LIST FILE ON MARGIN IS 126 STATUS: ALL ALLOWED NUMBER OF LINES: 629 1 If you are in need of help, you need but ask.... 2 ********************** REMOVED: 18 JAN 84******************* 3 Welcome to BWMS (BackWater Message System) Mike Day System operator 4 ************************************************************ 5 GENERAL DISCLAIMER: BWMS IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY INFORMATION 6 PLACED ON THIS SYSTEM. 7 BWMS was created as an electronic bill board. BWMS is a privatly owned 8 and operated system which is currently open for use by the general public. 9 No restrictions are placed on the use of the system. As the system is 10 privatly owned, I retain the right to remove any and all messages which 11 I may find offensive. Because of the limited size of the system, it will be 12 periodically purged of older messages. (only 629 lines of data can be saved) 13 To leave a message, type 'ENTER' and use ctrl/C or break to get out of the 14 ENTER mode. The message is automatically stored. If after entering the 15 message you find you made a mistake, use the replace command to replace 16 the line. To exit from the system, type 'OFF' then hang up. 17 Type 'HELP' to see other commands that are available on the system. 18 *********************************************************** 19 [][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][] 20 21 I AM STARTLED, TO SAY THE LEAST. "AND YOU ARE BARNEY GAN CEANACH?" I ASK. 22 "Barney's good enough. Look, toots, we need to have a long talk, and 23 it 'ud be better if we did it away from prying eyes," HE MUTTERED. "we'll 24 head back to your place." 25 "PRYING EYES! SOMEONE IS HERE?" I FLUSH, REMEMBERING MY STATE. THE 26 SPELLS CAST BY A WITCH USUALLY REQUIRE A STATE AS CLOSE TO NATURE AS POSS- 27 IBLE, BUT THAT I MIGHT HAVE BEEN WATCHED... WHO WOULD BE SO... CRUDE? I 28 QUICKLY GATHER MY CLOAK AROUND MYSELF. 29 "Oh, don't worry. He got an eyeful, but you ain't got nothin' to look 30 at anyway." HIS ENTIRE DEMEANOUR IS INSULTING, AND I GROW ANGRY AT HIS RE- 31 MARKS. 32 "NOW, WAIT A MINUTE! I'M NOT THAT..." 33 "You're way too short, and skinny too. Maybe if you put a little meat 34 on those bones," HE PAUSES, AND LAUGHS. "Not that it matters. He has a 35 camera, too. He'll be surprised when he gets home. Hope he likes jello." 36 HE STOPS SUDDENLY, AND THEN HE JUMPS INTO THE AIR AND SCREAMS. I AM QUITE 37 STARTLED, BUT TRY TO MAINTAIN AN AIR OF DIGNITY, WHICH IS SOMEWHAT DIFFICULT 38 CONSIDERING MY POSITION. HE THEN SCREAMS "Tha te ur am buth an tailleir!" 39 AND I FIND......THAT I AM IN MY HOME, AND SITTING ON MY OWN COUCH. TEA IS 40 LAID OUT ON THE TABLE BEFORE ME, MY BEST DELFT CHINA, WITH A SERVING FOR 2. 41 THIS IS MY FIRST OPPORTUNITY TO LOOK AT HIM CLOSELY. HE IS SHORT, EVEN 42 SHORTER THAN ME, AND HE IS FAR FROM WHAT I HAD THOUGHT A MEMBER OF THE GREAT 43 ELLYLLON WOULD APPEAR. HIS HAIR IS A RATHER DULL BROWN, HIS EYES THE SAME, 44 AND THE ONLY THING THAT LOOKS THE LEAST BIT ELVIN IS HIS EARS, WHICH ARE 45 DISTINCTLY POINTED, AND HIS COMPLEXION WHICH IS UNUSUALLY UNMARKED. IT IS 46 STRANGE FOR ME TO SIT HERE, WAITING TO CONVERSE WITH THIS BEING. 47 "Now I wants you should just sit there and listen to whats I gunna say 48 to ya," he says, doing an excellent Cagney. 49 "YOUR GRAMMER IS ATROCIOUS." I COMMENT, HOPING PERHAPS TO THROW HIM 50 OFF STRIDE. 51 "Yup, ma'am, I'ma doin' it cuz I know ya don't likes it," he drawls, as 52 he switches to John Wayne. "I'ma 53 goin' ta try ta break ya, ya see." JUMPING INTO A CHAIR (I NOTICE THAT THE 54 CUSHION OF THE CHAIR DOESN'T SAG, AS IF THERE IS NO WEIGHT) HE CONTINUES. 55 "Actually, I came here because I think you're not too bad, for a mortal-type 56 individual, and I owe your Granny a favour." 57 "WHAT DO YOU WANT OF ME?" I ASK. I DON'T UNDERSTAND MUCH OF THIS, AND 58 HIS PERSONALITY HAS GIVEN ME PAUSE. 59 "In the first place," HE RESPONDS, "You've had a bad time of it lately 60 and you've let it get to you. You've got to remember that, no matter how 61 bad it seems to you, it's worse for someone else. So you lost the love-of- 62 your-life, he was just a jerk anyway." 63 "HE WAS A KIND AND GENTLE SOUL, LOVING AND GIVING!" I AM GROWING VERY 64 ANGRY WITH THIS CREATURE. "IT WAS THROUGH MY OWN INACTION THAT I LOST HIM, 65 NOT THROUGH ANYTHING HE DID." 66 "He was a jerk," he yells, "jerk, jerk, jerk! Just look at what led to 67 your separation, look at it from an unbiased point of view for once. He was 68 just as much to blame as you were, so quit being a martyr!" HE JUMPS FROM 69 THE CHAIR AND BEGINS TO PACE. "And another thing. You're always so worried 70 about what other people think, and always crawling into a shell. You've got 71 to be more outgoing. A friend of your's at the Inn was going to give you a 72 gift, and you probably alienated him by avoiding him!" I BLANCH, THINKING 73 OF GOOD DJJ. "You're oh-so-logical when dealing with an issue that has no 74 emotional involvement for you, but if you're involved, all that goes out the 75 window." 76 HE STOPS IN FRONT OF ME, AND POINTS HIS FINGER. "And there you are, 77 boring all those nice Inngoers with your silly self-serving stories! Who do 78 you think you are anyway? The natives are restless, and most are incredibly 79 bored with all this crap. You've got a lot going for you, and I think that 80 it's time you realized it!" 81 I AM DEEPLY HURT BY WHAT HE HAS SAID, BUT I SEE THAT THERE IS A GREAT 82 DEAL OF TRUTH IN IT. I HAVE HEARD THE MURMURS, AND I KNOW MY OWN ATTITUDE 83 COULD USE A CHANGE. THE HURT MUST SHOW ON MY FACE, BECAUSE FOR THE FIRST 84 TIME, BARNEY'S OWN FACE REFLECTS A SENSE OF COMPASSION. "Look, what I've 85 got to say to you is probably none of anyone else's business, so why don't 86 you shut the windows?" 87 I RISE FROM THE COUCH, BAR THE DOOR, AND CLOSE THE SHUTTERS ON THE WIN- 88 DOWS, PERHAPS FOR THE LAST TIME. 89 90 [][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][]PAM-[][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][] 91 -----------m-----------------------------------------------m--------------------- 92 Growing tired of waiting the piper slung his pipes to his shoulder and winded 93 them. He piped up a sprightly air and started down the path. In a short time, 94 he reached a small bridge over the stream. 95 What secrets do you hold?" he murmured softly. "what have you seen to never 96 tell?" 97 Smiling softly he turned onto the path that lead through the gathering twilight. 98 A few steps and a distant lantern began to contest the gathering night. 99 100 "Perhaps a tune might buy my a drop to drink" he mused. He set the pipes on his 101 shoulder, winded them and began a jolly happy tune. As he approached the door 102 of the inn, the door opened before him and he piped himself into the large room 103 just beginning to fill with the eveningscustomers. Bringing his tune to a close 104 he swung down his pipes and called to the innkeeper "Good sir! Long have I 105 traveled, and I find myself hungry tired 106 and thirsty. Would you barter some amusement for your customers for a night's 107 rest and a meal?" 108 ----------------------------------------the piper------------------------------- 109 I couldn't help myself. This wasn't the first time. Marsupial vision 110 showed me the familiar eclectic heap. I dug in, famished. What tidbits 111 I found had already been partially digested by time. I ate my fill. I was 112 safe here. 113 Having finished my feast I headed for home. The grass was damp with the dew 114 of early morn. Coming out of the grass, I could feel the hard, smooth 115 surface under my feet. This place always made me long for home. A brightness 116 to my right caught my attention. I must continue but cannot turn my back on 117 the strange light which even now grows brighter, brighter, and now the 118 noise of it. Tremendous and awful then I know I have been killed. 119 120 Damn! The same dream again. I pour a cup of hot-black from the timer model 121 Mr. Coffee. Get my mind off it. Play with the computer. I find the 122 strangest BBS. I read a few articles and decide to enter one myself: 123 "I couldn't help myself. This wasn't the first time..." 124 125 {}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{Awesome Opossum}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{} 126 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 127 HELP ME! I am going thru "d" withdrawl. If I don't hear 128 something by her soon I think I'll kill myself! Eieeaaa........ 129 ++++++++++++++++++++ I.S. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 130 ======================================================================== 131 This BBS hasn't changed much since I last visited it. The stuff put on 132 here would still put any decent science fiction/fantasy writer to shame. 133 ========================Pioneer========================================= 134 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 135 Hate is like acid. It can damage the vessel in which it is stored as 136 well as destroy the object on which it is poured. 137 A certain amount of opposition is a help, not a hindrance. Kites rise 138 against the wind, not with it. 139 When a friend is in trouble, don't annoy them by asking if there is 140 anything you can do. Think up something appropriate and do it. 141 ++++++++++++++++++++++ I. S. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++; 142 ######################################################## 143 A national park ranger cautions visitors against feeding 144 the animals. He explains that the deer grow accustomed 145 to visitors' handouts and lose the ability to fend for 146 themselves. Bears, he observes, come to believe that 147 free food is their due - becoming grouchy and violent if 148 they don't get it. Chipmunks and squirrels congregate 149 where handouts are plentiful. Thus the balance of 150 nature is completely upset. Is there a lessen here for 151 people and their governments? 152 ##################### B. P. ############################ 153 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 154 In the distance a lone figure wanders through the tree 155 scattered landscape. Cloak tightly wrapped about him to keep out 156 the cold. Slowly his wanderings bring him towards the crossroads 157 upon which the Inn is located. One road leads to the dank dark 158 forests while the other leads to the blinding steel and stone of 159 the cities. Out of the forest moves the lonely figure towards 160 the haven of the Inn to wrap himself in the warmth of freindship. 161 Crossing the small bridge that traverses the small stream he pays 162 no mind to the slowly moving waters beneath, for tonight the warm 163 waters offer no sollus for the werry. He moves to keep the 164 appointment that was made, and worries that it not be kept. 165 Opening the well oiled doors of the Inn he steps in slightly in 166 fear for his past actions have left a tarnished image at the Inn. 167 Looking about for a moment, he spies a doorway leading to the 168 back of the Inn. Parting the old and ragged curtain he spies an 169 old rickity table and chairs to match. Obviously discarded here 170 in favour of the more usable sort without. Closer inspection 171 shows that someone has been here recently for the cobwebs have 172 been half heartedly removed and the dust disturbed as if 173 searching for something. Taking no mind he slowly goes about 174 cleaning the ages of dust and grime and shoring up the table and 175 chairs as best possible. The work complete, he gently settles 176 back in the flimsy chair and opens a large bottle of ale to await 177 the coming appointment. Many thoughts drift through his head 178 such that even he can not follow them all and where they might 179 lead. Past memories and present mix in a kelidescope of jumbled 180 thought. Finaly the combination of the hard days work, the ale, 181 and the clouded thoughts cause him to nod off to sleep, while 182 hoping that the friend will not forget him. 183 * Tarn * 184 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 185 186 Who are you, Bobby? I mean, where are you at, man? 187 188 The Mercedes is smooth. The rain is altogether outside the spere 189 of its clean, soft cocoon, and the music is cool and groovin in the 190 night. He is intensely aware, the hour of the night his peak, 191 the tenor of the sax his anthem. The gleaming smile of neon is all around 192 him and the shine on the raindrenched street simply emphasizes and 193 sharpens the images of the city and this life. Nothing in America 194 could compare to this life on the outside, this freedom, this badness, 195 this thrill of the night. Nothing can cut down the Prince in his 196 royal Highness. The brightness of the dark is sung in the soulcry song 197 of the horns. No one knows the truth. 198 199 Jimmy C. 200 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 201 202 Realizing that Pam and that she had summoned were gone, he moved in closer. In 203 spite of the stranger's presence he had not dared approach the clearing. He had 204 seen what Pam was carrying and knew from his studies what the requirements 205 of the ritual might be. He would not shame his friend by observing, nor would he 206 risk interrupting the ceremony. 207 He thought back to that afternoon when he had cast the coins. They had 208 indicated that there was danger, but that through correct action, much of it 209 would be removed. After consulting other augurs, he had determined that he must 210 be near the clearing that night. Unfortunately, he had not seen the stranger in 211 time and had had to settle for watching him from a distance and hoping that he 212 could stop him in time. 213 Now he could tell that Pam and that which she had summoned were gone. He 214 approached the stranger, a city man by his dress. 215 He suddenly broke into a run. He had heard of devices like that which the man 216 held. He must destroy that image machine! 217 "And what, pray tell art THOU doing here Sirrah? Mayhap thou hast been 218 observing that which was not meant for the likes of you?" 219 The man dropped the device as the hooded and cloaked shape appeared out of the 220 darkness. The figure's staff swung out and the man collapsed from the blow. 221 He stooped over the man and checked him over. He was alright, barring a lump 222 over one ear. He then went to the device and opened it, intending to destroy the 223 image. He stared at what he found and then sat down laughing. 224 Jello! It was full of Jello! When his laughter had died to an occasional 225 chuckle he reclosed the device and put it in the man's pouch. Standing once more 226 he seemed smaller than when he had confronted the stranger. He took hold of the 227 man and proceeded to drag him to the road. 228 Upon reaching it he paused and threw back his head. Any witnesses would have 229 been startled by the cry that issued from his throat. Shortly, there was an 230 answering cry from nearby. He smiled. 231 A wolf trotted from the underbrush and walked to face him. "Greetings, 232 Gray One.", he said as he extended a hand toward the wolf. "I am sorry to bother 233 you but I have need of thy aid." After a few more minutes of conversation the 234 wolf departed. Time passed.... 235 He seemed to be listening, though to what, none could have said. At last the 236 sound of hoofbeats was audible. A man dressed in brown and gray appeared riding 237 a roan mare. He raised a hand in salute. 238 "I got your 'note', Erik. What's up? 239 The one called Erik swiftly explained what had transpired. As he did so the 240 other's expression became grim. 241 "What this fool has done deserves..." 242 "Hold! My apoligies, Lord, but I must remind you that you do NOT rule here!" 243 His voice softening he continued, "Lord Sam, I am well aware of your feelings in 244 regard to such matters. I fear that in this land your methods would be thought a 245 bit extreme. I think it may suffice to merely make an example of this fool." 246 "Perhaps. Your master thinks well of your judgement. What do you have in mind?" 247 "I believe that on your way here for your visit with my master, you passed 248 through the city?" 249 "Yes, but.." 250 "Please my lord, all will be made clear. Did you notice the pillory?" 251 A smile crossed the rider's face, "Are you suggesting... 252 "But of course, why should not the punishment fit the crime?" 253 "Very well, if you will write the charge notice..." 254 "I have it here, lord. I wrote it while waiting for you." He bowed and handed 255 a roll of parchment up to the rider, who tucked it inside his tunic. 256 "Now for the that fool, if you please." Sam bent low, to help Erik with the 257 bound figure. After it had been placed upon the horse, Sam remounted. 258 "Farewell, my young friend!" 259 Erik returned the farewell. After the rider had vanished into the darkness Erik 260 started for home. He almost wished he could be in the city square in the morning 261 to see the stranger awaken in the pillory, naked with a notice proclaiming him a 262 'pPeeping Tom'. 263 He doubted that there would be any trouble, the stranger's memories of his and 264 Pam's faces would have been blurred by his master while treating the head blow 265 and even though these were not Sam's lands, he WAS a noble and his signature on 266 the proclamation would be sufficient. Perhaps after a few days in the 267 square the stranger would have learned some manners. 268 ................................................................................ 269 BARD: yes, dost thou know the lady Mirandel? I first heard the tale of ranger 270 Arvid from her at a dance class at the Towers. 271 ..................by my hand at the hour of Prime, this 15th day of January..... 272 ...........................the apprentice....................................... 273 AH, well isn't it a small world! I certainly do know Mirandel. I was there too! 274 I think I know who you are "Erik". I was one of the other singers that night 275 (not Michael or Gwen). 276 277 Lord of the Dance 278 279 When she danced on the water and the wind was her horn 280 The Lady laughed and everything was born 281 When she lit the sun and the light gave him birth 282 The Lord of the Dance first appeared on the earth. 283 (chorus) Dance, dance wherever you may be 284 I am the Lord of the Dance, said he, 285 And I'll live in you if you'll live in me 286 And I'll lead you all in the dance, said he. 287 288 I danced in the morning when the world was begun, 289 I danced in the moon and the stars and the sun, 290 I was called from the darkness by the song of the earth, 291 I joined in the singing and she gave me birth. 292 chorus 293 I sleep in the kernel and I dance in the rain 294 I dance in the wind and through the waving grain 295 When you cut me down, I care nothing for the pain 296 In the Spring I'm the Lord of the Dance once again. 297 chorus 298 I dance in the circle when the flames leap up high 299 I dance in the fire and I never, ever die 300 I dance on the waves across the bright summer seas 301 I am the Lord of the waves mysteries. 302 chorus 303 I dance at the Sabbat when you dance out the spell 304 I dance and sing that everyone be well 305 When the dancing's over, do not think I am gone 306 To live is to dance, so I dance on and on. 307 chorus 308 The moon in her phases, and the tides of the sea 309 The movement of the earth and the seasons that will be 310 Are the rhythm of the dancing and a promise through the years 311 That the dance goes on through our joys and our fears. 312 chorus 313 The Horn of the Lady cast its sound 'cross the plains 314 The birds took the notes and gave them back again 315 'Til the sound of Her music was a song in the sky 316 And to that song there is one reply 317 chorus 318 They danced in the darkness and they danced in the night 319 They danced on the earth and everything was light 320 They danced out the darkness and they danced in the dawn 321 And the day of their dancing still goes on. 322 chorus 323 I see the maidens laughing, as they dance in the sun 324 And I count the fruits of harvest one by one 325 I know the storm is coming but the grain's all stored 326 So I dance the Dance of the Lady and Her Lord. 327 chorus 328 We dance ever slower, as the leaves fall and spin 329 And the sound of the horn is the wailing of the wind 330 The earth is wrapped in stillness and we move in a trance 331 But we hold on fast to our faith in the Dance. 332 chorus 333 The sun is in the southland and the days grow chill 334 The sound of the horn is fading on the hill 335 The horn of the Hunter, as he rides 'cross the plain 336 And the Lady sleeps, 'Til the Spring comes again. 337 chorus 338 The sun is in the southland and the days lengthen fast 339 And soon we will sing for the Winter that is past 340 Now we light the candles and rejoice as they burn 341 And we dance the Dance of the sun's return. 342 chorus 343 I gaze on the heaven and I gaze on the earth 344 I feel the pain of dying and rebirth 345 I lift my head in gladness and praise for the day 346 Of the Dance of the Lord and the Lady gay. 347 chorus 348 349 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~BARD~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 350 Bobby's car sighed into the drive as the automatic door opened rumbling 351 in the cavernous parking garage. Pulling into his assigned space he cut the 352 ignition and sat a moment. It`s wearing down, he thought. He slid from 353 the car seat and stepped out into the dimly lit garage, locking up care- 354 fully after years of experience with thieves in the city. 355 The apartment was cold and he checked the thermostsat to make sure it was 356 up. It was getting to be impossible to deal with that punk of a super 357 if and when you could drag him away from his sissy friends. 358 He lit a cigarette and took a mighty slosh from the ever present 359 bottle of Stolichnaya on the endtable. Trembling from his recent 360 brush with death he sank into a chair to await the call from 361 Bambino. He was certain he had him this time. No way could he have 362 detcted Bobby's hand in all this. Bobby chuckled and tipped the 363 vodka again, spilling cool drops down his shirtfront and feeling the 364 high recede. 365 Jimmy C. 366 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 367 ... interesting ... 368 ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| 369 Watched "Focus On Society" on OEPBS this a.m. The show suggested that 75% 370 of the U.S. population believes in God. It further suggested that 25% 371 believe in astrology. I was stunned! It showed me that I have had my head 372 in the sand for the past 15 years in thinking that the general population 373 had somehow been enlightened during those years I went to so much trouble 374 sorting out the bs from my observations. Apparently, there was an en masse 375 departure from organized religion by my generation (I knew that, didn't 376 know if organized religion knew) but now that we are in our thirties, many 377 are returning to the safe, cozy blanket of blind faith. Am I missing 378 something? This is incredible to me because the stark reality that I 379 -really- don't believe in concerned, intelligent beings/forces that alter 380 or monitor my every thought and move is so apparent now. 381 382 Observations: 383 Actions cause reactions; space-time exists. 384 Mental processes interact with space-time. 385 No one knows why. 386 387 The last observation is the one that causes so much trouble. Is there 388 really no purpose (in terms of accomplishment) to our existence. How 389 insulting to think that there is no purpose to life; that the universe just 390 is. For so many, reductionism is very depressing. They would like to 391 think of themselves as important to the universe. Well yes we're important, 392 we're here, but let's not put on airs. 393 394 Help! I'm a rock, 395 Awesome Opossum 396 {}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{} 397 //////////////////////./././//////////////////////////////// 398 hay did every buddy party friday and saturday. I know I did. 399 @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ 400 !monroe: 401 Did you make it this far? What is it? 402 black rider 403 . 404 ========================================================================== 405 the proper spelling is "solace" and "weary"....... 406 this system is sure getting wierd.... 407 ==========================the Great Gazorbawitz=========================== 408 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 409 A stray beam of light pokes through the dirty forgotten 410 window shinning upon the recently swept floor. Slowly it travels 411 towards the table as the morning sun rises without. Shortly it 412 touches a leg of the table and quickly travels to the table top. 413 Soon it touches, then surrounds the man sitting at the table fast 414 asleep with his head in his arms. The light shines upon his 415 tangle of brown hair and seems to make it glow. After a while in 416 the soothing warmth of the light the man stirs, then rises with a 417 jerk, "Where am I?" 418 After a confused moment he remembers, he is still in that 419 abandoned room behind the Inn. Through the ragged curtain he can 420 hear the Innkeeper and his help going about preparing for the new 421 days business. Looking down at the table he remembers his reason 422 for being here the night before, yet it all seems a dream with 423 little support from reality. Only the empty bottle of ale and 424 the two glasses indicate that anything at all had occured. 425 Sitting back down at the table, he bellows to the Innkeeper 426 to bring him breakfast. The Innkeeper pokes his startled face 427 through the curtain and exclaims "Are you still here?", then 428 quickly disappears. 429 Thinking back on the nights activities, it all seemed like a 430 dream. Indeed the appointment had been kept, yet he remembered 431 little of it. He remembered begining to tell of his tale past 432 with but an occasional prompting, but sometime during the telling 433 he had grown tired and now he found himself alone again. If only 434 he could remember what had happened, something about a promise to 435 return for a greater telling, and what was the device that had 436 been placed on the table? Something called a recorder? Too much 437 wine and too little sleep has caused his mind to not remember 438 these things of importance. Ahh, if there were only a way to 439 quickly do the telling before he forgot once again. If only he 440 could remember! And who was this good friend who took the 441 treasure of his past and was gone? And yet he seemed to remember 442 that like tales had been given in return. If only he could 443 remember who... 444 Just then the Innkeeper came in bringing him a piping hot 445 breakfast which he settled down to eat. While he was eating he 446 overheard the Innkeeper and the barmaid discusing in worried 447 tones the disappearance of one they called "d". A familar name, 448 yet one he had only heard in passing. Thinking back he did think 449 that he had seen a fleeting glance of this lass upon his first 450 vist to the Inn, and he wonders too at the disappearance of one 451 who seems to hold such respect and concern at the Inn. 452 * Tarn * 453 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 454 ######################################## 455 Yes, it seems that there are quite a few misguided souls out there thAat need 456 that crutch called GOD!! Why do you think they are refered to as Flocks! Don't 457 take any responsibility for your existance as long as someone else will lead 458 and you can follow. The Moral Majority is just a sheepherd trying to lead all 459 away from the wolves. Personally the wolves are just as necessary on this earth 460 as the sheepherds and really a lot more productive. 461 462 ################C.Y.M.################################1/15/84 9:17pm############ 463 /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// 464 With the sight of the ship climbing twords the heavens came the stark 465 realization that this planet of half-civilized savages was to be his new home 466 for the duration of the sentance. Already he could feel the nerve-net that 467 drew together his society slipping from his grasp. He was, for the first time 468 in his life, totally alone. As the boundaries of his mind turned slowly 469 inward he began to see beasts that had long ago been banished by a species 470 wide linkage of minds. He knew that within a matter of days he too would 471 revert to the repulsive level of life on this planet. On the horizon was 472 a glow that could only mean a large city. In the light of a billion stars 473 he could barely discern a sign. If he could read he would have saw WELCOME 474 TO PORTLAND pop. 300,000. With a barely audiable sigh he began to shuffle 475 in the direction of the lights. 476 \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ 477 (*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*) 478 NIGHT WINDS 479 The night winds blows right through my hair 480 a shivery feeling is something to bear 481 I see the moon with its beauty, 482 but soon the clouds hide it from me. 483 how cold am I with the fog far behind, 484 how scared am I, I can almost cry, 485 but morning follows and life seems new 486 how grateful can I be for the things I 487 have seen. 488 Daver, please notify me of the results of your investigation on the 489 high-tech green carpet. I have been experiencing a continual loss 490 of personal objects such as: socks, contact lenses, pet fish, homework, 491 retainer, sisters and brothers (brothers less missed than others). 492 Willing to pay high price to have mystery solved. 493 (*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)THERESA(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*) 494 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 495 The long evening with my good friend Tarn was very productive and 496 restful to my soul as well. It was a great joy, speaking of times past 497 and viewing the changes and evolutions that have occurred. And the 498 people of those times! Some of them were dingy to be sure, but usually 499 with a glint in their eyes of good humor. 500 Toward the end of the night, after some great time, Tarn made a 501 comment to me in jest that I took otherwise. It was the wearyness that 502 caused my mind to be slow, and much to my later dismay I realized that 503 my response might have caused Tarn to be hurt. Though we quickly 504 laughed over the mistake, I have felt some shame since over it. Ah 505 well, good Tarn is a true friend, and he understands how foolish I can 506 be at such late times. 507 Walking swiftly along the footpath, the sound of the stones 508 beneath my feet is a welcome percussion to the symphony of emotion that 509 the favor my friend has done for me brings to my heart. Such times! 510 Such friends! And such a good Inn, whose Keeper can put up with 511 children such as Tarn and I. 512 513 - Emer - 514 ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 515 QUERY: Is is true that Stan Dolson's real name is Mr. Obnoxious? 516 ................................................................................ 517 In the silence, following the piper's tune, the bard spoke up. "You're pretty 518 good with those pipes, friend. What say we alternate for a while? It'll save my 519 voice and your lungs!" 520 Then to the crowd, "Any requests, Ladies & Gents?" 521 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~BARD~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 522 YEAH! SHUT THAT BLOODY ROWL! 523 524 ?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?! 525 JUST FOR THE RECORD, CYM AND AWESOME, MAY I REPEAT A FORGOTTEN TRUISM. 526 MAN HAS AN INNATE DESIRE FOR A GOD, WHETHER IT BE SCIENCE, RELIGION, 527 MONEY, THEMSELVES, HIGHER LEARNING, AND THE LIST GOES ON AND ON. 528 EVERY CULTURE THAT HAS EVER EXISTED HAS HAD AT LEAST THREE COMPONENTS. 529 COMMERCE, GOVERNMENT, AND RELIGION OF SOME SORT. 530 RELIGION IS DEFINED AS A CAUSE, PRINCIPLE, OR SYSTEM OF BELIEFS HELD 531 TO WITH ARDOR AND FAITH. 532 ARDOR IS VERY OFTEN DISPLAYED IN OPINIONS THAT TAKE ON RELIGIOUS UNDER- 533 TONES--LIKE THOSE EARLIER EXPRESSED. ANYHEY, THERE CAN BE MANY OPINIONS 534 BUT ONLY ONE TRUTH. 535 MAY I BE SO BOLD AS TO SHARE ONE TRUTH, EVEN IF IT IS CONTROVERSIAL. 536 EVERYONE, NO MATTER WHAT FLAVOR THEY ARE, HAS A GOD. AND THOSE THAT 537 SAY THEY HAVE NONE, MUST REGARD THEMSELVES AS SUCH. LET ME EXPLAIN 538 BEFORE THE LYNCHING STARTS: EVERYONE HAS TO COME TO GRIPS WITH QUESTIONS 539 AS WHAT HAPPENS AT DEATH, WHY ARE WE HERE, WHERE DID WE COME FROM, WHERE 540 IS THIS CHARADE LEADING, WHERE OR WILL IT END, WHAT OR IS THERE A PUR- 541 POSE IN LIFE, ETC. ETC. ETC. SOME CHOSE TO ANSWER THESE THROUGH BELIEFS 542 ALREADY CONSTRUCTED, OTHERS PICK AND CHOOSE, AND OTHERS MAKE THEIR OWN 543 WHICH USUALLY CHANGE MANY TIMES DURING THE COURSE OF ONES LIFE. MAN HAS 544 A SPIRITUAL SIDE THAT CANNOT BE DENIED, AND IS JUST AS REAL AS PHYSICAL 545 APPETITES, AND IN A VERY REAL WAY CANNOT BE IGNORED. 546 !?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?DEBORAH?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!? 547 =================================================================== 548 Flushed and sweating, the piper calls back to the bard: 549 "Aye, let's do! Between us two, we'll banish gloom and care! 550 Drink up!, the night is young, and I need oil for my pipes! 551 Your voice is sweet, my friend, your songs joyful. Sing on and call 552 on me as you wish." 553 ================================the piper============================ 554 555 ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 556 ---------------------Wind & Waves-------------------------------------- 557 558 Avast!!!!!! 559 Can it be that some wayward course has carried this frail 560 vessel into the midst of the Sargasso Sea. 561 But NO!! as I look again it appears to be more of an enchanted 562 cove, alive with creatures of the imagination. 563 Being but a poor sailor, plying the trade routes searching for 564 paying passengers or cargo enough to support this addiction to 565 the vastness of sea & sky!!!!!!!!!! 566 Following the sound of the beat of Dragon's wings sailed we here 567 in search of that fair maiden who doth 'go between' in search of 568 many adventures. Alas on her last visit to that place of magic 569 who's true name cannot be spoken, she did purchace goods to be 570 delivered forthwith. 571 The 'Ark' being laden with cargo from various and sundry does 572 seek her presence. 573 Few are the signs of passage to be seen here...only one small 574 burning ember with essence of Dragon Flame.... 575 A free cruise to oblivion is offered as reward for information. 576 ------------------------------------- Captn' Barefoot ----------------- 577 ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 578 As he approached the dais, Marc stared in awe at the faintly glowing 579 crystals bound by silver chains to the brows of the sev seated there 580 on the floor. He remembered again the day Ben had taken him away, 581 that there had been a man there who had worn the star on his brow. 582 These were the Masters, he realized. Seven of them here at once. He 583 could feel the urgent air on expectancy in the hall, and looked around 584 himself once more. Still nothing but stone cold faces. 585 He realized with a start that some exchange had been taking place 586 between one of the seven, an older woman with slightly graying hair. 587 He hadn't been listening. The woman turned and addressed him 588 personally. 589 "Marcus Birn, step onto the Dais." She intoned as if it were 590 a ceremony. He looked up at Ben, hesitant, and was surprised that 591 the stony look had disappeared for a moment to be replaced by one of 592 unexpected tenderness and love. Marc looked once again into the 593 stone faces around him and started for the dais.******daver******* 594 595 [][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][] 596 597 AS I SUSPECTED, THIS TABLE IS AGAIN IN NEED OF CLEANING. AND I MUST 598 HURRY, FOR I SEE THAT A NEW TABLE WILL SOON OPEN, AND THIS ONE MUST BE DONE 599 BEFORE IT DOES. 600 601 I FELT THE PRESENCE OF MY FRIEND d LAST NIGHT, AND HER WORRY. THOUGH 602 MY EXPERIENCES OF THAT NIGHT WERE INTENSELY PERSONAL, IT WAS A SALVE TO MY 603 MORALE TO KNOW THAT SHE WAS THERE, AND THAT SHE HAS RETURNED TO THESE PARTS 604 FROM HER TRIP TO THAT COASTAL TOWN. SHE WAS SORELY MISSED, BY BOTH ME AND 605 SIR CISTOP, AND I CELEBRATE HER RETURN GREATLY. IF SHE COMES TO THE INN 606 THIS EVE, I MUST CERTAINLY LIFT MY DRINK IN HONOUR OF HER PRESENCE. 607 608 AS I SWEEP THE UNINTENDED REMAINS OF OTHER'S CELEBRATIONS FROM THE 609 TABLE, THERE IS SOME WORRY IN MY MIND. I HAVE HEARD RUMOURS THAT ANOTHER 610 FRIEND OF MINE, WHO PRESIDES OVER HIS OWN LITTLE ESTABLISHMENT, WAS SEEN 611 SELLING OFF PORTIONS OF THAT PLACE TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER, AND HIS ESTABLISH- 612 MENT IS STILL CLOSED TO VISITORS. IS HE PLANNING TO CLOSE SHOP FOR GOOD? 613 IS HE MERELY CHANGING THE TOOLS BY WHICH HE RUNS THE SHOP, BUT STILL HAS 614 PLANS TO CONTINUE SERVING THE PUBLIC? OR WERE THOSE ITEMS JUST EXTRAS, UN- 615 NEEDED AND UNWANTED, CLUTTERING UP HIS HOME AND PREVENTING HIS SHOP FROM ITS 616 EXPECTED REOPENING? PERCHANCE, IF HE STILL STOPS BY THE INN AND LOOKS AT 617 THIS TABLE WHEN I'VE FINISHED WITH IT, HE MIGHT RESPOND TO MY URGENT QUERY. 618 619 I LOOK CLOSELY AT THE LEGS OF THE TABLE, THEIR SUPPORTS, AND THOSE OF 620 THE CHAIRS'. HMMM.....THEY APPEAR IN FINE SHAPE. THAT IS GOOD, THOUGH I 621 WAS HOPING THAT THEY WOULDN'T BE, AS I WOULD ENJOY AGAIN USING MY NEW TOOL 622 TO FIX THEM. BUT IT IS JUST AS WELL, SINCE WHEN THESE THINGS ARE IN NEED OF 623 SUCH REPAIR, THEIR TENDANCY TO COLLAPSE CAN CAUSE MANY PATRONS TO WISH TO 624 LEAVE THE INN. OR EVEN TO LEAVE THE INN MORE QUICKLY THAN THEY HAD HOPED 625 FOR. 626 627 AH, THE TABLE IS DONE, AND I CAN LEAVE IT FOR CISTOP TO PREPARE AGAIN. 628 629 [][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][]PAM.[][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][] >