SunfallE

[COLOR=RoyalBlue]Scott was beginning to wonder if there was an exit to the crazy maze that he had woken up in. It seemed like they had been there forever instead of perhaps a day or two. The light never seemed to change and in spite of the apparent passage of time, he didn?t feel any hunger or thirst. If it wasn?t for how vivid the memory of the girl?s head exploding and the smell of blood when the spike had impaled the older woman, well he would have put this down as an extremely vivid dream. Scott sighed. ?[B]Why are you sighing?[/B]? Feng Li said with a tiny bit of irritation in her voice. ?[B]Because I?m not sure if there even[I] is [/I]an exit out of this place.[/B]? ?[B]Of course there is silly.[/B]? Feng Li replied. ?[B]It?s the same way we got here in the first place.[/B]? Scott was startled at her perceptiveness. She was right of course. They had to have gotten here in the first place, so it stood to reason that they should be able to leave the same way. ?[B]Your right.[/B]? He replied. Feng Li stuck her tongue out at him playfully and then ran on ahead when she saw what appeared to be a door out of the multi-level maze. She ignored Scott?s cries for her to wait for him and opened the door. A huge meadow filled with all sorts of flowers stretched in front of her as far as the eye could see. She boldly stepped into the field and waited for Scott to catch up. It was so pretty, Feng Li had never seen so many flowers in one place. She turned back to tell Scott to hurry up.[I] Adults take forever![/I] She thought to herself. But when she turned around the door was gone. She was now standing in the middle of a meadow of flowers as far as the eye could see. Feng Li shrugged. ?[B]Guess he should have hurried.[/B]? She skipped among the flowers picking a direction randomly, convinced that she would find her way out with or without the help of an adult. After all she had always managed on her own at home.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=RoyalBlue][quote name='Nerdsy][color=deeppink]The smilies suggest otherwise.[/color][/QUOTE]Must be some sort of secret smiley language then. :p [QUOTE=White][COLOR=DimGray][FONT=Tahoma]Who names their kid China?[/FONT'][/COLOR][/quote]Probably the same type of person who names their kid Blossom or Summer or even Daisy. ^_~[/COLOR]

[COLOR=RoyalBlue]Ah I see that area of the boards does have quite a bit more activity so it definitely needed more assistance. Although it's probably best to stick with only one event at a time, if there were more than one moderators it would make it easier for more events to be run. I suppose it would just come down to eventually seeing if there was a need for it. If a lot of really good ideas are being submitted and the Event Master finds themselves in the position of being able to run events consecutively, and by that I mean they find that they have several events lined up ready to go, then the extra help could be a good thing. They still would be run one at a time, but two people would help it to run more smoothly. Though in the end I suppose that would still come down to whether or not the Event Master felt that they needed the help. It would depend on the nature of the event I suppose. All the more reason to have some form of format for members to present an idea for an event. I suppose they already could via pm, but I wonder how many members even thought to do such a thing. I know it never occurred to me. At least not until this thread came up. ^_~[/COLOR]

[COLOR=RoyalBlue][QUOTE=Allamorph][FONT=Arial]Would you rather... ...drive a sleek, close-to-the-road car? or ..drive a big, powerful truck? I'm getting a little idea-dry. Can you tell?[/FONT][/QUOTE]I use to drive a Semi Truck for a living. So I'll take one of those trucks over a tiny little car any day. :p Would you rather be able to hear the thoughts of others around you so you can take advantage of the fact since you are the only one? (oh the opportunities!) Or Would you rather make it where everyone can hear everyone else, and create chaos through out the world when all the dirty truths become public? (what fun it would be to watch people like President Bush squirm!)[/COLOR]

[COLOR=RoyalBlue][QUOTE=DeadSeraphim][size=1][color=indigo][font=arial]Gamma is a hardware thing, not a software thing. For your example, the images in question have exactly the same byte order and ****, but the actual hardware processes it differently, largely because of default gamma settings on video cards. I can assure you without a shadow of a doubt, gamma has nothing to do with it. Try reinstalling Quicktime, clearing the registry settings and all. Nothing like a clean slate to get things going.[/font][/color][/size][/QUOTE]That's good to know, even if it does mean that the tech I talked to a while ago when I had problems with video's being to dark was full of BS. :animesigh Meh, good luck White. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=RoyalBlue]What type of videos are they? I've heard that Macs and PCs display images with different gamma levels. If you're working with a compression tool that supports gamma adjustment, an image you create on a Mac and display on a PC will look dark. An image created on a PC and displayed on a Mac will look too bright. So perhaps that's the cause? That the video was made on the opposite of what you use? Beyond that I don't know what could have caused it. And if that is the case I don't know how you would fix it since it would be a problem with the actual video, I think. Seeing that you said only certain videos are affected. Oh and I love the way you are basically adversting this thread in your signature. ^_~ It worked since here I am. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=RoyalBlue] [quote name='Gavin][SIZE=1']Maybe a solution would be to have more than one Event Master, or even just promote someone to Event Apprentice or something along those lines to give them the power to run their event properly.[/SIZE][/quote]In addition to allowing members to submit their ideas for events? Or instead of? I'm kind of curious as to which direction you are going with this. Because when it comes right down to it, if we allow the members to contribute, as James already stated, they don?t need any type of moderator abilities or such to be able to work with the current Event Master. Especially if only one event is being run at a time. And just to be clear on this I?m for the idea of opening things up so members can contribute ideas and then possibly assist the Event Master with the actual event. I don?t think there is anything wrong with the current event system, but there?s nothing stopping us from making it even better. ^_~[/COLOR]

[COLOR=royalblue][QUOTE=only1specialed][COLOR=DarkRed][SIZE=3][FONT=Georgia]ive been looking further into this and it seems that they found a note that might explain why the baby might have been killed in a microwave. The note was something like this. What is red, bubbly, and scratches at the window before expoding? A baby in a microwave. :animeswea i guess someone just wanted to find out if it was true. :animesigh [/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR][/QUOTE] [quote name='ChibiHorsewoman][color=#9933ff][font=lucida calligraphy]Am I theonly one who finds that comment extremely inappropriate for this topic? Sorry but those baby jokes were never that funny for me in the first place and this is really not the right place to make a comment like that.[/color'][/font][/quote]Perhaps I?m missing something here, but only1specialed was only saying that they looked further into it and somewhere they came across the information stating that. I don?t think they were actually joking about it. I suspect that whatever site or source they got it from was the one that was joking. Not only1specialed. So in that light I don?t find it inappropriate or offensive, but rather sad that others out there are making cracks along those lines. I have yet to even see such a thing online or in the news indicating there was a note of some kind in this case. So I imagine that where ever only1specialed got it from was a hoax. Unless only1specialed; you have some sort of link to an official article stating otherwise. Anyway, in the end I just hope that whoever is responsible is dealt with. Whether it?s the mother or someone else. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=RoyalBlue]Maya lay there stunned from being punched by what appeared to be Constance, but her instincts were screaming to her that something was terribly wrong. [I]I don?t understand, how could she even be here?[/I] She thought to herself. She started to move and then froze when Constance (Kalas) picked up a knife. [I]Where did that come from?[/I] She wondered her heart pounding in fear. But instead of attacking her Constance just stood there. Then waves of pain struck leaving Maya feeling as if her head was going to explode. [I]What the hell?[/I] She thought. [I]Is my head really going to explode?[/I] She gritted her teeth and grabbed her head in a vain attempt to stem off what seemed to be thoughts that were not her own. [I]Ayame?[/I]?[I]Kalas?[/I]?[I]Lita?[/I] It wasn?t so much thoughts but rather a sensation as if other people were with her in her mind. Crowding, begging to be heard. Taking over and shoving her aside. Maya screamed as the pain increased, she scrambled backwards in a vain attempt to somehow escape it. ?[B]Get the hell out of my mind![/B]? she cried. Kalas hesitated when Ayame (Maya) seemed to forget him clutching her head as if in pain and then screaming about getting out of her mind. [I]Gods,[/I] he thought,[I] she really is insane![/I] Lita continued to watch helplessly, wishing with all her heart that she could somehow be seen and heard. [I]I can?t bear to watch![/I] She thought. As if in answer to that unspoken wish, Lita felt something pull at her, dragging her towards the edge of the room. [I]What the hell?[/I] She wondered. Pain lanced through her as her body seemed to mesh with the walls, and then a horrible jerking sensation plunged her into darkness. Then after what seemed like an eternity of feeling like she was falling, Lita landed hard on what felt like a stone surface. Cautiously she opened her eyes to find herself in what appeared to be a stone maze. Quickly she got up and dusted herself off. She raised her hands and touched the wall closest to her. [I]I?m solid again![/I] She nearly wept with relief. ?[B]Kalas! I?m back to norm..[/B]?she cried out turning around expecting to see Kalas only to stop short at what she saw. With a startled gasp of horror she backed away only to be stopped, her back against the stone wall she had just touched! [I]Hell! This has got to be a nightmare! How can this be?[/I] She thought in panic. A malicious grin greeted her. ?[B]Look at what we have here.[/B]? Ayame said her eyes narrowing. ?[B]I don't know how you got here... but this time there?s no little boy scout to save you.[/B]? She gloated, and then with a scream of rage she charged Lita.[/COLOR] [CENTER][IMG]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c323/SamSandy/Labyrinth/labyrinth-teleportcard2.png[/IMG] [IMG]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c323/SamSandy/Labyrinth/labyrinth-lita.png[/IMG][/CENTER]

[COLOR=RoyalBlue][quote name='Aaryanna_Mom']Since you are going to be starting your RPG based on this soon I?m wondering how that?s going to work as you?ve got all of them in quite the predicament at the moment. Goodness I don?t know what else to say at this point. And I?m wondering just where you intend to go with the storyline at this point. [/quote]Well the actual RPG won?t go up for about another week. So it will be resolved, or rather to the point where the RPG will start. I?ve already got the sign up sheet and information ready. Now all I?m doing is fine-tuning the plot twists I have in mind. Once I finish that and post a few more relevant chapters, the fun will begin. ^_~ [QUOTE=Aaryanna_Mom]I will say that you?ve certainly established Jared?s personality as a cruel villain with that last chapter. With him enjoying what he did to both Daniel and his mother. Makes me glad he?s not real. Anyway, you bum! Post so I can find out what happens next. If this were a book, there?s no way I?d be setting it down after what I just read![/QUOTE]Thanks! Every story like this needs a good villain, and who knows what Jared will do since originally he didn?t have much of a role and he sort of took over and changed that. So if my readers want him dead then I take that as a compliment as it means at least on some level people are relating to him. ^_~ And now, as requested? [B]Chapter twenty-seven:[/B] Commander Kim sat down on the sofa in her quarters. She made no attempt to stop the tears that flowed down her cheeks. Kim had long dreamed of becoming a Commander, but not like this! When Commander Sandra had informed her that she was being promoted to Commander over Daniel?s ship she had been surprised. Especially when Sandra had gone on to inform her about Daniel being Nathan?s son; she couldn?t believe it! Kim read through the report on investigation that she had been sent once again. And though the report didn?t give the details she had heard the rumors about what High Command had done to his poor mother. How could they allow such a thing? After what Jared had done to her crew, she knew the rumor was true. Later when she had learned what Jared had done to Daniel she was glad she had been in her quarters. She had broken down and wept. Kim had never admitted to anyone not even herself how she felt about Daniel and to hear what Jared had done was almost more than she could stand. She had finally gotten herself under control enough to return to duty. Kim wiped the tears away and sighed. How long had she been willingly ignoring what was going on around her? She knew deep down inside that her government was corrupt. She had no family as her parents had died in an accident. She had been staying at a friend?s house or she would have died as well. Since she had no living relatives she had become a ward of the Empire and placed in military school. Although she had seen a lot of cruelty among the candidates and officers she knew the law and trusted in those higher up to maintain order. And when she had been assigned to serve under Daniel shortly after he became a Commander she had put it out of her mind, as he was exactly how she had imagined true officers were like. For ten years she had been content. She had ignored the rumors about the cruelty as well. Now she could not. Was this why people joined the resistance? It was one thing to execute traitors but she knew damn well what they did to Daniel?s mother and what Jared was doing to him was not acceptable. Why did they allow it? Kim wanted more than anything to investigate what the hell was going on yet she knew if she did it would be a grave mistake. Something had to be done, that much was clear. Kim just didn?t know what to do. If they were this cruel to their own, what about the worlds they had taken over? She knew that Commander Sandra had two humans from Earth on her ship who had been taken against their will. Where they being treated like Daniel was? Kim had once been approached by someone trying to get her to join the resistance though at the time she had thought the person was only joking. She had chewed him out saying such a stupid joke would only get him in trouble. He had apologized and never spoke of it again. Kim now wondered if he had been serious. William was only a merchant and at the time she had thought he was just trying to get her to come work with him, even if his way of saying it was in poor taste. Kim went over to the console and sent a message to William?s ship on a secure channel. She knew it was foolish but she had to speak to him again. Celestia wondered how she could continue to cope with everything. It had been nearly three weeks since the first time Daniel had been brought back to the sickbay so hurt by Jared. And nearly a month since Nathan had died, it still just seemed so unreal. According to the Doctor her and Jason?s genetic enhancement was complete and in another week after making sure it had settled properly she and Jason would be put back to work with the new computer specialist. Celestia wasn?t sure she could even continue to cooperate. Every couple of days Daniel would be taken away by the guards and each time they brought him back he was battered and beaten. It broke her heart every time they took him away. She didn?t know why but seeing him so hurt when they brought him back was painful. Why was she so affected by what happened to him? She knew it was more than just being upset. It was somehow different. Was it because he looked so much like the Daniel in her dreams? Celestia was no fool, she didn?t know the specifics but she knew that Jared was doing far more than torture and interrogations. Was that why she was so upset? Was she worried that Jason was next? Every time Daniel was brought back it was like part of him had died. He didn?t respond to anything she said and simply didn?t eat or drink. If it weren?t for the doctor giving him stuff he probably would have died already. Celestia didn?t know if she could handle seeing the same thing happen to Jason. She wondered if Daniel wished he were dead. She got up off her bed and went over to sit by his side. She did this everyday, trying to talk to him and somehow comfort him. To her surprise this time he actually grabbed her hand and looked at her directly. ?[B]Thank you Celestia,[/B]? he whispered. He closed his eyes and let go of her hand. Celestia leaned over and hugged him tightly, ?[B]I?m so sorry Daniel. I wish I could do more for you.[/B]? To her surprise he replied, ?[B]It?s okay, I understand. Don?t worry about it.[/B]? Celestia let go and continued to sit next to him holding his hand until he finally fell asleep.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=RoyalBlue][QUOTE=DeathKnight][color=crimson].. Why don't you all pool together what you have into one definitive article? A man with such an impressive list of [strike]crimes[/strike] accomplishments as Charles deserves that much.[/color][/QUOTE]That's a great idea, especially since I'm still in the gathering data stage. I can always add to what everyone else has already done. Then we can start fighting over DeathKnight and then over who gets to do Desbreko. I'm thinking Des is going to be fought over quite a bit. ^_~[/COLOR]

[COLOR=RoyalBlue]For starters: [quote name='Split Keyblader']So do yopu think that our culture has a lot of sex related themes. Yes or no.[/quote]I expect more than a simple yes or no from people on this subject. And Split Keyblader, using a program like word or hotmail is also recommended as your post is full of spelling errors. Anyway, seeing that sex is essential to our very survival, how can it not have a giant impact on our lives and culture? Do I actually see it in the grocery stores? Only if I take the time to pull the magazine out as here in Utah they put black boards in front of the actual magazines. They even fasten them in place so you can't move them. It is kind of fun to pull one out and make fun of what they are hiding when I?m at the store waiting to check out. Though the others waiting in line don?t find my antics amusing. And when I was on the road, other states had porn magazines right there as well. Though those were sealed to keep the customers from taking a peek before they bought the magazine, and they were behind the counter with the checker in the same way cigarettes are, I assume to keep people from stealing them. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=RoyalBlue][QUOTE=Charles]Please, please. Don't squabble amongst yourselves. There's plenty of me to go around. I've done a lot here; it'll probably take both of you together to get everything.[/QUOTE]That's good to know as I was getting ready to fight for my share of you. :p So I'll be sure to add anything they miss. Provided there is anything left. ^_~[/COLOR]

[COLOR=RoyalBlue][QUOTE=Heero yuy]Well, I don't have a dog. But I used too...and shaving his crotch would be gross and I would think hard and painful for the both of us. So, shave my cats tail with a toothbursh. Would you rather... Eat a meal off a Seven/Eleven toilet? Or Listen to Ashley Simpson's music for a month?[/QUOTE]Just a point here, having learned how to groom animals and that includes using the right type of blade to shave the said area. Well unless you modify that stick, it just isn't going to work. You'd have better luck just ripping the hair straight out. :p Same goes for the cat too, though unless your weird, you don't even shave a cat. Anyway, I don't even know who Ashley Simpson is so I'll take the music since it's likely to at least be something different. Now would you rather wake up and realize that you are stranded on an island for a month with no tv or any amenities other than enough food and water to keep you alive. Or Would you rather wake up, find everything you could ever wish for and then realize that you were in hell and though you could look at everything, you would never be able to use it again?[/COLOR]

[COLOR=RoyalBlue]Personally I think the rant over this and getting upset is premature. The woman is suspected of killing her baby; it has yet to be proven that she is indeed guilty of the act. The actual act of what happened itself is sick, but I think it's too soon to be judging her. And I fail to understand why people are upset that it might have been a parent who did it. I've always understood that people who do this sort of thing have serious issues, regardless if they are a parent or not. Parenthood doesn't turn someone into a loving saint just because they had a kid. Just look at all the domestic violence happening in your own cities to see that. Admittedly murder is far more severe, I'm just saying that being a parent doesn't make you immune or somehow incapable of doing bad things. All I need to do is look to my own mother to see that. lol[/COLOR]

[COLOR=RoyalBlue][QUOTE=Aaryanna_Mom]o_O Well he certainly didn?t waste any time in going after Daniel. Guilty until proven innocent huh? And I see you wrote it from the prospective of Jared enjoying torturing him. Ouch! And telling Daniel he has no use for his mother. At this point I?m going to guess that the ?video? in question is of her [spoiler]execution.[/spoiler] And I?m also going to guess that it?s not very nice either. I?m not sure I want to find out either! Though I kid, as I?ve come far enough that I really do want to know, even if it?s not very nice. ;)[/QUOTE]Exactly, guilty as far as the Versilan government is concerned. ^_~ And your guess...well... I mentioned before that I would warn you when it was going to get darker right? Well that moment has come. This next section is the biggest reason my story has the rating I gave it. [quote name='indifference][COLOR=DarkRed]You may change your mind once you read it. [spoiler]Cackles Evilly![/spoiler'] And so I?m not totally off topic here, I rather like this part that you added in: I?m fairly certain it wasn?t there before and I rather like it as it fits Jared?s character. He may be one mean little shit, but you?ve also been painting a picture of someone who is dedicated to his duties. So it makes sense that even though he is having fun, he would still be focusing on his job as a Sub-Commander. [/COLOR][/quote]Getting into character I see. :p As for the other part, you are correct I did add it. ^_^ [B]Chapter twenty-six:[/B] Daniel didn?t even resist when the guards finally came to take him back to sickbay. Although Jared had released him from the restraints earlier, he had been too drugged, sickened and shocked to even move from where Jared had left him lying on the floor. He couldn?t stop the tears that continued to flow down his cheeks. Even when the guards chained him to the bed in sickbay and left he just continued to cry silently and stare blankly. Daniel had heard the rumors about Jared and how people objected to the cruelty of the Versilan Empire. But never in his entire life had he ever experienced it. Even if his mother had been a member of the resistance no one deserved to be treated like that. Even he had been humane when he had been required to execute traitors. Daniel wanted to blame Nathan but he couldn?t. He could blame him for her being executed but not for what they had done to her before she was killed. At first he couldn?t believe what he was seeing on the video. How could anyone do that to another person! Daniel had closed his eyes but he couldn?t turn off the sounds of his mother being raped and tortured to death. Daniel had struggled furiously to break free of the restraints. In the end all he had managed to do was bruise himself and tear his clothing and skin. In spite of the pain and blood he had struggled furiously when Jared had returned, as he wanted more than anything to kill him on the spot. Jared had simply laughed at him and offered to give him a copy of his mother?s execution as a keepsake of her. As if that wasn?t enough Jared had then drugged him. When the drugs had taken effect and he was released from the restraints he had fallen to the floor unable to move. Daniel cringed in his mind at what had happened next, he had heard about what Jared did to people but truthfully he had refused to believe it. He just couldn?t believe that someone could be so evil and sadistic. But Jared had shown him how wrong he was. The things Jared did to him while he was raping him caused something inside him to break. If he had known what was going to happen he would have committed suicide instead of turning himself over to Commander Sandra. As the tears continued to flow down his face Daniel retreated further into his mind, how could he possibly continue to live after all that had happened? Celestia gasped in horror when the guards brought Daniel in and chained him to the bed and left. What had they done to him? As soon as they left she immediately went over to ask him if he was okay. But no matter what she said he didn?t even seem to see or hear her. Celestia went to her bed and pushed the call button requesting to talk to the doctor. After a few minutes the doctor appeared, ?[B]What is it Celestia?[/B]? Celestia said, ?[B]Doctor, something?s wrong with Daniel! He?s bleeding and when I ask if he?s all right he doesn?t respond![/B]? The doctor sighed, ?[B]I already know about Daniel. His wounds aren?t serious, don?t worry I?ll be there as soon as I finish Jason?s session.[/B]? Celestia didn?t even get a chance to beg her to come sooner as the screen went blank. She went into the bathroom and got several wet and dry towels. She ran back and gently cleaned up the blood on his wrists and wiped away his tears. He was hot to the touch so she placed a cold wet towel on his forehead. After what seemed like an eternity Daniel finally stopped crying and shivering. Celestia went to the bathroom and got more clean towels. She came back and sat on the edge of the bed as she placed a new wet towel on Daniel?s forehead. She was surprised when he grabbed her hand and held on tight. Celestia set the other towels on the table next to the bed and situated herself on the bed so she was sitting right next to Daniel. She reached over with her other hand and grabbed the one holding hers. ?[B]It?s all right. I?ll stay with you until the doctor comes.[/B]? She said. Daniel didn?t respond but just held her hand tighter. Celestia waited patiently for the doctor, even when Daniel seemed to have fallen asleep she continued to hold his hand in hers and wait. After what seemed like an eternity the door finally opened and Jason and the Doctor entered the room. The doctor came over to the bed and started running a scanner over Daniel. ?[B]Well doctor? Is he going to be okay?[/B]? she asked. Crystal sighed before responding, ?[B]Celestia please go stand over by Jason. Physically Daniel will be fine.[/B]? Celestia followed the doctor?s instructions and got up and went over to stand next to Jason. ?[B]What do you mean by physically? Is something else wrong?[/B]? She asked. The doctor finished treating Daniel?s wounds and gave him a shot before turning to respond to Celestia, ?[B]I guess it won?t hurt to tell you as everyone else knows.[/B]? Crystal motioned for Jason and Celestia to sit on the bed after she sat down at the end of Jason?s bed. Once they had sat down she said, ?[B]You already know that Nathan was a member of the resistance. Correct?[/B]? Both Jason and Celestia nodded their heads yes. Crystal continued, ?[B]Apparently Daniel is Nathan?s son. As a result both Daniel and his mother are considered traitors. His mother has already been executed. Daniel has been stripped of his command and given over to Jared to do with as he pleases. As I mentioned before, I may not agree with the military?s methods but I do obey orders. Initially High Commanded issued an execution order for Daniel as well but they left that up to Jared to decide.[/B]? Crystal got up to leave but turned to say one more thing before leaving, ?[B]Personally, I believe a quick execution would have been kinder than what he has endured today.[/B]? On that cryptic note she left.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=RoyalBlue]Wow! Thank you everyone. I didn?t expect to get so many wonderful banners. :catgirl: And indifference is right about using all of them, from the sign-up thread, to the underground one, to the start of the thread to the events in the RPG, I?m sure I?ll be able to eventually use all of them. As for what you did indifference, especially after telling you that it was indeed Jared, well? *dies laughing* That?s just too funny with the other picture! And it even fits Jared?s personality as well. :animeblus I only have one question and that?s where did you find those pictures? The ones at the website for the game where I got the other picture had the word sample written across them. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=RoyalBlue]I?m not sure if this should go under notable threads or not but here?s my first entry. ----- The OtakuBoards [B]Christmas Banner Contest[/B] thread The Christmas Banner Contest thread was an innovative thread started by James to give members the chance to create banners for the honor of having their entry displayed on OtakuBoards for the holidays. This idea was inspired by James in an attempt to spruce up OB for the holiday season. Looking back at previous Christmas Banner Contest threads has shown that it has been a popular thread with both newer and older members as each contest has been well received. Having enjoyed successful responses from previous Christmas Banner Contest threads. James has once again started another thread for the 2006 holiday. This popular idea has already received several responses from well-known members of OB, such as DeadSeraphim, Charles & Boo. ----- I hope that's all right. I'm not the best when it comes to writing articles. [/COLOR] :animesigh

[COLOR=RoyalBlue][QUOTE=Tekkaman][font=Century Gothic][size=2][color=gray] [color=indigo]P.S.[/color] Anyone remember [color=indigo]Ronin Warriors[/color]? :D[/size][/font][/color] [/QUOTE]I remember it and I even have the series on DVD. ;) Which by the way has the original uncut version on it. Subbed only but I don't mind. I even prefer the name Samurai Troopers to the English one of Ronin Warriors. It's amazing how much you think you adored a show until you grow up and watch it again. I now can't stand the dubbed version but I still enjoy the subbed one of Samurai Troopers. I also remember catching Battle of the Planets on re-runs when I was a kid. Dorky as hell and yet my sister and me positively adored it. It was pretty amusing to pick up a few DVD's of it only to find out that it had been completely butchered. It sort of lost it's magic anyway as I grew up. But it was kind of fun to see just how much it had been changed from the original. Also they did a re-make of it [I]Gatchaman[/I], and it was an excellent tribute to the original and very well done. I certainly enjoyed watching it. It put Battle of the Planets/Gatchaman, back into the category of the good old days. Though if I were to really describe the good old days, well for me it would be more recent. About five years ago when I discovered the wonder's of subtitles. It certainly opened me up to quite a bit more anime, where before it was just a phase I had grown out of. And now it?s a phase I?ve grown back into. ;)[/COLOR]

[COLOR=RoyalBlue][I]So far so good[/I]. Callisto thought as he and Joachim continued across the stone pillars. Only two more to go and they would be on the other side. As if in answer to that the ground began to shake and a horrible roaring noise echoed up from the seemingly bottomless trenches of the pillars. Instinctively Callisto grabbed Joachim?s arm and yelled at him to run. They had barely made it to the other side when a wave of heat threw both of them to the ground. A piercing cry caused both of them to turn and scramble to their feet. They were just in time to see the walkways burst into flames and fall. Flames then shot up around the pillars easily reaching more than twenty feet high. Both Joachim and Callisto backed away from the flames and the intense heat they were putting out. Once again a piercing cry rang from what appeared to be the middle of the pillars. Instinctively Joachim pulled out the sword, pointing it towards where the noise had come from. The flames began to die down only to reveal what could only be a creature from legend. An enormous white bird, easily the size of a small house was perched on the pillar in the center. It?s wings and body giving off sparks and little jets of flame were occasionally shooting out of its mouth with each cry. ?[B]Keep backing up Joachim,[/B]? Callisto said through clenched teeth. He himself carefully moving slowly in an attempt to not attract the attention of the monstrous bird. Whether or not they would have succeeded in getting away without being noticed was something they never found out. With another shriek the bird screamed at them, sending waves of fire in their direction. Callisto swore and threw himself sideways in an attempt to avoid the flames. Joachim froze and then did the only thing he could think of, he swung the sword as if attempting to slash the flames. To his surprise the swing produced a gust of wind that literally threw the flames back at the bird. With a shriek of rage it shook off the flames and moved towards them, sending another wave of flames at them. Again Joachim swung his sword and this time the flames were directed back down the bird?s throat. The bird swallowed the flames and then began to thrash madly, spewing flames out randomly. Callisto grabbed Joachim and pulled him back quickly, just in time to avoid him being smashed by the struggling bird. Then just as they were about to enter the next part of the maze, the bird exploded from the inside out. The blast picked both of them up, slamming them into the stonewall. And then just as quickly it was over. Callisto picked himself up, other than some bruises and minor burns he seemed to be okay. A quick check showed Joachim to be all right as well. Though he seemed to have been knocked unconscious. Callisto picked up the scabbard to his sword and then with extreme care he worked the sword into it without touching the blade. He set it next to the kid and then patiently waited while he started to stir. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=RoyalBlue][QUOTE=Aaryanna_Mom]To start with the thing I notice the most as far as improvements go is the lack of description and details surrounding the story as a whole. They are there, but not enough to help me clearly paint a picture of where they are. However, you have provided enough that it does give a starting point for the reader to on some level to see it with their minds eye so to speak. So though I think it could be improved, I don?t think it distracts too much from the overall story. I just think some more descriptions would be helpful. Also, there tends to be a distinct lack of descriptions as far as the characters go. Not so much in how they look, but rather in the unconscious gestures they would do. For example, the most recent chapter where Jared kissed Celestia, I would imagine she might have unconsciously gripped the blankets on the bed tightly, or reached up to instinctively push Jared away. Things that would help to indicate her state of mind when ever Jared is around. To point out another example, would be when both Celestia and Jason first met again. You had written in how she was startled enough that she literally fell off the bed. That?s the sort of thing I am referring to. [/QUOTE]First of all thank you for taking the time to critique my story, I really appreciate it. Truthfully I agree with you. Providing more details is something I struggle with. Or rather trying to write it in a manner that doesn?t seem wooden or stiff so I think to myself, I?ll add that later and often I don?t. I?ve been working on that, especially now that I?m starting to get prepared for the RPG based on this story. [quote name='Aaryanna_Mom]Now for the stuff I think you do a good job with already. ;) First of all the thing I like the most about your writing style is how you focus in on how the characters are feeling. In fact so far I think your strongest point is in connecting with how the characters would think and feel in such situations. So in that respect, several of them feel very real as you read about them.[/QUOTE]Thank you. For whatever reason, imagining how the characters would feel is easier for me. And as a result I tend to focus on it too much, leaving out other aspects like the descriptions you mentioned. Some of that I think comes from the novels I have read, some of them focus so much on the details that I feel like I never knew what the character was actually feeling. However, I think I did the same thing they did, focused too much on one aspect of the writing. [QUOTE=Aaryanna_Mom'] I also like the style where on some level you know what?s going to happen because even though the other characters don?t, you don?t hide what the other side is doing. Like the recent chapter, you?ve let the reader in on upcoming events, even when it?s obvious that the event is most likely going to include the death of another character. Instead of leaving us in the dark, you?ve instead put things on edge in the sense that though we know something bad is going to happen, we don?t know exactly how it?s going to happen. And the references from other characters as to how Jared likes to amuse himself gives a sense of doom in that I suspect that what is going to happen next isn?t going to be pretty. [/quote]That?s actually a pet peeve of mine. I absolutely detest cliffhangers and stories that leave you hanging all the time. You never know what the enemy is up to, and though it can be an effective tool for creating suspense. I like the approach where you the reader know what?s up and your holding your breath, hoping that the main characters see it in time to escape. [QUOTE=Aaryanna_Mom] I also like how on some level you seem to be aware of being too clichéd with your writing. Nathan comes to mind when I think of that. You could have easily written something that allowed all of them to escape and yet you did not. You built the story up to that point only to have the escape not succeed. I do sense some upcoming obvious moments, I suspect that Celestia is [spoiler]actually Daniel?s daughter, though if I?m wrong I?m going to feel silly. [/spoiler] But I?m also getting the feeling that there are going to be some very unpleasant moments to counter that obvious event. Anyway, overall I?ve certainly enjoyed reading your story and when it comes to the end, well right now you?re making it look like it?s not going to be happy in any respect. So I?m very curious to see how you resolve it. Or don?t as I seem to remember hints at the beginning of the thread as to how they were hoping this was the second segment where a character needed to die, and right now I?m assuming it?s safe to say that they were referring to Jared. So my last thoughts for you?Post so I can find out! :catgirl:[/QUOTE]Thanks, I still feel clichéd but I do try to avoid it. Some events I think are unavoidable, because so many others have already written stories before me, so it?s not that simple to come up with something completely new. As for your sense as to what is coming up. In some areas you are one hundred percent correct. But since I don?t? want to spoil it for you I won?t say which areas you got correctly. Thanks again for the input, just as you asked for, here?s the next part. ;) [B]Chapter twenty-five:[/B] When the guards came to get Daniel for the third day of being questioned under the influence of the drugs, he knew something was wrong. The four of them were heavily armed and without any warning they bound his hands behind him. He was too surprised at first to protest. But when he realized they were taking him to an interrogation chamber reserved only for criminals his attempt to question the guards as to what was going on was ignored. Daniel stopped walking and demanded, ?[B]I asked you a question, what is going on here![/B]? The guards ignored his question and simply grabbed his arms and dragged him into the room. They removed the restraints and fastened him to the wall. They fastened him to chains spreading his arms above him and to the side. With additional restraints around his waist, across his chest just under his arms and around his knees and ankles he found he could hardly move! This didn?t make any sense! He wasn?t a traitor! Did Jared actually intend to torture him? Daniel had never approved of such harsh methods. Since he had been given command of a battle ship the chamber for criminal interrogations had never been used. Why go to such extreme methods when it wasn?t required? Did High Command know what he was doing? Jared entered the room and sat down at the control console in front of Daniel, he started turning all the equipment on. ?[B]Explain yourself Sub-Commander.[/B]? Daniel demanded. Jared finished turning on all the equipment and finally looked up at Daniel. Jared smiled and said, ?[B]I think you are the one who needs to explain. Did you really think you could hide the truth from us?[/B]? Daniel was speechless for a moment before replying, ?[B]What are you talking about? I have told you the truth about everything you have asked me![/B]? Jared replied, ?[B]Then explain why you never mentioned that Nathan is your father. Such an important detail to overlook for a Commander.[/B]? Daniel was once again speechless, what in the world was Jared talking about? Nathan wasn?t his father! His father had died in a skirmish with the resistance! Jared continued, ?[B]Nothing else to say Commander?[/B]? Daniel screamed in pain as Jared activated the disruptors sending powerful waves of electrical energy through his body. Jared waited several minutes before turning the disruptor off. ?[B]Does that help you to remember? Or do you require more?[/B]? He said. Daniel took a moment to catch his breath before responding, ?[B]My father was killed by the resistance. It?s in my records! He died before I was even born! Nathan is not my father![/B]? Once again Daniel screamed in pain as Jared activated the disruptor. When it finally stopped he hung limply in the restraints breathing heavily. ?[B]We found evidence showing that your records had been tampered with. The only thing we haven?t been able to determine is which one of you altered the records. Your mother claims she didn?t do it, and I can?t ask Nathan. When we checked with the clinic your mother went to for the genetic process we found a hard copy of the arrangement between your mother and Nathan. Imagine our surprise when it clearly stated that Nathan was the genetic donor. Most clinics don?t keep a hard copy or I?m sure you or Nathan would have made sure it was destroyed.[/B]? Jared got up and walked over until he was face to face with Daniel. ?[B]I must admit I had no idea the resistance was so capable. To think that Nathan managed to hide under our very noses for so long and that you actually managed to get promoted to the rank of Commander![/B]? He said, admiration in his voice. Daniel couldn?t believe what he was hearing! Was it really true that Nathan was his father? If that was really true his mother would be executed for high treason! No! It couldn?t be! This had to be some sick game of Jared?s to force him to admit he was a traitor, but why? ?[B]He is not my father Sub-Commander; I refuse to play your sick game. I am not a traitor.[/B]? Daniel said. To his surprise Jared smiled and said, ?[B]Ah, but Commander this is no game I assure you. We have already secured your mother?s confession regarding Nathan. She has even admitted that she suspected that Nathan and other people she knows were working with the resistance. Do you know what the penalty is for not reporting suspected resistance members or activities? Don?t bother to answer, of course you know what it is.[/B]? Jared paused and then answered his own question, ?[B]the penalty is death.[/B]? Daniel couldn?t help but gasp in horror! ?[B]Damn you Jared! Leave my mother out of this![/B]? Daniel snapped. He knew it was pointless but he tried to pull free of the restraints to get at Jared. Daniel glared at him. Jared laughed and replied, ?[B]You?re actually kind of cute when you are angry.[/B]? Jared walked back and sat down at the console and said, ?[B]It looks like I?m going to have to convince you Commander that I?m quite serious.[/B]? Jared continued using the disruptor on Daniel until he could no longer even scream. He sighed; it was a shame that he didn?t get the pleasure of such activities very often. Jared shut down the disruptor. He didn?t want Daniel to lose consciousness just yet, it would spoil the next surprise he had for him. When he had read the execution orders he had been surprised by being given complete control over Daniel?s and his mother?s fate. As long as at least one of them was executed High Command didn?t care what happened to the other. He had contacted High Command to make sure and they had responded that if he wanted to keep Daniel alive as a prisoner that was fine by them. Besides, unlike his mother, Daniel was a commander, something Nathan had to have used to his advantage. Taking the time to probe his memories would be extremely useful in tracking down other connections to the resistance forces. Jared smiled as he got up and walked over to Daniel. He reached up and grabbed Daniel?s hair forcing him to look at him. ?[B]Do you believe me now Daniel?[/B]? He said. ?[B]I already have the orders for your execution, and for your mother as well. Though I intend to keep you alive for a while. I have no use for her.[/B]? Daniel fought to stay conscious. He didn?t want to believe it but if execution orders had really been issued then what Jared was saying had to be true. ?[B]I told you Jared,[/B]? he whispered, ?[B]Leave my mother out of this![/B]? Jared let go of Daniel and walked back over to the console. He turned on the monitor on the wall behind him and prepared the program Ryan had sent him. ?[B]I think it?s time for an educational video I?ve had specially made just for you,[/B]? Jared said. ?[B]I?ll be back to continue our conversation once the video is finished.[/B]? Jared got up and left, he would watch the video of Daniel?s response later. For now he had duties to attend to. Jared smiled, besides he had already seen the video, Ryan had outdone himself. Daniel had actually looked quite cute when he was angry, it would be interesting to see how he looked after seeing what was on the video.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=RoyalBlue][QUOTE=Satori][COLOR=SeaGreen][SIZE=1][FONT=Trebuchet MS]I'll take a shot at it. So basically you just want the linked image turned into a banner? Exactly as it is with some graphics thingies? [Just so it's 100% clear...I'm a little slow on the uptake sometimes ^^;][/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR][/QUOTE]Exactly. You can do pretty much anything you want to it. So long as the words Silver One appear somewhere on it. ;) And even then the choice of font and placement is entirely up to you. Also I realized that I forgot to mention that even though the RPG will be pretty free flowing. There are going to be major events that I will be introducing as the story progresses. So when I introduce an event, it will be headed by a banner. That banner does not have to be the same one so more than one entry is certainly welcome. I have at least three major events planned so there?s room for at least three banners. A couple of the events I haven?t finished tweaking as I haven?t decided if they should be separate or part of already existing events. As for the banner you already made, excellent work. I too like the burst of light on the left side. [QUOTE=Keyblade Wielder][COLOR=Purple][SIZE=1][FONT=Tahoma]I'd like to take a shot at this, seeing as how the guy actually looks pretty hot. XD I'll turn in my project when I'm done probably in the middle of tomorrow because I'll be working on school stuff. See you then![/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR][/QUOTE]I?d love to see one done by you as your work has such lovely vivid colors and striking textures. :catgirl: [/COLOR]

[COLOR=RoyalBlue]I?d like to request some help with a banner for an upcoming RPG I am working on. I?ve already made the banner to the exact size I would like it to be. The picture can be found here: [URL=http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/8539/silveronebannerhm6.png]Click! [/URL] But in addition to that I?d like to have some nice nifty graphics done to it and the words [b]Silver One[/b] somewhere on the finished piece. The RPG in question is a science-fiction type futuristic setting if that helps in determining the type of graphic effects to use. But I really don?t have a preference other than the words Silver One needs to be on it. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=RoyalBlue][QUOTE=Aaryanna_Mom]Excellent work on the current chapter. Just a suggestion on the sentence regarding Celestia, the wording is a bit confusing, as saying she [I]had been confused[/I] doesn?t explain [I]why she was confused[/I]. So I?m thinking it could use some work or rewording to clarify it. Also when you say forced language program? Are you referring to some type of enhanced or perhaps speed learning? Forced just doesn?t really seem to make sense here.[/QUOTE]Thanks, I hadn?t noticed that. So I went back and completely re-wrote that section. So let me know what you think. ^_~ [B]Chapter twenty-four:[/B] Daniel felt strange as he started to wake up. He sat up slowly holding his hands in his head. That?s right. When he had surrendered command to Kim and turned himself over to Commander Sandra he had been brought to their sickbay by the guards and Doctor Crystal after examining him had lectured him about taking better care of himself. She had not even asked him but immediately administered what he thought was a sedative as he didn?t even remember being put in a bed. How long had he been out? Daniel turned to hop off the bed and froze in place when he realized he wasn?t alone. There were two other beds and the one farther away from him was occupied. For a moment he was speechless when their eyes met. She looked exactly like one of the humans he had known when he was assigned to Earth. But it just wasn?t possible! He had worked with Nathan there around twenty years ago, but he had actually already been working on Earth for seven years before Nathan had been assigned to work there with him. Had it already been that long? If the earthling he knew was still alive she would look much older instead of looking the same. They aged much quicker than they did. Besides. She had died shortly after Nathan had arrived. By the time he found out she had died, her daughter had already been placed in an orphanage. He had not even tried to find the orphanage, as he couldn?t take the child with him. Even if he had liked her mother, it just wasn?t possible. Daniel found himself blushing a tiny bit as the earthling continued to stare at him. If she was the daughter of the woman he had known would she remember him? If he remembered correctly her name had been Celestia. Daniel finally looked away for a minute. This was kind of embarrassing. If she was the same person it would make things awkward as he had used her mother to get information about Earth?s culture. Hell! He had even slept with her on a regular basis! She hadn?t been the only one. It had been part of his job. He had made sure that no one got pregnant. When she had been pregnant with Celestia he had run a scan on her to make sure. Although the genetic code for humans was similar she was clearly human. Daniel finally turned back to find her still watching him. He didn?t know what to say. Celestia watched the Versilan, waiting for him to say something. It looked like he was actually blushing! When he turned back to look at her again she made up her mind. If he wouldn?t say something she would. She was distracted by the sound of the door opening. It was Jared! He had brought several guards with him. Celestia cringed as Jared walked towards her. To her surprise he sat down on the side of the bed and smiled. ?[B]Ah Celestia, I see that you are recovering. There?s no need to be so reserved my dear.[/B]? He leaned forward reaching up with his left hand to brush her hair back. Jared reached up with his right hand as well and held her head with both hands as he kissed her on the lips. He pulled back a bit, looked into her eyes and whispered, ?[B]So spirited, it?s a pity you aren?t a man.[/B]? He released her and got up and went over to the other Versilan. ?[B]Commander Daniel, the doctor tells me you are recovered enough for us to begin.[/B]? He said. Celestia was still feeling too stunned over being kissed by Jared to be surprised that the man?s name really was Daniel. She watched as Daniel got up without a word and followed Jared, flanked by the guards he had brought. Celestia wondered what the hell was going on. Sub-Commander Kim sighed. Ever since Commander Daniel had given her command and turned himself over to Commander Sandra things had gone downhill. She had never really thought about it before but Daniel was a kind Commander. She had been surprised when he had been promoted to Commander. He was very good at what he did, but he lacked the ruthlessness of so many others?s in command. Kim continued looking at the reports. The investigation of her crew had been going on for a week now. Unlike Daniel, the investigations conducted by Jared had been ruthless and downright brutal. Although no one on the ship was a member of the resistance several of them were into illegal drug and information trade. Each and every one who had been found guilty had been executed immediately. Kim hadn?t even been informed until after they had been executed. She put the hand-held device down. What had really bothered her was when Sub-Commander Jared had questioned her. She had heard the rumors about him and now she knew just how true they really were. Never had she been so intimated by someone before. He was stunningly beautiful with his shoulder length silver blonde hair and a face and body both athletic and well defined. But what had really stuck her was how cold his beautiful eyes were. Kim knew from the rumors how Jared liked to amuse himself. Never had she been so glad to be a woman than when she was around him. She picked the hand-held devise back up and continued reviewing the reports. Daniel sighed. It had been a week since the incident with Nathan. Jared had been questioning him for the past five days. Tomorrow he would be drugged to finish the interrogation. Something about Jared bothered him. He had heard rumors about Jared and how he liked to entertain himself. But what had surprised him the most was how cold and beautiful his eyes were. He had felt like a small mouse facing a cat. The look in Jared?s eyes was chilling though he didn?t know why. Daniel ignored the sound of the door opening to the sickbay room. For whatever reason they had been keeping him in here with the two humans Jason and Celestia. He had been shocked to realize her name actually was Celestia. He had yet to learn her last name so he didn?t know if she really was the child of the Earth woman he had known. Daniel kept his back to them as they entered. They had tried to talk to him but he had simply turned away and ignored them. If she really was the daughter of the Earth woman he had known, for some reason he didn?t want Jared to know about it. Daniel had never kept anything a secret before so he wasn?t sure why he felt so strongly about it. Jared entered his quarters in time to catch an incoming transmission. He sat down and opened the transmission; it was the spy he had recruited to work for him. ?[B]Sub-Commander Jared, I have the report on Nathan and the final report from the investigation of Commander Daniel?s mother.[/B]? Ryan said. ?[B]I?m sending it to you as we speak. I can wait while you read it Sub-Commander.[/B]? Jared transferred the report into his hand-held device and asked, ?[B]Why would you need to wait while I read it Ryan?[/B]? he said. Ryan replied, ?[B]Just read it and you will understand.[/B]? Jared raised his eyebrow at that but said nothing. He opened the report and began to read. As he read further he understood what Ryan was referring to. Jared smiled; this was going to be fun. He looked up at Ryan?s face on the screen, ?[B]Have High Command?s orders been carried out yet?[/B]? Ryan replied, ?[B]The other suspects are being taken into custody as we speak, as for the other two, well I have the orders for their execution right here. High Command wants their execution to be an example to others who would be so foolish as to oppose the expansion of the Versilan Empire. Apparently Nathan was one of the top resistance leaders. The resulting investigation has uncovered quite a few resistance members as well. The execution orders give you full power in choosing the method of their death.[/B]? Ryan paused for a minute and then continued, ?[B]Do you wish me to carry out the execution here? Or do you want her sent to you to be disposed of?[/B]? Jared smiled, oh was this going to be fun. ?[B]I want you to execute her for me. Here?s what I want you to do.[/B]? Jared explained in further detail. Ryan smiled. When he had been recruited by Jared to be a spy he had never expected it to be so enjoyable. The longer he worked for him the more he respected him. What he wouldn?t give to actually work on the same ship with him! Ryan had never been so attracted so someone before. It didn?t even matter that he was a man or that he himself preferred women. When the communication closed he started making the preparations. He knew just who to call to assist him. He was going to really enjoy this and he owed it all to Sub-Commander Jared.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=RoyalBlue][quote name='Fasteriskhead][SIZE=1] But this isn't what's happening: the phrase "in God we trust" is here being endorsed [i]by the government[/i']. The government, as an entity, has no first amendment rights. What it can decree is checked by a number of things, the most important being the constitution. And, as I've been droning on about for several paragraphs now, it's at least up for question whether this motto can be allowed by that document.[/SIZE][/quote]Well that?s really kind of a yes it is being endorsed and a no it?s not. For one thing endorsements usually end up benefiting one party in some way. And in this case neither side is getting any profit or true benefit from having the words In God we trust put on coins, paper money, or in it being part of the pledge of allegiance. The government doesn?t get any real gain, nor do any of the various religions in the US. So the government approved of it, but they certainly didn?t get anything out of it. Other than a lawsuit over whether or not someone is offended by it. And I wouldn?t necessarily consider that a benefit. I?m with indifference on this one in that the phrase has a historical value and reflects an aspect of the American history. I could understand if the phrase was being used to gain more members or donations for religious groups, or somehow benefited the government. But that?s not the case here. As much as I would like to agree with this guy since I don?t really believe in God either, it is a part of our history and trying to do away with it won?t change that. It really shows a lack of tolerance on his part to expect the people to pretend that they don?t have a religious slant on how they see America. And it?s not like the government is re-writing things on a regular basis to reflect that. So what?s the harm in having a phrase that historically represents the American people? So long as no one is truly benefiting from it, I think his argument is a selfish one and fails to see the big picture. He may be an Atheist, but too bad. If he finds it offensive, that?s his problem. I know I don?t expect others to not use religiously based phrases just because I don?t believe in God. LOL! [/COLOR]