Aaryanna_Mom

You kids and your pictures make me sad at times. :animesigh [spoiler]And yes I know it's most likely suppose to be a joke. Not my idea of humor really. [/spoiler] In principle, I object to Censorship for the simple reason that it's far to easy to go over the line and get rid of content for personal reasons instead of truly determining if it really needs to be removed. In that respect I think ratings are a better method since they can be used to help you make informed choices where outright Censorship takes that choice from you. In the end, as a parent, it's your job to set those parental controls on your cable box or DVD player to keep your kids from watching stuff you'd rather they did not. Like the movie in question, honestly, it's a bit absurd in my opinion that people object to it. I have always been of the opinion that an unwillingness to submit one's beliefs to rigorous scrutiny is a manifestation of weakness of faith on your part. In other words if you are so frightened of an opinion or belief that is different, then that's your problem. Attempting to Censor others who see things differently isn't going to solve that problem and doing so is nothing more than a poor attempt to shove your own insecurities onto others. It also shows a distinct lack of faith or respect for your kids since I also believe that once you do your best to educate them... it's their right to choose whether or not they keep said beliefs. So attempting to get rid of something that is fictional and not even a true story because it "might" influence them just seems laughable to me.

They weren't going to make it in time, even with everyone running things as tightly and quickly as Daniel could have hoped for, it just wasn't going to happen. They were not going to get clear of sector thirteen before the Imperial fleet arrived. He could have immediately issued the order and left, but leaving so many troops and Earthlings trapped was something he simply could not do. Kiva had both the councilors and the all important data on board the Catalyst and whether or not she was finished with her objectives, she would leave. Being able to outrun the fleet would not be an issue for her. The[I] Liberator[/I] would not have it so easy. Though the damage was not serious, the last two battles had resulted in an overall ten percent drop in both power and efficiency for the ship. If the fleet choose to give chase, it was possible they would be able to force them out of hyperspace. And yet, even knowing this, he could not simply run and leave the others to fend for themselves. Instead he obtained the most likely exit vectors for the fleet and commandeered the remote drones from both the [I]Hunter[/I] and the [I]Transcendence[/I]. Filling them with high quality explosives and then launching them directly into the zone where the fleet would most likely arrive. It had been fairly simple to tie them into the battle systems so that they would automatically head for any ship not flagged as a friendly one. But at the same time, doing so required at least one ship to stay behind to provide the data feed so the drones would follow the programming to attack any non-friendly ship. They didn't have time to upload the individual program to each drone. Still so long as the Imperial fleet exited within the zone, they would be caught by surprise and that alone would give them more time to retrieve as many people as possible. Daniel looked at the readout on the main viewer, with the display of the incoming fleet and the countdown until they arrived. In just fifteen minutes they would be there. He looked to see that the last of the transports were coming up from Earth or rather the last group they would have time to pick up. Unfortunately, there were still troops unaccounted for and refugees that they would not have the time to retrieve. Daniel watched as those battleships that were ready broke orbit and moved to get into position to make the jump to hyperspace. At their current rate, nearly thee fourths of the fleet would be gone by the time the Imperial fleet arrived. "[B]Do you really think the drones will make a difference?[/B]" His second in command spoke up, clearly nervous about the impending battle to get free. "[B]We'll find out soon enough. In the mean time focus on getting as many of the ships clear as possible.[/B]" "[B]Yes sir.[/B]" Daniel resisted the urge to sigh, wondering if he would regret the decision to stick around and ensure that as many ships as possible could escape. Just as he wondered about the wisdom of retrieving as many refugees as possible on the [I]Liberator[/I]. If they were stopped, all of that effort would be for nothing. "[B]Sir, is it true that Lesera Krales is related to you?[/B]" Spencer asked, refusing to meet Daniel's gaze. "[B]I mean, it's in your record that you have no family.[/B]" He hastily explained when Daniel did not respond. "[B]Yes, it's true. My father believed that she was dead since she vanished nearly forty years ago.[/B]" "[B]Uh... I see.[/B]" Spencer finally said. "[B]I doubt it,[/B]" Daniel said with a half laugh. "[B]But then there's a very long story behind all of that and how I ended up in the Resistance. Anyway, now is not the time for that, bring all sections to full Amber Alert.[/B]" "[B]Right![/B]" Spencer issued the command, changing the alert from one of evacuation to one of preparing for battle. Just ten more minutes and the fun would begin. They would either get free or they wouldn't. Even if they did, he was not going to tell Spencer about how he ended up in the Resistance or how surprised and shocked even he had been when Williams had learned that Lesera Krales had not been dead all these years, but had been the head of the research project on Mars all this time. Daniel hadn't really known much about her anyway, only that Nathan at one time had made the comment that it was sad how people vanished. At the time, he had not known that Nathan was his father nor had he realized that Nathan knew she had not been killed by the Resistance as the High Council had claimed. The sound of an urgent alert brought him back out of thinking about the past and to the present instead. In just five minutes, they would find out if the drones would do any good. A quick glance at the readout showed that the last of the transports had arrived safely on board the [I]Liberator[/I]. Daniel issued the order to break orbit and to begin heading for the point for the jump to hyperspace. If all went well, the Imperial fleet would show up within the target zone and the moment the drones had been used, they could simply make the jump. But if they were wrong... things were going to get more than just a little interesting.

Well I enjoyed that ending and the prize is fun as well, I assume that you actually drew and colored that yourself Sandy? It's certainly a fun prize. Anyway, I enjoyed it and again, congratulations Rachmaninoff! :catgirl:

Because my daughter is here. That and I enjoy coming here. It's all about the people really. Those I know in real life and those I've met since I joined. :catgirl: I've also found the rpg section of the boards to be quite a bit of fun, so that keeps me around as well.

Congratulations Rachmaninoff. :catgirl: I look forward to seeing how you wrap things up. Also... I'm supremely surprised people thought Enora was mine, as much fun as this was, I didn't have [I]that[/I] many cards up my sleeves. I had just as much trouble with the point system as everyone else did. And since I was gone most of last week due to having surgery on my left eye, I have to admit that I'm glad to see that things wrapped up since I was coming up at a loss as to how one could earn more points. Anyway, get posting so we can see what happens Rachmaninoff!

Just a short notice since I was expecting to be able to return quickly. However I most likely won't be available to make a post until this weekend. I had surgery on my left eye last week and though it went well, looking at a computer screen is still a bit tiring. I'll still read and keep up, I just won't be spending the extra time needed to actually put a post together.

I could easily say I'm pretty honest, but at the same time that doesn't really address the level of honesty or the very nature or level of my character. Honesty is something that I think is more than just words or whether or not you have told an outright lie or a white lie. You can be truthful with words and yet dishonest with your actions. A weak example would be to tell someone that being gay doesn't really bother you when in reality your actions are intentionally biased by virtue of voting for legislation that would deny a person who is certain rights. And by biased I mean you are simply voting so others won't know that you really don't care. Peer pressure can be pretty intense at times. The truth may have preserved your friendship perhaps, but deep down your actions are that of one who isn't a friend since your actions clearly speak otherwise. I'm not sure if I'm explaining this correctly or not. But I worry more about following though with my words so that my actions don't make them a lie. I worry about being honest with myself since that spills over into being more honest with everyone around me. I think I do a fairly decent job, but it's a constant struggle to be true to myself and honest in my dealings. I say this because as I grow older, my values are constantly being challenged and it requires me to reevaluate myself and my relationship with my friends, to make adjustments based on how my views have changed.

[quote name='Sandy']And thus there are still five characters fighting for five gods. [/QUOTE]And now there are but three... The question now is just who got clobbered with those past two deaths. ;)

This time it was Raone who was not amused with the antics by Jacyhm. Just as he was less than amused with the entire proceedings in choosing just one God. And as soon as Jachym returned he spoke. "[B]That was uncalled for and unnecessarily cruel Jachym.[/B]" He said with clear disapproval over what he had just done. "[B]No more cruel than bringing any of the souls here. If you were so concerned over perceived cruelty then perhaps you should have stayed out of this instead of bringing in two souls yourself when you knew that death was inevitable.[/B]" Jachym said mockingly. "[B]Don't dance around how you deliberately toyed with the souls![/B]" Bellanna declared upon returning to Valhalla as well. "[b]There was no need to do the deed personally and torment them in such a manner![/b]" "[b]I disagree, at this rate they would have banded together in an attempt to find a way out instead of doing what they were brought here for. If doing what is needed to get the job done bothers both of you so much, then perhaps you should just leave as you will lack the resolve to rule once this little game is finished.[/b]" Jachym smirked. "[b]No brother, I think it is time that you left.[/b]" Raone said cryptically before turning back to the pool showing the few souls that remained. If he was correct, he would eliminate the God of the Sea with his next move. [CENTER][IMG]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c323/SamSandy/Ragnarok/ragnarok-soul-jeanne.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c323/SamSandy/Ragnarok/ragnarok-soul-charlotte.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c323/SamSandy/Ragnarok/ragnarok-soul-patrick.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c323/SamSandy/Ragnarok/ragnarok-soul-kennethjunior.jpg[/IMG][/center] "[B]How could you?[/B]" Jeanne cried once the bubble of water imprisoning her was gone. "[B]You told that horrible man to kill me![/B]" "[B]I had no choice![/B]" Charlotte replied. "[B]If I said nothing, he might have taken Kenneth![/B]" "[B]You don't know that![/B]" Jeanne objected. "[B]What I do know,[/B]" Charlotte said as she started to get angry, "[B]Is that you tried to kill my baby and me! If not for that sweet boy Ash getting in the way you would have succeeded![/B]" Jeanne looked away, "[B]I couldn't help myself, I was being controlled by someone else. Once that control was gone, I was trying to find you and give your baby back.[/B]" She motioned towards Patrick, "[B]Even that fool can tell you that. After all he tried to steal your baby twice in some mad attempt to revive the Kaijin.[/B]" "[B]Patrick?[/B]" Charlotte looked at him the question in her eyes one of wondering if Jeanne spoke the truth. "[B]She's lying![/B]" Patrick declared heatedly. "[B]She knows how much I care for you and wants you for herself![/B]" Charlotte was torn, she knew for a fact that Jeanne had tried to kill her and her baby just as she knew there was something terribly wrong with Patrick as well. [I]Who do I believe?[/I] She didn't know what to do. "[B]Marta died protecting your baby Charlotte,[/B]" Jeanne said. "[B]But before she died she had some mysterious ability to see the truth and she told me that Patrick was cursed by something that was making him behave oddly as well. Considering all that happened... I'm inclined to believe her.[/B]" "[B]That's not true![/B]" Patrick approached her angrily. "[B]Stop filling her mind with lies, you've done enough harm.[/B]" "[B]Mother,[/B]" Kenneth spoke up finally, the confusion in his eyes evident. "[B]Why are all of you fighting?[/B]" Charlotte turned to answer him and then jumped at the sound of a gun shot. She turned back in time to see Patrick fall to the ground, a bullet between the eyes and Jeanne holding a smoking gun. "[B]Why?[/B]" Charlotte cried. "[B]Why did you have to...[/B]" She choked when she realized what Patrick had been holding in his hands since she couldn't recall when or if she had ever noticed that he had a small dagger. Jeanne lowered the gun, still blackened from where the lightening had hit it. She had wondered if it would even still work after being hit. "[B]I'm sorry, but once he pulled that out, with you and Kenneth being between us I had no way of knowing for sure if he was coming after me or not. I couldn't let him get near anyone with that thing.[/B]" Charlotte choked. "[B]No, you were right, I couldn't say anything in front of him but there was something wrong with him.[/B]" She looked away. "[B]I can't trust you so easily, but I do thank you for stopping him.[/B]" She sighed and got up, taking Kenneth's hand in hers. "[B]We need to find a way out of here, if there even is a way out for all of us.[/B]" Jeanne just nodded and put the pistol away before searching for a way out other than back into the blizzard that was still raging outside. [center][IMG]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c323/SamSandy/Ragnarok/ragnarok-deathcard.png[/IMG] [IMG]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c323/SamSandy/Ragnarok/ragnarok-soul-patrick.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER]

[quote name='Blayze'][SIZE=1]I'm looking forward to things getting "very interesting," and with all the nefarious deeds he's doing, I'm not sure how much longer Kreid can stay undercover. Someone must have noticed by now, heh. [/SIZE][/QUOTE]Oh he's definitely been quite busy. ;) And as you can see by my post I implied that he sent two messages to sector one and thus a fleet was sent in an attempt to arrive before our group did on account of the two High Council members. Anyway, I understand that SunfallE will be including some new objectives surrounding that and I suspect that will include having to fight our way free of the sector. Also to be clear on the relationship between Daniel Landers and Lesera Krales. Their last names are different because Daniel's mother was never married to his father so Daniel has his mother's last name instead of his fathers. There is more to that, but it will be revealed later as the story progresses.

Things were going well at Earth, far better than Daniel had expected them to. The research facility at Mars had been successfully captured intact and most if not all pockets of resistance on Earth had been dealt with. The refugees and other able citizens of Earth were being given the chance to relocate and the transports that had been just behind the fleet had already arrived and left the area. There would be a token attempt to hold the sector, but it was impractical to assume that it was even possible to do so for any length of time. Daniel had not even ordered that the defenses of the research facility be strengthened. He had a gut feeling that it would be a waste of time and though he couldn?t pin the feeling down, he followed his instinct and instead had Kiva working on finishing retrieving all of the data from the facility while arrangements were made to transport all of the perfect crystals currently in storage there to the Liberator. In that respect things were going well and even the repairs to the ship itself was coming along nicely. As soon as the groups on Earth finished up they would be able to fall back and reevaluate their position. Which left Daniel in the undeniable position of needing to take care of something that he would rather not. Speaking to the head of the research facility, Lesera Krales. Security would be present and though he would wish it otherwise, it wouldn?t be long before everyone knew just who she really was. Something that he was sure she herself would rather they did not know either. With a resigned sigh he gathered the two security personnel currently assigned to him and headed for the detention cells. Daniel was not expecting a warm welcome when they entered the cell and Lesera upon realizing just who had come to debrief her snapped at the trio. "[B]Get out! Unless you plan on forcing me to divulge my information as the head the research project then I have nothing to say to you traitor.[/B]" "[B]It's nice to see you too... [I]Aunt[/I].[/B]" Daniel said deliberately. Lesera's reaction was immediate and swift, taking two steps forward, raising her right hand to slap Daniel. Just as the two security personnel with her were equally as swift, stepping forward, their weapons drawn. With a look of pure hatred she stopped, letting her had fall back down to her side. "[B]Don't ever call me that again. The day your father turned traitor is the day he was no longer my brother.[/B]" She spat. Daniel just sighed inwardly. "[B]And I suppose the fact that you mysteriously vanished thirty years ago is irrelevant.[/B]" He ignored her startled intake of breath. "[B]How could Nathan not suspect foul play when being one of the top leaders of the resistance himself, he knew that the High Council's claims that you had been killed by the resistance were not true?[/B]" He asked rhetorically. "[B]That had nothing to do with it! That was only a security measure![/B]" Lesera protested but Daniel cut her off. "[B]You left your only surviving relative in the position of thinking his only sister had been killed. Even if he was not a resistance member, security measures or not it was inexcusable. Especially when the stories about key dissidents being taken care of quietly are indeed true.[/B]" At that moment Daniel's communicator went off and he answered it. "[B]Lander's here.[/B]" It was his second in command, Spencer. "[B]I'm sorry to bother you sir, but you're needed on the bridge immediately.[/B]" "[B]Understood, I'll be right there. Landers out.[/B]" He looked back up and Lesera. "[B]We'll finish this later, I suggest you consider just where you stand. Nothing will happen to you, but failure to cooperate will require that you remain detained until the war is over.[/B]" "[B]Don't bother to come back.[/B]" Lesera said as Daniel was leaving. "[B]I would never betray the High Council as you have done.[/B]" [CENTER]------------------------------[/CENTER] Spencer didn't waste any time, the moment Daniel entered the bridge he was at his side. "[B]We have a serious problem sir, long range scanners have detected a fleet coming this way.[/B]" "[B]What? So soon? How is that possible?[/B]" Spencer waited until they were standing next to Daniel's spot and out of hearing range of the others. "[B]You remember how you we're convinced that the mole was not gone? Though we were unable to trace who sent the transmissions, the computer specialist was able to determine that twice since we left sector fourteen, an unauthorized message was sent.[/B]" "[B]How many ships are we talking about and when will they arrive?[/B]" Daniel asked. "[B]The signature trace is that of a flagship along with at least thirty battle ships, I don't know which flagship, but all of them will be here in just over one hour.[/B]" "[B]Damn![/B]" Daniel swore. "[B]Get everyone back on board immediately! Start sending everyone back to sector eleven at once![/B]" "[B]We're still missing some of the troops on the planet.[/B]" [B]"It can't be helped.[/B]" Daniel declared, "[B]We'll stay as long as we can but it's important that we take the data and everything else that we have gotten here back to sector eleven. Issue the order to withdraw no later than one hour from now.[/B]" Spencer nodded and asked just one more question before turning to issue the retreat. "[B]What about the High Council members that Kiva captured?[/B]" "[B]I'll take care of that, you worry about getting everyone back on board before the deadline.[/B]"

I thought I would let everyone know who is involved in the deal at Earth... You'll want to wrap up anything thing that needs to be done since tomorrow I will be posting again and believe me, things are going to get very interesting. ;) I realize we've had a holiday, but it's now been over two weeks since my last post in that area so it's time to get things moving again.

Sorry that took so long for me to get a post in and seeing that there were some antics towards Vincent, that gave me the perfect opportunity for Catherine to step in a bit as her role as hostess and fix it. ;) That is what she would do after all, whether she liked Vincent or not. Though she holds no grudge towards him.

[CENTER][IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/leonhartavatar.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/catherinesaraavatar.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/vincentavatar.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] So far the party for Leonhart was going well and like any hostess, Catherine was keeping an eye on everyone even as she greeted and chatted with the various members of the Almagest family who had come to attend the gala. Adult or not, there would always be those who's relationship was strained and more than anything Catherine did not want Leonhart to have to deal with any unpleasantness on his special day. Thankfully so far, everyone was getting along or at the very least not making a fuss, perhaps other than Harrison's usual rebellious nature, but Catherine hardly considered that an issue, he was still young and given time she was certain he would settle down. "[B]You've done a beautiful job as always sister.[/B]" Leonhart said politely to Catherine with a twinkle in his eyes and a smile on his lips as he came over to stand next to her. But Catherine was not fooled, she knew what he truly felt. "[B]Even though you don't like such festivities right brother?[/B]" Leonhart just chuckled a bit. "[B]You know me too well. I assure you though, I do appreciate the sentiment and the kindness behind those who truly do wish me well.[/B]" He turned to gaze back at those who were enjoying themselves. "[B]It is only those seeking favor and nothing more that I dislike.[/B]" "[B]As do I Leonhart, as do I.[/B]" Catherine agreed and then she frowned when something caught her eye. "[B]If you'll excuse me, it seems I need to attend to something.[/B]" Catherine did not wait for Leonhart to respond as she quickly moved to intercept someone who was leaving the Grand Hall. Leonheart would have seen what happened so there was no need for her to explain as she hurried after Vincent who was leaving the Grand Hall. As Catherine passed Marie Evangeline she gave her a disapproving look and when Marie's eyes met hers, Catherine noted how she at least had the good sense to look chagrined when she realized that Catherine had seen her antics towards Vincent. Satisfied that she had gotten her point across she continued on her way and caught Vincent who was not that far down the hallway outside the main room. Upon seeing her he paused and waited since it was clear she was coming towards him. "[B]Catherine Sara,[/B]" He inclined his head slightly. "[B]If you'll excuse me I need to...[/B]" But Catherine motioned for him to be quiet and took up his left arm and steered him down one of the hallways before he could say much else. "[B]I know exactly what you need to take care of dear. And I hope you'll not think unkindly of Marie for that shameful display. Her and Macey are quite close after all.[/B]" "[B]Oh not at all.[/B]" Vincent assured her. "[B]I am only sorry that our troubles have pained her, that was never my intent.[/B]" Catherine smiled warmly as they approached one of the washrooms meant for the servants to use for cleaning clothing. She ignored Vincent's confusion and headed for the tall dressers against one of the walls, she let go of his arm for a moment and opened one up to pull out a clean white shirt that though not quite as fine as what he was wearing, would easily do in a pinch. "[B]Now go in the other room,[/B]" She indicated the other door leading out of the room. "[B]You'll find something to wash up with once you've gotten out of that sticky shirt.[/B]" She handed him the clean one and then waited while Vincent did as she ordered. Vincent emerged shortly and then at Catherine's further instructions left his shirt in the washroom when she brushed aside his concerns about causing trouble for her. Catherine took the initiative and took his left arm in hers again as she headed back to where everyone else was. "[B]Don't you worry over that dear, I'll make sure it's properly cleaned and sent to your home tomorrow.[/B]" With a smile she began to inquire how he had been what he was up to as they made their way back to the festivities.

[quote name='Retribution'][font=Arial]I'll be frank for a moment. I find those who want to make decisions for others truly annoying. Well, annoying doesn't grasp the enormity of the feeling. It's people like that in this nation who want abortion illegal, who want gay marriage illegal, who want to keep watch of you and tap your phone [i]all for your safety[/i]. Sure, this is a slippery slope (and yes, I'm aware it's a logical fallacy) but it's people like that who keep legislating other people's lives. I hate it. The way I see it, if you want to keep marijuana illegal, you should also support prohibition and making cigarettes illegal. Both are detrimental to ones health. Both "touch other people's lives" in a negative way. Both are responsible for plenty of ill intent. Both serve no real purpose aside from having fun in a way that is dangerous for your health.[/rant][/font][/QUOTE]Making other's decisions for them is an unavoidable part of government. I understand how you would find this frustrating, but you yourself stated that it's a logical fallacy since on some level making the decision for others is necessary. Especially when it's behavior that is detrimental. And to be clear, if I thought it would help, I could and would support making cigarettes illegal. I've lost relatives to cancer from that and though you could argue it was their choice, it is a harmful substance. I see Marijuana in pretty much the same light. It's detrimental to one's health and in the end doesn't have much purpose other than for people to get high. It's already illegal and I see no reason to change that. If you are caught doing something illegal, at that point, you'll get no sympathy from me.

[quote name='Sandy']There has been another change in the rules: from now on cards will be given when you reach [B]4 Death Points[/B]. I think this will bring us back to speed, and finally reach conclusion to this game. ;D[/QUOTE]Though it's nice you are trying to make it easier, it makes little difference since attempting to figure out how to earn the points still eludes me. Even though the life points were hard, they at least made sense to me. lol Where the death points... I just cringe at writing stuff like that. Oh well, I guess in a short time we shall see just who finally wins this game. And who knows! I just might get lucky and manage to actually earn a death card or something just once! ;)

[quote name='Allamorph'][FONT=Arial]Hmmph. Now if you'll ex-[I]cuse[/I] me, milady, I'm off to play some Smetana.[/FONT][/QUOTE]Smetana is wonderful, I'm especially fond of Má vlast a set of six symphonic poems. Where each poem depicts some aspect of the countryside, history, or legends of Bohemia. The one I enjoy the most is Vltava, one that as the composer puts it in his own words: [INDENT]The composition describes the course of the Vltava, starting from the two small springs, the Cold and Warm Vltava, to the unification of both streams into a single current, the course of the Vltava through woods and meadows, through landscapes where a farmer's wedding is celebrated, the round dance of the mermaids in the night's moonshine: on the nearby rocks loom proud castles, palaces and ruins aloft. The Vltava swirls into the St. John's Rapids; then it widens and flows toward Prague, past the Vy?ehrad, and then majestically vanishes into the distance, ending at the Elbe.[/INDENT] This piece contains Smetana's most famous tune. It is an adaptation of an ancient folk song of indeterminate origin, which is also the basis for the Israeli national anthem, Hatikvah. Smetana probably adapted the melody from a Swedish version called Ack, Värmeland. And yes I used Wiki to help with the information since it's much easier than going and finding either my music history book or vinyl record of this piece with the booklet that came with it when I purchased it while attending school. ;) It's a wonderfully beautiful piece that I enjoy listening to very much. Though I now have a copy on CD and no longer listen to the vinyl anymore.

"[B]You must not hesitate brothers.[/B]" Raone merely met the gaze of each god as they turned to look at him. "[B]Many of us still have means of bringing about our victory and yet if you continue to stand still and do nothing, that victory will end up eluding your grasp.[/B]" He finished. "[B]What makes you think we stand still?[/B]" Jachym smirked. "[B]Or have those powers of truth finally failed you?[/B]" "[B]Perhaps you are not the one I refer to.[/B]" Raone gave Illyria a stern glance. "[B]I'm quite sure that the one who is desperately stalling for time, looking to elude the trap around them knows just what I am talking about.[/B]" Illyria just smiled. "[B]I think Jachym is correct, you're powers of truth have failed you in so many ways.[/B]" "[B]We shall see.[/B]" Raone replied calmly. [CENTER][IMG]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c323/SamSandy/Ragnarok/ragnarok-soul-marta.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c323/SamSandy/Ragnarok/ragnarok-soul-jeanne.jpg[/IMG][/center] Marta was rocking Kenneth to sleep after having gotten him to eat the fruit she had mashed up for him. Part of her was thinking they should move on and another part of her wished to simply stay put and pretend that they weren't stuck in the place known as the Ragnarok. It was certainly not what she had expected, even if she wasn't a true student of history, she still had been under the impression that the Ragnarok was a battle ground of sorts, but so far it hadn't even come close to anything like that. "[B]You've no idea how much I envy you.[/B]" Marta said softly. "[B]What do you mean?[/B]" Jeanne asked her. "[B]There's nothing to envy, we're both stuck here.[/B]" Startled Marta looked up as she had not expected Jeanne to hear her words spoken softly to herself. "[B]That's not what I mean.[/B]" She looked away. "[B]I was referring to how each of you had good lives before you were brought here, I was in the middle of a trial for the murder of my husband. And since then I turned my back on Joe and chose to let him die, all to save my own sorry pathetic self.[/B]" Jeanne searched for something to say before finally settling on something, "[B]I can only guess that you had your reasons.[/B]" She finally said. "[B]And it's only human to want to live.[/B]" Marta just laughed out loud. "[B]Only human? It was pure selfishness on my part, the man I allowed to die was far kinder and certainly deserved to live more than I ever did.[/B]" She sighed as she stood up and made ready to leave. "[B]What I really want is to find some way to take control of this place. I've no idea how, but if I could somehow find a way, then I could live here and never return home again. I'd never have to be betrayed by some worthless cheating man. Hell! I might even be able to do what the Gods did and simply chose who I want to be here with me."[/B] "[B]Marta.[/B]" Jeanne started to say as she too got up to leave. "[B]Yeah, I know, Pride before the fall right? It's sheer greed and arrogance for me to even think I have the good judgment to be in charge of something like this. I'd just make things even worse than they are now.[/B]" Marta carefully wrapped Kenneth up in the small blanket she had and then smiled at him a bit. "[B]We'd best get moving and find Charlotte and the others, she must be worried sick about Kenneth. I know I would be.[/B]" She walked off, back the way they had come, starting the search yet again.

What motivates me? My kids. And some music theory and teaching books I'm working on for publication, or at the very least I hope to eventually publish. But for the most part I have no grand goal other than to enjoy my life and watch my kids grow up and enjoy theirs. There are some religious ones as well, but there's no need to expand on that since I'm sure most of you understand what I mean.

[quote name='Konata;798458]And okay, maybe I can't stand in your shoes because I'm not a mother and I don't plan on being one for my own avaricious and inconsiderate reasons, but like earlier stated, I acknowledge your standpoint, and everyone else's standpoints.[/QUOTE]That's what makes the case stand out more than anything, as a parent I find that hard to understand, that one would knowingly do that to someone's kid. So on some level that hits home to me since I find the idea reprehensible. [quote name='Konata'']No. And the thing is, no matter how much I click on Google, I'm not going to find all of the information I want. Because most of the time, the news says one thing, and another thing happens. Or while others are horribly suffering torture and emaciated from hunger, all we're concerned about are sensational crime scenes and celebrity justice, right?[/quote]Of course not, you would have to go directly to the source and even then you would be limited by what they would be willing to tell you and how their own perceptions limit what they remember and how they remember it. Also, even if others are suffering, or the truism of being able to find something worse just by looking exists, that doesn't make it any less important does it? If we start saying we don't care because there is something worse, we'll fall into the loop of never caring. I'm not saying you do that I'm just saying that even if you're being sarcastic, it doesn't make it true that people think that way. I think your getting into the responsibility of the media as well as the truism that sensationalism sells but by no means do I think it's the only thing we are concerned with, it is the thing that we are concerned with because it is what is being reported. ;) And that for quite a bit of the population is no fault of their own, they read what is presented to them and of course like we are now here in this forum, they react to it.[quote name='Konata']And a lot of the news has a sense of bias, even a little, which I'm very skeptical of. What ever happened to the good old days when everything was statistics and cold, hard facts? Oh wait, those don't make the money... Before I can say anything supporting the child's side, I would like to know about all sides that affected the entire situation. And overall, there is hardly any information about the parent, compared to the massive redundant load of information about the girl. I'd like to look both ways before crossing the street.[/QUOTE]Bias in the news is unavoidable, there's no getting around it and though being skeptical is good at the same time I think it's important to be careful that the same skepticism doesn't have you turning your back on things because of potential bias from the media. Also, what are these good old days where everything was statistics and cold, hard facts? I'd be curious as to just what days you are referring to since for as long as I have lived, I've been hearing that phrase from each generation, from the one before me, to my own to the newer generations such as yourself. In my experience, the good old days often have rose tinted glasses on them making them appear more perfect than they really were. As for looking both ways, if there is any truth in the case that this girl was deceived and bullied. Regardless of the outcome bullying does need to be addressed especially when it descends to the level of outright harassment. If anything something like this should be prompting us to take a closer look into preventive measures. At least that is what I think. ;) And it doesn't necessarily require supporting the child to do that, since that's more along the lines of support all kids and adults who face being harassed or bullied.

[quote name='Konata']I'd like to say that the parts that might make me seem condescending weren't sarcastic because if I say I'm stupid, I mean I'm stupid (and I cherish all of your opinions, because after all, if we were all consistent, then all of your great minds out there would have simply nothing to do[/emerson]), and maybe I should've highlighted all of the sarcastic remarks. I know I make people sad, I know I am a fool, I'm sadder than hell, and I guess I have a snarky I don't give a ---- attitude (which contradicts the fact that I did reply to this topic which means I possibly have an I do give a ---- attitude since I am acknowledging this particular topic, but I shouldn't say it because I wouldn't be conforming), but Okay. Very well, I humbly apologize for my satire and I will never attempt to be humorous on [url]http://www.otakuboards.com[/url] again.[/QUOTE]Or I can explain that I'm a 50 year old parent who until last year never joined an online forum, has never read any of the Internet rules [nor do I intend to based on what I've heard] and will in all honesty admit that most if not all sarcasm goes completely over my head. I try to understand it but honestly I don't. It makes it hard for me to know when someone is being sarcastic or condescending or trying to be funny. There's no need to apologize for your satire, I'm only sorry that I seem to fail to grasp it. It's not intentional I assure you.[quote name='Konata']And I'll conform. To everything. Now let's start over again so I am conforming. And although I can't concur with this topic anymore, I shall agree on every topic here, from now on. I shall not make people sad nor shall I be a fool. My vulgar behavior was unerringly extraneous. Henceforth, due to the fact that my opinions and satire are wrong, conclusively, I shall resort to conformity. Thank you for the wonderful advice.[/QUOTE]Don't do that, seriously, and again I can't tell if you're being sarcastic/funny/condescending or not. I sincerely hope you are, just trying to be a bit funny or sarcastic. Just as I hope you understand that part of my sadness over this whole thing is the lack of caring towards others who do struggle with depression and end up killing themselves. I can't and I hope I never do understand how the other mother could knowingly do what she did to the girl. Anyway, I'm sorry for being harsh.

[quote name='Konata'] And there is partial sarcasm in a lot of my sentences, and ///// I think this also poses a point. She was 13. I know, I know. //// Btw, I hope you got my sarcasm. Actually, lemme make this clear. [B]^ SARCASM[/B] On the Internet. ///// She was incapable of correct judgment. But she was 13 and therefore she has a perfectly valid excuse! Right? But likewise, I think that even at the age of 13, she could be able to use her sanity to judge whether or not she would go into a dark alley with a bloodthirsty gang of knives, or walk in the public street with efficient lighting and people who could watch over her. She could be able to use her sanity to judge the same thing online. Depression might have impaired her judgment in the possible sense that she couldn't take the insults. But depression won't force you into that dark alley, nor that scavenger hunt for those insults that caused her to commit suicide. ///// Which brings up an interesting point. Everyone pays attention to the victim. Because she's depressed. Because she killed herself by a horrible parent. But I'd like to know about the parent. ///// But really, in all truth, I don't feel a drop of sadness or pity for the girl. I've read about suicides by depressed people who couldn't handle the turning back of someone online. If I was sad every time I read one of those, I would have probably died from tears.[/QUOTE]Goodness, I can understand your intent about sarcasm but it's way overdone and just rude really. Honestly, you can refute someone's point or simply point out that you did say the parent was at fault with out the long condescending rant. Also, I'm going to smack you a bit here young lady. Follow my earlier suggestion and google this and read up on it, the girl got permission from her parents to join myspace, she got permission to add this fake "Josh" to her friends list. She talked to them about what was happening and they tried to tell her it would be all right. In other words, her parents were involved in her life and actively trying to help her. So you don't feel sorry for her, that's fine, but honestly sadder than hell that you seem to feel no sympathy whatsoever. No one is expecting you 'die' from tears. And if you can't see that most of our replies are because we find it strange that you could be without pity, then really, you're missing out here. Though if you've read all of the articles out there on this and you still have this snarky I don't give a damn attitude, then that's just even more sad. And I'll leave it at that since overbearing sarcasm that implies the rest of us are stupid is a waste of my time to even respond to.

Someone like that has no business being a parent. I did some looking into this and it's just sad beyond belief that any adult would do such a thing, and for that adult to be a mother no less is just sickening. Here's a snippet from one of the articles I found: [INDENT]The following day, Mrs Meier was taking another daughter to the orthodontist, and asked Megan to log off MySpace, where users must be at least 14. Megan called her mother, saying that messages were being posted about her saying: "Megan Meier is a slut. Megan Meier is fat." After a row, Megan ran upstairs. Her father tried to reassure her that everything would be fine. Twenty minutes later, she was found dead. Mr Meier said he found a message the next day from "Josh", telling her she was a bad person and the world would be better without her.[/INDENT] I don't even know where to begin, to express the disgust I feel towards another parent who would callously tell a teenage kid that the "The world would be a better place without you." Go and google it and read through different articles. The one linked to at the beginning of this thread doesn't even begin to scratch the surface of how terrible this really is.

What a fun card you played Beth. ;) That will shake things up quite a bit. I'm betting that there are even more cards just waiting to be played though. Should be interesting to see. And now that the holiday is over... I'll be back later today with a post. :catgirl: [B]EDIT: [/B]Or not since I got sidetracked by other things, so I'll have to come back to this tomorrow.

[quote name='James'][font=franklin gothic medium]Yep, as Dagger pointed out, we'll be keeping OB Standard as a selectable skin. In Edit Options you can choose to use OB Standard as your default all the time, so that you don't have to change to it each time you visit OB.[/font][/QUOTE]Thank you. I figured you were, but I wanted to be sure or at the very least let you know that I preferred it. It's a shame that the dark background and contrasting lighter color for the text doesn't agree with my vision since it does look nice. Though who knows? I'm due to have more surgeries next year on my eyes to improve my vision so I just might be able to read something like that comfortably once that's done. Anyway, thank you for answering the question, I appreciate it.:catgirl: