Horendithas

[SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkRed]The moment the sound of heavy lasers firing went off Jared knew what was happening. It had been a while but he recognized the sound of a Pulse Cannon. He didn?t waste a moment in immediately opening his hand held and scanning the area. Not only was the resistance firing at the transports but they were doing so from within the city of London no less! Unlike Darren or other members of the military, Jared?s hand held was different, all command officers were given a more advanced hand held computer. And he took advantage of it to scan the area. It took only a matter of seconds for him to pick up a shield that had been set in the city. There was no mistaking what it was. A disruption shield could only serve one purpose; it was designed to confuse firing sensors, making a strike from orbit impossible with out aiming manually at the target. As well as preventing a transport door from being opened right next to who ever was in the shield. But it didn't mean he couldn't transport to where the disruption ended. [I]Oh no you don?t.[/I] Jared thought angrily as he entered the override codes for an emergency transport door from the ship to a location near the shield. He pulled out his disruptor and put his hand held in its pouch as he stepped through the door at the same time three more shots were fired. Without hesitation, the moment he exited the transport door he immediately fired upon a group of what had to be resistance members on the top of a huge warehouse. Approximately twenty yards from his position. And though they were carefully situated between some heavy crates for cover the cannon was clearly sticking up. Jared ignored the resistance members in favor of taking out the cannon first, something he did with his first shot. Based on the number of times that the Pulse Cannon had been fired it was likely that both transport ships had already been hit. But if there was the slightest chance they had missed, he would make sure they didn?t get another one. He kept himself turned sideways, offering as small a profile as possible as he fired again and again, forcing the resistance members to stay behind the crates. He was only wearing very light body armor under his clothes, as he had not been expecting to run into any trouble. Jared grimaced and staggered a bit when several shots grazed him. He continued to return fire, taking two of them out before a transport door finally opened above them and then quickly moved down taking the resistance members with it. ?[B]Shit![/B]? Jared swore. Quickly he moved to their location only to see that they had taken the two he had shot as well as the remains of the Pulse Cannon. He pulled out his hand held computer and used the scanner to began checking the area as two more transport doors opened and several security squads came through. Unfortunately, other than some fragments from the cannon from when he destroyed it, there was nothing left. He looked up when the security squads got closer. ?[B]Start checking the area immediately, I want a complete sweep of the entire city. Someone had to have seen something.[/B]? ?[B]Yes sir,[/B]? The squad leader turned to his teams. ?[B]You heard him, move out.[/B]? Jared watched them briefly as they turned and split into teams to start checking the immediately area. He finished scanning the area and then contacted Sandra. ?[B]What?s the status Jared?[/B]? She asked him the moment the transmission opened. ?[B]It's the same as what they did in the US. The resistance used a Pulse Cannon.[/B]? Jared paused as he turned to look back in the direction of the where the transport ships were supposed to have landed. It was clear from the plume of black smoke rising that they had crashed. ?[B]Both transports were hit before I could take out the Cannon. I got two of the resistance members as well before they transported out of the area.[/B]? ?[B]It looks like they hit you as well,[/B]? Sandra replied indicating the burn mark running across Jared?s chest as well as the one along the left side of his head from the disruptor fire. ?[B]It?s nothing. What?s more important is locking down London and doing a full sweep. Even if the resistance can transport out of the area I want every building here scanned and checked. If they?ve been treating the walls to prevent transports like they did with the safe house Crystal was held in, it will be easy to determine if a building is being used as a safe house by the resistance.[/B]? Sandra nodded, ?[B]Agreed, now that the reinforcements have arrived I?ll authorize sending some that were meant for the US to the UK instead.[/B]? She paused, taking on a look that brooked no argument. ?[B]It will take a few hours for for the troops to be reassigned, that's more than enough time for you to transport back here to be treated Jared.[/B]? Jared started to object and then changed his mind, ?[B]Understood, what of Darren?[/B]? Sandra paused as she turned to look something up. ?[B]Darren was transported back to the ship.[/B]? ?[B]And the pilots of the transports?[/B]? ?[B]None of them survived the impact.[/B]? ?[B]I see.[/B]? Jared said coldly. ?[B]I?ll transport up immediately to get treated and then I?ll start the sweep of the city.[/B]? He closed the transmission and requested a transport door to the Creator. As soon as the doctor was through he would turn this city upside down. Since Sandra had pointed out how it would take time for the necessary troops to arrive anyway, it wouldn?t hurt to humor her and get treated. And then once he was done with the city he would systematically move outwards going from town to town until he found all of them. [/COLOR][/SIZE]

[SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkRed]Sena fought the urge to simply crawl under the covers and go to sleep. He had been tired before dinner began and now he was exhausted. He just stayed there for a while trying to make up his mind, starting to drift only to jerk awake when he remembered that they were supposed to get a new card before they were going to sleep. If those who had failed to follow their cards were going to be punished, did that mean if he fell asleep before he got the new one would he be punished as well? He removed his face from the pillows on his bed and sat up cross-legged. Part of him wanted to leave, and yet he wondered if he even could leave. He shuddered slightly, remembering how the few times he had caught Dante Lui'ci gaze, how it had chilled him.[I] Did I imagined that?[/I] Sena got up with a sigh, no there was no point in trying to leave. There was nothing for him back home. And there was no point in staying on the bed, it would be too easy to lie down and fall back asleep. He walked over to the enormous standing dresser and opened up the drawers and pulled out a pair of red silk pajamas. He took them into the bathroom and quickly changed. After that video that played he was positive that no one was interested in talking with him. So there was no point in exploring the mansion further. At least not until he was more rested. And once he got his new card he could call it a night and simply get some rest. Sena walked back out into the bedroom. Debating what to do. If he stayed in here he knew he would fall asleep. He glanced at the fancy clock hanging on the wall by the arch leading out to the main room. It felt like it should have been much later than it was. [I]At least I don?t have to worry about my roommate attacking me[/I], he thought. And they did at least have a certain level of privacy. Sena made up his mind; he could always go and sit out on the balcony. The sea air would keep him awake. Allen was probably in his own room; if he were quiet he wouldn?t even know he was out there. Not that he minded Allen, but he could tell he made him uncomfortable. And it was so rare to find someone who didn?t instantly hate him for what he had done. He wasn?t about to alienate the only person here who didn?t hate him. Sena walked over and parted the curtains, stepping out into the main room only to halt when he realized that Allen was already there sitting on the couch looking right at him. He too already dressed in pajamas like Sena was. Sena hesitated, unsure what to say. ?[B]I don?t suppose they?ve brought our cards yet?[/B]? He finally stammered. Allen just shook his head. Sena smiled weakly gesturing towards the balcony, ?[B]You don?t mind if I open up the French doors do you? It?s a bit stuffy in here and it?s making me sleepy.[/B]? ?[B]No, I do not mind.[/B]? Allen replied. Sena walked over, opened up the doors to let a breeze in and then turned back, uncertain if he should say anything else or simply go out onto the balcony and take a seat.[/COLOR][/SIZE]

[COLOR=DarkRed]Fun stuff, I like the whole concept. With them standing on blocks with the letters otaku to them holding things related to moderation. Lady A. looks like she could either be referring to keeping an eye on you guys or members in general. You look like you're just waiting for someone to step out of line so you can poke them with your mod rod. Ozzy is just calmly holding the rules, reminds me of greeting a new school teacher when you enter the classroom. lol Ezekiel definitely looks like she's dressing someone down for not using proper grammar and Blayze with the nonchalant air of one just calmly waiting to lock things down fits perfectly. And I like the simple lines as well. Hopefully someone does color it as I think it would look great. ;)[/COLOR]

[SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkRed]Sandra stifled a sigh of annoyance as the ship Transcendence entered Earths orbit. Stevens had been rather pleased with himself and now she knew why. He seemed to enjoy knowing things that she did not. And the realization that a new class of Messenger ship was in the works was something that even she had not known. Truthfully she wasn't even entitled to the knowledge, and Sandra knew her irritation was more at Stevens than anything else. So she kept it to herself and merely noted that the ship Transcendence was now part of the fleet at Earth. Not that it really changed anything since the Elite Specialist did not answer to her directly. No it was more of an acknowledgment that they were required to respond to Kiva's requests. Sandra finished authorizing the change in status in regards to Kiva's new ship and then she went back to reviewing the notes from the public session the High Council held every month. She had been to busy to attend but Sandra knew about what was going to happen in regards to Darren. It was yet another thing she had to change as far as classification went. She wondered if Darren realized that by accepting the position it had rendered the charge of being in a restricted sector as useless. By making his previous input and current one public, it made it look like the resistance had deliberately hacked his clearance in an attempt to kill him. Especially since he had been promoted to the shipping expert for the High Council. In no time the rumor that the resistance had tried to have him silenced to prevent the new shipping protocols would spread like wildfire. Especially after the disaster in sector six and four had brought to light the fact that the resistance was hiding in the system. Not that they hadn't been doing so already. It just hadn't been as easy to detect. And the changes were clearly designed to prevent such a thing. Since it was entirely possible that this William had done just that, Sandra did nothing to head the rumors off. Though she suspected that Darren had simply had the bad luck to be in the area and had been a target of convenience instead of a deliberate one. Though now that it was public, he would become a target for quite a few people. Sandra looked up at the sound of Jared sitting down in his seat next to hers. And then went back to her own work. Tomorrow afternoon the reinforcements would arrive and she would be working more closely with the liaison she had chose for the UK. Just as Jared, once he organized the troop deployment would then be working with Darren as he started getting the shipping in order, especially since tomorrow there would be six non-military ships carrying supplies bound for Australia, the UK and the US. Even with the reserves called in, it had been necessary to use the service of standard shipping to help make up for the loss of transports as many of them had been shuffled to assist in sector four. She stole a look at Jared when he wasn't looking, still thinking about her conversation with her father about how she had failed to donate genetic material. And though she had since done so, she still found herself wondering about the thought that she was jealous of Stevens and Jared. Sandra had long since calmed down, but it nagged at her since she had never even tried to get Jared's attention and it was irritating that the thought had even occurred to her in the first place. If anything she was more irritated at how Stevens would sleep with just about anyone who was attractive. Or how he had a habit of completely breaking female prisoners given a chance. And yet, she wondered why that even bothered her. After all, Jared would do the same, at least to male prisoners. So why did Stevens bother her where Jared did not? Was it because she was a female? The comment from her father about stripping her of her command and handing her over to Stevens had not only stung but infuriated her. How could he even consider doing that to her? Sandra caught herself gripping the console for the computer at her chair tightly, so tightly that when she let go she was surprised she had not broken it. Sandra stifled yet another sigh. If she didn't figure out just what was annoying her so much, she was going to start getting headaches from the irritation. Jared had suggested she simply let Stevens have his way with her and get it over with. But somehow she just couldn't bring herself to even approach him about a truce let alone what Jared had suggested. With a start Sandra realized that she had been sitting there for nearly ten minutes, doing absolutely nothing. With a snarl of irritation she went back to dealing with the various reports that had been sent her way. Determined to put both Stevens and Jared out of her mind, and for now it worked as she determinedly worked though report after report. [/COLOR][/SIZE]

[COLOR=DarkRed]Welcome to OtakuBoards, [b] Alphess_Ice [/b] and welcome to the Arena. Allow me to steer you towards the [url=http://www.otakuboards.com/showthread.php?t=44317]Sticky[/url]. The sticky contains all of the information vital to creating an Otakuboards Roleplay. Please read them, and abide by them. For example: all RPs must recruit in the Inn, and have decent posting quality including post length and content. In addition, double posting is not allowed. Since your RPG does not meet these requirements I will be closing it. Feel free to PM any of our Adventure Square moderators: Ozymandius Jones, Ezekiel, Sandy or Blayze if you have any questions or concerns. ~indifference [B]Thread Closed[/B][/COLOR]

[COLOR=DarkRed]Okay, mine is up as well, the part where Stevens talks to Crystal once she was rescued. I took the information you gave me SunfallE as well as trying to match up what was said with how I thought Crystal would respond. If I got any of it off let me know and I'll edit it to fix it. [/COLOR] ;)

[SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkRed]Stevens was in the observation room of the Conqueror when the message came from the Tempest that Crystal had been found. Indicating that as soon as she took a moment to get cleaned up she would transport over to talk with him. Then a short while later, just as Crystal arrived yet another message came, this time from the Elite Specialist with the details on her retrieval as well as the information that the two responsible for capturing her in the first place had been transferred via transport door to a holding cell in the Conqueror. He motioned to Crystal to take a seat across from the desk he was sitting at while he finished reading what the Specialist had sent him, smiling at the bit that had to have been added by her crew Daego Kelse, the request that Jared not be involved with either one of the resistance agents that had captured Crystal. Something that Stevens ignored since in his opinion the request was from a personal standpoint and not a professional one. It was not the first time he had gotten such requests and it would not be the last. Stevens knew perfectly well that Jared was not well liked and that a fair number of people not only hated him but did not understand why someone like him was in a position of command to begin with. Though he suspected that this Daego was different, in at least the aspect that he would have realized Jared was more than capable and good at what he did. Otherwise, chosen by Kiva or not, he would never have been allowed to serve on the Catalyst if he lacked the judgment to see that. Still Daego would get his request, for now, indirectly of course. Jared was going to be overseeing the arrival of the reinforcements and Stevens had his own things to take care of so for now he would be handing their interrogation over to someone else. If Sako Alkalero and Kajo Flenke proved difficult, he could always have Jared take over their interrogation later if it was necessary. Jared may not be liked for his sadistic methods of torture, but there was no denying that he was good at getting the information he wanted out of resistance members. His reputation was bad enough that for some just the thought of falling into Jared?s hands was enough to get them to talk. Stevens closed the report and turned his attention to Crystal who was waiting patiently for him to finish. He looked up, pleased to see that she looked unharmed. ?[B]Crystal, I am pleased to see you again. I am sorry it took us so long to retrieve you. I trust you were treated well?[/B]? Crystal shrugged. ?[B]Aside from being locked up in a tiny room, yes. The only thing they did was to take my hand held computer. All of my research and notes regarding the work in sector fourteen was on it.[/B]? ?[B]I know, let us hope that they will not be able to get into your files. You were provided with high-level security were you not? Grade Alpha if I remember correctly.[/B]? Crystal nodded. ?[B]Yes, and when I realized what was happening I shut it down immediately so any attempts to get in will require them to start from the very beginning of all the security levels. As well as activating the program that will, if they try to force their way in, delete everything on it.?[/B] ?[B]Good. Now I know you probably would like time to take it easy before returning to your work, but I need you to tell me everything that happened.[/B]? Crystal nodded, starting from when the two had first barged in and forced her through the transport door. To how she had met and briefly talked with Daniel. Taking time to explain how Daniel had informed her that they had deliberately kidnapped her to not only get her hand held computer but to interfere with the research being conducted in sector fourteen. Then she went on to explain how Sako had taken the polite and understanding approach to try and get her to see their side, she left nothing out, including how he had surprised her by respecting her opinion on things. Stevens listed as Crystal then went on to harshly judge herself as well since on some level she had enjoyed the conversations, even though they did not agree on how things were done. She finished with how Kiva and Daego had finally rescued her. ?[B]Thank you Crystal. Normally I would recommend a session with one of our therapists on the dangers of sympathizing with one?s captors, but I suspect that in your case it will not be necessary.[/B]? ?[B]You are correct,[/B]? Crystal confirmed. ?[B]Those fools haven?t a clue what they are doing by enhancing the humans. It is helpful for their cause, but they lack the necessary medical training to tweak the process to match each person individually to optimize the procedure. They can?t possibly understand the inherent dangers in giving them an increased lifespan, strength and other things as well. Changing someone on such a profound level will have psychological implications that have to be carefully watched for. Something that has to be carefully monitored during the process as well as after.[/B]? She sighed. ?[B]I know, which is why we must hope they did not get the information. If they do the resistance will throw it out in the worst possible light, not realizing that their ignorance of what?s being done is a factor. It?s something that the people will not understand.[/B]? ?[B]True, but if they do find out and make a point of spreading the news, then I will be sure to point out just how ignorant they really are.[/B]? Crystal said firmly. ?[B]I?ve said it before and I?ll say it again. Genetics should not be in the hands of fools. What the resistance has done is not only irresponsible but also unethical. The only person who will not be affected by their foolishness will be Jason?s sister Sara. Her genetics will match Jason?s closely enough that she should be unaffected. But the others?[/B]? Crystal just shook her head. Stevens smiled. ?[B]For now we will not worry about it. I will see that a replacement hand held is gotten for you and if I have any other questions I will be sure to contact you. Until then you are officially off duty for the next twenty-four hours. I want you to take it easy and get some rest. I will deal with the High Council so you will not be required to contact them.[/B]? ?[B]I understand.[/B]? Crystal said as she stood up. ?[B]If I remember anything, I?ll be sure to inform you at once.[/B]? Stevens watched as she left, pleased that she had been recovered. It was a good thing no one had harmed her. Because if they had, he too would have made sure that they regretted it. [/COLOR][/SIZE]

[B]OOC:[/B] No you got him just fine Nucifer. [CENTER]----------------------------------[/CENTER] [SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkRed]Sena couldn?t help it, when Dante spoke up and ended the meal, chastising those who had not yet spoken and then promised punishment, he cringed even though he had tried to do as his card said. Something that had been interrupted by the video, one that he still had no idea how Dante had gotten it. [I]What other things does he know?[/I] Sena finally looked up at the master?s words about another card being delivered before they were to go to sleep. [I]Another one? So soon? We haven?t even been here a day! [/I] Sena carefully avoided looking at Mariko as she knocked over the chair she had been sitting in when she got up and then after setting it in place stormed out of the dining hall. She would never believe him that he would never touch her. How could he? After what her father did to her. The same thing his own father had done to his older sisters. It was bad enough what he had done, but his father? Sena caught himself clenching his hands in anger. No she did not have to worry about him. If anything, given a chance he would kill Mariko?s father for what he had done to her. With a sigh Sena finally stood up ignoring those who were there that still regarded him with disgust. It did not matter. He could not change what had happened. It pained him that the knowledge had been forced out into the open, but it didn?t change the fact that he was not here to make any friends. Still after Ben?s jab about it being consensual between him and the women he had slept with, he was glad that they were not roommates. There was no mistaking his disgust towards him. And from past experience Sena knew perfectly well that men like him would have no trouble what so ever punishing him by virtue of beating him up. He would have to be careful to avoid being caught alone with Ben. That just left the issue of his roommate Allen, unlike him and Ben, he actually loved and cared for the other guy he had spoken about. He probably wanted nothing to do with someone who had taken women against their will. A fact that seemed more likely when Allen couldn?t get out of the dining hall fast enough, almost running in his haste to leave. [I]He?s probably gone to gather his things so he can request another room. [/I]Sena thought. He sighed as he left the dining hall, ignoring everyone and simply heading straight to the room he was in. To his surprise Allen was standing openly in the main room, looking slightly out of breath, he had thought he would have been in his room to avoid him. Sena couldn?t help it, he looked right at him, even though he knew that he must disgust Allen. But instead Allen favored him with one of the same smiles he had when they first met. Only now, the pain in Allen?s eyes was obvious. Even more so when he spoke of being in no position to judge and offering to change their living arrangements. [I]What the hell? [/I]Sena thought. [I]He thinks I don?t like people who are gay... God if he only knew. [/I] But even after he explained that he had a roommate who was gay, Allen merely went on about it still being wrong, about him possibly being afraid of Allen when he would not judge him if Sena did not judge him. And again he offered to change the living arrangement, almost as if he was the problem instead of Sena. [I]He?s done nothing wrong.[/I] Sena thought. [I]All he did was fall in love with another man. He didn?t use people and discard them like Ben, he didn?t rape anyone like I did.[/I] Sena just shook his head. ?[B]How can you ask if everything is okay? You?re not the one who?s done horrible things. You haven?t used and discarded dozens and dozens of women like Ben did. You didn?t rape five girls like I did.[/B]? Sena started to choke up again and he paused to gain control, as he did not want to break down again like he had. ?[B]You fell in love and were condemned for that love.[/B]? He finally finished. ?[B]It is still wrong[/B].? Allen insisted. ?[B]Is it?[/B]? Sena countered. ?[B]I believed that my father was right and that it was okay to force yourselves on others. How do you know that what is in the scriptures and what your religion taught you is true as well?[/B]? Sena stopped at Allen?s expression, unsure if he had said too much, but then he continued. [I]I may as well,[/I] he thought. [I]If things continue like this, he?ll find out anyway. [/I] ?[B]Besides, if anyone has sinned, it is me. Not only did I take those girls against their will but after I was thrown out I learned that I like both women and men.[/B]? Sena started walking towards his room, turning back to finish before leaving the main room. ?[B]Don?t you see Allen? The roommate I spoke of, he was at one time [I]my lover[/I]. How can I possibly judge you when I have done far more than you ever have.[/B]? Sena looked down at the floor. ?[B]There is no need for you to leave since you do not offend me. But if it makes you feel better, you can.[/B]? Sena looked back up, ?[B]But if you wish to stay, I will not judge you, I will not hate you. And you [I]do not [/I]disgust me at all.?[/B] And with that Sena turned and entered his room, throwing himself on the bed resisting the urge to cry even more as he buried his face in the soft pillows. [I]I should not have come here,[/I] he thought once again. [/COLOR][/SIZE]

[SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkRed]Even though Sena was refusing to look at anyone as he fought to still the shaking of his hands and the tears that ran down his face, it didn?t stop him from overhearing what the rest of the people were saying. He couldn?t imagine what it would have been like for Jennie, in a polygamist community families were pretty big and for him it had been the exact opposite, finding time to be alone was the hart part. Even in the five years after he had been kicked out, he still had roommates and classmates as he attended college. He had never been lonely, ever. Sena actually found himself feeling a little sorry for her. Then his roommate for this place Allen began and when he got to his secret of being gay and being in love with someone who did not return those feelings, it made sense. The odd feelings he had got around him...he had reminded Sena of a roommate he had once who was gay. Something that even though his religion frowned upon it as well, he just didn?t care, his father had lied about so many things that he doubted that being gay was even a sin. And once he was on his own Sena had realized that he liked both sexes. Though he couldn?t think of the word for it at the moment. He didn?t look up though; Sena did not want to see the look of disgust for what he had done in Allen?s eyes. Earlier Allen had favored him with dazzling smiles when they first met. Smiles that Sena realized at that moment were merely to cover the pain Allen had been hiding. He wondered how long it had been since Allen had been separated from the guy he loved. Sena just held his head even lower. [I]I should never have come here.[/I] He thought.[I] No one in the past five years has ever believed me when I?ve explained what happened. No one cares that once I was blamed for things I did not do, that once I fully understood what my father did was not right, I have never taken anyone against their will since. Ever.[/I] Sena shifted in his seat, tempted yet again to get up and leave for his room, only to stop and slightly glance up when Wendy the girl he had met out side the mansion burst into tears. [I]Why is she crying?[/I] Sena wondered. [I]She was so happy when she told us she is a witch.[/I] But then at that moment Dante glanced his way, a smug look on his face, chilling Sena to the bone. Hastily he looked back down, clutching his hands together even tighter as another bout of shaking hit.[I] How does he do that? How does he seem to always know when I?m looking at him? [/I] Before he could wonder about it further another voice spoke, ?[B]How many? Am I supposed to count or something?[/B]? Sena did not bother to look to see who had spoken. Nor to see what he tossed on the table, he didn?t need to see it after listening to this Ben arrogantly go on about how wonderful he was. And how he had an active sex life, something that Dante pinned him down on, making him go into further detail. But even Sena was surprised when he admitted to having slept with 145 women, some of them more than once. But when he threw that final jab out about his experiences at least being [I]consensual[/I], Sena resisted the urge to laugh. [I]He actually thinks that will bother me.[/I] Sena thought. After five years of being kept under careful watch by the law, after barely escaping prison due to the fact that his actions had happened when he was but a minor. Being poked fun at and ridiculed and even beaten up by other men who considered him a sissy for being a polygamist as well as for what he had done?Sena finally couldn?t help it, he snickered just a bit at Ben, especially when he went on to admit that he didn?t give a damn about the women, only about having sex with them. [I] If he really thinks that comment about it being consensual bothers me, he?s an idiot. [/I]Sena thought. He had seen men like Ben before, how they flattered and outright lied, pretending they cared about the women, only to move on, not caring who they hurt in the process, so long as they got laid. Sena sighed slightly as the shaking started to finally end.[I] Ben has certainly outdone me,[/I] he thought. [I]I raped 5 girls before I was tossed out and since then I?ve only had a handful of lovers. He?s used dozens and dozens of women and convinced himself that it?s acceptable because they weren?t forced.[/I] Sena sighed again.[I] What a fool. [/I] Sena reached up and wiped the tears from his face, still refusing to look at the rest of the people at the table, wondering what other horrible secrets would be forced out of the others this evening.[/COLOR][/SIZE]

[B]OOC:[/B] Just a quick note everyone, it has now been ten days since Crystal was kidnapped and the attack in Sector four happened. [SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkRed][CENTER]-------------------------------------[/CENTER] Sandra had just returned to the Creator from dealing with the remains of the US government on Earth. Though she had successfully gotten them to take their role in restoring peace in the more remote areas more seriously, she would be glad to finally end any form of self regulating as far as law went. She could hardly wait for the reinforcements to arrive in just four days. Until the resistance presence was dealt with, allowing them to be more involved just wasn't going to be possible like it had when other worlds had been taken over. The method in how they were destroying bridges, power plants and just about anything that was still being used until things could be converted was very disruptive. And what made it even more annoying was that they were doing it with the very supplies they had stolen from the troop encampments. Forcing them to install better shielding and better security to prevent it from happening again. But Daniel was clever, he never stayed with the same tactics for long, switching before a pattern of attacks would emerge. Cautiously avoiding civilian causalities making it even harder as the leads they got usually were no good. Sandra paused as the doors to the bridge opened to admit her, Jared was sitting at his spot taking care of his own duties and other than to nod in his direction she immediately headed for the observation/conference room just off the bridge. Sitting down at the table once the doors shut and sending out a request to talk to her father. Not that she wanted to but because he had requested that she contact him the moment she returned from Earth. Sandra waited patiently for a response since she knew it would not be simple for her father to answer immediately. But in less than a minute he did. "[B]Sandra, I need you to take care of something for me.[/B]" He said, not bothering with small talk. "[B]What would that be father?[/B]" "[B]It has to do with your betrothal to Stevens and being selected as a candidate.[/B]" Sandra scowled, "[B]Get to the point father.[/B]" "[B]It's simple, it's come to my attention that you have neglected to provide the donation of your 'genetic' material to be held in storage should something happen to you. Regardless of whether or not the two of you end up together once you both start serving on the High Council,[/B]" Her father paused then continued in a much colder tone of voice. "[B]You are required by law to do so within a month of the announcement that you are a candidate. And it has been nearly six months since that happened.[/B]" "[B]You already know how I feel about Stevens father, that has not changed.[/B]" Sandra said angrily. "[B]Just as you know that it is required of all candidates to do this regardless of who they are paired with. You are conveniently forgetting that Stevens was not matched to anyone for the first couple of years he was chosen and yet he made sure to take care of the matter within a week of being chosen as a candidate.[/B]" He countered. Sandra just glared at her father, furious that he had brought it up. She did not want to donate the necessary material. She did not want a child between her and Stevens, even if it was done through genetics and someone else carried the child. Why couldn't her father understand this and pair her with someone else? Why Stevens? "[B]I am well aware of that father,[/B]" she spat. "[B]Just as I am aware of your refusal to match me with someone else.[/B]" Sandra gripped the chair she was sitting in tightly, doing her best to keep her temper under control. Her father sighed sadly, "[B]You just don't get it do you? Stevens family and ours is the best choice to keep things balanced, something that everyone but you can see.[/B]" He shook his head, "[B]I can't protect you from yourself. And I can't change the arrangement since no one wants to change it.[/B]" "[B]I don't believe you.[/B]" Sandra replied with barely suppressed fury. "[B]That's too bad, because you have one week to comply or else you will be stripped of your command and shipped back to sector one in restraints.[/B]" He ignored Sandra's look of disbelief. "[B]We are tired of your childish attitude and will not tolerate it any more. I had thought that you had come to your senses when you started backing Stevens suggestions, but this?[/B]" He just shook his head again. "[B]If you don't fix this and start showing Stevens the proper respect his position demands, then you will have no one to blame but yourself.[/B]" Sandra started to reply to protest what her father was saying but he cut her off. "[B]No more arguing Sandra! Either you take care of this at once! Or else once we are done stripping you of your rank and privilege as a candidate for a position on the High Council, I will personally ship you right back to Stevens as his personal slave![/B]" Her father said angrily before terminating the connection. Ignoring Sandra's look of disbelief and shock. She sat there for several minutes stunned by what her father had said, going from being furious to shocked and back again. Sandra had never seen her father angry like that before. [I]Jared was right.[/I] She finally thought. [I]I need to get over my dislike of Stevens or at least hide it better. [/I] Sandra got up and left the observation room, ignoring everyone on the bridge, not trusting herself to talk to anyone, still upset over what her father had said. Tomorrow she would go down to sickbay and have the procedure done. And then she would make sure to keep her opinion of him to herself. She managed to remain outwardly calm until she got to her quarters but once she was inside, her language and resulting temper tantrum was anything but ladylike. And it didn't help that she knew Stevens was seeing Jared. A thought that made her pause, wondering why that should matter. She concluded by stomping her feet childishly before heading over and fixing herself something to drink. [I]Why do I even care?[/I] She thought. [I]Jared doesn't like women, Stevens is just a huge flirt. So why do I loathe him so much? [/I] It didn't make sense. [I]It's because you're attracted to Jared,[/I] the other side of her whispered. [I]Am I?[/I] She wondered, [I]actually jealous?...[B]No![/B] [/I]Sandra asserted forcefully. [I]I'm not the type to like someone who doesn't even like women.[/I] But though her mind was silent she could tell that the thought was not going to go away that quickly. She downed her drink and got up to fix another one. "[B]I am not Jealous[/B]!" Sandra said defiantly.[/COLOR][/SIZE]

[SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkRed]Jared did his best to hold his temper, but it had been hard to do so as things kept spiraling out of control. Not in the Empire since the High Council had taken the initiative and called in the reserves, something that hadn?t been necessary for hundreds of years. No this was due to problems on Earth, Crystal still had not been found, [I]not that he had expected it to be easy[/I], and the resistance had started making a real nuisance out of themselves, attacking things left and right in both the US and the UK. And it didn?t help that they were using the supplies they had stolen to really hit fast and hard. There was no getting around it, they needed reinforcements and soon. Only Australia, other than when Crystal had been kidnapped was peaceful. Jared resisted the urge to snap at the High Council as he was in the observation room just off the Conqueror's main bridge with both Sandra and Stevens who were discussing what needed to be done with the Council. ?[B]Very well then,[/B]? one of the council members spoke, ?[B]It is decided, emergency reinforcements will be sent immediately to Earth.[/B]? A moment later the screen went blank. Stevens turned from his position of facing the screen and back to Sandra and Jared. His expression uncharacteristically serious. ?[B]Now that that?s settled, we need to get down to business as to what we need to do until those troops arrive.[/B]? He turned to address Jared directly, ?[B]I?ve arranged for Darren to be given full access to all shipping records in the Empire, including classified military shipments. Two of the decoy robots with explosives were recovered intact. Apparently the explosives used in sector four were experimental and not even available to the military yet. I want to know how the resistance managed to get their hands on that. Darren uncovered evidence pointing towards a William dealing illegally and after finding out from Kim that one of their top leaders is named William; I am convinced that it is not a coincidence. Especially since we have our own ?shipping? experts who never caught on to this William. Since Darren is also working on modifying the shipping protocols I want to see if he can find anything else out.[/B]? Jared winced a bit at the thought of talking to Darren, other than to leave a brief message that he was to work on the shipping records and protocols he had not spoken directly to him since he damaged his wrist. He hadn?t meant to truly hurt him and when the doctor had contacted him and then voiced his concern that a member of the crew might be harassing Darren...Jared had actually felt embarrassed when he explained to the doctor that he had done it without meaning to. He had let his anger get the better of him. ?[B]I?ll get started on making sure those fools on Earth deploy their own troops to restore order in the rural areas.[/B]? Sandra scowled a bit, ?[B]They?ve been rather lax in that lately and I?ll make sure they understand that their failure to cooperate has not gone unnoticed.[/B]? She got up with a sigh. ?[B]Which means I need to leave immediately to the US. Those troops were suppose to have gone out yesterday and I intend to make sure they regret delaying.[/B]? Jared waited until she had left before turning to Stevens. ?[B]What do you wish me to do? Besides shuffling the current troops to stay on top of the disruptions the resistance is causing? We?ve managed to take out some of their agents, but they are very elusive and hard to catch in the act.[/B]? ?[B]I want you to pull everything out of the remote areas and into the more populated areas, let the people find out that their real enemy in situations like this is their own kind. Without support, looting, rioting and all sorts of things will happen if the governments don?t get their own remaining troops out there to sort things out. Once we get the reinforcements the arrangement allowing them to police themselves will end.?[/B] Stevens got up and prepared to leave pausing where Jared had stood up at his seat. ?[B]One other thing Jared, it probably wouldn?t hurt to apologize to Darren for shattering his wrist, that?s very unlike you to allow your temper to get the better of you.[/B]? He chuckled when Jared flushed a bit. ?[B]Goodness I haven?t seen you blush in forever,[/B]? Stevens teased as he moved closer, ?[B]No wonder you tease Darren so much, I bet he looks just as cute as you do when you blush.[/B]? A statement that only made Jared blush even more. Stevens just laughed delightedly. ?[B]One other thing, I don?t give a damn if our schedule is shot to hell, I still expect you over for dinner later this evening, it?s not like we can?t go over things while we amuse ourselves.[/B]? Jared just stood there speechless, his anger for the moment gone. He had forgotten just how intense Stevens could be when he was interested in you. And to actually blush? He couldn?t remember the last time that he had. ?[B]You know Jared,[/B]? Stevens said clearly amused. ?[B]If you keep standing there looking like that I?m likely to lock the door and have my way with you right here and now.[/B]? He paused to mock buff his right nails on his tunic as if he was considering it. Smiling when Jared blushed even more. Then he laughed yet again. ?[B]Go on,[/B]? he made shooing motions with his hands, ?[B]You know I prefer the comfort of silk sheets.[/B]? Jared mock bowed to Stevens and then turned and left, ignoring the knowing looks from the crew over his still red face as he walked though the bridge and to the main doors leading to the rest of the ship. It wasn?t a secret that he and Stevens were seeing one another. And if the gossip over him blushing after leaving the room where he had been alone with him kept the crew occupied, it certainly wouldn?t bother him any. All he needed to do now was get the blushes under control [I]before [/I]he visited Darren. [/COLOR][/SIZE]

[SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkRed]Jared was feeling rather pleased with himself as he worked with Darren down at the new main shipping office. Now that the mess with sector six had been brought under control, Kim's interrogation finished along with her being transfered over to the Catalyst, though he had not been the one to actually do it, and Sandra had stopped snipping at the High Council every time she was reviewed...Things had calmed down quite a bit, leaving him less rushed and even with enough free time for personal stuff. He smiled to himself as he remembered the evening he had spent with Stevens, it had had been far too long since he had enjoyed himself like that. He pulled his mind back to what he was doing, only a few more checks to make sure the security was all in place and then he would be able to leave Darren on his own to work on both the shipping for the UK as well as continuing his hunt for fragmented reports in regards to Williams as well as working on modifications for the shipping protocols. Jared didn't think there would be another incident like the one with Sara but once Darren finished the modifications to the protocols and everything was announced to the public at large, it would make him quite a few enemies overnight and that would require much greater security than what he had set up for him before. It would also require quite a bit more security for his crew member Mike who was currently running his ship. Darren may have realized that things would change, but Jared wondered if he had realized that it would also put Mike in considerable danger. Jared just made a notation to see to it that security was changed for Mike as well. Even if Darren didn't realize that his new position would give him the right to request it, Jared never left anything undone, ever. Even if Darren wasn't cute he still would have made sure everything was taken care of. Jared and Darren both paused as a chime indicated an incoming message had arrived. They were both standing next to the window overlooking the city as they went over the security so Jared merely pulled it up so that both of them could take a look. A moment later Darren jumped, visibly startled when the small scanner Jared was also holding shattered from him clenching his fists angrily. Jared ignored his startled look as he backed away from him, instead he pulled up the addition files sent only to him, it didn't take him long to go through the video of the two resistance members first entering the medical facility in Australia and then stunning the light security before heading back and blasting the lab door to where Crystal was stationed before taking her disruptor and forcing her through a transport door. "[B]I don't understand,[/B]" Darren said a bit hesitantly, frightened by Jared's reaction, a reaction that annoyed Jared. "[B]Why would they kidnap a doctor?[/B]" "[B]It doesn't matter why,[/B]" Jared said furiously. "[B]What does matter is finding the fools who did this and getting her back. We're leaving immediately.[/B]" "[B]But shouldn't we finish here first?[/B]" Darren cringed as Jared glared at him. "[B]I only meant..[/B]" He stopped with a startled gasp when Jared grabbed his left wrist tightly and pulled him close. "[B]Meant what? That you're surprised I might care what happens to her?[/B]" Jared said, getting even more angry, ignoring the real look of panic on Darren's face. "[B]Or is it that you can't imagine the cold-hearted Jared caring about anyone?[/B]" A statement that was confirmed by Darren's look of fear that he had inadvertently upset Jared. "[B]I'm sorry,[/B]" He choked out, "[B]I didn't...I...I didn't think.[/B]" Darren finally stammered. "[B]That's right,[/B]" Jared said furiously, "[B]You didn't think. I grow tired of this Darren. I grow tired of your stupidity in making assumptions as to what I am like.[/B]" He ignored Darren's gasp of pain as he gripped his wrist even tighter. "[B]I've been more than patient with your assumptions, If you weren't such a blind fool you would realize that if I really was as sick as people thought I would have done far more than simply tease you.[/B]" Jared reached up with his left hand and grabbed Darren's shirt pulling him closer. "[B]What really amazes me is how you can be so smart in other areas and yet so clueless in reading others. I've never pretended that I don't care for Crystal, and if you were to get out of your pointless rut of hating the military you would find that quite a few of the officers would fight over her given the chance.[/B]" Jared paused before continuing, ignoring the sick look of panic and fear in Darren's eyes. "[B]I may not be interested in her like I am in other men, but that doesn't mean I don't consider her my friend.[/B]" Jared released Darren ignoring how he fell to the floor cradling his left wrist. "[B]We are heading back to the Creator, once you've gotten that wrist of yours attended to, you are to head to your quarters and work on the protocols for the shipping. I already told you about William and it wouldn't surprise me to find out that he's behind Crystal's kidnapping as well.[/B]" Jared turned and opened his hand held computer requesting that a transport door be opened, ignoring Darren as he got up and his attempts to apologize. Then after making sure Darren went through first and was headed towards the sickbay, he turned and left for the bridge. Still furious over what had happened. It just didn't make sense, Crystal was a doctor. Not an officer. But that was not the worst of it. When he got on the bridge Sandra merely motioned him to follow her to the side conference room where Stevens was already waiting. "[B]Ah Jared, I was about to call for you, it seems we have another problem as well. Just take a look at this.[/B]" Jared sat down and watched the report being about what had happened in sector four. It was unbelievable that they had managed to pull something like that off. He turned to Stevens when the report was finished. "[B]It will be public knowledge in just a little while when the High Council issues a formal report. This is far more than a single incident like sector six. I've already been talking to the High Council, the reserves must be called in to increase security through out the Empire as well as ten of the ships from our fleet here will be sent to sector six so the ships stationed there can leave immediately for sector four.[/B]" "[B]What about Commander Crystal?[/B]" Jared asked. "[B]The High Council will be assigning Kiva to head the search for Crystal. They will be contacting her shortly. I assure you, everything will be done to recover her as well as to finally put an end to the resistance.[/B]" Stevens paused for a moment. "[B]I know you want to head the search but I need you to make the necessary arrangements to take care of the loss of ten ships. We will still receive about a third of the transport ships to continue removing humans, but we will only be getting a fraction of the reinforcements until the reserves are brought into action. Just as Kiva is good and finding people, you are good at organizing the troops and deploying them effectively.[/B]" Jared frowned before responding. "[B]All right, I understand. Since Kiva will be in charge of recovering Commander Crystal I'll take care of the rest.[/B]" Jared sighed as Stevens brought up even more things that had to be dealt with. He would rather search for Crystal, but if he was honest with himself, Kiva was a much better choice than he was as her hacking skills were much better than his were.[/COLOR][/SIZE]

[COLOR=DarkRed][quote name='SunfallE][COLOR=RoyalBlue']I can at least tell you this...Jared is going to be furious so I'd keep Darren out of his path for a while. lol It won't be Darren's fault but after talking to indifference and sorting out how she thinks Jared would react, she told me that he will not be in a good mood for a while.[/COLOR][/quote]Well, I wouldn't want to spoil what's going to happen, but I'd definitely watch out if I were you Darren since once certain things happen Jared is indeed going to be quite angry. :p Anyway, I've done my part in regards to what happens to Kim so now I hand it over to you SunfallE to get the ball rolling. It ought to be fun with things going a little crazy on both sides. Even if the Empire is getting nailed the most this time. [/COLOR]

[SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkRed]It didn?t take long for Jared to join Stevens in his quarters on the Conqueror. He waited patiently, sitting in the comfy padded chair across form Stevens as he worked at his desk and finished up some of his work. It was the first time he had been in his quarters and he had to admit that the windows that went to the floor and halfway up the ceiling were quite impressive. As well as the rich furniture and sheer amount of open space, Jared had known that the quarters for the Fleet Admiral would be like this but even he was taken back by just how much had been put into them. Stevens had the same design with silver square columns a foot apart that separated the rooms yet still allowed for full view through them, but unlike his or Sandra?s quarters he had a kitchen area big enough and elaborate enough to host a formal dinner as well as a small conference room for more private discussions among him and top officers. And the remaining space with a fully stocked bar and arrangements for guests to relax was far richer than his own quarters as everything, even the chair he was sitting in was fitted with the finest silks and materials available. He also had the option of closing a room off as each column had internal shutters lying flat that could be activated to move and cover the gaps and block the view from the rest of the quarters. Jared caught himself calculating the expense as the silks on the furniture alone were worth a fortune. Something he knew as he was rather fond of silk and most of what was in the room was beyond what he could afford. Jared turned back at the sound of Stevens picking up the data chip he had set on the desk with all the updates, he continued waiting patiently for him to read through them before turning to talk to him. ?[B]Excellent work Jared. Have you informed Darren that this elusive William is a member of the resistance?[/B]? ?[B]No, I have not.[/B]? Stevens grinned, ?[B]Then do so, when the High Council first suggested that we use him for the shipping needs on Earth I questioned as to why someone like him would be considered a good choice. But when they sent me his file showing what he had done for the shipping protocols it made sense. However, as you have informed me, Darren is determined to stay as neutral as possible and though that won?t be possible anymore, knowing that this William is likely the one who hacked his clearance in the first place would be a good incentive for him to do what the High Council asks. And even if this William did not do it personally, Kim?s interrogation revealed that he is one of the top members of the resistance, so it?s likely that he approved the decision, even though such actions are uncommon for the resistance since they like to keep civilians out of things as much as possible.?[/B] Jared leaned back and crossed his legs getting a bit more comfortable before responding. ?[B]I agree, especially since in spite of his claims of neutrality, Darren has a very high level of ethics. After reviewing the case being built against his father when he was first caught being in a restricted sector and later learning that he was responsible for the change in protocols, the changes were designed to prevent the sort of thing his own father was doing.[/B]? Jared smiled, ?[B]For all his pretense of not caring it bothers him when others lie and cheat and steal for profit.[/B]? Jared paused as he snickered a bit, ?[B]He is honorable to a fault as well as being adorable.[/B]? ?[B]I know,[/B]? Stevens replied, ?[B]Otherwise, you would have already taken advantage of any dishonesty to have your way with him.[/B]? Jared shrugged, ?[B]True. If people are stupid enough to break the law they deserve what they get.[/B]? Stevens just smiled and continued, ?[B]Have you any questions for Kim? I am pretty much finished with her at this point.[/B]? Jared shook his head negatively, ?[B]I talked to Sandra about it as well and neither of us have anything to ask that hasn?t already been address in the sessions you and Crystal conducted.[/B]? ?[B]Well if you think of any you can always ask the Elite Specialist Kiva.[/B]? Jared frowned a bit, puzzled as to why he would ask Kiva, ?[B]Why would I ask her?[/B]? ?[B]Because I have decided to hand Kim over to her. When I asked her if she had any questions she said no, but recommended that we keep Kim alive and here in sector one in case something comes up. And since it is Kiva?s task to locate the remaining two bases on Earth, I am going to follow her recommendation that Kim be transferred to the Catalyst.[/B]? ?[B]I see, I hadn?t thought of that since it?s unusual for an Elite Specialist to be involved in an invasion. Though we?ve never had the problem of an extensive resistance presence on world that hadn?t been conquered yet either.[/B]? Jared said. ?[B]Exactly, and since hunting down the bases is not my task, Kim might know something that Kiva could use to find the remaining bases. Crystal has already written up a medical routine for Kiva should she need to interrogate her further, with a month of interrogations, the routine is specific enough to alert Kiva to potential danger to Kim. And Kiva hardly needs to be bothered to come to the Conqueror when the facilities onboard the Catalyst for prisoners and interrogations are better than what?s on the Conqueror.[/B]? Jared thought about that for a moment and then nodded his agreement, ?[B]Did you want me to transfer her to the Catalyst? Or is she going to be transported there?[/B]? Stevens got up and headed towards the kitchen motioning for Jared to follow, ?[B]I?ve already sent Kiva a message and asked her if she wants Kim brought to her by shuttle or for us to simply transport her over in two days. If she requests a shuttle you can take care of that if you want, if you have other obligations, I already have a security team that can take care of it for me.[/B]? Jared stopped when Stevens halted just short of the Kitchen area and turned to face him. ?[B]What are your plans for tonight??[/B] Stevens asked Jared. ?[B]I need to review the security measures being put in place for where Darren will be working in London, but that doesn?t have to be done tonight since it will take them a few more days to finish getting ready.?[/B] Jared replied. ?[B]Other than that I have nothing that needs to be done.[/B]? ?[B]Good,[/B]? Stevens said as he moved closer pulling Jared into his arms, caressing him intimately as he whispered into his left ear, ?[B]Because I already cleared my evening.[/B]? And then he smiled when Jared responded in turn. [/COLOR][/SIZE]

[SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkRed]When Jared had decided to give Darren the day off, the very last thing he had expected was to return from Earth in the early afternoon to find a message that Darren wished to talk to him. He had already prepared the information he was to discuss with Stevens when he was finished working with Kim for the day and a quick check of the system showed that Darren was still in his quarters. So after taking a moment to get cleaned up and to gather the files and information he needed, Jared headed over to Darren?s quarters since they were on the next level down. Besides he needed to talk to him anyway as the High Council wanted his recommendations on how to change the shipping to make tracking criminals like this William much easier. When Darren opened the door to let him in Jared knew something had to have happened since in spite of his efforts to hide it, something had upset him. As soon as the door shut Darren spoke. ?[B]I?m sorry to have bothered you, but I need to find out if it?s possible to have all messages from any of my relatives blocked permanently.[/B]? [I]Ah,[/I] Jared thought, [I]so the vultures have finally noticed what Darren is up to.[/I] ?[B]I take it one of them contacted you then?[/B]? Darren frowned, ?[B]Yes, my father contacted me this morning.[/B]? Jared just snickered a bit. ?[B]I?m surprised he didn?t contact you sooner.[/B]? ?[B]Sooner?[/B]? Darren asked a bit confused. ?[B]Darren, when I first investigated you to see if you were guilty of hacking your clearance to be in a restricted sector, I checked your family for any suspected resistance activity since it is standard procedure. It?s no secret to the Military that your father was skirting the edge of legality as far as dealings went. If he hadn?t retired when he did and you hadn?t cleaned up the mess he caused, within a year he would have been arrested, tried and executed for stealing funds from the shipping company he was running.[/B]? He ignored Darren?s surprised look and continued. ?[B]A fair number of your family was also in on it and would have also been arrested. I reviewed the case being built against him and the only two people that were considered innocent were, you and your younger sister. But when you took over the company and repaired the damage out of your own pocket, the case was closed.[/B]? ?[B]I see I knew my father was foolish, but I didn?t know he was being investigated.[/B]? Darren finally replied after a moment of silence, looking down at the floor instead of at Jared. ?[B]Darren, your request ties into another matter that the High Council wants you to take care of,[/B]? he paused as Darren looked back up at him, puzzled as to what the High Council could possibly want. ?[B]I forwarded your report about William to them and they want you to look into reviewing and modifying the protocols to make it easier to track merchants and yet still maintain the same level of integrity as far as shipping records go. The current system did cut down on redundant reports and reduce criminal activity, but after what happened in sector six, it?s clear that some of the resistance members are hiding as merchants. And though that?s nothing new, it is important to make it harder for them to hide in the system like they?ve been doing.[/B]? Darren just shook his head, ?[B]How does my request tie into what the High Council wants?[/B]? ?[B]It?s simple, unlike last time you will not be able to do so anonymously. The High Council has decided that once you are done, a formal report will be issued that you have been working on it since you wrote up the protocols in the first place.[/B]? ?[B]What!? But I don?t want that kind of recognition![/B]? Darren snapped angrily, he turned and stalked off to look out the window. Not realizing that Jared had followed him until he turned back to speak to him again only to find Jared right behind him. Darren stepped back in surprise. ?[B]Don?t be such an idiot Darren, you?ve been protecting your relatives long enough. By doing as the High Council requests and coming out of the shadows you will not only gain the power to disown your family, except for your sister, but it will still a number of the [I]lovely[/I] rumors running around about you and I as well.[/B]? Jared finished with an amused smile, as he knew all about the rumors in regards to him and Darren. And then he laughed at Darren who had turned bright red. ?[B]Why can?t I just have their messages refused?[/B]? He asked, almost pleadingly, ?[B]Why do I have to go public with the shipping protocols? I don?t want to...[/B]? Jared cut him off, ?[B]What? Have the merchants or your family hate you? They already do.[/B]? Jared moved forward until Darren had backed into the transparent window, banging his head in the process when he was brought up short. ?[B]There?s no reason for you to continue this pointless charade of not taking credit when even though you may not like the Military, your work with the shipping industry clearly shows an interest in the well being of the Versilan Empire. Your work not only saved both the Military and the High Council quite a bit of money, but everyone who was being hurt by price gouging from illegal dealings as well.[/B]? Jared waited for a minute to let that sink in before leaning forward and whispering, ?[B]Unless you?re saying you enjoy the rumor that you are... [I]my bitch[/I].[/B]? Jared laughed when Darren turned even redder and slid sideways to get away, stumbling and landing hard on his rear. Darren scrambled to his feet and backed away even more, but this time Jared simply smiled with amusement and didn?t follow. ?[B]Is that the High Council?s final word? That I have to go public?[/B]? Jared nodded, ?[B]It is.[/B]? Darren looked away, clenching his fists in anger, ?[B]Fine! I?ll do as the damn Council requests.[/B]? He looked back at Jared and continued bitterly, ?[B]After all you already made it clear when I first started helping with this mess that I had no choice.[/B]? ?[B]Correct, you do not.[/B]? Jared confirmed, ?[B]However, by doing this, not only will your family be disowned, except for your younger sister, once you finish improving the protocols as well as assisting with the assimilation of Earth, that will no longer be true and the fact that you were caught in a restricted sector will be pardoned and noted as having been done by the resistance.[/B]? ?[B]I only have one more question then,[/B]? Darren said, ?[B]Do I have to wait until after the formal announcement to have all attempts by my family to contact me blocked or can that be done immediately?[/B]? ?[B]Immediately of course, after all you were clearly upset when I arrived and such distractions only interfere with your performance. I would do the same for anyone under my command. So long as it was within my power to do so.[/B]? "[B]Your power to do so? Why wouldn't it be within your power?[/B]" "[B]Because some members of the military come from very power and influential families, or are like Sandra who's father is a member of the High Council. Even if I wanted to block communications, for some it is not possible. In your case however, even if the Council had not requested otherwise, I could have done as you asked, but since they did request your assistance I have to take that into account. And in this case it works in your favor since once your work becomes public, you would be within your right to require me to do as you requested.[/B]" Jared explained. Darren sighed, ?[B]I see, then please do so.[/B]? Jared bowed mockingly towards Darren before leaving to go meet with Stevens, ?[B]Consider it done.[/B]? Jared smiled as the door to Darren?s quarters closed behind him. It had been a while since he had seen Darren so flustered. It never failed to amaze him at how cute he looked when he blushed. He sighed. It was a pity he had no interest in men. [/COLOR][/SIZE]

[SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkRed]Sandra was reporting to her father and the High Council as to her progress, something that as a candidate she was required to do on a regular basis. At first it had been stressful, as members of the council would over analyze everything she did, nitpicking it apart with question after question. But then she realized it was deliberate, a tactic designed to see if she was capable of handling the expectations and of dealing with not only other Council members, but with the population. From the wealthy, to the different factions of the military and to those special units that only answered to the High Council. She had gotten use to that part of the monthly progress report; it was what they brought up at the end that usually got under her skin. Without fail they would question her current involvement with Stevens, something that had completely annoyed her since she did not like him. And unfortunately in the beginning she had been foolish enough to snip at them and barely answer their questions in regards to Stevens, after all, until she became a Council member, their betrothal was meaningless as nothing would come of it until after both of them finished their internship. Something that Stevens would finish long before she did as he had already been a candidate for years. And the average length for an internship was about eight to ten years. Sandra brought her attention back to what her father was saying. ?[B]We were surprised that you backed Stevens in regards to the matter in sector six. In the past you have avoided displaying your support whenever Stevens was involved. Explain this change.[/B]? Sandra winced slightly, bowing to hide it before replying. ?[B]In the past, even though I agreed with Stevens decisions, I chose to remain silent due to my personal dislike of him.[/B]? She paused to consider her words, something she would not have done had Jared not talked to her about it. ?[B]I realized that my silence could hurt our people, the incident in sector six required my attention regardless of whether or not I like Stevens and staying silent could have resulted in things being delayed. If I am to eventually serve on the Council, I cannot allow my personal feelings to interfere with doing what?s best for the people.[/B]? ?[B]So you admit that you were at fault by staying silent when anything involving Stevens came up and that your personal feelings were interfering with your judgment.[/B]? Her father stated. ?[B]I do,[/B]? Sandra replied. ?[B]Very well then Sandra, this session is over. I suggest you continue looking for other ways in which you may be allowing your personal feelings to interfere with your judgment, because personal feelings are a hindrance to seeing clearly what needs to be done.[/B]? Sandra merely bowed and waited for the transmission to end before straightening up and leaving the observation room just off the main bridge to return to her seat. She absent-mindedly nodded to the crew as she sat back down and pulled up what she had been working on in regards to the liaisons on Earth. But her mind was elsewhere as she was still thinking on how the session had gone. She would have liked to talk to Jared about it, but he had left to go to the Conqueror for a meeting with Stevens since he was working with him on coordinating the shuffle of troops as people were transported off the planet. Even though only half of the reinforcements had arrived since the other half were still in sector six dealing with the clean up. Most of the transport ships that had been moving the humans to their new sector were back in service so they were almost back on track for clearing out sections of Earth. It was going well, but Sandra had already been forced to delay those who once enough humans had been moved would come in and essentially terraform Earth to change the lands that had been emptied. Turning them into areas for growing both food and other products essential to the Versilan Empire. She would have liked to change everything to be more automated so that labor was not required, but it just wasn?t possible. Using Crystals to power everything was not only efficient, but didn?t put out the pollution like so many other methods did. But at the same time, growing them took time, and though they had terraformed and successfully started growing crystals on a planet in each of the main six sectors, it still was not enough. In order to maintain their comfortable lifestyle and technology, it wasn?t possible to use crystals for massive farming and other things such as machinery for cleaning and other tasks that the slaves did. The amount of usable crystals simply didn?t exist, and the recent raid in sector six had destroyed part of the standard stockpile, driving the price of crystals up. Something that the High Council had been forced to step in and put a cap on. And in the end it just wasn?t worth it to use more dirty methods since destroying the eco system on a world left you in the position of eventual starvation, something that Earth had been heading towards with the sheer amount of damage they had been doing. Sandra pulled her attention back to what she was supposed to be doing. Since the work with the liaison in the UK needed to be dealt with since in just a few days they would be focusing exclusively on that area. [/COLOR][/SIZE]

[SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkRed]When Sena finally entered the dinning room he was still feeling a bit flustered over the dolls that his roommate had. He barely noticed the rich decorations or how the circular table was cleverly done to make sure everyone could see those who were present. One of the chairs was more like a throne and the girl he had talked to outside, Wendy, was already sitting next to another young girl who was sitting next to the rich chair. Other people were starting to arrive so without giving it much thought Sena choose a seat on the opposite side of where the girls were but not the seat on the other side of the throne like chair. That had to be for Dante Lui'ci and Sena did not want to be sitting right next to him. It didn?t take long for the others to find their seats; one woman caught his eye as she was dressed in a beautiful red formal outfit with gold dragons sewn into the dress. The others were all nicely dressed as well. To his surprise when Dante Lui'ci finally showed up he was not old at all. But then he had not been close to him outside the mansion. Sena realized that he had assumed that his silver hair and cain meant he was old. Then after all the waiting, dinner finally began, and even more pleasant was that the dinner was one of his favorite dishes. Sena loved seafood, especially tuna, salmon and trout. And his was a mixture of all three served with rice all delicately flavored with a type of mesquite and honey flavor that he was fond of. It didn?t take much for him to finish his meal. It was by far the best he had ever had. Even the soft wine to go along with it was his favorite as well. Then as a servant came to take away his finished plate, one of the girls at Dante Lui?ci?s urging opened her card and proceeded to reveal her reasons for coming and why she ran away from home. Something that caused Sena to shift uncomfortably in his seat. He knew what other people thought of polygamist communities and how they considered older men having sex with young girls sick and wrong. At least he did once he was kicked out by his father that is. Sena didn?t know what to think once she was finished because at that moment his attention was drawn to another woman there who was opening her card as the Master was carefully watching her. Sena glanced back briefly at Dante only to freeze when his eyes shifted briefly to meet his before going back to watching the woman opening her card. Hastily Sena turned his attention back to the woman who turned deathly white. Her hands were shaking and quickly she put them underneath the table to hide it. Then to Sena?s surprise she excused herself and left. Just what in the world was written on her card that could upset her so much? Then within moments of her leaving he turned his attention to Wendy who was tapping her spoon against her glass and then paid attention to her story as she talked about how she was a Witch and had cursed people, in fact she almost sounded proud of it! The being a witch part that is. She went on for quite a while and to Sena it almost seemed if Dante Lui?ci seemed a tad annoyed with her response, but he covered it well. As some of the others applauded her open display of what she was Sena reached into his breast pocket and pulled out his own card, looking at his name clearly written on the front before turning it over to break the wax seal and finally open it. After watching the first couple of people he was understandably nervous as to just what would be on the card and when he finally read it, he read it again, surprised that it was so simple. Sure it wouldn?t make him any friends, but he, like the others wasn?t here to make friends. And if he was to win this he had to convince the Master that he was more worthy of the prize than the others. Though a tiny bit of him wondered about that. Not that he didn?t think he wasn?t worthy, only that he was sure all of them had very compelling reasons for being here like he did. After all if he was to regain his rightful position and put an end to his father?s excesses, he was going to need the influence and power the money would provide. Either way it was better to get it over with, at least he didn?t have to talk about stuff like the first girl Mariko did. He looked up from his card to see that the Master along with the others there were now watching him. For a moment he felt trapped by the Master?s gaze as if he were but a tiny little mouse facing a hungry cat. And then the feeling passed so quickly he wondered if he had imagined it as he stood up to address everyone. Sena started by explaining a bit about who he was and about his family, ignoring the looks of distaste since he already knew people frowned upon polygamy. And sadly in some ways it was all too true since his father, something he had learned after being kicked out, did things that were not standard practice. It was one thing for a woman to submit to her lawful husband. Being beaten and tortured and forced was something he learned that most polygamists did not do, especially to their own children, and even he had never been able to bring himself to beat or torture any of the girls he had taken. He started warming to his topic, preparing to explain that he had to win to stop his father when a mechanical sound about the Master distracted him as well as everyone else at the table. His speech forgotten as it came in full view. To his utter shock a screen came down with a video already playing, one that shook him to the core. [I]How did he?[/I] Sena thought in shock his thoughts running in circles?[I]Where did he?[/I] His thoughts? were becoming almost incoherent, as he could not believe what he was seeing! Sena was transfixed, not even noticing that he had accidentally crumpled the card up when he clenched his hands into fists. [I]How can this be possible?[/I] For the video in question was one of him when he had first started taking the girls. There was no mistaking how her hands were bound to the bed railing above her head or the tears running down her face as she cried silently, or that the person forcing themselves on her was none other than Sena. He may have only been sixteen in the video, but the view shifted to one looking from a side view, clearly showing his face, his expression one of enjoyment. Then finally the video ended and the screen went back up into the ceiling. Dante Lui?ci smiled almost cruelly, ?[B]Perhaps you could explain that to my satisfaction as well to these good people here?[/B]? Sena couldn?t move, pinned by the Master?s gaze. [I]Why?! Why am I always the one being blamed![/I] He remembered clearly how he had found his father when he was but five raping and torturing his older sister. Beating her into submission. And when no one had stopped his father, even after he had seen him do it to girl after girl over the years, telling them that it was their duty to submit to their leader. Sena honestly believed that what he did was what one was suppose to do. Though he loved his sisters and felt it was wrong for siblings to do that to one another and that hurting them was wrong too. He couldn?t bring himself to look at the others, he felt sick and angry at the same time. Anger slowly taking over as he had tried to convince the law that his father was worse than he had ever been, that he was only doing what he thought he was suppose to do. A lie that after nearly five years of telling himself that he actually on some level believed it. Sena fought the urge to leave as he vaguely remembered something about being punished if one left. Then the silence finally got to him and he snapped at Dante. ?[B]If you know about that, then you know perfectly well who taught me that doing something like that was acceptable.[/B]? He said, shaking in fearful anger. ?[B]My father, for as long as I can remember has always taken any girl once they turn twelve and has beaten, raped and tortured them repeatedly. In his own words it is their duty to submit to their master. Even my older sisters! I tried to stop him...but...all he did was punish me for interfering, for not knowing my place as he put it.[/B]? A thought that caused his throat to constrict painfully as he still remembered their cries of pain when their beloved daddy hurt them, how his father had beaten him senseless when he had tried to stop him. But a five year old was no match for a grown adult. He felt hot tears running down his cheeks. Sena paused as Dante merely raised his right eyebrow and said nothing. Prompting Sena to speak yet again. ?[B]When the authorities came to put an end to such excess, my father,?[/B] he said angrily, ?[B]claimed I was the one who had done all this when in fact I never once beat or tortured any girl and I did not know you were not suppose to force yourself on them either.[/B]? Then just as suddenly his anger left and Sena collapsed into his seat. ?[B]Don?t you see Dante? I have to put an end to what my father is doing, I have to make right the wrongs I have committed as well as the atrocities he is still committing.[/B]? He choked unable to continue ignoring the looks of disgust he was certain the others were sending his way. He wanted to leave to head to his room, but he knew if he did the temptation to try and pack his things and leave would be too great. Instead he looked down at his hands, refusing to look at anyone. Trying to still the shaking of his hands that were tightly clasped together on his lap. And the tears that still flowed down his cheeks.[/COLOR][/SIZE]

[COLOR=DarkRed]Ah the question of popularity, or rather perceived notion of popularity. There?s no denying that some people get noticed but that doesn?t necessarily mean they are popular. Anyway?[quote name='ForgotteÑ-HerÖ][COLOR=Blue]Who's your favorite member and why? [/COLOR] [/QUOTE]That would be rather hard to say since there are a fair number of people here that even though I?ve never spoken to them I enjoy reading their posts, making them one of my favorite members here at OB. But to narrow it down, I?ll only mention the ones I do talk to. Rachmaninoff is a given since like he mentioned we are friends in real life and have been for about ten years. And there are quite a few I?ve met since I?ve joined, like SunfallE, Aaryanna and her Mom, Mariskah, James and Des. And I?m sure there are more that I?m forgetting. [QUOTE=ForgotteÑ-HerÖ][COLOR=Blue]What members have gotten popular?[/COLOR][/QUOTE]I really don?t pay attention to this, but I do notice a lot of talented graphic artists when they get feedback in their threads, and members who post stories in the Anthology section of the boards. As well as others who I see around the boards a lot.[QUOTE=Peanut][font=tahoma][size=1]It's like being a moderator, you don't seek to become a mod, they ask you. That's how I view it atleast. [/font'][/size][/quote]And it goes without saying that being noticed or being a mod doesn?t necessarily mean you're popular either. The Complaint thread certainly proved that. Being asked to be a mod if anything made me unpopular instead of popular. lol [/COLOR]

[COLOR=DarkRed][quote name='The13thMan][COLOR=DarkOrange][FONT=Century Gothic]So, what do you guys think about prostitution? Like it, dislike it? Should it be legalized? (Somebody please say you want to legalize it at least for the sake of discussion, i know most are probably against it.) [/FONT'][/COLOR][/quote]Interesting that you would say what do you [B]guys[/B] think about it...Though I'm sure that's not what you meant. As for the topic, I've never even considered it. To sell myself in that manner or to seek services from one who would. I don't know that it should be legalized, but it certainly wouldn't hurt as some people might think. It's already legal in Nevada and I understand that for the most part things do run fairly smoothly. Usually such brothels are outside the city in the first place and thus avoid the notion that property value would decrease. If anything it's the illegal prostitution going on in neighborhoods that cause that type of problem. As well as the crime, drugs and sex-slavery and such that occurs. In the end I really have no objection so long as there's a high amount of supervision and that residential area's remain off limits for setting up a brothel. But if they want to build a place outside of town and regulate it to reduce crime, STD's, illegal drug abuse and the other negative aspects, then by all means go for it. Since as others have already pointed out, between two consenting adults, if it's legal for them to have sex anyway, why should it be illegal for money to be involved?[/COLOR]

[COLOR=DarkRed][quote name='Rachmaninoff]I've decided Crystia, every character you control, even if it's remotely, is completely psycho! [/QUOTE]Why thank you! I do my best. Though remember Jared was already one mean customer before I took over his character. And I wrote my post with Stevens based on info SunfallE gave me. :p[QUOTE=Rachmaninoff']But more importantly, please send Kim to sector one! I'm begging both you and who ever else in here decides! That way having the resistance snatch her before she gets there would be less cliched and poor Kim would finally be free! [/quote]Meh I agree with Takuya, it may be less cliched, but it's still cliched. Especially since the original story this was based on was not a happy go lucky everyone lives story. And though Kim is a fairly major character, so was Nathan who died in the first part of the story before the RPG. Also, the method of rescuing her is very similar to what happened with Jason, Celestia, Daniel and Kim being picked up by the resistance in the first place. So the military, especially Stevens would already be on their guard against such a tactic in the first place since the last rescue made the Versilan Military and the High Council look like fools. Something that only served to help the resistance. So in my opinion, especially after what happened in sector six and with the raids stealing supplies. Stevens would be cautious to the point that he wouldn't send her on a regular transport but on something far more secure to ensure she arrived intact for her execution. Ultimately it's up to both SunfallE and Aaryanna_Mom since Kim is her character. But if she is executed, a very realistic possibility, there's nothing to stop Aaryanna_Mom from introducing another character to the mix to take her place. ;) And that's my two cents on Kim getting free, even if it makes me look heartless and cruel. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=DarkRed][QUOTE=Aaryanna][COLOR=DarkRed] if I got the innuendos or implications in regards to Stevens, Jared and Kim off let me know and I'll fix it okay? //snip// I wanna pull Stevens strings again since it was fun! I wanna! I wanna! [pouts][/COLOR][/QUOTE]No danger there, hehe, you did a great job with the implications and such. The way you had Crystal irritated over what they like to do was perfect. As for pulling Stevens strings, it is fun isn't it? I could easily see him making Crystal blush a bit with a very innocent kiss on the cheek. ;) [CENTER]--------------------------------------------[/CENTER] [B]EDIT:[/B] Sorry I took so long to put up another post, school and homework this week was a royal pain in the rear. :animesigh I'll have more time this weekend to be more active and next week should be better since I won't have any horrid tests to take. And I'll have even more time the following week since it will be spring break and I don't have anywhere to go other than to harass Darren and his friends. :p [/COLOR]

[SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkRed]Normally Stevens enjoyed the expansive view from his quarters with specially designed windows that went from the floor and curved till they ended halfway in the ceiling. He liked nothing better than to get comfortable in one of the massive padded chairs, slightly tilted back and either enjoy the view of the stars as he enjoyed a drink or simply went over the reports in a relaxed manner with his handheld computer. Unlike the standard quarters on a flagship for the Commodore, his was fitted to reflect his status as the Fleet Admiral and the huge open space was similar to how it was done in Jared?s and Sandra?s quarters with square columns from floor to ceiling a foot apart. Only in his case the main room, the area with the desk and the section for eating was quite a bit bigger. The same could be said of the restroom and his sleeping area. And unlike others his sleeping quarters had the same effect of floor to halfway up the ceiling windows. The only difference, they were designed that he could see out but no one could see in. And if he so choose he could with a simple command change it to where even he could not see out. He shifted in the padded chair centered in the main room of his quarters until he was sitting more upright to look at the screen of his handheld computer. Though he was finally getting useful information from Kim, it was turning out to be less useful than he had hoped for. For one thing she did not know the exact location of the other two bases, and even the one she had been in, other than to know it was in Australia she had not known where. He had tried repeatedly during the past few days to pin her down only to have her laugh hysterically at him, gloating over her lack of knowledge. And laughing even more when she saw his expression of disbelief. The only thing he had gotten out of her was that one was in Europe and the other in the US. But both of them were far from small when it came to searching, making the information nearly useless. About the only good thing was the list of Versilan?s she knew personally at the base in the US and the fact that former Commander Daniel Landers was indeed in charge of the resistance stationed on Earth. Something that certainly explained why this branch was so effective, it was the first one he had dealt with one that was being run by a former Commander in the Military, and it showed. He didn?t have to guess at understanding military tactics, he knew them by heart. And the sheer audacity and near perfect timing that went into the resistance raiding twenty military troop encampments and not only stealing the supplies as well as destroying part of the facility along with the computers for each one was impressive, especially when not one resistance member was caught. Stevens shook his head; it was a good thing the reinforcements would be arriving soon since they were dangerously close to having real riots on their hands after the news of the raids spread across Earth. He pulled up another aspect of the interrogation as well. He had already been certain that both Celestia Lynn Henderson & Jason Eric Sanders were on Earth so having that confirmed was a good thing, but still fairly useless since the knowledge didn?t help any. Unlike learning about Commander Daniel, knowing he was in charge required a shift in tactics, as soon as he had the necessary manpower to do so. Now he just had to decide what to actually do with Kim. He would be working on her for about another week to re-verify some of the information he got since he was fairly certain at this point he had gotten all that there was to get. It really was a pity that he simply didn?t have the time to bend her to his will and completely break her. Someone like her who had had held out nearly a month would have been an interesting challenge. Since the previous record for someone holding out had been two weeks, even Commander Daniel had been broken in just one day. Though he suspected Jared?s technique of using the recording of his mother?s execution along with his own unique methods had brought that about. He sighed, no it would probably be better to send her to sector one for a public execution, that would at least serve as a good example to other military personal as to what happened to those who committed treason. He closed the handheld and set it aside on a small low table near the chair he was relaxing in. After all he didn?t have to decide that immediately. A quick glance at his glass showed that the ice in his drink had completely melted while he had been preoccupied. With a grimace he got up and took it over to dispose of it in favor of a new drink. Watered down alcohol was not what he enjoyed. Then once he was done he went to his desk to start writing up a response to what the Elite Specialist had sent him earlier. At the time he had still been involved in a session with Kim and even then when he was finished he wanted to go over some details of the reports he had Jared taking care of before he sent them their update. Stevens started up his workstation and began reviewing what they sent earlier once again. Five control stations along with three relay stations each had been successfully destroyed and the disturbance tracked to narrow down one of the bases location. Not as much as he would have liked, but definitely much smaller than Kim?s information that there was one in Europe. Especially since the necessary equipment to build a base underwater was far too bulky to hide, literally. Then the part of Kiva?s report about how the programming information and the actual programs written by Jason and Celestia were not only useful; but led Kiva to believe there was a good chance that not only was the program for separating the control stations from the relays programmed by Jason and Celestia, but that they were responsible for hacking the updates system as well. Stevens smiled; if that were the case then Kiva would certainly appreciate a full copy of the program being used to hack the updates. One of his specialists on the Conqueror had written a program to snag it intact. And after quite a few attempts he had finally gotten one. Stevens attached a copy of it to the update for Kiva and her crew. Perhaps knowing about it would help her trace it to one of the bases, or at least narrow down the search area. As well as knowing about former Commander Daniel being in charge since even though he was not in the Military anymore, some of his tactics might reflect how the military did things and might make it easier for her to spot patterns in their attacks as he included the information on the disruptions the resistance was causing as well. A chime indicated a message was being sent to him. He opened it up to see that it was from Jared indicating that he had been delayed on Earth and could not make it in time for his meeting with Stevens, attached was a summary of his report in regards to what Stevens had assigned him. Stevens sent back a message for Jared to report to him anyway when he was done and then he quickly reviewed what he had sent him. To his disappointment, there was nothing that would be useful for the Elite Specialist. He closed the report and then went back to the one he has started on for Kiva, in addition to the update that former Commander Daniel along with Jason and Celestia as well as Sara were to be captured alive, he also sent the copy of the program that was being used to hack the systems. Then he included the information from Kim that in addition to a base being in Europe, something that Kiva already knew, there was also one in the US. Though there were no specifics as to its location. The only clue, one he had already sent, indicating that before the invasion Kim, Daniel and Sara had been living in Denver Colorado, though he highly doubted the base was under that city. Now that the communication between the resistance here and other factions had been severely crippled Kiva's duties were to continue her search for the wanted criminals. And to find and destroy the bases as well as any safe house in use by the resistance. He finished by making sure to complement her and her crew on a job well done. There was no doubt in his mind that Kiva was exceptionally good at her duties. Especially since he had worked with Elite Commander Hays, he would have allowed his arrogance to overlook details like the programs written by a supposedly inferior race that Kiva simply used to her advantage. After all he had failed to see that a supposedly lowly military personal such as Kiva would find out he was a traitor. Kiva may not have been in an Elite Military Unit, but that didn?t mean she wasn?t good at her job. And in the end she was far more efficient and talented than Hays with his decades of training and Command experience had ever been. Stevens looked over the information he had for Kiva, since there was nothing else to add he sent it off to her. Wishing he had more to give her to go on, still he was certain she would find the resistance, after all she had already proven she was capable of so much more with even less information than he had to give her. Stevens was confident that Kiva would find the resistance and deal with them.[/COLOR][/SIZE]

[COLOR=DarkRed]Same here, I know next to nothing about real weapons as well. But if we can use fantasy like you suggested Sandy, I'd whip out a Summoned Creature Desbreko and sit back and watch the fur fly. I know I would find it entertaining. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=DarkRed][quote name='SunfallE][COLOR=RoyalBlue'] I don?t have a problem with swearing but I?ve seen far to many shows that depend on gore or swearing instead of genuine acting and a good script. So it?s nice to see, even if they don?t have a choice, shows that have more work put into them instead of relying on swearing to provide impact or humor. [/COLOR][/quote]Agreed, swearing to me is something that is used to build the story or show or to give it depth, not a crutch to cover a poor script or terrible acting. And sadly I've seen far to many that once you remove the gore or swearing, are terrible shows. So I've found some of the switch in shows a bit refreshing as well since it can be harder to express things once those cuss words are stripped out, forcing them to be a bit more creative. At least in my opinion. All it takes is watching some of the older movies and then comparing it to the more modern re-make that is essentially a gore and swearing fest to see that more gore and swearing isn't a good thing. Personally I prefer it if swearing is left out and saved for when it really does give a deeper meaning and impact instead of a '[I]Oh my God! How dare they censor me! I'll cuss if I want to![/I]' type of deal since at that point you've left behind worrying about whether or not the script or acting is good just to get those swear words in. And because I like sitting down and watching a good dramatic or funny film that I can recommend to anyone of just about any religion or age and not worry about whether or not they will be offended by swearing. Because in the end, if I really want to watch the mature stuff, it's easy to find.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=DarkRed][quote name='Neko']One of the rules for this adventure was that you cannot divulge the information on your card to anyone, regerdless of circumstances.[/quote]Perhaps I was not clear enough, I understood the no revealing to be [I]before [/I]the character does what is written on the card, because a certain part of my card isn't possible without revealing what it says and then following up with my characters reaction to it. I can hide most of it but part of it will be unavoidable as it's suppose to happen. [/COLOR]