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        Stories & Imaginings >> Cookies & Drabbles >>  The attack of theTEM
        
(Message started by: Pat on Jan 9th, 2004, 2:17pm)
Title: The attack of theTEM
Post by Pat on Jan 9th, 2004, 2:17pm
It was around 11.30, UK time, and the CBB was in full swing.  Well over 20 members were logged in, and yibbling was in full flow.  The usual demands for more of the various stories were flying round the list, and those who had stories on the go were hard put to keep up with demand.  Some frankly, did not try, being more interested in filling the various threads with chatter.  The Head girls and Second Prefect were setting a good example, with most of the latest postings showing one of their names.  All in all, it was a typical evening on the CBB.  However, all that was to change in the twinkling of an eye.

Down in the depths, something stirred.  A monster lived somewhere in the depths of the board which caused havoc from time to time.  It seemed to have a fondness for the taste of the Cookies and Drabbles section in particular, eating threads, cloning others.  On one spectacular day, it had eaten the whole section and other besides, as well as taking the registrations of some of the members.  The shock and dismay would be long remembered by the members of the CBB, but the Thread Eating Monster, or TEM as it had been named, was about to surpass even that.  Smiling to itself, in a way that could not be seen by anyone, it rose up through the layers of the board until it could access its favourite section.  Unseen by anyone, it looked around  for a tasty titbit.  Which thread should it eat, it wondered.  It had eaten ‘Augusta’ a number of times, as the flavour was so piquant, but now it felt it wanted a change.  It tasted a number of threads, carefully, without revealing its presence.  ‘Grizel’ tasted a little too foreign, the New Zealand setting giving it a different flavour than those set in Europe.  It wandered across to the ‘Holocaust’ but that had too many deaths attached to it.  The taste was too sharp, almost metallic.  There was one thread it did not care to touch at all, one that was causing no little degree of consternation and speculation among the members of the board.  This purported to be written by the author of the Chalet School books herself, but the TEM doubted that.  He could tell from the comments that the author was no longer alive, so knew that this was one of the ordinary members, but the mystery and speculation distorted the taste.  No, it would leave that one also.  As it roamed the various threads, it came to the conclusion that none of them had quite the flavour it desired.  What to do?  It was hungry, and getting hungrier.  Then it had it’s brainwave.  If it swallowed the CBBers themselves, it could make them write to it’s orders and the drabbles would all be as tasty as it desired.  No more foreign ones, or odd tasting ones, only the ones it really liked.  In the twisted mind of the TEM, to think was to act, and it exerted it’s power into the computers of the CBBers.
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Pat on Jan 9th, 2004, 2:19pm
The first anyone knew of the problem was the screen on their computer flaring with light.  Then there came an incredible suction force, pulling them inexorably forward, out of their seats, and into the screen.  Some tried to hold on to their chairs in desperation, but even those chairs with arms held them back for only a short moment.  The TEM was too powerful, and almost before they knew what was happening, they found themselves inside their own threads.  Those who were writing stories ended up in their own.  Those who were not found themselves in the drabble they last had posted to.  Anyone looking into the CBB from a safe distance could see that it was bulging, flexing and moving as the trapped women thrashed around, trying desperately to get back to their homes.  In vain.  The TEM was far stronger than they were, and one by one they gave up and looked around them.  The world they were in was the strangest any of them had ever seen.  Nothing was very clear, except each other.  The world around them was a strange mixture of the words of the tale, and the pictures the words conjured in the minds of the readers.  This part was rather blurry, as mind pictures vary from person to person.  There seemed to be no way to move from one drabble to another, any more than there was a way to escape back to their own world.  It seemed as if those who were trapped in each drabble would have to find their own method of escape.

Unknown to the trapped  women, there was some outside help.  Not all of the CBBers had actually been dragged into their computers.  A small handful, those who had lost their original log in when the TEM had gone berserk before, had been able to resist.  Rachael and Pat were both logged in at the time of the second big eat, and although they felt the suction pulling them into their computers, it was not too strong to resist.  As they sat there, recovering, they saw to their horror that all the postings were changing, the names and avatars of the posters vanishing before their eyes, and the numbers of posts they had achieved.  Both noticed that the first to go were KB and Vikki, almost as if the enormous number of posts, and their addiction to yibbling, and made them more susceptible to the power of the TEM.

After sitting in stunned amazement, both began frantically looking to see if there was anyone else left.  The relief to find that they were not alone was immense, but at first both naturally assumed that it was only the log ins that were affected.  Gradually, however, they became aware of a curious phenomenon.  There was a wriggling and squirming going on, as if there were ants swarming over the threads. They moved from one posting to another, and all the threads were affected.  They also noticed that none of the threads had been consumed this time, nor was there any cloning.  Using the PM facility, they contacted each other to discuss the situation.
“What’s happened to the board?  Did you feel as if there was something trying to pull you towards the computer?” Pat asked Rachael.
“There was a tremendous pull. I nearly crashed into the screen!  I wonder what is was?” replied Rachael.  “Can you see those ant things on your screen?”
“Wonder what they are?  I’ve never seen them before, have you?”
Rachael managed to find a powerful magnifying glass, and looked at the screen.  “They’re people!  The threads are full of people!”
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by LulieCat on Jan 9th, 2004, 2:33pm
*chortles madly, then realises that typing isn't possible from the inside*
*tries to run for the hills and bumps into too many others going in the same direction*

Excellent start Pat. Can't wait to see where this goes and what happens next. Please rescue us, it's very confining being inside a computer!

More please  ;D Chants to the tune of 'Walking in the Air'
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Katarzyna on Jan 9th, 2004, 2:37pm
Oops - tea + drabble = wet soggy computer screen and keyboard + very strange looks from accross the office

Very amusing Pat can we have some more?

btw - if it's at 11.30pm does that mean I didn't get sucked in yet?
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Rachel on Jan 9th, 2004, 2:46pm
Pat, you surpass yourself!

Looking forward to LOTS and LOTS and LOTS more of this one!
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Lesley on Jan 9th, 2004, 6:29pm
Oh yes I like this! More please Pat - am I inside then? - must remember to send message to family to feed cats! ;D
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Chloe on Jan 9th, 2004, 6:41pm
8oo Oh Pat this is wonderful,  please may we haev soem more!
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Polly1 on Jan 9th, 2004, 6:53pm
Hee hee hee!!!  8oo

V good, Pat. Can't wait for more!!!! Pleeeeeeaaaaaase!!! :-*

BTW, does that mean that I didn't get pulled in as I lost my log in last time? Yay!!!! ;D
*has visions of being big hero/rescuer type thing!*
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Vikki on Jan 9th, 2004, 8:08pm
Oh Pat!!!
8oo 8oo 8oo
Please carry on with this! We need rescuing!!!
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Pat on Jan 9th, 2004, 8:35pm

on 01/09/04 at 18:53:12, Polly1 wrote:
Hee hee hee!!!  8oo

V good, Pat. Can't wait for more!!!! Pleeeeeeaaaaaase!!! :-*

BTW, does that mean that I didn't get pulled in as I lost my log in last time? Yay!!!! ;D
*has visions of being big hero/rescuer type thing!*


That's right Polly.  We'll all be getting together to rescue them - well perhaps not the two most senior Prefects perhaps?  ;) ;)
I know that you me and Rachael lost out, but who else did?
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Vikki on Jan 9th, 2004, 9:17pm
*goes off to find KB and appraise her of Pat's cheek!!!*

Well, despite the mean comment, I'm going to answer your question! Other gobbled people were Angel, Emily and I think someone unidentified got gobbled too!!
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by PatMac on Jan 9th, 2004, 9:37pm
Some of us might not have registered yet and so have immunity.  I mean then, not now - Oh Heck! you know what I mean.

I've been given one of Lizy's weapons so am fully armed (in addition to the normal 2, before anyone makes that joke again  ;D )

Waiting for instructions, Pat

ETA typos
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Caroline OSullivan on Jan 9th, 2004, 9:45pm
The TEM gobbled me as well
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Vikki on Jan 9th, 2004, 10:05pm
Sorry Caroline!! I knew there was someone else I should have remembered!!  (but there was also still the unidentified last member to join who was also left as a blank space!)
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Carolyn P on Jan 9th, 2004, 10:09pm
Oh Pat, this is very funny, and well written and so different to your other drabble, how do you manage two such different styles?

Please write some more and rescue us all soon.
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Pat on Jan 9th, 2004, 10:26pm
Would you believe that I was writing that as light relief?  I had 6 boxes of new books delivered yesterday, all for me to catalogue!  You can't do that solidly all day!!  
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Abi on Jan 9th, 2004, 10:36pm
8oo 8oo this is great Pat! Hope you write some more soon! 8oo
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by xanthe on Jan 9th, 2004, 10:37pm
Oh help... though does this mean I am in my TEM busting thread?
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Pat on Jan 9th, 2004, 10:41pm
I suppose i had better warn all you little ant s, skittering about in a frenzy of fright in your various threads, that the alarm clock woke me up at more or less this point, so I don't have the foggiest notion how I'm going to get you out!   ;D
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Vikki on Jan 9th, 2004, 10:51pm
*wails loudly*
Paaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat!!!
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by xanthe on Jan 9th, 2004, 10:57pm
*eebles in alarm*  :o
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Rachel on Jan 9th, 2004, 11:46pm
Aunty Pat! Please may we have some more? Can't wait to see how you do the rescue mission!



As your newest niece, will you come and get me first?   ;D  ;D
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Esmeralda on Jan 9th, 2004, 11:54pm
Actually Pat, I can wait to be rescued, after all Jack isn't getting on too well with Joey at he moment.........
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Pat on Jan 9th, 2004, 11:59pm
“Are you sure they’re people?  Can you recognise any of them?”
“I can see Vikki!  It has to be, with that main of hair! “  Rachael moved on to “Tom’s boys “, and gave another shout.  “I can see Lulie.”
Having found herself a magnifying glass, Pat checked other threads.  She found Rachel wandering about in ‘Primula “Venables”’, and then had a brain wave.  She moved to the EBD thread and studied it carefully.  Unfortunately, so few people had posted their pictures on the Gather thread, that she had no way of knowing who it was wandering about there, on their own.
“Don’t you think we should see if there is anyone else who escaped?” asked Rachael finally.  “Let’s check the members page and see who is there.  To their glee they found Polly, Caroline, Emily and Angel were still listed.  PatMac was there at first, but as she logged in, her name disappeared from the list.  They could see some of the Australian and NZ names as well, but held out little hope for them, judging that they were likely to meet the same fate as PatMac.
“There’s a pattern here,” said Pat.  “The only UK names we are sure are still OK are the ones who lost their log-ins last time.  I think we all need to get together and tried to find a solution.  Let’s PM them, and email too if they have revealed their address.”
“We were coming to my place in March anyway, so why not ask them to all meet here now.” suggested Rachael.  The messages were duly sent, and they settled back to wait for the replies.
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Carolyn P on Jan 10th, 2004, 12:20am
Hope they don't have to wait too long.
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by xanthe on Jan 10th, 2004, 12:24am
*chants, to the tune of "Rescue Me"*
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Rachel on Jan 10th, 2004, 12:26am
** tries to join in chant but loses tune and begins chanting to the tune of "Fimbles" (since it has been mentioned so often today, it's kind of on my mind) ;) **
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Lesley on Jan 10th, 2004, 12:44am
More please Pat!

*Starting chant early!*
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Rachel on Jan 10th, 2004, 12:47am

on 01/10/04 at 00:44:32, Lesley wrote:
More please Pat!

*Starting chant early!*



Now how can you be starting the chant when at least two of us were already doing it?  ;)
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by KB on Jan 10th, 2004, 1:05am

on 01/09/04 at 21:17:06, Vikki wrote:
*goes off to find KB and appraise her of Pat's cheek!!!*


*thanks Vikki for her heads-up*

And have I been sucked in or not, being in Australia? *thinks Pat needs to get her story straight*
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Kathy_S on Jan 10th, 2004, 1:47am
What inconsistency?  It was quite clear who were the first to go.... Presumably the Australians not yet consumed spend a little less time on-line, and were at a (temporarily) safe distance from their computers.
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Susan on Jan 10th, 2004, 3:06am
Oh so funny - love it.  More soon please.  Joins chant.
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by KB on Jan 10th, 2004, 3:34am

on 01/10/04 at 01:47:39, Kathy_S wrote:
What inconsistency?  It was quite clear who were the first to go.... Presumably the Australians not yet consumed spend a little less time on-line, and were at a (temporarily) safe distance from their computers.


*makes mental note not to have the laptop two feet from my pillow anymore*
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Lesley on Jan 10th, 2004, 9:09am

on 01/10/04 at 00:47:48, Rachel wrote:
Now how can you be starting the chant when at least two of us were already doing it?  ;)


I was starting to chant early, (it was the very early hours!) I didn't say that I was the first. I could have left starting to chant until later.

Pat, would really like more story please!
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by PatMac on Jan 10th, 2004, 9:34am
Just when you thought it was safe to go on line ......  Heeeeeeeeeeeelp!
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by KB on Jan 10th, 2004, 10:54am
*sends PatMac a comforting huggle*
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by PatMac on Jan 10th, 2004, 1:05pm
Thank you KB, I needed that.  If I ever get out of here, I'll return it.  Trying to work out which thread I'm in.
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Pat on Jan 10th, 2004, 7:32pm
Don't get all excited, I've been out all day.  I did take a leaf out of LEsley's book, and listen to PBs on the way homw, though!  Be patient.  
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by PatMac on Jan 10th, 2004, 7:43pm
Patient - unfamilar with word so checked in Thesaurus

Enduring - agree
Tolerant - I hope so
unwearied - not sure about that, yawn
Uncomplaining - No, see all previous posts
Long-suffering - Yeah
Serene - equally unsure about meaning
Antonym - Impatient - Yes, Yes, Yes!
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Rachel on Jan 10th, 2004, 8:39pm

on 01/10/04 at 09:09:29, Lesley wrote:
I was starting to chant early, (it was the very early hours!) I didn't say that I was the first. I could have left starting to chant until later.


Doh! It was a little late for me to think along those lines! I'm in need of a little moresleep than I have been getting - maybe then my brain will work again!


Quote:
Pat, would really like more story please!


Yes Aunty Pat - where are you?? ?? ??
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by KB on Jan 10th, 2004, 9:18pm
I went to bed like a good little CS girl in the belief that, when I woke up, there'd be more story. But there's not!  :'(
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Abi on Jan 10th, 2004, 11:36pm
Me too KB! Where are you Pat?
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Pat on Jan 10th, 2004, 11:40pm
Working on 'librarian' while Steve was on Ebay, that's where!
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by KB on Jan 11th, 2004, 8:03am
*impatient sigh* So when might we expect more?
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Lesley on Jan 11th, 2004, 10:10am
Echoes cries for more please Pat!
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Pat on Jan 11th, 2004, 10:13am
Don't you think I ought to be working on 'Librarian', KB?
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by KB on Jan 11th, 2004, 10:25am
Of course.










In between working on this. ;)
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Pat on Jan 11th, 2004, 10:33am
Wish that I could leave my reply at simply this -  :P :P :P
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by KB on Jan 11th, 2004, 10:39am
*shocked and horrified by Pat's cheek*
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Pat on Jan 11th, 2004, 10:44am
Oh well!  Just for you KB!

Before long, the remaining members of the CBB had made contact and agreed to meet.  They all felt the burden of responsibility keenly, remembering how well others had reacted in crisis, especially in helping the escape of friends into the Real Chalet School.  They were determined that they would not be found wanting.  All had noticed that there had been a steady trickle of loss, as other members logged onto the board, and it seemed that nobody but themselves was immune.  How they were immune was a mystery to all, though it did seem to tie up with the TEM previously eating their registration.

Meanwhile, those trapped inside C&D were finding life a little unnerving.  One minute they had been happily catching up on the various drabbles, and the next they had been whirled away into this strange world.  At first none of them could understand what had happened.  They had felt a huge suction and the rush towards the computer, but it did not occur to any of them that they were actually inside the CBB.  After all, they were rational creatures (most of them!), and such things were not possible - at least outside one of their drabbles!  It had been no more than an uncomfortable transition, and at first there was as much time spent on getting to know each other by sight as in considering their position.  Finally it began to dawn on them that they were inside their own drabbles, but not inside the story.  They could move from page to page and even read what was written there.  They were intrigued to find that there was a bouncy area at the bottom of each page.  It did not look like a trampoline, but certainly behaved like one.  They swiftly learnt how high they could bounce before hitting the top of the page!  It was fun, and took their minds off their predicament.  However, Esmeralda, trapped in the Tensions thread, was talking seriously to Lesley (trapped there because she was a part of the thread herself).  Both had realised quite quickly where they were, and that they were all in serious trouble.  They had to assume that other people were trapped in the other threads, but had no idea whether or not they could contact them, nor whether anyone had been left outside.

Rachel found herself in a unique position.  Having invested heavily in two threads, she felt pulled apart as she shot into the CBB.  Now she felt almost like two different people, as part of her had gone into Primula, and part into the Holocaust with Carolyn.  This gave her a unique perspective on what had happened, for she could see that there were many people trapped in both threads, but only she was in two of them, and nobody could move out of their own thread.
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by KB on Jan 11th, 2004, 10:47am
*giggle* Thank you so much, Pat!

And poor Rachel! I hope she can be put back together after being rescued! But what does that mean for people who have contributed to a number of stories?
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by PatMac on Jan 11th, 2004, 10:55am
that was worth waiting for, Pat.  Thanks.
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Pat on Jan 11th, 2004, 10:56am
Rachel has two strong drabbles on the go, and I just couldn't resist!!  ;D 8oo!!
I think that she's the only split personality though!!
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by KB on Jan 11th, 2004, 10:59am
I'm sorry for Rachel, of course, but I feel very glad for the rest of us!
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Rachel on Jan 11th, 2004, 11:36am
why do I always get told about my split personality? Surely it's normal to have a minimum of seventeen personalitites in your head?

anyway, I prefer the term, multi-faceted   ;D
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Pat on Jan 11th, 2004, 11:38am
Of course you do!  That's the best way to keep your peace of minds, isn't it?  ;)
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Esmeralda on Jan 11th, 2004, 11:45am
*Sighs with relief at having the foresight to write Lesley into the story - at least I'm not alone.
Can the two parts of Rachel communicate with each other, I mean, does one part of her know what the other part is thinking?
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Rachel on Jan 11th, 2004, 11:51am
** bounces excitedly **

ooooooh! ooooooooooooooh! so does this mean Orlando will be floating around in one of my threads? Can I run over to my profile to pick him up?

<drags LLLLLLLLLLLL through her hair just in case>

(well I didn't bring a comb into the drabble board so I'm making the best of the resources available!)
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Pat on Jan 11th, 2004, 11:54am
Poor Rachel!! Please bear in mind that Orlando is real, and you are now virtual!!  ::)
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Rachel on Jan 11th, 2004, 12:00pm
Which mean (PUN ALERT) I can do virtually anything  ;D
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Pat on Jan 11th, 2004, 12:11pm
Within the confines of the drabble, Rachel.  And I am writing that!

Rachel’s vision allowed her to see what was happening in both her threads at the same time.  Afterwards she was never able to clearly describe what she saw, though the concept of looking through varifocals came nearest to describing it.  She could see clearly both threads, talk to people trapped in both threads, at the same time, without getting confused.  (That’s because I’m Superwoman in disguise, she claimed later!).
Gradually, as everyone adjusted to their situation to some degree, they began to settle down in the rest areas of each drabble, so thoughtfully provided by Jennie.  The food and drink was proving useful in keeping their spirits up, and they began to discuss what they could do to escape.  This was what the TEM had been waiting for.  Now they were becoming as rational as CBBers ever got, it could try to communicate.  There were no words that anyone could say that they actually heard, but gradually the conversations died away as they became aware of what it was saying to them.
“I have brought you here because I am hungry,” it said.  “Not for you, but for what you write.  Some of the things you write are delicious, tasty and filling.  Others are not.  You are here to write the threads that I like to eat.”
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Lesley on Jan 11th, 2004, 12:15pm
Well hello Emeralda, so nice to see you!! Isn't it a pity that this didn't happen when I was writing Real CS - we'd all be in the same thread!

Curious as to why those who had their identity stolen once are now immune - perhaps because faint versions of themselves are already trapped in the CBB!

Thanks Pat! ;D

ETA Even more - we posted about the same time - wonder what the TEM considers suitable?
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Pat on Jan 11th, 2004, 12:17pm
Lesley, i don't know why we're immune either!  IUt started with my dream the other night, and dreams don't have any logic!
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Rachel on Jan 11th, 2004, 12:18pm
** Provides Pat with a diamond encrusted goblet, filled with finest french wine, a plate of the best cream cakes money can buy and a super duper ultra comfotable leather chair **

I do hope you are comfy and ready to write some more dearest Pat? I can't wait to see how this excellent drable turns out - will there be any more about me specifically? Perhaps my interaction with anyone else on the threads?

** Plumps up a cushion for Pat's back and shoo's away other CBBers so they don't disturb Pat **
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Esmeralda on Jan 11th, 2004, 12:19pm
Maybe the TEM didn't like the taste of you, Pat, and spat you back out again.
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Pat on Jan 11th, 2004, 12:21pm
ROFL!!!!  ;D
I'm going to have to stop soon, 'cos Steve will be back from preaching,a nd we want some lunch.  First job this afternoon is ironing the new curtains for Lynne's room, and putting them up.  All those lovely hooks to put it!!
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Lesley on Jan 11th, 2004, 12:26pm

on 01/11/04 at 12:19:28, Esmeralda wrote:
Maybe the TEM didn't like the taste of you, Pat, and spat you back out again.


Like that explanation Esmeralda! Think we're going to get along fine in your thread! Probably won't want to leave it actually - think about it, no work other than to write drabbles, food and drink supplied, no M25...


*Shouts*  "Pat, could you leave me in here please? ;D"
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Esmeralda on Jan 11th, 2004, 12:28pm
Absolutely Lesley, *Thanks Jennie for providing all the comforts*  What a pity we can't get into the story though.....
*Looks wistfully at Jack.

*Suddenly remembers that Lesley is in the story - are there any scenes you would like me to write for you Lesley?
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Pat on Jan 11th, 2004, 12:33pm
I take it you're quite happy to write to order then Lesley.  I can, of course oblige, and leave you there if you wish!  Just you and the TEM!!!  What more could you wish for!
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Lesley on Jan 11th, 2004, 1:31pm
No Real Life distractions, no work, all the food and drink I should want, a friend by my side and you're asking me to write drabbles all day?

I'm in Heaven! ;DI
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Pat on Jan 11th, 2004, 2:40pm
The food and drink rely on us resupplying the waiting areas, Lesley.  We could forget yours you know!
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Lesley on Jan 11th, 2004, 5:00pm
:PYah boo!! Pat :P

I could do with losing a few pounds stone anyway - but you wouldn't want to watch me expire from dehydration now would you?
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Polly1 on Jan 11th, 2004, 5:25pm
*chortle*  8oo
How are we going to rescue everyone, Pat? They are everywhere and seem to be bouncing up and down lots! Difficult to get hold of if they are flying through the air!!  ;D
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by PatMac on Jan 11th, 2004, 5:38pm
Some of us are bouncing in morse code.  small bounce = dot, large bounce = dash
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Vikki on Jan 11th, 2004, 8:24pm
*hopes Pat writes a way to rescue us soon!*
(Not that I'm not enjoying the bouncing and stuff!) ;)
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Lesley on Jan 11th, 2004, 10:20pm

on 01/11/04 at 17:38:32, PatMac wrote:
Some of us are bouncing in morse code.  small bounce = dot, large bounce = dash


Extra large bounce encorporating backward somersault and twist in the air = oh god I think i've broken my arm!
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Pat on Jan 11th, 2004, 11:14pm

on 01/11/04 at 20:24:08, Vikki wrote:
*hopes Pat writes a way to rescue us soon!*
(Not that I'm not enjoying the bouncing and stuff!) ;)

When I've worked out how to do it myself.  I've got the beginnings, but I warn you all, you may not like it!!
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Chloe on Jan 11th, 2004, 11:29pm
Pat this is wonderful i've only just got caught up, thnask, i can't wait for more of this  :)
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by KB on Jan 11th, 2004, 11:43pm
Oh, dear, what a terrible lot of yibbling (because I wasn't here to join in). Do we get more actual story at some point?
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Katarzyna on Jan 12th, 2004, 10:57am
I was wandering around the Felicity drabble rather forlornly on my own when i suddenly realilsed that it was a good job i started this one or I could have ended up in the Archives!!  :o
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Abi on Jan 12th, 2004, 1:11pm
:o Thank you Pat! LOVE Rachel's split personality 8oo  *wonders whether to tell Pat that I'm writing two at the moment too

*hoping in my usual optimistic way that there wiull be more soon*
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Vikki on Jan 12th, 2004, 3:25pm
*feels slightly aprehensive about the rescue after reading Pat's comments!!*
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Esmeralda on Jan 12th, 2004, 3:31pm
Rescue?  Bah, who needs RL anyway - I think Lesley and I are in complete agreement on this one, which is probably just as well as we're stuck in the same drabble.
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Vikki on Jan 12th, 2004, 3:42pm
But, I've just thought of an important question!!!
Do the drabble sitting rooms have bathrooms attached?
'Cos if not........
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Chloe on Jan 12th, 2004, 5:53pm
Jennie did say she'd equipped all drabbles with all that was needed
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Vikki on Jan 12th, 2004, 6:57pm
Well, I just hope she'd thought of that!!!!
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Lesley on Jan 12th, 2004, 7:46pm
Maybe we won't need a bathroom (or -say it very quietly so as not to offend - toilet) after all- they never did in the Chalet School did they? ;D
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Pat on Jan 12th, 2004, 8:03pm
“None of the stuff like the Holocaust thread.  Something nice and gentle that I can digest easily.”
“You must be joking!”  “No way!”  “You can’t make us”  “We’ve stood up to worse than you”  “If you think we’re going to write to order for something that swallowed our drabbles, you another think coming!”  The reaction was clear, though again no words were actually spoken aloud.  The CBBers had found that they could talk normally to each other, but the TEM obviously demanded something different.
For a moment the TEM was taken by surprise.  These things liked to write, so why were they refusing to write for him?  Then he became angry.  They would know what would happen if he didn’t get his way.  He had seen what had been done to some of them in the ‘Real Chalet School’ thread, and knew he could do at least as much.  Taking an idea from that thread, he set to work.  One by one, sometimes in large groups, the CBBers developed the most appalling headaches they had ever known, worse than the worst migraine.  The TEM added the disorientating flashing zig-zag lights to the pain, and before long the women were keeling over, unable to stay upright.  The only ones not affected were KB and Carolyn, and they were told in no uncertain terms that the pain would continue unless they wrote.

Edited to take out an EBDism!!!
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by PatMac on Jan 12th, 2004, 8:11pm
What's morse code for 'post some paracetemol and some ibuprofen for those who can't atke paracetemol?'  Alternatively, what's the morse code for 'HELP!'
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Jennie on Jan 12th, 2004, 8:20pm
Of course there are bathrooms and toilets inext to the drabbles sitting rooms. I was very careful to to stock them with lovely bath products and the finest soaps. And none of your grotty old Izal as well.

There are extra strength pain-killers. If one of you staggers over to the cupboard, you'll find  first aid kits complete with Mace sprays, try that on the TEM.

Goes off, muttering to herself, 'What do you think I am, inefficient?'
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by PatMac on Jan 12th, 2004, 9:13pm
Thank you Jennie.  I didn't notice.  Think I'm a little confuzzled in here.
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by KB on Jan 12th, 2004, 9:52pm
Oh, goodness and golly! Poor those people who are trapped (I'm still not sure whether the Aussie contingent is there or now). Any chance of a rescue soon?
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Rachel on Jan 12th, 2004, 10:04pm

on 01/12/04 at 20:03:06, Pat wrote:
The only ones not affected were Rachael and Carolyn, and they were told in no uncertain terms that the pain would continue unless they wrote.



Pity it's RachAel that gets put in this position and not me! Of course, if it was me, it would be more incentive to say the pain would only continue if I wrote! I do like pain, mutilation and suffering in others . . .
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Chloe on Jan 12th, 2004, 10:12pm

on 01/12/04 at 20:20:40, Jennie wrote:
Goes off, muttering to herself, 'What do you think I am, inefficient?'


I said you'd included everything!

Thanks Pat  :)
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Carolyn P on Jan 12th, 2004, 10:16pm
Suddenly feeling very, very tense...
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Pat on Jan 12th, 2004, 10:30pm

on 01/12/04 at 22:04:19, Rachel wrote:
Of course, if it was me, it would be more incentive to say the pain would only continue if I wrote! I do like pain, mutilation and suffering in others . . .

Why do you think you're not the one being pressured to write, Rachel?!!

Please note that the last bit has been edited, as Rachael didn't get swallowed!!!  We can all do EBDisms!!  :-[
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by KB on Jan 12th, 2004, 10:43pm

on 01/12/04 at 22:04:19, Rachel wrote:
Pity it's RachAel that gets put in this position and not me! Of course, if it was me, it would be more incentive to say the pain would only continue if I wrote! I do like pain, mutilation and suffering in others . . .


*hopes Rachel is never in a position where someone else is being tortured*
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Lesley on Jan 12th, 2004, 10:47pm
Oh nasty!!! Hope KB and Carolyn are feeling friendly toward the restof us!

More please Pat!
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by KB on Jan 12th, 2004, 10:49pm

on 01/12/04 at 22:47:11, Lesley wrote:
Oh nasty!!! Hope KB and Carolyn are feeling friendly toward the restof us!

More please Pat!


Actually, Lesley, it's Rachael and Carolyn, not me.
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Pat on Jan 12th, 2004, 10:53pm
Are you sure, KB?  I said I'd changed an EBDism!!  ;D

They were both trapped in the same drabble, as it happened, which was pot luck on KB’s part. She could have posted in any of the threads, but she had been catching up on the Holocaust, and had just added to the yibbling there when the TEM struck.  The two women looked at each other, and at their friends writhing at their feet, and nodded.  Once everyone was out of pain again, they would have a better chance of finding some way out of this.

Shortly afterwards, the small group at Rachael’s house checked through the threads again in the hope of finding someone else to join them, and were stunned to find a new thread starting.  It was supposedly being written by Carolyn and KB, but was totally unlike the normal style of either that at first they disbelieved the authorship.  However, as each part was posted they could see fragments showing that the authors really were Carolyn and KB, taking it in turn to post.  What was far more ominous was that there was no yibbling.  The story line was sweet and sugary, completely out of keeping with the normal style of any of the CBBers.  Then, as they watched, the thread disappeared, eaten by the TEM.
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by KB on Jan 12th, 2004, 10:58pm
And here I was thinking I could trust you, Pat! *sigh* All right, bring on the saving and the rescuing and the heroic-style thingies...

(And I hope the TEM gets indigestion!)
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Pat on Jan 12th, 2004, 11:02pm
Funny you should say that, KB!!  ;D
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Vikki on Jan 12th, 2004, 11:06pm
Well, at least I have an explanation for my headache now!!! :o
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by KB on Jan 12th, 2004, 11:06pm
I thought there was a reason that story was so very sickly sweet! ;)
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Kathy_S on Jan 12th, 2004, 11:30pm
At 8:11pm, PatMac said:


Quote:
What's morse code for 'post some paracetemol and some ibuprofen for those who can't atke paracetemol?'  


. - - ./- - -/. . ./- // . . ./- - -/- -/.// . - - . /. -/. - ./. -/- . - ././-/./- -/- - -/. - . .// . -/- ./- . . //. . ./- - -/- -/. //. ./- . . . /. . -/. - - ./. - ./ - - -/ . . - ././- .//


Quote:
Alternatively, what's the morse code for 'HELP!'

.... / . / . - . ./. - - .//  
Unless you prefer the traditional . . . - - - . . .

One of you current guiders should probably check this.  It’s been a while since we sent the entire application for a backpacking trip to Council in morse, firmly convinced that any good scout could read it as well as standard script. (They were not amused  :P.)
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Pat on Jan 12th, 2004, 11:34pm

Abi felt the headache fade away as if it had never been and raised her head cautiously.  She had found herself in ‘Juliet’, along with a number of other people, but now she looked around and saw that she had somehow moved to her other drabble.  ‘Augusta’ had as many other occupants as ‘Juliet’, which made Abi happy, for obviously her threads were equally popular.  She wondered how she had moved threads, and as she thought about it, she found herself back in ‘Juliet’.  “That’s interesting,” she thought. “I wonder if other people can move.”
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Vikki on Jan 12th, 2004, 11:36pm
8oo 8oo 8oo at Kathy's morse code application form!!
How I wish I could have seen their reactions!!!!


ETA Thank you for the newest installment Pat!!!
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by KB on Jan 12th, 2004, 11:44pm
*lol* to Kathy's story, too. And thanks, Pat. This is very funny!
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Lesley on Jan 13th, 2004, 8:08am
Thanks for the latest installments Pat - more please! ;D
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Pat on Jan 13th, 2004, 2:14pm
Now that the initial shock had worn off and the headache departed, the prisoners resumed their discussions on escape.  With no contact between threads and no idea who else had been captured, or even if anyone had escaped, this proved difficult, but all were determined to get out of their prison.

At Rachael’s house, discussion proved to be slightly more constructive.  They had thought about the style of the new thread, and noticed that it had been started by Carolyn.  The magnifying glass came into play, and they thought they could her in the Holocaust thread, along with KB, and a curiously transparent Rachel.
“I wonder if they can read the threads?” asked Polly.  “We could contact them by posting there ourselves if so.”
“There’s no harm in trying, and much to be gained if we can get through,” said Caroline.
So a message was sent to the thread, and they sat back and waited for an answer.  To their great delight, a reply was posted very quickly, asking who was free, and telling them who was trapped in the thread, and why they had been captured.  Rachel made sure that the sickly nature of the TEM’s requirement was made known, since the sugary content made her feel nauseous.  She also told them that she was occupying two separate threads, which accounted for her somewhat see-through appearance.
“Trust Rachel,” chuckled Emily.  “She has to be different, doesn’t she?”
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Rachel on Jan 13th, 2004, 2:21pm
Aunty Pat?













































MORE







please?
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Carolyn P on Jan 13th, 2004, 2:32pm
Tut Tut Rachel, that font is far too large, and shouting never got you anywhere. Now, ask nicely and I'm sure Auntie Pat will provide a lovely, sugary. sickly sweet treat just for you.
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Rachel on Jan 13th, 2004, 2:40pm

on 01/13/04 at 14:32:37, Carolyn P wrote:
Tut Tut Rachel, that font is far too large,
snot!
Quote:
and shouting never got you anywhere.
did!
Quote:
Now, ask nicely
said please!
Quote:
and I'm sure Auntie Pat will provide a lovely, sugary. sickly sweet treat just for you.



:P  :P   :P  I want blood, gore, detruction, pain, suffering, mutilation, carving knives and Orlando Bloom!
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Pat on Jan 13th, 2004, 2:40pm
Lol!!!   Since I'd just got this bit written!! 8oo

“I’m sure we can make use of this,” mused Pat.  “What would happen if we inserted something into the thread that it didn’t like, next time it makes them write something?”
Shortly afterwards, another new drabble appeared, just as sickly as before, but this time written by Rachel!  They did not need her name on the thread to identify it, for her style was unmistakable, even though there were no deaths.  Keeping fingers and toes crossed, they inserted new passages, giving the thread a much darker flavour, and killing off most of the characters.  Then they sat back to await results.
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Pat on Jan 13th, 2004, 3:14pm
They weren’t long in coming.  The CBB began to shake, and then it swung around as if in the grip of an earthquake!  The threads began to bulge this way and that, and they could see the tiny figures of their friends being thrown around.  Finally the movement turned into a heaving in-and-out, there was a sort of explosion, and all went quiet.  The trapped CBBers scrambled to their feet, seemingly none the worst for wear, at least as far as the concerned watchers were concerned.
Almost immediately a PM came through for Rachael.  When she opened it she discovered that it was from Rachel.
“What did you do?  That was incredible.  You made it sick – it vomited us out of the thread.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!  I was getting more and more sick as I wrote that stuff!  I think the ones left behind will be OK.  The sensation was rather like being on a Rollercoaster!”
Pat turned a bit green on reading this.  The last thing she would ride on would be a Rollercoaster, though she loved building virtual ones!
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Chloe on Jan 13th, 2004, 3:23pm
*applauds*

Thank you Pat  :)
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Carolyn P on Jan 13th, 2004, 3:37pm
So it spat Rachel out did it. Not surprising after all that talk of snot and all that shouting.
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Pat on Jan 13th, 2004, 4:02pm
Fret not Carolyn!!

By the time they had read Rachel’s PM, they found that there was a whole spate of others waiting for them.  Carolyn and KB had PMd at virtually the same time, and it looked like everyone in that drabble had been regurgitated, plus everyone in Primula.  However, Esmeralda quickly told them that although many people had been released, the TEM had informed them that if it happened again, those left would be severely punished.  The group in Rachael’s house looked at each other in consternation.  They had no idea what else to try!
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by PatMac on Jan 13th, 2004, 4:18pm
Oh, Pat.  I'm worried.  I can't remember which thread I was in when it happened.  Am I safe?
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Katarzyna on Jan 13th, 2004, 4:18pm
Arghhh, don't let the TEM be mean to us   :o  :o

*assuming here that i am still stuck somewhere in my drabble*
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Jennie on Jan 13th, 2004, 5:06pm
Pat, I'm sure that you'll find a way to conquer the TEM, I'm just waiting to see how you do it.
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by KB on Jan 13th, 2004, 9:43pm
*hopes it happens very, very soon* :o I hate rollercoasters too!
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Polly1 on Jan 13th, 2004, 10:43pm
Ones that go upside-down are the worst!! I hate even looking at them! :(

*hopes no-one else goes green at thought of rollercoasters, or they could look mighty funny when they are finally rescued!*
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by KB on Jan 13th, 2004, 10:52pm
*lol* Maybe that's what caused the TEM to be so bad-tempered.
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Kathy_S on Jan 13th, 2004, 11:04pm
Hopes that Pat can accomplish rescues while minimizing the rollercoaster effects  :-X.
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by KB on Jan 13th, 2004, 11:12pm
*wouldn't like to bet on the fact*
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Vikki on Today at 1:14am
*feeling more than a little sick at all this talk of rollercoasters*
Thank you Pat, and may we have some more soon please?
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by KB on Today at 1:18am
*offers Vikki a bucket*
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Vikki on Today at 2:20am
*accepts bucket, and decides to reserve it for an emergency* ;)
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by KB on Today at 2:35am
*wonders what Vikki used when she got sick just now*
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Vikki on Today at 2:39am
Well, I didn't actually get sick!! I just felt sick!!
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by KB on Today at 2:44am
Well, all right then...
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Vikki on Today at 2:56am
*quickly moves a chair to hide the mess on the carpet*
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by KB on Today at 3:22am
Aha! I thought so! *runs for Matey*
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Rachael on Today at 9:20am
LOL! 8oo

Pat - this is BRILLIANT!!

I forgot to take my laptop home on Friday and was out of the office until today so am very behind and this is a fantastic start!

Very clever - I love it!

So who escaped and who needs rescuing?

Perhaps you could ensure that the various incarnations of Elinor get trapped in there forever?
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Carolyn P on Today at 9:29am

on 01/14/04 at 09:20:08, Rachael wrote:
Perhaps you could ensure that the various incarnations of Elinor get trapped in there forever?


That would be OK for the bad/evil one's, but what about those people who just want a pen name?
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by KB on Today at 10:48am

on 01/14/04 at 09:29:06, Carolyn P wrote:
That would be OK for the bad/evil one's, but what about those people who just want a pen name?


They should have thought of that earlier, shouldn't they?
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Pat on Today at 1:48pm
*wonders why Carolyn is supporting any manifestation of Elinor!!!*
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Carolyn P on Today at 2:00pm
Because one manifestation of her is writing a very good story at the moment.
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Katarzyna on Today at 2:23pm
*wondering whether the next installment will appear before the TEM forces us to write more*


Please Pat...could we have more story??
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Susan on Today at 2:25pm
Pat this is really funny.  Thank you for cheering me up.
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Pat on Today at 2:30pm

on 01/14/04 at 14:00:53, Carolyn P wrote:
Because one manifestation of her is writing a very good story at the moment.

I know - it's brilliant!  And we aren't getting enough of it.  Just wondered if there was an ulterior motive behind that though!  ;)
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Vikki on Today at 2:50pm
*grin*
The same thought had crossed my mind too Pat!
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Pat on Today at 3:13pm
Glad I'm not the only one with a suspicious mind!  ;D
Title: Re: The attack of theTEM
Post by Vikki on Today at 3:23pm
On this site? Of course you aren't!!! ::)


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