Horendithas

[SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkRed]It hadn?t been easy what with the time limit and all, but all of the targets but a few had been taken care of. The few that had been missed had fled into hiding when it became apparent that the government was incapable of stopping what was happening. The worldwide transmission declaring that all naval forces would be destroyed had actually made things easier as so many people were more concerned about barricading themselves in their homes. And tomorrow he would have his hands full taking care of the domestic shipping yards though it wouldn?t be too hard since most of the explosives had already been placed. With the heightened security due to the past events Jared had decided that it would be wiser to not set them the same day. So far even though the humans had been searching not a single explosive had been found. But then they did not know to look for a device that was only four inches wide and long and one inch thick. And now with things starting tomorrow he had already delivered the message that at precisely 11am sharp all of the domestic shipping yards would be destroyed and if they were too stupid to get out in time then they deserved to die. Jared finished his own reports and sent both a copy to Sandra and Crystal, he made sure to thank Crystal for the use of her task forces as it had made getting everything done in the time frame much easier. Now all he needed to do was check in with Darren before calling it a night. Now that the invasion was just around the corner it was time to fill him in on some of the details. He finished up what he was doing, sent the messages off and closed down his workstation in his quarters. It was almost time to meet Darren but he needed to talk to Sandra first. He opened up a channel to her; Sandra was still on the bridge reviewing the communications being held by the upper governments. ?[B]Ah Jared, I just read your report, good work.[/B]? She said upon realizing who had contacted her. ?[B]What did you need?[/B]? ?[B]I need you to approve giving Darren level one clearance for classified information. I could wait until after the invasion, but I want to get him started on a real plan for setting up the transportation and to do that he?ll need too know what is going to happen once we take over.[/B]? ?[B]Very well, I?ll issue the appropriate order. Anything else?[/B]? Sandra asked. ?[B]No.[/B]? ?[B]Let me know if there is.[/B]? Sandra replied before ending the transmission. Jared reached into one of the compartments of the workstation and pulled out a blank chip, he inserted it into his handheld computer and transferred the necessary files to it before heading over to Darren?s quarters. He smiled inwardly at Darren?s less than enthusiastic greeting when he entered his quarters. ?[B]Ah Darren,[/B]? Jared said as he helped himself to one of the more comfortable chairs in the room. ?[B]Good to see that you?ve recovered so nicely, take a seat.[/B]? He indicated the sofa across from the chair he was sitting waiting for Darren to take a seat before continuing. ?[B]I understand from your report that you?ve prepared a plan to slowly phase out Earth?s method of transportation and replace it with our own.[/B]? ?[B]Yes Sub-Commander, all the details are in the report I forwarded to you.[/B]? ?[B]Yes I know, however you?ll need to modify it based on this.[/B]? Jared handed him the chip with the data on it. And then he waited patiently while Darren read the files noting how his expression changed upon reading it. ?[B]But that would require someone with more extensive shipping knowledge to oversee it![/B]? Darren protested. Jared laughed at Darren?s chagrined expression, ?[B]Did you think you were finished? I told you this would take at least several months.[/B]? Jared moved forward until he was sitting on the edge of his seat he leaned forward chuckling inwardly as Darren leaned back. ?[B]Darren, we haven?t even been here a month, and that?s with the time table being advanced by three weeks. Did you really think I would fit you with an expensive translator for such a short mission?[/B]? He watched as Darren self-consciously reached up with his left hand to touch his ear where the translator had been installed. He fixed Darren with a stern glance before continuing, ?[B]You will be in charge of setting up transportation on Earth, otherwise I would never have bothered with the translator or with giving your crewmate a contract to deliver goods. For someone who runs his own company you?re not very bright sometimes.[/B]? ?[B]I didn?t ask for the translator Sub-Commander or the contract.[/B]? Darren said angrily. ?[B]No Darren, you did not. Just as you did not ask for your clearance to be hacked putting you in a restricted zone or to be mistaken for me and nearly killed by an Earthling. But you of all people should understand that lots of things happen that we did not ask for.[/B]? ?[B]True but?[/B]? Darren said halfheartedly. Jared cut him off firmly, ?[B]No buts.[/B]? He got up to leave. ?[B]Regardless of what you think of me or the military, I expect you to do your job Darren, the sooner you quit focusing on getting back to your ship the sooner you will be finished.[/B]? He waited for a response as Darren struggled to bring his anger and irritation under control, a battle that he was not very good at. Jared smiled and leaned forward a bit. ?[B]Or is the problem that you still need to work on controlling your reactions?[/B]? Jared said, smiling when Darren flushed. ?[B]Don?t worry, you?ll have plenty of time to practice since you?ll be staying on the Crimson the whole time.[/B]? He laughed at Darren?s look of dismay. ?[B]I expect a revised plan in three days Darren, I suggest you get busy.[/B]? He fixed Darren with another smile and left. [/COLOR][/SIZE]

[SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkRed]The next morning Jared looked over the list Sandra had sent him while he finished his breakfast in his quarters. Surprisingly it wasn?t as long as he had expected. Considering the amount of corruption and greed on Earth he had expected the list to include thousands, not a few hundred. But upon closer examination he realized that was because for the most part only a handful of countries on Earth were truly powerful. Even if the others wanted to cause problems, they simply lacked the resources to even do anything. That made things much easier and far more doable with the resources at hand. He could take the same squads that planted the explosives and use them to eliminate quite a few of the targets for him. If necessary he could even request aid from Commander Crystal to make sure they met the deadline. Another report had come in while he was resting and he opened it. Surprisingly it was from Commander Crystal herself and of all things she had a small list of people that she indicated needed to eliminated. Jared couldn?t help but raise an eyebrow at that. Until he read up on who they were. Something that had him chuckling out loud, it was so like her. Crystal was so wonderfully blunt and to the point, if duty ever required him to choose someone to share his genes with for a child, it would be her. Jared took her list and added it to his own, it wasn?t that big and would be child?s play to do, especially since they weren?t standard targets and yet it was very astute of Crystal to realize how they could create an unnecessary power struggle in regards to the medical care of the humans. Until the medical centers built by the Versilan Empire were finished they would be relying on the medical facilities on Earth and that would include using the facilities that produced the medicines they used. They wouldn?t understand that once certain things were in place everyone would become slaves, so the resulting power struggle over the money would only be a hindrance to things working smoothly. One that would put an additional strain on the occupying force, as always Crystal was right. By removing those in charge of the huge pharmaceutical companies it would create division in their ranks and by the time the struggle was over, it would be too late to really matter. And in the process it would help ensure that those who really needed medical care would not go without. Jared finished making the assignments to the various teams and sent the orders out, he then sent a request to Commander Crystal to request her aid in taking care of the list of political leaders, religious leaders, businessmen and anyone else that Sandra felt needed to be dealt with. A few minutes later a confirmation came from Commander Crystal approving the use of the task forces under her command. A few more minutes to confirm the time schedule and he was done. Now all he needed to do was check briefly on Darren before he headed down to Earth to take care of the first wave of targets. Even if Darren would not be cleared for duty until after his follow up exam this evening, it wouldn?t hurt to check in and explain that he would need to start working on the replacement plan for when the fleet arrived. [I]It?s a pity Sara hit him with enough force to actually bruise his heart,[/I] Jared thought. He would have loved to tease Darren a bit before heading out. But once the doctor cleared him for duty again?Jared smiled. He would enjoy tormenting Darren on how he had been so completely beaten by a mere earthling. An attractive one at that, but the real fun would begin once he had both Jason and Sara in his grasp. A moment he was looking forward to with great pleasure. Jared had never had a brother and sister before; he was really going to enjoy himself. [I]I should see if the High Council is still interested in her now that Sara's already been modified,[/I] he thought. If they were not, once she had been interrogated he would gladly pay the bounty fees to be able to keep her for himself. To have Jason and his sister [I]together[/I]...Jared crushed that line of thought, he had already taken a shower this morning and he didn't have time to take a cold one to calm himself down. He shoved his unfinished breakfast aside and left his quarters immediately to get to work. [/COLOR][/SIZE]

[COLOR=DarkRed][quote name='Mariskah][COLOR=Navy]Although if waiting means I get to see Crystia execute political and religious leaders [spoiler] especially the religious ones [/spoiler] I can definitely wait! [/COLOR'] :p[/quote]Oh the temptation, between political, religious fanatics and power hungry business men, it?s going to be hard to leave any of them alive. I think you?ll like what I intend to do though. ;) I?ve already started on the post and once I do some homework I?ll finish the post and put it up. If not tonight then definitely tomorrow. As for your post Takuya with the Crimson and the Tempest, feel free to use both ships to execute missions since the way I understand things, the Elite Specialist?s orders come before ours. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=DarkRed]None, I have a popcorn machine that uses hot air to pop it and I eat it completely plain. Makes a nice delicious snack since the few times I've tried it with stuff on it the overload of sugar, salt and other spices was a bit sickening. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=DarkRed][b]Survey[/b] [B]*First of all, I'd like to ask how old are you?[/B] 26 [B] *How would you say you feel about abstinence? (A. Excellent, B. Good, C. Fair, D. Poor)[/B] D-Poor, because abstinence alone is not a good solution, but combined with other options it makes a good balance on knowing when to not be more affectionate. [B]*And how many times have you been in a situation where you had to make a decision to abstain from sexual activity or not? (It's cool to estimate.)[/B] Too many, I enjoy dating, but their seems to be a mistaken perception that being taken out to dinner means you should let your date have their way with you. Here?s a hint to guys out there, don?t think an expensive dinner earns you the right to get into a woman?s pants. ;) [B] *How many relationships have you been in? (A numerical estimation is cool here too.)[/B] I usually end up dating anywhere from five to 10 different people a year, the number being so high due to the previous question, so I end up breaking up a lot since I do not move fast when it comes to a relationship. [B]*How often would you say you see public displays of affection?[/B] All the time, or rather at least several times a day. [B]*When you see these public displays of affection would you say you're offended in any way?[/B] Only if they are doing more than holding hands, kissing, hugging, etc. I?ve seen everything from people putting their hands inside each other?s clothing to a couple having sex in the theater during a movie. Something that is not that attractive when you are trying to enjoy the real show. [B]*Would public displays of affection be alright for you to show?[/B] I don?t see a problem with it, so long as it?s kept within what society considers acceptable, and by acceptable, if you are doing things that would get you arrested like the couple doing it in the theater, then obviously that isn?t acceptable. [B]*How far would you say is too far for a public display of affection? (A. Kissing, B. Hugging, C. Other. If other, could you provide me with a short explanation of what you consider too far?)[/B] I think I already answered this one in the previous two. lol [B]*In your opinion have school dances become too sexual? Yes/No.[/B] They might have elsewhere, but so far the few dances I?ve attended have been just fine. [B] *At what age do you think that dating should begin? (Like, a real age not "Whenever!")[/B] I think that simple dating is fine from about sixteen up, for the simple reason that?s when most teens are old enough to drive. But for more serious dating where more can happen than simple holding hands, hugging or the occasional kiss?Eighteen is a better age for that since you?ve moved out of the jailbait category. [B] Thank you in advance to anyone who does the survey too. :)[/B] You?re welcome, though since my survey questions also answered the topic I did not bother to repeat myself. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=DarkRed][B]What is it:[/B] Aaryanna [B]Why is it nifty?[/B] She?s proven countless times that being younger has nothing to do with being competent, friendly and a good member of both the staff and the boards. And her most recent contribution to the Mercenaries [points to signature] only served to remind me of how truly nifty she really is. [/COLOR]

[SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkRed]?[B]I take it that you?ve sent the reports to both the Conqueror and the High Council?[/B]? Sandra asked Jared when he joined her on the bridge. ?[B]I have,[/B]? Jared, said as he sat down in his seat next to Sandra. ?[B]Everything went well today in spite of the resistance?s attempt to stop us. Between the transportation facilities and the ground military bases being destroyed. Earth is in utter turmoil. They believe that I am responsible for everything and the amount of panic going on in an attempt to locate me is rather amusing.[/B]? Sandra chuckled, ?[B]I agree, and some of the meetings between the higher authorities have been very enlightening, it?s helping me to narrow down my choices. And to make my choices as to who will be dealt with.[/B]? Jared looked at her raising an eyebrow questioningly, ?[B]You?ve already received confirmation to begin Phase Two?[/B]? ?[B]I have,[/B]? Sandra confirmed. ?[B]The message came while you were having Darren attended to and getting yourself checked out.[/B]? ?[B]That was quick I did not expect the High Council to move so quickly. The specialist may have already taken care of all ground resistance, and their facilities for making more weapons, but still I was expecting it to take longer for the fleet to arrive.[/B]? ?[B]The fleet was sent the moment we arrived, though I?m not convinced that it was the High Council that made the decision. I believe that someone else did and they simply approved it. Still it means we have less than a week to finish up, once Darren has recovered you two will need to take out the domestic shipping yards for transport over the seas. The High Council has informed me that the Elite Specialist will be taking care of the military presence on the seas, so it shouldn't be that difficult to have everything done before the fleet arrives.[/B]? Jared leaned back in his chair a thoughtful look on his face before he replied. ?[B]I take it that you have decided on a liaison then? Or at the very least you have a list of targets to be eliminated?[/B]? ?[B]I have narrowed it down to three possibilities and in the end I will wait and see how the react to their precious home world being conquered. That should tell me who would be most suitable. As for the others I?ve already sent you a report with a list of those who need to be dealt with.[/B]? Sandra replied. ?[B]What about my report confirming that former Sub-Commander Kim along with Jason and his sister are still here on Earth?[/B]? Jared asked. ?[B]The High Council has already told me that they plan on keep the Specialist around to assist with not only locating the criminals, but tracking down the three bases they have and destroying them.?[/B] Jared smiled. ?[B]Good, once I?ve gotten some rest and finished healing, I?ll head down first thing tomorrow and start on the list you?ve prepared.[/B]? [/COLOR][/SIZE]

[COLOR=DarkRed]Not much to be said other than to repeat what I already said in my former team?s thread before the final places were announced?And that is... Best of Luck team. ;) [/COLOR]

[COLOR=DarkRed][QUOTE=Darren]EDIT # 3: I'm sorry guys, I tired my best to get all of them in time. It looks like the LOLs beat us by 24 minutes!!![/QUOTE]No need to apologize, this round was anything but fair and since Aaryanna_Mom addressed that in the main thread I?ll leave it be. Great work you two on finishing it up. You did great. :) And unless by some miracle the LOL?s got it wrong it seems that my time here is up. So best of luck. ;)[/COLOR]

[COLOR=DarkRed]It seems like the next challenge is up so like the other teams I?m going to assign people to check certain pages for the symbol. Alexa pages 1-24 Darren pages 25-49 Aaryanna 50 ?74 I have already gone through pages 74 ?96. If for any reason one of you doesn?t have time tell me and later today when I get back from school and work I?ll pick up what you didn?t have time for. Or if someone else has time please lend a hand. ;) Out of my pages these are what I found: [URL=http://www.otakuboards.com/showthread.php?t=2781]yet another attempt for a digimon rpg...[/URL] I forgot to write the page down [URL=http://www.otakuboards.com/showthread.php?t=7713]The Fallen Angels [/URL] page 78 [URL=http://www.otakuboards.com/showthread.php?t=9193]Final Fantasy X: Aftermath(play) [/URL] page 77 So lets get to work and show them what we?re made of! [/COLOR]

[COLOR=DarkRed][quote name='Mariskah][COLOR=Navy']I like the way you set things up Darren.:catgirl: Now it?s up to you Crystia to finish it. (cringes at how much damage Jared is going to do) Am I awful for looking forward to this?[/COLOR][/quote]And I have done so. If you are awful for looking foward to it, then I am equallly as awful for how much fun it was to write the post. Still if I messed something up by not paying attention, just let me know and I'll fix it. ;) And now SunfallE, it's time to begin the next phase! [spoiler]Evil Laughter[/spoiler][/COLOR]

[SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkRed]Once again it had been remarkably easy to bypass the security, it was more than a lack of technology. Jared had never seen such a poor set up. In no time at all the charges were in place. He was setting the last one when his handheld computer gave off a tiny chime. Surprised he opened it up to see that Darren had actually activated the alarm indicating he had run into trouble. Jared couldn?t help but raise an eyebrow at that, since he knew the last thing Darren would ever do was ask him for help. Quickly he set the final stealth shield and then he made his way back to the computer room where he had left Darren. It didn?t take long for him to use the underground elevator to the place and in no time he was almost there. Just in time to hear a woman?s voice talking. ?[B]?you. I had no idea Versilan officers were trained so poorly?I was expecting more of a fight.[/B]? A few sounds he did not recognize and then he was at the door, just in time to see a woman putting away a handheld computer. But more importantly she had Darren pinned to the floor among broken and smashed computer equipment. He appeared to be unconscious.[I] Interesting,[/I] he thought. ?[B]That will be quite enough from you.[/B]? He said. The woman turned to look at him and then stood up and turned to face him, blood still running down the left side of her face, but there was no mistaking who she was. Jared smiled. ?[B]So you?re still here after all and you?re already doing the resistance?s dirty work. So tell me, how does it feel to know you beat up a civilian?[/B]? Jared watched as Jason?s sister glanced briefly at Darren and then back to him. ?[B]That?s right, he is not an officer and hardly a challenge to defeat. You were saying you expected more of a fight, very well, I?ll even let you have the first hit.[/B]? He held his arms out to the side inviting her to strike. He could see her hesitating as if expecting a trap. ?[B]Oh come now, are you really that timid Sara? Or does the prospect of a true fight frighten you?[/B]? Jared taunted. A slight change in expression, a glint in her eyes was all he needed to see that she was going to attack but when she hit him in the chest the last thing he had expected was for it to actually hurt. Surprised he staggered a bit before she immediately followed up with another blow aimed towards his throat. He managed to block it, but the pain in his left arm indicated that she had fractured the bone. She was far quicker than he had expected, she pulled back and immediately launched another blow, this time aimed at his abdomen. [I]I can?t let that hit,[/I] Jared thought as his training took over, he step sided the blow taking a glancing blow to the side instead, painful but not as dangerous as the other would have been. He had read her file but had dismissed the part indicating she had hand-to-hand combat training. And from the force of her blows it was obvious she had been modified. Just a little harder and she would have done more than fracture some ribs and his arm. She might have even killed him. Before she could recover from him sidestepping her attack he brought his right fist up and hit her in the head where she was bleeding, the force strong enough to send her sprawling to the floor. He watched her struggle to get back up; it was obvious the blow dazed her. He waited for her to attack again, but this time she was far more wary. Her body language was a mixture of anger and rage as well as caution, he could be wrong, but the way she had immediately tried to kill him and yet did not kill Darren meant she knew who he was. Well there was one way to find out. It would be easy if he was correct. And he usually was. This would be fun. ?[B]Well, I must say, you?re certainly more feisty than Jason ever was.[/B]? Jared smiled maliciously. ?[B]Shut up Jared.[/B]? She growled at him. Jared laughed, ignoring the pain in his side. ?[B]Ah so you do know who I am. I thought as much, after all, you struck with the intent to kill instead of trying to disable me like you did with him.[/B]? He watched her as she backed away a little, it was obvious to him she was trying stall to give herself time to recover from his blow. But she couldn?t hide the anger in her eyes. He started walking towards her. ?[B]The fact that you know who I am tells me that your brother is here,[/B]? he chuckled inwardly at her small start of surprise. ?[B]It also tells me that you are a member of the resistance since you knew about my people.[/B]? He stopped when he was less than five feet away from her. ?[B]You know nothing fool![/B]? She replied. Jared smiled, ?[B]Really? Then I?ll just have to see if you taste every bit as good as your brother did before I hand you over to the High Council.[/B]? Jared was prepared when she growled in anger and launched herself at him, but it was futile, even he could see that her reflexes were off due to the blow to her head. He had seen that flat dazed look one got when they had a concussion. He step sided her attack yet again and then did to her what she had tried to do to him, his blow to her stomach literally knocked the wind out of her and she fell to her knees gasping for breath. He did not give her time to recover as he then rained blow after blow on her, beating her senseless. Until a few minutes later she literally couldn?t get up. Jared did not care that she was a woman and he ruthless exploited her head injury to incapacitate her completely. Then when she was barely conscious he grabbed her shirt with his right hand and held her limp body in front of him. He reached into his pouch with his other hand to contact the Crimson and request a transport door. ?[B]Jared![/B]? An angry voice called out. He turned to see Kim standing in the doorway, her disruptor aimed in his direction. The fact that she hadn?t fired could only mean she was worried about Sara being hit with a glancing blow, without knowing her state, a stun blast could kill her. Jared smiled again. ?[B]It?s been a while Kim.[/B]? ?[B]Put her down![/B]? ?[B]Why should I?[/B]? Kim aimed the disruptor at Darren?s body. ?[B]I?ll kill him if you don?t.[/B]? Jared laughed. ?[B]Do you really think I care? I thought you knew me better than that Kim. Still if you wish to play too then toss your disruptor aside and I?ll toss her aside as well.[/B]? To his surprise Kim discarded her weapon. ?[B]Fine, I?ll take you on.[/B]? Jared released Sara ignoring her moan of pain as she fell to floor. But before he could do anything the sound of people running towards the computer room could be heard. And then he was surprised yet again when two transportation doors opened above both Kim and Sara and actually moved! [I]What the hell?[/I] Before Jared could react the doors moved on their own flowing downward and closing the instant they were through. Well that was new! Since when did transportation doors move? He didn?t have time to think about it. He placed a small charge in the room, quickly retrieved Darren and once he stepped though the door he requested, he activated the charge, blowing up the computer room. First he would take Darren to sickbay and then he would need to report to Sandra. [/COLOR][/SIZE]

[COLOR=DarkRed]I guess the part about the flag wasn't clear enough, unforchantely. And in the end I think our lack of getting to know eachother is what really hurt us in the end. More than the flag did. So though I hate to do so I have sent my vote and if I'm sitll around for the next challenge I intend to give my all so that it is the other teams who will face a vote the next time around. ;)[/COLOR]

[COLOR=DarkRed]Great work on those avatars and the banner Aaryanna, I've updated the main thread with our entry everyone. ;) Time to pursue the target so to speak. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=DarkRed]Sounds like we are now the mercenaries and that our color is red. Something that I will go and post in the main thread to avoid confusion, however, since Aaryanna has made two beautiful flags for the occasion; we need to decide which one we wish to use. My vote is going towards the second one. I like the crisp border and the additional graphics she put on it as it matches the avatars quite well. Once I have the decision I?ll update the thread with our flag and the other part of the presentation. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=DarkRed][CENTER][B][SIZE=3]The Flag:[/SIZE][/B] [IMG]http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/4162/themercenaries035kz.png[/IMG] [B][SIZE=3]The Name:[/SIZE] [/B]The Mercenaries [SIZE=1]Formerly Team Desbreko[/SIZE] [CENTER][B][SIZE=3]The Color:[/SIZE][/B] Red[/CENTER] [B][SIZE=3]The Captain:[/SIZE][/B] [IMG]http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/995/crystia8ph.png[/IMG] [/CENTER] [CENTER][B][SIZE=3]The Team:[/SIZE] [/B] [IMG]http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/7537/gavin5uv.png[/IMG] [IMG]http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/1060/aaryanna4hw.png[/IMG] [IMG]http://img124.imageshack.us/img124/1043/darren3pv.png[/IMG] [IMG]http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/5406/alexa3zz.png[/IMG] [/CENTER] [/COLOR]

[SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkRed]Jared was up early and in the small conference room just off the bridge with Sandra and a number of other officers. Now that the first batch of humans had been transported over to the ship the High Council had sent, they were preparing to continue with their task of disrupting things on Earth. When the last person arrived and took a seat Jared turned on the display and began the briefing. The screen behind him showing the targets across Earth highlighted in green. ?[B]Each of you have received a report indicating which target you are to check out and then rig to blow up. However, I wish to address a concern with each of you before sending you down.[/B]? Jared paused and turned to face them directly. ?[B]In the past due to sloppy work the civilian causalities have been far in excess of the accepted limit. They may be inferior, but a dead body is of no use to the Empire and you would do well to remember that. Unless you wish to take their place in on one of the conquered worlds and do their work for them, I expect you to not kill anyone unless you have no choice. Am I clear on this?[/B]" Jared waited until each one of them had nodded indicating that they understood. ?[B]Now this doesn?t mean you can?t do your job, nor do I expect you to protect the humans. After all if they choose to stay in the transportation sites even after the warnings and you have started blowing the place up, then that?s just too bad. But if I find anyone has destroyed a facility without giving a warning, one that actually gives them enough time to leave, that person will be stripped of their rank and dealt with accordingly.[/B]? The officers shifted uneasily in their chairs, Jared could see that they did not understand why he had given the order. Or why it would mean they would be punished if they didn?t follow it. [I]I?d better clarify it for them or else there?s going to be several incidents.[/I] Jared thought with a groan of exasperation. ?[B]This is a direct order from the High Council, we are to spare as many civilians as possible, whether or not it is realistic is irrelevant. We?ve been given an order and we must follow it. Any questions?[/B]? ?[B]What about the Elite Specialist? Do we need to worry about them?[/B]? One of them asked. ?[B]No they have their own orders that they are following. However if for any reason they were give you a task, that would take the place of any previous orders, including the one to spare civilians. I do not expect that to happen, but if it did, you are to follow their orders without question. Their task is different than ours and the last thing I want anyone to do is to get in their way. Any more questions?[/B]? Jared looked around but no one said anything else. ?[B]Very well, assemble your teams and be ready to move out at 0700 tomorrow morning. Dismissed.[/B]? He waited until they had left the room before addressing Sandra who had remained. ?[B]Why do I get the feeling that I just wasted my breath?[/B]? ?[B]It matters not,[/B]? Sandra replied. ?[B]I believe that most of them will do just fine and if one does step over the line, once you?ve made an example out of them that will end it.[/B]? ?[B]True, but sometimes it gets old dealing with idiots who can?t see beyond their own comfort. And even though they are inferior, they do serve a vital task in the Empire. Earth?s high population will vastly increase the base of slaves available. Not that we couldn?t get by without them, but it certainly wouldn?t be anywhere as comfortable with out the labor that they do.[/B]? Sandra chuckled, ?[B]I know, believe me I know. If everything goes well the research Crystal is getting the humans for will end that problem. But right now what interests me more is why you are bothering to take the Merchant Darren with you this time.[/B]? ?[B]Because a fair number of the facilities are rundown and in need of major computer overhauls. Many of them are just a step away from breaking down altogether. To truly hack everything, some of the systems will need him to be right there to get a clear signal. Especially at one of their airports as they call them. They have so many signals going everywhere that I don?t want him missing anything due to possible interference.[/B]? ?[B]That would make sense,[/B]? she replied. ?[B]I suggest you double check the teams later today and then I want you to review some of the information I?ve complied on the various leaders on Earth. I want your opinion as to which ones are not suitable, I?m already leaning towards one potential, but I wish to see who you would choose as well. I?ve already forwarded the report to your quarters.[/B]? ?[B]I?ll get started on it immediately then.[/B]?[/COLOR][/SIZE]

[COLOR=DarkRed]Ironically I came to OtakuBoards due to an issue with a wallpaper I had made for theOtaku. I was only interested in getting help on that issue. I had not intended to join and for the first bit all I did was read and post occasionally. It didn?t take long for me to become more involved and what kept me around more than anything was the sheer number of friendly people at both sites. That and [spoiler] stalking Des is too much fun to give up [/spoiler] I also keep coming here since there are some people who I really enjoy reading what they have to say. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=DarkRed]Well I must say that I like the mercenary flag as well Aaryanna, especially the second one. And what you did with the other part looks fantastic. So now the question is what is Gavin?s and Alexa?s take on it? I?d like to hear what you two have to say before I post in the main thread. ;) [B]What?s your favorite animal and why? [/B] As far as personality goes I like dogs the best, but for their playful nature I like Cats the best. Especially since having a dog with my busy schedule would never work where having a cat would be possible. [B]What?s your favorite hobby and why?[/B] I have so many. :) But recently it?s been video games. I must have spent nearly all my spare time over the holidays playing the new Twilight Princess game. When the weather is nicer I love to go hiking with my friends. [B] If you could use one song (set in loop) for the soundtrack of your life, what would it be?[/B] I don?t remember who composed it, but I remember hearing a piece that represented the flow of a river as it passed many things from a field to a town. I?m thinking it would make a nice song to have in loop.[/COLOR]

[SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkRed]Sandra was finishing up some work when the chime sounded, indicating someone was at her door. She paused the recording that she was listening too and then gave the command for who ever was outside her quarters to enter. It was as she has expected it to be, Jared. ?[B]Ah Jared, sit down.[/B]? She said indicating the seat at the small workstation. ?[B]I?ve already sent the copy of the report to you, but it seems that the resistance is more resourceful than we expected.[/B]? ?[B]More resourceful?[/B]? ?[B]Kiva?s ship the Catalyst has better equipment than we do, their initial scan picked up active grade B sensor equipment.[/B]? Sandra pulled up a holographic screen on Jared?s side so he could see the location of the equipment on Earth. ?[B]For now we are going to do nothing about it.[/B]? ?[B]Doing so would only let the resistance know we are on to them.[/B]? Jared observed. ?[B]Exactly, right now they believe we have not detected it. And since the sensors on the Crimson and the Tempest did not, it?s actually true that we did not. Also Kiva has requested that we leave it alone and I agree with her decision since I understand a skilled hacker can use that to their advantage.[/B]? ?[B]What else did they find out?[/B]? ?[B]The resistance has three large fully equipped bases someone where on Earth. Unfortunately, they are hidden well enough that even the Catalyst is unable to find them.[/B]? Sandra explained. ?[B]Three? They?re getting more resourceful to have managed to get the equipment here to build that many bases. I?d be willing to bet an entire years pay that former Commander Daniel is behind it. To the best of my knowledge he is the first Commander to turn traitor and join the resistance, if he was working with Nathan it?s even possible that the bases were here the last time we visited Earth and picked up both Jason and Celestia.[/B]? ?[B]The High Council came to the same conclusion. Which is why after I spoke to them earlier today they have changed the bounty on Daniel to a live capture only. If he is still here we are to secure him and then send him to them for interrogation. If that is the case, dealing with him will put an end to the recent surge in resistance activity. Or at the very least give us enough information to get it back under control.[/B]? Sandra replied. ?[B]I?ll make sure that everyone is updated on the change in regards to Daniel then. Anything else I need to know?[/B]? Jared asked. ?[B]No, just continue with what you have been doing with Darren. Though you might find it amusing to listen in to what the US Government is saying about that melodramatic conversation you had with the authorities on Earth. They can?t make up their mind if you are some raving lunatic or a real terrorist, and it?s not helping that a fair number of zealous groups are jumping on the bandwagon as they put it to claim credit for your work. It?s a good thing you used the holographic technology since the images you used are literally plastered all over their computer network and any from of reporting media.[/B]? Jared laughed. ?[B]Just wait until they see the next one. I intend to use the same image. I?ll be jamming their primitive surveillance systems and saving the actual recording to be one of a mocking bow as I leave the area. I had planned on going to a different country, but Darren pointed out that by attacking the same one twice it would create a deeper ripple effect of panic among the people, so my next target will be one of their airports that they use. The last one was ground shipping, this one is for shipping in the air.[/B]? ?[B]Excellent, while you are doing that the Elite Specialist will start working on their list of the military facilities here on Earth. It?s a pity my part is rather boring. Trying to find a decent liaison from among the leaders of Earth is turning out to be far more difficult than I had anticipated. And a number of them, especially the religious leaders, are totally unsuitable.[/B]? ?[B]I?ll leave you to your work then Sandra.[/B]? Jared said as he got up to leave. ?[B]One other thing Jared.[/B]? ?[B]Yes?[/B]? ?[B]Send an update to the Conqueror as to our progress on Phase One.[/B]? ?[B]At once Sandra.[/B]?[/COLOR][/SIZE]

[COLOR=DarkRed][quote name='Tatsubei Yagyu][COLOR=Navy][FONT=Comic Sans MS]Wow, so the guide is [I][B]THAT[/B][/I] important, huh... =_-[/FONT'][/COLOR][/quote]Only if you intend on playing the harder levels. The easiest and the normal one you can get by, the normal will be a pain in the butt near the end but you can eventually win. It?s the two remaining levels that are the killer. Easy and Normal are doable, but the Hard and then the expert (which I am currently working on) you reach the point where the lack of better armor and weapons does you in. And some of the better equipment for beating the game is made through customization since you can add effects to your weapons that improve both your attacks and your defense. There is better armor and weapons in the bonus dungeons, but if you can?t beat the game to get there, you?re stuck. ;) And the guide takes all the guesswork out of it in that it tells you if an item can only be created by a certain inventor, it even tells you when you can recruit them and what you have to give them. Anyway, speaking of the game, I?ve finally made it to the point where I actually can do customization again. It took me forever to get past certain points on the hardest level since I kept dying. I didn?t have tons of money but at least I was able to make better armor for Cliff and Fayt. Now I just need to survive to the point where I can recruit more inventors so I can really beef them up. I miss the more powerful weapons I had made in the previous level of difficulty. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=DarkRed]Great job on the flags Aaryanna, out of the two I like the Purple Cobra's the best. Though if Darren want's to give it a try that's fine too. If we go with the purple I have another idea which I will pm you about Aaryanna as it would make our final entry look a bit more spiffy in my opinion. [quote name='Darren'] Well my Name is Darren, but you all can call me Lee since that other guy stole me name! But he was born before me, so I guess it's okay. [/quote]That's exactly what he told me when he saw that there was a Darren here at OB. ;) If you prefer going by Darren, there won't be any confusion on my part. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=DarkRed]I have heard about it, but I have not actually read it. If I remember correctly its about a girl named Kahoko who is given a magic violin by a fairy and as a result she ends up in a music contest with other musicians as well. It didn?t grab my interest so I never looked into it beyond reading the summary of what it was about. It does have pretty artwork though as I?ve run across some of it on the Internet. Yuki Kure had a nice clean style to their drawings, at least out of what I have seen. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=DarkRed][quote name='Kei][color=darkblue][size=1]Yes, I would largely suggest that you elaborate, otherwise this thread will have to be closed due to ambiguity, among other things.[/color'][/size][/quote]And since three weeks is more than enough time for one to reply to a request to clarify just what type manga you were creating and to what the purpose of your thread was meant to be Ichigo-kurosaki. At this point I am closing the thread. Feel free to recreate it provided you actually explain more about the manga idea and whether or not you seek feedback or actual help with it's development. ~indifference [B]Thread Closed[/B][/COLOR]

[SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkRed]Setting up the charges for the shipping complex to be destroyed had turned out to be ridiculously easy. If it wasn?t for Commander Crystal?s decision to use the operation to nab the first batch of humans for the High Council?s research project, Jared could have set things up in a fraction of the time. He had brought along some low-level stealth equipment but so far he hadn?t even needed it. Jamming the security camera?s when he was placing the explosives had been child?s play, something that even Darren with his lack of training could have done. Though to be fair, it wasn?t a military facility and the US had never had any real terrorism done to their country. In the end not once was his presence ever challenged by those who were there, he placed the last charge and worked his way out of the complex and back to the abandoned warehouse, the car he had brought on the other side of the tall fence. He climbed it with easy and after sending off a message to be relayed to Crystal via her built in scanner in her glasses, he started the car and drove around to the front gate. Jared smiled as he picked up both Crystal and Darren at the front gate, at least now things would be more interesting. Even Sandra would have her hands full monitoring all the communication that would occur between the higher levels of the government due to his actions. It wasn?t going to be easy for her to pick a liaison from among the governments of this world. Especially since so many of them were greedy grasping fools who only entered politics to further their own gain or to line their pockets with money. Then once he had taken them back to the medical facility and set off the first explosive he followed Crystal and Darren through the transport door. Crystal had already left when he arrived and Darren just stood there waiting for him to tell him what to do next. ?[B]Come with me.[/B]? He said as he left the transport room. He took Darren up to the main bridge, ignoring his look of surprise that a civilian had even been allowed to enter. Usually they were not, but Jared wanted him to monitor how the authorities reacted to his dealing with them. It would help determine if there was a pattern to their emergency response teams. He took Darren into the side conference room and motioned for him to take a seat. Once he did so he sat down on the other side of the table and turned on the built in screen in the wall at the end showing the warehouse on fire and all the people scrambling around. Then he pulled up the same thing along with a section for Darren to input notes on the terminal built into the table in front of him. ?[B]I want you to pay attention to how they respond to things Darren. If we are going to follow the High Council?s wish to spare as many civilians as possible, determining if there is a pattern will be useful in the upcoming missions. Understood?[/B]? ?[B]Yes Sub-Commander.[/B]? It had been nearly fifteen minutes, Jared pulled up the program and initiated the sequence that would hack into their phone systems, then once he activated the program that would send their tracking system in loops around the world, he pushed the button, listening with amusement to the bizarre ringing sounds that they used to indicate it was paging someone. Then a moment later a voice answered. Before they could finish their speech about where he had called, Jared interrupted them. ?[B]I wish to speak to the one in charge, put them on immediately.[/B]? ?[B]Excuse me?[/B]? The voice on the other end said in confusion. ?[B]You do want to know about the rest of the bombs at the Denver Transportation facility correct? Don?t be an idiot, connect me to the person who is in charge.[/B]? Silence greeted his words and then the person who had responded replied, ?[B]Just a moment and I?ll get them for you.[/B]? Jared snickered when the standard hold music came one. He muted the volume as well as any noise from their end. ?[B]Take a look at this Darren,[/B]? he said as he pulled up another screen in front of Darren showing that they had already started attempting to track the call. He also pulled up another display of the facility from the ships point of view; he zoomed in and activated the sensors to do a sweep for life forms. The buildings closest to the one on fire and been emptied, but the ones on the other side still had people working in them. He pulled up the chart of the location of the explosives, preparing for the next blast. Then he un-muted the volume when the music ended and a voice spoke. ?[B]This is the chief of police, Davis, to whom and I speaking?[/B]? ?[B]Who I am is irrelevant Chief. What is relevant is that you have one hour to evacuate everyone at the facility before I activate the remaining charges.[/B]? ?[B]I can?t do that![/B]? ?[B]Don?t lie to me Chief. I know perfectly well that you can do as I have requested. How about I give you another incentive?[/B]? Jared entered the code to detonate the explosives in the building closest to the fire. He sat back and waited as he heard the sounds of shouting in the background, a moment later the Chief spoke again. ?[B]What do you want?[/B]? ?[B]Want? I already explained that to you Chief, I want you to evacuate everyone immediately. You can stop wasting your time trying to track this call or to talk to me to see if you can outsmart me, I suggest you put your time to good use and get all of the people out of there.[/B]? Jared sighed when Davis did not answer immediately. ?[B]This is not a difficult concept to grasp Chief, either you remove the people, or they will die when I destroy the buildings they are in. How many have already died? And how many more will die due to your stupidity?[/B]? Jared activated yet another set of explosives, taking out another building. ?[B]Wait! Stop! I need to talk to my superiors to get the authority to evacuate the area![/B]? ?[B]I suggest you hurry Chief, you have fifteen minutes to give me an answer, at that point if I have not heard from you I will destroy the entire complex immediately along with everyone in it. I?ll wait right here for your answer, now run along.[/B]? Jared muted the volume once again and set the timer running. In less than five minutes people began to start leaving the remaining buildings and heading towards the main gate of the facility. Vehicles with flashing lights on top began to arrive in greater number as well. One minute before the time was up the Chief came back. ?[B]I?ve done as you?ve asked, the facility is being evacuated even as we speak.[/B]? ?[B]I know Chief, I suggest you pull your vehicles back as well as I can?t guarantee that the blast radius won?t affect them.[/B]? Jared detonated yet another set of explosives; the last remaining building that was actually empty. ?[B]Damnit! What did you do that for? We?re doing what you asked us to![/B]? Jared laughed. ?[B]Honestly Chief, you should pay more attention when someone talks to you. I never said I would stop destroying the facility. I merely told you I wanted everyone off the grounds within an hour.[/B]? Jared paused and then continued in a much colder tone of voice. ?[B]You would do well to stop stalling for time and get everyone out of there. You will not be able to trace this call; you will not be able to stop me from destroying the facility. What you will be capable of doing is getting the rest of those people to safety. I grow tired of your stupidity Davis; you now have twenty minutes to finish. I suggest you get busy.[/B]? Jared cut the communication ignoring Davis?s attempts to reason with him. Then as promised, twenty minutes later he destroyed the rest of the facility. With the remaining people inside barely making it out in time. [/COLOR][/SIZE]