt as though it was harder to take a step, as thought the gravity was greater.
*It sure wasn’t anything like I ever dealt with, HD thought. *But I have a feeling it’s the beginning of something real bad.*
</move>
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Post by HoudiniDerek on Oct 24, 2005 17:44:10 GMT -5
</move>
"Counselor, are you sure that this is like the one Ralph has?" Bill asked for the hundredth time that night.
"Yes, Bill, I am sure. You need to get your ears cleaned out, you old geezer." Pam was irate again...and lack of sleep was not helping her mood.
"Maybe we can use this to our advantage," Dr. Hasburgh noted calmly. Three sets of eyes turned to look at him across the campfire.
"How?" they asked in unison.
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Jack and Ralph came out of the draw about an hour after the sun rose. A wild purple tornado had come upon them forcing them into the puny shelter of the draw. Ralph had stood guard over Jack and the horse, hoping his suit had some protective capabilities. He had noticed several across the night sky, lit up by the lightning and knowing that it was not good and probably meant to show him that he was running out of time. They might have been minor changes ravaging the landscape, making it more certain that he would fail. He rode now as Jack walked along...realizing that with the California boundary only an hour away, that something would have to be done quickly.
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"Thank you, officer," Mr. Yates said. He left the police station and headed back to his comic book store....his eyes still somewhat glazed from his near-death encounter. He had done as Ralph suggested...he just did not know why or what it would do.
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"Fokus is doing an admirable job," the rogue green guy leader, Murphy, said. "He has kept young Ralph in the past and the fog is once again on the move."
"I agree, sir." A small green guy wearing black entered as he spoke. "Sir, you have a guest." A green guy from the 'other' ship entered.
"Murphy." The new arrival inclined his head in greeting. The rogue green guy smiled. *Perfect timing* he thought. He grinned and waved his companion to a seat.
"What can I do for you, brother?"
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Ralph and Jack stopped for a meal just outside the California border about a half mile. Ralph was still weighing the consequences. Fokus had let it slip that there were two black rubies, but he had no idea how to find the other one. He had tried to holograph off of the one Jack held, but it only showed Mel and memories of Jack. If they had been part of the same batch, that was no longer the case. He just did not understand how he was to not change history.
"Ralph, I hate that I cain't he'p ya any, but I got to git a move on if I want to make Mel by Sunday." Jack was finishing packing his belongings on to his horse. "You are welcome to come along and meet her, but I fear that I cain't help you. If I could, I would give it to you, but I cain't...I love her too much."
Ralph nodded and smiled sadly. "I know, Jack. Thanks for everything. Maybe I will go with you if you don't mind. I don't know if I will be able to return home without the stone...and there is another one...maybe it is on the way somewhere."
"That's the spirit, my boy," Jack said. "Let's go." Ralph nodded, stood up, and took point. It was his turn to walk a bit anyway and going first allowed him another half mile to figure out how to get the stone back.
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Fokus watched Ralph walk away down the trail. He grinned and mounted the horse in the guise of Jack. The old man had been easy to replace the night before after the fight between him and Ralph. When Ralph slept, Fokus knocked him out, took the necklace, and moved on with Ralph in tow. On foot, Jack would never catch them. Plus, he was tied up off the trail. It would take weeks for a search party to find him...if one was sent. He smiled coyly and trotted down the trail after the disappearing Ralph.
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Post by HoudiniDerek on Oct 24, 2005 17:44:58 GMT -5
Sorry, I forgot to put </move> at the end of my post.
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Post by MyTatuo on Oct 24, 2005 18:28:58 GMT -5
Sorry, I forgot to put </move> at the end of my post. That's what the button is for...
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Post by HoudiniDerek on Oct 24, 2005 18:32:26 GMT -5
Right...I forget.. Shut up.
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Post by MelMac on Oct 24, 2005 18:43:26 GMT -5
Right...I forget.. Shut up. Shhh. ... Be nice. I'll try to have a new move by tonight. This one's going to be a bit trickier, and I think you got me in a (temporary) conundrum, HD, but fair's fair.
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Post by HoudiniDerek on Oct 24, 2005 18:51:06 GMT -5
Always here to help, MelMac. And I was being nice...I was just voicing my frustration at something tangible...besides myself.
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Post by MelMac on Oct 24, 2005 20:50:36 GMT -5
<Move>
The newcomer, named Cal, looked at the rogue green guy and feigning disapproval, said, "Murphy, I really think you need to quit using Ralph as a plaything for your fun."
"What do you mean?" he said with mock shock. Then the two of them laughed. "So, did the plan work?" Murphy said.
"Not quite. Ralph found out that there were two black rubies "found." Fortunately, Fokus was able to escape before Ralph could catch him. He even managed to take Jack's place later in the evening when Ralph was sleeping."
"Do 'they' know you're an informant," Murphy asked, referring to the other green guys.
"Maybe, but they know they can't interfere as they would cause the same problem we're causing. Right now, Ralph doesn't know the difference in "Jack," but he'll realize too late to do anything."
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"All right, doctor, how does having this necklace be an advantage to Ralph," Bill asked.
"Well, according to the gemology book, there were only two perfect black rubies ever found, and both were placed in the same setting. What if this one in Ralph's necklace is the other black ruby?"
Pam was a bit surprised. "Well, wouldn't history be changed if we threw it back into time?"
"Not necessarily, as it says further on in the book that though two were found, one was destroyed."
"So, you're saying we just find it and toss it back through the fog for Ralph to find? That's brilliant! Counselor, do you remember where he keeps the necklace?"
"He keeps it in a safety deposit box at the bank. I'm allowed access to it as well, and the bank will open in a couple of hours."
Dr. Hasburgh nodded grimly. "You better get that necklace quickly, Mrs. Hinkley, that fog has threatened to cross over more of California."
Pam and Bill got into the car and headed back toward Los Angeles to the bank. Little did they know what was waiting for them.
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Ralph continued walking down the trail, pondering the situation before him. In a short while, he'd be at the California border to head toward Mel's place. Although he'd see his great-great grandmother, he was a bit concerned that seeing her would be detrimental to his history. Then again, he realized that since the green guys said his appearance in this time was non existent in the frame, he didn't need to worry so much.
He thought about his recent holograph off the necklace. Something didn't seem quite right. Except for the picture of Mel, the images were a bit fuzzy. *Sort of like when you wake up,* Ralph thought absentmindedly. He blinked at the thought *Wake up. Wait a second, Jack's awake. I should have a sharp holograph from him given how recently he held the necklace.*
His mind went back to a time a few years prior when he was in playing for the California Stars to catch a gun ring. The manager of the game was helping bad guys throw the game, but the owner kept foiling the plan. The last game, two of the gang cholorformed her, and Ralph got a holograph of her kidnapping. Ralph tried to get another holograph from her sweater in the press box, but couldn't because she was unconscious. Later on, as he carried her in his arms flying back, he got a holograph of the game and the score, but it was fuzzy. He hadn't seen the game since leaving the stadium and hadn't touched anything from there since the hot dog. He realized she was coming to, so he hurried to the stadium so he could change into the baseball uniform.
*I wonder if something similar happened to Jack* Ralph thought. *If so, that must mean this person is Fokus. I'd better look at his eyes to be sure.*
"Ralph, glad to find you," said "Jack." "Didn't think I'd catch up."
*I bet you didn't, and hoped I hadn't found the black ruby* Ralph thought. He looked at Jack's eyes. They were black. "Well, I'm a fast walker, so it would be a bit harder to catch up."
"You shouldn't get too far out, you know. That head injury of yours could cause you problems again. You nearly fainted last night from overexertion."
Ralph smiled inside. *So you were watching. You probably knocked him out while I was sleeping on the ride.* "Nah, I'll be all right. I got plenty of sleep last night, though you kept waking me to make sure I didn't fall off the horse. I'll tell you if I have any problems."
"OK, well, just be sure to stay where I can see you," Jack said.
Ralph nodded. *I'll play his little game for a while, but I'm going to keep an eye on him.* "Come on, you said you wanted to see Mel, and I'm wanting to meet her as well."
"Jack" grinned and said, "Yessir, she's a fine woman, and I know she'll love the present I've got for her."
The two continued on in silence. Ralph kept to his thoughts mostly, whether walking, riding solo or doubling up. He didn't want to let on his suspicion and maybe Fokus would fall in his own trap.
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Fokus grinned at the sight before him. The land had changed slightly to where it would be harder to find the real black ruby. *It will be near here,* he thought. *Hopefully, I'll be able to keep Ralph from seeing the item being thrown. Then again, if my post-hypnotic suggestion I gave Mr. Yates works, then it won't be a problem.*
He suddenly felt a little dizzy and looked down. He realized to his horror that the morph was not staying solid. He had been in the form too long, and needed to rest and eat a special food before remorphing, and couldn't risk Ralph seeing him change shape.
"Why don't we turn in for the night," said Jack. "I know a good campsite near the creekbed."
"Sure, why not. I'm getting a bit tired myself," said Ralph.
They found the spot and set up camp. Fokus cooked the food and while Ralph wasn't looking, slipped a drug in Ralph's coffee. They finished eating and Ralph went to lie down. Fokus waited for awhile, and when he was sure that Ralph was asleep, he reached his communicator. "Murphy, I need to talk to you," he said in English. With that, he began conversing to his leader.
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*So, that's why you switched places,* Ralph thought. He stayed quiet and still so Fokus would think he was unconscious. *Thought you'd get away slipping me a Mickey. Good thing Bill taught me to not drink something if my glass wasn't in my sight.* Ralph opened his eyes a slit to glanced at Fokus, and realized he was tired. He was also eating a weird sort of food that looked like orange gelatin. *Must be from the morph, but what can trigger it to change other than fatigue?*
"... I figured I'd give you an update about the situation on the other side. Don't worry, he's out cold and can't hear us. By now, I think they know about the second black ruby and are going to the bank to try to get it back to this time. I'm trying to keep Ralph away from the log cabin again, as that's where the good stone was found."
The communicator squeaked in reply [glow=red,2,300]I wouldn't worry about that, Fokus. Your hypnosis of the comic strip store owner is working perfectly. Mrs. Hinkley and Maxwell do not know that they will be hindered in their plan.[/glow]
Ralph was shocked at this news. Pam and Bill were the key to getting the other stone, but there was nothing he could do. Decided it'd be best to pretend he was sleeping the rest of the night, as Fokus would think he slept through everything. But, all Ralph could do was pray that Pam and Bill could get the necklace before the rogue green guys' plan went through. He also worried about Jack, and hoped he'd be safe. Ralph tried to figure a way to get Jack back so he could meet Mel for his proposal. He knew that if Jack didn't propose to her soon, she'd turn his back on him forever, and with that refusal, he'd cease to exist.
</move>
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Post by MelMac on Oct 24, 2005 20:52:27 GMT -5
Always here to help, MelMac. And I was being nice...I was just voicing my frustration at something tangible...besides myself. Figured you were. I have the same problem with myself. I already mentioned the word filter. Gives funny results.
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Post by HoudiniDerek on Oct 24, 2005 21:24:04 GMT -5
</move>
Mr. Yates finished taping up the comic store window and put his CLOSED sign in the window. He was feeling a little funny. He had just woken up from his couch in back. He could not remember anything...especially how his window got smashed. Maybe he had better go the police, he thought.
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"Counselor, are you sure you know what you are doing?" Bill asked.
"Bill, shut up. I know I have the code in my purse somewhere. Ralph has a special access code and I kept it hidden in my purse. Give me a minute." Pam kept rummaging around her purse as Bill turned the car into the bank parking lot.
"Counselor, your purse is a minefield of make-up...it is the cosmetic Korea." Bill stopped the car and reached for the door.
"Got it,"Pam said, lifting a sliver of paper from who-knows-where in the purse.
It was the last thing she said before the front windshield shattered.
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Ralph had no idea how to trick Fokus into giving up the fake ruby AND getting back to the cabin. Apparently the good ruby was found there, so Fokus must be carrying the bad ruby. But, to be sure, Ralph had to find both and Jack and make sure that only one left this time frame and that it was the right one. And he had no idea how to determine which one was right and which one was wrong. What made them so different?
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Dr. Hasburgh waited impatiently for Bill and Pam. They had been gone for some time now and it had not helped that Babs was constantly talking his ear off about alternate realities where she might be the widow of John Lennon. *Good grief. I need some earplugs*
"Actually, Dr. Hasburgh, you need a vacation." Dr. Hasburgh spun around and saw Murphy standing there over Babs's lifeless body...blood oozing from her slit neck. Casually throwing Babs aside, Murphy stepped forward.
"Ssssttooppp," Dr. Hasburgh chattered. "What are you doing?"
"It is called insurance where I am from, Doctor." Murphy stopped just in front of Dr. Hasburgh and grinned, holding the knife up to the light. It reflected blood-red across Dr. Hasburgh's face. "Think of it as life insurance if you will." Murphy chuckled and advanced.
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Fokus was feeling both refreshed and worried. His meal had taken hold, but he had not morphed again. He had a funny feeling that his mickey had not worked. After all, Ralph was wearing the suit and he was not sure the mickey would work outside the timeline. While some powers were decreased, others were enhanced. Plus, they were camping ON the California border. Something would have to happen soon...Ralph would have to confront him...even if he was in Jack's guise. Once it crossed into California, it would be too late for the world. Fokus sat still and watched Ralph lying on the ground. Suddenly, Fokus sat up straight, concentrated, and disappeared.
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Ralph heard a slight rustle and looked around. Fokus/Jack was gone. Ralph jumped to his feet and stoked the fire to brightness. Nothing. He glanced at the fog...it was holding. He glanced around, glad he had spent time with Bill. One set of footprints led away...to the east. Fokus was on the run...but why? Content to wait until morning, Ralph laid back down to sleep.
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"Counselor, you okay, kid?" Bill's voice seemed to come from a long ways away. "Counselor?"
"Bill? What's going on?" Pam's voice sounded groggy to herself and she struggled to sit up. She shook her head and her eyes cleared. They were in a tiny cell...with one small iron door...the only exit. "Where are we?"
"I wish I knew, honey. I wish I knew." The door swung wide open. Pam screamed.
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HD leaned up against the fence post and looked out towards the west. More lightning and things were dotting the sky again tonight. He had looked to make sure nothing was amiss after the natural events the night before, but everything was fine. He had noticed that the little maple behind the house had grown and looked to be over a hundred years old. Aside from that odd quirk, everything seemed to be fine. Why was he so uneasy?
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Mr. Yates looked up as the police officer entered. He stood respectfully and bowed. "Officer."
"Mr. Yates, we have serious concerns about you. First, you came in today with a story about guys in long johns busting out your windows. Then, you come in with a story about a proposed bank robbery that a federal agent and an attorney are pulling off. Finally, you come in now and ASK about something you reported earlier today. The police are here for your safety, Mr. Yates, not your ridicule."
"I do not understand. I know nothing about a bank robbery." Mr. Yates looked around dazed, not knowing what he had gotten himself into tonight.
"Well, the robbery never took place. The car you described blew up outside the bank today...no survivors."
"Oh my god!" Mr. Yates started to shake. He hated violence of any kind.
"Mr. Yates, I am afraid that we are going to have to hold you and do a psychiatric profile." Mr. Yates could only nod.
</move>
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Post by MelMac on Oct 24, 2005 23:08:40 GMT -5
<Move>
Dr. Hasburgh stood as bravely as he could while Murphy advanced on him. He felt the blade hit his chest, but suddenly, there was a flash and he found himself in a white room. He looked at his shirt and noticed it was clean. Babs, however, was no where to be found.
"Huh? What's going on? Am I in heaven," Hasburgh said. Just then a door slide open, and he found himself in the green guys' spaceship again.
"Well, doctor, we need to quit meeting like this," said the leader.
"What, I was sure I was, what happened to Babs?" stammered Hasburgh.
The green guy held up a device and a window lit up, showing Babs inside. "She will be allright. We healed her, but she is weak. Sit down, doctor, we need to talk to you."
He sat down. The leader cleared his throat. "Dr. Hasburgh, the green guy you dealt with, Murphy, tried to kill you in order to avoid your helping Pam and Bill. We were able to save the two of you, but as far as Earth and Murphy are concerned, you are both dead, and this time, we cannot let you return to stay."
Hasburgh seemed sad but understanding. "All right, I understand. But, how will we be able to help them and Ralph?"
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"Come now, Mrs. Hinkley, screaming isn't good for your voice. We will not hurt you ... yet."
"What the hell is going on here," Bill shouted. "Scaring the counselor like that. And who are you?"
"I am Dr. Torus, and I had to find a way to keep you, as you would say, on ice. You are too close to helping Ralph collect the real ruby for the necklace, so I staged your deaths in a car explosion near the bank. Our friend, Mr. Yates, claimed to see the two of you scheme to rob the bank. He did his job, and now the police have him in custody in a straightjacket."
Bill was stunned. "Now listen, you green creep, we're not playthings for your amusement. I'm going to do my best to get that guy out of the ward. Have to lie to him about the jammies, but he doesn't deserve that. What do you plan to do to us?"
"Nothing. You'll sit here and wait as the history of your planet changes. Fokus will make sure that Ralph cannot help you at all," he chuckled as he closed the door.
Bill and Pam glared at the door. "I wish we had Ralph and those jammies now," said Bill.
Just then, the door creaked again. "Mr. Maxwell and Mrs. Hinkley," said an alien, but with a friendly voice. "Do not be afraid, I am Cal, and I will help you return to the bank." The door opened, and there was a shorter alien in a white suit. Bill could tell by the green guy's eyes that yes, he was sincere.
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"Do you now know the difference between the two," the green leader said.
"Yes, I don't believe it. Instead of a red black stone refracting a red aster, the phony ruby is a red stone refracting a black aster," he said, looking again at Babs. She had finally healed from her injury, and though sad she would only be allowed to return to Earth one more time, was fascinated with what she heard.
"Yes, black asters don't occur naturally in the gemstones. Most of the time they are clear or white," Babs said.
"Ralph will be able to tell the difference between the two when he arrives at the log cabin, but Fokus will be returning to the past to make sure Ralph doesn't get the ruby. We have been following their trail, and right now, Fokus believes Ralph to be drugged, but isn't sure. I worry that he won't be able to fool Fokus much longer, so time is of the essence. We will send you back to Earth to help as soon as Pam and Bill can get the ruby from the bank."
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Ralph kept his eyes closed as he heard footsteps. He knew it was early morning from the sun in his face, but decided to not take a chance that Fokus knew he had not been affected by the drug. *Glad the suit protected me from this* he thought, *Otherwise, I'd have a big headache, at least.*
Ralph felt a hand gently slap his face, and he pretended to stir. He opened his eyes and realized it was Fokus, who was able to remorph into Jack.
"Welcome back, you had me worried there," Fokus/Jack said. "I couldn't rouse you, and thought you had lapsed into heatstroke, and with your injury, that could have been fatal."
Ralph thought it best to continue the charade. "What did you do that for? I'm fine and the injury is healed. I didn't mean to scare you."
"That's all right, but we better head across the border."
"Not yet, I still need to look for that ruby," Ralph said. "Come to think of it, I saw a small cave near the rider's log cabin. Must be a store of gems in the rock."
Ralph noticed the flicker of fear in Fokus' eyes. Ralph played his cards tight, but had to show something to test his guess. "Well, we use that as a storage area for horse tack and shoes. I doubt it's there."
"Maybe not, but why not stop by and say hello to HD and your fellow riders," said Ralph.
*He must have been conscious after all, that suit power must be stronger here. He couldn't have seen the cave when he left the cabin, it's too well hidden. At least Jack is still out of the running.* Fokus thought, recalling his trip back during the night to make sure Jack had still not be found.
"Sure, why not, I'd like to see the gang again," Jack/Fokus said. "We ought to say goodbye anyway, since we're heading to California."
Ralph nodded and climbed on the horse. He began to notice the changes in the territory. The maple tree in particular caught his eye. *Damn,* Ralph thought, whistling softly. *I know what's happening, the terrain is speeding up to catch with it's present day, but the people are staying the same. It's almost like a zoo.*
They reached the cabin, where they met HD, Dusty, Paul and the others. "Hey Ralph, Jack, glad you came back, something odd's happening," HD said. "It seems as though time's advancing, lookie here at the maple. It sprouted like a weed in a matter on minutes."
"Facinating," said Ralph. "Uh, HD, can I speak with you a second?"
"Sure, what's troubling you?"
"Well, have you been seeing any other strange sights throughout the day."
"Well come to think of it, we had a strange tornado. It was purple with sparkles coming out."
Ralph sighed. *So that's was the beginning.* "Listen, can you show me where your cave is that you store your tack?"
"Well, I normally don't like showing that. How did you know about the cave?"
"Let's just say a little green guy told me," Ralph said, smiling. Wasn't lying to him.
"OK, well, I'll go get the rest of the guys and we'll head over there."
It was then that all hell broke loose. There was an explosion as the wind that increased into a duststorm of high ferocity, knocking down the windmill. The rest of the men scattered and tried to find shelter. Fokus was nowhere to be found. Ralph changed into the jammies faster than ever before.
"What's going on?" shouted HD.
"Come on, HD, we've got to find that cave," Ralph said, dragging HD along and covering him with his cape as to protect him as well. He knew there was not much time left, and couldn't fly. He hoped he'd find the stone in the cave.
As they headed toward the cave, Fokus smiled. He was invisible, and walked followed Ralph and HD. He had them right where he wanted them.
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Jack was riding across the trail as fast as he could. He had regained consciousness not too long after Fokus checked on him, but the memories came to him quickly. He managed to untie himself, found a friend at the nearby town and borrowed his horse. Jack didn't know why, but he knew that he had to get back to HD and the guys at the exchange post. Time, it seemed, was of the utmost importance, for both him and Mel.
</Move>
(Note: Asters are inclusions that form the star in star sapphires. They are also found in rubies, most commonly in a cabochon cut.)
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Post by HoudiniDerek on Oct 25, 2005 13:34:42 GMT -5
</move>
Bill and Pam reappeared in a flash of light in the alley behind the bank. They were a trifle groggy still, but otherwise unhurt. Another flash of light caused them to reel back in alarm.
"Don't worry," came the voice of Dr. Hasburgh. Their eyes cleared and they saw him...at least they saw what he was now. "Don't be afraid. I have moved on with the good green guys and I am here to help you. But first, you have to get the ruby from the bank box."
Pam and Bill could only nod and head inside the bank. Dr. Hasburgh sat on a garbage can and waited patiently.
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HD and Ralph got inside the tack cave and HD lit a lamp. Ralph went to each container and began holographing in each. Fokus/Jack had spoken the truth...only tack and supplies were here. There was no ruby. *Damn* thought Ralph as he retraced his steps under the watchful eyes of HD. *Where is the second ruby? Hell, where is the first one that Fokus had earlier?*
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Fokus watched them walk inside the cave and stifled a laugh. He still had the black ruby in his possession, but unknown to Ralph, Fokus had taken his little jaunt last night to make matters worse for poor Ralph. He had given the real ruby back to Jack and taken the bad one. Then, he carried him to a nearby settlement that Jack was well-known too. With any luck, Jack would be on his way back by now. Of course, Fokus had another plan for that. He was hoping that his telepathic powers were not hurt too much in the past. He grinned as he heard Ralph rummaging hopelessly.
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Jack rode into the ranch and looked around. Everyone was gone, but he noticed that the maple in back was suddenly huge. *Odd* he thought. He climbed down and headed in to the cabin. No one was there. Confused, he went out back and saw the rest of the gang down by the tack shed. He walked down to see what was going on.
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"Thank you, Mrs. Hinkley," the teller said. "You may enter the bank vault. I am afraid that your friend must wait here. Rules are rules." The teller shrugged apologetically and beckoned Pam to follow. Bill slumped against the counter to wait.
Pam followed the young teller into the vault and waited while she shut down the security system to allow her to open the safety deposit box. She entered her code and pulled open the drawer. It was empty!
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Dr. Hasburgh looked up in surprise when Murphy appeared in a flash of light. Having already lost one altercation, he was not looking forward to another one. Could he survive a second attempt or would he be lost to the world he NOW lived in too?
"Dr. Hasburgh, I see that you will continue to be quite a problem." Murphy sounded as though he were discussing a weed problem in his tomato patch. "Well, no matter. There are other ways to make sure that the Hinkleys and Maxwell do not succeed." He grinned and advanced towards Dr. Hasburgh.
"You can't hurt me now," Dr. Hasburgh said, glad he had thought to ask.
"No. I cannot." Murphy sat beside him and said nothing for some time. "But I do not have too," he said finally.
"Why?" Dr. Hasburgh was curious. Murphy shrugged and sat there. "Well?"
Murphy turned to look at Hasburgh and his eyes were oddly empty...although it was hard to tell as black as they were. "Because you are serving my purpose."
"Helping the Hinkleys is serving your purpose?" Dr. Hasburgh was incredulous. "You just said I was a problem."
"You are, but one that I can turn to my advantage...you could say that it is a talent of mine." He chuckled softly and silently kept a vigil by Dr. Hasburgh.
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Ralph came out of the cave and saw Jack and immediately became suspicious. He knew Fokus was hiding somewhere and could not tell who was the real one. He wondered if he could get close enough to see his eyes? Unfortunately that would not help, he recalled. Jack had black eyes...he remembered from the picture the green guys had shown him. This was not going to be easy.
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"Ralph, are you okay?" Jack asked with concern. He saw Ralph running around in his underwear again and thought that he might have been in another fight.
"Fine." Ralph was cautious with his answers, not wanting to give to much away about what he suspected or knew. "What are you doing here?"
"Ambushed. Came out that night after the fight and struck me down. No chance at stoppin' it. Came to near a friend's house this morning all tied up. Got loose and came trackin' ya. What's goin' on here?"
"I have to find that stone." Ralph was speaking slowly and deliberately. "I have to destroy one of them."
"What stone?" A different voice asked from behind the group. Everyone turned around and stared. Mel was there...and Ralph knew that disaster awaited as he stood frozen staring at his ancestor.
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Fokus cheered silently and invisibly behind the group. His power had worked. He had sent a subliminal message through a traveler on the road days ago and had gotten the right response to the danger Jack was in. Mel really did love him and it would doom Ralph. Perfect way to end the world.
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"I'm sorry, Mrs. Hinkley, but the only person who has been here recently was your husband. He was in yesterday afternoon." Pam realized that Ralph could not have been here...it had to be one of the green guy impersonators. Now the other stone was missing...this was not going over very well. How could they save Ralph without that other stone?
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"Mel!" Jack nearly fell over when he saw her. She blushed slightly at his obvious enthusiasm...much as any lady would do. "What are you doing here?"
"I received a message by a rider on the trail that you were in trouble and that you were dyin." She eyed him coyly. "You look fine to me."
"I never sent such a message,"Jack said. "I was on my way to see you, when this young man needed help." Jack pointed to Ralph, who turned red too after the funny look on his ancestor's face became apparent. "I came to ask you something."
Ralph watched detached as Jack approached Mel and got down to one knee. He knew he should stop it, but that might stop his birth and everything he knew from existing. He watched Jack take her hand and ask her to marry him. He only barely heard the suppressed scream of YES! from Mel. He watched detached as Jack took the ruby from his pocket and presented it to her. She accepted and Ralph, though happy, knew that he could not do anything now. He had failed and the rest of the world would suffer the consequences.
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Fokus watched the proposal and was happy to see that his ruse had worked. He knew from Ralph's expressions that Ralph was lost and had no idea what to do. *Perfect. Now I guess I can go turn in my report. Perfect* He turned and launched into the air heading west. With any luck, he could be home in time for dinner.
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Cal watched what was happening with dismay. He had not counted on the other ruby being gone. He had not given them the benefit of the doubt for being smart. This was not going as planned...it was going right down the proverbial drain. Dismayed, he turned from his terminal and went to leave.
"Not so fast, Cal. We would like to have a word with you." Cal gulped, but turned around. This was not going to be pretty either.
</move>
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Post by MelMac on Oct 25, 2005 15:10:42 GMT -5
Ah, HD, you've given me another challenge. I'll post a move later on this evening. I have an idea how it's going to go, but need to work it out so I don't keep trying to send Ralph in a different direction.
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Post by HoudiniDerek on Oct 25, 2005 15:12:20 GMT -5
Yes, read closer, please. Somehow, it took Ralph and Fokus a full day to go a half mile according to your post and then what took them three days to reach only took a few hours to go back to the cabin. You are confusing me on the logistics. Glad to challenge. You keep backing me into corners too.
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Post by MelMac on Oct 25, 2005 15:25:56 GMT -5
Yes, read closer, please. Somehow, it took Ralph and Fokus a full day to go a half mile according to your post and then what took them three days to reach only took a few hours to go back to the cabin. You are confusing me on the logistics. Glad to challenge. You keep backing me into corners too. Well, in the real wild west, it would have taken all day to go a few miles, but you're right, I tend to jump around more than the "Greatest American Heroine." But I also have the logistics of someone who's traveled across Texas in eight hours one way and 10 back on the same roads and only know where I'm going because of a metal elephant near the road (yes, that's real). I've also moved the ruby in several places, had to bring people back to life, and other minor changes. But then again, with the changes in the area in the fog, who knows if time's being affected? That's the fun of this story, I think.
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