Aaryanna

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"][B]Who is it?[/B] DeathKnight [B]Why is he nifty?[/B] Because he's a fluffy owl. [B]What is it?[/B] [URL="http://www.otakuboards.com/otakupedia/?p=92"]Deathknight?s Hierarchy of Arguers[/URL] [B]Why is it nifty?[/B] Because it pokes fun at discussions here at OtakuBoards and gives a humorous look at how people often fall into those discussions and their designated place at OtakuBoards, including the infamous Rat Boy aka 2008DigitalBoy. [B]Who is it?[/B] Sandy [B]Why is he nifty?[/B] Because he walks the line of being fun to rpg with and yet having you wanting to reach through the screen and slap him silly so well. And because in the end, when it comes down to it, he doesn't give up and that is definitely nifty. [B]What is it?[/B] [URL="http://www.otakuboards.com/showthread.php?t=57681"]The Challenge: A Survivor Story[/URL] [B]Why is it nifty?[/B] It's an OtakuBoards fan fiction that's based on a dream no less! Making it unique, fun and nifty all in one. Plus it ends with Sandy being locked in a thread with rabid fan girls. [B]Who is it?[/B] Gavin [B]Why is he nifty?[/B] Because he's Irish? Or is it because he's still one of the politest members around? Personally I think it's because he's a good rpger and often has good points to add to the various discussions around the boards.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"][quote name='Sandy']Look, I'm sorry if anybody's feelings got hurt, that certainly wasn't my intention. I just want everyone to really enjoy the game, so hearing people say the opposite is a bit tough for me. :/[/QUOTE]Don't take it personal. ^_~ Rest assured, we give Beth a hard time in Silver One. The only difference is that since many of us know her personally, we end up talking to her in real life instead of posting in the backstage thread. I think everyone has concerns about an rpg, they just don't always step forward and say something for fear of it being taken the wrong way. I'll admit that I'm eager for things to get going, but then I'm looking forward to the mischief Victoria is going to get into. So in my case, it's just me being impatient. :p[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"][quote name='lea']Would you ever be suspicious of a person who seemed a bit [I]too[/I] nice?[/QUOTE]Probably not since usually people who are fake can't maintain the facade of pretending to be nice. That and it's more fun to accept people for who they are and let the rest sort itself out on it's own. Sure it means that it can really hurt when someone turns out to be a jerk, but I'd still rather not assume someone is up to something if they are nice. [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]I have to admit Rach, that is pretty funny about SLC, but then the rest of Utah knows all of you living there are weirdos. :p [[SIZE="1"]I kid[/SIZE]] Anyway, I live south of where Rach is in what is known as Utah Valley and in my case Provo. Which is known for being home to the highest concentration of Mormon's in the entire state. XP Apparently 88% of the population is Mormon and out of all who attend church 98% of those are Mormon churches. XP We're also known for being home to Brigham Young University as well as a lot of other establishments that are connected to the Mormon church. We've also been voted most livable city in the US as well as most conservative city in the US. Oh and when the Olympics came to SLC, most people don't realize that part of the venue for the ice hockey was actually in Provo. ^_~ Beyond that though, we're a pretty boring city. XP[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]I haven't really noticed a trend of anime becoming more childish, but then I rarely watch the regular channels since I hate commercials so I tend to use the on demand section of our cable along with shamelessly borrowing dvd's from friends and family. :catgirl: If anything, considering how poorly things use to be translated, It seems that things, well other than stuff that is edited for a younger audience to begin with, are actually becoming more adult in how they are being left in the original format or rather you can actually get things that way. Maybe TV, depending on what you watch, is more childish, but in general? I'd have to disagree with that assessment.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"][quote name='Neuvoxraiha'][COLOR="DarkOrchid"][FONT="Times New Roman"]When you say fun stuff, do you mean the kind of fun stuff Macey has in store for Lady Bavaria?[/FONT][/COLOR][/QUOTE]Oh definitely. Especially after what happened at the school. The students are going to make his life utterly miserable in so many ways. It's going to be fun since he'll assume it's Harrison and Victoria when most of the time, they'll be able to say they did nothing. Though they'll know about it of course, having planned it with the other students. Hehe.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"][quote name='Shy'][size=1]I have some ideas about what to do with Harrison and Victoria Ann later on, though, which should be fun.[/size][/QUOTE]Oh? Do tell. Hehe. Victoria Ann is always up for getting into mischief. Even if she's usually well behaved, she's at that age to just naturally get into trouble. :p Believe me Crystia and I have some fun stuff planned for the Head Master of Chaos once things get moving along. [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]Valencia, as always, was lounging in the command chair of the bridge of the [I]Stykera[/I], her legs crossed as she lazily gave the order to drop from hyperspace practically on top of the local space forces at Gallana in sector eleven. There was no one to answer her order and yet the ship did as she told it, also disengaging the stealth systems at her command as well. She paid no heed to the sudden hustle of the local space enforcement nor the flashing light in the lower left hand corner of the main screen indicating that there was an urgent incoming message for her. A moment later a female's voice came from the speakers on her ship. [I][B]-Valencia, the Gallana space forces are demanding an explanation as to why we are in their space.-[/B] [/I] She ignored the computer as she punched in the command to switch their view to that of the New Alliance fleet that was currently in orbit around the planet. Just as she took note of the hustle around the[I] Liberator[/I] as crews worked to repair the damage. "[B]That's going to take a while to repair,[/B]" She commented more to herself than anything else as she surveyed the damage by virtue of zooming in on several spots. [I][B]-Valencia!- [/B][/I]The computer's voice rose sharply, sounding more like a real person instead of a program. "[B]Oh calm down Cassandra, it's not like Gallana's space forces can really hurt us.[/B]" She switched the view back to one surveying the New Alliance fleet from a distance. [I][B]-You know how I hate running away Valencia, just as I hate needing to be repaired.-[/B][/I] Valencia just laughed, it was always the same with Cassandra, for a program that was suppose to be artificial, she behaved more oddly with each year. "[B]Hail the [I]Liberator[/I], after all, our cargo is for the Commander... What was his name again?[/B]" She teased. [I] [B]-Honestly Valencia, you'd be lost without me. It's Daniel Landers. How many times do I have to tell you?-[/B][/I] She just smiled. "[B]Hail Commander Daniel Landers then if you please.[/B]" She leaned back and waited for the computer to do just that. A moment later the view switched to one of the bridge of the [I]Liberator[/I], but it was not the Commander who greeted her. "[B]You're not Commander Landers,[/B]" She dismissed them before they could say a word. "[B]My business is not with you. Be a good boy and give him this code.[/B]" She rattled off a short statement. "[B]Now, run along and don't bother me again unless it's the Commander contacting me.[/B]" Valencia terminated the communication before the poor deck officer could get a word in edgewise. [I][B]-Well that was rude of you.-[/B][/I] "[B]Not really, it just saves a lot of trouble to avoid dealing with the messenger.[/B]" If a computer could snort, Cassandra would have done so at that moment. [I][B]-You do realize that there's a modified Messenger ship here as well, if they ignore you and refuse to give the Commander that code, we can't out run them.-[/B][/I] With a stretch Valencia just shrugged. "[B]It's not a problem, you worry too much. Besides that's the [I]Catalyst[/I] right? I wonder if it's still being commanded by Kiva Salqarian?[/B]" [I][B]-Why would that matter?-[/B][/I] "[B]It doesn't really, I just like staying on top of who's doing what.[/B]" She paused as a chime indicating the [I]Liberator[/I] was contacting them sounded. "[B]Well that was quick enough.[/B]" She opened the channel, pleased to see that this time it was the Commander. "[B]Valencia Sabina, what exactly did you need?[/B]" "[B]I would have thought the code made it obvious, I have cargo that I am suppose to deliver to you.[/B]" She offered him a lopsided smile. "[B]True, it does, just as it also tells me what your payment is should the cargo be in order. All we will need to do is verify that and make the transfer.[/B]" Valencia held up her hand. "[B]There's one other thing though, I'd like to negotiate additional payment for my services this time around.[/B]" "[B]The contract was agreed upon already, such an alteration is beyond my power to approve,[/B]" He gave her a stern look. "[B]I'm quite sure that you are aware of this Miss Sabina.[/B]" "[B]In that case, I suggest you call off the Gallana space brats while you take the time to contact whoever you need to in order to get that approval, I'm not really asking for much.[/B]" She casually reached over and sent the file to his location, smiling at the sound of a chime at his end indicating he had received it. "[B]In the mean time I'll be amusing myself on Gallana, once you have your answer, just contact Cassandra.[/B]" "[B]Cassandra?[/B]" "[B]The computer on my ship of course.[/B]" Valencia didn't wait for him to answer and simply cut the communication. [I][B]-You should have waited for him to call of the local space forces.- [/B][/I]Cassandra complained. "[B]Stop being such a worrywart. They need the cargo.[/B]" She smirked a moment later when the local space forces pulled back and she was issued clearance to dock at the local space station. "[B]See? What did I tell you?[/B]" [I][B]-One of these days you're going to land us in real trouble Valencia.-[/B][/I] Cassandra sighed as she maneuvered the ship into the assigned docking space. Valencia just laughed as she called up a transport door and ignored procedure by transporting directly to the main capitol of the world, bypassing the required checks at the space station. It took her a moment to adjust to where she was in the local market and then head off in the direction of where the closest bar was likely to be. She paid no attention to the startled looks or other glances sent her way on account of her dress. Those foolish enough to do more than look would pay the price. [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"][quote name='SunfallE'][COLOR="RoyalBlue"][FONT="Lucida Sans Unicode"]There is going to be something happening in just a bit that will set the next phase in motion. [/FONT][/COLOR][/QUOTE]Speaking of that... even though this will only be part of that... here's the information on the newest character. I'll most likely have the post up later today. It's a little late at the moment and I'm tired, so I'll post once I've gotten some sleep. ^_^ Anyway, as requested Beth, here is her information in the backstage thread for everyone. [B]Name:[/B] Valencia Sabina [B]Age:[/B] 134 [B]Gender:[/B] Female [B]Race:[/B] Versilan [B]Loyalty:[/B] Unknown. Valencia is loyal to no one but herself or so it seems, she has helped out the Resistance in the past, but that has usually been to make a profit instead of being loyal to their cause or ideals. [B]Description:[/B] [URL="http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/9128/pirate02cr5.jpg"][U]Valencia[/U][/URL] Though she is Versilan, Valencia has had her eyes treated so they appear lavender instead of the usual silver that all Versilan?s have. It?s a trade mark that she is well known for. As well as her flamboyant manner of dress. [B]Weapons:[/B] Valencia is well versed in most Versilan weapons, tending to favor a set of disruptor pistols that she has heavily modified to increase their range and destructive power. She is also familiar with a lot of older styled weapons even though she rarely uses them. Though she is not in the military, she is also quite familiar with most explosives as well, even ones she should not be. Like most Versilan?s she is also acquainted with hand to hand combat. [B]Special Skills:[/B] Valencia is a space pirate, and has been for nearly a hundred years. Though she?s not a true expert, she is skilled at hacking and knows all of the smuggling routes through out the Versilan Empire. If there?s a backdoor into a place, chances are that she knows about it. She has a decent knowledge of shipping and handling weapons and explosives for the simple reason that she has often dealt with them in the black market, acquiring goods to turn around and sell to the Resistance and now the New Alliance. She is also good at modifying and repairing her own small smuggler?s vessel the [I]Stykera[/I], a sleek ship capable of outrunning almost anything, other than the ships of the Elite Specialists. [B]Personality:[/B] Calm, collected and poised. Valencia rarely loses her composure, even in the most dire of situations. She?s hard to read and is often mistaken for being cold and calculating, though on some level that is true as she always looks at things with a view as to how it will benefit her. Valencia is guarded about her past and other than her exploits as a pirate, nothing is known about her personal life. [B]Short Bio:[/B] Valencia has been a space pirate for nearly a hundred years, traveling all over the Versilan Empire in search of wealth and profit. Other than her exploits and being know for her trademark lavender eyes, not much is known about her. Though she is wanted by the Versilan Empire, no one has managed to come close to actually catching her. The bounty on her is one of the longest standing bounties in history for how long it has gone without being collected on. She has often aided the Resistance by acquiring arms and intelligence to sell to them and has continued to do so for the New Alliance once the Civil War began. Usually it?s a case of her feeling bored and deciding to actually acquire something for the New Alliance as it is rumored that she is wealthy enough to purchase an entire sector and simply retire if she so wished. Whether or not this rumor is true is unknown, just as her past is nonexistent. It is speculated that Valencia is not her real name.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]Unless anyone objects... [[SIZE="1"]gets her nerf bat ready to smack anyone who does[/SIZE]] my stance is that pretty much no one at CHAOS likes the new head master Lector Moebius. Victoria and Harrison, [SIZE="1"]I talked to Crystia about it[/SIZE], are, along with the other students, going to give the new head master a lot of grief. From talking back to pranks and making up jokes. [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"][CENTER][IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/catherinesaraavatar.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/victoriaann-chronicle.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/harrison-chronicle.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] Victoria Ann was only too happy to follow Auntie Catherine's advice and change back into her normal school uniform, ignoring Dame Anna's disapproving glance as she ran down the hallway and outside to meet both Harrison and Catherine who were waiting for her. It didn't take them long to get to CHAOS, but they did get odd looks from the various citizens going about their business. "[B]Why are those people staring at us so rudely?[/B]" Victoria asked Catherine as they got off at the stop close to the school. "[B]They don't mean to be rude dear, by now everyone has heard about what happened yesterday.[/B]" She explained as they walked down the street, the school clearly visible at the end of the long road, towering over the surrounding buildings. "[B]Sure they don't,[/B]" Harrison said a bit snidely, "[B]they're all ever so concerned about what happened, so much that they can't help but stare.[/B]" "[B]Now Harrison,[/B]" Catherine started to interject. "[B]I know you mean well Aunt Catherine, and some of them probably are concerned, but most of them are just nosy and looking for something to gossip about.[/B]" Catherine just smiled a bit sadly, "[B]It's never a good idea to assume poorly of others, it's better to think kindly of them.[/B]" "[B]I know, I know.[/B]" Harrison said impatiently as they reached the school, entered the main doors and then moved to go their separate ways, waiting until Catherine was gone to roll his eyes. "[B]You're such a brat Harrison.[/B]" Victoria growled at him as they headed for the stairs that went up to the second level, they didn't have the same classes of course, but the rooms were close to one another. "[B]Hey![/B]" Victoria pointed at someone she didn't recognize when they reached the top of the stairs, "[B]Who is that?[/B]" "[B]It's the new head master, Lector Moebius,[/B]" one of the older students passing by explained. "[B]He was introduced yesterday.[/B]" "[B]We weren't here yesterday.[/B]" Harrison pointed out. The student shrugged. "[B]All I know is that the Dynast government appointed him and that apparently he's a renowned historian.[/B]" He looked up to see Moebius coming their way. "[B]If I were you, I'd scram, he's a bit of a pompous windbag.[/B]" And with that the student dashed off. Harrison and Victoria moved to do the same but where halted by Moebius calling out their names. [I]How did he know who we are? [/I]Victoria wondered as she turned back to face him. "[B]I'm please to see that the two of you are here today instead of gallivanting about where you shouldn't. It's not a good idea to go places not meant for children.[/B]" He admonished them. "[B]How would you even know about that?[/B]" Harrison shot back. "[B]What we do is really none of your business... sir.[/B]" Victoria took an instant dislike at that moment to Lector Moebius, his tone of voice, the way he stood there looking so smug. She narrowed her eyes and glared at him before speaking up. "[B]It's not nice to pry into other people's affairs. I don't care if you're the new head master or not.[/B]" By now a small crowd had gathered as they watched the two of them arguing with Lector Moebius. "[B]Young lady, as the head master of CHAOS it is my responsibility to see to the welfare of the students, and that includes checking into why some of them are missing from school.[/B]" He started to explain. "[B]For only one absence? Don't be absurd! It's perfectly normal for someone to miss a day or two if they are sick, just admit that you were being nosy and looking for something to gossip about.[/B]" Victoria declared loudly, smiling a bit when the other students snickered and a few outright laughed when Moebius turned a bit red. "[B]No listen here young lady, that's no way to talk to the one responsible for your education.[/B]" "[B]You responsible? Are you saying you're a teacher as well?[/B]" Harrison asked him. "[B]I heard that you were a historian.[/B]" "[B]A historian is well acquainted with what is needed...[/B]" "[B]Just answer the question, are you a teacher or not?[/B]" Victoria interrupted him, earning more giggles from the students who had gathered to watch. "[B]I am not, however...[/B]" Once again Victoria interrupted him. "[B]In that case stop wasting our time so we can go and get help from those who really are responsible for our education, like Auntie Catherine.[/B]" She reached over and grabbed Harrison's hand and pulled him with her around Moebius. "[B]We'd better hurry Harrison, our real [I]teachers,[/I][/B]" she drew the word out insultingly "[B]would not appreciate a mere [I]Historian[/I] interfering by making us late to class.[/B]" Assorted laughter followed as the pair left the sputtering head master behind. [I]Why did they appoint such an idiot like him instead of someone like Auntie Catherine? [/I]She let go of Harrison when the got to the door to his class, she waved goodbye at him and moved further down the hallway, and though it was unlike her, she started entertaining all sorts of ways to get the new head master of the school to get lost.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]Crystal made no attempt to hide how furious she was over her new assignment from Commodore Luciana. She was oblivious to the startled looks from various members of the crew who had never seen her get upset over anything, she was too busy reading through the notes given to her by Sandra as to what was entailed or rather involved in the mission in question. Other than to make a quick note of the time to ensure that she would be at the hanger in question within an hour, she paid no attention to anything else as she approached her quarters and entering after putting in the code at the lock. Once the door closed behind her though, it was all she could do to not toss her hand held computer into the nearest wall. Her furniture was not safe as she savagely kicked a few things on her way to where her desk was located, cursing under her breath as she turned the terminal on and pulled up the files on Elania Ceris. As well as contacting the infirmary since she would not have time to go there in person. "[B]Commander,[/B]" Her assistant's answered her call. "[B]Commodore Luciana informed me that you will be assigned elsewhere for the time being. Is there anything you needed?[/B]" "[B]No.[/B]" Crystal said through clenched teeth. "[B]I was only making sure that you had been informed of my departure since I will not have time to stop by the infirmary before I am required to leave.[/B]" [B]"Understood ma'am.[/B]" "[B]I'll be back as soon as I can.[/B]" She ended the communication by virtue of pounding on the input panel with a snarl, even as she set her hand held computer in a compartment for safe keeping. There was no way she could bring her own along with her. Someone like Elania Ceris would not have a military grade computer nor the military grade security programs that she did. Instead she would have to quickly transfer Elania's notes to a simple hand held computer that was more common among researchers like her. But for the moment, she simply transfered the data onto several chips. She could snag a simple hand held computer from supply on her way to the hangar bay. Once the data had been transfered, Crystal shot off a request to supply to have a computer waiting for her so she could simply pick it up. She was not surprised to see that her need had already been anticipated when they immediately shot back that one was already there for her. With a sigh she set the chips down and hurried into her bedroom to change out of her uniform, with only forty minutes left, she didn't have much time. Someone like Elania Ceris would wear civilian clothing unless she was working on research, and that would only require a simple lab overcoat. In the hurry to escape sector seven, it would have been likely that other than some standard supplies on the freighter she was known for using, she would have next to nothing with her. Crystal quickly rummaged through her belongings to pull out the few sets of soft silk shirts and jean like material for pants that she had. It wasn't much since she always wore her uniform. It didn't take her long to stuff things into a small bag, the nice thing about silk was that it didn't take much room to pack. It was why she chose it since Crystal hated to be wasteful with space. She set it on the bed and looked at the display terminal next to her bed, she still had twenty five minutes left, just enough time for her to quickly change and then grimace at her reflection in the built in floor to ceiling mirror on one section of the wall in her quarters. The outfit was nice enough, but she didn't like the idea of being around Drace in civilian clothing. Normally she did not care, but it made her feel unprotected somehow, and it didn't help that she was still afraid of him. [I]Damn stupid assignment...[/I] With a audible growl she grabbed the small bag and took off towards the supply station to pick up the hand held computer. Another quick look at the time showed that she had just enough to get there and to the assigned hanger on time. [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]Nothing. >_< I won't get to go to any parties or anything since the few I've been invited to are known for sneaking in stuff I'd rather not be around. Watching someone become more and more incoherent because they are drunk is only funny up to a point. Plus, after a bit they just reek. So I'll probably watch movies, play video games and possibly make cookies or something. If I'm still awake at midnight then I'll make tons of noise somehow. :p[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"][quote name='DeathKnight'][color=crimson][b]Star Ocean 3[/b] - Was incredibly terrible to me. I got through about twenty to thirty hours of it when I reached some kind of inner limit, turned it off, and went to GameStop and traded it in. I know some people around here really enjoyed it, so I will leave it at that. [/color][/QUOTE]You're a fluffy owl, so we'll let it slide. :p That and getting upset over someone not liking the same game is pretty silly anyway. Now for my short list! Short because I don't have a lot of games. [B] Kingdom Hearts[/B] - I got it and within a short time I got bored with it. Naive I can handle, but naive and stupid? Sora just got on my nerves too much so I set it aside and I don't plan on starting it again. [B] Final Fantasy X and X-2[/B] - There's just two words as to why I did not like this game, Yuna and Tidus... Every time I played it I wanted to reach through the screen and smack them silly. They just got on my nerves a lot. XP And that's pretty much it. I have other games I haven't finished yet, but it's not because I don't like them, it's just because I haven't gotten to the end yet. ^_^[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]Crystal had heard next to nothing about Sub-Commander Drace's response to Sandra's decision in regards to who was overseeing the [I]Creator[/I]. They were almost to the border of sector eight and already the rumors were dying down other than the one that Chevast had already broken under interrogation. Something that she was certain was true since in the past she had assisted Jared with the correct dosage of the powerful truth inducing and pain blocking drugs. His boast that he would be done before they got to sector eight was based on experience instead of an attempt to look competent. It was a mistake people made about Jared, even though he had risen quite far in the ranks, they always assumed that he obtained favor another way. But then Crystal also knew Stevens personally as well and he too was far more intelligent than people gave him credit for. Stevens would never promote someone based on sexual favors. Sometimes, that intelligence was what annoyed her so much since that flippant and seemingly uncaring attitude that both Stevens and Jared presented, just irritated her more serious nature to no end at times. Crystal did not joke around, she preferred being direct instead of relying on the politics of one's position to obtain what they wished. At the moment though, there was a duty that she disliked even more than dealing with people who enjoyed the politics behind power and one's position, and that was treating Erica Kendrick, former High Council member and Resistance leader. Stevens still did not trust anyone other than her to see to her care and as a result, Erica was still on board the [I]Creator[/I]. She had since been moved to a special room in the infirmary since her disease had progressed to the next level and proper care was no longer possible without retrofitting one of the cells on the ship. In her condition, Erica could no more move far enough to get out of the infirmary let alone the ship and having the next room altered with the equipment to prevent transport doors or other means of contacting Erica had been far easier to do than retrofitting a cell would have been. Plus the door was sealed and would only open for her, Stevens, Sandra and Jared. No other crew member had access since even her meals were handled by Crystal. It didn't seem to stop Erica from knowing what was going on though, something she reminded her of yet again as she scanned her for her twice daily treatment. "[B]You know Crystal, even with the mess of retaking sector seven and your newest Sub-Commander's mistakes or should I say irritating personality since I know all about Drace.[/B]" Erica said from her position of lying down on the bed in the room. "[B]You really should be careful around that one.[/b]" She advised, ignoring Crystal's look of irritation. "[b]Anyway, I was hoping that even if you and I could never get along, that you would at least smile once.[/B]" Crystal didn't bother to hide the sigh. "[B]And I would have hoped that by now you would have realized that I have nothing to say to you let along smile for any reason. Our friendship was nothing more than a lie Erica, and nothing you say will ever change that.[/B]" She closed the scanner and then started preparing the treatment based on the scans. "[B]You used me Erica to help you in your quest to promote the goals of the Resistance.[/B]" "[B]No, our goals though different in some respects, were still based on improved living conditions for the slaves. The only true difference was that I wished to take that one step further, to end the pointless slavery.[/B]" Crystal shook her head as she administered the shots. "[B]Why do you keep bringing this up? You already know I have no interest in talking to you and yet you still keep insisting on making a claim to a friendship that never existed as you think it did.[/B]" Erica reached out and grasped Crystal's tunic. "[B]It's the foolish dream of a dying woman, to wish for only one to at least pretend to understand and forgive her for the things she has done.[/B]" "[B]But you're not sorry for what you did![/B]" Crystal exclaimed. "[B]If you actually felt bad for the conflict the Resistance has caused, for the time you gave the order for them to hold me against my will, then I just might consider it.[/B]" She glared at Erica who simply let go of her tunic. "[B]See? That's my point! You see your actions as necessary and my actions to bring about change without attempting to force it as the same when they are anything but the same![/B]" Crystal pulled back and hastily stuffed her things into the small case she had brought with her. "[B]You misunderstand Crystal.[/B]" Erica smiled sadly, "[B]I don't expect you to change your views, only for you to at least understand why I chose to do what I did. Even if it's a pretense, from you that is more than enough.[/B]" She looked away. "[B]I have one other thing to say,[/B]" She said just as Crystal got to the door. "[B]Tell that fool Stevens that I need to talk to him.[/B]" Crystal just clutched her things tightly and left the room without answering. The last time Erica had something to tell Stevens, had been when the information she gave him led to Civil War. As the door closed behind her, Crystal toyed with the idea of saying nothing, but in the end she knew she would. Though she wondered what new chaos Erica was going to cause. [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]Currently I'm watching the Case Closed movie The Fourteenth Target since Beth loaned me her copy that she got for Christmas. I'm almost done watching it in English and I'm debating whether or not to rewatch it with subtitles or not. After that I'm going to watch Chevalier, again, borrowed from Beth. XP I really need a job so I can buy my own anime to watch. lol Oh and though I haven't started it yet, I plan on rereading the DNAngel Manga since it's been a while. I just wish they'd get around to finishing it since it's sucks that it's left on a bit of a cliff hanger. >_>[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"][quote name='Sojiro47'][FONT="Book Antiqua"]I want a Girlfriend.[/FONT][/QUOTE]Hehe, and here my first thought is that I don't want a boyfriend so it never occurred to me to wish I had one. XP All the talk about spending time with one's current boyfriend/girlfriend did remind me of something else I got but didn't really think about. And that is the fact that my Christmas evening was not overshadowed with relatives who I detest and hate spending time with. Even if it was just my mom and me and the occasional friend stopping by, it was a lot nicer than being forced to spend it with relatives who drive you up the wall. >_< I know that sounds mean, but seriously, it was so nice![/FONT][/COLOR]

[FONT="Comic Sans MS"][COLOR="goldenrod"]My user name is simple. It?s the name of my Bichon and also my avatar and signature banner. Anyway, when I was first thinking of what to use I decided on my dogs's name since I love my dog and I wanted to have a Bichon themed avatar and signature set. I chose it because in the end, even though I love anime and other fun names from them, in the end I love my dog more. Bichons [B][SIZE="4"]>[/SIZE][/B] anime, video games and just about anything else. :p I only belong to OtakuBoards and myOtaku but I suppose if I ever get another account somewhere, it will probably be some form of variation of her name as I?m quite fond of it. I have no plans to change it because in truth I adore the name and my dog of course. I've always liked to give pets real names, or rather I should say more than a simple name like Spot. Plus Aaryanna is pretty. So I definitely do not plan on changing it. I like it too much to do that. :catgirl:[/COLOR][/FONT]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"][quote name='Fasteriskhead']But when I speak about this range of possibilities being "planetwide," I don't mean that it's just a lot bigger than it was in the past. If I can use some obnoxious technical words: it's a [i]qualitative[/i], not [i]quantitative[/i], term. [CENTER][I][U]--Snip--[/U][/I][/CENTER] So again, the difference isn't just that our world is a lot bigger than that of the lowly French peasant. It's that human nature is now thought of differently, and the nature of the world and its choices have followed suit.[/QUOTE]In other words, I think I took you a little to literally. Thanks for the clarification because that makes more sense than the first one did. And yes I'm willing to admit it was because I was being too thick headed to catch what you meant. Even though discussions like this are fun, sometimes I feel like this when I'm trying to make sense of it: :animestun[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"][quote name='Fasteriskhead;800965][SIZE="1"]It's worth asking more about it, though. Would - for example - a Roman soldier or a 14th century French peasant understand what we mean by "mainstream" and "individual," or even about tastes and lifestyles (as we use the words) in general? Of course we can talk about the soldier being born in a certain family and having a certain place in the imperial order, but that doesn't quite sound like a lifestyle. The peasant might enjoy one kind of wine and hate another, but that's not quite the same as what we mean whenever we talk about likes and dislikes. The terms don't seem to fit the situation somehow, and it's not just because we on this board have "cultural differences" with them. Why is it that the soldier and the peasant don't work for this model? If we thought about it a little, we might come up with a simple answer: we today [i]choose for ourselves[/i], and that is why we can have tastes and lifestyles. It's not that the soldier and peasant have no freedom at all, but their possibilities (and their knowledge of them) are quite limited. We, on the other hand, stand before and within a worldwide network of information. We have a whole planet in our grasp. A practically limitless mass of products, occupations, ideas, and choices in general are offered to our attention; to be sure, we are still reined in by our biological, social, and economic circumstances, but even those limitations can eventually be shattered by the power of modern thought.[/SIZE][/QUOTE]It may be limited, but the model of the peasant and the soldier is still one of choices based on what their ?world? was for them. Just because our grasp or view is more far reaching doesn?t mean that our grasp or understanding of the concept mainstream and individualism is more real or makes a better analogy of what they are. If anything, that smaller model can make studying it easier or rather open up a glance in to a smaller ?slice? if you will of the general idea. Especially since I would imagine that their limited choices make it more obvious just how hard or different choosing between what was mainstream or individualism would have been. We, on the other hand, have an easier time or rather many of us stand before a more open society that is far more accepting of not fitting within the norm. [quote name='Fasteriskhead'][SIZE="1"]The condition for being either "mainstream" or "individual" is that one stands before a planetwide grid of possibilities and chooses for one or a few of them. To be sure, advertising and the media have their part to play, but the final choice is a free one. That means: mainstreamism and individualism both spring from the [i]will[/i'] as it exists within the modern technological world. The will wills itself into a certain position, a perspective or a worldview, while fully aware that its choice is not the only one and that an infinity of alternatives exist. Because it is aware of the rest of the field, though, the will cannot rest itself in itself. At the same time as it clings to its perspective it must also go beyond itself, collapse its old choices, and choose new ones. What the will ultimately ought to (and does) will, then, is the perpetuation of its own will. It wills its own freedom, and the chance to increasingly empower itself; in the process it may at one point take on the perspective that it ought to value separation from the mainstream, and at another decide that there really is no difference between mainstream and non-mainstream (and that one ought to like whatever one wishes and avoid "labels"). People who are "fakes" make no difference here - for even if they only pretend to like something to look cool, they still will "coolness" as a value. To keep itself free, i.e. to keep willing anything at all, the will must constantly consume new likes and dislikes, new lifestyles, new perspectives.[/SIZE][/quote]I think I get what you are saying, though I probably do not. But still, if I understand you at all, then the concept that the condition has to be a planetwide grid of possibilities is in my opinion, nonsense. It might be for today, but not for the examples you quoted. For them, that was their planetwide grid of possibilities and every bit as real as ours even though they are vastly different. It?s a smaller scale obviously, but I see no reason why what you are saying wouldn?t apply for the scenario you present. Perhaps it?s not an inclusive or rather more encompassing vision of the concept, but I still think it?s one aspect of it just the same. And if I misunderstood you completely... Well at least I tried right? :p [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"][quote name='Solayo;800882]Here's my first question... Are there times when you consider something very important but other people think otherwise?[/QUOTE]It's unavoidable, because even if I am unaware of it. There will always be things I consider important that others do not. So long as that doesn't translate into them trying to stop or interfere with the activity or thing I consider important. I'm fine with it. After all, they have things I consider unimportant as well. [quote name='DeathKnight'][color=crimson']Intellectually? History is boring as **** to some people. Politics, geography, and literature as well. Boring to me? Mathematics. I cannot fathom anything remotely interesting about any aspect of higher mathematics. [/color][/quote]No fair. Here I was going to bonk you for thinking Math is boring, but then you had to go and ruin it by admitting that history can be boring to people. Which means I have to forgive you for that statement about Math. :p [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]Oh what a fun Christmas! Even if I'm about to harp on the material side of it, but considering what I got, I can't help myself! [IMG]http://img398.imageshack.us/img398/6427/thcoolrr3.gif[/IMG] I present the list: DS Lite [Pink] Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney [the first one] Phantom Hourglass [Zelda] A gift certificate for Amazon A bichon Christmas ornament! Which is so cute! [URL="http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/8900/51mer8n0ualaa280yr9.jpg"][U]Click Me![/U][/URL] That's going to sit on one of my shelves all year long since it's so freaking cute! :catgirl:[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"][CENTER][IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/marieevangeline-chronicle.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/fauntleroy-chronicle.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/victoriaann-chronicle.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/beatrist-chronicle.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] "[B]Mom,[/B]" Victoria tugged on Beatriste?s arm once Daedalus paused for a moment. "[B]I want to ask you something![/B]" She said urgently. "[B]Yes dear?[/B]" She turned to Victoria Ann who was sitting next to her at the dinner table a serious expression on her tiny face. Victoria Ann leaned forward a bit, "[B]Why aren't we looking for Grandfather?[/B]" She was oblivious to the startled looks and sudden intakes of breath from the others around her, only thinking that it made no sense that they were at home instead of looking for him. "[B]Well you see Victoria, that's what the Royal Police Guard are doing.[/B]" She started to explain but to her utter surprise Victoria interrupted her. "[B]But it's late! And it gets cold at night! You don't know for sure if he's kidnapped or not! He could have wandered off and collapsed somewhere in New Czenoble in all the confusion![/B]" She frowned. "[B]We should be searching the city near the place where he vanished![/B]" Beatriste looked to the others for a moment and then back to Victoria, "[B]Sweetheart, please let the adults worry about this okay? I promise, everything is being done.[/B]" But her uneasy look only betrayed what she really thought and Victoria burst into tears. "[B]Stop treating me like I'm a kid! I know what's going on! I read the newspapers too![/B]" At that moment the doors to the dinning room opened to admit a few late comers to dinner, Victoria turned to look and then screeched with excitement, her tears forgotten when she saw who was coming into the room. She was oblivious to the disapproving look from Dame Anna for making such a racket. "[B]Fonty! Eva![/B]" Victoria squealed as she practically leapt out of her chair and flew over to hug Fonty who held his arms out to catch her. "[B]I'm so glad you're okay! I was worried when those rude people shoved us apart and dragged you away.[/B]" "[B]No need to worry Victoria, what's more important is that you and Harrison are fine.[/B]" Victoria pulled free and turned to hug Eva before responding. "[B]Well Harrison kept them from dragging me away as well. There was no reason for them to be so rude![/B]" She pouted just a bit, earning a small chuckle from both Eva and Fonty. "[B]That was very brave of Harrison to do that.[/B]" Fonty looked up to see that Beatriste was glaring at him still, with an inward sigh he gently nudged Victoria towards her seat at the dinner table. "[B]How about we quit interrupting dinner?[/B]" He suggested to her. Victoria sighed, "[B]Fine, but I want to talk to you later about finding Grandfather.[/B]" She went over and sat back down next to Beatriste again, wondering when dinner would be over so she could talk to Fonty about what they could do about looking for Grandfather.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]Teresa felt as if someone had doused her in ice cold water, making her feel stupid as she just sat there, watching the others as they attempted to determine just what had gone wrong. But then a nasty thought occurred to her, snapping her out of her daze and propelled her out of her seat as she moved to talk to Dr. Henderson once the Doctor had left. "[B]Ma'am, you do realize what this will mean when we get to Telvaris, right?[/B]" "[B]Of course Captain. I've dealt with the military before. It's likely that once they realize that we have broken with protocol, we will be either arrested or barred from the site altogether.[/B]" Teresa folded her arms across her chest. "[B]You're not following me ma'am. What I mean to ask is since you approved skipping our required stop at the Creid's capitol, do you also approve the use of whatever force is necessary in order to retrieve the Colonel and Bishop?[/B]" "[B]I'm well aware that it might require force on our part.[/B]" Brianna shook her head. "[B]To be frank, I'm expecting us to be stopped by their military before we even get to Telvaris.[/B]" "[B]I find that unlikely,[/B]" Cameron spoke up. "[B]If they are hiding what they are up to from the CIF then the chances of encountering any battleships is slim.[/B]" "[B]Why do you say that?[/B]" "[B]Because it's not deep within Creid's territory so keeping an active military presence in the area would only draw attention to that sector of space.[/B]" Teresa explained as Cameron nodded in agreement. "[B]No one has any reason to go into that part of space so it's likely that we'll only encounter the standard border defenses. Though I suspect that once they realize we are there, action will be taken immediately. We'll have a very short window to even attempt retrieving the two.[/B]" She turned to face Nakeisha who, was studying some data and yet paying attention at the same time. "[B]You'd better get as ready as possible Dr. Rhodes, you'll only have one shot at retrieving the others. I can't guarantee that you'll get more than that.[/B]" Teresa finished. "[B]One shot? I'll need time to study the gate before I even attempt to do anything![/B]" Nakeisha objected. "[B]Nevertheless, it would be in your best interest to be ready to act immediately Dr. Rhodes.[/B]" Brianna ordered holding up her hand for silence when it was obvious that Nakeisha was going to say more. "[B]I don't like it either, but it's pointless to bypass procedure if we do nothing[/B]." She straightened up. "[B]I suggest that everyone start getting ready based on the assumption that we will be dealing with either the Creid Military or some form of security for whoever is operating the gate. If it comes down to it, I'll talk to them directly in an attempt to stall them while the three of you transport to the surface.[/B]" She turned to face Teresa and Cameron. "[B]Just be sure to use non-lethal force, the last thing we need to do is start a full blown incident between the CIF and the Creid government.[/B]" "[B]Understood ma'am.[/B]" Teresa turned and grabbed Cameron's tunic as she left the bridge dragging him along. "[B]We'd better go and get prepped if we're going to pull this off.[/B]" She was saying as the doors closed behind them.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"][quote name='Neuvoxraiha'][COLOR="DarkOrchid"][FONT="Times New Roman"]My god people, it's deader than dead in here. Is it the Christmas season? That's a good place to throw the blame. It's Christmas's fault![/FONT][/COLOR][/QUOTE]It really is actually. XP I've been doing a lot of Christmas related stuff this week and I'll be doing even more today and up until the actual day. Though I do plan on posting in this and other stuff at least once before Christmas day next week. [/FONT][/COLOR]