SunfallE

[COLOR="goldenrod"]But it was a light that was quickly stolen as the heroine?s mind was taken over by Sasuke. Ravens were flocking around her in circles. ?[B]No![/B]? Sasuka cried as she tried to break free of his control. Tears ran down her face as Sasuke forced her to use the light to destroy everyone, her friends, Fuzzers, and even her true love. Before true grief could sink in a huge curtain came slamming down cutting off the view. Seconds later, to a bright fan fair of cheesy music, they pulled aside to reveal everyone in chibi form with huge heads and fat little bodies with no details beyond their simple clothes. A perky host stepped forward declaring ?[I]welcome to what you?ve been waiting for[/I]? only to be interrupted by a voice off screen yelling? ?[B]CUT![/B]? ?[B]What?[/B]? The hostess declared as she listened to the voice off screen. ?[B]We forgot to use clic?[/B]? She reached up to remove her mask for her cold. The rest just stared at where the director was confused after having followed the script. Some of them curling up to sleep with bubbles hanging out of their noses while he droned on. ?[B]I see, we forgot to use the same transformation sequence, having people freeze so less background shots were needed. But sir! Surely you didn?t want us to use statue crowds with no details?[/B]? She sniffled. ?[B]Okay? We need the rain shimmering when it hits people; we need characters with hats so no face is needed. We forgot to do puns on different names and such as well as little nametags. We forgot to have bizarre stuff like the blue prints of the Starship Nadesico in there?[/B]? She paused as Fuzzers shrieked and attacked her face like mad. ?[B]You killed me off! How could you![/B]? The hostess began to cry; ?[B]We forgot to include nukes, making Sasuke and Sakura look alike except for their hair. Their necks were suppose to be pencil thin instead of fat. We needed flashbacks, scenes so dark you could only see their eyes. We forgot the commercials. Kenji should have been tied to Sasuka with a red string as well as her having a tiger stripped bikini instead of rainbow colors.[/B]? She dropped to her knees, ?[B]What? You mean the problem is because we did do all that? But? No? I understand? But? What about the stuff we?ve already done? What about the time and money already spent? If we redo it to get rid of all the?[/B]? She cringed as the director?s voice became shrill. ?[B]All right! But if we change it to Sasuka waking up as if from a bad dream? isn?t that another clic?[/B]? ?[B]SHUT UP![/B]? ?[B]You heard everyone! Lets get it right this time![/B]? ?[B]Sasuuuuuka! Wake up honey, you?ll be late for school![/B]? With a start Sasuka was up out of bed, sneezing instantly as if someone had been talking about her. [I]What a strange dream![/I] ?[B]Come on Fuzzers! If we don?t hurry we?ll be late for school![/B]?[/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"]It's been a while, but I certainly had quite a few from when I was getting my college degree and had lots of different temporary jobs while I was attending school. The first one was at a grocery store, my very first day on the job no less. I had gotten there about an hour ago and some woman came in and started yelling at me, demanding the manager, claiming I had short changed her earlier in the day. The only problem, I had just started and couldn't have been there in the morning! Once things calmed down I found out that she did this on a regular basis. Just my luck to get her on my first day no less. Another one at the grocery store was this guy who made the stupid claim that buying a magazine meant he got his pies for free. I tried explaining he did not and he kept insisting until finally his wife asked him to drop it. But that fool wasn't done, he dropped it by virtue of telling me... "I guess I'll have to slash your tires on the way out." To which I responded, while holding up the check his wife had just given me... "Then I guess I'll know just where to send the police to." Feh! What made it sad is I know perfectly well that if I had given him the pies for free he would have just taken them. I hate jerks like that. The other, I was working as an assistant manager for a gas station, every week without fail I'd get the same group of teenagers trying to get me to sell them beer or cigarettes without IDing them. What made it bad is they'd start making a scene, loudly claiming I was being a jerk since they had already shown their ID to a previous clerk, etc. And every time I'd end up kicking them out of the store, but not before the idiots knocked things onto the floor and made a mess. :animesigh But the worst one, though technically I wouldn't consider him a customer, was the one who held the gas station up at gunpoint. I was just glad that he took what little money there was in the register and left without hurting anyone. [/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"]There's so many that it's hard to pick just one. But probably the first thing that really stuck out was when I discovered the thread theDailyOtaku. It was the first time I read a thread in a forum that had me laughing so hard that there were tears in my eyes. :catgirl: Then from that point forward it just got better and better. Conversations with friends I had made, interesting events like the Nifty Fifty and then the moment when I got the pm from Des asking me if I wanted to be a moderator. All of them have been favorite moments. This year has been full of them too. Different aspects of the story in my rpg Silver One, parts of the underground thread when the Panopticon was running, to my current duel with BKstyles in the OB Anthology. Our Sci Fi story challenge, which is still waiting for the final decision from the remaining two judges [[SIZE="1"]*poke* that's a shameless hint you two![/SIZE]] All the fun/favorite moments is what keeps me here. Even when things slow down a bit there's always something that I find fun enough to consider a favorite moment.[/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][COLOR=goldenrod][CENTER][IMG]http://img239.imageshack.us/img239/2571/silveronebanner001xi2aacw4.jpg[/IMG] [SIZE=1]Banner by [URL=http://www.otakuboards.com/member.php?userid=19869][COLOR=goldenrod][U]Aaryanna[/U][/COLOR][/URL][/SIZE][/color][/CENTER] Celestia did not want to see it, even if they had done things that warranted it, she still did not want to see it. [I]I don't care if the Council member is guilty of allowing the modifications to continue or if Commodore Sandra's father is guilty of murder. There's no reason to broadcast their execution to the entire [B]God Damn Versilan Empire[/B]! [/I] But James and the others did not see it that way and everything had been halted for that morning, everyone gathered in the main lab with the largest screen tuned into the proceedings where the two Council members were being tried for their crimes. [I]Gods, this is so wrong! Why? Why do we have to watch it? [/I] She couldn't help but shudder at the thought and the longer the proceedings went the more she became upset. Until finally she turned from where she was sitting at the back of the room and threw herself into Jason's arms, burying her face into his chest. Nearly knocking him out of the chair he was sitting in. "[B]Whoa! Calm down Celestia![/B]" Jason exclaimed. But she wasn't listening as she started to tremble violently. Finally Jason just wrapped his arms around her and held her close. He knew how much violence of any kind upset her. [I]I didn't think she'd react like this though. [/I] "[B]Pathetic.[/B]" A voice filled with disdain spoke up. Startled Jason looked up to see that one of the other researchers had turned to see what the commotion was.[I] Hell, what's the matter with these people? Are they really that indifferent to others dying?[/I] Even if Jason had no problem with the execution he still agreed with Celestia that there really was no need to make it public. "[B]Got nothing to say scum? Or is true justice beyond your pathetic little brains?[/B]" He finished with a sneer. Jason felt Celestia stiffen. [I]Hell, just go away! We don't need this nonsense![/I] But the researcher was not done. Fixing him with a look of disgust. "[B]You do not belong here, and your pathetic sentiment for those who deserve what they get is not welcome either.[/B]" Celestia started to pull free but Jason refused to let go. [I]Gods, I'm going to regret this, but this is ridiculous! [/I] He took a deep breath and then fixed the fool with a glare of his own. "[B]What's pathetic is your complete lack of decency. I sincerely hope that all Versilans aren't as self centered and ego-centric as you are.[/B]" Jason said coldly. Everyone had turned to watch at that point, more interested in the fight that was starting instead of the execution proceedings. [I]This is sickening,[/I] Jason thought. [I]Other than Matt they're like vultures, enjoying the misery of others.[/I] It wasn't completely true, but at that moment he was beyond tired of being treated like second rate scum. Beyond tired of being a slave to the Versilan Empire. He wanted to go back home and never seen another Versilan ever again. "[B]Oh this is just rich, an inferior being from an inferior race thinking it actually understands the concept of decency.[/B]" "[B]Shut up.[/B]" Jason snapped. "[B]Just shut the hell up! You've long since lost the ability to feel anything for anyone! Even if those Council members deserve punishment for their crimes there's no reason to broadcast their execution. It's barbaric and uncivilized.[/B]" Jason flinched when the researcher turned a bit red, clearly angry, "[B]Now you listen here [I]scum[/I], the only one who is [I]uncivilized[/I] is you and that [I]half breed whore[/I] who's status is tied to yours.[/B]" Shocked, Jason couldn't help but pull back, anger making it hard for him to see straight. He let go of Celestia and stood up facing the researcher who had also gotten up. Shaking with rage he gently pushed Celestia aside, ignoring her attempts to get him to let it go. Then with slow deliberation he pulled back a bit and then slugged the researcher as hard as he could, right in the face, causing him to stagger back a couple of steps. A split second later all hell broke out as the researcher lunged at Jason. Celestia's pleas for them to stop went unanswered and when the others joined in and ganged up on Jason, Matt, who had been steering clear finally stepped in, attempting to pull them off of Jason. Along with Celestia who was kicking and screaming at everyone to stop until she was shoved aside and into the wall with enough force to stun her. "[B]That's enough![/B]" A voice barked from the doorway. Everyone paused and turned to see James standing there, clearly displeased. Reluctantly the researchers pulled free of the fight to reveal Jason who had been knocked to the floor. James shook his head in disgust as he opened up his handheld computer and put the order in for a squad. "[B]Don't think I'm going to overlook this incident. I've put up with all the silly snipping going on around here long enough. And no matter what Jason or Celestia may have said, there is no excuse for ganging up on them, ever.[/B]" He fixed each one of them with a stern glance. "[B]You're all dismissed until further notice. Return to your quarters and stay there until I say otherwise.[/B]" James waited until everyone had left and then when the squad arrived he had them take Celestia and Jason who were still slightly out of it, to the medical wing. Once the squad had left, James looked over at the screen, the proceedings coming to a close, [I]those idiots missed the executions[/I]. With a shrug of disgust he shut the transmission off. Then he pulled up the records of what had just happened. Just what in the world had led to them fighting like that? He knew that most of the team did not like Jason or Celestia, but he honestly thought they would never physically attack them. With a sigh he went to his office to finish reviewing just what the hell had happened.[/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][quote name='Dagger']Hahaha! Check out the attached screencap. I totally missed this the first time around (okay, and the second time, too). Just stare at it for a while and you'll get it... ~Dagger~[/QUOTE]That really makes me want to see the second episode. I've only seen the first, but seriously... Now I gotta know just who is [spoiler]under that bed![/spoiler] That and I just love the whole dynamics between little miss positive and Mr. Despair. Those two just crack me up to no end. And I just love the visuals on this. Especially the beginning with all the blossoms. It's beautiful. :catgirl:[/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"]Pretty close to a 10 I'd say. ^_^ Even though I've been pretty busy lately, everything has been going well. Even the heat wave we're having isn't enough to phase me. Though I suppose the fact that I'm staying inside where the central air is helps. lol Still, other than being between boyfriends since my current one moved to Texas for a new job, things are great! If not for him moving away I could have claimed I was at a 10. :animesigh He wanted me to move with him, but I still can't decide if I really want to do that. Especially since we weren't quite to the super attached point, just really good friends point. That and I like living in the mountains! As well as the ever so important factor of not being in love. >_< I just can't bring myself to totally move elsewhere for just a friend. [/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"]Actually this very subject was brought up not to long ago and like Des mentioned here in this thread: [URL="http://www.otakuboards.com/showpost.php?p=777886&postcount=146"]POST[/URL] Having a bigger signature would be a lot more feasible once all the upgrades are done. And I agree that once all the new changes are in place that the 550x120 would be nice, but too much more would be an eyesore in my opinion. After all I come here to read the posts, not to stare at people's banners. lol [/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"]It?s been a while since we?ve had one of these and because [B][U]repeat threads are a good thing[/U][/B], I say it?s time we had one again. Though this time I say we combine it a bit. Instead of the individual threads: ?[I]How did you come up with your internet/screen name, How did you come up with your OB username, Usernames and set personalities & Just how many usernames have you had and why?[/I]? Lets combine them all into just one thread. ^_~ Now for me this will be simple. Regardless of where I?ve joined, I tend to stick to the same user name SunfallE. Its based off of a character from one of my favorite Star Trek books and usually I always get it. From myOtaku to DeviantArt to my photobucket account to my PaperAnime account. All of them are the same user name. I stick with it because I like it. I even have personalized license plates on my car that say Sunfall. I?ve had the same e-mail [email]sunfallennien@hotmail.com[/email] for ten years. Now as for it having a set personality, I tend to think of it as relating to the character I took it from. One who in spite of tragedy still had hope that everything in the end would work out. And in the book, even though it was generations after the character was gone, things did work out. As for changing my user name? It?s just not something I plan on doing. I know that people do, but for me I find the idea odd. And when members change their names, it takes me a while to get use to the change, especially when it?s someone I?ve seen around for a while so it just doesn?t seem like them at first. lol So I think its safe to say that my user name will not be changing any time soon. [/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"]This has what you are looking for: [URL="http://www.otakuboards.com/showpost.php?p=731055&postcount=1"]POST[/URL] Just follow the instructions for what to put in each area.[/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"]Of all people Kendra had never expected to be working with Marcus again. She figured that once she left the service, she'd probably never see him again, let alone work with him. And after the ?Seichzen Incident? she was surprised to see that he had been selected for this assignment. Not that he wasn't qualified, no she was more surprised at the governmental branch of the CIF accepting Marcus as the commanding officer for this project. And as they made their way to the ship they had been assigned to she couldn't help but notice the slight tension in his posture and manner. [I]I wonder what else has changed since I last saw him. [/I] But then all thoughts of what had happened since she last saw Marcus fled at the sight of the ship they had been assigned to. [I]This is fantastic! [/I]Her train of thought interrupted briefly by Marcus introducing themselves to Dr. Henderson who after greeting them briefly went back to what she was doing. Kendra didn't even realize she was tuning Marcus out until his question as to what she was thinking was spoken. Kendra turned to face Marcus giving him her attention. "[B]Sorry,[/B]" Kendra said with an apologetic smile. "[B]I was admiring the ship.[/B]" She turned back to facing the ship. "[B]It's not what I was expecting them to assign us to. Especially after General Rakon explained that the military's presence was going to be downplayed quite a bit for this mission[/B]." A slightly dark expression crossed Marcus's face before he responded. "[B]It would be rather pointless for them to assign us to a military vessel after all, still what exactly about the Argo Navis surprises you?[/B]" Kendra couldn't help but smile a bit. "[B]Well you see, I was expecting to be given something more civilian in nature but this is anything but that. It's basically been fitted with an earlier class of engine that use to be installed in the smaller battleships. Until greater power requirements were needed. Honestly, I'm surprised to see it since civilians are not allowed to fit their ships with a military class engine. And this is without a doubt a Class B-7 hyper drive.[/B]" "[B]And you can tell that just by looking at the ship?[/B]" Marcus teased her a tiny bit. "[B]Of course. The latest design that I've been working on is based on the Class B-7 engine. It's one of the most reliable and durable engines out there. With a smaller ship such as this, we'll have speed nearly matching the military as well as power and maneuverability. It won't match up to a true battleship of course, but it will make avoiding unnecessary civilian arguments much simpler.[/B]" Kendra started to explain more but stopped when Dr. Henderson came over and motioned for them to follow her. Now over an hour later as she stood on the bridge listening to the random chatter between those who had arrived Kendra couldn't help but feel excited. As soon as the remaining two arrived they could get going. The first one Nakeisha Rhodes, was someone Kendra would be glad to have on board. Even though she could fix the engines if need be, her skills as far as being a mechanic did not really extend to anything else. Kendra knew more about designing engines than she did about fixing them. And the other one? Major Cameron James, if she remembered the name correctly. [I]I hope he looks nothing like Marcus's brother. [/I] Even if Marcus rarely spoke about it. Kendra knew how much his younger brother's disappearance hurt. He had been so proud to learn that Cameron had been assigned to the Planet Police, Special Task Force. With a tiny shake of her head, Kendra turned her attention back to the new arrivals as well as the present time, Teresa Schovick in particular who in spite of being frivolously dressed, seemed to have more enthusiasm than all of them put together. [I]I hope she's not this hyper all of the time.[/I][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][quote name='Sakura'][color=navy][size=1] But just so you all know I've never been a fan of introduction posts >.>[/color][/size][/QUOTE]I guess you've lost me then. ^_~ Since usually those introduction posts help me to get a feel for what the other person's character is like. So how about you think of it as an arrival post instead? Since if you think about it, that's what it really is. Your character's reaction to being chosen and what they are thinking as they arrive at the new ship, etc. I mean, you do have to start somewhere, right? And speaking of that, even though my character was introduced by virtue of being in Matt's opening post I'll get working on my starting post. :catgirl: Aaryanna & indifference, I'm glad you like the banner and yes you're both correct I do have the full scan of that so I'll shoot that off to both of you in an e-mail. The file's too big for hosting at imageshack or my photobucket account for that matter. [/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][quote name='2007DigitalBoy'][COLOR="DarkOrange"]To quote every shonen anime ever 'they may not accept you, but if you refuse to accept them then you are just as bad'. So, to be a good person, you have to accept the beliefs of those who dislike you and stuff, right? And, like, you can't get mad at them for not being accepting, cuz then you're not being accepting. Though if they never do come to acceptance, then you are forever pushed under, and if you aren't willing to wait you strike back. And thus war springs up and in the end the minority may be silenced or just struggle forever... >_< human relations suck...[/COLOR][/QUOTE]Not exactly, I'm just saying that accepting others, especially when the difference is so profound, at least for some people, it does take time and more than an[I] instant total acceptance moment[/I]. ^_~ So even if it sounds bad, starting by not see a person as bad for being homosexual is a big step towards that total acceptance. So if people are moving past the total dislike and towards the learning to like, then human relations don't suck after all. ^_~ Especially since you've moved beyond the [I]they must be bad for being gay [/I]to realizing they aren't any different than you are. At least not in a way that really matters. It really is a step by step process at times. And so long as people aren't stepping backwards, I think it's a good thing.[/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][quote name='Sandy']Like Raiyuu has been noting in this thread already, people are posting oxymorons and paradoxes about hating homosexuality but having homosexual best friends. And [I]that[/I] is weird. How can you be friends with someone who lives in a way you think is appalling? Because homosexuality, and you can take this as a fact from a person who is a homosexual himself, is NOT just a sexual thing, it's NOT just an act. It really, truly is a way of life. I'm not satisfied with just banging my boyfriend, not by far. I want to share my life with him, move in together, visit each other's families on holidays, see the world with him, and grow old with him by my side. Now if someone would please tell me what's so wrong with wanting that with another person? And no, I won't take "because you both have penises" for an answer. ;P[/QUOTE]It's not an oxymoron if you really think about it. For some getting past the I hate everything about homosexuality to [I]even though I don't like it I don't dislike the person [/I]is just another step on the path to true tolerance and acceptance of those who are different than you. ^_^ In other words they are trying to see beyond your sexual preference if you will. Eventually I would like to see the acceptance become more broad and inclusive, but personally I'm just happy to see that people aren't just instantly disliking someone for being gay. I mean that is how you overcome such a difference of opinion right? You learn to on some level at least look the other way and quit trying to force your values on someone else. Though I've long since left that behind. And sometimes I wonder why I even accepted that it was wrong to begin with. It all seems so silly now. lol [/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"]Currently this is what I have up on my computer. I made it for BKstyles since he was complaining that there's not enough wallpapers with With in them over at theOtaku. [URL="http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/9223/withwall02wn5.jpg"]With[/URL] I really like how it turned out so I've kept as my background for now. I'm working on something else, but whether or not it will replace this background is yet to be seen. [/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"]Well she's not my pet, but I can't help but laugh at some of the quirks of Aaryanna's dog. I've had lots of cats and different dogs while I was growing up, but none of them would bark like mad at the sound of the doorbell from a tv program, or go nuts when they hear the silly commercial for Lucky Star on youtube. It's so tempting to play it again and again just to see that little fur ball get all worked up. Oh and she's figured out what the word bath means. The moment she hears that word she takes off and hides. Especially if I'm the one who says it since I'm the one who grooms her. lol[/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][quote name='Rachmaninoff']And speaking of previous threads. I think I killed the last one since I was the last one to post in the thread Aaryanna was referring to. XP [/QUOTE]That's right thread killer. No more posts in here for you. :p [[SIZE="1"]I kid! ^_~[/SIZE]] Anyway...[quote name='Darren']For everyone else who can't justify their feelings: It's predjudice through and through.[/quote]I don't know about that. Its not that easy to get rid of feelings of discomfort and so long as someone isn't actively doing something to interfere with someone's right to be gay then I don't feel that it's true prejudice. I know there's different variations on what prejudice means but I've always understood it to be this one from the dictionary: [INDENT][B]1 [/B]- unreasonable feelings, opinions, or attitudes, esp.[B] of a hostile nature[/B], regarding a racial, religious, or national group.[/INDENT] So long as some is uncomfortable but not hostile towards someone who is different, I see nothing wrong with it. To give an example that doesn't relate to being gay but to unexplained feelings. I'm terrified of lightning. I know it's unreasonable, but I can't seem to get rid of it and I have no traumatizing events in my past to explain it. So I think there's nothing wrong with someone having feelings they can't justify. It's when they act on those feelings that it become prejudiced. At least that's what I think.[/COLOR]

[CENTER][COLOR="goldenrod"]*[B]looks at all the comments calling for an execution[/B]*[/CENTER] LOL! No worries, it will happen in due time. ^_~ I was waiting until some other things were brought to light first. Namely the deal with Sandra, as well as what Kerstin is figuring out in relation to Daniel. Anyway... It's coming up my bloodthirsty players. :p Well other than GuyYouMetOnline [[SIZE="1"]and here I'd finally gotten where I could spell your user name right lol[/SIZE]] and Aaryanna_Mom since you two haven't mentioned it. Heh.[/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][quote name='indifference'][COLOR="Indigo"]I find it hard to understand how people end up superstitious since it just makes no sense to me at all. [B]If I don't have some tangible evidence or rather something that can be proven scientifically presented to me, then I just don't believe in it. [/B] About the only thing superstitions are good for, in my opinion, is all those silly movies, novels and whatnot that are written based on some old wives tale. They are entertaining to watch if only to poke fun at them. [/COLOR][/QUOTE]That's exactly how I feel. In my opinion, for those phenomena that have no explanation, it's because we haven't found it yet. I believe that beyond things that are made up just to scare someone, everything else has some basis or grounds that have yet to be explained. Even if it's an old wives tale that's been distorted by centuries of retelling. So in the end I am not superstitious at all. Though I do agree about the silly movies and all. I mean they are fun, but sometimes I wonder how my friends can take them so seriously. Those legends about such and such [[SIZE="1"]insert superstition here[/SIZE]] are just that, a story and nothing more. I've broken mirrors, had black cats cross my path more times than I can remember, I've walked under ladders and yet nothing has ever happened. lol[/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"]Actually to a certain degree... I love thread repeats. :catgirl: Especially when you've been around for a while. It's fun to see how people's opinions change over the years. And though by the time I joined OB I was not against homosexuality, I was born and raised to believe that it was a sin. I honestly use to think that one would essentially burn in Hell and all that stuff. Now I've long since grown up and have no problem with accepting that it's up to others to make that choice for themselves. And even when I've been hit on by other girls it's not upsetting. I've always considered it a compliment. It's only when someone won't take no for an answer that I get annoyed. Though that applies to both guys and girls. I don't find it weird to see people of the same sex kissing though. But yeah, in the end it really is their business and not mine. As for ignorance being annoying? That too is a choice. Just as I think people have the right to be gay, so do others who aren't interested in learning more have the right to avoid it. I wish they would try to be more tolerant, but again, that's their choice. [/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"]Putting aside the obvious answer of seeing shows on tv when I was a kid or that I discovered subtitles. The real answer of when I really started to watch anime was when a friend of mine, who I teased for liking Sailor Moon, gave me her dvd's and challenged me to watch them with the subtitles and once I had done that I could tease her. Of course some of the older stuff was butchered quite a bit so it was surprising to see just how much had been altered and seeing that got me back into watching anime since at that point I had given up on it. Though now that translations are constantly improving and content isn't being mangled so much I would feel strange if I wasn't watching at least some anime every week. ^_^[/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"]"[B]So you've finally done it.[/B]" "[B]Yes, though we can't guarantee that it will work.[/B]" Celestia, who was sitting across from James in his office along with Jason and Matt handed over the data chip with the routine they had written. "[B]It will access the vaults, but each code for each faction has separate encryption keys. We know the keys for the three you already gave us, but the others? Even though we wrote this to take that into account since they are similar, it could still result in triggering the programs designed to erase the information.[/B]" "[B]So what you're saying is we'd be better off getting the actual code.[/B]" Celestia nodded. "[B]Unless you're willing to give us several years to work on it, I don't see a better solution. We'll continue to working on the remaining seven, but it's just not that simple.[/B]" James sighed a bit, "[B]No it's not. Keep working on it for now.[/B]" Celestia indicated that she would and then her along with Jason and Matt got up and went back to the lab. [I]What a waste of time. [/I] Celestia thought as they took their seats in the lab once again. "[B]Hey, why so depressed?[/B]" Jason asked her. "[B]I want to go home.[/B]" "[B]I know.[/B]" Jason moved his chair so he was next to her and pulled Celestia close. "[B]I want to go back as well."[/B] He kissed her on the forehead before finally letting go. Ignoring Matt who was uncomfortably waiting for them to finish. Celestia however was not finished. "[B]Jason, I'm trying to be patient but it's not working. I don't give a damn about their stupid internal politics. I'm sick and tired of being treated like property.[/B]" "[B]Celestia[/B]," Jason said warningly. "[B]Please, save it for when we're done for the day.[/B]" Celestia shot him an irritated glance before kicking the equipment in frustration. "[B]I know dammit! I know![/B]" She turned her attention to the routine they had been working on. [I]God damn stupid Versilans! [/I] She worked on getting her anger under control, since in the end, they didn't give a damn what she thought. With an audible sigh Celestia went back to analyzing the data. [CENTER]----------------------------------------[/CENTER] "[B]Your sure about that?[/B]" Stevens asked James. "[B]That we'd be better off getting the actual codes?[/B]" James looked to each of them, Stevens, Dakar and Zach. "[B]I am, the other group hasn't even figured out how to partially hack the system at all. You've already secured a confession from one member who is guilty so we can afford to take a little more time in getting the codes from the rest.[/B]" "[B]What about their family?[/B]" Stevens asked. "[B]Are we in agreement to drop the standard policy of holding them responsible as well?[/B]" "[B]I never agreed with that policy in the first place.[/B]" Dakar spoke up. "[B]I've said it before and I'll say it again. Punishing those who are innocent has done nothing but make things worse.[/B]" "[B]You'll get no argument from me on that Dakar. Even if the information Erica gave to Sandra was wrong, which it is not. Still unless we are willing to execute everyone involved it's better to do away with that practice altogether.[/B]" Stevens sighed. "[B]I've had my doubts about that as well, especially after the events surrounding Daniel Landers. I have to wonder if he would have never joined the resistance if we hadn't allowed the execution of his mother or assumed he was guilty.[/B]" "[B]So it checked out then? Pity. Even if Sandra will not be held responsible, there's no way we can over look what her father did.[/B]" Zach shook his head. "[B]I'm beginning to wonder if we'll be able to return control to the High Council or not. I'm quickly losing faith in their ability to rule.[/B]" "[B]Oh I don't see that as a problem. At least not once the public execution is carried out. Though I have every intention of making sure the policy changes we've discussed are followed up on. It's painfully clear that they've had too much of a free hand up until this point.[/B]" Stevens paused for a moment, looking as if he was exhausted. "[B]Anyway, I have an execution to prepare and I need to talk to Sandra. Once we finish the investigation of her father, unless something turns up I'll be returning command of the Creator to her. Anything else gentlemen?[/B]" When all of them indicated there was not Stevens terminated the transmission. [I]What a mess. [/I]He thought. In the end he didn't agree with changing the policy in regards to family members of resistance members and yet even he could see that it needed to be done away with. And the fact that he really didn't want to hold Sandra responsible had nothing to do with it. "[B]We really are fools,[/B]" He said to himself. "[B]It's going to take a lot of work to fix this mess.[/B]" Stevens stood up and went over to stand and watch the view of space. It really was ironic in a sense. Some of what was happening was stuff he intended to do once he became a Council member. As annoying as it was, having so many things brought out in the open by what Erica revealed was only going to make that easier. Since the fools on the High Council would have never agreed to some of the changes he had in mind. [I]I need to go and talk to her.[/I] He thought.[I] If only because in many ways we are alike.[/I] Well other than some of his vices. Stevens smiled at the thought and then resolved to go and talk to her first thing tomorrow morning.[/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][quote name='Sakura'][COLOR="Navy"][SIZE="1"]Yay, looking forward to this. ^^ The ship looks pretty big O.o;; But I was wondering since there isn't any crew besides us, if the ship or something else incurs a large amount of damage, how is one mechanic going to be able to fix all by herself?[/SIZE][/COLOR][/QUOTE]The ship may look big but its not. At least not compared to say military battleships and such. ^_~ As for the damage issue, all ships have backup systems and in the end, if the damage really is serious, the mechanic and the engineer's job will be to fix it enough so one can get to a space station where full repairs can be done. And even then, depending on where you are you'll simply get assistance if needed. If it's too damaged to get to a space station on it's own that is. Also, it's not apparent, but the ship is designed for long voyages in the sense that all systems installed are ones that have an excellent track record as far as reliability goes. More experimental or less proven technology was not used. The biggest worry would be damage from an outside hostile force vs the ship actually breaking down. [/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][quote name='Retribution;784132][size=1]But isn't that assumption correct? Where is the outrage? Where is the outpouring of charity to these previously popular causes? It was once there, and now is gone.[/size][/QUOTE]That doesn't matter. It's not relevant to this thread at all.[quote name='Retribution;784132][size=1]You can be upset over this tragedy, but keep it in perspective. Remember that there are thousands still in the same condition they were in two years ago immediately after the tsunami. New Orleans is in the same condition as immediately after Katrina.[/size][/QUOTE]No, one does NOT need to keep it in prospective. Nor does one need to remember that there are thousands out there in the same condition, etc. Your missing the point Retri. They don't need anyone's permission to be upset. It[I] is [/I]upsetting, whether those other events happened or not.[QUOTE=Retribution;784132][size=1]And I'm truly sorry if you think I'm saying that. Generally, what I'm calling for is keeping these previous tragedies in the back of your mind. I'm certainly not accusing anyone of being heartless for not remembering other things, because I'm just as guilty of it as the next person.[/size][/QUOTE]Then by all means, do so. In a thread dedicated to that topic, instead of rudely interrupting others who are upset by what happened in this one. They don't need it. Is it really so hard to say I'm sorry to hear that and leave it alone?[QUOTE=Retribution;784132][size=1']You're absolutely right here. And I truly can't believe I'm saying this, but this is an exercise in relativity. This earthquake was bad, with 600 injured and 9 killed. I'm truly sympathetic for those who lost someone. But let's be frank here... that's a drop in the bucket when compared to the previous tsunami.[/size][/quote]No its not. Honestly, we do not need to bash other people experiencing something by pointing out how it could be 'worse' And saying it's a drop in the bucket trivializes the frustration and grief of those who did lose a loved one. I'll be equally as frank, it's rude and unnecessary in my opinion.[QUOTE=Retribution'][size=1]I guess what I'm saying is, people always pour out their sympathy for a week, maybe a month to the cause. And then it's on the next cause. And the next. The true scope of human suffering on this planet is not grasped by any of us. Like I said, that's sort of to be expected since we're so far removed from it all. I guess seeing all this sympathy to this earthquake that only claimed 9 lives makes me wonder about how we feel [or do we even remember?] about previous tragedies. Is it all a facade of sympathy that lasts a week? Are we truly sorry for these people? Sorry for rambling.[/size][/QUOTE]I think Sandy hit this one the best. It's unrealistic to expect people to carry the weight of all tragedy at all times. Again your missing the point. If you really want to discuss this then lets start a thread on it instead of expecting people who are coming to terms with what happened to see that. How about we let them have time to grieve, to find out if their friends are okay, [I]before[/I] we start in on '[I]how come we give this sympathy when this other thing was worse?[/I]' It's just common courtesy if you ask me. [B]EDIT:[/B] Ah I see, you were responding while I was typing up my response Retri. So I guess that clears things up for me then. ^_~ Sorry if it looks like I was beating a dead horse, since that was not my intent. [/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][quote name='Retribution'][size=1]Thank you for making a hasty generalization without understanding my point. My point was that we should be attentive to all human suffering, not just that which is most published. We shouldn't forget a story just because it falls off the front page. As it stands now, we have hipster-causes people like to join. Save New Orleans! Save Darfur! But as soon as it falls out of print, people get on with their lives and start worrying about much smaller issues. I mean, I understand it's only natural to forget about unpublished stories. Out of sight, out of mind so the saying goes. But I'm saying we should resist this and remember that which is forgotten by the mainstream media.[/size][/QUOTE]Retribution. Aren't you making the assumption that others are 'forgetting' about other human suffering? Honestly I am at a loss as to why people can't be upset over a tragedy without being expected to remember every other one that has 'fallen' off the front page. I understand what you're getting at but it comes across as [I]I think the rest of you are heartless for not mentioning this or that tragedy[/I]. Personally, I wish people could say, hey this happened to me, get some much needed feedback without having past tragedies tossed into their faces for once. We don't need to openly mention other stories to remember them. Nor do we need to tell people who are currently going through one. Oh by the way, remember this? In this case I think a simple, I hope your friends are alright is more than enough. As well as the relief that it seems very few were killed. [/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"]We are the only crew. The ship itself is designed to handle a crew of 15. There are no NPC/support staff since it's designed so that it could literally be operated by just one person. Essentially the whole idea was to make the need for additional staff redundant. However, the CIF is expecting the crew to run into trouble, to possibly need to do repairs, etc. Which is why both an engineer and a mechanic were selected. Kendra A. Erickson and Nakeisha Rhodes. Between the two of them, their combined skills should be capable of fixing anything on the ship should it need it. ^_~ As for space travel itself, it works by virtue of traveling through a different realm of space altogether. Commonly known as hyperspace. [/COLOR]