Horendithas

[COLOR="Indigo"][FONT="Arial"][quote name='Calypso'][COLOR="Sienna"]Not to be an *** or anything, but if you're talking about the Achilles from Greek mythology, the correct spelling is "[I]Akhilles[/I]." Again, don't be mad at me for this. I couldn't help myself.:animedepr[/COLOR][/QUOTE]Don't engage in what we consider back seat modding by attempting to correct other's spelling. (Key word here: [I]Attempt[/I]) The spelling Vicky used is the current modern usage of the word and is perfectly acceptable. In closing; your post is off topic spam/backseat modding so knock it off please. And now that I'm in this silly thread, I don't consider members in that light... oh wait... Nathan joined OtakuBoards recently... Nevermind. [/FONT][/COLOR]

[FONT="Arial"][COLOR="Indigo"]No words are needed for this one. =P [IMG]http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z228/Jing_47/pic26190oa7.jpg[/IMG][/COLOR][/FONT]

[COLOR="Indigo"][SIZE="1"][CENTER][B][SIZE="2"]Underneath It All[/SIZE][/B][/CENTER] ?[B]So what excuse are you going to use now?[/B]? Karl stretched lazily before sitting up. ?[B]We?re not out of tea after all.[/B]? ?[B]I don?t need one. You?re going to volunteer.[/B]? Karl flattened his ears and stared at Gavrie. ?[B]What did you volunteer me for?[/B]? Gavrie grinned innocently. ?[B]Oh nothing much, just some clean up duty.[/B]? ?[B]While you stay behind and sit on your butt.[/B]? Karl snorted in disgust. ?[B]Not this time,[/B]? Gavrie soothed. ?[B]I?ll be going with you.[/B]? ?[B]Same target or different locations?[/B]? ?[B]It depends. For some of it we?ll be splitting up, but the rest we won?t.[/B]? Karl just stared at him for the longest time before he finally voiced what he was thinking. ?[B]They?re putting you on the outside aren?t they?[/B]? Gavrie grinned since that?s what they thought they were doing. However, he was not the only one looking into what was going on. He had a few contacts of his own who were in a better position to pry into things. Letting them think they had put him out of the loop would work in his favor. He wanted to be on the outside, though they didn?t know that. ?[B]That?s what they think. Sometimes the best way to see what?s going on is to step back and see the whole picture.[/B]? Gavrie leaned back, placing his hands behind his head. ?[B]Right now, we can learn more Earthside; those in a position to gain information here are already in place.[/B]? ?[B]So how long will we be on the other side?[/B]? ?[B]A year or two at the longest.[/B]? Gavrie stood up. ?[B]And speaking of that? let?s get going.[/B]? Karl hopped off the chair he had been sitting in to follow Gavrie down the front steps. He stopped, nearly running into him when Gavrie came to a halt and gave him an odd look. ?[B]Not like that Karl, you?ll need to be in your other form for this.[/B]? ?[B]Not until we get to the target,[/B]? Karl disagreed. ?[B]Now Karl,[/B]? Gavrie said sternly. ?[B]Until I say otherwise, I need you to stay in your human form.[/B]? Karl resisted the urge to growl before he finally switched, cursing colorfully. ?[B]Jerk.[/B]? He finally spat before he brushed past Gavrie to head for the capitol. ?[B]Not.[/B]? Karl came to a halt, whipping around to glare at Gavrie. ?[B]If you?re not, then tell me why it matters?[/B]? Gavrie looked hurt, ?[B]Because listening to you whine over how hard it is to get cheesecake out of your fur hurts my ears.[/B]? ?[B]What?[/B]? He scoffed. ?[B]That?s utter bull, I haven?t even had?[/B]? Karl shook his head before fixing Gavrie with another glare. ?[B]That?s not good enough.[/B]" ?[B]Hmmm,[/B]? Gavrie tapped his fingers on his chin for a moment. ?[B]It?s easier to get information if you?re the one to talk to the humans?[/B]? ?[B]Eehhh?[/B]? ?[B]You?re cuter than I am.[/B]? Karl sputtered, cursing under his breath. ?[B]Adrian was right,[/B]? He finally managed. ?[B]Oh?[/B]? Gavrie said innocently. ?[B]You?re an asshole.[/B]? He said flatly. Gavrie just laughed. [/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][FONT="Arial"][quote name='Raiha;823898][COLOR="DarkOrchid"][FONT="Times New Roman"][i]I'm sorry to say that I don't think I was trolling. And I believe the evidence supports me when I say that polls consistently over sample those of a more liberal persuasion. It'd be my opinion and right to state that the polls numbers are being cooked by the people putting them out there.[/i][/FONT][/COLOR][/QUOTE]And I'm sorry to say, I think you were. Implying indirectly (without some form of actual proof) that the only reason liberals are being polled more and thus giving the appearance that they are in the lead is because they don't work or otherwise have a life. [quote name='Boo'][size=1']I think we read the post differently, because I couldn't find the trolling.[/size][/quote]Read it again or just read what I posted here. Saying polls have a margin for error is one thing, that's expected, but to imply it's only because people who are liberal are somehow lazy... is trolling. That would be the same as me saying she missed another option as to why Republicans don't get polled properly... C: Too lazy to get off their butts to answer the phones since they're doing this: [CENTER][IMG]http://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/duty_calls.png[/IMG][/CENTER] Though it should say they 'think' someone is wrong. =P[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][FONT="Arial"][quote name='Nathan'][FONT="Arial"]I'm listening to yet another song I found while browsing around online. [B]All Systems Go[/B] by Krypteria. I'm not completely sure what I think of it. So far it seems alright, it makes me think of something you'd hear in a movie during a fight or battle scene. I think I'll forward the link to Crystia since I'm thinking she'd like this song. Or if you see this post here Crystia go and check it out. [/FONT][/QUOTE]I guess I've never brought it over... but I have the album that song is on. Heh. So I'd say that means I like it. =P Anyway, right now I'm listening to [B]Beyond The Surface[/B] by [B]Kutless[/B]. It's not too bad. Not sure if I really like it or not, but it is at least catchy to listen to. [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][FONT="Arial"]You can stop trolling the thread Raiha, it's most unbecoming and reflects on you poorly. I haven't really said a lot in the threads surrounding the upcoming election, but I've had my fill of conservatism so it's no chore to figure out who I'll be voting for. I'm only sorry that being stuck in Utah means my vote won't do much of anything. Since the polls here give the conservatives a clear lead. [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][quote name='Crimson Spider']EDIT: Nevermind. Your correct on that statement. Just re-looked up the definition of "Secular".[/QUOTE]I was about to clarify that for you. But since you provided the edit, there is no need. Also I never claimed that there was no connection between the the Constitution and Christianity, people often don't get the concept that it was made that way on purpose. Keeping religion separate allows atheists and religionists alike, to practice their belief systems, regardless how ridiculous they may seem, without government intervention. So they knew what they were doing by making it that way, it's a fine distinction, but still one nevertheless. They designed it to protect Christianity (or lack of) by deliberately excluding it to a certain extent. [/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][quote name='Crimson Spider']I have been hearing this a lot. Of course, the document referencing the date to "The Year of Our Lord" and our founding fathers constantly making reference to God outside of the document are ignored to say that somehow, deep down inside, the constitution is atheist. You see, they established an unbiased document (not a secular one) because they didn't want another "Church of England" forming. They wanted to practice their form of Christianity freely, which is why they didn't want to establish law that made it legal for states to have their own church.[/QUOTE]Read up a bit to get what I was talking about and already stated: [URL="http://www.nobeliefs.com/Tripoli.htm"][U]Link[/U][/URL] I did not say atheist, you chose to add that implication to what I said. Not based on Christianity does not = atheist document. Also you haven't grasped the fact that no matter how many times you come in and continue with the same insistence that others are wrong, they're not going to change their opinion to match what you want to see. I do not debate with you for this reason, bashing someone over the head with the same argument again and again with variations on the wording is, to put it bluntly, a waste of people's time. [/COLOR]

[CENTER][IMG]http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h167/Desbreko_Fanclub/VBO/indiavi.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/8936/avatar21crewxq4.gif[/IMG] [IMG] http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h167/Desbreko_Fanclub/VBO/malkav.jpg[/IMG] [/CENTER][SIZE="1"] [i]What an odd trip this has turned out to be[/i], Jeff thought. He had been expecting to possibly encounter issues with members of the group Terra Prime, not to find their stop at the deep space outpost abandoned. Or to deal with passenger complaints or a Chief of Security who had issues of her own. In all honesty, he wasn’t sure what he thought of it. He had no previous experience with this type of assignment to compare it to. Something was off, it was more than the navigational error or the outpost, it was a feeling that things were about to spiral out of control. For all of Ms Wells’s polite and cheerful nature, she was just too idealistic and inexperienced in Jeff’s opinion. It was nice since dealing with all the arrogance and inflexibility with other high ranking politicians did get old, but it was also irritating to have to keep up with her inability to recognize that with just one person assigned to her, she was not adequately protected.[I] Just what are those fools in NARSIA thinking? [/I] So putting that aside why was he getting such a strong feeling that things were about to fall apart? The issues were for the most part, pretty standard or rather it was expected in his line of work. He pressed a hand to his forehead before leaning further into the leather recliner in the living room of their quarters. Jeff had pushed really hard to land the assignment, who wouldn’t? He lowered his hand when Samantha came rushing out of her room, she was looking at her small personal computer, oblivious to his presence as she made for the door. “[B]What’s the matter?[/B]” The small computer dropped to the floor with a loud clatter. Samantha clutched her shirt tightly, “[B]Don’t startle me like that Jeff![/B]” She admonished him before leaning over to pick the computer she had dropped. “[B]You didn’t answer my question.[/B]” Jeff got up. “[B]What’s wrong?[/B]” “[B]I don’t have time to explain…[/B]” “[B]Then tell me along the way.[/B]” “[B]You’re not coming…[/B]” “[B]Oh yes I am.[/B]” Jeff interrupted her. “[B]We’ve had this argument before; wandering around the Von Braun with no security at all is unacceptable.[/B]” She started to protest but finally nodded when it was clear Jeff wasn’t going to back down. “[B]So what’s going on?[/B]” He asked as they hurried to the lift. “[B]The navigational system is not responding.[/B]” She explained as the doors closed. “[B]I thought they were able to compensate for that manually.[/B]” “[B]Not anymore,[/B]” she said grimly. “[B]Unless Lazar can do something and quick we’ll have to evacuate the Von Braun.[/B]” The lift came to a halt to admit none other than Major Sijan.[I] Oh lovely,[/I] Jeff thought as the Major along with some other personnel joined them on the lift. Her expression was far from amused and the doors had barely closed before she immediately laid into Samantha. “[B]Looking to poke your nose where it doesn’t belong again?[/B]” She crossed her arms and waited as if daring Samantha to say anything. “[B]When it comes to matters involving the Von Braun[/B],” Samantha said icily, “[B]it is my business.[/B]” “[B]And what would that be? I don’t need any security codes to check the shuttles for an emergency launch.[/B]” The Major shot back. “[B]It’s not like I’m checking that sealed deck that no one can get into.[/B]” Samantha stiffened. “[B]What has that got to do with anything? The shuttles aren’t located on that deck and if the problem was there, don’t you think the Captain would have given you clearance?[/B]” She took a deep breath and let it out as the lift came to a halt. “[B]We don’t have time for you to worry over whether or not I’m too young or too inexperienced or whatever it is you have against me Major.[/B]” She moved to brush past them and exit the lift. “[B]Just ignore me like you already have and worry about the passengers instead.[/B]” [I]What the hell? [/I]Jeff hurried to catch up. [I]Since when did she…[/I] He glanced over his shoulder and hastily looked back.[I] If we don’t end up evacuating… this is going to get interesting.[/I] Saying the Major was annoyed, was putting it mildly. They were almost to where the shuttles were located when the lighting changed to the standard emergency red hue. [I]Oh hell.[/I][/SIZE]

[COLOR="Indigo"][quote name='Calypso'][COLOR="Sienna"]Just to let you know.................and, excuse me if I'm wrong, but wasn't the U.S. founded under "Christianity"?[/COLOR][/QUOTE]Have you even read the Constitution of the United States? The Constitution forms a [I]secular[/I] document, it does not appeal to God or any form of Christianity. To make a point here the language is quite clear: "We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union...." Key word being [I]people[/I], not God. Part of the point was to grant the freedom to worship or not according to your own beliefs instead of dictating or forcing everyone to follow one paticular religion. It clearly states here: [INDENT]Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.[/INDENT] So no, it was not founded under Christianity. You could say it was founded to grant more freedom to be a Christian, but not for Christianity to actually use religious values to dictate laws.[/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"]Think Victoria's Secret and not revealing and you'll have my style of clothing down. And yes they have stuff that is 'modest'. Just 'cause the commercials and advertisements show the models wearing them barely buttoned, doesn't mean people who buy them do the same. I like their style since the clothing fits. I tend to stick to jeans over other types of pants, in addition to a combination of knit and cotton shirts. I never keep the names straight when it comes to actual style though.[/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][quote name='Desbreko'][color=#4B0082]So, yeah, subs are out for this now, from Dagger and I [DnD], and from [EnA]. I recommend our release 'cause I think it's better in pretty much every way, and not just because I'm biased.[/color][/QUOTE]I need to pick that up since I have seen it, but the one I watched couldn't be bothered to translate the Lucky Channel. Something I found highly irritating since that's one of my favorite parts of the entire show. Other than that, what I did see, was definitely fun. I think one of my favorite parts was when that wacky shop owner found Konata online and she was [spoiler]set to away[/spoiler] that was just too hilarious. [/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][quote name='Nathan;822679][FONT="Arial"]Aha! I finally put the connection together. You're the one responsible for that white cat plushie right? The one the others got for her back in July at a fellow member's request, when she was in that accident. Though if you're not, I'm going to feel kind of stupid. [/FONT][/QUOTE]Yes that's him. [quote name='Nathan'][FONT="Tahoma"']There was never any real push to get me to join. Which is probably why it took over six months for me to get around to it.[/FONT][/quote]Oh don't go lying to them now. =P [spoiler]Is kidding[/spoiler] Beats me though, I figured you had forgotten about it since I haven't mentioned it in quite some time. lol Anyway, what drew me here was curiosity and then even more for questions, which got answered. That of course just lead to talking to you weirdos and then making friends. So now, I stick around. o_O Oh and I suppose the fact that I also work here keeps me around too. [/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][B]Cat:[/B] The blending and colors look nice, though like Allamorph said, the blending does make seeing what the money images really are a bit hard. [B]Jeremy:[/B] The colors and saying are fun, but to be honest, I don't really like the saying since it's overused. It is visually pleasing to look at though. I think I'm going to give my vote to [B]Cat[/B]. I'd give more critique, but others have beat me to some of it so It seems pointless to repeat it.[/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"]We can always use more kitties so... [CENTER][IMG]http://images.icanhascheezburger.com/completestore/2008/9/30/128672630451402360.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] I so should have done this to my parents when I was a kid. lol [CENTER][IMG]http://images.icanhascheezburger.com/completestore/2008/9/29/128671966691333906.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] No comment, I'll let you all decide just what this one would apply to. [CENTER][IMG]http://images.icanhascheezburger.com/completestore/2008/9/29/128671899283206581.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] Oh look! It's Sabrina! [SIZE="1"][I]*laughs*[/I][/SIZE] [CENTER][IMG]http://images.icanhascheezburger.com/completestore/2008/8/31/128646705137917425.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] And finally, just for fun. [CENTER][IMG]http://images.icanhascheezburger.com/completestore/2008/9/29/128671749685061410.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER][/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"]I'm actually pleased the bailout was not approved. Mainly because the US as a nation doesn't need to be paying for bad loans. Or bailing out companies that seem to be unwilling to fix the mess themselves. They've known for sometime that it was a disaster and yet held back to wait on a handout to save their butts. Instead of you know, helping borrowers by restructuring the loans and extending the time to repay. In other words, I see it as a self-inflicted problem that our tax money doesn't need to be fixing. Yes it's going to have an impact on the economy, but a better one that simply adding to the mess by putting the expense on us instead. [/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][SIZE="1"]Why did it feel like things were dragging out? The war was going in their favor, wasn’t it? The reports could be seen as alarming, with all the skirmishes between borders, and the growing numbers of those who had died. But they had the bulk of the core systems on their side along with over half of the sectors that had been conquered. So why did it feel as if the wind was changing, and not in the Empire’s favor? The feeling had no basis or root in fact. And yet it lingered and persisted, in spite of all the information that said otherwise. A smaller warship pulled free from the main fleet in sector five, slowly weaving in-between the other ships before it was finally clear and made the jump to hyperspace. Sandra watched the space where it had just been for a few minutes. She clutched the untouched drink in her hand tightly before turning her back on the view from her quarters on the [I]Creator[/I]. Perhaps her feelings were tied into the uneasiness that had spread with the news of Kendra’s death. Or from willingly sending Commander Matheson to escort Kendra’s remains along with the two slaves Celestia and Jason to the capitol. With every passing moment it felt like those few allies she could trust were vanishing on her. Sandra wished she knew where Jared was. They had finally gotten intelligence reports that indicated the New Alliance had him, but that had not been confirmed and their agents had been unable to get anything to verify his whereabouts. It was as if he had vanished without a trace. With a sigh she set her drink down on the counter in the small kitchen. [I]Where are you when I need you the most? [/I] She turned sharply when a chime from her desk indicated there were new messages for her. It was probably from Stevens, it was almost time to head for the border after all. They had only stopped to deal with Kendra and sending the slaves back to sector one. Sandra moved to answer them. [hr=indigo]100[/hr] He didn’t know how long he had been awake. There was nothing to mark the moment he went from being asleep to being conscious. No light, no voice, none of the usual sounds from a ship – absolutely nothing. Even now, he wasn’t sure if he was really awake or not. His eyes were open, at least he thought they were, but he couldn’t see anything at all. It was just a uniform blackness that was the same as if his eyes were closed. At least he thought it was.[I] What the…? Is this some sort of dream?[/I] It took him a while to remember how he had ended up unconscious to begin with. It still made no sense, why bother to knock him out? He tried to shake his head but nothing happened. He ignored the rising feelings of irritation since it was more important to figure out what was going on. He seemed to be floating in a dreamlike state, and yet there was a lingering feeling that he was certain came from whatever had been in the shot that woman had given him. Once that had faded Jared could feel his body more clearly; however, he was still so relaxed, it was like he was gently floating. He tried to move but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t seem to get his arms or legs to cooperate. It wasn’t unpleasant, but it didn’t serve any purpose either. “[B]What kind of…[/B]” He stopped, utterly confused.[I] I have to be dreaming. I can’t even hear my own voice. [/I] Jared closed his eyes and tried to go back to sleep. Hours later he snarled inwardly and gave up. [I]Why can’t I fall back asleep![/I] Was it possible he wasn’t even awake? If that was so, why did it feel like he had been in this odd darkness for more than a few hours? He had never had dreams about floating in darkness for hours on end before. Jared abandoned that line of reasoning and opened his eyes again. He could feel an edge of uneasiness starting to form in the back of his mind; he ruthlessly crushed it. He didn’t have time to get worried over what seemed a stupid dream. [I]Focus on what’s going on around you idiot! They must have put something in that shot other than anesthesia.[/I] All he had to do was figure out just what they had used. If it was a drug for inducing hallucinations, it was poorly done. But that made no sense either, that kind of thing actually made getting information out of someone worse, since they’d make up stuff just to get it to stop. And in their drugged state, the confusion from the hallucinations distorted their perceptions of reality. So that couldn’t be it. He ran the possibilities through his mind. Hours later, he still had no answer, he knew every interrogation technique out there and nothing matched up with this odd dreamless state he seemed to be in. He shoved those thoughts aside and focused on the situation, starting with the air he was breathing - it seemed normal to him. What sensations he could feel, also seemed fine, well other than the fact that he couldn’t seem to move, [I]at all[/I]. Jared kept trying though, patiently focusing on one area before moving to the next. Hours later, he was exhausted by the attempts to get his body to respond like it should. But no matter how hard he tried, Jared couldn’t even manage to get his fingers to curl into a fist. [I]Screw this.[/I] He stubbornly closed his eyes and tried to go back to sleep again. Jared did his best to still his mind in order to go back to sleep. He tried, unsuccessfully, to fight back the ever growing uneasiness when hours later, he was still awake. Only this time, he couldn’t push it back like he had before. [I]What the hell is going on?[/I][/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][quote name='Crimson Spider']Though I'm [U]not ready to agree that this thread has gone through cyclic repetition[/U] yet. It seems more that I need to repeat several phrases said prior in order to debunk new claims. Let me re-examine the events as they unfolded.[/QUOTE]Hence my phrasing: [quote]Because if you look back, you're [I][B]on some level[/B][/I] repeating what you've said again and again[/quote]It's gotten to that point, since segments of what you are telling people are exactly what you said in previous posts, the spices analogy being one of them. You used the overwhelmed by too many tattoos three times and the spices one twice and when you responded to Aaryanna, you literally repeated this phrase here: [INDENT]Having a copious amounts of tattoos is a product It is an product that has a cause. Therefore, Excessive Tattoos are related to this cause, and therefore are a symptom of the cause.[/INDENT] Three times, so perhaps you might want to work on coming to the point? Since you do tend to ramble quite a bit when you respond. Oh and yes it is our jobs to decide the rules and going-ons in a thread. For example if people are derailing it too much, we ask them to get back on topic, things like that. And on some level we do control the information allowed, like tacking on the disclaimer to Raiha's picture she added. [/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][quote name='Crimson Spider']But if you really want to just command us to stop with your superior power over the nature, just say the word and I will cease contributing to the discussion.[/QUOTE]I wouldn't say superior, I'm saying as one who has been watching the debate unfold, it seems pretty clear that your opinions aren't going to sway the others. Because if you look back, you're on some level repeating what you've said again and again and people keep telling you "that's your view, here's mine" So they've already accepted that you see it that way, they're just saying they don't agree. Plus to add to the debate a bit, often people misjudge tattoos and self expression by failing to realize that those folks who like themselves and wish to personalize their own bodies, does not necessarily stem from one's ego (or lack of), but a very strong sense of self. And many who decide to look into the psychology of those with tattoos seem to associate them as criminals and study them with this blinkered, society-conceived view. This has me looking back at when women in our society started wearing pants and the negative associations that came with it. Including rebellion, gangs, and what were considered mental issues. Though it is now considered the norm where once it was not. Something to think about you know, just what the view of tattoos will be in the next generation.[quote name='Crimson Spider']EDIT: Wait... I'm not sure if you can moderate the lounge. I don't know if you have that power.[/QUOTE]I'm a Senior Moderator, that means I can moderate in any section of the boards. Just to clear that up for you. =P And I'm not ordering you to stop, I'm voicing my opinion that it's dragging out at this point. [/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"]You know, this can be put in simple terms instead of "fluffing" it up as it were. You (Crimson Spider) don't like it when people have a lot of tattoos and seem to believe it means there is something wrong with the person. Pretty much everyone else in the thread disagrees. Various back and forth replies are not going to sway either side to accept what the other thinks. End of discussion. Instead of beating each other over the heads saying you're wrong, how about accepting the fact that you have different opinions on the subject and moving on? And I'm looking at everyone here. This is dragging the thread down way too much in my opinion. You all disagree, get over it. Seriously, arguing endlessly isn't going to change anything. Especially when both sides are positive that the other one is wrong.[/COLOR]

[CENTER][IMG]http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h167/Desbreko_Fanclub/VBO/indiavi.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/8936/avatar21crewxq4.gif[/IMG] [/CENTER] [SIZE="1"] “[B]Can I ask you something?[/B]” Jeff said once the door to the lift closed behind them. Samantha told the holographic program where to take them and then turned to answer Jeff. “[B]Of course you can.[/B]” She poked him in the arm. “[B]I keep telling you to stop being so formal.[/B]” Jeff ignored the laughter in her voice. “[B]Is the navigational error really that bad? The Captain looked pretty upset to me.[/B]” “[B]I think its more annoyance than anything,[/B]” Samantha answered seriously. “[B]Lazar has always run a very tight ship, it’s what makes him so good at his job, he doesn’t allow things to slide.[/B]” She grinned again. “[B]You can bet that the moment we get back, he’ll have the ship turned inside out to find the problem.[/B]” “[B]Won’t the error make it difficult to get back home though?[/B]” “[B]Not at all, in an emergency, the Von Braun can be operated manually. I understand that it’s very tedious, but we have a very capable crew.[/B]” The lift came to a stop and Samantha exited without hesitation, heading straight for one of the more expensive restaurants on the ship. “[B]If for some reason that didn’t work, well we have more than enough shuttles to make sure everyone is sent back home or to a location where someone can pick them up.[/B]” She paused at the door to the lavish restaurant, speaking briefly with the door attendant before the two of them were ushered back to a private room. It was unbelievably lush with rich furniture and one side opening up to an overview of the interior of the ship. Once they had taken a seat and given their orders to the servers, she continued once they had left. “[B]Now as I was saying, we have more than enough shuttles to accommodate the passengers and crew, however, I seriously doubt it would ever come to that.[/B]” “[B]I see,[/B]” Jeff toyed with the expensive silverware in front of him. Job or not, he wasn’t use to actually using fancy stuff. He put the fork back down on the table. “[B]This is unrelated but do you know anything about the sealed deck?[/B]” Samantha gave him an odd look and then laughed. “[B]No, I do not, well other than it’s suppose to have spare parts for the ship and can store luggage if needed. Why?[/B]” “[B]You don’t have access to it then?[/B]” Jeff pressed. She shook her head, “[B]No. Why would you think I might?[/B]” She looked puzzled. “[B]You had full access to the space station.[/B]” The servers entered the room and placed the mix of seasoned seafood and drinks before them before bowing and leaving the room once again. Jeff ignored his food. “[B]Let’s see, how to explain the space station,[/B]” She flattened her lips into a straight line. “[B]I didn’t really have access. I was given new clearance codes to hand over to the administration there. When it became obvious that no one was there, I used my override to look at the file given to me.[/B]” “[B]When did you do that?[/B]” He hadn’t seen her access anything. Samantha reached into her pocket and pulled out a tiny hand computer, the type that held appointments and other personal data. “[B]I had this with me on the station. You probably were looking elsewhere when I opened the file.[/B]” That was possible though he was positive that he would have noticed it. “[B]I see.[/B]” She took a few bites of her food before responding. “[B]I’ll actually have to answer for doing that. Judgment call or not, I overstepped my authority by using that code.[/B]” She smiled. “[B]I’m not surprised that you’re curious about what’s in that deck though, I know I am. I imagine that the only person who has access to it is Lazar.[/B]” Her grin widened. “[B]I'd ask him but knowing Lazar, he’d just bonk me on the head and tell me to behave.[/B]” “[B]The two of you go back a ways then.[/B]” Jeff asked before finally trying some of the food, he knew was clumsy at using the silverware, but Samantha just ignored it. He was sure it was far too expensive, but he wouldn’t argue about the actual taste, it was [I]very[/I] good. Samantha nodded, “[B]I’ve known him since I was a little girl. He’s been a friend of the family for quite some time.[/B]” She looked at his barely eaten food. “[B]How about you finish that before it goes cold?[/B]”[/SIZE]

[COLOR="Indigo"][quote name='The13thMan'][FONT="Trebuchet MS"]And would you say sleep paralysis can happen to any group of people or does it specifically happen more to a certain type of person, say, a mentally unstable one? When i first heard about this i instantly thought of a number of stories where people claim they were abducted. I doubt they knew about sleep paralysis. I don't think it's a very well known phenomenon. [/FONT][/QUOTE]It can happen to anyone, technically, everyone experiences a form of it every single time they sleep. Instead of going full out here, take a moment to read this since it does cover the basics, even if it's wiki entry: [URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sleep_paralysis"][U]Sleep paralysis[/U][/URL] I will say this, the notion that someone has to have something [I]wrong[/I] with them for this to happen is just that, a notion, and not accurate. I've had it happen a few times myself actually, only I knew what was going on so I never got any silly ideas about being abducted or anything else in my mind. =P[/COLOR]

[SIZE="1"][COLOR="Indigo"][CENTER][B][SIZE="2"]In The Garden[/SIZE][/B][/CENTER] It wasn?t often that Adrian got a chance to take a break; Gavrie was far more demanding than Karl when it came to training. Now that he had been working with both at the same time, he was finding himself in the position of almost needing to sleep, though at first he had needed it. He fought it like he always did, sitting on the grassy hill overlooking the small home, until he gave in a little and laid on his back, his hands under his head as he gazed at the clear sky. Adrian had at one time bothered to learn the difference in how time flowed between their world and Earth, but being eternal, he had not bothered to retain the information. He didn?t need it. The difference wasn?t all that profound anyway so it was more of an observation than anything else. With just over seven years of working with Gavrie, Karl and other aspects of training that had been tossed his way, it wasn?t long enough time wise to matter. Gavrie and Karl had certainly tossed a lot of surprises his way though. He knew he?d never forget the day when he had been feeling a little smug for finally reaching the point where he could keep up with Karl. That had been embarrassing since Gavrie had graced him with a mysterious smile and took over. Three years spent getting to where he could finally keep up with Karl and yet Gavrie had him flat on his back in less than a minute. Karl had pounded the basics along with the need to be patient into him but that had only been the beginning. Once Gavrie had taken over, the real work had begun. He then spent the next four years learning a combination of techniques in addition to more strategy and sparring. So had Astera, though what she had learned was radically different than what he had been taught. The hardest part had been some of the things Gavrie had done to teach the two how to function regardless of what was going on with the other - even now - Adrian shuddered slightly and put it out of mind. At least some of the trips to the capitol and to Earth had been interesting. Well other than the first time, when Gavrie had dragged him along for one of his trips to pick up some tea. He snorted at the memory, separating him and Astera over tea of all things. He sighed and closed his eyes and drifted. [B][I]-Gavrie is looking for you.-[/I][/B] Adrian opened his eyes to see that Astera had somehow managed to sneak up on him in the fields without him noticing. [B][I]-How did you..?-[/I][/B] He shook his head and with a groan sat up, [B][I]-What does he want? Our break time isn?t over yet.- [/I][/B]He gave her a puzzled look. [B][I]?Why did you come out here instead of simply telling me?-[/I][/B] [B][I]-You were trancing and fell asleep.-[/I][/B] Astera smirked. [B][I]?So I came to get you.-[/I][/B] Adrian got up with another groan. [B][I]?Fine, lets go see what he wants.-[/I][/B] Astera just took her usual spot on his left shoulder and said nothing. [CENTER]-----------------------[/CENTER] ?[B]So what did you want?[/B]? Gavrie, along with Karl was sitting on the front veranda. ?[B]We have another errand to run.[/B]? ?[B]Already? You just got more tea last week.[/B]? Karl hopped down off of Gavrie shoulders, ?[B]Stop your whining and let?s get going already.[/B]? ?[B]It?s simple,[/B]? Gavrie said as he stood up. ?[B]You?re done; we?re taking you back to Earth.[/B]? ?[B]I thought you said it would take at least a decade,[/B]? Adrian pointed out as he followed Gavrie and Karl down the road leading to the capitol. ?[B]Did I?[/B]? Gavrie scratched the back of his neck with his right hand and favored Adrian with an innocent look. Adrian glared at him. ?[B]Yes you did.[/B]? Gavrie let his hand fall back down to his side. ?[B][I]Ooooh[/I] - that.[/B]? He grinned. ?[B]I lied.[/B]? Adrian grimaced, ?[B]You?re such an asshole.[/B]? [CENTER]-------------------------[/CENTER] ?[B]So, why did both of you decide to come with us? It's not like I needed help to find my way through the gate.[/B]? Adrian stared at Karl who along with Gavrie was making himself comfortable in the living room of his apartment. Like always he ignored Adrian in favor of getting comfortable. Karl had opted to stretch out lazily across half of the cushions instead of on Gavrie?s shoulders like he usually did. That was one drawback to having white furniture; any shedding on Karl?s part would be easily noticeable. Not that Adrian minded, but Karl?s continued habit of barely giving him the time of day outside of training was irritating. His looked to Gavrie who was sitting next to Karl for an answer. ?[B]I came for this.[/B]? Gavrie pulled a piece of folded paper out of his tunic and tossed it to Adrian. ?[B]You know who to give it to.[/B]? "[B]Well yes, but you can give it to him yourself.[/B]" When Gavrie didn't answer, Adrian sighed and tucked the piece of paper into his tunic. He glanced at Astera when she flew out of the room and into one of the other ones, busily checking their place over. They had been gone for a while, but Gavrie had seen to making sure someone was hired a couple of times a year to clean things up. Even the blood stains from the fight with the vampires? had been taken care of. Adrian had briefly thought about moving to a new location when they first arrived and then dismissed the idea. Someone like Victor would find out where he was staying anyway so doing so would be pointless. Plus he[I] liked[/I] the apartment and selling it was something he didn?t want to be bothered with. He certainly wouldn?t be caught off guard like that again. Though now he knew better than to pull any stupid stunts like he had before. He looked to Gavrie and Karl who were blissfully unaware that he was still hoping for some kind of answer. Adrian sighed inwardly and took a seat in the chair facing the sofa. He was sure they were just toying with him. Seven years of training had definitely told him one thing, if either one of them didn?t want to discuss something, they wouldn?t. ?[B]So,[/B]? He drew the word out. ?[B]Anything else I need to know?[/B]? Gavrie grinned. ?[B]Nope, just let them know you?re available for work again.[/B]? He stood up. ?[B]I?ll probably drop in every now and then to check on the two of you.[/B]? Karl stretched lazily before hopping off the sofa, ?[B]Just don?t be an idiot and forget everything you learned the moment we walk out the door.[/B]? Adrian chose to ignore the jab. ?[B]Awww, leaving already?[/B]? Astera pouted slightly upon coming back into the room. ?[B]Yes. Take care Astera,[/B]? Gavrie nodded to Adrian and then the two left, ghosting through the walls without saying another word. Adrian waited until they were out of range and then pulled the paper out again. He decided to deliver it [I]before[/I] requesting his work schedule. He stared at it for a while and then pulled out his cell phone and sent a message to see when someone would be free for him to drop it off. Then, since he couldn?t read it even if he wanted to, he tucked it back into place and started checking his place over while he waited for a reply. [/COLOR][/SIZE]

[COLOR="Indigo"][quote name='James'][font=franklin gothic medium]I think when some people talk about being probed they're actually recalling a drunken night in a sleazy motel, rather than the interior of a space ship.[/font][/QUOTE]There's also the possibility of having woken up from a semi-lucid dream. Thus the feeling as if what they just saw/experianced is completely real, especially if they aren't familiar with lucid dreamnig in the first place. Plus the inability to move for several minutes is explained by the transition from REM sleep straight to being awake. That can take a few minutes to actually pass. You know, for those people who claim to have been abducted and so forth and yet [I]don't actually drink[/I]. Saying someone had to have been drunk doesn't really address it very well. =P[/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"]For our resident Basement Cat.[/COLOR] [CENTER][IMG]http://images.icanhascheezburger.com/completestore/2008/8/26/posseshunbybas128642325289193639.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://images.icanhascheezburger.com/completestore/2008/8/26/basementcatis128642307559876319.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://images.icanhascheezburger.com/completestore/2008/8/26/128642284979494494.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER]