Malkav

[quote name='8bit'][FONT=Tahoma][COLOR=#696969]Are cigarettes allowed to be smoked anywhere on the ship? Because my character is Dutch (he's actually based on my Opa, same name and everything, who I never got the chance to meet) and I'd like him to be able to-- actually I'll leave that as a surprise. My question stands, though. [/COLOR][/FONT][/quote] Well, you can't smoke in a spaceship because any unmanaged flame will cause an explosion due to life support pumping oxygen. Its why they don't smoke on the shuttles and space stations today. Of course that*presents another problem*as*far*as gunfire and such goes. Any explosion will be HUGE no matter*how small*of a spark ignites it. So how about it James? Freakin lasers? .wysiwyg { background-attachment: scroll; background-repeat: repeat; background-position: 0% 0%; background-color: #ededed; background-image: none; color: #000000; font-family: Verdana; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal } p { margin: 0px; }

I enjoyed working with everyone. Thanks and I hope to work with members of the cast again on other projects.

[FONT=Palatino Linotype][COLOR=#000000]this takes place after the events of the almagest legacy and is only loosely in the same universe. Its alot I want to do that wouldn't fit in the same continuity.[/COLOR][/FONT][COLOR=#000080][FONT=Palatino Linotype] [center]  [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/jackavatar.jpg[/IMG][IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v103/myndara/femalescout.jpg[/IMG][/FONT][/COLOR][IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v103/myndara/Pepper_Romance_by_Artgerm.jpg[/IMG][IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v103/myndara/malescout.jpg[/IMG][IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v103/myndara/cielmer.jpg[/IMG][COLOR=#000080][/COLOR][/center][COLOR=#000080][FONT=Palatino Linotype] Jack looked sternly through the observation deck’s thick forward facing glass as the Albatross navigated the dangerous peaks and slopes of Orwells. Ahead of him the mountains seemed to only grow closer and closer to the ship as they pushed forward. In the skies above and around him thick gray clouds hung ominously, all trying their best to make this trip as perilous as possible. Jack trusted in his crew’s judgment and his pilot, Rohan Reid. Rohan was a young man who reminded Jack much of himself in his youth, and his skills as a pilot had the potential to surpass Jack’s one day. Having enough of watching the endless chain of mountains, Jack descended from the deck into the cockpit. Inside, dutifully guiding the ship through the pass was Rohan and Kil’ani. Rohan guided the ship with a steady hand while Kil’ani told him a steady chain of coordinates and degrees. He dared not speak to them, fearing that throwing off their concentration would lead to the crew’s untimely death. Jack nodded in approval, even though he knew the two of them couldn’t see him and descended from the cockpit. As he turned from the latter to check on the rest of his crew, he was greeted by Audrey, whose eyes, one brown and the other more of a milky blue variety, looked at him surprised. It’d been a while since they were alone together. [B]“Hello Audrey.”[/B] He said in a whisper, trying not to disturb his pilot and navigator.[B] “What are you doing?”[/B] [B]“I was checking on the cockpit. It’s half past the hour.”[/B] She replied. Jack checked his watch and saw she was right. [B]“I’ve checked, the two of them are fine, you needn’t worry.”[/B] [B]“Hmph.”[/B] Audrey replied, and turned to walk off. [B]“Audrey wait…”[/B] Jack said, grabbing her arm with his metallic hand. He saw her shiver from the feeling of cold steel on her flesh. She stopped and folder her arms refusing to look at him. Jack looked around to make sure no one else saw them. He then wrapped his arms around her and held tightly. She didn’t move, only leaning back slightly coming to a rest on his chest. Jack towered over her, being well over six feet tall to her five and a half or so. [B]“Audrey,”[/B] he began, [B]“I’m-”[/B] Before he could finish the intercom began blasting with Kil’ani’s heavily accented voice. [B]“CAPTAIN DEACON, SIR WE HAVE A SITUATION!”[/B] He suddenly felt the ship jerk to a halt and jerk Audrey away from him as well. Seeing this as her moment of escape, she immediately took of down the corridor leaving Jack. He cursed to himself before turning back toward the cockpit. Audrey, I’m sorry… They didn’t have to explain to him why they’d called him. A quick glance at the windshield told him enough. It was starting to snow, and hard. Jack cursed again before raising Kil’ani up and taking his place in the navigator’s seat. [B]“Report.”[/B] [B]“Its bad,”[/B] spoke Rohan,[B] “If it continues to pick up we won’t see anything. I suggest we ground and start again after the storm’s over.”[/B] [B]“We can’t ground,”[/B] Jack corrected,[B] “There isn’t a piece of flat land anywhere in these mountains.”[/B] [B] “We could anchor. I’m sure if we aim our anchors for the mountains around us, we could remain suspended while the storm passes through.”[/B] [B]“That presents two more problems, Mr. Reid. For one we don’t have enough anchors to keep us level, and also the storm will jerk the ship around so much that one or more anchors are bound to break off.”[/B] [B]“So what exactly do you plan to do?”[/B] asked Rohan sarcastically. [B]“What else? We brave it.”[/B] Kil’ani, who had stayed out of the talk until now spoke up, [B]“But captain. We won’t be able to see more than five feet in front of us.”[/B] [B]“Yeah,”[/B] piped Rohan, [B]“I can’t fly that well!”[/B] [B]“Well fortunate for us we have a better pilot onboard. Go tell the others to buckle down. I’d rather not use that annoying intercom.”[/B] Rohan, looking rather insulted, nodded and ran toward the ladder. Jack hopped into the pilot seat and Kil’ani slinked into the navigator’s seat beside him. The snow began picking up and the ship started to shake under the force of the wind. Kil’ani, nervous, began watching the outside to help Jack correctly navigate through the pass. The sound of the storm grew as loud as that of the ship’s engines, still Jack held his course. As he steadied the ship, Jack’s confidence began to grow and he increased the speed. The hum once again rose over the sound of the storm and Kil’ani, stuttering, continued to spout out coordinates. Suddenly, Jack’s eye noticed something in the distance. He wasn’t quite sure because of the snow, but there was a figure standing on a peak. He blinked and looked once again, and the figure was gone. Then, without warning the ship jerked violently. Jack’s body jarred and before he could get his head back together he heard a voice over the intercom. It was Guinness’. [B]“Jack! One of our engines just ripped off! What in shit bloody hell kind of flying are you doing out there?!”[/B] Jack cursed slightly as he began pulling levers and pulleys to divert power to the opposite engine. He didn’t want to open the crew up to the speculation of sabotage. Without warning, the storm cleared and he found himself staring at a large crevice sitting in the middle of a valley. It was his destination, the Orwellian Trench. [B]“Prepare for a belly landing!”[/B] Jack yelled through the intercom, Kil’ani braced herself into the navigator’s seat and Jack held steady to the joystick in an attempt to keep it steady. The ship hit the ground hard, sliding on the slippery permafrost of the valley. The Albatross was not built for this kind of landing, and Jack could feel as the bottom of the ship ripped apart under him. He jerked it sharp to the left, causing the ship to hydroplane and begin spinning. Just ahead, Jack knew the ship was headed toward the trench, and then suddenly, he couldn’t feel the bottom of the ship anymore. They were falling into the trench itself…[/FONT][/COLOR].wysiwyg { background-attachment: scroll; background-repeat: repeat; background-position: 0% 0%; background-color: #ededed; background-image: none; color: #000000; font-family: Verdana; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal } p { margin: 0px; }.wysiwyg { background-attachment: scroll; background-repeat: repeat; background-position: 0% 0%; background-color: #ededed; background-image: none; color: #000000; font-family: Verdana; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal } p { margin: 0px; }

[FONT=Palatino Linotype][COLOR=#000080]Caverntown, Aleyska Archipelago Old Joe wasn’t used to getting visitors this time of the year. When they did come, they always came in groups, whole parties of people to keep him busy all day every day. He built his life around it. In the summer, he collected his money, and in the winter he spent it. This far up north, no one was dumb enough to come in the winter and see the Orwells, the beautiful mountain range just 100 or so miles from Caverntown. So it surprised Joe to see an airship on the horizon. It touched ground right outside of his shop, a beautiful corvette that showed signs of the aristocracy. Joe checked his calendar to make sure it was winter before setting his eyes back on the ship. To his surprise two people were walking towards him, both wearing parkas. From the looks of it they were a man and woman, Joe squinted slightly to see them, as the snow outside did all it could to blur his vision. He hopped up to man the front desk as the two walked in the door. They both looked around, surveying their surroundings. Their gazes then met each other and they pulled off their hoods and masks. The man had short spiky hair and a goatee, whereas the woman was a brunette and had two different colored eyes one of which had three metallic spots above her eyebrow. [B]“How can I help you folks?”[/B] asked Joe, the two of them turned to him. [B]“We need some information.”[/B] said the man, speaking bluntly. [B]“I was wondering what you could tell us about the Orwellian trench.”[/B] The old man gave a loud and very audible sigh. He should have known… *** [/COLOR][/FONT][center][IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/jackavatar.jpg[/IMG][/center][FONT=Palatino Linotype][COLOR=#000080] The crew of the Albatross listened intently as their captain, Jack Deacon, briefed them on their next mission. They were about to embark on a journey that only fools and madmen dared to attempt. The mission: go deep into the Orwells, a mountain range that surrounded the New Globe’s pole, and from there brave the depths of the Orwellian Trench. The trench was a deep glacial valley in which stood an ice megalith. Locals insist that the megalith holds the secrets of an ancient people, and their absurdly rich civilization. [center][IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v103/myndara/SFren.jpg[/IMG][IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v103/myndara/SFklein.jpg[/IMG][IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v103/myndara/cielmer.jpg[/IMG] [/center] Patrick Knights, William Buckley, and Marcus Guinness watched on as he spoke to them. Each had their parkas on and sipped coffee. It was damned cold in this far up north, and none of them really wanted to be here. They were the ship’s engineering crew, handling all repairs, although Deacon usually did everything himself. They doubled as the crew’s muscle, assisting Deacon on his frequent raids whenever they were cash strapped. Hopefully after this mission the raids would be less frequent. [center][IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v103/myndara/femalescout.jpg[/IMG][IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v103/myndara/SFannie.jpg[/IMG] [/center] Sitting near the stooges were Kil’ani and Annie Reeve. Kil’ani was the ship’s navigator, and a very good one at that. It was no secret among the crew that she harbored feelings for Deacon. It was also no secret that as a result, she and Audrey Bertrand didn’t get along too well. Annie was a mixed bag. On one hand she was the ship’s demolitions expert, on the other one she was simply everything else she was needed to be. She was a more than valuable asset to the crew. [center][IMG]http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v103/myndara/?action=view¤t=Pepper_Romance_by_Artgerm.jpg[/IMG][/center][/COLOR][/FONT][center][IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v103/myndara/Pepper_Romance_by_Artgerm.jpg[/IMG][/center][FONT=Palatino Linotype][COLOR=#000080] Lastly, standing always to the left of Jack, was Audrey Bertrand. Although she hadn’t known him as long as some of the crew, she was loyal and many would take her orders before that of their maverick captain. Audrey was the crew’s first mate and a dynamite lady at that. It’s also known among the crew that Audrey had a relationship with Jack, though she stayed professional throughout and rarely has it ever been raised that favoritism was showed toward her. [B]“Well gents, and ladies,”[/B] spoke Jack in his usual laid back tone, [B]“any objections to facing death itself?” [/B] There was silence amongst the crew. [B]“Well then, let us be on our way!”[/B][/COLOR][/FONT].wysiwyg { background-attachment: scroll; background-repeat: repeat; background-position: 0% 0%; background-color: #ededed; background-image: none; color: #000000; font-family: Verdana; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal } p { margin: 0px; }.wysiwyg { background-attachment: scroll; background-repeat: repeat; background-position: 0% 0%; background-color: #ededed; background-image: none; color: #000000; font-family: Verdana; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal } p { margin: 0px; }.wysiwyg { background-attachment: scroll; background-repeat: repeat; background-position: 0% 0%; background-color: #ededed; background-image: none; color: #000000; font-family: Verdana; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal } p { margin: 0px; }.wysiwyg { background-attachment: scroll; background-repeat: repeat; background-position: 0% 0%; background-color: #ededed; background-image: none; color: #000000; font-family: Verdana; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal } p { margin: 0px; }.wysiwyg { background-attachment: scroll; background-repeat: repeat; background-position: 0% 0%; background-color: #ededed; background-image: none; color: #000000; font-family: Verdana; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal } p { margin: 0px; }.wysiwyg { background-attachment: scroll; background-repeat: repeat; background-position: 0% 0%; background-color: #ededed; background-image: none; color: #000000; font-family: Verdana; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal } p { margin: 0px; }.wysiwyg { background-attachment: scroll; background-repeat: repeat; background-position: 0% 0%; background-color: #ededed; background-image: none; color: #000000; font-family: Verdana; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal } p { margin: 0px; }.wysiwyg { background-attachment: scroll; background-repeat: repeat; background-position: 0% 0%; background-color: #ededed; background-image: none; color: #000000; font-family: Verdana; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal } p { margin: 0px; }.wysiwyg { background-attachment: scroll; background-repeat: repeat; background-position: 0% 0%; background-color: #ededed; background-image: none; color: #000000; font-family: Verdana; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal } p { margin: 0px; }.wysiwyg { background-attachment: scroll; background-repeat: repeat; background-position: 0% 0%; background-color: #ededed; background-image: none; color: #000000; font-family: Verdana; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal } p { margin: 0px; }

[quote name='Aaryanna'][FONT=Book Antiqua][COLOR=#006400]Huh? I was going on the information in the example sign up, the one about Samantha A Wells who literally outranks the Chief of security on the Von Braun. So I figured something with that kind of authority was more than just some simple organization. Also, my character is still a teenager, so I figured that there is some sort of training academy much like there is for other organizations. It could even be one huge academy and she's simply specializing in preparing to gain entry into NARSIA instead of other areas of government or military. *shrug* Your character is one who's an adult and has spent decades serving in something that is probably very similar so you'd probably just get a quick course instead of needing full training like some wide eyed kid who knows nothing. [I]Now[/I] he tells me.[/COLOR][/FONT][/quote] I was using your post as an example rather than trying to single you out. I was trying to point out that I wanted more information. I'm really sorry if I sounded like I was singling you out. .wysiwyg { background-attachment: scroll; background-repeat: repeat; background-position: 0% 0%; background-color: #ededed; background-image: none; color: #000000; font-family: Verdana; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal } p { margin: 0px; }

Ok, this is going to sound kind of nitpicky but can we have a better explanation of the organization NARSIA? After reading Aaryanna's post and seeing how her character wanted to go to the NARSIA academy, I couldn't help but wonder exactly what kind of Agency it was. I thought it was modelled after the CIA, NSA, and Secret Service, i.e there isn't really an academy. Also seeing as it has a Director rather than a CEO, I also assumed that it was part of the government. The only reason I brought it up is once again Aaryanna mentioned an academy and in my post my character just took a job there. Sorry again if this is nitpicking. Changed my character portrait to something a little more detailed. .wysiwyg { background-attachment: scroll; background-repeat: repeat; background-position: 0% 0%; background-color: #ededed; background-image: none; color: #000000; font-family: Verdana; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal } p { margin: 0px; }

[B]Passenger/Crew Member Name:[/B] Maj. Christina Sijan (retired) [B]Age:[/B] 42 [B]Identification: [/B][IMG]http://www.otakuboards.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=26578&d=1210541936[/IMG][IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v103/myndara/dollface2.jpg[/IMG] [B]Occupation & Background:[/B] Chief of Securities Christie is the Chief of Securities and member of NARSIA working directly under Samantha Wells. She is well acquainted with Patricia Wells and many other high ranking officials in the Defense and Intelligence communities. Considered a maverick by many of her peers, it is rumored that her recent appointment on the Von Braun was a way of getting her off the planet and put somewhere where she can do the least amount of harm. A retired NAR Air Force CRO (Combat Rescue Officer), Christie's discharge, though honorable, was somewhat of a scandal within her squadron as it was discovered over the years that she had been keeping lovers. Due to the sensitive nature of her work, and a long lasting (if not unnecessary) military policy, Christie accepted the discharge and moved on to work at NARSIA. Her keen eye and superb attention to detail has given way to her meteoric rise through the ranks of NARSIA and she views her appointment on the Von Braun as a chance to relax and finally enjoy her retirement. All this despite the rumors surrrounding her assignment..wysiwyg { background-attachment: scroll; background-repeat: repeat; background-position: 0% 0%; background-color: #ededed; background-image: none; color: #000000; font-family: Verdana; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal } p { margin: 0px; }.wysiwyg { background-attachment: scroll; background-repeat: repeat; background-position: 0% 0%; background-color: #ededed; background-image: none; color: #000000; font-family: Verdana; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal } p { margin: 0px; }.wysiwyg { background-attachment: scroll; background-repeat: repeat; background-position: 0% 0%; background-color: #ededed; background-image: none; color: #000000; font-family: Verdana; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal } p { margin: 0px; }.wysiwyg { background-attachment: scroll; background-repeat: repeat; background-position: 0% 0%; background-color: #ededed; background-image: none; color: #000000; font-family: Verdana; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal } p { margin: 0px; }.wysiwyg { background-attachment: scroll; background-repeat: repeat; background-position: 0% 0%; background-color: #ededed; background-image: none; color: #000000; font-family: Verdana; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal } p { margin: 0px; }.wysiwyg { background-attachment: scroll; background-repeat: repeat; background-position: 0% 0%; background-color: #ededed; background-image: none; color: #000000; font-family: Verdana; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal } p { margin: 0px; }.wysiwyg { background-attachment: scroll; background-repeat: repeat; background-position: 0% 0%; background-color: #ededed; background-image: none; color: #000000; font-family: Verdana; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal } p { margin: 0px; }.wysiwyg { background-attachment: scroll; background-repeat: repeat; background-position: 0% 0%; background-color: #ededed; background-image: none; color: #000000; font-family: Verdana; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal } p { margin: 0px; }.wysiwyg { background-attachment: scroll; background-repeat: repeat; background-position: 0% 0%; background-color: #ededed; background-image: none; color: #000000; font-family: Verdana; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal } p { margin: 0px; }.wysiwyg { background-attachment: scroll; background-repeat: repeat; background-position: 0% 0%; background-color: #ededed; background-image: none; color: #000000; font-family: Verdana; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal } p { margin: 0px; }.wysiwyg { background-attachment: scroll; background-repeat: repeat; background-position: 0% 0%; background-color: #ededed; background-image: none; color: #000000; font-family: Verdana; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal } p { margin: 0px; }.wysiwyg { background-attachment: scroll; background-repeat: repeat; background-position: 0% 0%; background-color: #ededed; background-image: none; color: #000000; font-family: Verdana; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal } p { margin: 0px; }.wysiwyg { background-attachment: scroll; background-repeat: repeat; background-position: 0% 0%; background-color: #ededed; background-image: none; color: #000000; font-family: Verdana; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal } p { margin: 0px; }.wysiwyg { background-attachment: scroll; background-repeat: repeat; background-position: 0% 0%; background-color: #ededed; background-image: none; color: #000000; font-family: Verdana; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal } p { margin: 0px; }

[center][FONT=Palatino Linotype][COLOR=Navy][IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/jackavatar.jpg[/IMG][IMG]http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/8797/audreyavatarxe5.jpg[/IMG] [/COLOR][/FONT][/center] [FONT=Palatino Linotype][COLOR=Navy]He worked in solitude, etching out in pencil his vision. Every curve that he traced, he felt it, measured it, approximated, working unwaivered toward perfection. In his mind, the new ship was already complete. The engines were already already humming, the console was already lit, and Jack's mind was squarely on his next raid. He could even smell it. The engine chamber smelled of oil and blood, the finish in the cockpit smelled like polish, he was home again. These were the thoughts that fermented his mind as he brought the ship to life with ever stroke of lead. The desk lamp he worked under scorched his brow, making him every so often wipe the sweat from his forehead. It only became dirtier though, as his hands were filthy from the heavy lead art pens he used for his drawings. Some would consider him lucky. Meredyne had left him a very beautiful and capable ship, her own personal corvette which sadly she wouldn't be needing anymore. Avante Garde in its build yet so conventional in its design. Of course that presented a unique problem. How could he make the ship his? Even though it was her last onofficial gift to him, he couldn't bring himself to fly it. He couldn't see it as anything more than some else's craft, they're baby, not his. Given the paint and canvas, it was his job to make a masterpiece. Quickly he balled up his work and started once again from scratch. Hardly anyone in the crew had spoken to him all morning. Kil'ani only occasionally appeared to give him food, always humming a strange song as she served him. She was a good kid, albeit a tad too easily impressed. Morphia showed up once that morning as well. She didn't expect to find Jack and his crew there in the hangars. She was there to take a tour of her new company, surveying it and getting a feel for her new offices. She walked over to her working brother and kissed him on the cheek. Jack rested his new hand upon hers. He didn't feel her, but he knew this would comfort her and help her through this uncertain time. The days were new for everyone it would seem... Noon came and Audrey sat with the rest of the crew away from Jack. While the men talked of conquest and adventure, Audrey sat with Kil'ani, talking to the young girl and keeping her company. She couldn't help but give Jack his respect for pulling away a full crew from the Underdogs. Perhaps he'd won over their hearts in his recent showing of heroics. Or maybe he just wooed them over with promises only a pirate could make. Audrey put a hand over her heart, wondering how he wooed her. She had only known him for a day or so, and already, the two of them had experienced what many were lucky enough to never have experienced in their lifetimes. Jack had emerged from his study, holding in his metallic hand a large stack of papers and on his face hairs in desperate need of being shaven. He shoved the stack into Audrey's arms and looked her squarely in the eye. [B]"Fix them, and then fix her." [/B]Jack turned and left, with Kil'ani hopping up to leave with him and beg him to pay attention to her. The poor girl had fallen heads over heels for him. Audrey knew that may mean trouble later on.Audrey could only assume he spoke of the ship. So for the next hour or so she combed through his drawings, handing off the ones she felt ready to be implemented to the different crew members. Each one was scanned through with an engineer's precision, her one taking in everything. Though she wasn't an engineer by any means, Jack had detailed each drawing so thoroughly it was hard not to catch a mistake or inconsistency. He really took alot of pride in his work, Audrey noticed. She stole a glance at he and Kil'ani, who were engaged in small talk. Kil'ani curled her hair in her finger like a school girl as she spoke with Jack, the poor star struck girl. Audrey knew well she'd have to keep an eye on that girl lest she wanted to become a knotch on the belt of the famous Jack Deacon. Audrey chuckled at the idea. [I]The famous Jack Deacon[/I]... Work on the ship began moving soon enough. Jack oversaw all from his study located on a platform near the ship, all while Audrey gave orders specific to his layouts. Using a clipboard to document changes and having Audrey quickly implement them, by the afternoon, most of the aesthetic changes were done. The ship began to take on a more curvacious design, and the propellors were all dismantled. Propellors were going to be rendered obsolete within the next ten years with Jack creative backing Morphia's position over Artemis Air Transports. He could see it now, the 3rd generation of airships would be ushered in with his foresight. Of course, all credit would go to his younger sister Morphia, but he wouldn't have it any other way.[/COLOR][/FONT] [FONT=Palatino Linotype][COLOR=Navy]A rapping came at his door. Jack cringed slightly as he didn't want to entertain Kil'ani, instead he continued drawing and annotating. The rapping came again, this time more distinct. Realizing that she wouldn't go away, Jack decided to get it over with. [B]"Come in."[/B] he said in a grudging voice.[/COLOR][/FONT] [FONT=Palatino Linotype][COLOR=Navy]The door cracked slightly and in walked Audrey, who closed the door gently behind her. Jack, who was overly-relieved by her arrival immediately sat up from his desk. In her arms were drawings in need of correction. She sat them on his desk and looked at him. He was filthy. His elbows, forearms, hands and face were darkened with a shiny tint, from the lead. Seeing a towel near the overseer window, Audrey immediately wet it in a small bowl nearby and wrung it out. She walked up to Jack, who at this point still said nothing and began wiping the chalk from his forehead.[/COLOR][/FONT] [FONT=Palatino Linotype][COLOR=Navy][B]"They want to negotiate the terms of a cease fire." [/B]Audrey said as she wet the towel once again, [B]"They say you're the last living senior officer in the Underdogs."[/B][/COLOR][/FONT] [FONT=Palatino Linotype][COLOR=Navy][B]"Bloody hell, it hasn't been a full day and they're already fishing for martyrs!"[/B] exclaimed Jack, attempting to move but held still by Audrey.[/COLOR][/FONT] [FONT=Palatino Linotype][COLOR=Navy][B]"It was Agron Deacon who requested you. He... sounded worried."[/B][/COLOR][/FONT] [FONT=Palatino Linotype][COLOR=Navy]Jack closed his eyes for a moment before speaking again. [B]"I will not go," [/B]his voice trembled slightly as he thought of his father, [B]"my place is not within the halls of the crystal palace, nor in the streets and neighborhoods of High Czenoble, its out there, in the sky. As much as I want to see the old man, he'll know I'm alive the next time he speaks to Morphia."[/B][/COLOR][/FONT] [FONT=Palatino Linotype][COLOR=Navy][B]"But Jack, surely you won't just abandon them will you? They're your family."[/B][/COLOR][/FONT] [FONT=Palatino Linotype][COLOR=Navy][B]"And they always will be..." [/B]Jack immediately sat back down at his desk and continued drawing. [B]"Here are the final revisions, you should get to work." [/B]he handed Audrey another role of papers and began drawing once more. [/COLOR][/FONT] [FONT=Palatino Linotype][COLOR=Navy]By late evening, the ship was done. All of Jacks' changes had been implemented and everything looked smooth enough. Audrey approached Jack. [B]"Does it fit your specifications?[/B]" [B]"Yes Audrey, inform the crew that we will set off within the next hour." "So soon? We've only just finished." "True, but we're on borrowed time now. Once we get in the air we'll rest."[/B] Jack said. [B]"One more thing." [/B]said Audrey, pulling Jack to the side away from anyone's perked ears. [B]"The girl's young, Jack." [B][B]"Well, you'll keep her safe. She needs a den mother."[/B][/B][/B][/COLOR][/FONT][COLOR=Navy] [FONT=Palatino Linotype]Jack said with a smile.[/FONT][/COLOR][FONT=Palatino Linotype][COLOR=Navy] Audrey punched him the arm playfully. It was the first time Jack had smiled since that awful scene aboard the Sentinel. The easy smile made everything lose the tension that had built up around the hangar and Audrey couldn't help but smile also. Jack grabbed Audrey, and in full sight of the crew kissed her. Audrey was taken aback from this sudden action. [B]"Jack, I don't think this is the time." [/B]she said, shoving him off of her. As her hands grazed his retreating arms, she noticed the cut off where his new arm began. It was a rickety little thing, attached on the fly so that Jack could be up and ready to go. [B]"I'm sorry, [/B][B]sometimes I surprise myself."[/B] said Jack, still smiling. [B]"You're too bold Mr. Deacon. I don't think you're in any condition to try me right now."[/B] Audrey took Jack's new hand in both of hers and looked it over. [B]"Perhaps you should be more worried about replacing this." [B]"I can't say I have the time. We have so much to do." [/B][/B]he retorted, looking down at the wires and brass that made up his hand. Audrey leaned in close, looking him in the eye. [B]"Make the time."[/B] with that she stepped back and walked toward the ship. Jack held his arm up to examine it. He didn't want to admit it, but he agreed with Audrey. A change needed to be made. [B]"Where to, Jack?" [/B]asked Audrey who now occupied the navigator seat. The pilot slot was occupied by a separate crew member. Jack had his very own captain's chair now. [B]"I heard there's an ice megalith deep inside the northern continent near the poles. No one who has dared enter it has come back alive. An ancient chimaera, said to have been created in the shadow of a once great civilization, is known to reside there. Any objections?"[/B] No one said a word. Jack looked around, taking in everyone in his crew's faces. [B]"Good. Miss Bertrand, set a course for the northern continent." [/B]The ship's engines hummed on as Audrey punched in the coordinates. [B]"Albatross."[/B] Jack muttered under his breath. The crew looked at him, all wondering what he said. [B]"Her name will be Albatross."[/B] After a collective [B]"Aye, Sir."[/B] the ship sailed off, with the wind at its back, into the sky. [/COLOR][/FONT]

Alright, so I'm going to go ahead and post my final post with Jack, but its a few things I want to get out of the way. For starters, since Cyriel just refuses to do this, we're going to assume that Morphia inherited Artemis Air Transports. Meredyne died without any children and if you read Morphia's profile in the sign up and follow the RPG, she would be the logical choice. And I'm going to post it later tonight to give James a chance to post his. I don't want to step on any toes and am willing to make some changes based on what he puts down. I only want him to know they're going to be in the AAT hangars for my post.

Has anyone read [B]The Culture[/B] series by Iain Banks? That just may be my summer reading list right there.

Ok, just finished [B]Starship Troopers[/B] and [B]World War Z[/B]. Both great reads now I need to make a summer list. Any suggestions for a sci-fi/fantasy fan? I was thinking of reading Frank Herbert's [B]Dune[/B] as I've never read a space opera before.

So I just read the Dossier and I was thinking a holodeck, where people can like go skiing, or sky diving or something. Just a fun thought.

Can it be a casino resort rather than just a hotel? I just think it would add more flexibility to the setting. Just a thought.

To also add, to the arm twisting. Please tell the story from Dawlish's perspective, I know I made him come off as cruel. I originally wanted him to just keep the beam on Jack as a precaution, and the shot to be an accident caused by Meredyne's sudden actions. Lol, I know that Meredyne's death was somewhat forced, but I needed that to further my own plans with Jack's ending. Besides, no one really used her outside of me and Shy. She was becoming a loose wheel considering Jack's new found companionship with Audrey, who IMHO is just better suited for Jack. Audrey also completes this circle with Jack and Vincent. Jack has relations with Vincent's ex wife, destroys the Vigilant and indirectly helps save Vincent's life, is present during the death of the man who ordered Vincent's execution (I think Rosier was involved, I have to look back), and is now lolligagging around with the last friend Vincent had before he died. All this and the two barely know each other. Sorry for ranting, but I had to expell some excitement, I hated writing that post, lol.

[center][IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/jackavatar.jpg[/IMG][IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/harrison-chronicle.jpg[/IMG][IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/dawlish-chronicle.jpg[/IMG][IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/meredyne-avatar.jpg[/IMG][IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/audreyavatarxe5.jpg[/IMG] [/center] [FONT="][FONT=Palatino Linotype][COLOR=DarkSlateBlue] Gears and cranks shifted and clicked in Jack's arm as the battery ram pounded against the door. His crew held precious cargo, and the military was rightly pissed about it. Lighting a cigar, Jack began pacing back and forth in the hangar. He didn't want to be there, and he knew that feeling would only escalate in the moments to come. He walked up to Harrison, and released smoke into his face. Looking rather insulted, Harrison tried to keep a stern look before Jack spoke,[B]"Be glad you're family you little twit."[/B] Harrison remained silent. His eyes couldn't help but fall onto Jack's freshly bandaged leg. He felt somewhat smug. The door boomed open and Jack immediately threw his cigar out. As he turned, he found himself on the wrong end of multiple guns. To his surprise he wasn't dead yet.[B] "Gentlemen,"[/B] he said, a slight smirk on his face,[B] "you know what I'm here for. Hand her over."[/B] From behind the soldiers came Dawlish, Jack recognized him from a week or so ago. His blonde hair looked positively sweated out, as if he'd been stressing. Jack snapped his fingers, calling Harrison and his captor forward.[B] "An exchange?"[/B] Dawlish's eyes narrowed into slits as he saw his brother. Jack noticed the look of hatred in his eyes. As he was about to speak again, from behind Dawlish appeared Meredyne. Jack licked his lips as he saw her, she didn't look as rough as he'd expected, which was a good thing considering he would have done everything in his power to make them pay if they had hurt her.[B] "Let her go. I should not have had to come here." "Jack Deacon you are under arrest for your wreckless acts of terrorism. You will stand trial before a military tribunal and sentenced accordingly. Oh, and I'll make sure to add child abductor to your list of charges." [/B]Dawlish immediately called Meredyne forward, she walked with a silent dignity to stand beside him.[B] "She will be released upon your arrest and all charges against her will be dropped pending your trial." "Son of a bitch."[/B] Jack quiped. Dawlish kept his military bearing throughout. [B]"Is that your answer, Mr. Deacon?"[/B] Dawlish asked. Jack stepped back slightly, feeling slightly defeated. He turned his head to look at Harrison, and then suddenly, pulled the boy in front of him and aimed his arm directly at the back of Harrison's head.[B] "I didn't come here to negotiate the terms of my arrest. I came here to demand Meredyne back. Now I've already fought back the urge to kill this kid, don't make me go back on that decision." "You wouldn't dare..."[/B] Dawlish spat. [B] "You wouldn't want to find out." [/B]There was silence spread throughout the hangar as Jack's words settled in.[B] "I'm a dangerous man, Dawlish. Don't make me prove it to you." [/B]Dawlish's bearing broke to show absolute anger at Jack. Jack held his composure, knowing that it alone would get him through this. Dawlish's hand went up, and suddenly Meredyne was shoved forward. Jack kicked Harrison in the back, sending him forward. It wa an ackward moment as the two came closer to each other. A red mark still sat on Meredyne's face from the day before, and Harrison was still nursing bruises from the pounding Jack had given him earlier. The two of them passed each other, Harrison immediately breaking out into a run and falling in behind his brother. As he did so, he noticed his brother give the slightest of nods and from the corner of his eye he noticed a soldier raising a gun. He was hidden in the cut near a ship, completely invisible to Jack, but Jack was not invisible to him. Harrison, confused, said nothing, scared of the outcome of this situation. Meredyne, who was also tired of being held captive, broke into a run towards Jack, embracing him. She held on tightly, relieved that he had come back for her. She let go of her embrace to take Jack in. He was smiling as usual, a cocky smirk. Looking at his face, she began to notice something strange, it was a small red dot sitting square between his eyes. She didn't have to think twice before she knew what it was. She shoved Jack just as she heard the sound of the blast. Her body went numb and she fell once again into Jack's arms. She felt cold, really cold. Jack laid her down on the ground, her body trembling. It was a shocking moment, one he didn't expect to come. Meredyne looked at him, tears coming from her eyes. [B]"Jack...s-save me."[/B] with that she stopped moving. Soldiers began looking at Dawlish. This was indeed something that had gone horribly wrong. The gears in Jack's arm started shifting again, loading him down with more ammo. Someone was about to pay for this, and right now Jack's eyes were set on Dawlish. Jack lifted his arm, and without thinking began blasting into the crowd of soldiers. Some tried to shoot back, but most ducked for cover, afraid of the hail of bullets coming their way. Jack's crew members began falling one by one. Jack didn't care though, right now he felt like dying. He felt like taking as many of them with him as possible. His chamber emtied, and his arm hollow. Helpless, he fell to his knees ready to see Meredyne and his mother on the other side. Meanwhile, Audrey and a few members of the crew had commandeered a vessel in the Hangar, detaching it just as the firing was over. Quickly she had the crew pilot the ship behind Jack. [B]"Fire!" [/B]she yelled and the ships cannons immediately fired. Dawlish and Harrison had already left, disappearing from the hangar as soon as Harrison was recovered. Jack stood and walked back toward the small ship, he was out of the line of fire. Upon boarding the ship, Jack immediately took the helm and piloted the ship out. Audrey, walked up and put her hand on his shoulder, but he removed it, prefering not to be touched at that moment. He needed some time to clear his head.[/COLOR][/FONT] [/FONT]

So I'm going to be riding a plane soon and want some good novels to read while in-flight. I was thinking Starship Troopers and World War Z as my choices. I'm open to anything, but I prefer science fiction. Any suggestions?

Good looking out Sandy.

I agree with James. An image would really help my posts out. I don't even mind if you lift one from FFXII and the included maps.

Sorry for the crappy post, but the real meat and taters won't come until after Indifference's post.

[center][IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/jackavatar.jpg[/IMG] [/center] [FONT=Palatino Linotype][COLOR=Navy] As the Cygnus soared over the clouds, Jack fell silent. In light of seeing the Sentinel, the airman in him told him that the Cygnus couldn't win. Running his hands over the smooth metal of the captain's chair, he couldn't help but feel an uneasiness. For he knew, as most captains facing unmeasurable odds knew, if he were to have his way, the Cygnus wouldn't survive. His hand grasped at the edges of the seat, and Jack felt everything. He'd designed every minute detail of his ship, right down to the 'fwoosh' sound the doors made as they slid open and closed. His concentration found itself broken as Clarke appeared. [B]"Sir," [/B]he began, adjusting his glasses, [B]"the wings are ready."[/B] Jack nodded and smiled, [B]"Clarke, by now you should be aware that I'm a wanted man by the Underdogs as well."[/B] Clarke nodded. Before Jack could continue, he spoke. [B]"Sir, the crew and I knew full well who it was that took your arm. Perhaps you were lucky enough to receive true freedom fighters under your command, ones who only wanted what was best for the people of Czenovia. We know that's what you wanted."[/B] Jack stood up, staring steadily out of cockpit at the sun and clouds. [B]"Any man who would dare face down king and country for the good of the people I'd be more than happy to serve under. Underdog or not. But I cannot speak for all of the crew."[/B] Jack nodded again. [B]"Thankyou Clarke."[/B] He proceeded to exit the cockpit, Clarke close in tow. Jack's eyes focused forward, determined not to marvel at his creation a moment longer lest he loose his nerve and leave Meredyne in the hands of those dogs who took her. The doors flew open and closed as the two of them walked, Jack's pace steady until they entered the rear hatch, where the crew were. Each of them had on a set of iron wings. The wings, using a jetpack and a thin veil, allowed their users to glide. The crew all looked as if waiting for Jack to say something. Jack, looked at Audrey who sat by a lone set. [B]"Were you saving those for me?" [/B]he asked, walking over to her. [B]"Perhaps." [/B]she said, her accent silky. Jack took the set and put it on his back before facing the crew once more. [B]"This ship won't survive the day, so on my command evacuate and set your sights on the Sentinel. I want everyone fully armed. Decide amongst yourselves who will do the honor of securing another vessel for us to leave on. Don't bother being picky, they're all equally bad." [/B] A collective 'aye sir' rose from the crew. Jack looked over the faces in front of him. All looked scared, even though some hid their fear behind a veil of bravery. Jack closed his eyes and thought for a moment, thinking of the task ahead. The sound of cannonfire could be heard over the engines, and from there he knew that he was close to the Sentinel. A large rumble could be heard shaking the ship. Jack had designed for acoustics also. His ship would reverberate the sounds of the air around him, and right now, he knew they were close to the Sentinel. A ship that massive was indeed a loud one, and a sitting target. Another mechanical sound permeated the room as the gears in Jack's arm began shifting, loading itself. His hand stiffened slightly as the operation took place. The crew watched as a used shell popped from Jack's arm as it cocked itself. Jack balled his fingers into a fist, feeling the motion through the nerve implants in his arm. It was time... Back at the helm, Jack immediately set the Cygnus at a dive, plunging into the clouds below. Sparks of lightning and droplets of rain filled the cockpit window as the it hurtled toward the ground. No sooner than he entered them, the clouds broke, revealing the warzone below. Flack was flying everywhere around them as the ship descended. Dodging both ships and cannonfire, the Cygnus's path was undettered by the forces of war below it. Jack held the ship steady, angled straight at the Sentinel. His mechanical arm rattled violently with the ship as g-forces built up around it and felt terribly as if it were about to shake free of his shoulder. [I]I'm so sorry, [/I]Jack thought, [I]we never had our chance together. [/I] The Cygnus began shaking apart from its own velocity. Jack pulled a lever, releasing the rear hatch. As he did so, he undid his seatbelt and immediately made way toward the back the ship. As he stood, a violent shake took hold of the ship, someone had hit it. Jack chanced one more look out of the cockpit window and realized he was blown off course. Cursing himself, he ran back to the helm and began trying to straighten the bird out. Whatever hit them made the controls damned stiff, but Jack was determined. Dodging more fire, he kept his course, descending still more rapidly toward the Sentinel. His path had become near vertical, and once again he tried to make his way toward the back. It was significantly harder this time, seeing as he was moving up rather than back. For the first time, he cursed the smooth figure of the Cygnus. His journey to the back was an arduous one, but he made it where the rear hatch was open. The crew had already evacuated. Jack, not wasting time, Leapt from the back on the Cygnus. His wings engaging as he took to the air. He turned to watch his ship as it slammed directly into the Sentinel's side, exploding nearly on contact. [I]Farewell, my love...[/I] Jack's crew soared in close, waiting for him to make a move. Jack's hand receded, his arm becoming a gun once more. He immediately leaned toward the Sentinel and led his crew through the trail left by the Cygnus. The crew immediately landed in the smoldering hole, and were met by gunfire. Jack aimed his arm steady and began firing on the soldiers, they went down easily. Wasting no time, the crew dropped their wings and split. Audrey went with a group to the bay while Jack and his group went forward with their assault. They were a small force, but in the narrow corridors of the Sentinel, the military's numbers counted for nothing. The crew moved forward, finding themselves trapped and unable to go forward. Rather than risk the death of his men, Jack gave the order to fall back to the ship bay until he could regroup. after the crash, and the bay was quite a wide area filled withInside the bay, Jack checked the ammo of his arm only to find out he was running low. There was debris left everywhere fighters. There were a few gunboats onboard, one of which his crew was feverishly working to make operational. Jack cursed himself again, this time for not really thinking his plan through. For all he knew, the Cygnus could have hit Meredyne. As he was about to stand up to begin the second wave, he saw something moving from the corner of his eye. Before he could react, he yelped in pain. Looking down he saw the tip of a sword stuck into his leg. He traced it to its hilt and then to the boy holding it...[/COLOR][/FONT]

That was nice, a flailing death.

Me getting killed by the bloody queen...do it.

My post may not go up until good friday. Sorry, but the long weekend is the best time for me, thanks.

Well, although Audrey and Jack's story won't be ending per se I think I'll be wrapping things up the day after the air battle away from the family. Although I'm curious as to find out how everyone's getting out of the tunnels. As I said Jack could be the getaway car, especially if Gadget was just a walking time bomb. I must say, even though this was a great game, it feels somewhat anti-climatic that the "main" character was little more than a suicide bomber. I was looking more towards a genetically engineered Ubermensch created from the Dynast King's sperm in an effort to create an heir more worthy than his other children, who could shoot freakin' lasers. Of course, I thought too far ahead. Anyways its been great RPing with you guys. P.S: I didn't mean any harm by my previous comments, as I'm sure someone could spin it into something otherwise. *Jdfad*,*d.wysiwyg { background-attachment: scroll; background-repeat: repeat; background-position: 0% 0%; background-color: #ededed; background-image: none; color: #000000; font-family: Verdana; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal } p { margin: 0px; }.wysiwyg { background-attachment: scroll; background-repeat: repeat; background-position: 0% 0%; background-color: #ededed; background-image: none; color: #000000; font-family: Verdana; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal } p { margin: 0px; }

Just a reminder that by the time the battle starts, it should be raining. Also, I'm leaving most of the epic stuff to Gavin and who ever else wants to contribute (it'd be fun to see the people running around panicked because airships and shrapnel are raining down on the city, just a thought). I think I'm going to square my focus toward the Sentinel attack because of how detailed me and Indy's posts are gonna have to be to keep it looking good. Jack's not really an underdog anymore so I don't feel I have a personal stake in the outside battle. My only request is please avoid lopsided-ness. Just cause you're a hero doesn't mean you have an easy time. Not saying you do that, Gavin, but I wanted to get that off of my chest.