The Uli Rouge

[Malaclypse 666]

Reggie and Sylvia had turned away from the gated, impassable pathway up the mountain, and were returning along the pathway which led past Crater Lake and on to the Veranda's walled compound. As they approached the lake, they had discovered Jay who was staring wistfully down into the clear waters. He was obviouly wishing he had brought his tackle with him, along with an extra flask of brandy.

How they had missed Jay after seeing him come down the mountain path was uncertain; but whoever had locked down the "shaking mountain" must have waited until Jay was clear of the portcullis which now blocked the ascending path. After a warm greeting near the lake, the three had turned to continue on to the Veranda.

Jay had just started to relate the happenings at the Uli Rouge after Reggie had left the company, when Reggie noticed a vague shimmering fuzziness suddenly surround his villa. The entire structure seemed to soften for the briefest moment, and then an audible popping sound was heard, accompanied by a sharp gust of wind in the direction of the Veranda. Everything returned to normal again, and the three started to cross the last few meters of the inner courtyard.

Before taking more than a few steps, Jay, Pops, and Sylvia were brought up short again by the sight of Rick Deckard hurriedly staggering to the porch's railing, and doing a rather vocal imitation of some old Grecian fountain. Reggie also noticed that Sylvia was doing her best not to follow suit, stifling some small wretching noises of her own.

Jay was dumbfounded. "How in bloody hell did he.. I left Fiona's Villa before.. I will definitely be carrying an extra flask on my next visit!"

Rick, eyes still tearing from his exertions, and struggling to gain his equilibrium; managed to produce a weak smile and a wave to the trio, who then hurried forth to support his staggering steps.

"Well," said Reggie, "it would appear that most of the party has migrated to my place for nightcaps!"

"Please, come inside! Once we have all warmed our innards a bit with some good stong Oro de Veranda, I would appreciate an update from Jay and Rick; and I assume from Fnordie as well, who I gather was responsible for that little displacement of a few moments ago.

"In turn, Sylvia and I will recount a most interesting adventure we shared inside that bloody mountain. V-MAX! Coffee! Strong, and in quantity!"

*Keep your shirt on, Reggie. First, you have an incoming transmission from Malaclypse, in orbit above us. He sounds quite excited. I suggest you take it, while I and the housebots attend to all these.. ahem.. "guests".*

"Very well, Max. Pipe it into my study. Friends, I will return shortly. Please, relax, avail yourselves of whatever you require. Oh, and Rick. Please, wipe your chin!"

---