[Department] PerrySimm says, "Log on."

[Department] Alexey says, "actually, I'm here"

[Department] Alexey says, "but I might leave early"

[Crows-Nest] James says, "<color check>"

[Department] GM says, "Alright. Let me just quickly do some last minute preparations in a small room with plumbing, and we can start..."

[Department] James says, "Those are the most important preparations."

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "duchess logging in now"

EmmaSmith arrives, looking for booty.

GM says, "After our heroes were introduced to their new jobs by Mr. Billings and given a quick tour, they were left in the hands of the charming Kurt McNeil, whose idea of 'training' is apparently to throw them into the training room on their own, with instructions to come back and press the red button when they're finished."

GM says, "So they found their way through a mockup of a village populated by robots, explored a castle populated by mad science, and then met -- and subsequently defeated in combat -- the famed Count CPU."

[Department] James says, "<Sara would like to bump up Alertness--maybe trading it with Burglary, which she hasn't used yet>"

Alexey says, "He's down for the count."

GM says, "Now, having stopped his dastardly plan to deflect the sun's rays with a massive gravitic lens, they are left deciding what they should do next."

[Department] GM says, "OK."

Bob_Nobody says, "I guess we should go push a red button"

[Department] Reeve says, "um, let's talk about that first (later)"

Bob_Nobody looks at the lensing control panel. Any red buttons?

Alexey looks at the remains of Count CPU.

James says, "I want to check to see if this is a replica of the count or the actual guy."

EmmaSmith asks (of bob), "don't we have to go back to that room for the red button?"

James says (to Bob), "Not anymore--Reeve shot it."

GM says (to Bob), "At this point, Reeve's bullets have ensured there is very little left."

Bob_Nobody says (to Emma), "... Oh! Oh right! That red button."

GM says (to Alexey), "He looks very damaged."

GM asks (of James), "How do you want to go about checking that?"

James says (to GM), "Um... engineering? I'll check how old his components are, perhaps."

Alexey prods him. Any signs of creepy regeneration, or whatever?

James rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: +1 0 0 +1 | Epic (7)

GM says (to James), "The components do seem to be more more recent than Emma's recollection of the original story would suggest."

Reeve says (to Bob), "I can't wait to get back and go on another mission, myself."

James says, "Hunh, OK."

GM says (to Alexey), "He seems to be pretty immobile."

James stashes the count in a convenient sack.

Bob_Nobody says (to Reeve), "Hmm, I'm pretty interested in a nap, myself."

Alexey asks (of Emma), "did the count use body doubles?"

EmmaSmith says, "i don't recall anything like that"

Alexey says, "I guess if we leave, we leave behind a robot village"

GM says (to Emma), "The story didn't mention anything like that explicitly, but your knowledge of vampire lore does suggest that this kind of vampire can sometimes move from one appropriate host body to another, given the correct rituals."

Alexey says, "But I guess that isn't a threat"

Alexey asks, "Maybe we should stake the heart?"

Reeve says, "And cut off the head. Burn everything."

James says, "Well, we could theoretically revive him ask him to cut it out."

James says, "He might be reasonable."

Bob_Nobody retrieves one of the pies and smears it all over the robot's head.

Alexey says (to James), "not after what Bob just did"

James says, "Heck, he might be the original count in a new body and have agreed to do this for the department just to train us."

EmmaSmith says, "if someone knows how, he can get count cpu into a new body. but yeah, i think we are set for now"

James says, "Either way, I think we're done here."

Reeve says, "He's effectively neutralized. Let's turn him in as is, and let the Dept decide what they want to do with him."

Reeve says, "They may reset the scenario for the next batch of trainees."

James says, "Heh."

James exclaims, "Onward!"

Alexey looks for some kind of bag.

[Department] James says (to Alexey), "I already put the count in one, and am carrying him back."

[Department] James asks, "Unless you're looking for something to carry other stuff?"

[Department] Alexey says, "ah, okay"

[Department] James says, "Cool."

[Department] Alexey says, "I guess we should secure the equipment"

[Department] Alexey asks, "is anything carryable?"

James asks (of Alexey), "You think we should turn off the gravitational charger thingy in the basement?"

Alexey asks, "I thought we did?"

[Department] James says, "I don't *think* so, I think we just figured out what it did and left it alone pending more information."

GM says, "So bearing the Count's corpse, you have little difficulty finding your way back out (disabling the accumulated as you go by), past the guards ('Is. The. Castle. All. Nice. And. Clean. Now?')..."

GM says, "...through the village, and back to the room where this all started."

GM says, "Which was a long-ish north/south room with benches laid out a bit like a classroom or lecture hall, with an elevator door (locked with keypad and card swipe) to the south, a similarly locked door to the north, and a door into the training area (and tavern) proper to the east."

James watches the bag with interest to see if the count disappears as if we're leaving a holodeck.

Reeve looks around for the big red button.

GM says (to James), "All his parts seem to be as intact as they were when you put him in."

[Department] James says, "All academies should have combiation training area/taverns."

GM says (to Reeve), "You do see the button on the wall, next to an unlit red light."

Reeve gestures toward the button, saying "Hey guys, shall we? Who wants to do the honors?"

Alexey pushes the button.

Alexey says, "memememe"

GM says, "As you press the button, the light conspicuously remains unlit."

Alexey pushes the button harder.

Bob_Nobody says, "Hmm."

GM says, "And you hear no congratulatory voice from the speaker grill a short ways away, either."

Bob_Nobody says, "Either we pushed it wrong, or we're not done."

James's eyes narrow.

James asks, "Maybe the lens.. is still functional?"

Reeve cusses inventively.

Alexey pushes the button...very hard.

James asks (of Eugene), "Hey, is everything normal in the department?"

GM says (to Alexey), "Nothing whatsoever. Not even the 'blaaat!' you might expect from getting the wrong answer in a game show."

Reeve asks, "What did we miss? We took out the big bad machine, and we took out the evil overlord. What else was there?"

Alexey starts looking for a suitable item to hit the button with. You might want to stop him at some point.

Bob_Nobody watches Alexey but does not stop him.

James says (to Alexey), "That's good; hang on, I'm checking things out."

[Department] GM says (to James), "Sargent is not present."

[Department] Alexey says, "(aspect: liberator of magic smoke in action...)"

Reeve considers handing Alexy a gun, but decides against it. For now.

[Department] James says, "Whoops, I meant stan."

James asks (of Stan), "Hey, is everything normal in the department?"

Alexey punches the red button.

Reeve says (to James), "We could go check it out in person."

James asks (of Stan), "Are they just waiting for us to finish or something?"

GM says, "Stan answers, 'You want me to go poking my nose around a bit? How far do you want I should poke it?'"

James says (to Stan), "Just make sure everything's still functional."

GM says, "'Alrighty. I'll check back in a few.'"

Reeve says (to Alexy), "Breaking the button won't help."

GM says, "The button now seems to be a bit jammed."

James says, "Well, we could either go back, or pick the lock."

Alexey mutters. "Damn thing seems broken! Anyone got something I can pry off the casing with?"

EmmaSmith hands over her knitting needle from her bun

Bob_Nobody asks (of Eugene), "Does your magic radar thing register anything back in there?"

Reeve edges into Alexey's way. "Hey man, chill, we'll get it figured out.

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "if he was here, would it? :)"

James checks the holographic map.

GM says (to Bob), "Eugene informs you that he did not detect anything else notably out of place on the way back."

[Department] Alexey says, "Maybe the count transferred off before we destroyed him"

[Department] Alexey asks, "?"

Bob_Nobody says, "Hmm"

[Department] Alexey asks, "did we miss any rooms in the castle?"

Bob_Nobody says, "Maybe we were supposed to deactivate all the robots."

Bob_Nobody says, "If so, I refuse. They seemed harmless."

Bob_Nobody says, "Live and let compute, I say."

[Department] James asks, "We came in from the elevator, or the north?"

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "there was more basement stuff we missed"

[Department] EmmaSmith asks (of alexey), "are you taking the knitting needle or not?"

GM says (to James), "After a few minutes, Stan sends you another message: 'You know how there are some parts of the network that are open, and some that are locked off? Looks like someone's taken a metaphorical sledgehammer to some of the locked bits.'"

[Department] Alexey says, "apparently reeve is stopping me"

James asks (of Stan), "Er, meaning what? That the data has been destroyed?"

EmmaSmith sticks the needle back in her hair

James asks (of Stan), "Or that someone sledgehammered their way in?"

GM says (to James), "'More like they've been knocked offline, and by someone more interested in getting it done in a hurry rather than someone looking to show off their elite hacking skills.'"

James asks (of Stan), "But by someone with access to the data originally, or by someone without access?"

James asks (of Stan), "Like, should we assume the Department is under computer attack, or that they noticed you got in last time, and made sure you wouldn't come back?"

GM says, "'More like the first, I'd say.'"

James exclaims, "Aha!"

James exclaims, "OK! Let's get this door unlocked!"

Reeve says, "Alrighty, lemme take a look."

Reeve attempts to pick the lock.

Bob_Nobody looks at the door, too.

Reeve rolls Great (4) + 4dF: +1 -1 +1 0 | Superb (5)

[Department] Bob_Nobody asks, "is it an electric lock or another keypad?"

[Department] Alexey asks, "what's the door made of?"

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "er, mechanical"

[Department] GM says (to Bob), "It's a keypad and a card swipe."

[Department] James asks, "And nobody gave us cards yet, did they?"

[Department] GM asks, "Also, are you looking at the elevator door or the north door?"

[Department] Reeve asks, "oh, hmm. does burglary cover electronics?"

[Department] James asks, "We came in the elevator door, no?"

Bob_Nobody says (to James), "If you can gimmick up the card, I've got a code to use..."

[Department] GM says (to James), "Yes."

[Department] GM says (to Reeve), "Hmm. Sure."

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "I knew it'd be handy to steal Billings' code"

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "just not so soon"

[Department] Reeve says, "ok, I was going for the elevator door, since that's the way we came in."

James says (to Reeve), "After you're done with that one, come get the north door, too."

[Department] Alexey asks, "wait, is the button supposed to unlock the door?"

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "presumably it summons McNeil back"

[Department] James says, "(Reeve's roll was Burglary)"

GM exclaims, "Between Reeve fiddling with the card slot with her magnetic picks and Bob's keycode, you get the elevator doors to slide open!"

Reeve exclaims, "Sweet!"

[Department] Reeve says, "also, Reeve is a guy"

[Department] GM says, "Right, sorry."

Alexey looks through the elevator door.

[Department] Reeve says, "no worries, he' probably comes off as gay :-)"

Bob_Nobody says, "Hmm, too bad there are no stairs."

[Department] GM says, "It's the way Reeve and James keep standing so close together... I mean, you'd almost think they were a couple."

Reeve asks (of James), "You wanted the north door lock picked too?"

[Department] Reeve exclaims, "ha!!"

Bob_Nobody says, "Let's head for Billings' office. If nothing is up at least we can snoop. I mean, reconnoiter."

[Department] James exclaims, "Hey, I'm a happily married man!"

James says (to Bob), "Sure, sounds good."

GM says, "...and they eventually slide closed again."

Reeve says (to Bob), "And rifle."

James sticks his hand in the door before it closes and lets everyone enter.

James rolls Great (4) + 4dF: -1 +1 -1 -1 | Fair (2)

[Department] James says, "(for slight of hand, if need be)"

[Department] GM asks, "Is everyone entering the elevator, or are you trying to unlock the north door too?"

[Department] Reeve says, "elevator"

[Department] James says, "Nah, we can come back for that."

[Department] Reeve says, "we can always come back down later"

Bob_Nobody steps in.

GM says, "The seven buttons for the elevator are marked DINER, 1-5, and X."

[Department] James says, "oooh, 'x'"

Reeve pushes X.

[Department] Bob_Nobody asks, "Billings was on, um, 1?"

Alexey exclaims, "X!"

[Department] GM says, "Billings was on 1."

[Department] James says, "That plan was before we saw the 'X' button."

GM says, "The elevator descends for some time before finally coming to a stop."

[Department] James says, "You have to push the button labelled 'x', man."

[Department] Reeve says, "especially if you're an X-Man"

Alexey hums a tune.

[Department] James exclaims, "I am not an ex-man!"

GM says, "When the doors open on 'X', you see a room shaped basically like the one you were just in, but without the furniture or the button. Further, the east wall is made of some kind of metal, and the door in it appears to be locked with a variety of mechanical and electronic locks. Furthermore, there is a small man with glasses who seems to be working at said locks."

[Department] Reeve says (to James), "Well you're hardly a Y-Man"

Bob_Nobody steps out of the elevator. "Why, hello there."

GM says, "Fortunately, he's very engaged in what he is doing and has not yet noticed the elevator's arrival."

[Department] Bob_Nobody exclaims, "he has now!"

GM says, "The man spins around. 'What! How'd you get here?'"

Bob_Nobody waves everyone else to the back of the elevator.

GM says, "He drops his tools and starts backing away."

Alexey says, "we pushed the X button on the escalator"

GM says, "'I thought he took care of you guys!'"

Bob_Nobody asks, "I should ask you the same question, my good man. _I_ am an employee of the Department. I don't recognize you, however. I assume you can produce your identification?"

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "okay, so he's not one of us. shooty people? do your thing"

James exclaims, "Stop where you are! Or this guy here will shoot!"

Reeve pulls a gun so fast you'd have thought it was already in his hand.

GM says, "'What? I... yeah! Yeah, I'm a new rectruit! My name is Jason Mann!'"

Alexey asks, "Did you push the X button on the escalator too?"

Reeve exclaims, "Kneel!! Hands on your head!"

Bob_Nobody says, "That's great. Step away from the door with your hands in the air."

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "it'd be nice if we ever agreed on a plan"

GM says, "He keeps his hands in plain view. He's visibly shaking now."

Reeve says, "Move slowly, keep your hands where I can see them."

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "or even gave preemptory orders that he could comply with"

GM says, "And he kneels, as ordered to."

James searches the guy!

[Department] Reeve says, "it's more fun that way :-)"

[Department] James asks, "Sleight of hand, perhaps?"

Alexey tries to figure out what's going on.

James rolls Great (4) + 4dF: 0 -1 0 +1 | Great (4)

GM exclaims, "As James approaches him to search, suddenly the north door bursts open -- and out comes McNeil!"

Alexey asks (of Jason), "so.. um... what's beyond that door?"

Alexey asks (of McNeil), "did you press the X button too?"

GM says, "'Hold it! All of you!'"

Bob_Nobody asks, "Er, why?"

GM says, "'I want to know who here is who!'"

Reeve doesn't waver, he keeps his gun trained on the guy kneeling on the floor.

[Department] Alexey asks, "aren't our guns stun guns?"

[Department] Bob_Nobody asks (of reeve), "cnan you train two guns on two guys?"

[Department] Reeve says, "no"

[Department] Reeve says (to Alexy), "no"

[Department] GM says (to Alexey), "Billings did provide stun guns."

[Department] Reeve says, ".. bob Sure"

Alexey asks, "... well, I'm Alexey Petrov?"

[Department] James says, "We have some stun guns, though."

Bob_Nobody pulls his stun gun and aims it at McNeil. "Explanations do seem in order."

[Department] GM asks, "Also, are any of you still in the elevator?"

Alexey walks towards to McNeil.

GM says, "McNeil says to Bob, 'Aha! So you're one of them!'"

Alexey says, "Now, now, I'm sure there's a perfectly reasonable explanation to all of this."

Bob_Nobody says, "To be honest, I'm with me."

James asks (of McNeil), "One of who?"

[Department] Reeve says, "reeve is out of the elevator, but near it."

Bob_Nobody says, "I can be with you, if the price is right."

Alexey steps between Bob and McNeil.

[Department] Bob_Nobody says (to alexey), "I should stun you for that"

James says (to McNeil), "I'm going to search this guy because he's suspcious. So are you, but I'll get you next."

GM says (to James), "'That's what I'm trying to find out.'"

James moves forward to search the guy again and sees if anyone tries to stop him.

Reeve moves so James is not standing between him and suspicious guy.

GM says (to James), "McNeil seems satisfied with your answer and isn't stopping you."

Alexey pulls out his communicator. There's gotta be a way to contact Billings.

James searches the guy!

GM says (to James), "Searching him, you find some engineering tools, along with a small device that looks like some kind of communicator."

James says, "Hmm, a communicator of some sort."

Reeve says (to James), "put it on the floor and push it away from you."

Reeve says, "So he can't grab it later."

James pulls it apart to figure out what kind of communicator it is.

James says (to Reeve), "Just a sec..."

[Department] Alexey says, "maybe you should just dial the last caller"

[Department] Alexey says, "or something"

[Department] Alexey says, "if it's McNeil, then that'd be a giveaway"

[Department] James asks, "Is it cell phone ish?"

GM says (to James), "It doesn't look like any standard design you're familiar with. It's about the size of a quarter, and you recognize what must be a microphone and speaker, but the style is quite strange. You might be able to guess at how to activate it, *maybe*..."

James asks (of GM), "Can I take it apart?"

GM says, "Sure."

James says, "Things are always easier to figure out when they're in pieces all over your workbench."

[Department] Alexey says (to James), "maybe you should just activate it"

GM says, "Meanwhile, McNeil is watching all of you warily, as well as watching the east door."

GM says, "You sense that he does not want anyone making any quick moves toward it."

Alexey looks at the east door.

Alexey asks (of McNeil), "hey, what's beyond that door?"

GM says (to Alexey), "It appears to mostly still be locked, although the man who was here when you arrived has made some small progress on that."

James backs away from the guy to make sure he doesn't try anything, then takes the thing apart to figure out how it works, what frequency it communicates on, and what its range is. And maybe who made it, if possible.

James rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: -1 -1 +1 -1 | Good (3)

[Department] James says, "Bah, I'm spending a fate point."

GM says, "'Department archives. Things that we don't want to let fall into the wrong'-- he gestures at Bob and the guy on the floor --'hands.'"

[Department] GM says, "OK."

James can tell he's not doing it *quite* right, and spends the extra effort to be perfect.

[Department] James says, "('perfectionist')"

GM exclaims (at James), "Woah, this is utterly strange -- it's like some sort of completely alien technology!"

James blinks.

James says, "Wow, this this is crazy."

GM exclaims, "Just then, the elevator doors open. And out bursts... McNeil!"

[Department] James says, "er, 'this thing'"

Alexey blinks.

Alexey asks, "twins?"

GM says, "'What's taking so damn long h-- what the hell?'"

Reeve pulls his other gun, affectionately known as "Emma".

[Department] Bob_Nobody says (to reeve), "our emma is a bit disappointed"

GM says, "One of the McNeils points at the other. 'Stop that man! He's an imposter!'"

[Department] Reeve asks, "oh, sorry, how about Irene?"

GM says, "The other McNeil yells 'You idiots, he's the imposter! Get him!'"

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "let's stun them all and let billings sort it out"

Alexey says, "Not twins then."

GM exclaims, "Then they charge each other!"

Reeve exclaims, "Use your stun gun, man! My ammo is live!"

Alexey says, "Okay, if you aren't an imposter, please put your hands up"

Bob_Nobody firesw the stun gun at both McNeils

Bob_Nobody rolls Average (1) + 4dF: -1 0 0 -1 | Poor (-1)

[Department] Alexey asks, "er, can I keep track of who came from the elevator?"

GM says, "Let's say that they have distracted each other, giving you an Aspect you can invoke for free."

GM rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: -1 +1 +1 0 | Fantastic (6)

GM exclaims, "But unfortunately, they're both moving two quickly -- at this point, they're both a flurry of punches and kicks and dodges!"

[Department] GM says (to Alexey), "Sure."

[Department] GM says, "At this point, anyway."

Reeve aims to shoot one of the McNeils in the foot.

Alexey tries to grab the second McNeil.

[Department] Alexey asks, "Might?"

[Department] GM asks (of Reeve), "Either one in particular?"

[Department] GM says (to Alexey), "Sounds good."

[Department] Reeve says, "not the one Alexy is grabbing."

Alexey rolls Great (4) + 4dF: +1 -1 +1 +1 | Fantastic (6)

Reeve rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: 0 -1 +1 +1 | Fantastic (6)

GM rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: -1 -1 +1 0 | Great (4)

GM rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: 0 -1 0 +1 | Superb (5)

GM exclaims (at Alexey), "You grab him!"

GM exclaims (at Reeve), "You shoot him!"

James, in the meantime, pulls out his own energy gun, and aims it at the guy by the door. "Don't move."

GM says (to Alexey), "'You imbecile! Let me go or I'll bite your head off!'"

[Department] Reeve says, "I hope I shot the bad guy"

[Department] James says, "(spending my action this time to get the targetting system up and running""

GM says (to Reeve), "'Yowch! Good initiative, but you've got the wrong target, kid.'"

[Department] James says, ")"

Alexey exclaims, "ah ha you slipped up there! Humans can't bite human heads off!"

[Department] GM says, "Given that we seem to be starting a combat..."

[Department] James says, "Ha ha ha"

Reeve exclaims (at shot_guy), "Stay down, mister!"

[Department] GM says, "Initiative order is Bob, Emma, Alexey, McNeil (N), McNeil (S), James, Reeve, Eugene."

[Department] Alexey asks, "N? S?"

[Department] Alex says (to Alexey), "Awwwk! Word on the street is that S is all curvy-like. That's why it's the bestest letter."

[Department] GM says, "North and South."

[Department] Alexey asks, "which one am I grabbing?"

[Department] James says, "South is the elevator."

[Department] GM says, "South."

[Department] GM says (to Bob), "So, you're up first in Initiative."

[Department] Bob_Nobody asks, "um, okay, are the McNeils distinguishable at this point?"

[Department] Bob_Nobody asks, "or are they wearing the same clothes or something?"

[Department] Alexey says (to Bob), "I'm holding on to the one who came in the elevator"

[Department] GM says, "Yes. The north one has a bullet wound in his foot, and Alexey is holding the leg of the south one."

Reeve asks, "Anyone have first aid?"

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "that seems likely to persist, then"

[Department] Alexey asks, "so, does anyone have any idea which is the real one?"

[Crows-Nest] (from James) Elevator_macneil says (to Alexey) "I'm a north-going McNeil, and I always go north! Let go of my leg now, and let me go forth!"

[Department] Alexey asks, "or do we just beat them both up?"

[Crows-Nest] James says, "No, but the north was less suspicious than the south one."

[Crows-Nest] James says, "ilac"

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "I will try a Deceit roll to get the grabbed one to admit to being the non-department spy"

[Department] GM says, "OK."

[Department] Reeve says, "Beating them both up would be fun, but possibly less productive than asking them questions while *threatening* to beat them both up."

Bob_Nobody says (to Grabbed_McNeil), "You think we don't want some revenge for how you beat us up in the parking lot earlier? Don't worry, we'll bring it on now."

Bob_Nobody rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: +1 -1 -1 -1 | Good (3)

[Department] Alexey says, "but still, more fun"

[Department] GM says, "I guess I should roll Alertness whether he is lying or not..."

GM rolls Average (1) + 4dF: -1 +1 0 0 | Average (1)

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "I basically want a reaction: does he notice my slip, there"

[Department] Alexey says (to GM), "you should probably be rolling secretly here"

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "and I will invoke Takes One To Know One to see if he lies in response"

[Department] Bob_Nobody waits to see what the resolution is

GM says (to Bob), "'What? Are you mocking me? When we ru-- I mean, I thought I was going *easy* on you...'"

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "I think this one is the fake, then"

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "okay, I'm done here"

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "make sure the two of them aren't both fakes"

[Department] James asks, "What, wait--didn't we beat *him* up?"

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "and the real one is not elsewhere doing more things"

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "yes, we did"

Reeve asks (of Grabbed_McNiel), "When you what? Do you want a hole in the foot too?"

[Department] Bob_Nobody says (to james), "that was the point, see. if he reacted to my lie by exposing it, we know he's the real one"

[Department] James says, "I thought he was exposing it."

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "but since he accepted it and tried to fake me back, he's the imposte"

[Department] James says, "With the 'are you mocking me'."

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "oh, hmm"

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "now I dunno"

GM says, "The other McNeil speaks up. 'If you're trying to trick him, that won't work. I'm the real me, and I know I've never met you before.'"

[Department] Alexey says, "you are assuming the McNeil in the parking lot was the real McNeil."

[Department] Bob_Nobody says (to alexey), "true"

[Department] Alexey asks, "do people remember what McNeil scanned as?"

[Department] Reeve says, "maybe they put is in training as a distraction, to get us out of the way, while they took over the Dept."

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "non-human of some sort"

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "and billings didn't react"

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "that would imply billings was bad, too"

Alexey says, "Okay, I vote we beat them both up."

[Department] James says, "Then again, Billings is a bit odd."

[Department] James says, "So, at any rate, the south mcneil is the guy we met before, and the north one is the guy we didn't."

Alexey asks, "say, what does morphogenetic mean?"

EmmaSmith asks, "changes genetic material?"

Alexey asks, "shapeshifter?"

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "yeah"

[Department] Bob_Nobody exclaims, "next!"

GM says, "The south one says, 'Shut up! None of your business!' At the same time, the north one says, 'It means I'm part shapeshifter.'"

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "do i have to roll for "i just read this?""

James asks, "So you're both shapeshifters?"

Reeve asks, "So when I shot you, why didn't you shift out of the way?"

[Department] GM says (to Emma), "That sounds good, if you'd like to confirm if he's telling the truth."

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "yeah"

[Department] James says, "You roll Investigation (or something) and you can bring in 'i just read this' if need be."

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "let me find my stats again"

EmmaSmith rolls Great (4) + 4dF: -1 0 0 -1 | Fair (2)

GM says, "'It's not that easy. But if you've got a lamp that emits spectrum 37-UG, I can prove it.'"

James exclaims, "Oh, I can make one of those!"

EmmaSmith mutters drat i know i read about this. what was it again?

James asks, "But, uh, how will it prove it?"

[Department] GM says (to James), "Academics would work, in this case."

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "oh."

[Department] EmmaSmith asks, "may i reroll?"

[Department] Alexey says, "maybe we should just get the lockpicking guy to talk"

GM says (to Emma), "You have read something about this: a treatise on certain times of shape-changing monsters which used that word."

James asks (of north_mcNeil), "So, this happen to you often?"

Alexey asks, "but wait, if you are a shapeshifter, how can we trust any of you?"

GM says (to James), "'Because that's what triggers my change. I can't control it on purpose.'"

EmmaSmith says, "sounds like a werewolf"

GM says (to Emma), "'I prefer the term "lycanthrope."'"

James says, "But wouldn't you both change? The computer said the other guy was also morphogenic."

GM says, "The other McNeil answers you. 'Yeah! So there's not much point in trying, is there?'"

Alexey says (to James), "I guess one would be a shapeshift into other people, and the other shapeshifts into wolves."

Alexey says (to McNeilS), "it's like you are trying to get me to beat you up"

James says, "OK, that settles it."

Reeve says (to Alexy), "I agree."

Alexey asks, "Punch?"

James mucks about with his cameraphone's flash, the lockpicking dude's engineering tools, and his own random equipment to try to put together a 37-UG-emiting light.

[Department] EmmaSmith asks, "can we mark one first?"

[Department] GM wonders if he should have required James to take Universal Gadget...

James, as he works, asks N-mcneil "Uh, you can still control yourself when shifted, right?"

[Department] GM asks (of Emma), "Like with a big red hole in his foot?"

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "i missed that"

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "sorry"

[Department] James says, "Hee. I still have a free stunt, IIRC."

GM says, "'Depends how angry I am.'"

GM says, "'But I take classes to manage that.'"

[Department] EmmaSmith asks, "do shapesifters have auras?"

[Department] GM exclaims, "Sure!"

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "it just occured to me that now would be a nice time to use that stunt of mine"

James says, "Well, I mean, if you're a bad guy, you'll suddenly have an advantage if you shift to wolf form."

[Department] EmmaSmith asks, "auras can indicate if i am agitated or lying, no?"

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "(so just roll the skill the stunt is associated with?)"

[Department] Alexey says, "McNeil N does seem awfully blase about being shot"

James shows N-McN one of the communicator thingies. "Is this genuine Department property? Will we get a good guy if we use it?"

EmmaSmith rolls Great (4) + 4dF: +1 +1 -1 -1 | Great (4)

[Department] GM says, "Let's see... it lets you use Mysteries to do an Empathy roll, but I'm also willing to give you some vague general aura info for this."

[Department] GM asks, "Which one are you reading?"

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "the one that keeps saying shut up, don't tell them anything"

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "no wait."

GM says (to James), "'You make a good point. And I've never seen that before.'"

James asks (of James), "Do you know a Billings?"

[Department] James says, "(er, ..North dude)"

[Department] Bob_Nobody asks, "wait, which communicator did you show him?"

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "i will go with the one on the north."

[Department] Bob_Nobody asks, "the alien one or the giant one billings gave you?"

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "mcneil to the north for $200, please"

[Department] James says, "The giant one."

GM says (to James), "'Sure. We met once in 2002. I was on temporary transfer, just like I am now.'"

GM says, "'Of course, that time I didn't have my car run off the road and some kind of knockout gas pumped into it before I could get here.'"

[Department] James says, "Sorry, yeah, I was asking him about the telephone-like device Billings gave us)"

[Department] GM says (to James), "Oh, sorry, that response was for the one you got when you searched the guy on his knees."

Alexey asks, "wait, what are either of you doing down here?"

[Department] James says, "Yeah, I figured after the fact."

GM says, "'Oh, the WTT? Sure.'"

James says, "OK, good."

James tries to get someone to respond on the WTT.

[Department] Alexey asks, "are there any other doors?"

[Department] Alexey asks, "what are the doors to this room?"

GM says (to Alexey), "The north one is busy talking to James, but the south one says, 'We needed to get some equipment out of the archives, but the security's down, so the locks won't open.'"

GM says (to James), "It rings... and rings... and rings..."

[Department] James says, "In this room, there's just north (McNeil from nowhere), south(elevator, suspicious McN), and east (archives)."

[Department] GM says, "(Assuming 'someone' means someone like Billings or Miss Desoto.)"

Alexey asks, "How would you open the door normally?"

James asks (of Stan), "Hey, can you communicate with Department Central?"

[Department] GM says, "(As opposed to, e.g., Emma or the local video rental shop or whatever.)"

[Department] James says, "Heh, yes."

[Department] EmmaSmith says (to gm), "still waiting for my aura"

GM says (to Alexey), "'It's got... voice recognition. And fingerprinting. And retial scans. And... a DNA sequencer...'"

GM says (to James), "'That's definitely going to be on the locked-down side of the network.'"

Alexey asks, "what about the mechanical locks?"

[Department] GM says (to Emma), "Oh, sorry! I was still 'no wait'ing."

[Department] GM asks, "Which one did you pick?"

James asks (of north_mcn), "Is that true, about the normal lock for the east?"

[Department] Alexey says, "...maybe someone could fix security"

[Department] Alexey asks, "and get the DNA sequencer working?"

[Department] Reeve says, "I can try burgling if someone else wants to engineer."

[Department] James says, "Don't open the east door; that's what the bad guys want."

GM says (to James), "'There is a full biometric scan, but it's like the one in the diner upstairs. But even with that, and the keycard and passcode, you still can't get in unless it's authorized by HQ.'"

James says, "Well, should be easy enough to tell which kind of lock this door actually has..."

James examines the door's lock.

James rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: 0 0 +1 0 | Fantastic (6)

[Department] Alexey says, "I think it'd really be a good idea to knock them both out and ask questions later"

[Department] James says, "Nah, the north one's on the level ;-)"

Alexey asks (of McNeils), "Hey, would you mind particularly if we knock both of you out?"

[Department] Alexey says (to James), "we don't know if there are two imposters"

GM says (to James), "Fortunately, the front panel's already open. You find the circuits for a keypad and a cardswipe, as well as some advanced scanners... and there is this extra connection from outside that ties directly into the locking circuitry..."

[Department] Alexey says, "and anyone trying to break in, I assume, would have researched the security"

GM says (to Alexey), "The north one says, 'Fine, as long as you knock him out first.' The south one says, 'If we don't get into the archives, the terrorists will have won!'"

[Department] James says, "You would think, but the south guy got it wrong."

Alexey punches McNeilS.

[Department] James says, "He said there was voice recognition and fingerprints."

Alexey rolls Great (4) + 4dF: 0 0 -1 -1 | Fair (2)

[Department] Alexey says, "it's a kinda crummy punch"

[Department] GM asks, "I think you'll have to pick on. Is it the one you're holding?"

[Department] GM says, "Er, pick one, I mean."

[Department] Alexey says, "yes"

[Department] GM says, "If you're willing to release your hold, I'll let you use it as a free aspect."

[Department] Alexey says, "sure"

GM rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: +1 0 -1 0 | Superb (5)

[Department] Alexey says, "wait"

[Department] Alexey says, "can I use a fate point"

[Department] GM says, "OK."

[Department] Alexey says, ""Rock, paper, scissors... fist beats everything!""

[Department] James says, "You can always use fate points."

[Department] GM asks, "So that brings you up to six?"

[Department] Alexey says, "aye"

Reeve pulls out a really big bullet, and tosses it to Alexey. "Here, pack your punch."

GM says, "You land a solid blow to the jaw! The McNeil goes rolling across the floor, partly from the punch, and partly to get away from you."

GM says, "He ends up standing warily at the west side of the room."

James says, "It's over, man."

Alexey exclaims, "wait, don't run away! At worst it'll be a mild concussion!"

[Department] EmmaSmith asks, "this is the one without the hole in the foot?"

[Department] GM says, "Right."

James says, "Hand me your communication device and come quietly."

GM says, "'You have no idea what will happen if we don't get through that door!'"

Alexey asks, "can you tell us?"

EmmaSmith says, "yeah yeah terrorists will win"

GM says, "'The... the aliens will take over Omaha!'"

[Department] James asks, "BTW, did I finish examining the first comm device?"

EmmaSmith says, "do you have any idea the number of times that's been in newspapers, and guess what? nothing happened!"

Alexey looks to Bob.

[Department] James asks, "Or was I interrupted before that finished?"

Bob_Nobody says, "Oh, like we care about Omaha anyway."

Alexey asks, "is this true?"

[Department] GM says, "Sure, you've examined it."

[Department] James asks, "Did I figure out range, frequency, etc?"

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "do i reroll to read this guy's aura too? (since i never saw the first guy's results)"

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "I'll roll my deceit to see if he convinces me"

Bob_Nobody rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: -1 0 +1 0 | Superb (5)

[Department] James asks, "Or just 'it's alien, who knows'?"

[Department] James says, "Oh, right, I wanna hear about the aura too ;-)"

Reeve says, "Hey man, the biggest thing in Omaha is a mall. Nobody cares aliens take over."

EmmaSmith asks, "do we get mutant corn if the aliens take over?"

[Department] GM says (to James), "It looks like it might not operate on the usual range of frequencies. Although you can deduce, e.g., which part looks like an antenna, what looks like a battery, etc."

[Department] GM says (to Emma), "I never discovered which one you were reading."

[Department] GM says, "Since I missed whatever came after 'no wait'."

[Department] GM says (to Emma), "But I will happily let you read both:"

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "i was originally reading the north one"

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "but i will happily get both"

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "(and will reroll if necessary)"

GM says (to Emma), "The north McNeil's aura looks fuzzy, or maybe even furry. The southern one looks greenish."

[Department] GM asks (of Bob), "And what were you rolling?"

EmmaSmith says, "hmm"

[Department] Reeve says, "aliens vs. werewolves, rated R"

[Department] James exclaims, "Now read the lock-picking guy's aura! Maybe it's green, too!"

EmmaSmith says, "well, that one (pointing) is telling the truth about being a werewolf"

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "that was my deceit (which I can use in place on empathy with my Takes One To Know One stunt), to see if I believe him about Omaha"

EmmaSmith asks, "and that one (pointing) is ... martian?"

[Department] GM says (to Bob), "Not a word. Not a single word."

EmmaSmith asks, "neptunians would be blue, no?"

James asks (of Emma), "What about the lock-picker?"

Bob_Nobody says (to FakeMcNeil), "Wow, are you a bad liar."

[Department] Alexey says, "haha, Ellison's connect"

EmmaSmith looks at the lock-pickers aura

EmmaSmith rolls Great (4) + 4dF: -1 -1 0 -1 | Average (1)

[Department] GM exclaims, "Green!"

EmmaSmith says, "also martian"

James says, "That settles it."

[Department] Reeve is feelin' MIB>

Alexey rolls up his sleeves.

GM says, "South McNeil has had enough. 'Martian? MARTIAN? You think I'm from that puny little dustball of a planet in this stupid noplace solar system?'"

EmmaSmith says, "aw, i missed my chance. i should have looked at the vampire's aura when i had the chance? when will i ever have a chance to see another robot vampire"

James says (to McNeilN), "Pleased to meet you, sir."

EmmaSmith mourns

Alexey asks, "so where are you from, then?"

Reeve exclaims (at Alexy), "Punch him out!"

EmmaSmith says (to martian-mcneil), "you are green! we all know martians are green."

[Department] James says, "Hee/yay"

GM says (to James), "'Likewise. I recommend that we disable him now.'"

Alexey exclaims, "wait, it doesn't matter, because you're going DOWN!"

EmmaSmith says, "mercurians would be red, venusians would be hot purple women, etc etc"

James asks (of McNeilN), "Any recommendations beyond 'use force'?"

Alexey charges at FakeMcNeil.

Alexey rolls Great (4) + 4dF: +1 0 0 -1 | Great (4)

GM says (to James), "'Try not to kill them unless they try to kill you.'"

GM says (to James), "'It makes it difficult for them to stand trial.'"

[Department] GM exclaims, "OK, initiative order!"

James exclaims, "Yes sir!"

[Department] GM says, "Bob, Emma, Alexey, McNeil (N), McNeil (S), James, Reeve, Eugene."

[Department] GM exclaims, "Bob!"

[Department] EmmaSmith asks, "can we hold his action?"

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "he has to deal with baby"

[Department] GM says, "Sure."

[Department] GM exclaims, "Emma!"

[Department] EmmaSmith asks, "can i do that whole tagging an aspect for other people to use, again?"

[Department] GM exclaims, "Yes!"

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "i want to try to figure out what green-aurad beings weak spots are"

[Department] EmmaSmith asks, "academics? investigation?"

[Department] GM says (to Emma), "Hmm, since it's auras, I'd say Mysteries."

[Department] Reeve exclaims, "go emma!"

EmmaSmith rolls Great (4) + 4dF: +1 0 +1 +1 | Epic (7)

[Department] GM says, "Excellent! Name your Aspect."

[Department] GM says, "(And that's easily enough shifting to make it sticky.)"

[Department] GM says (to James), "(Can you maintain the Aspect list again?)"

[Department] James asks, "And for both of them?"

[Department] James says, "Sure thing."

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "weak spot"

[Department] EmmaSmith asks, "oh wait, i get to decide what it is?"

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "oooh"

[Department] GM says, "(Oh, I forgot to put the guy on the floor into the initiative list -- he'll be last.)"

[Department] Alexey says, "someone should block the door"

EmmaSmith mentally rifles everything she's read about auras. aura aura aura

EmmaSmith says, "AH HA"

[Department] Alexey says, "so he can't get away"

EmmaSmith says, "they don't like to hear anyone sing! anyone singing makes their head hurts so badly they get temporarily paralyzed for four seconds"

EmmaSmith says, "well, 4.3 seconds, but yeah"

[Department] GM says, "Hee."

Reeve bursts enthusiastically into song. Badly. About guns.

[Department] EmmaSmith asks, "hm. did i pick too small a time interval?"

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "oh well"

[Department] James says, "Nah, someone just gets to tag it when they go by singing ;-)"

[Department] James says, "Also, http://spod-central.org/~lpsmith/rpg/transcripts/department/aspects.txt"

[Department] GM says, "Well, this is a free Aspect, so the exact time interval isn't important. It'll be something someone can claim to get the +2 later on."

[Department] GM exclaims, "Alexey!"

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "katre back from baby"

Alexey punch punch punch.

Alexey rolls Great (4) + 4dF: -1 +1 +1 -1 | Great (4)

[Department] GM says, "OK, he can go after Alexey."

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "I'll go after Alexey"

GM rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: -1 +1 -1 0 | Great (4)

[Department] James asks, "Just a normal punch, or a punch to give him an aspect?"

[Department] Alexey says, "normal punch"

[Department] Alexey says, "maybe I should try something fancy later"

Reeve says (to Alexy), "Are you packing your punches with bullet I tossed you a while back? About the size of a roll of dimes, it was."

GM says, "There are a few rounds of give-and-take between Alexey and McNeilS, but neither of them comes out of it substantially harmed."

[Department] Alexey says, "oh eah"

[Department] GM exclaims, "Bob!"

[Department] Alexey asks, "I dunno if that gives me bonus damage on contact, or maybe that'd be an aspect for me? Or just an improvised weapon?"

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "okay, I am making that social attack we talked about. so I am going to use Deceit to confuse him, I guess, and see where that goes"

[Department] James asks, "As a Maneuver or as an attack?"

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "as an attack"

[Department] GM says (to Alexey), "If you can tie the bullet into an Aspect, you can use it that way. I'm not sure if it'd give you a benefit to use it as an improvised weapon, since you're in the same zone."

Bob_Nobody says (to McNeil), "I'm not sure why you're so fixated on Omaha, it was taken over by the Masons back in aught-two and can't really be that tempting a target for you brain-eaters now."

Bob_Nobody rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: -1 -1 -1 -1 | Average (1)

[Department] James says, "OK, that's worth a fate point for a re-roll (!)"

GM rolls Average (1) + 4dF: -1 0 0 0 | Mediocre (0)

[Department] Bob_Nobody exclaims, "maybe not!"

[Department] Bob_Nobody asks, "actually, yeah, since it does damage based on how far I win, right?"

GM says, "'The Masons? The Masons got credit for *our work*?!? Why those little...'"

[Department] James says, "It's damage, so you'd do a lot more if you re... right."

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "okay, fate point for re-roll, Weird Luck"

Bob_Nobody rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: -1 +1 +1 -1 | Superb (5)

[Department] GM says, "Oooh. That's five points of damage to his other track."

[Department] Bob_Nobody asks, "how many spots does he have?"

[Department] Bob_Nobody whistles innocently

[Department] Alexey says, "hmm, bob might be more effective here"

[Department] Alexey says, "since he's tough physically"

[Department] GM says, "The default is five; some characters can have more if they're particularly resolute."

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "mmhmm"

[Department] Bob_Nobody exclaims, "well, next time I shall taunt him ageen!"

[Department] Alexey sets his fists to 'Humiliate'

[Department] James asks, "Does that mean a hit of 5 will just check of box five if he's normal?"

[Department] James says, "Because if so, a single fate point would make him take a consequence."

[Department] James exclaims, "Oh!"

[Department] GM says (to James), "Right. And a second hit of 5 will either knock off box 6 *or* give him a consequence, depending on whether or not he's resolute."

[Department] James says, "You could tag his Singing thing for free."

[Department] GM says, "That is true."

[Department] GM says, "(And if he is resolute, checking off his 7 box is better than his 5 box anyway.)"

[Department] Bob_Nobody asks, "hmm, should I?"

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "oh, sure"

Bob_Nobody sang that, you know.

Reeve resumes singing, with gusto. "It takes a lot of men to make a gun, Hundreds, Many men to make a gun . . . "

[Department] GM says, "Hee."

[Department] James says, "Hee/yay"

GM exclaims, "Agh argh stop!"

[Department] Reeve exclaims, "I just googled "gun song lyrics" and found the above. yay!"

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "ah"

[Department] GM says, "And he now has the minor consequence 'Ringing In His Ears'"

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "and here i was fitting it into the wheels of the bus tune"

[Department] GM says, "Which is also an Aspect which you can tag later if you like (but not for free)."

[Department] GM exclaims, "McNeilN!"

[Department] James asks, "Are you sure the first tag isn't free?"

GM says, "'You're doing great, guys -- did Billings give you your stun guns yet? They can interfere with certain kinds of shapeshifting, so they might work pretty well on this guy.'"

[Department] GM says (to James), "I don't see anything in the rules that say a consequence gets a free tag."

[Department] GM says, "It says, 'As long as the consequences are on the character.s sheet, they may be compelled or tagged (or invoked!) like any other aspect.', and most aspects aren't free."

[Department] GM exclaims, "McNeilS!"

[Department] James says, "Ah, OK, I was thinking that most tags were free first."

GM says (to Alexey), "'Don't think I haven't forgotten when I had to let you beat me up in the parking lot...'"

GM exclaims, "And he attacks!"

GM rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: 0 +1 0 0 | Fantastic (6)

Alexey rolls Great (4) + 4dF: +1 -1 -1 +1 | Great (4)

[Department] GM says, "Remember that all the aspects on your character sheet are Aspects that can be tagged as well (and that they cost a fate point)."

Alexey takes a hit. Oof, that smarts.

GM says, "Alexey dodges his left, but then he manages to get in a decent right."

[Department] GM says (to Alexey), "For that, you check off the second box of damage (but not the first)."

[Department] GM exclaims, "James!"

[Department] Alexey asks, "woo, is that the first piece of damage our heroes have taken?"

[Department] Bob_Nobody asks, "we never refreshed our fate points, did we?"

[Department] GM says, "I believe Eugene had that honor, while sparring with the robot guards."

[Department] GM says (to Bob), "No. I had the impression that everyone was still pretty healthy in that department."

[Department] James asks, "Does it look like Jason is going to try to do something?"

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "I have three left. not terrible yet"

[Department] Alexey asks, "three? Huh?"

[Department] GM says (to James), "He is eyeing the tools that you took away from him and put out of his reach."

[Department] Alexey asks, "we started with 10,right?"

[Department] James says, "(since right now he's the one I have in my targetting thingummy)"

[Department] GM says (to Alexey), "Yeah."

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "that's correct"

[Department] Alexey says, "I think I've used two total so far"

[Department] Bob_Nobody exclaims, "I have a list!"

[Department] James exclaims, "Sure, I'll shoot him!"

James shoots Jason with his energy gun!

James rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: -1 0 -1 +1 | Great (4)

[Department] GM asks (of James), "The regular setting?"

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "I used three in the previous combat, and one here"

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "and three otherwise"

GM rolls Good (3) + 4dF: 0 +1 0 0 | Great (4)

[Department] James says, "Yeah, I might tag the singing... Nah, i guess not. Thought he would have a worse defense."

James's energy rifle goes off *just* past the guy's head. "You stay there or I'll shoot you for real!"

GM says, "James singes the boot of the would-be lock-picker."

[Department] GM says (to James), "Hee."

Alexey says, "wow, what a crazy trick shot."

[Department] GM exclaims, "Reeve!"

Reeve shoots McNeilS with a stun gun.

Reeve rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: -1 -1 -1 0 | Fair (2)

GM rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: +1 +1 0 -1 | Fantastic (6)

[Department] GM says, "(Sorry.)"

Reeve tags his singing by spending a fate point for a re-roll

[Department] Reeve says, "I think I haven't spent any until now, so I have 9 left after this."

Reeve rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: +1 -1 +1 +1 | Epic (7)

[Department] GM says, "Seems like a good time to start."

[Department] James exclaims, "Yay!"

[Department] Reeve says, "that's better"

GM exclaims, "McNeilS sees Reeve coming, and ducks out of the way -- but when she starts singing, he's frozen like a deer in headlights!"

Reeve's stun gun crackles and hits McNeilS square in the chest!

[Department] James says, "(also, he's a guy ;-)"

GM says, "When the stun blast washes over him, you see his body under it start to bubble and twist and... something strange is happening to him. He seems to be losing his shape."

[Department] GM says, "Argh sorry."

[Department] GM says, "(I don't know why I can't remember that.)"

[Department] James asks, "Is that a Consequence?"

[Department] GM exclaims, "In fact, it is!"

[Department] James exclaims, "Yay!"

[Department] Alexey says, "I hope this isn't his superpowered stage 2 endboss form"

[Department] GM says, "Plus a point of normal damage for the actual role."

[Department] GM exclaims, "Eugene!"

[Department] GM exclaims, "Uh. I mean, Guy On Floor!"

GM says, "The guy James is using for target practice decides that staying still while he's being shot at is *not* the wisest move, and he scurries across the room (still on his knees) to the pile of tools that were taken from him."

[Department] GM exclaims, "Bob!"

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "this time, a maneuver to aspect him"

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "more deceit, I guess. I'm such a liar"

[Department] GM says, "It's what we love you for."

[Department] GM says, "Mainly because you've managed to somehow convince us that you are lovable."

[Department] James says, "Hee"

Bob_Nobody says (to MartianMcNeil), "You know, it's too bad we're distracting you down here. All your guys upstairs are already in custody and the calvary is on their way."

Bob_Nobody rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: +1 -1 -1 +1 | Superb (5)

GM rolls Average (1) + 4dF: +1 +1 0 +1 | Great (4)

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "aspect is 'Thinks He Hears Hoofbeats'"

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "not gonna try and make it sticky, though"

GM says, "His eyes dart to the elevator, then the north door, then back at you."

[Department] Alexey asks, "so, are we beating him up, or outsocialising him?"

[Department] GM exclaims, "Emma!"

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "(if it's non-sticky the first use is still free, right?)"

[Department] James says, "Yeah, he has plenty of sticky tags on him already."

[Department] GM exclaims (at Alexey), "Both!"

[Department] Bob_Nobody says (to alexey), "we can do both"

[Department] GM says (to Bob), "Right."

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "we're multi-talented"

[Department] Alexey says (to GM), "man, this is like school"

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "i am a librarian. i am not one for fighting"

[Department] James says, "Hee"

[Department] GM says (to Bob), "It just means no one can later use a fate point to trigger it again later."

[Department] James says (to Emma), "You can tag him with another aspect, though."

[Department] GM says (to Emma), "If you'd like to hold your move for later, you can."

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "yeah"

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "i am drawing a blank, sorry"

[Department] Alexey asks, "maybe you've read something about martians?"

[Department] Alexey says, "or generic aliens"

[Department] GM says, "OK. Feel free to jump in after anyone else's turn, if you'd like."

[Department] GM exclaims, "Alexey!"

[Department] Reeve asks, "maybe they have an allergy, or a twitch, or it's not just singing, but atonal music in particular?"

Alexey rushes him, seeking to push him (or it?) onto the ground.

[Department] GM says, "That sounds like a Maneuvre using Might."

[Department] Alexey says, "okay"

Alexey rolls Great (4) + 4dF: 0 -1 -1 +1 | Good (3)

GM rolls Good (3) + 4dF: 0 -1 0 +1 | Good (3)

[Department] GM exclaims, "Success!"

GM says, "The McNeil-alike goes falls backward onto the floor, giving him an appropriate Aspect."

[Department] GM exclaims, "McNeil N!"

[Department] Alexey says, "'sprawled on his... ass?'"

[Department] GM says, "Quite so! Although in his current un-shape, that is difficult to clearly identify."

[Department] Alexey says, "(I mean, naming the aspect)"

[Department] James says, "Either that or his pecs."

GM says, "'Watch the way he's been fighting. He spins on his heel, not his toe. You can use that to predict how he's going to move.'"

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "i want to find out past attack attempts by green shapeshifting aliens."

[Department] Reeve says, "bad form"

[Department] GM says, "(McNeilN thus gives you an Aspect you can tag for free.)"

[Department] GM says (to Emma), "Sure! So now it's your turn."

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "(whenever i can take that turn) and use it as a "we are smarter than you thought, we know all about you" kind of social attack"

[Department] GM says, "Sounds like Academics."

[Department] James asks, "As a maneuver?"

[Department] GM asks, "Oh, is this an actual attack or a maneuver?"

[Department] EmmaSmith asks, "what's the difference?"

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "oh"

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "maneuver then"

[Department] GM says, "The former attempts to damage his composure, and the latter gives him an Aspect to tag later."

[Department] GM says, "OK. Academics, then."

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "(okay, sorry. talking with katre)"

[Department] GM says, "(Yeah, it's all his fault.)"

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "okay. i will make this an attack, use his "thinks he hears hoofbeats" to play up his paranoia as i play up the we know all about you aspect"

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "angle"

EmmaSmith rolls Superb (5) +2 + 4dF: +1 +1 0 0 | Legendary+1 (9)

[Department] GM says, "For a social attack, I'll need you to use a social-type skill."

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "drat"

[Department] James says, "Wait, you don't have to tag his aspect unless you need it."

[Department] GM says, "Like Rapport, Deceit, Leadership, Intimidation..."

[Department] Alexey says, "yeah, you can tag afterwards"

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "oh righty. sorry, then. we will make it a maneuver. let me roll without the +2 then"

[Department] GM says, "We can just subtract the 2 from that result."

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "oh"

[Department] GM says, "Since that was a nice result :)"

[Department] GM says, "Which is a success with enough spin to make it sticky."

[Department] GM exclaims, "So name your aspect!"

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "(didn't realize that i don't get extra dice when i do +2)"

[Department] GM says, "It's always four dice, and the +2 just adds 2 to the total."

[Department] James says, "Heh, yeah, this isn't like 7th Sea where adding it in beforehand gives you an advantage."

[Department] James says, "(it's actually better to use it afterwards in case you need a re-roll instead of the +2)"

EmmaSmith says (to martians), "well you know, you think you are all sneaky and subtle and stuff, but you do realize we know all about you. Like last year, when you tried to infiltrate the prince of wale's circle of friends and tried to convince prince harry that his mother is actually alive and try to subvert him to your cause by blowing up the buckingham palace..."

EmmaSmith says, "so silly and not well done"

EmmaSmith says, "and now omaha... tsk tsk tsk"

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "(no wonder she had to delay her action, it took three other people's turns just to say all that)"

[Department] James says, "Hee"

[Department] GM says, "Ha ha."

[Department] GM exclaims, "McNeilS!"

GM says, "The twisted, morping shape that McNeilS had become finally begins to congeal into a new shape, something green and scaly and..."

GM exclaims, "...identical to a six-foot tall T-Rex wearing a silver jumpsuit!"

[Department] GM exclaims, "James!"

[Department] James asks, "OK, I want to join the stun gun with my energy rifle. Can I do that in one action, and if so, what TN?"

[Department] GM asks, "Didn't you already include Stun Gun as a feature of your energy rifle?"

[Department] Alexey says, "someone should take care of Jason Mann, I think"

[Department] James says, "Oh."

[Department] James checks.

[Department] James exclaims, "I did!"

[Department] GM exclaims, "So your rifle can be used as a stun gun!"

James switches his rifle to 'stun' and fires at 'Jason'!

James rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: +1 -1 0 +1 | Fantastic (6)

[Department] GM says, "(But like the other stun guns, it will need a scene to refresh itself before it can stun again.)"

GM rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: +1 +1 0 -1 | Fantastic (6)

James sings as he does so!

James exclaims, "You can't have your little bag of to--ools, 'cuz you stink and your mama droo-ools!"

[Department] James says, "(tagging that for the +2)"

GM says, "The T-Rex tries to escape, but the stunner hits the tip of his tail! It's enough to throw his shape completely back out of whack."

[Department] GM exclaims, "Don't! That's his last consequence!"

[Department] Alexey asks, "I thought he shot Jason?"

[Department] James says, "I was actually going for Jason, not the T-rex dude, since it would take an action for me to re-target my rifle."

[Department] GM exclaims, "Oh!"

[Department] GM exclaims, "In that case, don't use your fate point, because he's a minion and that's enough to take him out!"

[Department] James says, "Hee. I was tagging the minion's free aspect, but I'll have sung anyway."

GM says, "Correction: The blob of amorphous shapeshifter is actually Jason. Please update your official records."

[Department] GM says (to James), "Hee."

[Department] GM exclaims, "In that case, ... Reeve!"

Reeve shoots!

Reeve rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: +1 +1 0 0 | Epic (7)

[Department] Reeve says, "that's at McN-dude"

[Department] GM says, "(I believe that the singing aspect was actually on 'all green-aura'ed beings, and thus got its free tag earlier by Bob, but that doesn't actually change anything.)"

GM rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: 0 -1 0 +1 | Superb (5)

[Department] GM asks, "Any Aspects?"

[Department] James says, "Oh, OK. Sure."

[Department] Reeve says, "I still had my stun gun in hand"

[Department] Reeve says, "and I was singing"

[Department] GM says, "The stun guns need a scene to refresh after use -- but there are several untagged aspects you can use for a regular attack."

[Department] Reeve says, "ok, I can have shot him with my sawed-off shotgun if you like"

[Department] James says, "http://spod-central.org/~lpsmith/rpg/transcripts/department/aspects.txt"

[Department] Alexey exclaims (at Reeve), "I thought we weren't trying to kill them!"

[Department] GM asks, "Would you like to use any of the Aspects that are currently untagged to boost the damage, or just go with the 2?"

[Department] Reeve says, "sprawled"

[Department] Reeve says, "hmm, I dunno"

[Department] Reeve asks, "doesn't he go down?"

[Department] James says, "No, you have to tag them all to take him out."

[Department] James says, "(You have to beat him by more than 5; perhaps more than 7."

[Department] Reeve says, "but I thought we were trying to capture, not kill"

[Department] James says, ")"

[Department] James says, "'taken out' is whatever you want it to be."

[Department] GM says, "If you can do enough damage to make him take a third consequence, he'll go down."

[Department] GM says (to Reeve), "Yeah, you can just say that you shoot him badly enough that he's bleeding and passed out from shock, but not dead."

[Department] GM says, "(*If* you do enough damage to take him out :) )"

[Department] Reeve says, "oh, okay, I'll tag 'spins on heel' and 'we know all about him' and 'hoofbeats' . . . I think that's all."

[Department] GM says, "(He currently has four untagged free aspects you might be able to wrangle into your action if you'd like.)"

[Department] GM says, "He also has 'sprawled on his ass', if you'd like."

[Department] Reeve says, "okay"

[Department] GM asks, "That brings you up to ... 11 damage, I think?"

[Department] Reeve says, "thinking . . ."

[Department] GM says, "(2 from the shot, 1 from your dual-wielding, 8 from tagging four aspects?)"

[Department] Reeve says, "and I get extra damage if I use my pet gun"

[Department] GM exclaims, "Hee. Then you have plenty to give him a third consequence, which takes him out of the fight!"

[Department] James says, "(she's typing in the background ;-)"

[Department] GM says, "Go ahead and describe it."

Reeve eyes the body on the floor, and carefully calculates the best shot, considering he's on the floor, distracted, has an Achiles' fighting heel, and is becoming increasingly nervous. Clearly, the ideal shot would be the back of the left leg, about two inches below the knee . . . . . . and pulls the trigger.

GM exclaims, "Blam!"

GM says, "He's barely had a chance to take solid shape before he's already loosing fluids again."

[Department] Alexey says, "I really have to go now"

[Department] Reeve says, "yeah, me too. my daughter is going crazier."

GM says, "Between the shock of the shapeshifting and the shock of the blood loss, he's out cold."

GM says, "Meanwhile, the other fellow has reformed as well, into a similarly immobile T-Rex at the other end of the room."

GM says, "And we shall pick up the consequences of this next week."

GM exclaims, "See you all then!"

[Department] Reeve exclaims, "good game, very active!"

Reeve has disconnected.

Fang knew that, etymologically, cravat actually derived from a ruthless band of 'Croat' mercenaries.

James says (to McNeil), "Hey, there was some sort of interfering ball of energy over this place earlier I managed to shoot off. I assume it has something to do with these guys..."

[Department] James says, "Yeah, thanks! This was fun."

EmmaSmith goes home.

Bob_Nobody has disconnected.

Bob_Nobody goes home.