MDIG8154@URIACC.URI.EDU DigiCom I.G. Presents A Totally Unauthorized Production Otaku Rising 2.5: Transitions ----------------------------------------------------------------Prologue USS ZODIAC, ORBITING TELLIUS QUARTIUS The huge starship floated through the depths of space, it's 4 km. wide disk eclipsing the stars momentarily. On it's observation deck, the commander of the vessel stared out at the stars, thinking of lost friends. A high-pitched whistling broke his reverie. "Bridge to Captain Deacon." "Deacon here. What is it?" "The guests have begun to arrive for the conference. Your wife is waiting in transporter room 1." "I'm on my way. Deacon out." With a rustle of cloth, he stood, and left the room. First to arrive were the Time Lords of Gallifrey, in their shimmering robes, led by the President Emeritus, who unlike his colleagues, prefer- red Terran fashions, including a rather odd umbrella. A group of individuals came all at once, including a white-haired mad scientist type, a young teen in high-tech armor, a gold-skinned humanoid with a really wild haircut, an older gentleman in a flowing white cloak [bearing an Hourglass], a redhead in a long coat, and many more. Even a man in an archaic pirate's outfit, accompanied by a young boy; and a small dog similarily accompanied. Deacon greeted them each in turn, directing them to their assigned quarters. The last to arrive, with the typical pomp and pageantry, were the representatives of the Circle of Ourobouros, commanding the Time Corps. Deacon walked up to the leader, a grizzled man clearly far older than he looked. "Hello Lazarus, glad you could make it." Lazarus smiled, as a long-haired brunette walked up to stand beside Deacon, "Mario, good to see you. How long has it been?" "About five years, my time. Since that Warworld incident." "Of course, the artificial planet. The Corps is still keeping an eye on it." "Mario, have you forgotten me already?" the brunette asked, a hint of fire flashing in her eyes. "Sorry, Maddy. Just catching up on old times." An older gentleman with fluffy sideburns walked up behind Lazarus. "Mario," he asked, "who is this devastating beauty?" "Oh right, you've never met." Deacon paused, "Maddy, this is Jubal Harshaw, a Companion of the Circle of Ouroborus. Jubal, this is my wife, Madoka Kasuga Deacon." "Enchante, Madame." Jubal replied, kissing her hand, "Having seen your beauty, I can now die in peace." "Flattery will get you everywhere," she responded, "but we'll talk about that later. Mario, have all the guests arrived?" "Everyone except the Deitians, and they said they might be too busy to come. The holographic linkup to the Guardian of Forever will be online during the deliberations only. Hopefully, this show will get some real work done." "A-men," Lazarus chimed in, as they left the room. The conference seemed to be moving along without a hitch. The various groups and renegades seemed to enjoy the hospitality of the ship. Every- one had had a good nights sleep, or the nearest equivalent, but it was time to get to work. The attendees gathered in the ship's largest conference hall, waiting for the host to give the opening address of the conference. Deacon soon appeared, and walked to the podium. Clearing his throat, he began: "Ladies, Gentlemen, Entities from a million time-lines, my name [at least at this moment in time], is Marcus Deacon, and I welcome you to the First Annual Multiversal Time Travel Conference. I have chosen you, among the uncountable number of time travelling cultures, as the most responsible travelers of the time- stream. Some may ask, 'Why do we need to have a conference?'. To this I ask 'Why have we not had one before?'. Too many petty squabbles have erupted over lines of demarcation and territories covered. The issue here is not one of geography, but of stability. The entire structure of space and time is fragmenting. In one timeline, a freak quantum fissure nearly fused several THOUSAND timelines. In another, a TV reporter was nearly trapped in a 24-hour time loop. In my own original timeline, reality has been scrambled so badly that not only have beings from other timelines crossed over, but even CARTOON characters, as I have seen myself. Fellow travelers, this state of affairs cannot be allowed to continue, or the multiverse will collapse into a state of Chaos..." The conference continued, for several [subjective] days. The various organizations and individuals agreed to monitor the various timelines under their jurisdiction, and actively fight to avoid paradox. Some, like the Time Lords, preferred to maintain a timewide watch, while others took a more activist role. As is usual, more work took place in informal gatherings, and less in the so-called "official" panels. At one such gathering, Deacon, his wife, the Time Corps contingent, and the Incarnation of Time sat down for a good old fashioned party. Everyone was enjoying themselves, and the mood was mellow. "You know, Mario," Lazarus spoke, slurring slightly, "Last time I saw you, you were wearing a Lens. What happened to it?" "Mentor took it back. It seems he didn't like what I did with it. I never really enjoyed the damned thing anyway. It may have had a lasting effect, however." "How do you mean?" Norton asked. "Maddy and I have a daughter named Cassie, who I believe is hiding be- hind the couch." A giggle from that location proved him right. Deacon reached over and lifted the toddler onto his lap, groaning slightly. "Hi Daddy," the child said, brushing the hair from her eyes. "Kids," Deacon sighed, "Anyway, our medical scanners have picked up evidence that Cassie here is probably going to inherit a low level tele- pathic ability, as well as whatever powers she may get from her Grandpa Kyosuke." "Sounds tricky, I hope you can handle her." Lazarus replied. "Probably not, but my wife can. She's as strong willed as my mother- in-law." "Mario," Maddy whispered, "we'll talk about this later. I promise." "Daddy?" "Yes, Cassie?" "Why did you become a Time Twaveler?" "I must say I'm intrigued myself..." Chronos chimed in. Deacon paused for a moment, "It's a long story...It all started, in a a way, because I was going for a double Master's degree, Mathematics and Computer Science. I'd spent a lot of time typing away in various computer labs, trying to make a program work. One day I simply slumped over a keyboard, asleep. I was awakened when a friend came by, with a new gadget he'd found. One thing led to another and soon we were fighting off an alien invasion. At first I had a ball, designing weapons for our little band. I even cruised up to Worcester to check out a UFO report. "Anyway, things got nasty, and I was nearly killed. I snapped, and designed armor which was designed for killing alone. When the danger was past, I shelved it away, and tried to return to normal life. But the cybernetic implant I used started to malfunction, and I nearly killed a close friend. So I stole a ship and after a short term freakout, and some of do-it-yourself brain surgery, fixed the damage. But I'd gotten myself completely lost. So I installed a crosstime drive I'd seen in an old Heinlein book, and went wandering. A short while after that I met some people who would change my life..." {Insert Wayne's World flashback effect} Somewhere, somewhen DC was content. He'd exorcised his demons, and had no method of get- ting back to Earth. So he flipped from universe to universe, seeing the sights. At present, he was enjoying the gladiatorial combat at the Solaria Arena, on Betelgeuse 3. The fighters were excellent showmen [and women], and he found himself reminiscing about the WWF. But the match ended, so he turned to leave. There was a rustling behind him, and the lights went out. When he awoke, he found himself in a strange room, watched by two identical young redheads. If they'd not been carrying guns, DC would've enjoyed the sight better. "You're awake. Good. You are wanted in the Commodore's lounge." one of them said. The trip to the lounge was brief, yet far too long for DC's comfort. This was not the way he liked to wake up. He entered the lounge to find two more people waiting for him. "Ok bub, who are you, and where did you get a Burroughs drive. We've been chasing you for months." "I-I-I'm Mario, I mean DC, um." "Now, Woodie, give the boy a chance to get his bearings. He just woke up." "Dammit Hilda, you know how much damage he's done to the timestream. I say we cashier him now and get it over with." {Insert Wayne's World flashforward effect} "After a few more threats from Lazarus here, and a lot of questions, I was offered a job with the Time Corps. I spent several decades in the service, repairing the damage I'd done. (I found out later that the whole deal was another of Hilda Long's set pieces, to try to get me to join up.)..." A gentle snoring caused him to pause, and he saw Cassie curled up into a little ball, taking a nap. Quietly, Deacon handed her to his wife, who left the room. When the door had closed, he walked back to the couch and sat down. "So Mario," Lazarus spoke up, "What's next for you?" "As you know, I'm heading the colonization effort here on Quartius. We're going to ground the Zodiac, and use it as the hub of the colony." "Planning on retiring?" "Lazarus, you know as well as I do. It's never over. Something will always turn up." Deacon replied, in a blatant case of foreshadowing. JERICHO, TELLUS QUARTIUS, TWENTY YEARS LATER H.A.D.R.I.A.N. PRIMARY IMAGING CHAMBER Marcus Deacon was busy at work on another of a long series of projects devoted to increasing the effectiveness of combat mecha. A large mecha was held in a gravitic scaffold, while it's left arm lay disassembled on a bench in front of him. "If I increase the containment field, I might be able to amplify air- speed without losing cohesion," he muttered, "Computer, increase energy levels to unit LW 25%, and adjust systems accordingly." A shimmer played about the device on the bench, and it changed form, increasing it's mass by 10%. Deacon turned to the far wall, and waited. A disembodied voice reported, "TEMPLAR Testing series, number 145, de- ploying target." A small globe appeared at the far end of the lab, and began to dart about in a semi-random fashion. As soon as it lined up with the unit, an emerald disk of radiation burst from the new device. The remote tried to dodge, but lacked enough time. It fell to the ground, deactivated. "About bloody time! Computer, run installation program, and manufac- ture one unit for field testing." The left arm reassembled, and vanished, appearing moments later on the scaffolded mecha, which vanished in turn. "Timeline Monitor to Mr. Deacon." the comm system announced. "Deacon here." "We have picked up a major disruption wave in timeline 8154." "I'm on my way." Deacon responded, fighting an enormous wave of deja vu. A doorway opened in midwall, accompanied by heavy hydraulics. He passed through, and it dropped behind him solidly. The task of monitoring the space-time continuum requires a lot of technology. In the monitor room, technicians watched several parallel and perpendicular timelines, measuring quantum fluctuations in the fabric of space and time. Deacon stalked in, and headed for the main console. "What is it?" he snarled. "Computer projections indicate that the quantum variation is the re- sult of harmonics from a major temporal translation." a tech replied. "In English, technician." Deacon snarked. "Something big went back in time, and caused ripples in spacetime. The ripples are getting stronger." "Can we send a team to investigate?" "Negative sir, the time differential would be too great. They'd be involved for over 12 years, minimum." "I can't go myself, since the 21st Time Conference is due next week." Deacon paused, "Computer, where is my daughter." The voice responded, "Cassandra Daikun is at Stallion's Gate. Shall I alert her?" "Negative, I'll go see her myself. As penance for my sins." Over the years, the operations of DigiCom Inc. had grown in size, mak- ing planet-based administration highly inefficient. After due considera- tion, it was decided that central administration would be moved to a 16 kilometer long space station, located at the LaGrange point in the Quartius system. This station, named Stallion's Gate, was built next to a massive Jump Gate, allowing transit by capital ship to the several timelines under DigiCom jurisdiction. STALLION'S GATE SPACE STATION The Runabout _Styx_ approached the station, as Deacon opened a hailing channel, "_Styx_ to Stallion's Gate, requesting landing clearance." "Stallion's Gate to _Styx_, you are cleared for landing at docking bay 3. Have a nice day." Deacon choked back a fairly sarcastic reply, and merely acknowledged the reply. The small vessel eased into its cradle, and the bay press- urized. Deacon walked to the hatch, and opened it... And found himself facing a small detachment of guards. The apparent leader gave him a sharp salute, and announced, "Director Deacon, the Station Administratior would like to see you in her office immediately." Deacon noticed the gentle persuaders being held by the members of the squad, and decided to go along. CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION, STALLION'S GATE Deacon entered the office, helped along by a not-so-subtle push from his escort. The figure seated at the desk turned from the starfield and faced him. "Mario, you BASTARD. I thought we'd decided...you get to play with the toys in your lab, and stay away from me." she hissed. Deacon replied, "Madoka, don't blow your top. I wouldn't have come here if it wasn't an emergency. I need to see Cassie." "CASSIE?" she snarled, "She's the last person who wants to see you! For Ghu's sake, she even changed her name to avoid being linked to you!" "To Daikun, yes," Deacon remarked, "Did you know a rough translation of that name is 'Big Boss'?" "STOP TRYING TO CHANGE THE SUBJECT!!!" Madoka bellowed, rattling the room, "GET OFF THIS STATION!!!!!" "Multiple exclamation points, the sure sign of a diseased mind," he didn't reply. Instead he merely said, "Time Monitors have picked up a level VI disruption in timeline 8154." Madoka paused in her preparations to throw her desk at him, "Level VI? Good Lord, that could be terminal!" "And between preparing for the conference, and the other field ops in process, we don't have the personnel to send a team." He paused. "Cassie is the only trained field agent available." "I hate to say this," she replied, "but you're right. It's our duty to find the cause of this timequake, and set it to rights. Cassie is in the Science Wing, working on Project Longshot. I'll give you an escort to show you where." "Thank you, Maddy. I'm sorry it has to be this way." He turned to leave. "Mario?" she called. "Yes?" "Brush your teeth, your breath is killing me." With that parting shot she turned back to the viewport. SCIENCE WING, STALLION'S GATE After a short pitstop, Deacon proceeded to the the main laboratory for Project Longshot, whatever that was. He'd been to wrapped up in his own work to keep track of the other research being done. The guard stopped at the door, and triggered the security lock. The door parted invitingly, as Deacon stepped through. The room was filled with simulators, flotation tanks, and computer terminals, beeping away merrily. A figure stepped out from behind the main console, pushing her glasses up with her forefinger. "This is a secure area, what do you want." Deacon smiled, "Sheila, don't tell me you've forgotten me already." "That's Doctor Frost to you," she replied, in a tone of mock anger, " Now give me a hug." They chatted for a moment, but soon got down to business. "Cassie is busy at the simulator right now," she remarked. "She'll be done in about an hour." "An hour?" Deacon replied, "I suppose I could always check my e-mail on CyberNet." "You should. You know how quickly a mailbox can fill up." Sheila smiled, "There's a Gateway over in the corner." "Thanks" CYBERSPACE Over the years, with varying levels of success, the major networks of the Galaxy had linked into one massive information super-freeway. Various methods were used to gain access, including VR helmets, cyberjacks, and a small piece of fairy cake. Eventually, a Holodeck, combined with a zero-gravity field, became the method of choice. These cubicles, called Gateways, became fixtures in the trendy labs and offices. Deacon stepped into the door, and found himself floating in space. A short vocal command later, he was astride a motorcycle with flaming tires and cruising across the digital landscape. Words can't describe the images which greeted his eyes as he bounced from node to node, heading toward the Post Orifice, a descendant of the original Usenet. [Go watch Lawnmower Man for details -ed.] He was passing through an area devoid of traffic when a silvery blur caught his eye. He stopped and put his bike on . The blur coalesced into a prismatic figure, riding a silver surfboard. Deacon stammered, "Marius? Is that you?" "After a fashion," the figure replied. "But how is it possible? Talamasca isn't on CyberNet.." "I am not Michael Stewart, also known as Marius. I am your past." "Bullshit. You're just a hacker with a Dickens fetish. Let me guess I'm going to be visited by three spirits, right?" "Get a life. I'm a product of the Net, and I'm here to remind you of something." "Go ahead, I've got time to waste." The figure drifted closer, and suddenly thrust his hand through Deacon's head. Outside, Sheila heard a sudden scream, muffled by the Gateway doors. The doors parted, and Deacon staggered out. "What happened, Mario? A power surge?" "I'm not sure, but I think it was necessary. Is Cassie finshed yet?" "Just now," a voice came from behind him, "Hello Dad, how's tricks?" "Fine, how's Agnes?" he replied, with a maniacal grin. For the first time in a long while, Sheila was surprised, "Are you feeling OK?" "I haven't felt this good in years. You are looking great, kiddo." She was, too. He'd never noticed how much she looked like Sheila, but now, seeing them together, the resemblance was striking. "Mario, you've had some kind of a shock. Maybe you should rest." "Sheila, you know better than that. Call me DC." CENTRAL ADMIN "So we can't send any teams until after the conference, and by then it may be too late." DC finished. "And I'm the bottom of the barrel? Gee, thanks Dad." "This may give us a chance to field-test Longshot." Sheila remarked. DC turned to her, "I've been meaning to ask you..What is that anyway?" "It's an attempt to use Burroughs comlinks multiplexed to allow remote control of fighters, ground vehicles, and android probes." she replied. "Could they be run from here?" Madoka asked. "Not in this case, Mom. The disruption is too strong." "So I suppose you'll have to go." Madoka sighed, "I'll miss you, but it is our duty." Sheila checked a small padd in front of her. "The Morning Star is in drydock, but we can get it shipshape in a few days. I'll move a few Switchblades into the launch chutes, and hook up the controls." DC scratched his head, "Naturally, all corporate resources will be at your disposal. I suggest you try to hook up with the Otaku Group. No matter what's going on, I'm sure at least one of them will be able to help." USS MORNING STAR, OUTER SPACE "Now remember, the disk I gave you is in case they give you any hassle when you get there," DC called over the comlink, "And those TEMPLAR units are still experimental." "Relax, Dad, " Cassie replied, "I'm a big girl now." "Cassie, this is Sheila," a voice broke in, "I just wanted to remind you to keep training your telepathic faculties. They may come in handy." "I know, I know, I KNOW!!!" Cassie snarled, shutting off her external communications. "Family.." she sighed. The massive vessel slowly turned to line up with the Jump Gate. As it moved into place, space began to twist, revealing a roiling mass of color inside the gate. The ship seemed to stretch, and suddenly vanished. STALLION'S GATE, MAIN BRIDGE "Well, she's off," Madoka sighed, turning away from the screen, "I still wonder if it was the right thing to do..." "It was," DC said at her side, "She's well trained, and ready for any- thing the universes could throw at her." "But are the universes ready for her?" DC paused, "Maddy m'love, I wish you hadn't asked that." Together they turned, and left the room. THE END? OR A NEW BEGINNING? ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cast of Characters: Mario Di Giacomo - DC/DigiCom/Marcus Deacon Madoka Kyosuke Deacon - Maddy Sheila Lippit Frost - Sheila Cassandra Daikun - Cassie And special appearances by Chronos, Ivar Annipada, Waverider, Dr. Emmet Brown, Dr. Who, Franklin Benjamin Richards, Mr. Peabody, his boy Sherman, Phileas Fogg, Jeffrey Jones, Bill S. Preston Esq., Ted "Theodore" Logan, and the Circle of Ouroborous as themselves. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Index of funky things: HADRIAN - Holographic Assisted Design, Replicator Integrated Assembly Network. Named after the Roman emperor who liked to build things. Morning Star - Based on the spaceframe of the Brittania, from the Lensman movie. TEMPLAR - Tactical EMP Laser ARray. An improved version of the "green balloons" from John Dechancie's Starrigger books. +--------------------------------------------------+-------+ | | | | | The Harlequin, mdig8154@uriacc.uri.edu | _|_ | | \_|_/ +----------------------------------------+ / | \ | | | | This calls for a subtle combination of | \_|_/ | | | | Mathematics, and extreme violence... | | | +---------+----------------------------------------+-------+