Aaryanna

[COLOR=DarkRed]Gustaff, Davis, Vanya and Rebecca had continued down the passageway now that they could not rejoin the others. Within a short time they came to a huge room with four paths that appeared to be made of a shimmering glass or crystal, hovering in space. The group could only wonder as to how the oxygen was being kept in as there did not appear to be any walls at all, other than the one of where they came from and the one on the other side where the next door was. ?[B]I?d say that the appearance of space here is an illusion or a holographic projection, but seeing that Deloras fell to her death when the floor collapsed earlier I can?t be certain.[/B]? Davis observed. "[B]It would be best to assume that it is indeed real.[/B]" ?[B]Yeah, I?d say it?s safe to assume that it?s probably real. Even if I haven?t a clue as to how you can create a safe pocket of air in space. That?s pretty damn impressive. Since I know it?s not possible in my time.[/B]? Gustaff said. ?[B]Nor in mine either,[/B]? Davis replied. Vanya shrugged when the others looked at her, ?[B]I don?t know how it?s possible either. But I am certain of one thing, at least one of those paths is likely to be booby trapped.[/B]? ?[B]Then we just need to choose the correct one,[/B]? Rebecca said. ?[B]But which one?[/B]? A soft chime interrupted them at the same time a door came slamming down in the corridor they had just come from, startling them as it cut them off. Warily they all turned back to face the shimmering paths since now they were stuck on the narrow ledge that the four paths connected to. A soft female voice spoke, the same that had before, ?[B]Subjects Rebecca, Davis, Gustaff and Vanya. Choose your path. Each subject must take a different path. Failure to abide by the rules of the Maze will result in termination.[/B]? ?[B]Wait![/B]? Davis cried out, ?[B]We don?t know the rules![/B]? ?[B]You have one minute to begin.[/B]? ?[B]Damn it![/B]? Rebecca swore as she quickly took the inner right path while Gustoff took the outer right and Vanya took the inner left. ?[B]What are you waiting for Davis?[/B]? Gustaff yelled, ?[B]Take the outer left path before it?s too late![/B]? Quickly Davis ran over and stood on the shimmering path, seconds before the ledge they had been standing on crumbled and fell into space. Then before they could wonder what was going to happen next small meteors began to come streaking from space, screaming as they caught on fire when they entered the part that contained oxygen. The first one ripped though part of the path in front of Davis. ?[B]We must get to the other side before it?s too late![/B]? Davis cried. He swiftly jumped over the missing part of his path and began to run for the other side. The others did the same. They were half way there when a huge meteor slammed into the path just behind Rebecca, sending her sprawling and teetering halfway over the edge. Horrified the others watched helplessly as she struggled to get back on the path and then continue. ?[B]We?re almost there![/B]? Vanya cried as she jumped over a large section of her path that had been destroyed, barely making it. Then a moment later she was the first one through the open door. Followed shortly by Rebecca. Both of them stood just in the door watching to see if the others were going to make it. Moments later, just as his path collapsed entirely Davis joined the girls at the door, turning back to see what was taking Gustaff so long. But instead of running he was calmly standing there. ?[B]What are you waiting for?[/B]? Davis cried he ran back out to the edge of the path Gustaff was on. Putting him in the position to see that the last section was missing. But there were no signs of damage! ?[B]Seems like my path was the one that was booby trapped.[/B]? He said calmly. Davis looked frantically for something anything that could help, there was nothing. Then to his horror he saw that a huge meteor was approaching. One easily big enough to take out two thirds of all the paths at once. ?[B]You?d better get inside those doors Davis.[/B]? ?[B]But![/B]? ?[B]Do it Damn it![/B]? Davis turned and ran to join the others who were waiting, turning back to watch... then just as the meteor entered the part that contained oxygen, it like the others caught on fire, for a brief second Davis, Rebecca and Vanya saw Gustaff as he was literally engulfed in flames and then the doors slammed shut. ?[B]Congratulations, your journey may now continue.[/B]? The female voice said from nowhere. ?[B]Damn you![/B]? Davis swore as he pounded on the doors. Tears running down his face. ?[B]What the hell do you want from us?[/B]? With tears in her eyes as well Rebecca reached forward placing her hand on his right shoulder. ?[B]We need to go Davis.[/B]? [CENTER]----------------------------------------[/CENTER] [CENTER][IMG]http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/7128/deathcardzp0.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/1407/01mq2.jpg[/IMG] [/CENTER] [/COLOR]

[COLOR=DarkRed][INDENT][SIZE=1]It was finally time, Bethany along with the other adventurer?s pushed open the final door to where the sorceress Morgwyn was situated. Lounging lazily in the plush throne with one of the Herother brothers kneeling next to her clearly under her spell. The other one next to the door cursing his brother colorfully for having been so foolish as to fall for her trap. Time seemed to stand still as the two groups looked at each other warily until Morgwyn?s eyes fell on Bethany. Angrily she stood up, glaring at them. ?[B]You![/B]? She said accusingly, the adventurers looked at each other, unsure as to whom she was addressing, other than Bethany that is. ?[B]You ungrateful little traitor! How dare you show your face here![/B]? Morgwyn cried. ?[B]Nice to see you too [I]Great Grandmother[/I],[/B]? Bethany said sarcastically. ?[B]What?[/B]? Sergei said in disbelief. ?[B]Everyone has their secrets Serg.[/B]? Bethany said. ?[B]Unfortunately mine is this pathetic excuse for a sorceress who abandoned the family to pursue dark magic.[/B]? ?[B]A family that was too weak and cowardly to explore true power![/B]? Morgwyn started to glow with a dark energy. ?[B]First I?ll deal with you and your little friends and then the rest of the world shall be mine![/B]? Without hesitation she immediately launched a powerful wave of magic, intent on destroying all of them with one blow. But Bethany had been expecting it; her spell of protection already prepared and the blow hit her powerful shields. But as they hit she seemed to spiral into darkness.[I] What the?[/I][/SIZE][/INDENT] With a grunt of surprise Bethany found herself tangled in her blankets lying on the floor of her shared bedroom. Sunlight pouring in from the already open window, it took her moment to realize that she was in her dorm room for Cheshire High. Alexandra was staring at her from her position in front of the vanity mirror with a smirk. ?[B]You know Bethany, at this rate you?re going to be late for class. Honestly? How do you manage to sleep through the alarm? Kathy and I have been up for over half an hour.[/B]? Bethany glared at her a bit, ?[B]Probably the same way you somehow manage to sleep through class.[/B]? She said a bit smartly. ?[B]Well duh! Class is[I] boring[/I]![/B]? Alexandra said as if it should have been obvious. Carefully Bethany got untangled from her blankets, looking over at Kathy who smiled at her before going back to getting ready for class. She tossed the blanket back on her bed and grabbed some clothes to get changed into. Her thoughts still on the strange dream, every night for some time she kept dreaming about a place called the Aria Kingdom and a treasure called the Phoenix Heart that had been stolen by an evil Sorceress Morgwyn. ?[B]Don?t tell me that you?re still having that same wacky dream,[/B]? Alexandra asked her. Startled Bethany looked up from changing. How had she known? Unlike that strange kid Shy she couldn?t read other?s minds. Or could she? ?[B]Don?t look so surprised Bethany,[/B]? she said with a wink. ?[B]You always have this bewildered look when you?ve had one of those dreams.[/B]? ?[B]I can?t help it, I don?t even know why I keep having them. But more importantly we finally met the evil Sorceress Morgwyn![/B]? She started to continue but Kathy cut her off. ?[B]You?ll have to tell us later, if you don?t hurry you?ll be late, again.[/B]? ?[B]All right, if only because Sergei gets so annoyed when we make him late too.[/B]? She giggled. ?[B]I keep telling him that it?s his own fault for insisting on walking with us to class each morning.[/B]? ?[B]Who knows?[/B]? Alexandra said as she poked Bethany, ?[B]Perhaps he has a crush on you.[/B]? Bethany opened her mouth to protest only to be cut off by Kathy again. ?[B]Honestly, you two. Can?t you save it for later?[/B]? She deliberately walked between the two of them breaking them up. ?[B]I for one have no intention of being late.[/B]? She opened the door and left. Bethany looked at the clock and groaned, ?[B]Why can?t they have classes start at a more reasonable hour? I hate getting up early.[/B]? She went back to getting dressed and grabbing her stuff. Alexandra joined her as they went down to met Sergei who as always, was patiently waiting for them.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=DarkRed]It had taken her a while, but the reports on all who had died were finally done. It was a bit depressing to look at the numbers. Not only had quite a few of the troops died, but mixed among that was a fair number of humans and Versilans who had to be working for the resistance. Something that on some level had her feeling a bit sad, it was yet another part of her duty that she despised, handing over the records of who they were to the High Council. Crystal hated it because of their harsh and what she considered unfair treatment of family members of the resistance. Especially when so many of them didn't even know that their loved ones were a part of the resistance, or only suspected it like Daniel's mother had. And though most of them were not dealt with as cruelly as she had been, it still pained her since a good number of them ended up executed for high treason, even if they were completely innocent. But regardless of her feelings, Crystal always did her duty and she sent the information with the list of those whose genetic remains had been found on Earth and then since doing so always made her feel a bit depressed she left the bridge of the Tempest and headed towards her quarters. The last thing she wanted to do was talk to anyone when she was feeling like this. Usually she was pretty good about keeping her opinion to herself, but not always. But that was not to be as the moment she entered her quarters a chime indicating there was an incoming transmission sounded. Irritated she went to answer it. Not bothering to hide how annoyed she felt when it turned out to be Stevens. "[B]What do you need Stevens,[/B]" She said a bit impatiently. Other than to raise an eyebrow at her annoyed expression Stevens said nothing about it. "[B]I'm sorry to trouble you Commander Crystal, especially when you've been working so tirelessly to make sure all who perished are properly identified for their families.[/B]" Crystal sighed, "[B]Would you get to the point please?[/B]" "[B]I need you to review some genetic material that was found in sector seven.[/B]" He said even as the message received chime sounded indicating that he had sent her a file. "[B]Even though most of the facilities were destroyed completely, a few fragments of the buildings were blown clear of the craters.[/B]" "[B]I see, very well then, I will start on them first thing tomorrow, anything else?[/B]" Crystal asked, impatient to be done. "[B]Oh I don't know,[/B]" Stevens said taking on that tone he did when he was about to tease her a bit. "[B]Perhaps I could exercise some of that bluntness you are known for and inquire as to what has you so annoyed.[/B]" "[B]Only if you wish for me to remind you of how I feel about the High Council's stance towards family members of the resistance,[/B]" She retorted. Stevens nodded his head in understanding, "[B]Ah, so you've finished the death reports I take it, along with figuring out the identity of those who were members of the resistance who died in the attacks.[/B]" Crystal just nodded her head, indicating that she had done so. "[B]I'll leave you to your much deserved break then.[/B]" Stevens said all traces of amusement gone. "[B]We may not agree on this Crystal, but I do respect your opinion as well as your professionalism in dealing with tasks that are unpleasant.[/B]" He nodded in respect and closed the transmission. She wasn't sure why he didn't discuss it with her a bit since usually he did, prying more into why she felt the way she did, but for what ever reason, this time, Stevens left it alone. Crystal got up and headed for the restroom in her quarters. She leaned over and started the water for a bath, she could use a good soak to help her relax. Another moment to find some of the scented oils that she liked and then once they were added she quickly undressed and got into the water. It was the one luxury she did like having as a Commander. Other quarters were only equipped with a shower and she liked taking a good hot bath. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=DarkRed][quote name='2007DigitalBoy][COLOR=DarkOrange]So far I'm absolutely loving this game because in their own post, any single player is the god of this game. I can't wait to see what grim fates some of you have imagined up for these poor charcters, hehe. [/COLOR][/QUOTE]Mwahahahaha! I agree. In fact it's a toss up as to which one to kill off! [QUOTE=2007DigitalBoy][COLOR=DarkOrange']Also, yall have done a good job of making me hate several charcters, lol.[/COLOR][/quote]Same here. ^_~ Not that I mind, it's just strange to see what people come up with for the characters personalities. Especially when, even though you don't mean to, the two characters you created end up different than what you thought of when you made them. lol Still...it's great fun! Now I just need to decide who should die this round. Hehe![/COLOR]

[COLOR=DarkRed]Quickly Andrew and Liam helped Fredrick and Nehab up from their position of dangling over the edge of the lava pit. But the moment they were back in the corridor as if to mock them the floor closed once more as if nothing had ever happened. Though the pedestal that had killed Samik was gone. "[B]Damn him![/B]" Nehab declared, "[B]That unworthy infidel nearly killed us![/B]" "[B]Excuse me?[/B]" Andrew said incredulously. "[B]You heard me servant![/B]" Nehab said. Pharaoh or not Andrew walked and soundly slapped Nehab on the right cheek nearly knocking him over. Ignoring Fredrick who quickly grabbed him to keep him from doing so again. "[B]Now, there's no need for that, he's just a child remember?[/B]" Fredrick said. Shocked Nehab just stared at Andrew, [I]How dare he touch me! [/I]He fumed.[I] I will have him put to death for this![/I] "[B]Wrong,[/B]" Andrew said coldly as he pulled free of Fredrick and turned to face Nehab. "[B]What is your sworn duty as a Pharaoh Nehab.[/B]" "[B]My sworn duty?[/B]" "[B]It is to rule Egypt correct?[/B]" Nehab nodded cautiously, unsure as to what this barbarian had in mind. "[B]I am a soldier Nehab, it is my sworn duty to protect my country as well as the King and Queen who rule it. And when it comes to matters of safety, a truly wise King or Queen does not presume to tell those who would protect them how to do so.[/B]" He paused as if to make sure Nehab was listening and then continued in an even colder tone of voice. "[B]Especially when they are not in their own country. We are not in Egypt Nehab, I am more than willing to do my best to protect you, but only if you stop trying to boss us around when you know nothing about where we are. Also, we are not here to gather treasure for you. One can not swing a sword in your defense if they are burdened by useless trinkets. Our lives are far more important and I for one will not risk it on a brat who has yet to learn to rule wisely.[/B]" Nehab opened his mouth to protest but closed it when Andrew's hand moved to the hilt of his sword.[I] He wouldn't dare strike me again, would he?[/I] He looked at Fredrick and Liam as if to gain support but they were cautiously avoiding looking at him. [I]Damn infidels![/I] He thought, but then he had no choice, unless he wished to go it alone, something that though he would never admit it terrified him. He sighed a bit. "[B]Very well,[/B]" he said grandly as if granting Andrew something he did not deserve. "[B]I will permit you to protect me.[/B]" "[B]Good, now that we settled that, do we risk the floor and take the corridor on the other side? Or do we backtrack and take a different route?[/B]" As if the maze they were trapped in heard them, the corridor they had come from started to collapse. Without hesitation Fredrick grabbed Nehab and quickly ran across the room where they had nearly fallen to their deaths, Liam and Andrew quickly followed making it across just before the floor started opening yet again. "[B]Well I guess that settles that,[/B]" Liam said as they came to what appeared to be an enormous garden. A garden that was also among the stars as it was in a huge circular dome that separated them from space. On the other side was another set of doors. Fredrick put Nehab down, who for once said nothing, waiting to see what Andrew was going to do before wandering off just a tiny bit to look out the dome at the stars. Liam wandered over to join him, equally fascinated by the view. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=DarkRed]I agree. ^_^ And I'll modify my character to fit. Also, if you guys don't mind I'd like to do the first post since I have a wicked fun idea for getting us into the new twist! I think all of you will really like it! :catgirl: [/COLOR] [COLOR=DarkRed][B]EDIT:[/B] And it's up! That was fun to write! :catgirl: And here's the modified profile for my character. [B]Name:[/B] Bethany Pratt [B]Gender: [/B]Female [B]Age: [/B]14 [B]Special Skills:[/B] Bethany posses the ability to control temperatures, from freezing things to creating temperatures hot enough to melt metal. [B]Description:[/B] Bethany is about 5'1 with blond hair that goes a few inches past her shoulders and blue eyes. [B]Personality: [/B] Bethany is pig headed and stubborn. She's fairly smart but a bit erratic when it comes to true studying, preferring to have fun with her friends. [B]Short Bio: [/B]When it was discovered that she possesed the ability to control temperatures, something that happened when she accidentally burned down the school she was attending. Her parents sent her to Cheshire High hoping that they could help her to learn to control her strange ability. Upon arriving she quickly became friends with her two roommates Kathy and Alexandra as well as a reserved boy in her class named Sergei. All of them became fast friends and tend to do everything together. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=DarkRed]If poisonous gas hadn't been released in an attempt to kill them Lara Servas would have been much happier. Especially once she realized that they were on some sort of space station. She had always wanted to travel in space. And the view in the corridor leading to the other section, which was quite massive, was impressive. The only thing was, she couldn't see any planets nearby. It didn't surprise her when one of the men fell to his knees. She had always been a bit indifferent in regards to history, but his military uniform looked like something from either the 15th or 16th century. If he really was from the past on her world, something like space travel would have been considered impossible. [I]What am I thinking? How could he be from the past?[/I] She shook her head. [I]How did I get here for that matter?[/I] Lara moved to help him but stopped when one of the other guys beat her to it. She turned to one of the guys who looked like he was waring some type of space outfit himself. "[B]You're Fredrick right?[/B]" He nodded. "[B]Do you recognize where we are?[/B]" She asked him. "[B]No. What makes you think I would know?[/B]" "[B]Well you do appear to be wearing some sort of space suit. Am I right?[/B]" "[B]You are correct, I am with the Earth Space forces, fifth division. But I have never been to this place before and I do not recognize any of the stars either.[/B]" Fredrick said with a wave of his hand indicating the view outside the corridor. "[B]Earth Space Forces? Since when did we have Space forces?[/B]" "[B]Since the federation was formed in the year 3803.[/B]" Fredrick replied as if it should be common knowledge. "[B]3803?[/B]" Lara said with disbelief. "[B]But that would mean this is the future! How can that be? I thought time travel wasn't possible.[/B]" "[B]Well as far as I know it's not.[/B]" Fredrick replied. "[B]Before I woke up here the year as I know it was 4015.[/B]" "[B]It was 2050 for me.[/B]" Lara said. Andrew spoke up at that point having already gotten back up and rejoined the others as they walked towards the next set of doors. "[B]I do not understand how we could be in the future as you say, but before I found myself here the year was 1537.[/B]" All of them paused and then nearly spoke at the same time as it seemed that all of them had come from different times and many of them even from different worlds as well. "[B]This is fascinating![/B]" Davis said excitedly. "[B]Just think of the technology required to have brought so many different people from different worlds and even different times together.[/B]" "[B]Exciting? I'd hardly call poison gas exciting.[/B]" Lara said. Davis smiled sheepishly, "[B]Sorry, I teach history classes and I can't help but wonder about the history behind this place.[/B]" Just then the voice that had warned about the poison gas spoke."[B]Warning, in one minute space corridor one will detach.[/B]" Lara looked at the doors they were almost too. Sure enough the word one was written above it. "[B]Bloody hell![/B]" She swore and then rushed to get to the door. Fortunately unlike the last time the doors opened immediately and when all of them were through they closed. A strange clicking sound indicating the doors were locking sounded. "[B]Corridor one has been detached. Your journey now begins.[/B]" Lara like everyone else was warily looking around. [I]Now what?[/I] She wondered.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=DarkRed]It hadn't taken Alexandra long to take a quick look around, but surprisingly the castle seemed to be empty where they were. It didn't fool Bethany though, she could feel dark magic stirring further within the castle. It was unpleasant and had her feeling like she wanted to turn around and flee. Something was about to happen, she could feel it. Bethany sighed and started to get up. "[B]What are you doing Bethany?[/B]" Sergei exclaimed. "[B]You need to rest until Alexandra gets back.[/B]" "[B]I'm fine,[/B]" Bethany protested. [B]"I was able to tap into the remaining clean magic in this area so I can easily do more.[/B]" "[B]Sit down Beth.[/B]" Kathy ordered. Meekly, she did as she was told. "[B]Yes Captain.[/B]" "[B]Well?[/B]" Kathy asked as Alexandra came back into the room. "[B]It's clear Captain, I didn't see anyone or any signs that anything is in this area.[/B]" "[B]All right, lets get going then.[/B]" The group got up and began to work their way deeper into the castle, as they cautiously made their way through the castle they could still hear the sounds of the Gargoyles out side and other monsters on the prowl, but for what ever reason they seemed to stay away from attempting to crash through the windows to get to the mercenaries. Then as they approached a staircase where the sound of voices could clearly be heard they stopped. Kathy motioned for the two girls to wait while she and Sergei took a look. At the top of the stairs and just down the hallway was what had to be another group of adventurers there for the prize. "[B]I thought I heard voices as we came up those stairs[/B]." Kathy told Sergei, "[B]Tell Alexandra and Bethany that it is safe. They don't look like Morgwyn's minions.[/B]" "[B]We are not,[/B]" The elf replied. He briefly introduced himself and the others while Sergei called down to the girls to come on up. Then finished the elf, Adrian, asked her a question. "[B]And who are you?[/B]" "[B]We are the group known as the Mercenaries, I am the captain, Kathy. This is Sergei, Alexandra and...[/B]" Bethany interrupted the captain stepping forward. "[B]I'm Bethany. And I'd say you have a problem.[/B]" "[B]Oh? And just what would that be?[/B]" Sunny asked her. "[B]That door,[/B]" Bethany said indicating the one that Shy, Halbereth, and Adrian had been trying to get open. "[B]It's been sealed by magic. No amount of force will open it. I'll need to break the seal.[/B]" "[B]Oh really?[/B]" Sunny said in a tone indicating she didn't quite believe her. Kathy stepped forward, "[B]Bethany is quite skilled with magic, if she says it is sealed. It is.[/B]" Impatient, Bethany stamped her right foot. "[B]Move,[/B]" she commanded raising her hands as she began to prepare the spell, walking forward and glaring at the three men until with a shrug they moved slightly to let her through. She placed her hands on the door and then chanted the spell to break the seal. She winced in pain when the seal broke and the magic within spilled out catching her by surprise and knocking her over. Startling the rest of those who were there as well. Sergei rushed over to help her back up. "[B]What happened?[/B]" The elf Adrian demanded. Bethany grimaced as Sergei helped her stand back up. "[B]We're too late, Morgwyn has used the Phoenix Heart. She has regained her youth. I was not expecting it the magic inside to be so strong.[/B]" Bethany turned to Kathy. "[B]I'm sorry Captain, it caught me by surprise.[/B]" "[B]Did you break the seal?[/B]" Kathy asked. Bethany nodded. "[B]Good lets get going then.[/B]" "[B]The door is still closed,[/B]" Sunny pointed out. "[B]Of course it is![/B]" Bethany said indignantly. "[B]I said I would break the seal not open it.[/B]"[/COLOR]

[COLOR=DarkRed]You're not that far off. Trust me. SunfallE's got that devious look she gets when she's up to something. I've been trying to pry it out of her for days now with no luck! I mean how could the resistance not be screwed at this point? Kiva's closing in on them, once she finds your character and indifference's, the base is next! I just know it! :p[/COLOR]

[COLOR=DarkRed]Man slaves? Why do the guys want man slaves? That's what I want! I don't want girl slaves! :bawl: Wait a second, since I'm only a lowly moderator I don't get slaves right? Drat! [SIZE=1]*pouts*[/SIZE] Still in the end...I'd much rather be Des's slave than his fangirl. :animeblus [/COLOR]

[COLOR=DarkRed]Crystal was still not done with putting together the reports for those who had died when the attacks mounted by the resistance had occurred. Unlike the transports, far more troops had been killed, it was part of why high grade explosives were strictly regulated. They were dangerous in the hands of the untrained and that had proven all to true as she found traces of genetic material from those who had used them and miscalculated, blowing themselves up as well. On top of that she was also required to help with finding a replacement for Michael Edwards for the research facility. She still found it hard to believe that he had been so foolish as to trust someone with the codes to his notes. And at the same time it was a bit of a problem since though he was a little to trusting, he was still one of the best. But now he had been arrested and sent to sector one, though unlike the resistance member who had been caught, he would only lose his position. Though it was unlikely he would ever be allowed to hold a position that required that level of security clearance again. At least her report as far as Darren and Sandra went was considered complete. Data from the security cameras had been recovered and though there was no audio, they had confirmed her findings. And now that the Specialist was back it was no longer her concern. Though she at least hoped that the resistance had treated their injuries. She was fairly certain they did. At least she was fairly certain Daniel would not leave them untreated. Crystal turned her attention back to the candidates she was considering to replace Michael, she had narrowed it down to two. Tessa Landers and Henry Kerns. Both of them were ideal since they had similar experience like Michael had in running projects as well as a solid background in working with genetics. But most importantly, the checks she had requested on their background had come back clean. A couple of the others she had considered had not. Henry Kerns, had more experience but also had a reputation of being a bit pig headed, which was why he was good at running projects. He was good at getting things done on time. Tessa Landers however, though less experienced was more open and tended to work better with other people, which was also a good thing since projects like the genetics required being open to unexpected changes. In the end, in Crystal's opinion, Tessa would be the better choice. Working with projects like the second and the third one had no room for someone being too stubborn to listen to the researchers assigned to the project. Her mind made up, Crystal finished up her recommendation and sent it off to the High Council. Then she turned her attention back to the death reports. Even though she didn't disagree with the resistance as much as the High Council and military did, she still hoped that they were dealt with soon. If only to stop the pointless killing. If she never filled out another death certificate it would be too soon in her opinion. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=DarkRed]Fun! I put my post up. I added some chaos since I didn't want our getting to the gate to be too easy. That and I thought it would be fun to have Bethany cast a spell that would be as dangerous as the Gargoyles. Or should I say flying stone chickens? *snicker* I don't know what you were thinking when you had my character refer to them as chickens, but I died laughing when I read it mom. :catgirl: Anyway, have fun dodging both the icicles and the Gargoyles Rachmaninoff and Anomaly! Let the chaos commence! :p[/COLOR]

[COLOR=DarkRed]Bethany tuned her companions out concentrating on her spell. Once she started she wouldn?t need to concentrate, but to get started it always took a moment to focus her energy and to draw on any outside force that she could use. There wasn?t much that wasn?t already tainted, but there was just a tiny bit of clean magic in the area and she quickly drew it in, changing it, keying it to her touch. Then she began. Targeting some of the Gargoyles that were to the right of them, freezing one after another. She smiled in triumph as they fell to the ground shattering upon impact. It had worked! Just like she thought it would, Bethany prepared to target more of them on the other side of the castle when movement caught her eye. She gasped in horror as the smaller pieces of stone from those she had shattered began to move. Blurring in a manner that made her sick just to look at it. Then moments later they became new Gargoyles, smaller ones, but Gargoyles just the same. ?[B]That?s cheating![/B]? She protested, even as she immediately froze them as well only for the same thing to happen again creating even more Gargoyles, though the ones she had broken apart were now the size of small cats. As if sensing who had done it to them, they began to head for the mercenaries, shrieking. ?[B]Damn![/B]? Kathy swore as she grabbed Bethany and pulled her back into the trees. ?[B]Get ready everyone, here they come![/B]? She pulled her swords out taking a guarded stance. ?[B]You were suppose to distract them, not bring them to us![/B]? Alexandra protested. ?[B]It?s not my fault! That should have worked![/B]? Bethany cried, even as she froze more of them, resulting in smaller Gargoyles as they fell, broke apart and continued coming. ?[B]Would you stop making more of them?[/B]? Sergei pleaded as he pulled his sword free, chanting under his breath as he worked his own small magic. His blade taking on the appearance of being made of ice as he stabbed the first of the smaller Gargoyles that swarmed them. Bethany ignored Sergei as she continued to make them even smaller, thinking that surely a smaller Gargoyle would be easier to deal with than one that could tear you in half with a single blow. A thought that was confirmed a moment later when the mercenaries realized that the smallest ones could be killed with a simple blade, where those that were still larger the blade merely bounced off, unless it was Sergei?s blade. Moments later they had dealt with all of the smaller Gargoyles and they breathed a sigh of relief. Until the other Gargoyles, who had been confused by what was happening began to wander over in the direction of where all the noise was. ?[B]Uh oh.[/B]? Bethany cringed. ?[B]Even if I freeze all of them and make them smaller, that?s way too many![/B]? ?[B]Fall back![/B]? Kathy cried, but it was too late. With a horrible shriek hundreds of them dived towards the mercenaries. ?[B]Use your new spell Beth![/B]? ?[B]Are you nuts Captain?[/B]? Alexandra and Sergei protested in unison. ?[B]We don?t have a choice! Do it![/B]? Once again Bethany began to prepare for her spell, trying to tune out the horrible shrieking, trying to ignore how quickly they were coming. If she didn?t get the spell cast in time, they would be ripped to shreds! Kathy, Sergei and Alexandra stood weapons drawn in a protective circle around Bethany. Waiting for her magic to work hoping it would be in time as they could not outrun the flying monstrosities. Then out of nowhere a huge icicle came flying down from the sky, skewing several Gargoyles on the way down. Landing with a sicking thud, pinning them to the ground as the massive column of ice sank into the ground. Everyone paused, even the Gargoyles who hovered as they looked around, wondering just what had happened until dozens more began to rain from the sky where the mercenaries were located. One of them landing right where Bethany and the others had been standing. ?[B]Move it everyone![/B]? Kathy ordered even as she dodged another one of the lethal icicles. ?[B]Our only hope is to get to the gate.[/B]? She grabbed Bethany by the arm and started running. ?[B]Keep those icicles coming![/B]? She ordered as they made a run for it. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=DarkRed]Crystal was almost finished putting together her report on the former US building that Sandra and Darren had been in. A report that was made easier by who ever had been in charge when they finally got to the location. They had made sure that other than to retrieve the few people who were still alive to keep everyone off of the rubble and to avoid recovering bodies until they had done an extensive scan first. They had then forwarded the information to Stevens who had then forwarded it to her to use when she finally transported down to make her own assessment of the situation. She had not expected to find much since once the scans had been done they had moved things to recover the bodies, but still she had been able to partially piece together what might have happened. Based on the genetic material as well as the traces of blood she had at least determined why she believed they had not been instantly crushed like the others. The building was made of a heavy type of marble stone but in the center they had used a much lighter type of marble. And in the center of the room they had been in a type of glass that went up like a dome with metal beams for support had been used. Sandra's and Darren's position as well as the few survivors were all within the radius of where the lighter building material and glass part of the roof was. Everyone else in the room had died instantly when the roof collapsed. As well as everyone else in the building except for a few rooms that had remained standing. It looked like Sandra had been buried and Darren had gotten her out as there were traces of his blood on the rubble that had her blood as well. She couldn't be positive, but the pattern of where the blood was indicated that he had moved it and her computer simulations based on it indicated it as well. Then for what ever reason it seemed that they had moved to one of the few rooms that was still standing. A side conference room. And based on the scuff marks in the heavy dust, Sandra was either unconscious or injured as she had been lying down. Then based on the number of disturbances it looked like at least six other people had been in the room as well. Crystal was not an expert when it came to this type of investigation, but the computer analysis indicated that the marks in the heavy dust had to have been made by someone other than Darren and Sandra, and it also indicated that there had been some type of struggle. Crystal had then followed the trail of footsteps as they went through the remains of the building and outside, at that point there was nothing left to track. So for what ever reason, they had moved them. She finished up her assessment of what happened and forwarded it to Stevens. Then she pulled up some other medical reports that she needed to forward to Stevens as well. Someone in the resistance had been shooting Versilan's and former US officials at point blank range. Killing them with a shot to the head with a powerful disruptor rifle, and in some cases the person had been found unarmed and some of them had been injured or unconscious before they were killed. No one had been spared, even some who were obviously not part of the military or the former US government had been shot. Still wearing the uniform of a simple servant. If she had to guess, Crystal would say that it was likely that the culprit was a human and not a Versilan. For the simple reason that such executions simply were not done by the resistance. People in the military did die as a result of their actions, but they had always been careful to avoid more outright terrorist tactics since those tended to backfire. Resulting in a loss of support among the regular people of the Empire. And on the worlds where resistance cells had formed that included those who were native to the world, they were careful to keep them under control as well. Crystal sighed as she finished preparing the report about what had happened down there.[I] I hope those fools who did the killing were taken care of [/I]she thought. [I]There's no excuse for killing innocent people, or for killing those who are unable to defend themselves. [/I][/COLOR]

[COLOR=DarkRed]What do I think? After the shooting here in Salt Lake City a few months ago as well as other shootings. This whole thing just brings to home that there isn't anywhere that is safe. Even where I go to school as well. >_< Since some moron called in a bomb threat today. [URL=http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=1119139]Article[/URL] That was so NOT fun. Honestly I just wish I understood why people kill others. It just doesn't make sense to me. Or why they would do what they did at my school and scare the hell out of everyone. Including myself. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=DarkRed]1 - Phoenix Wright: "Stop Spamming!"[/COLOR]

[COLOR=DarkRed]Bethany groaned in protest when Kathy yanked the warm blanket off of her. [I]God damn it![/I] She thought. [I]She really needs to lighten up. It's not like a few more hours of sleep will make that much of a difference![/I] She shivered a bit from the cold morning air as their shared room had no fireplace to keep them warm. But as Kathy talked about retrieving the Phoenix Heart from the evil Sorceress Morgwyn it all started coming back to her. [I]That's right, [/I]she thought. [I]Morgwyn has stolen it to restore her youth and the reward to recover it,[/I] if she remembered correctly [I]is quite impressive. [/I] With a small sigh she started to open her eyes just as Kathy spoke to her and Alexandra again. "[B]I'm not kidding you two. Get moving or I'll dump cold water on both of you.[/B]" "[B]All right! All right! I'm awake![/B]" She finally said as she turned her head to look at Alexandra who was in the other bed right next to hers. Bethany slowly sat up, stretching as she did so, movement catching her eye as their other companion quickly rolled up his bedroll where he had been sleeping on the floor and then he picked it up along with his other belongings and promptly left the room. She turned back to glare at Kathy who was standing at the edge of their beds, her hands on her hips as she glared at them. Over on the far corner Kathy's things were already packed and ready to go, leaving only Alexandra who was still lying on the bed in the middle, with the pillow pulled over her head. [I]So, sleeping beauty doesn't want to get up does she? [/I]Bethany thought. She smiled mischievously . [I]I'll fix that. [/I] Bethany recited the words under her breath and waited till the last second to extend her hand towards Alexandra and release the spell. Ignoring Kathy's order to stop. Cold air flew from her hand, catching Alexandra by surprise when with a startled shriek she was blown off the bed and onto the floor. A second later she was up and climbing over her bed to get to Bethany to clobber her. "[B]What the hell was that for![/B]" She said angrily. "[B]Girls![/B]" Kathy snapped at them. Both of them stopped and turned to look at Kathy. "[B]Would you two save the squabbling for later? Honestly, if I didn't know better I would swear the two of you are sisters.[/B]" She sighed dramatically as she went over to grab her things off of her bed. "[B]I'll be waiting for you two outside. You have ten minutes to finish getting ready.[/B]" Alexandra waited until Kathy had left to turn and glare at Bethany. "[B]I'll get you for that.[/B]" Bethany stuck her tongue out at her. And then started gathering her things. Smiling once Alexandra's back was turned. Truth be known, the two of them were rather fond of each other and positively enjoyed pulling pranks on each other. They never did anything that could actually hurt the other person. And sometimes it was more fun to see Kathy get annoyed than getting the other person. Bethany smiled even more. They finished gathering their things, checked the room to make sure nothing had been missed and then left to go join the others who were probably waiting outside. [I]I wonder if they have anything for breakfast that we can take with us?[/I] Bethany wondered as they headed down the stairs. Since she doubted that Kathy would give them time to have breakfast before leaving. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=DarkRed]Hehe, that was an interesting start. :catgirl: Here's my character and now that I know Alexa's I'll work on a post. [B]Name:[/B] Bethany Pratt [B]Gender: [/B]Female [B]Age: [/B]20 [B]Special Skills:[/B] Though Bethany uses a bow and a dagger, she is primarily a combat mage. [B]Description:[/B] Bethany is about 5'9 with blond hair that goes a few inches past her shoulders and blue eyes. [B]Personality: [/B] Bethany is pig headed and stubborn. She follows orders just fine but if she thinks her way is better she can and does deviate from what she's suppose to do. Something that often gets her in trouble. Especially since she'll argue with Kathy if she's positive that she's right. [B]Short Bio: [/B] Bethany became a mercenary when she ran away from home when she was fourteen after learning that her parents had betrothed her to an older man. Something that put them at odds since she wanted to attend a school for magic instead of getting married. When they said no, she took some of the family heirlooms, sold them for gold and headed for a well known magic school where she studied for several years. When they found out that she had run away from home she was kicked out and ended up being a part of Kathy's mercenary team when they came across her fighting some monsters and winning. Now she uses her combat magic to aid them in battle while studying new spells on the side. Though since she no longer has a teacher, sometimes she gets new spells wrong and makes quite the mess before she finally figures it out. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=DarkRed][quote name='Rachmaninoff]Now it's just time to wait for the strike in sector seven. [/QUOTE]I'm looking forward to it too since I'm still curious as to why William recognized who the woman was. Though I'm betting that SunfallE won't tell me. :animesigh [QUOTE=Rachmaninoff']Hehe. The Empire is not having a good day.[/quote]The Empire? How about your own character Darren? Remember Sara wants him dead and the squad who captured both him and Sandra was talking about taking them to Commander Daniel. :p Not that I think she would kill him, but that does leave things open for some interesting conversations since I also imagine that Daniel will have their injuries treated before deciding what to do with them. Unless I'm mistaken and they have another facility with the necessary medical equipment since I got the impression that the more advanced stuff was only in the bases. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=DarkRed]It hadn?t taken her long to evaluate Darren. Nor had it taken long for her to get exactly what had happened between him and Jared out of him. If anything Crystal was positive that being interrogated by Jared due to what had happened with the Earthling Sara had probably triggered most of the stress Darren was experiencing. Even though she found it highly distasteful she knew from the medical reports and having been required to oversee interrogations that even a simple one that only involved drugs would scar an individual on a mental level. Even if they didn?t want to admit it to themselves. Add being teased and harassed, which surprisingly had been very little, at least surprising to Crystal since she had served with Jared and knew that he was usually far more ruthless than he had ever been with Darren. Something that if she let it, irritated her since in her opinion Jared was far too good at manipulating people into thinking they wanted his attention on some level. [I]Or that they brought it upon themselves. [/I] She thought darkly. And though usually those individuals that Jared was cruel to were often guilty of executable crimes, Crystal still felt that to sink to their level was sick. But still, as far as Darren was concerned, especially since he had been promoted, Jared had been quite reserved. Crystal sighed a bit as she finished going over the report and preparing the request to the ship?s maintenance crew to make modifications to Darren?s quarters. In that respect she had dressed Darren down a bit as simple requests for exercise equipment such as he had used on his own ship was allowed for any officer. He may not have known, but she pointed out that by not asking about such things he was doing himself a disservice. Crystal sent off the evaluation to the doctor at the Creator, noting how she had set up a follow up for Darren with her in a week as well as sending off the request for the modification to Darren?s quarters. [I]Now if only the investigation in sector fourteen would be finished soon[/I]. She thought. Crystal wanted to get back to focusing on her research. She had already spent quite a bit of time reorganizing her notes and writing up possible changes and different combinations to check out for all three projects. Crystal knew it was necessary, but she hated the delay. But even more, she hated knowing that one or more of the researchers was working for the resistance. Even though she didn?t know each one of them personally, she had still worked with each and every one of them at some point, if not on the projects on something else before they were assigned to it. And some of them she had even recommended for the project. She pulled up other reports that she needed to go over. Her second in command was expecting her on the bridge soon. Nothing too important but still requiring her to give the final authorization, making her wish all over again that he was in command instead of her. Crystal shook her head, putting it out of her mind. In order for her to go back to only being a doctor, Stevens would have to authorize it and the one time she had briefly mentioned it, he had made it clear that he would not do it.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=DarkRed][quote name='Rachmaninoff']Anyway, let me know if I got Crystal's responses all right Aaryanna so I can fix it if you need me too.[/quote]Hehe, you definitely got her responses correct. Crystal would be completely blunt like that and she would give you a look like you were an idiot for trying to pretend nothing else was going on. ^_~ Anyway, now I want to find out what's going to happen when William gets to sector seven! Though not as much as I'd like to find out who contacted him. Mysterious characters always have me wanting to poke SunfallE (:p) and demand to know who they are! lol [/COLOR]

[COLOR=DarkRed]Well other than to have some brief profile information I don't really have any ideas at the moment. Since we will be in the same story as the rest of the players I'm thinking that's really going to shake things up. Making some of what we do dependent on what the others have done. We could go as a team of mercenaries or simply a group of adventurers intent on recovering the jewel. Or we could even turn one of our members into a questing hero that we are helping out. And I'm thinking we don't have to stick to either serious or funny since we can be fairly serious and yet throw in some humor while we are at it. ^_~ So I say once we hear from my mom and get our profiles up that we get started! :catgirl: [/COLOR]

[COLOR=DarkRed]It was hard to believe that it had been nearly three weeks since the base in the UK had been dealt with. Crystal had been expecting Stevens to put up more of a fight over her plans to work more exclusively in the US but other than to assign a security team to her; he had made no fuss whatsoever. And in some ways it had been rather pleasant to work in the smaller communities once she decided where facilities should be built. Smaller towns tended to be less hostile than the larger towns. Then once the decision on where to build a new facility was made and the arrangements taken care of she would then visit all the remaining hospitals in the area, seeing to those who were still being treated with the barbaric medical methods they still practiced. At first Crystal and her teams had always been met with suspicion and hostility, mostly due to her uniform as a Commander since they did not recognize the medical pattern of her uniform. But once they realized just who she was and what she could do, they couldn?t open the doors for her fast enough; eager for her to tend to the patients they could not help. Every day she would choose a location based on which ones were noted as having the greatest need and then she would transport down and begin. Sometimes staying in an area for several days if needed to get the worse cases taken care of. Crystal along with the security assigned to her finally took a brief break at one of the hospitals she was visiting, choosing to sit out on the benches of an interior open court filled with trees and flowers for the patients of the facility. She was not hungry, but she was not about to deprive the security team of a much-needed break. Crystal pulled out her hand held computer and took a moment to go over a report she was preparing for the High Council. One that would help to clarify just what was being done in sector fourteen. Though things had calmed down considerably since the information was leaked, there were still quite a few people sending in formal complaints to the High Council, complaints that in her opinion were due to people not fully understanding why they were researching how to make the lesser races more passive and submissive. They did not understand how it tied into the research meant to make them live longer. And if there was one thing that annoyed Crystal more than anything else, is was people who objected without taking the time to truly understand what was going on. Currently people were arguing that it was a form of Mind Control, and though physically on some level it was, the type of control they were talking about was not the same thing at all. It was true that they were isolating certain responses in the brain to control certain processes and chemicals, but it was not true that they were controlling their thoughts in any manner at all. Crystal shook her head in irritation. No, what they were doing with the research was subduing aggressive tendencies. Such as when something upset you or made you angry. The modifications meant that when something upset you the chemical reaction that lead to aggressive behavior due to being angry had been reduced. It did not change the fact that the person was angry; it did not place thoughts in their minds. It did not control them in that fashion. If one were to label a chemical released in the brain when one was angry as Agent C, then the modifications meant that when a ?slave? became angry instead of a normal release of Agent C it was reduced by twenty percent. The slave still got angry, but not on the same level. Crystal sighed. Even with her careful report, one that she was doing her best to write in terms that would be easy to understand, she knew that some people simply would not accept what had been done. And to be fair, if she had not seen with her own eyes the stress put on a body by modifying it to live longer, she might not have agreed with it either. But she knew better. If they were going to eventually change all of the lesser races to live as long as they did, it would be necessary as even the Versilan Empire lacked the resources to keep up with the potential problems. Another thing that she carefully explained as well as the knowledge that once the switch was made and the lesser races were moved to genetic reproduction like the Versilan?s instead of the cruder one currently used. At that point some of the modifications could be reversed, as a next generation child would not need the same level of modification. Being genetically produced would eliminate quite a few of the problems associated with increasing their lifespan in the first place. They would still be modified, but at a reduced amount. Then because she was finally done, she sent the report to the High Council so they could look over it and then clear it for being released to the public. It was important since the resistance had conveniently glossed over that aspect of the research, only focusing on the fact that the second research was forbidden. They had completely left out the part about how the modifications to make them live longer would require other modifications to balance things out. And even the people were ignoring the first statement the High Council sent out in favor of being upset that it was forbidden. But then the first report had not given the specifics on some of what was actually being done. Now once her report was issued, that would be cleared up. Crystal closed her hand held computer, put it away in the pouch at her waist and then finally pulled out what she had brought along for lunch. Even if she wasn?t very hungry, she did have quite a bit of work to finish up and later she would be wishing she had taken the time to eat. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=DarkRed]It had been over a week since the resistance base in the UK had been dealt with and the resulting calm had on some levels felt almost unnerving. Crystal's work had been also going quite smoothly, the troublesome virus in Australia had finally been isolated and dealt with, the centers for medical treatment in the UK were running smoothly, leaving Crystal with very little to take care of, especially since the incident in sector fourteen had left her in the position of not being able to work with Michael on any of the projects. About the only thing that was different was the way other members of the military were keeping an eye out for her where ever she went. As if they were worried that the resistance would attempt to snatch her again. She didn't know whether to find it touching or annoying. Crystal was not use to people looking out for her, as a doctor it had always been her looking out for the patients under her care. Even now as she sat in the tiny little coffee shop close to one of the medical facilities in London, she could see that a patrol was keeping an eye on her. Irritated, she finished the coffee she had gotten and gathered her things to head back to the clinic to transport back up to the Tempest. The last thing she wanted to do was give any of them grief for simply doing their jobs. And she politely ignored them as they conveniently followed her until she was safely within the medical clinic. A moment to request a transport door and then she was back on the Tempest, immediately heading towards the bridge. [I]I need something new to work on, [/I]she thought. [I]Even if Stevens thinks the US is too unstable, they still need more medical clinics built there.[/I] Crystal pulled out her hand held computer and pulled up the data as to what had been done so far. Other than the major cities, the rest of the US was still unfinished as far as medical needs went. Though the resistance left them alone once they were built, it didn't stop them from destroying other ones as they were being built. [I]Maybe we should make a point of clearly stating that what's being built is a medical facility? If we place huge signs like the humans do, once they realized that we really are building medical facilities, perhaps they will quit disrupting the construction. [/I] Crystal made a note to that effect so she would remember to discuss it with Stevens when she talked to him later. She was sure he would object to her intention to work in the US, something that made her smile to herself since she would enjoy arguing with him over it. [I]Even if that idiot insists that a security escort is with me at all times, I am not going to sit by and leave them without medial treatment. [/I] Crystal closed her hand held computer, her mind made up. Tomorrow she would go over to the Conqueror and have a talk with Stevens. She continued towards the bridge, her step a bit lighter now that she had decided on what needed to be done. Crystal always felt better once she knew just what to do. And if things went well, by the time she was finished in the US, the High Council would be finished with locking down the leak in sector fourteen, leaving her free to resume the research.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=DarkRed][quote name='Allamorph][FONT=Arial']And what, pray tell, is wrong with raisin cookies?! Oatmeal raisin cookies are perhaps one of the best varieties in existence, third only to chocolate chip and snickerdoodle! Good grief. You silly people with your ridiculous notions of cookies almost made me type like a n00b; I had to edit this post threee times, and I still missed that three. (^_^) [/FONT][/quote]Hehe, it's obvious! They're gross! :p Honestly I've tried to like raisin's in stuff but...blech! They taste great by themselves, but in cookies? They just take the fun out of eating one. Chocolate chip and peanut butter chip cookies are the best! You silly n00b! [spoiler]Kidding! ^_~[/spoiler][/COLOR]