Horendithas

[COLOR=DarkRed][quote name='James][font=arial']Nah the whole idea was for a member to create it. Nothing special is needed.[/font][/quote]Well when you put it like that, since I can make pretty basic avatars and I do have some pictures that are pretty decent quality. Here's one of each character, well other than the prince since I couldn't find that one. Anyway, nice and simple with a tiny bit of improvement in the colors with a 1 pixel black border. [IMG]http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/3144/vaanjb4.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/1231/baschmo7.jpg[/IMG] [/COLOR]

[SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkRed]It had been several days since the resistance had destroyed the supplies at the shipping facility in sector six. Not only had all the buildings been leveled on the planet, but the resulting shock wave from the crystals going up had resulted in the stores on the station as well as the ones on the smaller ships going up as well. The investigation was far from complete, but the initial data indicated that it was their own cargo of crystals going up that destroyed the smaller ships since it had been determined that the shock wave only seemed to affect other crystals within a certain range that weren?t heavily shielded. It was rather interesting to read since unless they found out otherwise, it was looking like the civilians caught in the crossfire had been accidental instead of planned. No one had ever destroyed so many crystals at the same time and the military?s top experts had been quick to point out that even their own models as to the results predicted a shock wave less than half the strength of what had actually occurred. And even then, the shock wave in question primarily affected other crystals not flesh and blood. Other than those on the planet and those in the ships that had broken apart, no one else had been hurt. Which just reinforced Jared?s assessment that who ever had done this was very smart. Due to illegal smuggling, the military ran the storage on the planets surface so the only ones affected by the initial explosions that set the crystals off were military personal. If the smaller ships with cargo's of Crystals hadn?t been within range, only the military would have suffered casualties as well as the annoyance of the fleet being knocked out of hyperspace. And though a number of the smaller military ships were extensively damaged, no one in the fleet had been hurt. Jared closed the reports, along with the ones he had been working on from Earth in regards to potential resistance activity. Though he was not directly involved in the clean up and investigation in sector six, it still meant more work for him. He had not realized just how many of the reports for suspected resistance activity on Earth were totally useless. [I]This needs to end,[/I] he thought as he got up and headed toward the bathroom in his quarters. [I]Over ninety percent of the reports are completely false and to say your neighbor is a member just because you don?t like their cat? [/I] Jared sighed as he entered the bathroom and quickly stripped down before entering the shower and turning it on, taking a moment to relax under the warm water before cleaning up. Then he turned it off and grabbed one of the thick white towels hanging just outside the actual shower and began to towel off as he walked out of the shower.[I] We need to either do away with the reporting system or start punishing people for frivolous reports. Starting with the woman who reports anyone who owns a cat.[/I] He didn?t remember the exact number, but she had put in over fifty reports since the invasion. A moment later after drying his hair and grabbing a clean pair of underwear and silk pajama shorts and getting dressed, he walked back out into the main room and over to the kitchen area and fixed himself a drink before wandering over to look out the windows to see Earth. [I] Better yet,[/I] he thought as he took a sip of his drink,[I] we need to see if there is a pattern of misinformation. One that would indicate that the misleading reports are actually coming from a member of the resistance.[/I] Since he was sure they were putting in fake reports to throw them off. With a sigh he finished his drink and walked over to place the dirty glass in the bin for such things before heading to his bedroom. What he?d really like was some time for recreation instead of constantly being required to work since in addition to the mess in sector six, the removal of the extra humans had slowed down due to many of the transport ships being diverted to assist with the disaster in sector six. It wasn?t too bad, but it made it harder since he had planned on being able to shuffle the troops on Earth to help keep trouble areas under control and he couldn?t do that until the area they were in were evacuated. With yet another sigh he climbed into his bed and issued the command to turn the lights out. [/COLOR][/SIZE]

[COLOR=DarkRed][quote name='Neko]So, just as a heads up, [B]when dinner starts, I would like to begin the dinner...proceedings after Kairi has seated us.[/B][/QUOTE]So does this mean that you intend to be the first one to either do as your card says or as BKstyles mentioned:[QUOTE=BKstyles][FONT=Tahoma']Concerning the card posts, I imagine while some are probably not as bad as others...but what if the character is reluctant to do what the card says? Can it be included in the RP that the character does not think it would be a big deal if he lied about the card or even didn't do what it says?[/FONT][/quote]Simply post along the lines of your character not following through? Also I was wondering, if a character decides to not follow through are people still suppose to post what it said from the prospective of them reading it when they open it? Because part of my post will be Sena's thoughts as he is reading what it tells him to do so I was planning on including what the card actually said. [spoiler]And I don't mean my character since Sena will be doing what his card tells him to do [/spoiler][/COLOR]

[COLOR=DarkRed]Welcome to OtakuBoards [B]FlobeeShinobi[/B], If you wish to discuss this show simply go here: [thread=38540]Berserk[/thread] But posting just to get information where it is hosted illegally is not acceptable as links to copyrighted materials is not allowed. Please take a moment to review the Rules and FAQ located on the left side of the forum as well as the sticky on How to Post in Anime Lounge. Also a reminder for you as well [B]Sojio[/B], just as providing information for pirated materials is not allowed, backseat modding is not allowed either. If either one of you has questions feel free to pm myself or another member of the staff. ~indifference [B] Thread Closed[/B][/COLOR]

[SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkRed]Jared had barely left his quarters to head down to Earth when he received an incoming message on his handheld computer instructing him to join Fleet Admiral Stevens on the Conqueror. No explanation was offered so with a shrug he put it back into the small pouch that attached to his right side just and hurried over to see just what Stevens wanted. At first nothing seemed out of place, but when he was walking though the corridors of the Conqueror he noticed that there was an uneasy feeling, as crew members seemed to be upset over something.[I] I wonder what?s happened?[/I] It was unusual for the crew to be upset. Most of them were to well trained to show it. Frowning slightly, he finally entered the observation room only to find both Stevens and Sandra already there, talking with several members of the High Council. Without a word Jared quickly sat down to the right of Sandra curious as to what could have brought about this unexpected turn of events. Sandra had already turned on the console for him and though he kept an eye on the main viewer and the conversation between Stevens and the High Council members, he quickly read through the summary of what had happened in sector six. [I]They actually managed to pull this off?[/I] He thought incredulously as he looked through the initial damage estimates. Jared winced, an operation of this scale should have never happened. And the way the person responsible coordinated it to affect the reinforcements that were supposed to have come to Earth was nothing short of brilliant. Whoever was responsible was smart. Jared looked up from the screen at the mention of the Elite Specialist from one of the High Council members. [I]I need to pay attention, [/I]he thought. ?[B]No,[/B]? Stevens was saying. ?[B]If you want a specialist to check into how this could have happened, send someone else. The task Kiva Salqarian is currently involved in is too important. She may be the closest, but then it would take several weeks to get another one here to take her place and it?s not worth it just to save a few days time in getting someone there.[/B]? ?[B]I don?t agree,[/B]? One of the members, replied to Stevens. ?[B]Getting someone there immediately is more important than tracking down a communication relay system.[/B]? ?[B]Oh really?[/B]? Stevens replied, an edge of irritation creeping into his voice. ?[B]Have you even bothered to read the reports I have been sending you? The resistance here has been hacking into our systems.[/B]? He paused to let that sink in. ?[B]That?s right gentlemen, the supposedly secure system of the Conqueror no less. It?s entirely possible that they got the information they needed to pull this off from this location. If I send Kiva as you seem to think is best, merely to get someone there two days quicker, you leave things open for even more information to be passed on while we wait for a replacement. Don?t be so damn short sighted! We need to cut off that line of communication before it?s used to pull off something even worse![/B]? Jared smiled a little at Steven?s audacity. In some ways he was like Crystal in that respect, as he had no trouble pointing out if you were an idiot. And just like when she did it, Jared enjoyed watching it. ?[B]You don?t know for sure that they got the information in that manner Stevens.[/B]? ?[B]And you don?t know that they didn?t.[/B]? He shot right back at them. ?[B]Honestly people, think about this. Unless you intend to revoke the authority you gave me to do as I see fit, Kiva stays here.[/B]? He held up a hand to stay the protests. ?[B]I?ve already sent the Specialist who was stationed in sector fourteen along with a third of the fleet there. Unlike Earth, the situation there is stable and two days won?t make enough of a difference to matter, especially since I?ve already ordered the ships and troops there to start assisting with the clean up immediately. Even the ships that were simply pulled out of hyperspace without being damaged.[/B]? Sandra spoke up causing everyone to turn and give her their full attention. ?[B]We need to be working on fixing the damage instead of squabbling over getting someone there quicker.[/B]? She leaned back and crossed her arms in disgust. ?[B]Finding out what happened is important, but seeing to the needs of the people must come first unless you want to have panicking and riots. Stevens is right, two days will not make a difference and leaving ourselves open here is unacceptable. Honestly, use your brains and think. If we ignore the people in favor of investigations it will only play into the resistance?s favor, making us look like we don?t give a damn about the common person. And that is an attitude we cannot afford.[/B]? Surprised both Jared and Stevens looked at Sandra as if she had gone a bit nuts. Though they agreed with her, it was highly unusual for her to voice her support when it concurred with Steven?s point of view. Jared resisted the urge to snicker at Stevens and the High Council?s dumbfounded expressions. It looked like someone had literally smacked all of them from behind. Sandra stood up, ?[B]Take it however you wish, but I for one do not intend to waste my time arguing with [I]fools[/I] when it could be better spent helping to organize relief and operations from here as well as tending to my duties in regards to the liaisons for Earth.[/B]? And with a stiff bow she turned her back on all of them and left. A heavy silence descended once Sandra had left, leaving Jared to wonder just what the High Council was going to do. And to his relief, her own father finally spoke up. ?[B]Very well, Stevens, Kiva stays and though her choice of words were lacking, Sandra is correct in that we all have things to take care of. We will take care of things on this end in regards to managing resources to make sure what is needed is sent immediately. Keep us informed of your progress in regards to both Earth and sector six. [/B]? ?[B]Well that was fun,[/B]? Jared said when the communication closed. ?[B]Anything you wish me to take care of?[/B]? Stevens just sighed, ?[B]Nothing we have time for I?m afraid. Though if you can manage it, it would be useful if you took over following up on the leads we?ve been getting from Earth on the resistance and wanted criminals.[/B]? ?[B]Consider it done.[/B]? Jared replied as he got up and excused himself from the observation room. [/COLOR][/SIZE]

5:50 pm ~ in the hallway just outside the dinning room. [INDENT][SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkRed][I]What the hell am I doing?[/I] Sena thought. He had intended to simply leave the shared quarters and head back towards the entrance to find someone to direct him to where dinner would be held. But instead at the last moment his curiosity got the better of him and he had turned instead to see if his new roommate had similar furnishing like he did. He had even thought to see if he was ready to head for where dinner would be. But of all things he had not expected to see Dolls in such a place. Without even realizing he was doing so, he pulled back a bit, clenching his hands into fists. He swallowed nervously when Allen explained that he use to make them as a child. [I]Use to make them? [/I]He shuddered at the thought. [I]Who would want to make them? [/I] [I]Be calm,[/I] he reminded himself. [I]After all no one understands just how horrible they really are.[/I] When he had been kicked out by his family the councilor the law forced him to visit had tried to get him to explore why dolls bothered him. But it had taken very little for Sena to realize that she just couldn?t understand. So he had rarely discussed how they disgusted him even with her. She had not understood and had insisted that he was really afraid of something else. So he had told her what she wanted to hear, spoke the words required to sooth her mind so they could move on to other stuff and more importantly he could quit wasting his time as he had better things to do than talk with her. With a start Sena realized that Allen was still waiting for him to respond. He cursed inwardly at making such an obvious mistake, flushing over the implied rudeness. He forced himself to unclench his fists and take a deep breath. [I]Think idiot! You have to say something![/I] ?[B]I?m sorry,[/B]? he said. ?[B]Though I was curious as to what your room was like I didn?t mean to intrude.[/B]? Sena smiled weakly. ?[B]The drapes don?t really work the same as a door do they? I?ll be sure to knock on the wall next to the plaque with your name before I enter again, okay?[/B]? [I]There that should work,[/I] he thought. [I]Let him think I was embarrassed over realizing that I simply barged in. [/I] And though he couldn?t read Allen?s smile, he was relieved when Allen simply agreed to do the same and knock before entering his room should he ever need to talk to him. Sena just nodded mindlessly and then hastily retreated to leave the room, glancing at his watch as he did so. 5:48 PM almost time for dinner. He moved to enter the hallway, pausing to take a moment to wipe his hands on his pants, as his palms were sweaty. With a sigh of relief he turned left after leaving the room and immediately headed towards the entrance. Pausing only when he encountered one of the servants who cheerfully directed him towards the dinner room. He thanked them politely and headed off in that direction. [/COLOR][/SIZE][/INDENT]

[COLOR=DarkRed][quote name='TherapySessions]The links that indifference provided did nothing to disprove anything that I said, infact it was completely non-related. What does someone being stupid enough to do drugs then drive a car have to do with any of the points that I have made? Also "any kid" can disprove what points I made exactly? Which in particular - and why don't you?[/QUOTE]Perhaps not to LSD, but your skipping over the other parts about issues surrounding babies born to mothers who use illegal drugs like cocaine and heroin. The point was relevant to the thread in that illegal drugs are dangerous, though not always in the same manner. You?re quoting me out of context since I clearly stated that I was referring to illegal drugs and not just LSD. Aaryanna_Mom was merely pointing out that there is data showing that some of the illegal drugs out there are quite dangerous something the two links I provided showed. You also left off the ending statement on LSD: [B]Because we do not know exactly what effect these drugs have on unborn babies, it's wise to avoid them as an unnecessary risk. [/B]That?s a rather relevant point that they do not know wouldn?t you say?[QUOTE=TherapySessions]However, this is irrelevant to any of the points that I have made, what's people being thick enough to take drugs when driving or pregnant got to do with anything?[/QUOTE]Everything, since making an illegal drug legal runs into the ramifications of the consequences of taking such drugs while one is pregnant or is going to be driving. LSD may not have a detrimental effect on the baby, but it sure as hell will on one?s ability to drive. Or even on a pregnant mother since being on an LSD trip isn?t exactly a good way to prepare for having a child. [QUOTE=Aaryanna_Mom']Harm is not limited to the physical side of drug use only [/quote]Quoted for truth, I?d certainly hate to see a mother with young children on LSD, I?m sure their kids would appreciate a mother who was too out of her mind to take care of them for part of the day or night should the need arise. And in general as to why any of this is relevant. You seem to be arguing that LSD is safe and should be legal, and others are countering with potential problems. Which include driving while one is high, It's extremely relevant since making it legal includes the increased danger of people driving while using such drugs. To pretend it isn't a factor would be irresponsible and dangerous. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=DarkRed]I've kind of wondered about that myself, in regards to the card posts. Or is that the nature of the game in that if the character decides to not follow the card, will the Master be the one initiating the punishment? Or rather will you [B]Kairi[/B] be the one to write what happens to our character in a post should we choose to not do as we have been instructed? Since the e-mail our character got indicated that something of equal value had to be sacrificed in order to not do as the Card says and I can't imagine the Master giving the person a choice in advance. Especially since you've referred to your character as being a sick bastard. :p [/COLOR]

[SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkRed]Back in the huge bedroom off the main room that was his Sena took a moment to take in just how luxurious it really was. Everything from the soft silk sheets and bedding was simply perfect. But still it was a bit disappointing considering what the e-mail had said? [INDENT]Within the walls of my home, everything you ever wished for will be granted to you. And I mean....everything. All the deepest, darkest desires of your heart will be yours. Whatever pleasure you seek for yourself...will be granted to you. If you desire love, sex, money, drugs, food...all of life?s commodities will be yours.[/INDENT] Though the entire area, even to the level of subtle privacy in regards to having a roommate, was luxurious and suitably impressive, it just didn?t fit what he had been expecting. Had this Dante Lui'ci even been sincere when he said ?[I]And I mean?everything.[/I]? Or was that something that would only happen after staying in the home for six months and being declared the winner? Sena picked up his belongings with the intent of putting things away and seeing if he had anything remotely suited to wear to dinner in such a grand place, a thought that was redundant as opening the tall wardrobe revealed several types of suits and tuxedos made of the finest materials he had ever seen. And each and every one of them were just his size. With a smile Sena ran his right hand along one of the finer silk tuxedos in soft black and white. It was even the style he preferred to wear, one of a more casual and yet still stylish look. A quick look in the other drawers revealed other clothing just as rich and well crafted as the tuxedo was. Quickly he pulled out what he needed and went into the huge bathroom to change. It didn?t take long and a few minutes later he turned around to face a huge set of floor to ceiling mirrors in the restroom. A few turns to make sure everything was in place and then he stepped back into the bedroom. Only this time he noticed what seemed to be a slight movement in the hanging tapestries on the wall behind the bed. He had given little thought to them other than to note that they were of an Oriental origin and that the style suited his tastes. But it surprised him that there would actually be enough of a draft to move such a heavy tapestry. Or rather the section between the bed and the bathroom. Curious he moved to check it, even going so far as to peek behind it. To his surprise there was a slightly opened door leading elsewhere. Of all the things to be found, he had not expected to find a lushly padded room that to be blunt was for nothing more than two individuals to amuse themselves however they saw fit. With yet another huge bed and sofas and chairs with the same soft silk material and bedding that was in the main bedroom. Just thinking about what such a room was for was almost enough to make him blush a little since though he preferred little girls, he had been anything but discreet when it came to members of both sexes since he was kicked out by his father. A quick glance at his watch showed that he really didn?t have enough time to explore the room. He closed the door with a smile as to what it implied, making sure the tapestry was in place when he stepped back. And as he walked back into the main room towards the door leading to the hallway, he wondered if his roommate had a similar room and if so, just what was in his room.[/COLOR][/SIZE]

[COLOR=DarkRed][quote name='TherapySessions']indifference - Erowid.org is possibly the largest non-bias drug resource on the planet, I have also heard of it being used by medical professionals (where did you hear this, just interested - do you work in the medical industry?), it's not at all suprising seeing as there is little else with that scale of information on various chemicals. It's a website which I'd imagine has saved many lives due to it's factual information and harm reduction mission. Something which government "down with the kids" style websites like talktofrank are not capable of (massive amounts of downright dangerous misinformation).[/quote]It may be non-biased as far as factual information goes, but the links you provided to testimonials are far from being non-biased. One can hardly take the word of someone taking a drug and saying how it made them feel as any form of scientific or reliable source for proving such drugs are harmless. As for my source, I work with victims of domestic violence where it?s estimated anywhere from 10 to 20 percent of all battering cases are made worse by drug and alcohol abuse. Something I have seen with my own eyes. This isn?t recent since it?s hard to get reliable data for this type of thing since so many centers keep their files confidential. But here?s an online article that brief addresses the issue of drug abuse being linked to battering. [URL=http://www.womanabuseprevention.com/html/substance_abuse.html ]Article[/URL] And to be clear, it is understood that the drug or alcohol doesn?t make them batter, but rather it contributes to the problem making it worse since plenty of abusers out there will still do so without any drugs or alcohol in their system. As for the bit about professionals using it, I?ve read different articles over the years, like this one: [URL=http://www.laweekly.com/general/features/dont-get-high-without-it/1739/ ]Erowind[/URL] where they talk about the pros and cons of Erowid. It wasn?t a compliment, but rather a stark reminder that if the drugs were so harmless, they wouldn?t need to search for information on how to treat idiots who haven?t a clue as to what they are doing when they experiment with illegal substances or legal ones for that matter. Which is why so many of them are illegal in the first place, as most people do not have the training or knowledge needed to safely use them. And just reading about it on a site doesn?t cut it.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=DarkRed]Welcome to OtakuBoards [B]EtherForce[/B], Please do not start threads asking members to do something you yourself can do through various sources such as a Google or Yahoo search. OtakuBoards is not an Internet search engine. However if you wish to put the same information in your signature asking other members to pm you if they know where you could find the set, that is just fine. Since that way every time you post people will see it. If you have any questions feel free to pm myself or another member of the staff. ~indifference [B]Thread Closed[/B][/COLOR]

[SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkRed]All it took was Darren?s reaction to the clip of Sara entering the building and then how it cut to her leaving much later for Jared to confirm his suspicions that they had indeed run into each other. And his complete and total switch to pure panic and fear was also more than enough for him to administer the shot he had prepared earlier. Unlike Kim who had been an officer and would have received training in how to resist being drugged, Darren had not. Still Jared did not plan on actually torturing him so he had prepared a rather potent mixture of three different truth serums, something that even a Versilan would have a hard time resisting even with training, something that if given to a human would kill them. Jared waited patiently for it to take effect saying nothing else after his last statement, which only made Darren even more nervous, he could see it in his eyes and body language as he made an effort to somehow sink into the sofa and disappear, stammering to the effect that he had not joined the resistance. Something that Jared was inclined to believe. Then when Darren started to get the glazed look in his eyes that was a result of the truth serum. Jared got up and the reached over, ignoring Darren?s startled cry and how he instinctively clutched at his hand where he had grabbed him and pulled him to his feet. He dragged him over to one of the simple padded chairs surrounding the table in his kitchen area and then swiftly bound him to it by virtue of pulling his hands behind him and fastening the restraints so Darren was now attached to the chair. Jared didn?t need to bind him, but it was an effective tool to further unbalance Darren and ensure that what he got was the truth. Then after pulling up another chair so he was facing him he began. It didn?t take long to get what had happened from him, and like he had thought fear had been a factor. After all Sara had nearly killed him the first time they had met. He had probably thought that he was going to die when he realized just who was in the room with him. But for him to actually warn her that he was coming, he shook his head. It never failed to amaze him at how blind the merchants were when it came to him. Jared knew about their little code and steering others away from members of the military they thought were ruthless. He moved closer to continue once Darren was done telling him what had happened. ?[B]You disappoint me Darren, I know all about your precious little merchant code and I can even understand why you might feel the need to have warned her. But at the same time it just shows how ignorant and short-sighted you really are.[/B]? He moved a little closer before continuing. ?[B]Have you ever bothered to find out if the rumors about me are even true?[/B]? Jared smirked at Darren?s startled look, confirming his suspicion that he had not done so. ?[B]When it comes to our race, I do not take those who are innocent. Every single merchant I have killed has been engaged in various activities from illegal smuggling, to drug running, to illegal slave trading.[/B]? Jared moved even closer, ignoring Darren?s weak attempts to move away. He reached up and grabbed his hair and pulled him forward until his lips were nearly touching Darren?s right ear. Grabbing his shirt with his left hand to hold him steady as he whispered to him. ?[B]If I were as ruthless as you make me out to be, with your pretty looks, you wouldn?t have lasted a day after being arrested.[/B]? Jared chuckled when Darren shuddered with revulsion and then Jared let him go and moved back to where he was simply facing him. ?[B]Don?t lie to me again Darren.[/B]? He ignored Darren?s quick reply that he would not and continued. ?[B]It?s a good thing you did not join the resistance or I would have no choice but to execute you,[/B]? he smiled maliciously, ?[B]after I had some fun first of course.[/B]? A response that only served to make Darren more uncomfortable as Jared could clearly see the fear in his eyes. Jared got up and started to unbind him. ?[B]If it were anyone else, failure to disclose important information would be an instant death sentence, but you are not an officer and the High Council has ordered me to give you some leniency due to your skills.[/B]? Jared set the restraints on the table and watched as Darren warily rubbed his wrists but made no move to get up. ?[B]Make no mistake, that leniency is a one time deal Darren, something that you can consider a back payment for those royalties you did not accept. Understood?[/B]? Darren nodded before responding, ?[B]Yes, I understand.[/B]? ?[B]Good, you can leave.[/B]? Jared indicated the door. He watched as Darren tried to get up only to stumble and fall. Jared winced as he had forgotten to give him the antidote. He started to pull out the shot only to stop when Darren started panicking again. ?[B]Relax, Darren,[/B]? Jared said as he moved to give it to him. ?[B]This is just the antidote to the truth serum I gave you.[/B]? He gave it to him and then helped Darren stand up. ?[B]I can help you get to your quarters, or you can wait here for the antidote to take affect.[/B]? ?[B]I?d rather go to my quarters.[/B]? Darren replied. Jared just smiled, ?[B]I thought as much.[/B]? [/COLOR][/SIZE]

[COLOR=DarkRed]Whether or not using illegal drugs is immoral or not isn't really the issue. Just as documents can be found that state the apparent benefits of using illegal drugs, so can ones that show the dangers such as accidents caused by people driving while they are high: [URL=http://www.mapinc.org/tlcnews/v02/n2124/a04.htm?191]Driving[/URL] Or problems caused with pregnancy due to drug use: [URL=http://www.babycentre.co.uk/pregnancy/antenatalhealth/physicalhealth/illegaldrugs/]Birth Issues[/URL] It is rather ironic that you would link to such a site like Erowid TherapySessions, since it is fast becoming a resource used by medical professionals to help them identify patients brought into be treated for using some of those psychedelic drugs of which you speak. So they've had a positive influence in that the knowledge they provide has helped saved fools from themselves. You said it yourself, take them at your own risk. I would imagine a huge reason they are illegal is that most people do not have the common sense to properly dose themselves for the enlightening experiences drug users claim they get. Claiming it helps your life in the manner you are suggesting is usually an indication of denial in regards to the detrimental effects such substances have. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=DarkRed][quote name='Rachmaninoff']And with that being said, I hand the beginning of that over to you Crystia. And at the same time... I am so glad I am not my character![/quote]And done! Now don't keep me waiting too long for your part as I assure you my character, and I do mean Jared of course, is impatient to have his fun so to speak. :p [/COLOR]

[SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkRed]The very next morning after talking to Crystal, Stevens requested the files from the High Council on Jason and Celestia. It pained him to admit that though he had thought to have their top experts examine all of the testing and programs that they had written while they were onboard the Crimson, even the one that had been used by the resistance to disable the Crimson and the Tempest. He had not thought to send the information to the new Elite Specialist. If Crystal was able to recognize that someone had used her research, perhaps it was possible for Kiva to determine if it was likely that Celestia and Jason were responsible for just how effective this branch of the resistance was. At least as far as the programming side of it went. It was one thing for the experts to analyze the data, but he was willing to bet it would be more useful for someone like her who actually dealt with it out in the field. While he waited on the files to arrive he pulled up the data on those of the Crimson who worked with Crystal who would have had access to her research. Unfortunately, since that incident one of the technicians in the sickbay had quit and disappeared, leaving him to believe that the traitor no longer worked for the military. Still he would check it out just the same. It wasn?t like he didn?t have the time for the next couple of days. Then about an hour later the information he had requested came through. He paused what he was doing in favor of quickly writing up a report along the lines of why he was sending the information for Kiva to review before finishing up and actually sending it. Even if she couldn?t use the data, it didn?t hurt to make sure she had access to it just in case. [CENTER]---------------------[/CENTER] It hadn?t taken Jared very long to go through the reports that Stevens wanted him to take care of. From potential leads on the resistance to tracking down potential resistance members within the fleet. Most of them had taken less than a day to complete and now he was down to the very last one. One that had interesting implications and because of that he had sent off a request to the High Council for further information before he had left. Because if the person were indeed guilty, it would surprise the hell out of him as he had been quite certain that they had no interest in joining the resistance. Jared was more inclined to believe that fear would have been a factor, but he still didn?t have the necessary information and as he headed towards his quarters on the Creator he finally got a chime indicating that he had a response from the High Council. Once he was inside and at his desk he opened up the file to take a look, surprised by what he found. He had only intended to find out whether or not they would want him executed. He had not expected to find him listed as the person the High Council considered the leading expert in his field. [I]What in the world did he do for them to have him listed in their files?[/I] Jared read further only to be more surprised, [I]he was responsible for that? No wonder they suggested that we use him.[/I] Jared caught himself tapping his fingers on the top of his desk and stopped himself. Quickly he pulled up the more official record, the one he had gone through when he first met him. Or rather before he met him when they had stopped his ship in Sector Thirteen. The report from the High Council certainly explained why he had been able to get the permits he had as a merchant. The only thing Jared did not understand was why he was working independently. Or why he had not taken credit for what he had done. The royalties off of what he had done would have made him wealthy overnight. Literally. He went back to the report from the High Council and to what they had to say in regards to execution should he turn out to be guilty. Once again he was surprised by their response. They were being very forgiving and lenient; it was practically an open invitation for him to be excused due to the value of his abilities. Much in the same way they looked the other way when Crystal was a bit stubborn. And knowing what he had done even he understood it. So long as they were not actively supporting the resistance, one did not throw away people who were as talented as they were. Jared smiled; it didn?t mean he couldn't have a little fun though. And he still needed to verify just what had happened. If nothing else they needed a reminder as to just how important it was to not keep such things to themselves. Misguided merchant code or not. It wasn?t something that he could overlook. Not when the other person involved was that important. He sent a communication to Darren indicating that he was to report to him the moment he returned from Earth.[/COLOR] [/SIZE]

[COLOR=DarkRed]Well I haven?t really thought about comparing vices I have to virtues I think I have or how they might compensate for one another. But looking at the list briefly, the one thing that does stand out as one I?ve had to deal with would be Wrath. Ever since my brother was killed, that sort of thing really angers me quite easily. It?s gotten better, but sometimes it surprises me at how deep my anger can run towards others who kill innocents. All it took was the recent shooting event here in Salt Lake City for me to realize that I've still got a long ways to go on not letting things like that upset me as much as they do. I?ve always thought that I was forgiving, but it?s been a struggle to really understand that forgiveness isn?t so much as forgiving the person but rather the act and letting go of the feelings of anger since they do you more harm than the person who hurt someone else. But it doesn't change the fact that part of me feels like forgiveness should only come after the person responsible for harming someone else has been dealt with. Not very charitable I suppose. But then you did say you were expected to be blunt for the paper right? So I guess it's only fair if I'm as equally as blunt here. Other than that, I couldn?t really say. I?d have to actually think about the other ones to see how they relate to me and if I think the opposite virtue in some way balances it out.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=DarkRed]I don't see myself become a millionaire especially since my chosen profession does not pay that well. But it is a field where I will be paid more than enough to build a retirement fund for the day when I do retire. So long as I have a home over my head and enough to pay the bills I'm not to worried. Nor do I care if I become rich. Which is why I usually ignore such pages in books and magazines such as you posted Tekkaman. Because in the end, I like what I am doing and even if it is clichéd, that's what really matters in the end. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=DarkRed][QUOTE=Neko][I]6:30 PM, the Dining Hall[/I] (insert the rest of your post here) [I]Looking back on what I just typed, I feel like I'm sounding like I'm trying to control the way the story's run a bunch, which I'm not, and I hope you guys don't think I am.[/I] [/QUOTE]It is a good idea, the only objection I would have is if the time stamp locked another player out of doing a post that was before that time. Say if I had written something up along the lines of it being 6:15 PM and someone posted before me saying it was 6:30 PM. It's fairly easy to simply edit your post to make any changes but to have to discard an entire post due to someone beating you to it would get rather annoying. Unless you mean for people to still be able to post indicating it was before your post. In which case I'm fine with that. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=DarkRed][quote name='Kairi'] Please take note that Dante is now a young man...and not an old man anymore. I thought I had described him in my first post him being young, so I've corrected this :) [/quote]I guess I should have been clearer in my post. Since Sena was not close like everyone else, from his vantage point he was mistaking the silver hair and cane for one who was older, something that he would have realized later at dinner. Though he will still be confused once he realizes that your character really is young. [B]Nucifer: [/B] just to be clear on my post about Sutton and Eldorado Texas, it was just too perfect to pass up since one of the major polygamy groups here in both Colorado and Utah really did purchase some land down in Eldorado Texas back in 2000 to get away from the authorities here in Utah. And it is north of where your character is from and the town really is right next to the exit one would take from the interstate to get to Eldorado if one was indeed coming there from San Antonio Tx. ;) [/COLOR]

[SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkRed]Though they had just met, being around Allen was giving Sena a strange nervous feeling. It wasn?t really unpleasant, but rather almost like he was still feeling dizzy like he had felt earlier when he had just arrived. [I]I really am tired,[/I] he thought. But the way Allen seemed to almost look through him with his brown eyes and his kind smile, it reminded him of? Sena mentally shook himself, bringing himself back to what Allen was saying, [I]I must be imagining things, he can?t possibly?[/I]He concentrated on answering Allen?s question only to stop again at the mention of where he was from. [I]Sutton Texas? Why does that sound so familiar?[/I] A moment later it hit him. He had been there shortly before his father disinherited him, though he had thought that the name of town there was Sonora and that Sutton was the name of the County. Perhaps he had gotten it backwards and the name of the county was Sonora and the town Sutton. It had been nearly seven years since his father had first flown to San Antonio to visit relatives and then had rented a car and driven out to Eldorado to meet other members of the families that pretty much ran their polygamist group. While the purchase was being finalized his father had instructed him to drive around to any town close to Eldorado and one of them had right next to the freeway exit from the interstate that took them to Eldorado. It had been a quiet pleasant little town and the people were very friendly as well. If his father had not used him as a scapegoat to throw the authorities off since both Utah and Colorado where their group was situated was cracking down on polygamy he would have been part of the group that moved there once construction of their complex was complete. [I]Careful,[/I] he thought to himself. [I]Don?t get upset; focus on what?s important here.[/I] But the memory hurt, he had only been doing what his father had been doing, what his father had told each and every girl and woman that he took. He did not understand why he had been treated as evil when his father had done the same thing. And he had never been as rough as his father, he did restrain the girls but he had never beaten them like his father did, ever. [I]So why did father kick me out?[/I] He wondered for the thousandth time. Sena thrust the thoughts aside; he did not have time for this. ?[B]Sutton, Texas?[/B]? Sena smiled in return. ?[B]It really is a small world, it?s been a while but I?ve been there.[/B]? Allen had an unreadable expression on his face when he answered Sena, ?[B]You?ve been there?[/B]? Sena nodded. ?[B]Yes, my family purchased some land in Eldorado, Texas, just north of Sutton. I haven?t been back since homes were built on the land, but I did drive to the few towns in the area to see what they were like, if I remember correctly your town was the one right next to the interstate. It was a very pleasant and peaceful little town.?[/B] ?[B]Ah yes, peaceful and pleasant, nothing like this place.[/B]? Allen replied. Sena just smiled again. ?[B]Yeah I guess this place could be considered intimidating, before I lived on my own, my parents had a very expensive home, nothing like this mansion of course, but still, it wasn?t exactly small either.[/B]? Sena turned to look back at the sea. ?[B]Still it is quite different, I suppose once we?ve been here a little longer it won?t seem quite so grand.[/B]? He turned back to Allen, glancing at his watch as he did so. Looking at the room and checking out the place had taken longer than he expected. It hadn?t seemed like they had talked for very long, but if he was going to be ready in time for dinner he needed to get started. ?[B]It seems that it is almost time for dinner, I really need to go and get changed. Perhaps we can talk again later?[/B]? Sena said. Allen flashed another one of his smiles at Sena, ?[B]Of course, if we are too be roommates it would be more pleasant if we were not strangers to one another.[/B]? He turned, the conversation over and headed towards his bedroom. Sena followed and then headed into his room. There was no mistaking it this time as the feeling similar to one of butterflies in his stomach intensified. The question was, why was he feeling this way around him? [/COLOR][/SIZE]

[SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkRed]If there was one thing Jared liked about his new quarters on the Creator, it was how spacious they were. He didn?t need the space, but he had always hated smaller rooms that one could barely move around in. The way things were cleverly designed with metal square columns half a foot thick that went from the ceiling to the floor in intervals of a foot apart gave the illusion of an entry way, a separate main room with couches, a separate office and kitchen and dining area, and yet how it still let you see through to the other sections was an effect that he found to his liking. And now that he had it fitted with carpet since he hated the feel of cold metal when walking barefoot, things were perfect. Well besides the fact that he was alone. He pulled up his feet and turned sideways until he could prop them up on the sofa, because the other thing he liked was having actual windows to the outside. And though the Crimson did have them, they were tiny where the ones on the Creator were literally from the floor to the ceiling for an entire wall of his quarters. Jared briefly set his handheld computer down and turned to his right to look out the window. It really was an impressive view of Earth even with the pollution and damage to their atmosphere. Though now that they had been there for more than a week, things were already changing. Canada had already been completely evacuated and it?s citizens shipped off world. Something that had become a necessity since the resistance had proven to be rather effective at pinpoint strikes against new construction and facilities. It had taken pulling all of the troops from Canada back into the U.S. to maintain order. And many of the countries in Europe were no better. It didn?t matter though as Stevens had already sent in a request for more troops as a temporary measure until the rest of those who were to be shipped off world had been taken care of. The chime of an incoming transmission caught his attention and Jared turned back and got up off the sofa and went over to his workstation in the office to answer it. It was Fleet Admiral Stevens. Jared bowed slightly, ?[B]Admiral.[/B]? ?[B]Jared, I need you to take care of something for me.[/B]? ?[B]And that would be?[/B]? Stevens grimaced, ?[B]I?m sure I don?t need to tell you that the resistance has become quite a problem, or that Kimberly Spencer has proven to be difficult to get anything from. It?s been a week and yet I?ve gotten next to nothing from her.[/B]? Jared shrugged, ?[B]I would suppose it?s due to her military training and her being a Versilan,[/B]? he leaned forward a bit, ?[B]But that?s not why you contacted me Admiral is it?[/B]? ?[B]No it is not, but it is why I want you to follow up on some reports that I have received since I am a little short handed at the moment.[/B]? Stevens looked away briefly as he sent the information to Jared. ?[B]This should be fairly easy for you especially since some of it involves areas on Earth that you have already been working at.[/B]? ?[B]I?ll get started on it.[/B]? Jared replied. Then when the transmission had ended he opened up the report to take a look. Most of it was fairly standard, but when another report came up he raised his eyebrow in surprise. [I]Now this should be interesting?[/I][/COLOR][/SIZE]

[COLOR=DarkRed]Kitsaku, it's great that you want to organize an art contest, however to post one in the Community Events section you need talk to the Event Master White first. So I have moved this to the Art Studio as art contests/competitions of all sorts are held here. Also please clarify if you only wish people to submit over at theO or here as well, since if it's only over at theO, advertising it over at your myO page would be the better choice. EDIT: Never mind I see that you already have it listed at your myO page. Though it probably wouldn't hurt to let others know if you want their submissions here as well. ;)[/COLOR]

[SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkRed]?[B]Welcome everyone![/B]? The sudden announcement jerked Sena out of the doze he had settled into. With a start he tried to scramble to his feet only to lose his balance and land painfully on his left side. But as he heard the voice of the one who had invited him he quickly got to his feet as a rush of anticipation brought him fully awake, he turned to see who had spoken. He was a bit surprised at his appearance with his cane and long silver hair that was being teased by the wind. For some reason he had been expecting someone younger. Though now that he thought about it that didn?t make any sense. Sena listened patiently to the instructions only to be surprised yet again by being assigned a roommate. When he had finished, Sena picked up his things and started heading up the path to the driveway where everyone else was. He paused briefly as the host gave them yet another instruction and then he continued, not bothering to try and catch the others who were ahead of him. Though he was aware of the sound of Wendy?s footsteps as she too was heading towards the mansion. What grabbed his attention the most was how massive the mansion truly was. If they were sharing rooms they were probably big enough to fit a small house into. He entered the home through the massive twin doors the others had already entered, leading to a grand golden hallway with rich red carpet stretched along its length. As much as he wanted to take a look he chose instead to follow the others who were heading up the stairs to what appeared to be the East wing of the home. A nervous chatter that he couldn?t quite make out as most of them were already at the top of the stairs filled the hallway. Sena turned to Wendy who had hesitated at the door and smiled. ?[B]Shall we?[/B]? He indicated the stairs. She simply nodded and walked over and started up. Sena followed amazed that the staircase seemed to be made of pure marble with flecks of what appeared to be real gold in the stone. Such a place must have cost an absolute fortune to build. At the top of the stairs was a long hallway also with rich red carpet and what appeared to be a series of twin doors, spaced quite far from each other, confirming his guess that the rooms in question had to be massive as well. Further down the hallway a few of the other guests were still walking, something that Sena took to mean they had not found the room they were staying in yet and when he arrived at the first set of doors that was already partially opened he saw that they had gold plaques with people?s names engraved on them. The first one had three names, something that brought a nervous smile from Wendy as she turned and spoke to Sena. ?[B]I guess this is my stop. See you later.[/B]? She smiled again and then entered the room. Sena took a deep breath to steady himself, the idea of being with two other people didn?t really appeal to him. Not that he minded roommates, but he really hoped they weren?t in the same room in the manner that some roommates were. And fortunately when he found the door with his name along with that of someone called Allen Laizor clearly etched into the plaque he was not with two other people, only one. The door was already slightly open and he entered it to find that it was more of a set of rooms than just a shared main room. The first one was a spacious lounge filled with antique furniture in dark cherry wood and rich tapestry with floral patterns done in various shades of red. To each side was an open archway with drapes that could be pulled closed, a smaller plaque with names etched on them as well, to the left was the name Allen Laizor, the drapes partially open and another equally impressive bedroom with a huge king sized bed and equally as rich furniture like in the main area. Movement caught his eye as he caught the back of someone walking around the bed, a flash of brown hair and then he couldn?t see them. Sena turned to the right to see a set of red drapes drawn across another archway, his own name on a plaque on the wall. He went to open it to find furnishing similar to what he had caught a glimpse of on the other side of the main room. But what caught his eye the most was a envelope lying in the center of the bed, his name clearly spelled out in what appeared to be blood. He set his things down and reached over to pick it up. It was obviously a type of heavy parchment and he turned it to see that it had been sealed with wax, the impression a design he had never seen before. He was tempted to open it but he simply slipped it into his pocket instead. He had come this far it would be foolish to risk being disqualified over such a simple matter. He finished looking at his huge bedroom, from the huge standing furniture that took place of a closet to the open door leading to a huge bathroom with a marble bath big enough for four people. Again in the same marble with flecks of gold running through it, Sena took a moment in the bathroom to clean up and then he headed back out to the main room. This time he noticed that in addition to the comfy sofas and chairs there was also an entertainment center and a fully stocked bar, and drapes that once he opened them lead to a huge balcony overlooking the ocean. He opened the twin French doors and stepped out. Beautiful wrought iron tables and chairs were placed in the center and giant marble planters filled with various flowers were on each side of the doors as he walked out. He turned around at the sound of footsteps to see a young man standing there; he looked to Sena as if he was the same age as he was. He seemed a little uncertain so Sena took the first step and moved to greet him. ?[B]You must be Allen,[/B]? He extended his hand to shake his. ?[B]I?m Sena Walker, pleased to meet you.[/B]?[/COLOR][/SIZE]

[COLOR=DarkRed][quote name='2007DigitalBoy][COLOR=DarkOrange']Thank god there's video games to sustain some of us, or we might be dangerous.[/COLOR][/quote]Agreed. I don't know what I'd do with out Diablo II or games like Doom. Nothing like a good run of senseless slaughter to put one's day back into prospective. [/COLOR]

[SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkRed]Even Jared could see as he entered Sandra?s new quarters that she was still furious over what had happened yesterday. She was already dressed in her new uniform of blue and silver styled for one of a Commodore. But what was really surprising to Jared was that she was pacing back and forth muttering under her breath. [I]This can?t be good?[/I] Then just as suddenly she took a deep breath and turned to face Jared who had been standing there at the entrance for several minutes. In an unconscious gesture of nervousness she reached up with her right hand and smoothed her hair down, and then she motioned for Jared to join her by indicating a seat across from her workstation. Without bothering to explain what had upset her, though Jared knew what had, she sat down and immediately launched into discussing work. ?[B]As you already know Jared the Elite Specialist captured a good number of resistance members when they destroyed the safe houses. So far a fair amount of them came from the base Kim was captured in, and it?s looking like she was the only one of any real importance there.[/B]? Jared shrugged. ?[B]I?m sure we?ll find the others at one of the other bases.[/B]? He smiled, ?[B]After all the Elite Specialist, Kiva was it? Has proven to be extremely resourceful.[/B]? Sandra leaned back in her chair, ?[B]True but finding and destroying the transmission relays is bound to take several weeks, something that Stevens and I do not agree on. I feel that our priority should be to locate the bases, but he does not.[/B]? Jared sighed, ?[B]May I speak freely Sandra?[/B]? Wincing when her expression changed. [I]She really needs to get over her dislike of Stevens [/I]he thought. ?[B]Very well Jared,[/B]? she replied coldly, making him wince, as she had never talked to him in that manner before. ?[B]Say what you feel you must, I will not hold it against you.[/B]? Jared straightened up in his chair and looked directly at her, focusing on making eye contact to prove he was serious in his intent. ?[B]It?s really simple Sandra, you need to stop letting your dislike of Stevens get in the way. Now before you get angry, stop and think about it. The resistance is obviously contacting other factions and getting information. So long as that line of communication is open it makes it easier for them to be one step ahead of us. Even our daily updates are being hacked and the computer specialist on the Crimson told me that their ability to bounce it around the sector makes it nearly impossible to trace.[/B]? He paused and watched as Sandra tried to listen instead of getting angry, when she didn?t say anything he continued. ?[B]I know that Stevens is a flirt and enjoys meddling in others affairs, but it doesn?t change the fact that he really does know what he is doing. Candidate or not the High Council would never have approved him if he weren?t good at what he does. And another thing, if you really look at how he behaves I?m sure I?m not the only one who?s noticed how effectively he appears to be incompetent to others. Sleeping around doesn?t mean you can?t think or be a good officer. And the way people underestimate him only proves how clever he really is.[/B]? ?[B]That?s not why I dislike him Jared.[/B]? Sandra said through clenched teeth. ?[B]Then let me be even more blunt, you don?t want to follow through on your obligation to provide a child for the families correct?[/B]? He continued when Sandra said nothing. ?[B]Or is it that Stevens has insisted on actually having you?[/B]? Jared did his best to not smirk at her startled look, which was quickly hidden. ?[B]Honestly Sandra, if that?s all that?s bothering you I can give you something that will make the experience?[I]less memorable[/I]. It?s fairly easy to do you know.[/B]? ?[B]Jared![/B]? Jared laughed delightedly at Sandra?s expression, he had never seen her blush before and it was rather charming. ?[B]All joking aside, I?m quite serious Sandra. If that?s your only reason for disliking Stevens then sleep with him already![/B]? He smiled at the bewildered look on her face. ?[B]If there?s one thing I do know about Stevens, the more you play hard to get the more he wants you. And besides,[/B]? Jared said mysteriously. ?[B]Stevens is very experienced in that area, unlike some other Council members and Candidates I could mention.[/B]? ?[B]What?s that suppose to mean?[/B]? Jared sighed dramatically, ?[B]I mean that he is very astute to his partners pleasure as well as his own. Where the others are only interested in what they get out of the experience.[/B]? He sat back and crossed his legs and simply waited for Sandra to put things together. It didn?t take her long and he chuckled when she flushed again. ?[B]But that would mean you have?[/B]? She started to say. ?[B]Exactly, and I must say Sandra, you look rather charming when you blush.[/B]? A statement that resulted in her turning even redder. She looked away and then turned back to find Jared patiently waiting for her to respond. ?[B]All right, all right! I?ll think about what you said okay?[/B]? Jared smiled. ?[B]Good, because I?m not interested in being put with a different Commanding officer. Now if you?ll excuse me its time for me to go and pick up Darren and head down to Australia.[/B]? He waited for Sandra to nod before getting up and leaving. She had a thoughtful look on her face when he left. [I]Finally, she?s starting to think instead of simply reacting?[/I][/COLOR][/SIZE]