SunfallE

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]All right, I've sent out people's final objectives for your last post, or two, depending on how you want to do it. ^_~ I'm still working on the sequel so you can expect to see that in the next couple of months. Thanks again everyone, it's been a lot of fun. :catgirl: And for those of you who have expressed interest in the next one... Trust me, it's going to be fun! [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"]Several days had passed since Stevens had met with the others. He had confronted the remaining faction leaders and even with him knowing what was going on they refused to cooperate. Using Celestia and Jason was out of the question for another day or two as a result of her collapse and to make matters worse, in addition to sector nine, those in sectors ten, eleven, seven and eight were closing their borders, threatening action against anyone who entered. Regardless of who they were. It had started yesterday when his attempts to talk to the representatives in sector nine had been met with a demand to put an end to the mental alterations, which he already had, and to free the lesser races since they were not going to allow him or the others to do away with those who had the blood of the lesser races in their families. It didn't seem to matter how much he explained that so long as no one was actively becoming involved with the lesser races he would not hold them accountable. In the end they could not reach an agreement. Stevens was perfectly willing to overlook what had happened with the remaining four factions. According to Crystal it was a very long time ago and that unlike Celestia, it was highly unlikely that it was currently happening. The percentage of genetic differences was too low, it was easily over a thousand years ago. So he saw no point in punishing the current generation for the sins of their ancestors. But he was not going to free the lesser races, he pointed out how such a move economically would not work, how most of the people would not accept it and that measures to provide a better environment as well as other benefits had already been approved. Dakar, James and Zach as well as the High Council members who had already been cleared were adamant. The lesser races would not be freed. Even the Council members who had not been cleared were fine with the solution. Though a few refused to say one way or another. Within twenty four hours sector nine along with the others slammed their borders shut, even the military that was still there was being quiet. Though Stevens had his doubts about their loyalty at this point since all attempts to contact them was met with silence. What bothered him the most was that it put the main sectors right in the middle and sector one, where their main home world was right on the front line as far as sector seven went. Stevens turned from looking out into space in the observation room just off the main bridge. There was an incoming transmission, tagged as high priority. Somehow even as he answered it he knew what it was. "[B]Stevens,[/B]" it was Sandra. "[B]You need to take a look at the major networks, the information about Crystal's findings have literally been posted everywhere.[/B]" With a sigh Stevens turned it on and then went back to Sandra, "[B]I kind of figured they would do that, they just refuse to see how freeing the lesser races would destroy our economy, not to mention [I]they are inferior[/I]. We didn't spend all this time building the Versilan Empire to turn around and hand it over to the slaves.[/B]" "[B]I agree Stevens. And even if we did agree to slowly phase it out, to make them regular citizens, it still couldn't be done immediately. It would take several hundred years to do that. It can't be done so easily, if we were even inclined to do so.[/B]" Sandra sighed a bit herself. "[B]What do you want to do? Reports of people demanding that we either free the slaves or put an end to those in the other sectors who are tainted with the blood of the lesser races are starting to pour in[/B]." Stevens pulled up the information they had gone over as far as preparing for war. "[B]We need to go over our resources again. I was not expecting the other sectors to decide to back the four factions in sector nine. Even though the military presence is not as heavy in those sectors, it is a problem.[/B]" "[B]What about the Resistance? Has Kiva managed to get anything out of Daniel yet?[/B]" "[B]Other than to question Daniel, no interrogation will be done.[/B]" Stevens told her. "[B]What? Why?[/B]" "[B]Commander Crystal recommended against any action being taken due to Celestia's state of mind. And with the prospect of War we can't afford to lose her programming experience, nor Jason's. I don't think we'll have a problem since most of the more advanced and more powerful ships are in the main sectors, but I don't want to overlook anything that could make a difference.[/B]" Stevens glanced at the other report he had started when Sandra contacted him since he had the system flag where the reports for what were coming in. At the moment it looked like the cry to deal with those who had sunk so low as to mingle with the lesser races was mostly centered in sectors one through six and though there was little in the way of reports for sectors twelve, thirteen and fourteen. They were at least still under control. "[B]Well Darren will be pleased to hear that, but if you aren't going to interrogate him then just what do you intend to do?[/B]" "[B]Once Kiva finishes the questioning, even though I expect Daniel to say nothing, I intend on having him moved to the Council Center. He'll be fitted with disruptor restraints and put in quarters that are connected to Celestia and Jason's once I have them moved to a family unit. If anything it will be a good incentive for both Jason and Celestia to continue their work. Once we get the other sectors back under control and this damn mess dealt with we can determine just what to do at that point. I really don't give a damn if he's allowed to live or not and though his information would be useful, having improvements like the transport doors being able to move is more important right now.[/B]" Sandra just shook her head, "[B]I have to admit that I'm surprised at you Stevens. Even if I too trust Crystal's judgment, you're going to have a hard time justifying that to the others.[/B]" "[B]Not when they learn that the program Celestia and Jason, along with the other researcher Matt wrote, actually bypassed the code and the security put in place on the Council Vaults. Before she collapsed they had just finished copying the information from one of them. You know as well as I do Sandra that losing that kind of skill is unacceptable. Hell if I didn't need Kiva to command the [I]Transcendence [/I]I'd have her working on improving military programs since she's quite skilled at hacking. But instead I'm going to need her to take advantage of the [I]Transcendence's[/I] superior capabilities to sneak into different sectors to gather intelligence.[/B]" He hated to admit it, but for now, other than to make sure he could not escape, doing nothing to Daniel was a necessity, and Stevens was never one to overlook something like that. It was how he had gotten to his position of Fleet Admiral for the space forces. He had no problem with making decisions that he did not agree with. "[B]I need to go Sandra, we have a lot to do. I need to talk to Kiva as well as the others, if we're not ready they'll take us by surprise. Stevens out.[/B]" With a sigh Stevens contacted the others, going over all that he had with Sandra as well as his plans for Daniel, then he started to review the reports as well as the military that was still under his control.[I] If we do this right, we can put an end to this nonsense quickly. [/I] He continued making preparations, he would contact Kiva later. Dakar would need time to move Celestia and Jason as well as set things up anyway and he doubted that Kiva was done with the basic questioning anyway. Then he would see how she felt about taking on the task of gathering intelligence when the time was right. He certainly hoped she would. No one was better equipped than she was for the task.[/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]Well actually I'm sure love was involved, but the whole thing initially started off as a deception. And then by the time someone realized it, which by the way, wasn't a lot only a few found out. Anyway, by then the mental alterations were in place so at that point the few who knew what had happened decided to hide it and to carefully start removing any traces of their origins. Though by origins I do mean that at one time they obviously ended up with their status tied to someone who was 100% a member of the lesser races. So now the problem is that some of them like Celestia are mixed. Though on a smaller scale. She's clearly a half breed where the others it's a matter of having some ancestors who were originally from the lesser races, but it's more like a 20% ratio instead of the 50% like it is for Celestia. Still it does put them in a very awkward position, even if the original deception happened well over a thousand years ago. And thanks to the mental alterations, most Versilans really do believe that they are superior so some of them will not accept it. But then that's the whole reasoning behind Civil War. And that brings me to my next post, in spite of being smart enough to use resources like Celestia to further the Empire's goals. Stevens is about to show a little bit of his colder side since he is not in favor of freeing the lesser races at all. He's willing to overlook what has happened with the remaining factions since many of them are innocent, but beyond that he is not going to deal. I'll have that post up either later today or tomorrow so I can finish laying the ground work for war breaking out. Plus I'll send those of you who have further objectives a pm with that information. Though it's not a lot, just a little on how things are going to finally wrap up.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"][B]1.) Long or short[/B] Actually it varies, I go through phases where I like it short and phases where I like it long. I'm currently in a long phase since I've let it grow out, though it's only about four inches past my shoulders so it's not too long. [B]2.) Color[/B] Blonde. Though now that I'm getting older it's literally changing colors on me. I've been getting lots of reddish brown hair mixed in with my normal blonde hair and I think it will be interesting if it all ends up like that since it is rather pretty. [B]3.) Have you dyed it?[/B] Yes, I tend to bleach out in the sun during the summer and I like how it looks. So I've often in the past used something to maintain that summer look. Occasionally I've use something that gave it a bit of the reddish blonde look as well. [B]4.) If you have dyed it, what colors has it been?[/B] Blonde and a type of strawberry blonde. I've never done something totally different than what my hair does on it's own. [B]5.) What length do you prefer on the opposite sex?[/B] Almost shoulder length looks good. Though short is okay too. In the end there's just something appealing with a guy who has hair that's a little on the longer side. ^_^[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"][quote name='Premonition;789109][COLOR="DarkSlateGray"]I think SunfallE's trying to say, "clear your cookies", if I'm not mistaken. [/COLOR][/QUOTE]Actually Prem that's not the same thing, you can clear your cookies and leave your cache alone and vice versa. ^_~ It just depends on what you want to clear out.[quote name='Cat14'']Thank you for your help. I was at a loss there. Next time this happens I'll know what to do also now.[/quote]You're welcome. I tend to make sure to clear everything out about once a week to keep that sort of thing from happening. [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"][quote name='Allamorph'][FONT=Arial]Hey, that's only seven [I]arrested[/I] for fraud. That's not including the times they got away with it.[/FONT][/QUOTE]I have to agree. XP Who knows how many have gotten away with it. lol Anyway... here's a list a friend sent me that's a top ten observations/thoughts for the year 2005. [B]Number 10 [/B]- Life is sexually transmitted. [B]Number 9 [/B]- Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die. [B]Number 8[/B] - Men have two emotions: Hungry and Horny. If you see him without an erection, make him a sandwich. [B]Number 7 [/B]- Give a person a fish and you feed them for a day; teach a person to use the Internet and they won't bother you for weeks. [B]Number 6[/B] - Some people are like a Slinky.....not really good for anything, but you still can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs. [B]Number 5 [/B]- Health nuts are going to feel stupid someday, lying in hospitals dying of nothing. [B]Number 4 [/B]- All of us could take a lesson from the weather. It pays no attention to criticism. [B]Number 3 [/B]- Why does a slight tax increase cost you two hundred dollars and a substantial tax cut saves you thirty cents? [B]Number 2 [/B]- In the 60's, people took acid to make the world weird. Now the world is weird and people take Prozac to make it normal. [B] AND THE NUMBER 1 THOUGHT:[/B] We know exactly where one cow with mad-cow-disease is located among the millions and millions of cows in America but we haven't got a clue as to where thousands of illegal immigrants and terrorists are located. Maybe we should put the Department of Agriculture in charge of immigration.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]Your avatar is uploaded, the problem is most likely your browser. You need to clear out the cache to get it to use the current image instead of the past one. If you have firefox, going to tools and then selecting clear private data will bring up a little menu for clearing your history and such. Once you've done that it should show up. You can also hold down the shift key while pressing reload/refresh to get it to show up as well. For internet explorer you choose tools and then internet options. There should be a choice under the general tab that says browsing history. There will be a button for deleting all that information. Once you've done that the avatar should show up for you.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"][quote name='Shy'][size=1]I was under the impression that we were going to be given 'assignments' for our posts soon, so I was wating for that to post again. Right now we're at an awkward point in the RPG, so it's difficult to move forward without knowing what the plan is. I don't want to step on anyone's toes, really. [strike]I'm working on a post now, though.[/strike] Posted! -Shy[/size][/QUOTE]You're quite correct, some of you are going to be giving tiny assignments that relate to what has required the Argo Navis to drop out of hyperspace and ironically, even though you don't know what it is, your post actually keyed into the mystery behind why we've stopped. Also, part of the problem is one of the players has not been on since the 11th so it's made changing who gets what assignment a necessity since they were going to get one of them. That brings up another question and that is the degree of control, although we do plan on giving out assignments, at the same time we don't want to be too controlling and take away your guys ability to add things into the story. ^_~ So I guess I'm curious to know if all of you want more in the way of plot instructions. Considering what has happened I'm thinking it might have been better to hand out those assignments immediately instead of giving leeway to be creative since based on what you've said it sounds like it was misunderstood. And if that's the case I'll work with BKstyles on fixing that since it's not your guys fault if we weren't clear enough. :catgirl:[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"][quote name='Aaryanna_Mom;788956]Also, as much as I hate to be blunt here, but we have a number of people who have not posted in over three weeks. If they've lost interest, that's understandable, or if school or other commitments interfere that's understandable too. [/QUOTE]Now worries, that is what the underground thread is for after all, to bring up concerns you have about the rpg. ^_~[quote name='Aaryanna_Mom;788956]But what I'm saying is if that really is the case, I would be interested in either controlling two characters like I do in Silver One or simply writing a few out of the rpg altogether so this won't die out. Because I really want to find out why people are disappearing and what we've run into that resulted in the ship stopping. That and I like Science Fiction rpg's the best and there just aren't enough of them it seems.[/QUOTE]Actually I've already been discussing this with BKstyles so no worries, those of you who are interested in continuing will get that opportunity. [QUOTE=Aaryanna_Mom'']Also, no offense people, but nothing in three weeks? That's stretching it in my opinion. Again, sorry for being blunt about it, especially since I am not the creator of this rpg. It's merely my opinion as one of the players.[/quote]Like I said, that's what the underground thread is for. ^_~ Though it does bring up something I was going to address anyway. And that's interest in the rpg. If those of you who have not posted since last month really have lost interest, then that's not going to bother me. After all, I've signed up for something and later realized it wasn't what I wanted to do. So if that's the case or if your work or school is interfering then by all means let us know. Otherwise, to be fair to those players who do wish to continue, as of the first of September, unless I or BKstyles hear otherwise, this rpg will be restructured to either hand over characters to someone else in the rpg or said characters will be written out of the story altogether. I see no reason to halt the rpg when over half of those who signed up are still interested in continuing. It's only fair really. [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]Nope you got it all right. ^_~ Things are only going to go downhill from here and quite literally end as war starts to break out. And since a number of you have expressed interest in a sequel, I've already started working on putting that together. Though it will be a little while since I want to have several plot lines as well as quite a few objectives worked out in advance. Just like I did before this started. But until then we'll get this part of it wrapped up. :catgirl:[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"][quote name='Lethargy;788885][SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkGreen]Tag, you're it.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/QUOTE]Very well then. It's more fun to discuss it when people are polite and don't instantly go off on the tangent of how dare you disagree! ^_~[quote name='Lethargy;788885][SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkGreen]If you note the quote of mine to which you are referring, I took specific care to mention, "[B]and has very minimal negative effects on the body.[/B]" I would [U]never[/U] use a substance if it would cause significant bodily harm to [U]myself[/U], or endanger the lives of [U]others[/U], even if it did have little to no chance for addiction. And believe me, I've done enough research for ten people.[/COLOR'][/SIZE][/quote]Glad to hear because honestly I've had my fair share of friends who can't seem to grasp that concept, that just because the trip is fun, doesn't mean it isn't potentially dangerous. And if it affects their friends their attitude is too bad. So if you've got that mindset, all the better.[QUOTE=Lethargy'][SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkGreen]Thank you for validating my statement. I know you are entitled to your own opinion, but I am also entitled to mine (mine being based on [B]firsthand[/B] knowledge). I have known five different people who have done tussin, both [B]pre-dextromethorphan[/B] use and [B]post-DXM use[/B]. All five of them, before using DXM thought the idea of abusing cough medicine for the purpose of getting high was the most [U]ridiculous[/U] thing they had ever heard. However, once they all finally took it, their views [U]did a complete turnaround[/U]. Even [I]I[/I] thought it was a ludicrous activity before I used it (I used to be [U][B]strongly opposed[/B][/U] to drug use of [I][U]any kind[/U][/I]). Also, [B]SunfallE[/B], I was wondering, [B]do you consume alcohol, caffeine, or use tobacco products?[/B][/COLOR][/SIZE][/QUOTE]Of course and I still think it's lame. Personal opinion really and though I've never used over the counter stuff, or rather I've never used it in a manner to get high, I've been sick enough to be put on a heavy dose of prescription stuff that had me all loopy and such and I loathed it. Over the counter cough syrup doesn't even come close to some of the prescription stuff. So I've no desire to take that further. I hate that disconnected feeling that it gives you. As for what I consume. lol I use alcohol for cooking though I do not drink, why? I lost a brother to a drunk driver and that sort of killed any interest in actually consuming it. That and the damn stuff smells like garbage. It's hard to drink something that makes you gag. I do drink soda and thus get caffeine, but I have allergies to varies pollutants and that includes most tobacco products, second hand smoke clobbers my allergies. So I don't smoke either. [quote name='Lethargy'][SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkGreen]I am fully aware that ingesting large quantities of medicines containing dextromethorphan while on MAOI's is [B]incredibly dangerous[/B], as well as with SSRI's, or any other form of anti-depressant. I know that taking cough syrup with [B]guaifenesin[/B] will make you puke your guts out, and drinking cough syrup with [B]acetaminophen[/B] (paracetamol, better known as [B]Tylenol[/B]) will kill your liver and eventually kill you as well. Any active ingredients other than [B]dextromethorphan HBr[/B] are a big "no-no." Serotonin syndrome is no news to me, and also, you should never use any drug recreationally if you are not in good health (I'm sorry, but if you've got [B]diabetes[/B], you're out of the club -- all the sugars in the inactive ingredients can't be too great for you). I am no ordinary drug user. I am well-informed and well-educated in the realm of medicine. I would never even consider doing a drug without first having done [U]extensive research[/U] on the subject using a wide variety of [U][B]credible[/B][/U] sources (Wikipedia being the [U][B]least credible[/B][/U] of them all).[/COLOR][/SIZE][/QUOTE]That's the thing, most kids don't know that, they see someone talking about how cool it is and go and try it without bothering to do any form of research at all. And what happens? They do land themselves in the hospital. Also, even if you have done research, there's no comparison to someone who truly is educated in the field of medicine, so it is still a risk in the end. Perhaps not as great as one with the more hard substances, but still a risk. Research does not replace an extensive medical education and that too is something people don't think about. Though I'm sure your doctor isn't going to tell you the safest way to get high on otc drugs. lol[quote name='Lethargy'][SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkGreen]Where exactly did I say, "[B]Hey, everyone: let's see who can come up with the wackiest drug concoction![/B]", or that mixing drugs is smart, OR that mixing drugs is amazing? I didn't. As I have already said, mixing drugs is [B]quantitatively[/B] [B]far more unintelligent[/B] than blindly doing individual drugs in the first place.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/QUOTE]Actually you simply described what you did without any waring whatsoever as to the potential dangers. ^_~ I was reminding you that you were on the slant of how amazing they were and yet leaving out the other stuff. [quote name='Lethargy;788885][SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkGreen]You said "[B]Just as you had [U]a[/U] good trip[/B]" as if I've only done this once. You may find it as a surprise (sarcasm), but I am no amateur at this activity.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/QUOTE]You've misunderstood the point. Each trip per se is just that a trip. It wasn't meant to imply that you had only one. So you can drop the sarcasm, it's not necessary.[quote name='Lethargy'][SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkGreen]Also, I take it you're no amateur when it comes to hanging out with recreational drug users, seeing as how you've "[B]seen people land themselves in the emergency room.[/B]" Now, I understand that you are just trying to [B]give fair warning[/B], but so am I. I believe that the best way to arm yourself is with information (and not just the negative aspects). Therefore, [U][B]I do not recommend taking dextromethorphan to anyone who does not first know all the risks involved[/B][/U] (though few). However, if you are going to use or abuse any type of drug, please do so [U]responsibly[/U] and [U]intelligently[/U] (and I just know someone is going to make the counterpoint that abusing drugs is neither responsible, nor intelligent -- go ahead).[/COLOR'][/SIZE][/quote]I'm no amateur only in the sense that living in college dorms while getting my degree meant I saw a lot of kids doing extremely stupid stuff. When I say I've seen kids land themselves in the emergency room I mean that quite literally. I've often been the one to call the paramedics when that trip went bad. I've seen someone in the beginning stages of Serotonin syndrome, as well as other states as a result of either drugs or alcohol issues. And I've seen people die from overdosing as well. In the end you've only reinforced my point. It's one thing to talk about how wonderful the experience is and yet another to not list the dangers involved. Something that you did not do in your description. However, you've since corrected that by showing that you are aware of it. And really, that's all I was trying to say here. ^_~ I just hate it when trips get 'glorified' and the very real dangers get glossed over or left out altogether.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"][quote name='Lethargy;788866][SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkGreen]Personally, I believe that if a drug is not [B]physically[/B][/COLOR][/SIZE] [SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkGreen]addictive, and has very minimal negative effects on the body, then it is perfectly fine for me to use.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/QUOTE]Not being physically addictive doesn't mean it's safe. A little research will show that.[quote name='Lethargy;788866][SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkGreen]Case in point, I am an avid fan of [URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dextromethorphan#Recreational_use"][B]Robotripping[/B][/URL] (getting high off of cough syrup - sounds lame, I know, but that's only because you've never tried it)[/COLOR][/SIZE][/QUOTE]No your first statement was correct, it is lame. I don't need to try it to know that.[QUOTE=Lethargy'][SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkGreen]I prefer to take lower, more recreational doses of Dextromethorphan (around [B]12-16[/B] gel capsules at once - you aren't supposed to exceed [B]8[/B] in a 24 hour period... ha!). [/COLOR'][/SIZE][/quote]As for my whole point in responding in the first place. Don't forget to mention that if someone is taking other drugs such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, taking Dextromethorphan at the same time can cause Serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening adverse drug reaction that results from intentional self-poisoning, therapeutic drug use, or inadvertent interactions between drugs which cause an excess of serotonergic activity. So taking something like this especially if you are on something else isn't very bright nor is it as amazing as you think. Drugs have a recommended dose for a reason, and you or anyone else who would take it in this manner would do well to remember that. Just as you had a good trip with it, I've seen people land themselves in the emergency room from the same trip as well.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]Although I think this is a great idea, to be honest, I've no interest in attempting to host things else where when I've already uploaded over 400 scans at my [URL="http://sunfalle.animepaper.net/"][U]AnimePaper[/U][/URL] account. It's easier since I don't have to pay for keeping the images hosted. Though I do also have a photobucket account with smaller scans as well. The link to that is in my signature. Heh. Anyway, finding scans really isn't an issue since due to uploading scans at AnimePaper, I have more papers for getting other scans than I know what to do with. XP Though if people don't mind slightly smaller scans, I've got quite a few hosted at my photobucket account and for the bigger ones, well, you'll just have to join AP for that. It took quite a bit of time to scan all those at a higher resolution. [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"]It was finally time, time to test the programs they had made on the remaining Council data vaults. The one that would bypass the need for the Councilor's personal code as well as the one designed to catch and prevent the deletion routine from running. Celestia was surprised that James had given the go ahead for them to actually try it, but Matt was not. Explaining once again that with twenty members left to be cleared, they were simply seeing if it was possible to avoid using stricter interrogation techniques. A stance that irritated Celestia to no end. After all, they certainly wouldn't have shown her such consideration. And just as quickly as she got angry, the medicine she was required to take immediately calmed her. Something that also irritated her, it was maddening to have her thoughts racing in circles and yet lack the willpower to do more than feel slightly frustrated. [I]Is this what the modifications would have been like? If they hadn't pulled the plug on that research in sector fourteen?[/I] It was a frightening thought, she hated it. More than anything Celestia hated the disruptor restraints that they still wore as well as the stupid medicine that Commander Crystal had put her on. She tried and was slightly successful at putting the thoughts aside to focus on the test. Celestia tied her terminal into both Jason's and Matt's and then with a preset signal she activated both routines. Watching it carefully. She kept her hands ready over the terminal, her mind racing with possible problems that they would need to counter, but everything worked like it should, the code was bypassed, the routine to stop the deletion program worked, but more importantly, the final program designed to copy everything and move it to a data vault standing by worked as it should. Several hours later, it was done. "[B]Well, that went rather well,[/B]" Matt said with a smile. "[B]I know James will be pleased.[/B]" He stood up and stretched. "[B]Just as I know those other jackasses will be less than thrilled to have been outdone by our group.[/B]" "[B]I don't give a damn what those fools think.[/B]" Celestia said with real irritation. "[B]And I'll leave it at that since I know perfectly well how much my [I]opinion[/I] doesn't matter.[/B]" Matt just looked at the floor, clearly uncomfortable. "[B]Well, I know its kind of meaningless, considering that nothing is changing for you or the other lesser races. But not all of us think you should be forced to work for the Versilan Empire.[/B]" He stood up and switched the main screen over to the local news. "[B]Anyway, I'll go and inform James of our success, I'm sure he'll want to know immediately.[/B]" Then without another word he left the lab. "[B]You need to stop doing that.[/B]" Jason said as he put his left arm across Celetia's shoulders. "[B]I know you're frustrated but taking it out on someone who actually does seem to care is pointless.[/B]" Celestia just sighed, "[B]I know Jason, honestly I do. I just can't seem to help myself lately. The longer we are here the more trapped I feel. It's like I'm being suffocated and slowly dying inside. I've tried to tell myself to let it got, but I can't seem to.[/B]" "[B]I know, I can tell. It's easier for me though.[/B]" He smiled at her when she looked at him in disbelief. "[B]The thing that matters the most to me is being with you. I can't change anything, I can't remove the disruptor restraints, I can't do anything. But if I can't be with you, then life really would be meaningless. So I tell myself that and it helps.[/B]" Jason could tell that he was confusing her a bit so he simply pulled her close and kissed her on the forehead before pulling back. "[B]The glass half empty vs half full, eh?[/B]" Celestia leaned back into Jason. "[B]You've always been more hopeful than I am. All I seem to see is never having our own place, never raising our own family, never seeing your sister again.[/B]" She stopped as those thoughts made her feel like crying. Celestia just held onto Jason even tighter. "[B]Yeah, I know.[/B]" Jason said. "[B]I think of those things as well, it's kind of hard not to.[/B]" He started to say something else and then froze as he realized what the news report was about. [I]What?[/I] He had been tuning it out until he heard the name Daniel Landers. And when he realized just what they were saying... His first instinct was to switch it off, but it was too late. He felt Celestia stiffen and then pull away a bit. "[B]Oh my God![/B]" She burst into tears. "[B]Not Daniel too![/B]" She started to collapse but Jason caught her. Ignoring his own tears and she sobbed like her heart was breaking. A feeling he understood and shared. "[B]They'll do to him what they did to Kim.[/B]" She said between sobs. "[B]They'll torture him until they get what they want and then...[/B]" She choked, unable to continue. And she didn't need to, Jason knew what would happen. Once they were done he would be executed just like Kim. "[B]Hell![/B]" Jason swore as Celestia went limp in his arms. She had literally fainted on him. He was reaching for the terminal to request assistance when Matt returned. "[B]What's wrong?[/B]" He asked, alarmed by the tears running down Jason's face and Celestia who was unconscious. "[B]What happened?[/B]" "[B]That's what happened.[/B]" Jason snapped, indicating the news report of Daniel's capture. "[B]You know perfectly well what they'll do to him.[/B]" "[B]I still don't understand,[/B]" Matt said as he accessed the terminal to request assistance. "[B]You do know that Celestia is half Versilan right?[/B]" Jason asked. "[B]Yeah, what of it?[/B]" "[B]You idiot! Daniel Landers is her father![/B]" Jason ignored Matt's chagrined look and then stood up as a security squad entered the room. He held Celestia close as they approached. "[B]Celestia collapsed, I'd like to take her to sickbay please.[/B]" He waited while they contacted James and then followed them once they got the go ahead. He ignored Matt's attempts to apologize, for once he felt like Celestia did, to hell with trying to be positive about what he couldn't change. Then he simply focused on Celestia and following the squad as they took them to where the sickbay was located. He just hoped it was only due to stress. Jason didn't like it that they were forcing her to take medicine to keep her calm. With a sigh, when they finally reached the medical wing, he carefully set Celestia down on the bed and took a seat next to her. If only they hadn't seen that news report. Even though he would rather know the truth, sometimes he wished the restriction on them being allowed to see the news had never been lifted. [/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]I've had lots of annoying co-workers over the years, but probably the one that irritated me the most was one woman, I don't even remember her name, but she was the poor me attention getter type. No matter what happened, she had to be a part of it. If someone was sick, she would have stories about how she was sicker. If someone had a relative die, her's died in a much more sadder or horrible manner. If something bad was happening in the news, like someone getting shot, she knew one of the people involved. :rolleyes: When 9/11 happened, naturally she lost loved ones. There wasn't anything out there that she wasn't supposedly connected to. It was rather sickening to listen to her go on and on. And then the woman wondered why no one ever wanted to be near her or share the same table during lunch time. No one liked little miss poor me. Especially since after awhile, she couldn't keep her stories straight so she'd contradict herself on a regular basis. I mean it doesn't take much to realize that last week it was a woman who died and next week she had somehow turned into a guy. XP[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"][quote name='Desbreko'][color=#4B0082]I'd been thinking about whether we could still use the directories effectively without the single thread rule. My main concern is that it might get to be a lot of work for moderators to maintain them, with more threads needing to be added. But if the staff don't mind spending some extra time updating them (and I guess we can always hire more mods if really needed) then I think it would work.[/color][/QUOTE]I can see it now... Des is making more chains to keep us locked up all the time so we can maintain the site. What's sad, is we'd probably be willing victims. XP [[SIZE="1"]I kid[/SIZE]] Anyway, I'm in favor of allowing more threads instead of having more forums. It just seems like it would end up being less messy that way. But then I think the example Petie provided would work really well. ^_~[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]Wel since it hasn't changed since the last thread... I were to go by looks, Collette from Tales of Syphonia fits me pretty well as I have blonde hair and blue eyes. And though my hair has gotten much darker over the years, I still look like that to a certain degree. [URL="http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a88/SunfallE/Tales%20Of%20Symphonia/TalesOfSymphonia01.jpg"][U]Picture[/U][/URL] But for my actually personality... I?m kind of a mix between Momiji Soma and Hatsuharu Soma. For the most part I tend to be like Momiji in that I don?t take things to seriously and I?m always wanting to just have fun. I also tend to hide things that bother or hurt me and don?t really show that to other people. The Hatsuharu Soma part comes more from my childhood. For the most part I was a happy go lucky kid, but if something got me going then I would snap like Hatsuharu does and go black. I got into so much trouble when I was in grade school. XP Even now I still get the snap, I?m just old enough to think before I act. Well... Most of the time. lol [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]As you can see here: [URL="http://www.theotaku.com/news/view/scheduled_maintenance:_3_pm_et/2673/"][U]update[/U][/URL] some more work was done over at theOtaku. So please try doing the quiz again. Also, it is working so I'm not sure why it won't let you upload the images. I assume that you are uploading them directly from your computer? If so, try saving your picture to a different spot or re-naming the files. I've run into the occasional issue where a program won't accept an image upload until I do that. Also, you might need to redo them, my graphics program is telling me that your image file has errors in it, so that might be the problem. [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"][quote name='Allamorph'][FONT=Arial]I just tend to shy away from gratuitousness, is all, so I'm a little leery of vamp-killing this early in the story. 'Course, Nathan can't control his counterparts' actions....[/FONT][/QUOTE]I swear, you two are trying to drive me nuts! >_> After all that work on my post too. XP Well it's up so too bad! I'm not changing it. Besides, DB never said how long the time between Aeru being kidnapped and us finally getting the letter was. For all we know it could have already been a day or two [I]before [/I]we got our letters. [/FONT][/COLOR]

Op. 1. Allegro Lucia had finished checking her part of the city, without picking up anything out of the ordinary. Now, she was simply sitting on top of one of many buildings that towered above the rest of the city, her long blue hair and clock being teased by the slight breeze in the cool air night. As soon as Alex joined her, they would head over to join Adrian. But now what bothered her the most was why hadn't she heard of vampires still being around before now? Had those in charge known and yet said nothing? She sincerely hoped not. Lucia had come to accept that humans were destructive but to have ones who lived forever? The thought of them living longer only to continue with their destructive ways was distasteful. The cycle of life was about balance. Not about greed and a desire to live beyond what one should. "You're being moody Lucia," Ruby said from her spot on the edge of the building over looking the city. "No, Ruby, I'm concerned that vampires have been here all this time without us being aware of it. Something that upsets the balance of life should have been noticed sooner." She corrected Ruby. Lucia stood up and walked over to where Ruby was. "The Shinigami exist for a purpose, to help maintain the balance, vampires seek to undermine that balance for personal gain. It is our duty to correct this imbalance. My real concern though is why have I never sensed one?" "Perhaps it's because we've made sure you never did." A voice said from behind Lucia. Startled she whirled around, her scythe materializing in her left hand. On the other side of the roof, wrapped in shadows, there was someone else, a woman dressed in black with long blond hair. How did she sneak up on me like that? How can she even see me? Lucia wondered. But then she knew, though faint, the woman's aura was devoid of when her time of death would come. She's a vampire. "Foul creature!" Ruby spat as she took to the air. "Now, now," The woman said with a smile. "No need to be rude, after all we have not been so unkind to our guest." She dragged the word out, smiling even more at Lucia's startled look. "Return the Shinigami you have taken at once." Lucia demanded. But the woman merely laughed at her and then bowed mockingly as three more shadows appeared and came forward, surrounding Lucia and Ruby in a half circle. "What is your intent?" Lucia asked as Ruby landed on her left shoulder, digging her cat like claws into her clothing as she arched her back a bit. "I would have thought that was obvious... Lucia. We've come to extend the Count's hospitality. You do want to see how your friend is doing don't you?" The three who were with her started moving towards Lucia and Ruby. "Lucia!" Startled the others looked up to see another Shinigami approaching rapidly, his scythe already out. Within mere moments Alex had landed next to Lucia, facing the vampires in a defensive stance. "Pathetic," Nall growled. "Four against one? You vampires are the ultimate cowards, afraid of death as well as the Shinigami." "On the contrary we have never feared you," The blond one replied. "In fact the Count is quite eager to meet you. Now you can come quietly or we can do this the hard way." "We do not take orders from ones who deny the natural order of life." Lucia said firmly. "You will return our companion and then you will submit to your fate." With a laugh the four rushed them, but when Lucia moved to destroy the connection between their soul and their body, instead the first vampire she tried to strike deflected her swing. What the? No one should be able to stop it! But an even greater shock came next when the second one actually managed to touch her. Lucia knew it was possible, but it still came as a shock to actually feel someone grasping her right wrist. Before she could react she was pulled off her feet and thrown across the roof, quickly she recovered and landed on her feet, holding her scythe before her as they rushed her again. She spared a quick glance towards Alex who was struggling with one of the other vampires before turning back to those who were approaching. Wait.... only one? A split second later an arm wrapped itself around her chest, forcing her arms down, pulling her back and pinning her against whoever was behind her. Lucia struggled to pull free and halted when she felt something cold against the right side of her neck. "I suggest you put that toy of yours away." The woman told her. Can she actually hurt me? Lucia wondered even as she let her scythe return to it's resting place. She looked to see that Alex had halted, unsure about what to do. "Lucia!" Ruby screamed. "You let go of her right now!" For a brief moment Ruby shimmered and then changed her form, becoming the red dragon that she truly was. She was easily the size of a small house with her wings covering the entire roof. "I'd do as Ruby suggests," Lucia said. "Her purifying fire will not touch me, you on the other hand..." With a snarl the woman let go and all four fled the area as Ruby attacked. A shrill sound filled the air as one vampire was not quick enough. Then when the flames had died and Ruby had returned to normal, muttering to herself angrily about stupid vampires and such, Lucia breathed a sigh of relief. "She didn't hurt you did she?" Alex asked. Lucia started to answer and then stopped. Above the ashes of the Vampire that Ruby had slain was the soul of a young man, clearly in despair. "No!" He cried. "I was suppose to live forever!" "Wrong, no one is suppose to live forever," Lucia said firmly. "Once you've moved on you'll understand." Then to make sure she took her scythe and this time used it to force him to move on. "Well," She said to Alex with a small smile. "At least we know that they can be taken care of. Now, I suggest we find Adrian immediately. If they came after us, then they probably went after him as well." "Humph!" Ruby snorted as she landed on Lucia's left shoulder. Lucia just reached up and scratched her ears. "Thank you Ruby." Then the four of them took off to find Adrian. Unless something had happened he would be waiting for them by now, probably impatiently wondering why they were late.

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"][quote name='2007DigitalBoy'][COLOR="DarkOrange"]I'm not trying to direct or rush by saying this, nor am I criticizing the way anyone works. This is just my way of saying, don't be afraid of skipping the details and going strait to the drama. I can't wait to see this thing explode into some real action.[/COLOR][/QUOTE]In that case... I'll alter things slightly, since I was worried that I was rushing things. XP Good thing I'm not quite done with my post yet. Besides it's what I wanted to do originally. >_> [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"][quote name='Allamorph'][FONT=Arial]And nothing like she is now, I surmise. (Having an extremely limited budget pretty much confines me to [as] airings; consequently, most of my current knowledge of anime is either Wiki or hearsay.) Yeah, I see the fun-poking happening for quite some time to come. I still think somebody needs to be French.[/FONT][/QUOTE]Exactly, and though she is an anime character, she's technically from a video game for ps1. And yeah, way different than what you saw in the panotipcon. Heh. Also, I say you get to deal with the one that is French. :p Besides, figuring out how to kill a vampire with an [E] rating takes planning. lol That and I don't want to rush the chapter too much. lol [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"][quote name='Allamorph'][FONT=Arial]See, I wasn't entirely aware that Meredith came from Lunar. Actually, I wasn't aware of that at all.[/FONT][/QUOTE]What are you talking about? Meredith is not from Lunar. >_< Lucia and Alex as well as Ruby and Nall are. Also, I'm not planning on any bloodshed just yet, right now the vampires are just poking fun at how helpless they perceive the Shinigami to be. :p [B]EDIT[/B]: Also Lucia's character in the Panotipcon was nothing like she is in Lunar. lol [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"][quote name='2007DigitalBoy'][COLOR="DarkSlateGray"] In the case of a vampire, a shinigami can kill them, but they never die anyway, so there'd be no reason for a shinigami to go after them. Since a vampire can physically interact with a shinigami, I imagine that a shinigami could kill a vampire using their scythe to actually murder them. Wether the shinigami is willing to or not, though, ought to be it's own conflict...[/COLOR][/QUOTE]On the contrary, for someone like Lucia, a vampire upsets the balance even more than humans do. She would find that distasteful and consider it her duty to send them on. Besides, if indifference's idea is similar to mine, vampires will die. Their soul will still exist, but I would imagine that a Shinigami would have the power to force them to the next life like everyone else. I'm sure if you don't care for what I have in mind, once you've read it I can always edit it. Though I'm thinking that you'll like it DB. ^_~[quote name='Allamorph'][FONT=Arial]They all will, milady. They all will. And some of them will take great pleasure in doing so. :demon:[/FONT][/QUOTE]Hah! I know Lucia will, for the reasons I just talked about. She hates things that stick around destroying the Earth when they shouldn't be there. Though showing that is coming up in my next post. One that I already talked to Rach about, should be fun! Since Lucia and Alex are going to end up have a run in with the vampires. As to how that works out... you'll all see soon enough! It should be interesting, that's for sure. :p[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"][quote name='Sandy']And [B]Ikillion[/B], I'm glad that I'm [I]not[/I] in America. ;P[/QUOTE]Don't let a few extreme people throw you off. *pokes* I assure you that there are plenty of us who are far from narrow-minded when it comes to this sort of thing. Besides, you know you want to come here Sandy, just so I can show you around. America is beautiful. ^_~ Anyway, when it comes to education I am completely for it. I'm of the opinion that arming kids with the complete picture instead of one where an aspect of life is ignored is the best way to go. Keeping people in the dark doesn't help anything, it just makes things worse. Sometimes I'm surprised why someone's sex life is such a big deal. No matter how much you claim it, the reality is that what happens behind closed doors does not affect you. I think the real damage comes from trying to put blinders on kids, not from someone being gay. lol [/FONT][/COLOR]