Horendithas

[COLOR="Indigo"]I say it's time we finish up the Count already. I had a plan A for my post but plan A hated me and refused to write itself up to my satisfaction. As a result, you got plan B instead. This is to ensure that we actually manage to finish this thing or rather at least finish the fight with the Count. Also... I had plans on what to do with Shalua once the Count had been dealt with, but damn if I can't remember what they were. I'm sure I'll have some new fun way to deal with her by the time we get around to it though. :p[/COLOR]

This isn't going to work. Adrian thought as they attempted to corner the Count only for him to dodge their attacks again and again. Even if he had cursed them, it didn't change the fact that they were still Shinigami. Losing that protection would kill them long before they could truly become mortal for the simple reason that they were not mortal to begin with. Lucia, for all her knowledge that she had gotten over the centuries, was still for lack of a better word, young. Her estimate that they had several hours was inaccurate, they would die much sooner than that. Adrian wasn't all that much older than she was, but he had far more experience or rather different knowledge that he had gotten from mentors who had taught him about the wars between the Shinigami and the Vampires. It was possible that Nathan had actually been around back then, but the few times he had spoken to him, he never volunteered any information to Adrian as to his past. But Adrian had no doubt that he had some experience even if it was just from dealing with human wars like Adrian had. Alex and Lucia were skilled, but they both lacked the calm and the utter precision of moving in battle without wasting a single movement. And that lack of skill was going to be their undoing if they didn't find a way to counter the loss in strength and ability due to the curse. Adrian was already being forced to stick more to the defensive to counter Alex's lost of movement from getting hurt. Against anyone else it wouldn't matter but against the Count? He was pressing the advantage, repeatedly singling Alex out, forcing him and Lucia to stop his attacks. "This isn't going to work." Adrian finally told the other two after a powerful blow sent the Count flying, one of the few hits he had managed to actually land on him. "You're slowing us down Alex, if we keep defending you we are going to lose." Adrian said coldly. "It would be better if you joined Ruby, Nall and that vampire child and let Aeru take your place." "If I can't help here, what makes you think I would be any good at protecting the vampire? You make no sense Adrian." Alex snapped, frustrated at his apparent inability to really help out. "You're not thinking fool." Adrian said even as Lucia moved to engage the Count. "Both Ruby and Nall can make up for your limitations should the Count get past us, now stop complaining and get over there!" He only waited long enough to make sure Alex did as he was told before he moved to help Lucia who was being backed into a corner. With a vicious grin Adrian launched himself at the Count, both scythes extended, ready to skewer the Count. But with a powerful blow he sent Lucia head over heels to slam into the closet wall and turned at the last second possible, catching the shafts of the scythes just below the blades. "You're going to need to be faster than that if you ever hope to defeat me." The Count started to gloat and then for the briefest of seconds looked surprised as the scythes vanished and Adrian brought both hands up and sent sheets of the blue flames slamming into him. With a sickening crunch the Count was thrown back and slammed into the nearest wall. Adrian moved to finish him, calling his scythes back as he prepared to run the Count through, but just before he would have hit the Count sidestepped the blow and then caught Adrian from behind when the Scythes dug into the wall. Adrian didn't have time to react as strong arms forced him face first into the wall and the Count spoke in a voice just loud enough for him to hear as he held him fast. A moment later Adrian's face twisted with anger over what was said and with a snarl he threw the Count off, twisting impossibly as he slashed with the blade of his scythe and tore though the Counts tunic, leaving a red line running across his chest. The Count just laughed and then turned to deal with Lucia and Aeru as they moved to strike him down. Smirking as their downward strikes missed and bounced off the floor with a loud clatter. "Come now, surely you can do better than that?" The Count just smirked as the three converged on his location.

[COLOR="Indigo"][quote name='Darren'](And even though I didn't want to reveal that much info, I'm really trying to at least get two of the past winners to play... Throw me a bone, please. :animedepr)[/QUOTE]You can try BKstyles, but seriously, I think most of us who won a previous death card game are still not ready to take it up again. After all, even though I was only helping with the punishments for DB's version I was still in all four of them. So at the moment I'm perfectly content with sticking to what I'm already in. I'd really like to finish up the spar I have with Beth before I even consider something new. I commented on waiting until school started again and perhaps for you it did sooner than this, but for me? I only just had my first day of school so like Rach I've no clue just how busy or not busy I will be yet. And to be honest, I'm still not ready to play this again just yet. :p[/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][quote name='visualkei'] And really, you all don't know who I am and I haven't really left any "deep" impressions on anyone, and you probably wouldn't recognize me if I told you my ID in real life. Yet, I may consider meeting you guys up. Would you?[/QUOTE]Probably not. Though I have no issue with services like mentioned in the beginning of the thread, I tend to rarely meet people I've met online. Mostly because I have no interest in it, especially if it's a large group of random people I hardly know. I have of course met a few individuals, like SunfallE last year at the Anime Convention here in SLC. But I had been talking and working with her online for several years before we ever met. And Rach was there as well, though that worked out well and now we end up getting together to do stuff on a regular basis. Heh. Anyway, probably the only meet up of a group of strangers I would consider going to is if a horde of members from here got together at something like an Anime Convention. Then it's possible, otherwise, only a few who I've talked to enough online that I actually feel comfortable with would I meet. Like Des, Shy, James and BKstyles. Though I'd probably jump BK given the chance so he just might avoid me. :p[/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][quote name='Premonition'][COLOR="77656"]Do I ever have justice? Do I ever go a day without some form of abuse?[/COLOR][/QUOTE]Nope, so long as you follow in DB's shadow, you are destined to be trampled. :p Besides it's your fault for having "[I] larceny in his heart[/I]" Anyway, interesting turn of events.[/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"]Well now, with the holiday time sadly over, it is time to get back into the story once again. Lots of fun stuff while I was gone for a bit. Lets see... Jared is accidentally terrorizing Celestia and Jason by his mere presence, something I definitely approve of... Sub-Commander Drace is having his orders countermanded by Jared as well as Crystal, yet another thing I approve of... And we have a new Voluptuous addition to the cast in the form of a female space pirate. I'm thinking this is going to get interesting, she looks like a fun character. Heh. Anyway, now all we need to do is poke BKstyles just for fun and we're set! :p[/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"]Goodness, I'm only gone for three days and all of you post like little mad things. lol Now first of all:[quote name='Gavin'][indent][size=1]"[b]Dad...[/b]" "[b]Yes Harrison ?[/b]" "[b]...Did...did you make him cry ?[/b]" Daedalus couldn't suppress the laugh in time. Catherine gave him an admonishing glance. Harrison looked up with a small smile on his face. "[b]No Harrison, I didn't.[/b]"[/size][/indent][/QUOTE]That is by far one of my favorite parts I've read since I was gone. Heh. Also, I know all of you have already addressed this, but I have not since I was not here, but powers? Please tell me that this absurd idea as Sandy indicated is NOT going to progress further. Otherwise, I'll be blunt, I have no interest in going there at all or really seeing it as I agree that it would [I]water[/I] the story down to nothing really. Seriously, WTF? Anyway, I have read all the posts, but I'm going to get some sleep and possibly re-read a few things before I insert myself back into the story. Powerless of course. Oh and did I mention that Gadget's transformation is rather amusing? Must have been some amazing chemicals pumped into him for that. *pokes Sandy because someone needs to* :p[/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"]Goodness, Allamorph already covered this for me but seriously as both Aaryanna_Mom and Heaven's Cloud are trying to get you to see AzureWolf, looking at the issue without the ethics and morals is a good way to try to see to the heart of the problem over whether or not prostitution should or should not be legalized. The bottom line is that if properly regulated and controlled, the risk of STD's is next to nothing for the customer. Also, just as Aaryanna_Mom and Rachmaninoff were pointing out it's a good idea to actually read up on the issue in Nevada. There is much there showing how the legalization suffers from not being adequately set up, just as there is stuff there showing that there is no rampant cases of STD's spreading as a result of legal brothels. In the end, the objection to prostitution comes down to nothing more than a moral and ethical objection to what other consenting adults are doing. I find it ironic that you're telling an active Christian, in this case Aaryanna_Mom that she's not being logical when she's actually thinking outside the narrow [I]ethical and moral[/I] objection to prostitution. Unless you're referring to the illogical stance of actually thinking outside the herd mentality that so many religions have of never questioning what they are taught or having tolerance for those who see differently. If that's the case, then you are correct her behavior is indeed[I] illogical[/I]. [/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][quote name='Sandy']Heh, Aaryanna, you [I]do[/I] know what's the Victorian punishment for children disobeying school faculty like Victoria and Harrison did? XD They won't get away with mere detention for that... But it goes without saying that the children of aristocracy sure know how to look down on people. ;D Great post![/QUOTE]Of course, but this time around, nothing is going to happen to them. :p It's something I talked about with Aaryanna and her Mom. Kathy will be following up where I left off. I expect that Catherine is going to give the Head Master a piece of her mind. Anyway, Sandy already knows this, but I leave later today and won't be back until Sunday, the sixth. I'm not taking my computer so it's likely I'll be off line until I get back. And then the fun of catching up on all the posts I will missed will begin. [/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][SIZE="1"][CENTER][IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/catherinesaraavatar.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/victoriaann-chronicle.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/harrison-chronicle.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] Harrison wasn't sure what possessed him to give the new Head Master of CHAOS, Lector Moebius, such a hard time. Even if he was rebellious, he hated being disciplined by adults. Not that getting whipped or caned ever bothered him, only wimps would complain, but if anyone put their hands on Victoria, he'd beat the hell out of them, Head Master or not. As far as Harrison was concerned she was like a little sister to him, though he'd never admit it to anyone, ever. "[B]You realize that the two of you are going to get it for what you did out there.[/B]" One of the other students whispered to Harrison as he took his seat. Harrison just shrugged, "[B]So what, the jerk had it coming, prying into our families affairs like that. It's none of his damn business.[/B]" "[B]Oh don't get me wrong, I agree, honestly he hasn't even been here a day and he's been throwing his weight around as if he were the most important person here in High Czenoble. Everyone knows that he was appointed by the Dynast government, otherwise a brown nosing twit like him could never get a position like this.[/B]" "[B]How do you know that?[/B]" Harrison turned to give his classmate his full attention, noticing the smirk on the tall, skinny boys face. "[B]I overheard my parents and others talking about how it was a disgrace that the position was given to someone like him instead of Lady Almagest who is far more qualified.[/B]" Harrison snorted, "[B]Well if he's spending his time prying into people's affairs instead tending to school business, it's no wonder.[/B]" "[B]Oh it's true, I hear that he spends a lot of his time doing nothing more than collecting gossip and then turning around and publishing it as if it were history.[/B]" The boy shrugged. "[B]Anyway, he's going to find his stay here rather interesting.[/B]" "[B]Oh?[/B]" Harrison didn't miss that implication. "[B]You'll have to let me in on that you know.[/B]" The class went silent as their teacher entered the room and Harrison and the other boy quickly turned to face the front of the room, giving the teacher their full attention. "[B]Good morning class,[/B]" she said as she reached the desk by the chalkboard, "[B]Before we get started,[/B]" She looked around until her eyes met Harrison's. "[B]You have been summoned to the Head Master's office Harrison, get going young man.[/B]" [I]Great[/I], Harrison groaned as he got to his feet, [I]he doesn't waste any time does he? [/I] "[B]Ouch![/B]" The other boy whispered as he walked by, Harrison just shrugged indifferently and then left the classroom. The sound of footsteps coming down the hall caught his attention and he turned to see Victoria coming his way, clearly heading towards the Head Master's office as well. "[B]So that fool called you as well did he?[/B]" He asked her as she caught up to him. Victoria just nodded. "[B]Well, just leave it to me, okay?[/B]" Victoria was just silent, saying nothing, after all, Harrison knew that she had never been called in for discipline before. Unlike him, she was well behaved in school, never getting into trouble. It didn't take the two very long to get there and the moment they entered Harrison knew it was not good, Lector Moebius was clearly angry as he held a cane in his right hand and he was tapping his other hand with it, as if in anticipation of punishing both of them. He waited for both of them to enter and come forward until they were standing before his desk, facing him. "[B]I'm sure I don't need to tell you why the two of you are here,[/B]" He said conversationally as he quit tapping his hand with the cane and simply held it with both hands so it was in front of him at an angle. "[B]No sir,[/B]" Harrison replied when it became clear that he expected a response. "[B]Good, such disrespect towards one's elders is hardly the sign of a gentleman or a lady for that matter and corrective measures are required to remind both of you that here at CHAOS, such ill mannered responses will not be tolerated.[/B]" He tapped the desk with the cane. "[B]Place your hands here Victoria Ann, palms up.[/B]" When she didn't respond immediately, he slammed the cane on the corner of the desk. "[B]Now![/B]" He bellowed, causing Victoria to jump. Harrison caught her shoulder as she started to timidly move forward and shoved her behind him. "[B]If you touch her,[/B]" he snarled coldly as he looked Moebius directly in the eyes, "[B]I'll kill you.[/B]" For just a moment the two stared at one another, Harrison with a look of defiance and Moebius with a look of sheer disbelief before his features twisted with rage and he stepped forward raising the cane to strike Harrison across the face. "[B]That will be enough children,[/B]" A stern voice said from the doorway. Startled the three turned to see Catherine standing in the doorway, a look of disapproval on her face. "[B]Lady Almagest...[/B]" Moebius started to speak but she cut him off. "[B]I said that will be enough![/B]" Catherine said firmly, she turned to face Victoria and Harrison. "[B]Leave us children, return to your classes, the Head Master and I have something important to talk about.[/B]" Harrison couldn't get out of there fast enough, grabbing Victoria's hand and bodily pulling her along out the door and down the hallway, running as fast as he could without pulling Victoria off her feet.[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"]All right Shy, I understand that your next with Nakiesha. Though I also understand that other than to set the gate in motion, you're not to indicate who is recovered or not, apparently it seems that BKstyles will be handling that part, or so Beth tells me. Regardless, should be fun. :p Also, I agree with Aaryanna, catfights between Nakeisha and Kendra are fun. Heh.[/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][SIZE="1"]They were committed at this point and Brianna did not like it one bit. It had seemed logical at the time, but now? After literally disabling the border defenses and sneaking into Telvaris?s orbit and taking out the defenses so Miss Erickson could literally take the ship down to land it next to the gate, she found herself nervous over what she had done. Such a move could end her career and even worse, there was no guarantee that they would be able to retrieve the Colonel or their pilot Bishop. Oddly, she was comforted by the knowledge that her father would have approved, but then he had little love for the military. Provided they didn?t lock her up, he would always give her a place to stay if she needed it. ?[B]Looks like you were correct,[/B]? Brianna commented to Teresa and Cameron who were both fully outfitted in military gear and armed. ?[B]There wasn?t any military here at all, if not for having the coordinates of the planet and taking out the defenses, normal scans would have indicated there was nothing here.[/B]? ?[B]Dr. Henderson![/B]? Kendra spoke up. ?[B]Long range scanners have picked up two Creid battleships heading this way at maximum warp![/B]? She tensed up as she brought the ship down, ignoring the startled looks of those who were there near the gate. ?[B]Seems that we weren't careful enough in dealing with the border defenses. Anyway, what?s their estimated time of arrival?[/B]? Brianna asked her. Kendra looked back at Dr. Henderson once the ship had landed. ?[B]They?ll be here in just under two hours.[/B]? She turned to face Nakiesha. ?[B]I hope you?re ready since you?re only going to have one shot at this.[/B]? ?[B]I?m well aware of that Miss. Erickson,[/B]? Nakiesha snapped a bit before sighing as she clutched her cases with the tools and equipment she was going to bring with her. ?[B]I can?t guarantee that I?ll be able to retrieve them.[/B]? Brianna walked over and placed her hand on Nakeisha?s left shoulder, ?[B]All I ask is that you try Dr. Rhodes, that will be more than enough.[/B]? She squeezed gently and then let go, turning to face Teresa and Cameron who were waiting for her orders. ?[B]Go and secure the area, remember to use non-lethal force unless you have no other choice.[/B]? Teresa saluted her, even though Brianna was not a member of the military. ?[B]Yes ma?am![/B]? She turned and with Cameron in tow, left the bridge to open up the side hatch and head out. Brianna turned back to the main viewer and watched as both Teresa and Cameron headed out and started giving orders to the handful of researchers who were there, still surprised that there was no security. Sure the defenses would have kept people away, but still, it seemed foolish to her. At least until Kendra spoke up. ?[B]You?d think that having no security here would be foolish right?[/B]? Kendra said, speaking more to herself than to Brianna, Nakiesha or Catherine. ?[B]But you see, it?s the best way to hide a secret like this. It has it?s risks, but considering how quickly the military is responding, it?s ridiculously easy to simply pick up a handful of researchers and evacuate the area, maintaining the illusion that no one is here at all.[/B]? ?[B]What are you saying Miss Erickson?[/B]? Catherine said as she did some last minute checking of her medical gear. ?[B]Nothing really, just commenting on how sometimes no security or military presence is more effective for maintaining a secret.[/B]? At that moment the com came to life, ?[B]Everything is ready Dr. Henderson,[/B]? It was Teresa. ?[B]We?ve confined all of the researchers here in the main building for the moment, I suggest that you hurry up and get Dr. Rhodes over here. One of the researchers sent out a distress signal, you can bet that the incoming ships will push their engines to get here even quicker. I?d plan on only having an hour to make the attempt, just to be on the safe side.[/B]? ?[B]Understood Captain. Hold your position, we?ll be right there.[/B]? Brianna turned the com off. ?[B]Well, you heard her, lets go.[/B]? She turned and headed for the side hatch of the Argo Navis. [I]I hope this works, [/I]she thought as she approached the open door and then climbed out of the ship to jump down and head towards the gate with the others following closely behind her.[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][quote name='DeathKnight'][color=crimson]Operating on the basis that its illegal nature does not cease its existence, measures should be taken to ensure the quality of health within the industry at large to aid the fight against the spread of sexually transmitted diseases within the United States. If that requires legalization, legalize it. A level of enforcement should be sought to bring it in line with other commercial enterprises and regulated. Haha. If people keep voting moral governments into power, I do not think the world has enough scapegoat countries to invade, destabilize, and allow to turn into an orgy of violence targeting civilians. They will beat their swords into plowshares, eh?[/color][/QUOTE]Hmmm, and here I was thinking that decriminalizing it would be a better option, or rather making it easier for people who get into it to get out of it. :p Anyway... What I find the most amusing in the arguments against it is how it is demeaning or demoralizing or damaging to the woman involved. I find it more than just a little amusing how a total stranger thinks they know me or anyone else well enough to make such a judgment or that they know me well enough to know if I would be hurt by engaging in such behavior. Personally, even though I like sex, I have no interest in doing so for money. But at the same time I have no objection against those who do wish to do so for money. It never fails to amaze me at how easily people get up in arms over something that between two consenting adults is none of their business. [/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"]Your answer is here:[quote name='Petie'][B][FONT=Verdana][COLOR=blue]Q: What are the different member titles?[/COLOR][/FONT][/B] [FONT=Verdana][COLOR=blue][B]A:[/B] While we used to have a larger variety of member titles, we've eliminated that system in favor of two basic groups: New Members and Members. You're counted as a new member from the time you join until you have 50 posts, and from thence forward, you'll be a member. Along with that, you also have a Custom Title; by clicking on [URL="http://www.otakuboards.com/profile.php?do=editprofile"]Edit Profile[/URL], you can set it to pretty much anything you like. The custom title option is basically there for fun.[/COLOR][/FONT] [/QUOTE]Ironically, you're only one post away from member. ;)[/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][quote name='officefreak']Just next before you flame someone you *****, don't do it in such a rude manner, and if you read his post he said, "I'll believe you if you just say so", or something like that. I know i haven't been on otakuboards for very long, but thats no way to treat anyone.[/QUOTE][B]officefreak[/B], you need to take your own advice and lay off the unnecessary flaming yourself. I'm going to direct you to first take the time to read the [URL="http://www.otakuboards.com/rules/OtakuBoards%3A%20Rules.html"][U]Rules[/U][/URL] which advises against abuse of members and staff. If you really think Lunox is out of line that's what the report post button on the top right hand corner of every post is for. Don't attempt to play mod or turn around and go off topic by insulting another member, that kind of behavior is far worse than anything Lunox has said. And for the record, Lunox wasn't offensive. I also advise you to look over the [URL="http://www.otakuboards.com/faq.php?"][U]FAQ[/U][/URL] in particular the bit about banning members, for your first post, you're not off to a good start. I suggest you remedy that since as the FAQ on it states: [INDENT][SIZE="1"]We encourage quality. As a result, the weight is shifted to the members' shoulders more than it may be on other forums. We constantly expect more from the members themselves. If you didn't read the rules and if you've made no acknowledgment of a rule violation, then your chances of being banned are going to increase drastically.[/SIZE][/INDENT] I don't want to see that kind of outburst again, understand? It's unnecessary and as Nerdsy pointed out misinformed since you clearly have not bothered to look through the thread or you would have known that Lunox has posted pictures of herself. Next time I expect you to use the report post function or to pm a moderator instead of doing what you just did. ~indifference[/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][quote name='AzureWolf;801463]Yeah, that member pisses me off too. =P[/QUOTE][quote name='ssj chic;801468]Just because you disagree with someone, doesn't mean you must get worked up (pissed off). People differ in opinions, that's life.[/QUOTE]I knew he was joking. ;)[QUOTE=2008DigitalBoy;801464][COLOR="DarkOrange"']I wonder what it means that I love indifference : O ?![/COLOR][/quote]I'm wondering that myself actually. :p Oh and by the way, I like the name change, now I can go back to referring to you as DB again. Somehow DEM just seemed surreal. lol[QUOTE=Allamorph'][FONT=Arial]I'm going to have to call a solid No on that. See, while you do bring up the rather good point that indifference is neither love nor hate, the bolded statement is using the version of "hate" most commonly used (or should I say "bandied about") in present day casual conversation to express common distaste. I would even argue that it is impossible to hate someone or something you love, as well as its reverse. I return to the previous example of my sisters. I cannot hate them. I can be aggravated with them, I can be explosively angry with them, I even be enraged to the point of violence at them; but I cannot hate them, because I love them. If I hated them, there would be no boundaries to what I might do to them given sufficient motive and the opportunity. However?and I assure you I am being perfectly honest here?I cannot cause them more than superficial harm without emotionally damaging myself. (By superficial here I mean something like a noogie or a slap on the back.) It is easy and common to dislike someone you love, and to speak of it as "hate" simply as a synonym. However, to truly hate them is impossible. Indifference, on the other hand, is simply the lack of either one of these to any degree at all.[/FONT][/QUOTE]And I'm going to disagree with you. You're being way to literal in regards to the meaning of indifference. On it's own, it's exactly what you said in the last sentence of your post. In relation to other emotions such as love and hate, it is an exact opposite in the sense that it ignores the validity or even the presence of the other emotion. Love and hate are on opposite ends and indifference sits in the middle refusing to acknowledge any of them. Also, you're talking about the extreme case of hate as if it's impossible to have something about someone that you truly hate or detest if you also love them. It's ridiculously easy for someone to go from love to hate, I see it all the time in my work. You could argue that if they truly loved a person they would never do that, but that would only be valid in relation to how you personally would respond to such a situation. It's a nice sentiment to think that you could never harm someone you love, but realistically? Everyone has their breaking point and hopefully, you never have someone do something that pushes you to that position. [/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"]Alright BKstyles and Aaryanna, it is my understanding that Beth will be sending both of you the full details as to what your missions entail. Though those two working together is bound to be interesting. lol :p[/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][SIZE="1"]Not far from the border between sector seven and eight, the fleet had dropped out of hyperspace. Waiting patiently in space as orders were given and updates were received in regards to the next phase of recovering the lost sectors. In particular, Sandra Tessa Luciana, was far from amused over some of the recent developments and decisions that had been made. As a Commodore, she understood the necessity of what she was about to do, but personally, she did not agree with who had been selected to carry out her orders. As if to remind her of that task, the chime indicating someone was at her door sounded and she turned to issue the command for those who were there to enter. Vallon Drace was wearing a guarded and almost expressionless look, similar to his assistant Pheonia who was demurely following behind him. Crystal Matheson however, was making no attempt to hide her obvious distaste for Vallon Drace. [I]Crystal is not going to like this.[/I] Sandra thought as she moved over to face the trio; stopping at the top of the few steps leading from the main area up to where her office and desk close to the expansive view of space was located. Leaving her in the position of looking down on the three from where she was standing. ?[b]I?m sure you must be wondering why I?ve called the three of you here as well as why we have stopped here at the border instead of proceeding around the Tarak asteroid fields.[/b]? Sandra studied each one of them, noting how Drace almost looked bored while Pheonia merely kept her eyes on Sandra following everything she said. She did not bother to look at Crystal since she was certain her irritation had not faded. ?[b]It?s simple, I intend to send the three of you ahead of the fleet by virtue of the known smuggler?s route through the Tarak.[/b]? Sandra paused, waiting for the outburst and then smiled when it came since she had not missed the small grunt of annoyance from Crystal. ?[b]You must be joking![/b]? Crystal objected. ?[b]Elania Ceris.[/b]? Sandra stated simply. ?[b]What could she possibly have to do with this? I thought she was picked up by Jared?s forces when they took over the plant production. I mean, I?ve been studying her notes on genetics ever since it was forwarded to my department.[/b]? Crystal fell silent, obviously puzzled as to what Sandra was getting at. ?[b]You are correct, she along with her assistant Victor Rollins were both captured and are currently onboard the [i]Creator[/I]. However, I need a team to get into the main capitol of the home world in sector eight and slipping in as if escaping the recent take over is the perfect cover.[/b]? Sandra reached into her pocket and pulled out three data chips, tossing one to each of them. ?[b]Recently we inserted an agent into top secret missions being held in sector eight in an attempt to identify previously unknown Resistance leaders, however, other than two people, everyone on that team was eliminated.[/b]? Sandra waited for a moment to let them read what was on the chips. ?[b]Surely there are others better suited to this task.[/b]? Drace finally commented when he looked up after reading the data. ?[b]How do you figure that? No one other than Commander Matheson is even capable of understanding Ceris?s work well enough to pass as her. Also, though the resemblance isn?t as strong as we would like, there is no other officer here better suited to pose as her assistant.[/b]? ?[b]Now just a minute here![/b]? Crystal glared at Sandra. ?[b]I will not have [I]him[/I],[/b]? she pointed at Drace, ?[b]Posing as Elania?s assistant! Even I know that the two of them are lovers! There?s no way in hell I would ever agree to that![/b]? ?[b]So what if they are? Other than in public, behind closed doors you are not required to do anything other than to focus on the mission at hand.[/b]? Sandra raised her hand to cut off further protests from Crystal. ?[b]You both have been given your orders, each of you have specific missions to carry out. Because you will be going through the smugglers route you will arrive three days before the fleet does, more than enough time to carry out your assigned mission. Pheonia will be coming along posing as your pilot since you?ll be using a freighter. She should be invaluable with her piloting and computer skills. Everything else is on the chips I gave both of you. Once you?ve committed it to memory I suggest that you destroy it.[/b]? ?[b]But?[/b]? Crystal started to say. ?[b]No buts Commander! Arrangements have been made to take care of your duties as well as yours Drace,[/b]? Sandra looked at him directly. ?[b]You are in charge of this mission Sub-Commander, the full details are on that chip. I expect you to follow them to the letter. Now, all of you are dismissed, you have less than an hour to get ready and leave.[/b]? Drace looked less than thrilled but offered the bow due to her position and left with Phoenia in tow but Crystal? She glared at Sandra for a moment and then with a snarl of irritation she too finally turned and stalked out of Sandra?s quarters. [/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"]I think a soak in hot springs is in order for this type of celebration. It would fit the setting perfectly. I'm sure Desbreko's fangirls would be most appreciative as well. Heh.[/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][quote name='Rick Hunter;801320]I have emailed Adam regarding this, James and Charles have been unavailable for contact. [/QUOTE]Unavailable for contact? Since when? All you have to do is use the site resources such as pm's or e-mail to contact both [URL="http://www.otakuboards.com/member.php?u=101"][U]Charles[/U][/URL] and [URL="http://www.otakuboards.com/member.php?u=6"][U]James[/U][/URL]. This thread hasn't even been up for a day and it is the holiday with Christmas having just happened and New Years right around the corner. People are spending time with friends and family. [quote name='Rick Hunter'']I have been very paitent and cordial with everyone, even those who have indeed acted rather harshly and rude to my coming here to discuss this.[/quote]Send a pm or an e-mail to both of them and then be patient. Both Charles and James have been logged into the network within the past week so really, to say they are unavailable only shows impatience on your part. Especially since your comment that they are absent indicates that you have not sent a pm to either one of them. Or you haven't given them time to respond what with the holiday and all. So it's illogical to say you are taking the next step by talking to the members when you've failed to talk to the ones who actually can help you with this. [/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"]And changed... Anyway, I'm planning on seeing this tomorrow with my boyfriend. Looks interesting and fun at the same time. I'm not a big fan of Tim Burton but for some reason this looks like it will be something I will actually like. Also... [spoiler]ignores Allamorph as well because he needs it, leik, totally! [/spoiler] :p[/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][quote name='2008DigitalBoy'][COLOR="DarkOrange"]You can logically define the Boondocks as anime, it just makes you a douche. [/COLOR][/QUOTE]Not really, it just means that you're either not too aware of how the word is considered, or your not an elitist otaku snob who nitpicks over what the definition anime includes. Though I take it to refer to animation that was made in Japan. Also, I would imagine that Panache is referring to how the second season of The Boondocks features segments animated by Japanese animation studio Madhouse. Thus making it more than just a simple American cartoon. :p Now as for the topic... Anime is moving away from being childish instead of becoming more that way. Even if there is edited versions on a channel like CN, you can still turn around and get those unedited on DVD where in the past, and by past try looking back at how shows like Sailor Moon or Gatchaman were not only butchered but until recently, you couldn't even get the original on DVD. So it's definitely moving away from being childish. [/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"]I'm going to a party, a rather mild one at that since other than to watch movies, play games, have good food and stuff, there won't be much in the way of drinking or anything like that. I'm sure my boyfriend and I will ditch the others later on for some time alone when the new year finally comes around. That's what usually happens. [/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"]My family all live in different states, so we usually end up doing gift cards instead of an actual item. However, this year they decided to give me plane tickets so I can go home next week for a bit. I got a few other things from family and my boyfriend, but nothing earth shattering. The trip home is what I'm looking forward to.[/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][quote name='Premonition'][COLOR="77656"]My grandma is shorter than me, she's less than 4 foot 9. And I think she's changed a tire before. It must suck to hear about domestic violence cases that are sad, like teh death of a little gilr because of an abusive father, that kind of thing. [/COLOR][/QUOTE]Well I'm all of 4'11" and about 110 lbs. Now add that to a truck where parts were rusted? I swear that I could not get the damn things to budge. lol So my boyfriend ended up doing it, but hey, it was his truck anyway. And yes, I've seen some pretty serious and sad stuff from people who come to the crisis center. Women and children so battered that it was a wonder they were even alive. I don't mind helping them since that's what I'm in school learning how to do, but beyond that? Most of the time I don't. [/COLOR]