Horendithas

[COLOR="Indigo"]I just started watching Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo and instantly loved the ending song so... I acquired it and I am now listening to it. [URL="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcnWAzwEd6o"][U]You Won't See Me Coming[/U][/URL] What strikes me the most about this song is I literally loved it within ten seconds of listening to it. Though in the anime, the first 15 seconds of this clip I linked to isn't in it. Though it is in the full length version I acquired. So when I say I fell in love with it in ten seconds... ignore that first 15 to 17 seconds since I didn't hear that until I got the full copy. [/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][quote name='Aceburner'][SIZE="1"]There. Not quite as long as I had anticipated, but I fulfilled my obligation and you no longer have permission to eat Prem. Hear that, Indi? Put the torch and pitchfork down![/SIZE][/QUOTE]Good grief, what in the world would I want to do that for? I would never eat Prem. [SIZE="1"][I] *shudder* [/I][/SIZE] Besides, I don't need your permission to flay Prem alive if I so choose. If I had a torch and a pitchfork, I would not be putting it to such a [I]simple[/I] use. Oh no... that's far too nice, to simply roast and eat someone. I can do much better than that. [/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"]Alright as you can see, the second landmark is up and as the notes say: [SIZE="1"]Though not immediately apparent, the space outpost is completely empty and undisturbed, as if the people there simply vanished without a trace.[/SIZE] So you have a space outpost that is empty, it's undisturbed and all the life pods are still there, a true mystery as to what could have happened. Also... everyone was one of the few passengers selected to head over. So in a moment all of you will be free to explore the Deep Space Outpost. Feel free to break off in groups or explore separately if you wish. Though I imagine the security and engineering group would of course head to the control center for the outpost in order to facilitate the necessary repairs to the Communications Beacon. [/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"]Jefferson didn’t know what he had been expecting for the duration of the trip or rather he was a bit surprised by the itinerary that Ms. Wells had forwarded to him. He had been expecting nothing but more high profile events with only the most privileged. But instead she spent the last couple of days going from tours with the less wealthy passengers and spending time fielding and answering questions in regards to the Von Braun and NARSIA. No question was beneath her, even when some of them were controversial or downright rude. She had handled everything with a genuine smile and had most if not all of the people she talked to smiling before she was done. The longer he worked with her, the more Jeff could see why she had been chosen to come on the trip as the official representative of NARSIA. Absolutely nothing was beneath her, not even making sure he had some personal time for himself. It was a refreshing change to work with someone who didn’t have an exaggerated sense of self importance, like so many other officials that Jeff had worked with in the past. And now, even as they made their way to the bridge since the Von Braun was due to arrive at the NAR Deep Space Outpost shortly, she was still managing to politely greet anyone who they crossed paths with while still keeping them on track for getting into the lift that would take them there. “[B]This is turning out to be such a nice trip.[/B]” Samantha commented once the doors had closed behind the pair and the lift was on its way to the bridge of the Von Braun. “[B]Were you expecting otherwise?[/B]” “[B]Well it’s just that I tend to suffer from sea sickness,[/B]” Samantha admitted with a sheepish grin. “[B]So I was worried that space travel would affect me the same way.[/B]” “[B]Ah, I see. I thought the sense of movement on the Von Braun was supposed to be virtually undetectable though.[/B]” Samantha shrugged. “[B]It is, just like many of the public transports in Washington Prime, and yet I still would get motion sickness.[/B]” She smiled again as the door to the bridge opened to admit them. “[B]So I’m very pleased to not be affected by the trip.[/B]” This time Jeff followed along as she went to talk to the Captain who was currently overseeing something. It was obvious that the ship was no longer in motion as what could only be the Deep Space Outpost was displayed on the main viewer. [hr=indigo]100[/hr] [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/avatar1_crew.gif[/IMG][/center] “[B]Ah Samantha, I was just about to send for you.[/B]” Captain Sorokov said as he turned to greet the pair. "[B]We've arrived at the outpost.[/B]" “[B]Is the ship already connected to the station then?[/B]” Samantha inquired. “[B]Not exactly,[/B]” He explained. “[B]As you can see, the outpost is running, but the communications beacon seems to be powered down, we’re barely getting a signal at all. In order to set up the tunnel between the Von Braun and the Outpost, we need to coordinate directly with the crew but we’ve been unable to raise them.[/B]” “[B]Is the communications beacon malfunctioning?[/B]” “[B]That is the most likely explanation. I know that our arrival is expected but we made better time than expected and arrived half a day early, so even using lights to get their attention isn’t working since no one is expecting us just yet.[/B]” He finished. “[B]What do you plan on doing?[/B]” “[B]I’ve already alerted both the Chief of Security and Engineering to take the shuttle over, as soon as they are ready they’ll launch. Once there they can help with any repairs and we can get the ship connected to the Outpost.[/B]” “[B]Why don’t you send some of the passengers over at the same time?[/B]” Samantha suggested, smiling when the Captain frowned at her slightly. “[B]There’s no reason to alarm or delay the guests over a simple equipment malfunction and it would be a simple matter for the ship’s AI to select a small group to go over.[/B]” “[B]Are you sure that’s a good idea?[/B]” “[B]Why wouldn’t it be? If there had been any trouble, wouldn’t the crew of the outpost have done something to indicate that there was trouble and we should steer clear?[/B]” She pointed out, something that the Captain reluctantly nodded in agreement too. Jeff just kept his mouth shut. His first instinct was to only send over a repair crew and security, but at the same time… Samantha was correct. There were all sorts of means the crew of the outpost could have used to warn them of any real danger. Even he knew that the distress beacon for such a place was independent of the communications beacon. They could have easily activated it and that wasn't the only way to warn them. So other than to be overly cautious, there really was no reason why they couldn't do both at the same time. “[B]I’m more than willing to head over with the other passengers.[/B]” Samantha finished and then waited for the Captain to think it over before finally nodding in agreement again. “[B]Agreed, I’ll have the ship draw up a random list right now and have everyone head to the shuttle immediately.[/B]” Jeff waited while they discussed a few more details and then, to the sounds of the Captain announcing their arrival and for the passengers to check and see if they had been selected to be among the first group to head to the outpost, they left the bridge to head to where the shuttle would be located. [I][INDENT]An hour and a half later…[/INDENT][/I] With everyone who had been selected onboard, the shuttle finished its approach to the airlock of the NAR Deep Space Outpost, the pilot skillfully bringing it in to connect to the station. An excited buzz could be heard in the back cabin where the passengers were eagerly waiting for their first look at the secretive Space Outpost.[/SIZE] Landmark 02: Lonely Outpost[font=arial][size=2][color=#202020][center][URL=http://img256.imageshack.us/my.php?image=buerglehobbystaedtedieirq6.jpg] [IMG]http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/4755/buerglehobbystaedtedieirq6.th.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [/center] The Von Braun, upon arriving at the [B]NAR Deep Space Outpost[/B], will connect to it via a space bridge (passenger tunnel). Passengers will have the opportunity to be the first visitors to see for themselves the outpost's technological wonders, including areas that even the most influential media have not had access to. [size=1][B]Important notes:[/B] Though not immediately apparent, the space outpost is completely empty and undisturbed, as if the people there simply vanished without a trace.[/size][/font][/size][/color]

[COLOR="Indigo"][quote name='Matt']Woah, what a coincidence! I read Wizard's First Rule back in fall, and I am now also reading Stone of Tears. We must be kindred spirits. :p Just how far are you into the book? I am at the point where Khalan visits a ruin.[/QUOTE]Not very far at all since I just started it, literally. I only just got to chapter three after they dealt with that [spoiler]screeling[/spoiler] I haven't gotten to a point where anyone other than Zedd, Chase and Rachel are in the story. I'm sure I will though since I plan on reading more later tonight. Oh and one of the best parts about Wizard's First Rule... was what that actually turned out to be. So very [I]fitting[/I]. [/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"]My posts haven't really changed all that much, even though I'm coming up on being a member for three years next month. I imagine some of that comes from already being 24 when I initially joined. Or it could be on account of this: [SIZE="1"][B]Crystia:[/B] reading my older posts is interesting [B]Crystia: [/B]but... I was an adult when I joined [B]Crystia: [/B]>_> So other than perhaps my writing skills for rpging changing [B]Crystia:[/B] there isn't a huge difference [B]Desbreko:[/B] You cheated. :-P[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"]Ramen was a good incentive for me to learn how to cook, even if only a little. Its saving grace is that it's cheap, and as others pointed out, college students tend to go for what's cheap, not what actually tastes good. So when I'm on the broke side, I like ramen, the rest of the time... No. [/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"]Words of wisdom from Boo:[quote name='Boo;813965][size=1]But really, pot stinks like hell.[/size][/QUOTE]Number one reason why I have no interest in the stuff or letting any of my friends smoke the stuff within 50 yards of where I'm living or standing.[quote name='Boo;813965][size=1]Influence of any kind might improve your personal experience, but it ruins the group experience. [/size][/QUOTE]Exactly.[QUOTE=Boo'][size=1']Don't do drugs, kids. It's only cool while it's illegal.[/size][/quote]*laughs* So really [I]keep it illegal[/I], otherwise it won't be any fun or cool. :p[/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"]This was sent to me today so I'll share it. Pay attention guys... [SIZE="1"]not that it will do any good...[/SIZE] A man was sitting on the edge of the bed, observing his wife, looking at herself in the mirror. Since her birthday was not far off he asked what she'd like to have for her Birthday. 'I'd like to be six again', she replied, still looking in the mirror. On the morning of her Birthday, he arose early, made her a nice big bowl of Lucky Charms, and then took her to Six Flags theme park. What a day! He put her on every ride in the park; the Death Slide, the Wall of Fear, the Screaming Monster Roller Coaster, everything there was. Five hours later they staggered out of the theme park. Her head was reeling and her stomach felt upside down. He then took her to a McDonald's where he ordered her a Happy Meal with extra fries and a chocolate shake. Then it was off to a movie, popcorn, a soda pop, and her favorite candy, M&M's. What a fabulous adventure! Finally she wobbled home with her husband and collapsed into bed exhausted. He leaned over his wife with a big smile and lovingly asked, 'Well Dear, what was it like being six again??' Her eyes slowly opened and her expression suddenly changed. 'I meant my dress size, you dumb ***!' The moral of the story: Even when a man is listening, he's gonna get it wrong. [/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][quote name='Mykul'] Taxes are the reason that, in pure economic terms, The United States of America cannot be classified as having a true capitalist economic system. Income tax, hidden tax, sales tax...they are the reasons why prices simply go up and up.[/QUOTE]Taxes are only one of many reasons why prices go up. If we were only having price increases brought about by taxes, things would be a hell of a lot cheaper. Tax increases, unlike fuel and food take a lot more to even be put into action. Where gas companies can arbitrarily increase fuel costs for holiday weekends without any need to have such an increase approved. Taxes may be annoying, but they are regulated far more than other price increases. Allamorph, mental depravity doesn't really address the problem correctly. It's an oversimplification of the overall issue. Think about it, [I]seriously[/I]. It's only one aspect, something that you already talked about a bit:[quote][font=ariel]The issue is an untrustworthy government, a people who's mistrust has devolved into collective apathy, and thus a government that is not being told what to do (except by special interest groups).[/font][/quote]I don't consider that kind of thing true mental depravity. Though that's probably because my dealing with it is from what Rach already mentioned earlier in the thread. Which translates into what could be considered evil... hmmm...[/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"]I finished up [B]Wizard's First Rule[/B] and the initial 200 pages of good reading lasted through the entire book. It's an excellent read though it does get real at times so I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who's on the squeamish side. Though some of that [I]getting real[/I] was rather fitting so I liked it for that too. Now I'm reading the next book in the series: [B]Stone Of Tears[/B]. I'm not that far in but if it's anything like the first book, I'm thinking that Terry Goodkind will be supplying one of the core series for my summer reading this year. I am also reading [B]The Cardinal of the Kremlin[/B] by Tom Clancy. This was suggested to me by someone and though it's not my style of book at all [[SIZE="1"]I prefer to watch this kind of material in a movie instead of reading it[/SIZE]] I am finding that I do enjoy reading it. However it took getting in nearly 150 pages for it to grab my interest. [/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][SIZE="1"][CENTER][SIZE="2"][B]Frozen Smile[/B][/SIZE][/CENTER] Even though Gavrie had returned nearly two months ago, he still had not worked directly with Adrian for any of the training. A tiny bit of his time was spent querying Astera while Adrian trained. Sometimes it was on tactics or the practical application of the magic she possessed, other times it was to regale her with tales of battles from the vampire wars. Gavrie never followed any set pattern since teaching Adrian to learn to fight no matter what was going on with Astera wouldn?t work if he knew what and when to expect it. The bulk of his time was being spent doing careful prying, even if it meant spending days at a time in the capitol, carefully wrapped in his own aura to avoid detection. Patiently waiting in order to get the tiniest bit of information was something he was good at. Now that he had more than just rumors to go on, in his mind it was time to learn more. It wasn?t easy to walk a fine line of poking his nose into things, but that had never stopped him before and it didn?t now. It was made easier by the fact that it was now known that he had actually taken on a serious student. Some of his blunter snooping in regards to what happened with the assignment Adrian had been tasked to made it easier to hide the other more careful prying that he was doing. He didn?t count on it though, which only made some of his more recent discoveries all the more credible. Now, as he sat on the back porch watching Karl practically run Adrian into the ground yet again, he wondered just what to do with some of the information. Once Adrian was ready to about fall over from exhaustion Karl waved him off into the house to rest before him and Gavrie sauntered out into the field past the training area. For once he did not bother to switch back to his other form. ?[B]You?ve been driving Adrian pretty hard.[/B]? Gavrie observed. Karl shrugged before clasping his hands behind his back. ?[B]He has a lot to learn.[/B]? ?[B]True.[/B]? Karl stopped and turned to face Gavrie, his eyes narrowing. ?[B]You found something.[/B]? ?[B]Also true.[/B]? ?[B]So what do you plan on doing about it?[/B]? Karl shifted slightly, allowing his hands to hang at his sides as he looked back at the small home. ?[B]There isn?t much that I can do, at least not yet.[/B]? Gavrie took a seat in the tall grass, still facing the house. ?[B]I might pass it on and see what happens though.[/B]? Karl also took a seat. ?[B]Oh?[/B]? He said innocently, even though he knew who Gavrie was thinking of. Especially if it involved a similar incident like what Adrian and Astera had been caught in, for something like that? An unpleasant thought crossed his mind. ?[B]How many?[/B]? He asked grimly. ?[B]Three.[/B]? Karl swore, ?[B]I don?t know what those fools are thinking. What about the target?[/B]? ?[B]I was not able to determine that.[/B]? He looked to Karl with a bit of a conspiratorial grin on his face. ?[B]It would be interesting to see just what he would do with the information don?t you think?[/B]? ?[B]Perhaps.[/B]? Gavrie?s grin just grew a little wider as he pulled out his cell and typed up the message. He had just barely started when he stopped and erased it, opting to reformat it in a form that would be unmistakable. A moment later and it was tagged for delivery to the other side and sent. [/SIZE][/COLOR]

[quote name='Aceburner;813655]This thread is now about cats (just practicing.)[/QUOTE][quote name='chibi-master'']Incorrect, it is now about squishy things.[/quote] [COLOR="Indigo"]*yawns*[/COLOR] [CENTER][IMG]http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/261/funnypicturescatdollindpe3.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] [COLOR="Indigo"]Wait... were you two talking to me? [/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][quote name='Gavin'][SIZE="1"]...I love these threads, it always makes me laugh when you guys complain about the cost of petrol when over on this side of the Atlantic, we're paying roughly double if not more than that you guys are paying.[/SIZE][/QUOTE]Yeah but isn't your entire country small enough to fit inside Texas? Can't complain when one could probably drive across the entire place in a day. [SIZE="1"][I]*ducks*[/I][/SIZE] Anyway, like Rach, I use the light rail system here in SLC. All students can, you just present a valid student ID and they hand over a year pass. Plus it's convenient and easy to use since nearly everything I want is on it's route, and the few things that aren't are connected to it via bus; which the pass also covers. That and I don't have a car anyway, so the only gas I ever use is that in the lawnmower my landlady has and she pays for that. [/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"]If that were to happen Aceburner, Gavin would probably go and start a new forum for OB members and then rule it with an iron fist. Or at least [I]attempt [/I]to. Seriously, we'd all do like I'm sure we've done before when a site goes down. Find a new one to [strike]terrorize[/strike] hang out at. [/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"]Well if we are talking about the US... [URL="http://holymackeral.deviantart.com/art/Trigger-Happy-1492868"][U]Click Me![/U][/URL] Make sure you take the time to read the artist's notes on the piece. If you don't want to read the whole thing, just skip to the last paragraph of the notes. [/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][quote name='Sandy;813470]Funny that the ship left Earth's atmosphere already, but nobody seems to take any notice of it. XD[/QUOTE][quote name='Sabrina'][FONT="Tahoma"'] Anyway... I too find it interesting that they are in space and no one even noticed that the ship took off. :o[/FONT][/quote]That is the general idea. When you think about how the ship is set up, if people needed to be strapped in for a launch, it wouldn't be all that fantastical of a voyage in the first place. People might have noticed a bit of a vibration but not much else, so feel free to indicate that the ship has already left orbit. It wouldn't have been broadcasted at a place like the party, so those guests would be unaware of it. [/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"]Jefferson still didn?t like the fact that he was essentially sharing quarters with his [I]assignment[/I] for lack of a better word. At least it was clear to anyone who was familiar with first class that it was far more than simple quarters. The self-contained miniature homes were impressive in their own right. Though they looked more like little country cottages than the sprawling mansions those who were staying in them were use to. Most of them had an expansive huge main room for greeting guests with a small personal bar and kitchen combo for entertaining and personal use. There were three rooms leading off from the main room that were individual bedrooms along with personal bathrooms for each guest. The third room was for Samantha?s personal use, most likely any ships business that Jeff was not allowed to see since it was kept locked at all times. Since there was no other means for her to leave as there were no windows, it did not concern Jeff that he was required to wait until she was done with whatever business she was attending to. It was not uncommon in his line of work to be waiting on the outside while someone worked in private. Now as he finished taking a moment to change into dress uniform at Ms. Wells insistence he was running through his mind all the security set up he had seen since his arrival, or rather since more guests had arrived. The increase in security, especially in the section where guests like Ms. Wells were staying was something he approved of. ?[B]Time to get this show on the road,[/B]? He said to his reflection with a sigh before he left his bedroom, but not before he checked to make sure all his equipment was in place. Jeff did not like being required to wear formal dress, it made fading into the background a lot harder. He was questioning the wisdom of Ms. Wells instructions to change into dress uniform, which in his case meant a dark blue outfit with silver trim, when she exited her own room. She was dressed in a stunning red chiffon dress that flowed to the floor, the soft material hugging her in all the right places. The sweeping style of the two streamers that flowed from the front up to crisscross before being draped over her shoulders to trail to the floor just added to the simple elegance of the outfit. With her soft blonde wavy hair that was barely pulled back to reveal drop pearl earings, she looked dazzling. If he had gone wearing his normal outfit, he would have stuck out even more than the dress uniform did. He wondered if she had realized that when she requested he changed. If so, she was a lot smarter than others gave her credit for. Or it could have simply been that urge women often had about people looking [I]appropriate[/I]. He wish he knew which it was. ?[B]Have you everything you need for the evening?[/B]? She inquired even as she tucked a loose lock of hair out of the way. ?[B]I do.[/B]? ?[B]Excellent, it?s time we go and pick up the Captain.[/B]? ?[B]Pick up the Captain?[/B]? ?[B]Yes. Did I forget to inform you that he will be my escort to the party at the Caesar?s Palace celebrating the trip?[/B]? She smiled apologetically when he shook his head negatively. ?[B]Remind me to get you a full copy of my schedule for the rest of the cruise. I could have sworn I had that forwarded to you.[/B]? ?[B]I requested it but I did not receive it Ms. Wells.[/B]? Jeff elaborated a bit. In an instant Samantha went from carefree to intently serious as she stopped to face Jeff instead of leaving their quarters. ?[B]How long ago did you put the request in?[/B]? ?[B]I did so when we first started checking out the Von Braun a week ago.[/B]? ?[B]I received no such request,[/B]? Samantha gaze was slightly troubled. ?[B]If I had you would have gotten a response within twenty four hours. In the future, if a request for information goes that long without a response you are to inform me immediately, understood?[/B]? ?[B]Yes ma?am.[/B]? ?[B]Jeff, don?t call me ma?am.[/B]? She reminded him before she turned to leave their quarters, only pausing long enough for him to make sure the door had properly locked behind them. Jeff sighed a bit as he followed her to the lift that would take them to the bridge of the Von Braun. The doors opened immediately upon their approach, this was an aspect of the Von Braun that he found both fascinating and yet a potential security risk in his opinion. The internal sensors were designed to keep track of the passengers making it easier to keep people from wandering into areas they weren?t supposed to. Samantha and he were required to provide more to gain clearance, but the means in his opinion weren?t anywhere as strict as they should be. Though he supposed that was why there was also regular security as well. But they often just waved Samantha through without question since they recognized her on sight. [hr=indigo]100[/hr] [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/avatar1_crew.gif[/IMG][/center] The bridge of the Von Braun never failed to amaze Jeff. Its sleek interface and controls unlike anything he had ever seen. The crew was always attentive to the various readouts that from his spot near the entrance of the lift he couldn?t really make out. The Captain had clearly been expecting them as he smiled to greet Samantha who was already moving in his direction. He was already in full dress uniform with all the decorations to his rank in place, combined with the streaks of gray that shot through his beard and the rest of his hair, he was an imposing figure. Jeff would have to look it up but he was pretty sure that that Captain was in his fifties. For now it did not matter and he simply waited for when the two would be ready to head to the Caesar?s Palace. ?[B]You look lovely Samantha,[/B]? Captain Sorokov said as he took her hands in his and kissed her on the right cheek before letting go. Samantha just laughed as she took his left arm in hers before moving for the lift. ?[B]You always say that Lazar.[/B]? ?[B]That?s because it?s true.[/B]? He replied in kind. ?[B]So, how is your mother doing?[/B]? ?[B]She's doing well and sends her regards and well wishes for a successful voyage.[/B]? Jeff tuned out the small talk between the two as they got on the lift and he followed along. Or perhaps it would be best to say he paid little attention to the meaningless pleasantries as the lift swiftly took them to their destination. On the one hand he was hoping things would continue to be uneventful, though that would make for a very boring trip in some respects. However, it was certainly far more preferable to the alternative.[/SIZE]

[CENTER][COLOR="Indigo"][B]It's only a test![/B] It?s only a test that one must take Just a little thing to make or break Our lives depend on its harsh rule Firm and unyielding and even cruel Not one may quit or dare to forsake We cry, we lament, we must shake And yet we continue to partake This terrible tempest of a fool It?s only a test! Why do we try with broken rakes To free ourselves for our own sake Let the lament rise to cover the Yule A hopeless sound, so miniscule The wail of despair in an endless wake It?s only a test! [/COLOR][/CENTER]

[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]Well that was rude,[/B]? Jeff commented once Ms. Sijan had exited the transport. ?[B]You think so?[/B]? Samantha gave her full attention to Jeff, a curious look on her face. ?[B]Uh?[/B]? ?[B]By all means, go ahead and explain.[/B]? She smiled encouragingly. ?[B]I?m serious.[/B]? Jeff was wondering if he should have kept his mouth shut but it was too late now. He barely knew Samantha Wells. Sure he had known about his assignment for several months but until about a week ago, when all the final checks for the launch of the Von Braun were being done, he had never met her. Too late now? ?[B]It?s more than disrespect. That can be overlooked so long as one isn?t doing that in a manner that undermines your authority ma?am.[/B]? ?[B]Oh please,[/B]? Samantha interrupted him. ?[B]Ma?am will never do, call me Samantha or Ms. Wells.[/B]? ?[B]Uh? yes ma?am? Ms. Wells.[/B]? Jeff brow furrowed as he wondered just how that would be seen, him addressing her that informally. He shook his head a bit and continued. ?[B]The real problem is the Chief?s lack of concern over showing up for her duties four hours late. As you said yourself, if the crew is so capable without her, then why do we need someone who flippantly disregards the mistake instead of owning up to it?[/B]? Jeff took a deep breath and continued. ?[B]I?d recommend checking to see if this is something that has been an issue before, regardless of her possibly seeing you as inexperienced, such an indifferent attitude towards her own position is unacceptable.[/B]? Jeff was finished and he waited to see how his new boss would respond, he still didn?t know how she would take an open assessment of how things appeared to him. Not that he?d listen if it concerned her security. His separate instructions in regards to that had been quite clear when he was briefed on the assignment. In matters regarding her personal safety he was to ignore any and all orders if necessary. ?[B]I can see how you would think that, even if the assessment is a bit harsh. Being in charge of the security for the Von Braun is something that shouldn?t be taken lightly.[/B]? She gave him a half smile as the transport came to a halt in the first class section of the ship where the two were staying. Samantha got up and left with Jeff following a touch behind her and to the right. ?[B]Ms. Sijan has yet to realize that unless something requires my attention, she will not be answering to me in any real capacity during the trip. This is a pleasure cruise, the first of many such trips. My presence is more of a political statement than anything else.[/B]? Jeff just followed along, still marveling at the unbelievable technology that had gone into the construction of the Von Braun. He still found the self-contained houses for first class passengers rather startling. The concept of sharing one with Ms. Wells for the trip, even if they had separate rooms was equally unsettling. He would have much preferred that she stay in the same section as the security did but she had merely laughed at his objection and that had been that. It was going to be an interesting trip, of that he was sure. ?[B]I still think it was rude,[/B]? He commented again once Samantha was finished, something that she just smiled at.[/SIZE]

[COLOR="Indigo"]Jack seems to be fond of wrecking ships. :p [/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"]We are, and please use the ones in the the first post since we fixed all of them to match in size and border wise. So if you could switch out yours Arichan16 for the one in the first post of this thread, we'd appreciate it. Thanks.[/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][quote name='Allamorph'][FONT=Arial]Also?and this is a personal call?I think he started relying too much on cliffhangers in the previous four-book set, and he's getting predictable.[/FONT][/QUOTE]Agreed actually, it was fine for the first set per se, but then it got old and it was like he used cliff hangers to cover up the fact that his writing style and manner was so identical that it was like reading the same book only slightly different setting and different names. But again... personal call. Anyway I am now reading [B]Wizard's First Rule[/B], by Terry Goodkind. *pokes Allamorph* I picked it up yesterday and I'm about 200 pages in, more than enough for me to know that I'm going to like this series. The author has a very refreshing style of being detailed and developing his characters without giving too much sway in one area. [[SIZE="1"]Terry Brooks biggest weakness in my opinion, too much time given to descriptions without balancing it out with more character development[/SIZE]] The end result is something that really stands out and comes alive as you read it. So it's definitely off to a promising start. I already really like the main primary protagonist Richard and another character that goes by the name Zedd. [/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"]Considering that I tend to sleep on average about six hours a day since I'm rarely tired... energy drinks are the last thing I'd ever actually drink. Plus most artificial stuff like soda just makes me sick, literally. So I'm in no hurry to try something that has the potential to one - keep me from sleeping at all and two - make me sick at the same time. I'm going to continue to stick to water, juice and healthy tea. [/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"]You're being too technical Malkav. ^_~ For starters, due to the disaster, technology did not develop in the same manner. So yes smoking will be allowed. It's going to be based on passenger preference really. Plus the Von Braun simulates Earth's atmosphere, even to the point of mimicking real weather. In the end, we're not going be that literal on the technical side of things for the rpg. So even gunfire is possible though it's likely that at this point they have developed lasers. [/COLOR]