Horendithas

[COLOR="Indigo"][quote name='Desbreko'][color=#4B0082]Well, I was responding to both your and Aaryanna's posts. If the tone of the singing grates on your nerves I can understand not liking it. But lowering your IQ as you watch it? I watch it every time and you don't see me getting any dumber, do you? Wait, don't answer that. :animeswea[/color][/QUOTE]Heh, well putting the tone of the singing aside, it is cute and I've become completely addicted to watching this show. By far my favorite characters are Konata and Akira. I may not catch all the references but their conversations crack me up to no end. And episode six was completely and totally funny. Konata's behavior in the bath was just too hilarious. Especially when she was all bummed out that she missed making [spoiler]the other girl slip on the soap.[/spoiler] And is it just me or is Konata becoming a bit more bizarre with each episode? At first she seems so serious but it's like she's got personality quirks just barely kept in check, waiting for the right moment to spring out. lol And Akira... I knew I was going to like her from the very first episode where she got [spoiler]cranky and reached inside her shirt a bit to scratch herself. [/spoiler] That was priceless. Now if that opening song wouldn't sound so high pitched I'd be content. ;)[/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][quote name='Lunox'][font="trebuchet ms"] Wow, could everyone stop incessantly [i]wanking[/i] over everything on OB? [/font][/QUOTE]How about you follow that example by also letting it go yourself? That comment was completely unnecessary as well as 100% off topic. Especially since both Rachmaninoff and Retribution have already settled their differences on it by virtue of agreeing to not discuss it anymore, so how about the rest of you do that as well and [U]stop bringing it back up please[/U] and let the thread get back on track. And by back on track I mean no slamming anyone for having a difference of opinion that has already been settled. Thanks. And speaking of being on track, I sincerely hope everything gets worked out for those who lost loved ones as well as those who lost their homes or were otherwise put out by the earthquake.[/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"]I would imagine that since Liam told Joe when he imprisoned him in that alternate reality: [I]rumor has it? that a mage can live for eternity.[/I] That Liam's objective is to use the new students abilities to help him gain immortality. And I also would surmise that he chose the students since no one else at Esper Hall is going to help him achieve that goal. Plus they lack the ability to stop Liam from bringing them there against their will. Though the method Liam intends to use at Stonehenge for gaining immortality is a mystery. And since DB put himself on hiatus I'm assuming he wasn't sure how to go about it either. Also, besides Aaryanna and you Takuya/GuyYouMetOnline who else is interested in continuing this rp? So long as someone has an idea of where to go with it I'm game to keep being a part of it.[/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][SIZE="1"]Brianna turned her back on the two arrivals. Proper introductions could wait until after she finished overseeing the equipment and supplies being loaded onto the [B]Argo Navis[/B]. As much as she wished one could simply sit back and let them do their job, experience told her that left to their own devices and things would not be put where they belonged. A maxim that held true as she had already been required to redirect where things were being put three times. As the last item was being loaded she checked off the last thing on her list and then pulled up the information about the crew. [I]Colonel Marcus DeSouza... Why does that name sound familiar?[/I] With a negligible shake of her head she tucked the CCB under her right arm and turned back to face the pair. "[B]Thank you for waiting. It will be a little while before the others arrive, or so I've been told, so if you'll follow me I'll show you where to stash your gear.[/B]" Brianna smiled a bit. "[B]At least until quarters are assigned.[/B]" She waited patiently for the two of them to pick up their gear and then after a word to the staff who had loaded the ship they walked up the ramp, the cargo doors closing behind them. Brianna lead them at a brisk pace through the ship, stopping briefly while they set their gear down in the mess hall and then headed for the bridge. "[B]Now let me make sure I understand this Colonel. My instructions were that this is a co-operation between the CIF and the Military. That the three officers,[/B]" She paused to pull out the CCB and read the names off the list. "[B]Lt. Morrison Vayne, Major Cameron James and Captain Teresa Schovick are under your command[/B]." "[B]Correct.[/B]" With a side glance at Marcus, Brianna continued as she followed the corridor leading to the bridge. "[B]In that case Colonel, I will be blunt. I have never worked with the military, nor have I been required to essentially share command for an expedition. So I hope you'll be patient with my lack of knowledge as far as the structure of command goes. Just as I'll be forgiving of your lack of knowledge for an expedition.[/B]" She paused briefly at the door leading to the bridge, turning to face Marcus, waiting for a reply. Searching his face for some clue as to what he really thought of being assigned to work with a civilian. "[B]Fair enough.[/B]" Marcus replied with an expression that Brianna found unreadable. [I]This should be interesting, father never did like the military. I wonder why?[/I] It was a fact that he never let Brianna forget. When she had told him of the assignment, the very first thing he had said was '[I]working for the military is a mistake, I thought I taught you better than that.'[/I] Even now the memory had her wanting to roll her eyes. The conversation had gone down hill even further after she had refused to budge. It was amazing to her how even retired, her father still tried to give her orders. Brianna shook her head a bit, coming back to the present. With a shrug she turned and entered the bridge. Immediately heading over to what was clearly the central area of the bridge. Brianna set the CCB down on the seat and then turned back to talk to the others. But neither one of them was very talkative. [I]Well this is going to be rather interesting.[/I] Brianna thought. [I]It's going to a bit boring if no one says much.[/I] Her thought was interrupted at the sound of someone entering the bridge, introducing themselves as Lieutenant Morrison Vayne.[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"]I've been meaning to get around to this as well, and putting aside what the others said the first thought that came to mind for me was [U]Brittany is dead[/U]. :p That and though I lack the skills to explain why... I find it boring to read. Perhaps it has to do with what Break just explained. As well as wondering just who Aleister Faust was since you claim he's modeled after the Man in White. And I don't even know what you mean by Man in White either. Whatever that's referring to eludes me. I get the feeling that what you like about this footnote to the Panopticon is something that only you really understand. So perhaps you could explain a little more about this Aleister Faust and Man in White reference? Since right now it looks like nothing more than a way to revive your character that died. *poke* Though at the time of her death she did technically belong to Darren. lol[/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"]What annoys me about retail? People. Rude people. And that applies to both the employees and the customers. It's not the end of the world if the shelves are understocked or unorganized, or if the lines are long since there aren't enough employees to handle the flow. What I really despise is people taking things that aren't much of an issue and blowing them way out of portion. A good example would be when I went with my friend to the pet store the other day. We had a customer in front of us who was arguing with the cashier over the price of a cardboard cat carrier box. It was six dollars and she was having a cow over it being to expensive. And yet this same customer was driving an expensive huge gas guzzling Suburban. My whole thought was along the lines of you're complaining over six buck for a silly cat carrier and yet you're okay with forking out the money for gas? And she was wearing expensive clothing to boot. So yeah, that's my beef, people who are idiots whether they are a customer or an employee. It's like being polite is beyond them. [/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][quote name='James'][color=#606060]I'm not superstitious...I think all of this stuff is based on perception more than anything else. I mean I think that if you start the day genuinely believing that you'll have bad luck...you probably will. And vice versa. You can go through horrible things in a day and end up reflecting that the day was positive overall. It comes down to a self-fulfilling prophecy much of the time. It's amazing what a difference attitude can make.[/color][/QUOTE]I have to agree, even with cultural expectations as far as beliefs go, in the end it does come down to your own prospective. I find it hard to understand how people end up superstitious since it just makes no sense to me at all. If I don't have some tangible evidence or rather something that can be proven scientifically presented to me, then I just don't believe in it. Mind you there are things we don't understand, but in that case it's not a superstition that makes it real, but a process that we've yet to come to understand. The answer is there, and I'm sure we'll find it eventually. Anyway... About the only thing superstitions are good for, in my opinion, is all those silly movies, novels and whatnot that are written based on some old wives tale. They are entertaining to watch if only to poke fun at them. [/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"]Lets see, where to begin...I'll try to avoid rehashing what others have already said, but I'm sure I'll do so just the same so bear with me on this. I'll start with you Beth. Overall you have a good concept that starts off well, has an unexpected middle and finishes off nicely. It was interesting to read from start to finish. Now as for the idea of changing things, I agree with Allamporph, it is Lareth's story regardless of any suggestion that the character lacked originality. If you were to improve it I would stick with fixing the prospective issue with introducing Lareth and the overall grammar issues. Though I wouldn't ask me for any help, I have the same issue with fragments that you do and rely on assistance with my school work whenever a paper is required. Now aside from those issues, if you really wanted to improve it as far as making it easier for others to understand, include footnotes with how you came up with the concept. Where the idea came from, in this case a dream you had, and then proceed to explain what you left out, what got added, etc. But definately don't change the characters around. ;) But Author notes at the end? That would be fun to read. BKstyles, I have the same issue with your story that everyone else did, it wasn't a short story. Regardless of the disclaimer you brought up to Allamorph: [quote name='BKstyles]They will be judged on how well they represent the genre, their creativity, and overall how well written their story is.[/quote]There's no getting around the premise or rather statement here:[quote=BKstyles]SunfallE and BKstyles will offer their versions of a [B]short story [/B']following the mutually agreed guidelines[/quote]That both of you would be presenting a [I]short story[/I] that would be [I]judged[/I] upon those [I]merits[/I] you listed. That guideline is every bit as important as the other that you brought up in your response to Allamorph. And I can't help but feel like you are justifying your choice to essentially ignore the stance that it would be a short story as if the other should make that redundant. In my mind, it's simple, you gave a guideline and then you failed to follow it. However, keep in mind I'm not saying that you are trying to justify it, only that it comes across as if you are. Just to be clear on that since I realized you might think I'm accusing you of doing so when that's not the case. Anyway... In that respect your story falls short in my opinion. Regardless of how well written it is. I was expecting a short story instead of a cliff hanger that had no real resolution. I was not interested in tuning in next week. The more I read the more I came to realize that your story would not be short. It was, to be frank, a bit annoying since I already had expectations before I started reading. I also see the same problem Rach mentioned in regards to sentence length. Long sentences make it harder to read. A guideline I've often followed is any sentence that is longer than 30 words needs to be broken up into two or three sentences. It's easier to read and if done well you can get the same point across just as effectively, if not better than the original lengthy sentence did. In the end I enjoyed both stories. And though Rach and Allamorph did not mention it, I will. If I were to choose a winner, my choice would mirror Sandy's. [/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"]Actually Des... At this point I've already stated how I feel on that and in a sense I think we are starting to go in circles. So I see no value in continuing since you and I are not going to agree. My stance is still Pro-Choice. For all the reasons I've mentioned. ;) And I'll just leave it at that. I do agree with the full support for contraceptives though. Now we just need to finish smacking insurance companies to require them to provide coverage for women who wish to use something like the pill, since many of them still refuse to do so. That's really my beef over this issue more than anything. Expecting no abortions and yet refusing to make the need for one easier to avoid in the first place.[/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][SIZE="1"]Sandra did not want to talk to Erica, even if it was her duty as a Commodore and a candidate for the High Council. Until now it had been easy to put it off since getting things back under control had taken priority. But now, especially after Stevens had contacted her and told her what Crystal had told him, Sandra had no choice. The implication that there were others on the High Council who were members of the Resistance could not be ignored. But if some of them were, why would Erica expose them? It made no sense. [I]She has to be lying. I don't know what her game is but it just can't be true.[/I] And if there was one thing Sandra was sure of it was that Erica, even to the end was far smarter than any of them had given her credit for. Cleverly using even her own illness to shake the very foundation of the Empire. Sandra ignored the glances being sent her way as she headed for the cell where Erica was being held. She knew she was angry and frustrated and for once she did nothing to hide it. Ignoring the security's startled looks as she passed by the checkpoints for the cell blocks as well as other crew members who hastily moved to get out of her way. [I]How did it come to this? [/I]It was a question she had been asking herself for quite a while as she tried to reconcile the contradiction of the High Council's actions. From one end of the extreme with members hiding the information that they had been illegally modified to the other with one of them leading the Resistance in secret. Finally as she stood before the cell Sandra took a couple of deep breaths to steady herself. It would do her no good to talk to Erica if she couldn't compose herself. Then she finally reached up and entered the code to open the door, wasting no time, entering as soon as the door opened. A few steps inside and the door shut behind her. Sandra started to speak but Erica beat her to it. She narrowed her eyes a tiny bit as if reevaluating her intent. "[B]My message was for Stevens, however since it does concern you I suppose you'll do. For now.[/B]" Sandra caught herself clenching her hands together into fists, it was with a strained conscious effort that she relaxed them. [I]I can't let her get to me. [/I] But Erica missed nothing. "[B]Short tempered today are we?[/B]" She tiled her head forward a bit as if looking down on a small child in spite of being in a sitting position. "[B]I would have thought by now that you would have dropped that arrogant attitude of yours Sandra.[/B]" Sandra unconsciously stepped back, her head jerking back a bit, stung by Erica's words. "[B]If your only intent is to insult me then this is pointless.[/B]" "[B]Sit down![/B]" Erica barked at Sandra. "[B]I don't have time for your childish anger. It's unnecessary and misplaced. Save the hurt feelings for later.[/B]" For a moment Sandra was speechless and at that moment she almost turned around and left, but then stubbornly she refused.[I] I won't be bested by her[/I]. It was with great irritation that she finally did as Erica asked taking a seat on the edge of the bed facing her. "[B]Lets get to the point then shall we? You told Crystal that if Stevens thought you were the only High Council member in the Resistance he was mistaken. So who else is involved?[/B]" Erica wasted no time either. "[B]It's not so much a matter of who is involved but rather of who [I]was[/I] since they are no longer alive.[/B]" "[B]You're wasting my time then.[/B]" Sandra started to move but stopped when Erica shook her head indicating she was wrong. "[B]I think not. Unless you're conveniently forgetting what happens to members of a Resistance members family. I have no remaining family, but the Council members I speak of do. And being a member of the Council or a family member would make no difference. They would be found guilty by association. Even if they knew nothing. You of all people should know this, after all when it was discovered that Commander Daniel Landers's father Nathan was a member of the resistance his mother was executed and he was stripped of his command and would have also been executed if not for being rescued by the resistance. Nathan was serving under you on the Crimson when Jared discovered who he truly was. He was the only one who was a member of the Resistance. Daniel and his mother were completely innocent. Before that moment Daniel was not a member, he didn't even know that Nathan was his father.[/B]" Erica leaned back a bit in her recliner chair and folded her arms across her chest. "[B]Is that your intent? To get more people executed? To continue disrupting our government?[/B]" Sandra shook her head. "[B]Unless you have some form of proof or something more useful to tell me this really is pointless.[/B]" Erica laughed. "[B]Open up your handheld computer and I will give you the proof you need. I have set aside sealed records with the necessary evidence.[/B]" She waited patiently for Sandra to finally open her hand held and then once she had done so she rattled off several account numbers along with the access code for them. "[B]Now before you get any bright ideas, that is not the only location where I have stored the evidence, so don't think you can simply erase it.[/B]" Sandra saved the information and then stood up once she had closed her handheld computer and put it up. "[B]What makes you think I would do something like that? Unlike those fools on the High Council I don't conceal information.[/B]" "[B]Because the so-called accident that claimed the life of your grandmother was no accident.[/B]" She paused at Sandra's stunned look of disbelief. "[B]Your father made the arrangements to have her silenced to avoid the fallout should it be discovered what she was up to.[/B]" "[B]Your lying.[/B]" Sandra said through clenched teeth. "[B]Am I? The evidence I've provided proves that he made the arrangements as well as why he did so. Go and see for yourself.[/B]" Erica turned away. "[B]We're done. Don't come back until after you've checked out the files for yourself.[/B]" Sandra opened her mouth to protest and then stopped. Turning to stalk out of the cell angrily. [I]Dammit! She has to be lying! [/I] Furious she headed back to her quarters, barely aware of her surroundings or the alarmed glances she got from the crew. She didn't even feel the pain of her nails digging into her palms as she clenched her hands together tight enough to draw blood. Moments later she entered her quarters, the door shutting behind her automatically. Sandra pulled out her handheld computer, her hands shaking. [I]It can't be true! [/I] With a clatter her handheld computer fell from her hands to land on the floor and skid away a bit before coming to a rest. She fell to her knees and bent over, covering her face with her hands. [I]Please tell me you didn't do something so foolish father. [/I] Sandra fought to control the shaking. [I]Gods, if Erica is correct. [/I]She would be guilty by association along with her father. And even if he had been wrong, he would still be guilty of murder. [I]Hell! [/I][/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][quote name='Premonition'][COLOR="Navy"]Thank you! And your welcome! Good luck to everyone else! What if all the clues are solved before the week's end?[/COLOR][/QUOTE]That is why it says [I]approximately one week[/I] since if it takes a little longer that?s fine or if things are solved quicker that's fine too. We'll just start the next round. However, about half of the clues are more direct and the other half are not. So far what's been found are the easier ones. :p[/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][quote name='SunfallE;783990][COLOR="goldenrod"][SIZE="3"]Prem! You can only answer one! Get rid of your second answer ASAP! [/SIZE][/COLOR][/QUOTE]That is correct. But to help make it clearer I have highlighted and underlined that part of the rules in the main post. Only one answer per round is allowed. ;)[quote name='Premonition'][COLOR="Navy"][B]>_< SORRY! :( I just forgot under all that hype![/B'][/COLOR][/quote]No worries. You'll still earn your point for the first answer you found. And thank you for editing out the second answer you put up. [/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"]Ah yes, my apologies, please post the clue you used to find the missing item. ;) In which case you used Clue #10 to find White's cat BKstyles. [/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][CENTER][IMG]http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/6841/mainbankv4.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] Welcome to the OtakuBoards Bermuda Triangle Mystery. Recently the rumor that bad things happen on Friday the 13th was proven to be anything but a rumor. For on this fated day, somehow, the mysterious and strange phenomenon that surrounds the Bermuda Triangle arrived at OtakuBoards. Members, threads and important functions of the boards have gone missing! And strange objects from the outside world have found their way into the digital world of OtakuBoards. Now it’s up to you, the members, to help set things right. By taking on the role of detectives and scavengers to follow clues to the missing items and people so they can be returned to their rightful place. All of the missing items can be found in a thread here at the boards. You will know you have found them by a banner like this in the very first post: [CENTER] [IMG]http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/8310/adamlaptophg3.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] Once you have found the missing item, post your answer here with a link to the thread. However, [U][B]you can only find one item per round[/B][/U]. If you wish to find more, you must wait until the next round. Each member who finds an item will earn a point. At the end of three rounds, those with the most points will enter a final battle for the title OtakuBoards Bermuda Triangle Mystery Champion. Where a mysterious prize awaits you. So far we have identified these items/people/functions as being missing as well as these foreign objects that need to be returned to the outside world. Also, for reasons unknown the archives of the boards and threads that are locked were not affected as the seal keeping members from posting in them protected them from being affected. So you will not need to worry about those thread holding the missing items. [B][CENTER][SIZE="3"] [U]The Missing Items:[/U][/SIZE][/CENTER][/B] [B] Adam’s Laptop[/B] – Without it soon even theOtaku will be affected. Please find it for him! [B]The Anime Fued/Thread [/B]– Help restore a fun thread to the boards! [B]President Bush [/B]– It is your duty as an Ober to return this person back to the real world. [B]TheDailyOtaku/Thread [/B]– How will Desbresko ever write another article if it can’t be found? [B]James [/B]– Without him OtakuBoards will soon crumble into dust. [B]Auto receipt pop up for pms [/B]– After we finally got it turned off no less! Please find that turn off switch! [B]2007DigitalBoy [/B]– You don’t want the site to be overrun by rats do you? [B]Swearword Filter[/B] – Before long no post will be safe from profanity. [B]Toxic Waste Dump [/B]– No explanation needed. We definitely don’t want that here! [B]White’s Cat [/B]– Awww. Poor kitty! It must be so lonely! Now here are the clues we have found. But remember, this is the Bermuda Triangle we’re talking about here. Not only is it important to think of what you are searching for, but how you are searching. Clues will not be clear, since it seem that they too have been warped by this strange event. And the clues may have nothing to do with the item that was lost! It truly is a mystery! [B][SIZE="3"][CENTER][U]The Clues:[/U][/CENTER][/SIZE][/B] [B]1[/B] - I’m a bit of a Maniac going down the road, but to find me you have to hit rock bottom I’m told. [B]2 [/B]- I’m often overlooked though I’m easy to see. Before there can be one there’s a zero you see. [B]3 [/B]- Though rarely discussed I’m the top you see, even surpassing the stars. [B]4 [/B]- It was suppose to be for the community you see. Until a barrage of words took over, you’ll see. [B]5 [/B]- So just how many members were there when this was told? Find the right number and you’ll have struck gold. [B]6 [/B]- Opinions are not allowed. Or are they? [B]7[/B] - I forgot. Good thing there’s something to remind me. [B]8 [/B]- Depending on your point of view. This army stands at the top. [B]9 [/B]- In spite of being game, I still came in last. [B]10 [/B]- Am I a star or an ocean? Now just a quick reminder. Once the items are returned the banners will be removed from the the threads they were put in. Also this round will last approximately one week. If there are any questions just let us know. [U]Please include which clue you used to find a missing thread/person/function or outside object when posting your answer. Thanks![/U] [B]Notes:[/B] All artwork for this event was prepared by Aaryanna as well as the original idea. Wording for the clues as well as placement of the banners was done by myself. [/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][quote name='Gavin'][SIZE="1"]In regard to the making choices for others, we have laws that define what people can and cannot do, I really don't see how this is different, but perhaps that's because abortion is still illegal over here in Ireland.[/SIZE][/QUOTE]Ah but here that is not the case. It is legal. ;) And I still support one being allowed to choose. Here's something to think about. The argument is that making abortion legal and safe make it far to simple for one to do so and would lead to abnormally high abortion rates right? That does sound logical. Doesn't it? Except that the safest and easiest place in the world to get an abortion is the Netherlands, which also has the lowest abortion rate in the world. The reason for this is an extensive use of reliable contraception. It is a paradox that so many of those campaigners who condemn abortion also condemn contraception and especially giving contraceptives to young, single people. Here's something else that sounds logical. You often hear people say that no-one should need abortions, because contraception makes it unnecessary. They point to places like Russia where abortion is legal but modern contraceptives have been almost unavailable. Women there have abortions again and again because it is the only way they can limit their family size. Now that contraception is being introduced more widely the number of abortions is falling. So in the end it still is an issue of choice. And my view is that we should be making every single choice available for women including abortion. Until we clearly define or rather the law clearly defines an abortion as murder then I will not support doing away with it. I can't really argue the side of whether or not it's life/potential. I don't know enough for that, other than to tell you what my take on it is. But I can and will argue the side of one who's career is working with victims of domestic violence, since I see cases on a regular basis where getting an abortion is mentally the healthiest thing the woman can do. Until we work on making full choices available as well as reducing domestic violence such as rape, incest, spousal abuse, etc. I won't support pro-life. Because in my opinion, we're ignoring the life that's already suffering in favor of the life that is coming into the world. It's like trying to put a one inch band aid on a three foot gash. It just doesn't work. You have to work on the whole problem if you really want to make a difference. Pro-life ignores that side of it, the lack of sex education, availability of contraceptives, etc. At least my experience with those who support it has indicated this. [/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][quote name='Gavin'][SIZE="1"]I don't think anyone has mentioned the word "soul" yet Crystia, indeed religion seems to have played a rather minor role in the debate so far, as most people seem to be giving personal beliefs rather than religious beliefs. Indeed if we're to introduce the soul aspect, then most religious people believe souls are gained at conception rather than somewhere in between it and birth. But let's not get into that as it adds unnecessary walls. As for the "potential is not enough" argument, does that mean it's OK to terminate those who do not show all the signs of life as we know it ? People who are in a vegetative state surely don't show the sign of sensitivity and yet we don't just pull the plugs on them left, right and centre. Not the best example I know, but it just highlights the point I think.[/SIZE][/QUOTE]I only mention it since the argument that an unborn baby has a soul is part of why people where I live object to abortion and consider it murder. Not to drag the debate into religion per se. I prefer to stick to the more physical aspect and leave religious beliefs out of it. It's more from dealing with people who stick to religion to oppose it. I don't agree with it. Also you're misunderstanding potential as I meant it. Potential to me is something that can, physically, be a complete organism whether it's a human, dog, cat, etc. When a fetus is growing, it is not past the point where it is considered wholly complete. Also signs of life can be taken in many different forms. But I am talking about one who physically has left the mother's womb and is at that point complete as far as her body is concerned. Being in a vegetative state is more about mental issues or physical ones, not about being able to survive outside the womb. So though it might not be the potential or level of completeness that one would have hoped for, on some level they have achieved it. We'd really have to get into what we consider potential as far as it being fulfilled if we are going to introduce those who's growth did not fit into the norm and thus resulted in them being in a vegetative state. Or due to outside influences that happened later in life. I'm talking about those who have yet to be born if you will. And again that's my point. They cannot continue without the mother where others in a vegetative state, with our help can. If we had the technology to take a fetus from a mother who did not want it and provide what was necessary for it to mature into a child, don't you think we'd have done so already? That's really the problem with abortion isn't it? We lack the means to support the developing human if it is removed from the mothers womb. In the end. I still cannot accept the idea that I should be making this decision for others. Even if I think one shouldn't do it. Also, I have yet to see anything that convinces me that abortion is murder. So until I see otherwise I am not going to support the idea of taking that choice away from those who wish to have an abortion.[/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][quote name='Desbreko'][color=#4B0082]A zygote formed at conception contains a complete human DNA string with [B]all the necessary information to grow into a fully-developed human[/B] and possesses all seven of the generally accepted characteristics of life, with the exception of reproduction in the sense of creating a new individual. (But, again, that applies to infants as well.) It's not "potential life," as that would be something that may or may not become alive; it [i]is[/i] life because it's already alive..[/color][/QUOTE]Note the part [I]grow into[/I]. At that point it's not there yet. ;) It hasn't gotten to the point of possessing the generally accepted characteristics of life you're talking about. The thing here is we're putting human life above the rest as if its inherently more special somehow. When having all the code needed for something to mature into a full version of it's parent doesn't grant it automatic status of being murdered if it doesn't mature to that point due to outside influences halting the process. In the end I agree with A_M. Even if I think abortion should be the absolute last choice, like her I am not comfortable with thinking I am correct in taking that choice away from a total stranger. Especially since some of the arguments around here (in Utah that is) is that upon conception a growing baby has a soul and that is in my opinion unprovable. [/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][quote name='2007DigitalBoy'][COLOR="Magenta"]guys, guys, stop being so paranoid! this is an rp governed by all ^^;; [SIZE="1"](how the hell did I go from being guy no one wants to hear from to guy everyone wants answers from?!)[/SIZE][/COLOR][/QUOTE]Suck it up Rat Boy. ;) Besides the only thing I was really wondering about was that reference to Liam liking young dark women. Since I was wondering where your perverted mind was going with that. lol [/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][quote name='Sara'][color=#db2007]Pro-choice!=Pro-abortion.[/color][/QUOTE]As well as the stance that a woman should have complete control over her fertility and pregnancy. Control over their reproductive rights, which includes access to sexual education; access to safe and legal abortion, contraception, and fertility treatments. Something that in the end I am for. Pro-Choice that is. The main attention getter may be the right to have an abortion. But it's definately more than just that. [/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][SIZE="1"]Vanyel was feeling a bit better the next morning. Even if things had been quite startling at least it seemed like those who ran Esper Hall were going to help her understand her unique powers. And though she had only gotten to start on learning how to teleport herself she couldn't help but feel more excited about getting signed up for more classes. There were a lot of other strange things that she had done when her life had been in danger and she was curious to know if those too were abilities. In no time she was up and dressed in her usual jeans, sneakers and a plain short sleeved shirt, pausing only to take a moment to tie her hair back in a loose ponytail by virtue of tying a small sash in place at the back of her neck. Then once again she tucked the map in her pocket and took off to get some breakfast first. There was no reason to carry her books around when she had to pass by her room to get back to the library anyway. For the first time Vanyel realized that there were more choices for food after seeing some of the students messing around with a button on the wall by the selection. But part of her really didn't care. It was nice, but all she really cared about was not going hungry. That was the drawback about having to go from town to town. If there was no food to steal, then one just went hungry. It was why she simply ate the ham sandwich last night. She had learned long ago that being picky was pointless. Still since the current choice was more of a vegetarian nature she was happy to see it. Vanyel had always preferred foods that were not greasy. Since they didn't make you feel weighed down or tired. And when she was finished and putting the tray away, the thought crossed her mind that so long as they didn't mind she'd probably take advantage of what was available. But then all thoughts of food was cut short when she turned, felt the familiar twist that she had the first time she had been transported against her will, and found herself in another location altogether. [I]What? Not again![/I] This time Vanyel found herself all alone. It looked like an old run down ruin. Something she had seen in a book in a library once. Ancient pillars and crumbling walls with moss and other vegetation growing on them. But there was one thing that did not fit and that was a feeling as if she was not in real time. But it made no sense to her. She looked around again but other than the hint of a breeze and utter silence there was nothing else. Who had brought her here? Vanyel knew that she could not do it. "[B]I brought you here.[/B]" Liam spoke even as he appeared in front of Vanyel. "[B]Why? You know I hate that.[/B]" "[B]Because it's necessary. You wanted to understand why a place like Esper Hall existed right?[/B]" Well, that was true, she had wondered why someone would pay for a place like that as well as for the needs of people like herself, but still. [I]Transporting someone against.. [/I] "[B]Their will isn't right? I thought we covered that already.[/B]" Liam held up a hand to stop Vanyel's reply. "[B]Just as we already discussed how you hate having others read your mind. Your objections make no sense. Try to be patient, you'll see what I mean.[/B]" "[B]But...[/B]" "[B]No buts.[/B]" Liam said firmly. "[B]I brought you here because you like nine of the other new arrivals posses great potential. So I've brought each of you here. For now you need to find each other. Once you've done that I'll explain more.[/B]" Liam paused and then gave Vanyel an almost stern look. "[B]You have no idea what's waiting inside you for you to unlock. I'll be watching for that more than anything else here. So don't disappoint me.[/B]" And with that Liam vanished. Vanyel stepped forward the moment Liam vanished, reaching out entreatingly with her right hand. "[B]Wait! I don't understand![/B]" But it was no use he was gone. With a curse she kicked some rocks out of the way. Frustrated. "[B]Dammit! Why the hell can't that idiot simply tell me what's going on instead of pulling some melodramatic stunt? Gahhhh![/B]" Vanyel threw her hands up in disgust before looking around to choose a path to take. But if she was to find the others, how would she even know how to begin? She didn't even know which direction to take in this bizarre place. [I]If I go the wrong way I'll wander forever and miss them. [/I] But then it hit her. All she had to do was lower her barrier and listen for other people's thoughts. With a sigh she found a huge flat rock and sat down to concentrate. It was one thing to think about it but to actually do it? Vanyel had spent so much time making her barrier stronger that she had never tried to learn how to lower it. And as she started to examine it she wondered if it would even be possible. At least without anyone to show her how. But then another thought occurred to her. The map! Quickly she pulled it out of her pocket, but instead of something showing her where she was it was blank. So much for what the librarian Sara had told her. The map was supposedly designed to display a map of wherever you were within a certain radius. [I]Does this mean I'm no where?[/I] [/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][b]Name[/b]: Brianna Henderson [b]Gender[/b]: Female [b]Age[/b]: 29 [b]Photograph[/b]: [URL="http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/8269/briannabx2.jpg"][U]Brianna[/U][/URL] She's a bit on the short side only reaching 5' high. [b]Position[/b]: Expedition Leader [b]Credentials[/b]: -Ph.D in ancient civilizations. -Extensive knowledge in reading ancient languages that are no longer used. She is not into learning or understanding current languages at all. -Head of exploration of ancient ruins for multiple projects in the past on Narisyan. Anytime something new is found she's usually the one the government calls in to check things out. -Has 20 years of experience with being a part of an expedition for different reasons, from working with her father until about four years ago when she started leading them after he retired. [b]Reason for Applying[/b]: Brianna did not apply, she was approached by the CIF and offered the position of Expedition Leader for Project Starship. Something that after it was explained to her she accepted. Especially since she had just finished with her last project of mapping some old ruins that were found on the home world and had not decided on what to do next yet. As much as she enjoys the current exploration projects shes been a part of all her life. Brianna has always wanted to go into other territories to explore ancient ruins there as well. So she was thrilled to accept the assignment. Even if the exploration would not be of ancient ruins she is fascinated by unexplained occurrences since she believes that all of them have roots in ancient history. [b]Living Immediate Family[/b]: -Patrick Henderson - Father - 65 - Archaeologist - Is well known for his work in the field. It's where Brianna got most of her experience from since once her mother died their father dragged her and her sister along on all of his expeditions. -Jenny Henderson - Sister - 27 - College professor in Archaeology. [b]Other Expertise[/b] -Expert in ancient survival techniques. -Basic pilot license for smaller space ships. -Basic field medicine training[/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][quote name='2007DigitalBoy;783308][COLOR="Magenta"][B]Affinity[/B]: He likes young, dark women?[/COLOR][/QUOTE]Why am I not surprised? Also, just what do you mean by dark? That's pretty vague you know.[QUOTE=2007DigitalBoy'][COLOR="Magenta"]Understand that Liam was not talking about their current abilities, but ones they will learn in the future. He was simply overestimating everyone. In Liam's mind you are all to become some kind of demi-gods or something. Yeah, he's basically a kook. Also, I doubt he remembers Dante's name :p As for Joe's name canging >_> f***, I am in TOO many rps....[/COLOR][/QUOTE]Funny you should mention that since I got the impression that he was talking about stuff our characters can't do as well as being unaware of. After all you had him referring to Vanyel having some unknown ability. It did occur to me that he was seeing things that aren't there too. Also... *smacks* watch the language DB, since I know you'll forget if someone doesn't take you to task over it. lol Also, what exactly did you want us to do? Write in our character finding themselves there much in the same way you did with Julian? And would Liam explain things to each one of them? I'm assuming this is the case. Then from there we just find each other? Do we just make up what we find there? Or is there dangers the characters have to worry about? [/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"]My location? Salt Lake City, Utah. Want more info, just go back and click on that link Rach provided. Overall it's not a bad place. But my first impression of it wasn't so hot. My parents moved here about 12 years ago and I absolutely hated the High School I was put in. Lots of rude stuck up religious people who had no tolerance for anyone different. It got to the point that my parents finally moved me to another school since the adults were just looking the other direction and doing nothing to stop the other kids from ganging up on me or from harassing me. Not everyone here is like that, just that area we were in. Anyway, moving to a new school is how I met Rach since he was a student there. And unlike the previous school I had little to no problems. But Salt Lake City like any other place has it's bad points and one is a mild gang problem. One that ended up taking the life of my brother who was a bystander in a drive by shooting. I've already explained that before so I'll not bother to repeat myself. Needless to say it was really painful for my parents and after a while they moved back east. I stayed since I was starting college and didn't want to leave my friends. That and the dry desert climate is much easier on my asthma than the greenery of where they live back east. All in all, it's got it's up and downs, but in the end it's a nice place to live and for the most part the people are friendly. I certainly won't be bothered if I end up getting a permanent job here when I finish school. I'll get my own place though instead of living in a basement apartment. lol[/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"]Pretty close to a 10 I'd say. Once I finish two classes this summer I'll get my Bachelor's degree, I've already been accepted into the Doctorate program that I want for the fall. I have lots of free time for RPG, video games and goofing off with my friends. I'll be meeting SunfallE and Aaryanna in just over a month. In short, I'm having a great summer and lots of fun. The only thing that's been a downer is dating since I haven't met anyone I like since I broke up with the jerk that was dating more than one woman at the same time. I've been out on a few, but so far it's been a once, maybe twice and then no thanks since we didn't seem to have anything in common.[/COLOR]

[COLOR="Indigo"][quote name='SunfallE'][COLOR="goldenrod"]Oh and if you're wondering, Most of this stuff is all done at the same building, registration you name it. It's all in one huge building here where I live instead of separated like other areas are. Heh[/COLOR][/QUOTE]You must be talking about the one that's by the tech college then. The few times I've needed to do anything I've gone there since it's right by the light rail system and I don't have a car. Which often begs the question of why I even bother when I have nothing to drive. Still other than to keep my license current I never have a reason to go to the DMV since I don't have a car and won't be getting one any time soon. Right now it would just be an unnecessary expense when the light rail system gets me everywhere I need to go. So I just can't see wasting my money on it. I'm sure that will change in a few years when I finish school though. [/COLOR]