The Night of the Nazgul Ring

[giant_among_men]

Miguelito Loveless had spent days studying the Nazgul ring that he had retained after Dumbledore had stolen the One Ring i_am_shiny away from him. Indignation over that incident still burned him, but Loveless was a patient man. He would have his revenge, even if it took weeks, months, or even years. In fact, through his decades' long study of alchemy,

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How Do You Measure the Heart of a Man...or a Car?

[giant_among_men]

Loveless and KITT materialized inside of the new 'garage' laboratory that Loveless had constructed on the grounds of his cliff-side mansion. The interior of the garage could almost have been mistaken for the foyer of a lush, five-star hotel, were it not for the strange assortment of computers, tools, and strange mechanical implements that lined three of the four walls. The fourth wall was bare...except for a large, barred cage that contained the unconscious form of Mr. Artemus Gordon.

Loveless regarded his two unconscious guests with a bemused smile. He would have so much fun with them when they woke up. In the meantime, he instructed Voltaire to ready one of the car lifts for his next experiment. He was going to make a replica of KITT. A duplicate! Only his car would be enhanced with a few extra features that would make it truly unstoppable. He could hardly wait!

Re: How Do You Measure the Heart of a Man...or a Car?

[artemus_gordon]

Artie's head felt as if it had been used for a stampede by a 20 mule team. Pulling an 8 car train. Full of elephants.

As consciousness returned, various parts of his body began to chime in with complaints. The same complaint, really. From toes to hairline he felt as if a lightening bolt had used every nerve in his body as a conductor. He slowly opened his yes, letting them adjust to his surroundings. He was lying flat on his back on the floor, a ceiling of metal bars overhead. Metal bars?

Slowly, painfully, Artie managed to prop himself up on his elbows, giving himself a better angle and view of the room. Or rather, his cage. He was in what appeared to be a free-standing jail cell in the middle of a very large, well appointed laboratory. The collection of tools and apparatus here seemed far more advanced and lavish than that of the smaller lab Artie had infiltrated -- or tried to infiltrate. This was probably Loveless' primary working area, designed for large projects as well as small. It even appeared to house one of

Re: How Do You Measure the Heart of a Man...or a Car?

[giant_among_men]

Ah, Mr. Gordon!

*Loveless strolled over and stopped on the other side of the cage bars, just out of reach. He crossed his arms, raised his head up to a haughty angle, and regarded Gordon with open amusement.*

I hope you slept well! I trust your accommodations are to your liking?

Re: How Do You Measure the Heart of a Man...or a Car?

[artemus_gordon]

*is not in the least bit surprised to see Loveless gloating in on him, the familiar routine complete*

Oh, they're fine. Just fine. Very homey. Nice of you to think of me. Of course, I can't say I'm thrilled with the jewelry. *shakes a leg, rattling the chain* Not quite me.

*as he talks, looks closely at Loveless, and notices a flash of light on his finger*

Speaking of jewelry, that's a nice toy ring you've got there. Get it as a prize out of a popcorn bag did you?

Re: How Do You Measure the Heart of a Man...or a Car?

[giant_among_men]

*laughs* I see that your recent electrifying experience has not affected your sense of humor at all, Mr. Gordon. That's good, that's very good!

*hold out his ring to show it off* It is lovely, isn't it? I think it suits me very well. *laughs*

As for your "jewelry," I shall have to see if Voltaire can find you something more comfortable to slip into...after we have completed our experiment with KITT of course. Once I am done with the car, I have great plans for you, Mr. Gordon. Great plans!

Re: How Do You Measure the Heart of a Man...or a Car?

[artemus_gordon]

Oh yes, it suits you. If you're into knock-off jewelry. A bit tawdry, isn't it?

And please, don't go out of your way on account of little ole me! I'm perfectly comfortable right where I am. You go run along and play with your drum-KITT or makeup-KITT or whatever little KITT it is you're talking about. Don't mind me.

Re: How Do You Measure the Heart of a Man...or a Car?

[giant_among_men]

*Loveless just laughs and looks at Gordon with something akin to affection.* Ah, Mr. Gordon! You are trying to make me angry, aren't you? It won't work. You can't bait me! In fact, you can't do anything to me at all!

*shows Gordon his ring* Do you have any idea what this is? It's not just a ring, Mr. Gordon. It is a magical implement -- an extremely powerful magical implement. It amplifies my will. I have merely to think of something and it becomes reality!

*glares suddenly* For example, suppose the chain that binds you to the wall were suddenly to become a king cobra!

*The chain transforms itself into a 20 foot long cobra that rears itself up and flares its hood. As it strikes at Gordon, it transforms itself back into a chain.*

You see, Mr. Gordon? I can control reality itself! With this ring, I can control the entire world!

Once I am finished making myself a replica of that automobile there, I intend to use this ring on you, Mr. Gordon. You have been a thorn in my side long enough. Your meddling has ruined all of my plans in

Re: How Do You Measure the Heart of a Man...or a Car?

[artemus_gordon]

*In spite of himself, Artie jumps back at the illusion of the chain becoming a striking snake then a chain yet again. He listens to Loveless' ranting, all the while trying to get a better look at the ring he claims is responsible. If this is one of the rings he's heard about, then they're far more dangerous than he'd first been led to believe. They were more than a risk to the National Security; they could indeed jeopardize the entire world.

He had to find a way out, and soon. He had to stop Loveless and anyone else who might possess such a ring for evil.*

Oh come now. Really, Doctor. A parlor trick and cheap illusion is hardly anything to brag about. The entire world? Controlled by a piece of junk jewelery you found in a popcorn bag? *tsk*tsk*

*Artie shakes his head sadly, as if concerned for the Doctor sanity, but shows absolutely no other interest in the ring or Loveless' plans.

Right. Well. You just go right on ahead with whatever fantasy it is you're playing at now. I'll just catch myself a nap . . .

Artie

Re: How Do You Measure the Heart of a Man...or a Car?

[giant_among_men]

*Frowns* It's not a cheap ring! It is a ring of power!

*Loveless waits for Gordon to say something. He grows visibly annoyed at the fact that Gordon is ignoring him.*

Aren't you the least bit interested in my ring, Mr. Gordon?

*indignant* Mr. Gordon, I am speaking to you! It is only polite for you to look at me!

*beings to fume as Gordon continues to ignore him* Did you think that cobra was an illusion, Mr. Gordon? I assure you it was not!

*Loveless uses to ring to levitate Gordon off of the ground. He turns Gordon around so that the agent has to look at him.* There! Now do you believe me? With this ring, I can do anything, Mr. Gordon! That cobra was real, and now so is that very hungry Nile crocodile that is snapping at your heels! Is the crocodile an illusion? Should I let you down now Mr. Gordon? Hmm?

Re: How Do You Measure the Heart of a Man...or a Car?

[artemus_gordon]

*Even Artie has to admit that it's hard to ignore -- or feign ignoring -- his being bodily lifted off the floor with no visible means of doing so. No wires or gas or air pressure. Nothing to explain it, or the sudden appearance of the very toothy reptile beneath him. Artie was immediately reminded of Colonel Noel Voltrain, an expert at mental legerdemain and a man who could travel at will through the fourth dimension. Was this the power the ring had given Loveless?

Alright! Alright. *pulls foot up as the crocodile snaps at his chainless ankle* I'll admit it's a bit more impressive than I first thought. It is not an illusion. Now, erm . . . waves at his unwanted cell mate If you wouldn't mind?? You've made your point.

Re: How Do You Measure the Heart of a Man...or a Car?

[giant_among_men]

*Loveless claps his hands and the crocodile vanishes back to Egypt.* That's better.

*He regards Gordon with a very cold smile on his face. He is still indignant that Gordon isn't showing the proper respect for him or his new ring.* Perhaps I should leave you dangling up there, Mr. Gordon, until you've learned better manners. Fortunately for you, I must get on with my work. I'll return to you later.

Re: How Do You Measure the Heart of a Man...or a Car?

[artemus_gordon]

Artie offered no reply, not willing to bait Loveless any further. Not just yet.

As the Doctor turned his back and moved toward the black horseless carriage, Artie's body began to slowly sink back to the floor, as if Loveless' attention was too intently focused elsewhere. Now that was interesting. Very interesting.

Nevertheless, this ring Loveless possessed was far more dangerous than anyone could have guessed. There wasn't anything Artie could do about it locked and chained. Time to start working on an escape!