Rachmaninoff

If she had any energy left Meredith would have been in tears. No matter how hard she tried she couldn't avoid the turrets long enough to stay on the platforms for it to really help. In the past ten hours...an eternity...she had been hit five times. Knocked sprawling only to be shot again and again by the painful energy beams until she crawled back into the water. If not for the numbing effect of the icy water she knew she wouldn't even be able to move. 1:59:23... [INDENT]1:58:13...[/INDENT] [INDENT][INDENT]1:57:37...[/INDENT][/INDENT] With a jerk Meredith caught herself falling asleep, starting to slip under the water, she coughed as she accidentally took in a bit of water. [I]Dammit! I can't die here! [/I] With a new rush of determination lending her false strength she painfully pulled herself out of the water onto a platform. But as always the turrets showed no mercy, and her numbed body was no match for their speed, the first blast knocking her backwards and into the water. The force of the landing sending her far beneath the waters. Meredith screamed within her mind, attempting to swim back to the surface, but her tired, cold and unresponsive limbs did not respond properly and she slowly began to sink. She tried to hold her breath but even when her body forced her to try to breath and she took in water there was no pain, only an increased feeling of detachment, of calm. Even the steadily increasing darkness as she sank further into the waters did not alarm her. Until finally even the faint light from the surface was gone and only darkness remained.[I] Am I dead?[/I] She wondered as she felt herself drifting almost peacefully. Her mind feeling as if it had been set free, a particular tiredness overcame her and she could tell that soon she would be asleep forever. Before she had hoped that her husband was still alive somewhere, but deep inside she had always known. And for once Meredith no longer grieved for him, in her final moments if she had been able to see herself she would have seen that she was smiling. [I] I'm coming sweetheart.[/I] [CENTER] [IMG]http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b269/MetalSonic700/deathcardpanopticon.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b269/MetalSonic700/Cubechar2.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER]

That's too bad that they had to be erased from the game. But seriously, I'm glad you did it. It's why I had my erase card for the Maze. I wanted to make sure the other players weren't messed up by someone who couldn't post. Even if it wasn't their fault. I felt bad doing it, but at the same time it was only fair to the other players. Anyway, I don't have time at the moment, but I'll be back later tonight or tomorrow morning to use my death card. I'm looking forward to round three, if only to see how insane things get. lol

You've gotten Kerstin just fine. Anyway, now that my post is up it's up to you to finish things indifference. I'm sure you'll get their responses right yet again. And then we'll be that much closer to seeing what happens when Erica is exposed.

If there was one thing Darren had learned in the past hour, it was that social functions were every bit as boring as he had thought they would be. As well as being irritating since on some level he and Sandra were the primary focus of attention. She was far better at it that he was, smiling politely, answering questions, giving Darren advice when he didn't know how to respond. If he hadn't known better, he would have thought she was enjoying herself. But there were moments when they were alone and she'd interject some scathing observation that would make him laugh. And then the next group would approach to make some stupid little speech about congratulating him and the stupidity would start all over again. Kerstin on the other hand, from what Darren could see, was enjoying herself. She had always been like that, forward, social and very outgoing. Though Darren was less than thrilled that it was Jared who escorted her. Even if security wise it made sense. Kerstin on the other hand didn't mind at all. And when they had first arrived and Darren had pulled her aside briefly to ask her just what the hell she was doing, she had poked him in the side and teased him. Bluntly saying that she was old enough to do as she pleased. It would have hurt if she hadn't winked at him to indicate that she was merely teasing him. But still. She didn't understand. Still in the end Darren was fairly certain Jared would do nothing to her, but it didn't mean he had to like how things were being done. Darren pulled his attention back to the last group that was moving on, stifling a exasperated sigh. But Sandra did not miss it. "[B]I know you're ready to leave Darren, but we need to stay a little longer. It wouldn't look good if you left too soon.[/B]" "[B]I know, but hell! I'm getting tired of hearing the same stupid little speech. I mean can't they at least try to be original?[/B]" "[B]Well you are a bit of a mystery you know.[/B]" Sandra said. "[B]For all intents and purposes you're an unknown. Most of them don't know what to say since you have no previous dealings in politics. Nothing to give them an indication of what to expect. As a result they are playing it safe, keeping the talk to a minimum.[/B]" Darren just sighed, bored out of his mind. Kerstin, who at the moment was dancing with someone at least was having fun. But he was required to stay near the head of the ball room. And though no one was talking to him or Sandra at the moment, he could already see a few groups making their way to their position. That was how it had been all evening. "[B]Well, well, well,[/B]" Sandra said sounding less than amused. "[B]And here I would have thought he would have had more sense.[/B]" "[B]What? Who?[/B]" Sandra indicated a group that had just passed through the security and entered the ball room. "[B]Blaine Uratak, one of the leading politicians and businessmen for sector five. He was heavily involved in the incident surrounding Daedalus shipping. He's one of the strongest voices against you being made the shipping expert.[/B]" Darren watched as the tall man with dark brown hair Sandra had pointed out looked around and then headed towards where Kerstin and another man were dancing. Followed by a group of about six others who were with him. Darren took a step forward and halted when Sandra put her hand on his left arm. "[B]Don't, let Jared handle it.[/B]" "[B]But.[/B]" "[B]Trust me Darren, it's better if you avoid him. Blaine is good at causing incidents, making others look guilty. I don't know what that fool is thinking but Jared will take care of it.[/B]" "[B]But there are seven of them.[/B]" Darren protested. Sandra just laughed. "[B]Even if there was no security, Jared could deal with all of them, trust me.[/B]" Darren did his best to ignore the group heading towards Kerstin, turning his attention to the group that had approached him and Sandra. Groaning inwardly as the same stupid little speech was presented. And the inevitably small talk followed. He tuned it out, even if it was rude he just didn't care. Darren was more concerned by the fact that instead of confronting him Blaine had immediately headed for his sister. It was the one thing that worried him the most, that others would target her as a means to get to him. The group that had approached finally wandered off and without thinking Darren started to head towards where Kerstin had been. But again Sandra reached out and stopped him. "[B]I'm quite serious Darren, you need to leave this up to Jared.[/B]" "[B]I know! I know![/B]" He snarled and immediately regretted his harsh tone. "[B]Sorry.[/B]"[I] I shouldn't take it out on her.[/I] "[B]Don't be,[/B]" Sandra said surprising him. "[B]In its own way, its rather sweet how much you care for her.[/B]" Darren didn't know what to say to that, [I]she thinks it's sweet? [/I] But then another group approached them, Darren turned his attention to what they were saying.

I've never had issues with my name. Ever. People spell it right and say it right, etc. Even the first person I've met online with the same name got it right. *pokes Darren* What usually gets people is my user name. I just love all the misspellings that one gets as well as the [I]are you Russian[/I]? comments. lol I guess to me it seemed obvious that Rachmaninoff was something that people would recognize. Why I thought that I don't know. Now my last name...I'm not even going to go there since my ancestors changed it when they moved to America. Or should I say my mother's maiden name? Since her married one is fairly easy. Meh, not that it matters, at least they usually pronounce it right even if they can't manage to spell it.

[QUOTE=2007DigitalBoy][COLOR=DarkOrange][B]1[/B]. How are you feeling right now? [B]2[/B]. What's going on in your life right now? what's 'driving you' I might say.[/COLOR][/QUOTE]Half awake since I just got up, and I'm considering going back to sleep for a bit since I don't even need to be anywhere for another six hours. As for what's going on? Lots and lots of practicing for various concerts that I will be part of this summer. The closer I get to finishing my masters degree, the more I have to perform, and I'm seriously nervous about one coming up that's essentially a solo. Or rather it will be the first time where I'm not just a part of the main orchestra. It's required for school though so I'll be doing it. Though I am happy about the choice of music. Even if Sir Edward Elgar's Cello Concerto in E Minor, Op. 85 is a little on the short side. Though with my teacher watching and evaluating how I do, I know it's going to feel like an eternity. lol

[quote name='SunfallE][COLOR=goldenrod]Don't believe him Rachmaninoff! The answer to that question is...[spoiler]Never! *evil laughter*[/spoiler'] You're just talented Rachmaninoff. :p And I have to agree with DB, it is supremely ironic. *dies laughing*[/COLOR][/quote]I was afraid of that. >_< Also...You guys are cruel! Anyway...it's list time! [COLOR=Orange][B]Group 1[/B] Serena Scarlatti Mary Winters Julian Marx Nadia Dylenda (Delita in her body)[/COLOR] [COLOR=Green][B]Group 2[/B] Oromis Tu'wail Lucia Travera[/COLOR] [color=#979C04][B]Group 3[/B] Sastasha Sandares (Dafine in his body) Eliana Cedes Delita Lytle (Nadia in her body) Dafine Hecata (Sastasha in her body) Etamet[/COLOR] [COLOR=Blue][B]Group 4[/B] Delilah Rousseau Brittany Cossentine[/COLOR] [COLOR=darkred][B]Imprisoned[/B] Alcuin nó Prideux Meredith Taylor[/COLOR] [COLOR=Red][B]Dead[/B] Merik Jeffers - Killed by Sandy Katar Dakit - Killed by Darren[/COLOR] [B] Alcuin nó Prideux: [/B]Will be released Tuesday at 4:16 PM MST Unless someone uses a death card on him since they can die while imprisoned. ~[B]Will never be released[/B]~ [B] Meredith Taylor: [/B]Will be released Saturday at 01:17 AM MST Unless someone uses a death card on her. Also I too am curious as to the remaining card, and worried that I'll end up imprisoning someone again if I dare post! Though maybe I'll get lucky and the person I would have accidentally imprisoned will be the same one I kill off. [spoiler]I still think that when this is said and done...those who own the characters I caused to be imprisoned are going to kill me. >_< [/spoiler]

Mom's for the win! Putting us back on track for having a chance in this round. Especially since we still don' t know if Anomaly will be able to return in time for her challenge. So a loss would have really hurt. And I don't know about you guys, but these challenges are totally catching me by surprise. o_O I mean I've never even done anything like what you are suppose to do Aaryanna. It's making me nervous about what my challenge will be when the time comes. Anyway, congratulations Aaryanna_Mom, I think both you and Shy did a great job. Even if I thought his was a prank, especially with all the recent changes to make the stickies and rules less restrictive. I can see how he was trying to be funny but in the end I think it totally undermined what he had in mind and annoyed people instead of really being effective. And, now it's time to cheer for you Aaryanna. ;) Since I have no doubt that you'll produce something amazing for this challenge.

I'll throw my input in as well as offer to help when the time comes. Anyway, my thought is that in addition to the monthly deal it might be fun to spring surprise publications, kind of like a special edition. Since I'm sure there will be times when you might want to do more than just post it once a month. That way if it only happens occasionally it won't derail the idea. You'll still do the monthly but if you don't have time to do it more often it will be fine, but if you do you can surprise us with another one before the next month comes up. Kind of a regular once a month deal and unexpected specials thrown in from time to time. In the form of an additional publication that is. Hopefully that made sense. lol

I like all of the ideas as well Aaryanna_Mom since each of them targeted an area that could improve the boards. You did an awesome job with your assignment. I definitely like the idea of having a permanent newspaper like Otakupedia is one of articles. I've already glanced at the thread you started in OB Anthology and I'm loving all the ideas being brought up since many of them would involve the community. I've got some ideas for the newspaper as well, but I'll save that for when I post in the thread.

[quote name='2007DigitalBoy][COLOR=DarkRed']and at first merik seemed fine >__< For the love of [spoiler]insert whatever you believe in here [/spoiler] would [B]someone else[/B] please [B]break a rule[/B] for a change?!? *dies* And yes if it was me that makes three times. *dies again* [B]EDIT:[/B] And by the way are we going to ever free Alcuin nó Prideux? Since he should have been freed yesterday, Tuesday at 4:16 PM MST [B]ANOTHER EDIT:[/B] I'm beginning to think DB tailored the rules just to clobber me with. I mean seriously! Three times? And only SunfallE managed to break one? The rest of you haven't even hit a rule yet. >_<

[quote name='Sandy']What if I only wanted to make things more interesting? What if two of my characters have already died in the first round? You never know in this game, now do you? ;D[/quote]Don't you mean three characters? ;P It will be interesting to see if any of the 'saved' characters belong to either you or SunfallE when we finally get to the end of this. After all your comment about not needing to thank you for saving Oromis could just be a clever plot to hide that thanks really aren't necessary since he just might be [I]your[/I] character. That's what's making this so much fun, trying to figure out which character belongs to which player. Since I can't imagine someone willingly poisoning their own character, or would they? Just for the sheer confusion factor? Anyway, now that I have done my third post for this round I think that like SunfallE I will sit back and wait a little bit before killing someone off. It's hard to choose when there are so many I'd like to kill. lol

[CENTER][SIZE=3][U][B]Group Four[/B][/U][/SIZE][/CENTER] Meredith wasn't sure what woke her, but something triggered her training, causing her to instantly roll from where she was sitting, coming up on her feet fully awake. Something that wasn't a moment too soon as a crystal like bell sound was heard as something hit the spot she had just been in. "[B]Shit![/B]" She swore as she tried to figure out what had just happened. As well as just what the hell was on the ground. It shimmered iridescently as it moved, even as parts of it kept attempting to blend in with what was behind it. Cautiously Meredith backed towards the exit, cursing that both Delilah and Brittany seemed to still be asleep. As much as she would have liked to wake them, she couldn't. The creature was between them and for the moment it was focusing on her. But then to her horror they started to stir, sitting up sleepily. Attracting the attention of the monster that even as it moved Meredith was able to finally figure out what it was. "[B]Hey! Over here you freak![/B]" She yelled at it. It was about the size of a small car but there was no mistaking the shimmer from eight legs. It was a goddamn spider no less! [I]I should have known better![/I] Meredith cursed inwardly. She continued moving back towards the doors and then darting out into the corridor, barely avoiding the huge creature as it leaped for her and slammed through into the corridor. Meredith knew her chances were about nil without some form of weaponry. If it was built like it's smaller counterparts, nothing she had on her would even scratch it's body let alone kill it. But as she felt a part of the floor start to give out and she leaped backwards to avoid the opening, the spider leaped and overshot her at the same moment, tumbling into the dark pit that had nearly claimed her as well. She just sat there dumbfounded at her good luck, nearly going though the ceiling with fright when the two women who had been woken up by the commotion joined her, anxiously asking what had happened. Meredith shook it off and stood up, even as the section of the floor closed. "[B]Nothing happened,[/B]" She told them, feeling that it was pointless to mention the spider. Meredith could tell that Delilah was starting to let discouragement take a hold. She was good at that, reading others, knowing when they were about to break, knowing when to strike. And if she thought there was no hope she would become a burden. And Meredith, really didn't want to go it alone, it was why she had tried to encourage her by pointing out that there had to be an exit. "[B]You're lying Meredith,[/B]" Delilah said, irritated. "[B]Just like when you claimed the exit was nearby.[/B]" Stung Meredith pulled back, resisting the urge to slap her. [I]Dammit! It's not suppose to be like this![/I] Angrily she shoved them aside and took a moment to go back into the hothouse and gather some apples for later. Coming back out to join them in the corridor. Still furious. "[B]Here![/B]" Meredith said forcefully as she practically threw the apples at them. "[B]If you really want to know what I was doing I was coming back after finding the way out of this hell hole when I nearly fell into that damn trap![/B]" She glared at Delilah. "[B]I could have just left the two of you here and escaped. But I didn't...Now if you're done whining like an idiot, we need to backtrack and see if we can't find another way to get to the end of this corridor. Since that's where the exit is. Maybe you enjoy being stuck here but I do not.[/B]" Then she stormed off, still angry. [I]What's the matter with those idiots! [/I]Meredith ignored them both, even when they started following her back the way they had come. So what if she hadn't really found the exit. If Delilah had half a brain she wouldn't let it bother her. She wouldn't need someone like Meredith to keep her from feeling helpless. Any good agent knew that it was important to behave as if everything would work out perfectly. To be prepared to take advantage of anything that would give you a psychological edge. With a sigh she finally calmed down, slowing her pace as well to make it easier for them to keep up. [I]What's wrong with me? Those two aren't trained, so why am I being so critical? [/I] It was this place that was doing it. Making even her feel like they would never find the way out.[I] I need to be more calm.[/I] Meredith sighed to herself. [I]If only I really had found the way out.[/I]

Seems like we need an updated list since a lot has changed due to the switch cards as well as the body change card. lol Anyway, keeping all the fun colors that Darren put on them the first time I present the new list. [COLOR=Orange][B]Group 1[/B] Serena Scarlatti Mary Winters Julian Marx Nadia Dylenda Katar Dakit[/COLOR] [COLOR=Green][B]Group 2[/B] Oromis Tu'wail Lucia Travera[/COLOR] [color=#979C04][B]Group 3[/B] Sastasha Sandares Eliana Cedes Delita Lytle Dafine Hecata Etamet[/COLOR] [COLOR=Blue][B]Group 4[/B] Meredith Taylor Delilah Rousseau Brittany Cossentine[/COLOR] [COLOR=darkred][B]Imprisoned[/B] Alcuin nó Prideux[/COLOR] [COLOR=Red][B]Dead[/B] Merik Jeffers - Killed by Sandy[/COLOR] And now...the remaining countdowns: Oromis Tu'wail: [strike]Will die from poison on Tuesday at 7:37 PM MST Unless someone steps forward and heals him too.[/strike] :p[B] ~saved by Sandy~[/B] Alcuin nó Prideux: Will be released Tuesday at 4:16 PM MST Unless someone uses a death card on him since they can die while imprisoned. And the Drama continues! :D [B]EDIT:[/B] And first blood for this round is spilled! I've edited the list to show that Merik is no more. Haha! Sandy kills first in both rounds. Proving that of all the players, he is the most bloodthirsty! And to add to the mystery, both he and SunfallE have now saved a character from poison. Though if you think about it, Sandy saved someone twice. Dafine by switching bodies and then Oromis directly by antidote. :p *borrows BKstyles music to play in the background* [B]EDIT: [/B] Yet another edit here. I'm sure I'm not the only one who's eager for the rest of the people to post. ;) But Soliel hasn't been on since the 23rd and we still have three more non-death cards to be played. I so want to kill off someone and yet I also want to see those cards in action first. lol

[quote name='SunfallE][COLOR=goldenrod']Group Four just about didn't exist, so I fixed that. :p Since the other groups have gotten more than enough action. No death card yet though. ;P[/COLOR][/quote]I was thinking the same thing, that Group Four definitely needed more going on. So now that is definitely taken care of. Though whatever is on the ceiling and now heading towards them is up to someone else to decide. ;)

[CENTER][SIZE=3][U][B]Group Four[/B][/U][/SIZE][/CENTER] When Meredith suggested that they rest for a bit she had not expected Delilah to curl up on the grass in the planter next to the apple tree and literally fall asleep. Nor for Brittany to do the same. Even if the hothouse with it's bright lights and peaceful greenery seemed safe didn't mean that it actually was. Meredith moved to wake both of them and then changed her mind sitting back down. If they really were that tired waking them and forcing them to continue would only cause problems. Instead she finally got back up and turned and walked to the end of the room, checking out the different plants, hunting for anything that could be dangerous, but she didn't see or hear anything. Meredith didn't like it, so far every place they had been in had been far from harmless. For one of the rooms or areas to not have a trap of some kind didn't make sense. There had to be something. But even she could not sense the true danger, that the very perfume from the flowers had a calming and soothing effect. One that became more pronounced with every breath she took. By the time she made it back to where the others were Meredith found even herself holding back a yawn or two.[I] I guess a short nap wouldn't hurt. [/I]She thought. Still unaware of the danger, thinking it was safe since for her it was easy to set her internal clock to wake up at a specific time. It was part of her training. Meredith sat down across from the two, leaning back into the same tree she had before. Setting herself to wake in a few hours. Meredith closed her eyes and moments later she too was asleep. Above them a shimmering could be seen, as if something was moving, but other than a blurring of the ceiling behind what ever it was, nothing else could be seen. It's true from hidden by blending to match the ceiling. Slowly, whatever it was, it started to lower itself towards those that were sleeping below it...

I'm with Aaryanna_Mom, don't let it bother you SunfallE. ;) Since like she says, only one can be chosen. And I rather liked both poems actually. Now, as for the next challenge. Good grief! I'm glad it's not me since the idea of suggesting something with the best of this community in mind has my mind in a blank. o_O And after I went and hunted up the thread mentioned that Aaryanna_Mom started about the Community Events I agree. It's clear that she has a much better grasp of things that could benefit the boards. With Shy being a past Event Master and Aaryanna_Mom with her own unique brand of insight from raising kids and being here longer (than me that is, not Shy of course), it's going to be an interesting duel. Aaryanna_Mom is definitely the one for this challenge! I know I'm looking forward to it. And at the same time I'm glad I'm not facing either one of them! lol We'll be cheering for you Captain! As well as supporting you to our fullest.

[QUOTE=Darren]On the subject of Alcuin: There are only two reasons I could come up with as to why he would be imprisoned. I know SunfallE said she was going to keep her opinions to herself, but I don't think I will. Besides DB doesn't have to confirm anything. 1) Referencing the beginning video. (Which would have been my doing) 2) [B]Taking or Eating chocolate. [/B](It's the more likely scenario and [B]would be Rachmaninoff's fault.[/B] It also seems to fit what DB introduced with the cafeteria.) P.S. I like what happened with Julian and Katar. It was funny. :D[/QUOTE]Dammit! I know it's my fault. >_< DB may have described them eating but he didn't describe everything other than to indicate that Lucia was a vegetarian. So when he said pure junk I was thinking deserts and such. So I assumed that at least one of them had some of everything. It never occurred to me that food would be a rule, or rather a type of food. Damn if I didn't fall for that; hook, line and sinker. *dies again* And here I was trying to add a bit of realism to the story with Sastasha being a singer. Since I have a friend who is working on her Bachelor of Music: Vocal Performance degree. So I know for a fact that caffeine or anything with caffeine is something she would avoid, especially right before a performance. Man, we may as well just call me the official rule breaker here. I'm almost afraid to post for fear of hitting another rule (since I seem to be good at that) and giving Crystia a reason to clobber someone again. lol Anyway, at least I never saw the card that Sandy used coming. Haha! It's going to be fun keeping people straight now. [B]EDIT:[/B] No danger there Darren since I'm not even working on a post. Just feeling like an idiot for getting someone imprisoned again! lol

[quote name='SunfallE][COLOR=goldenrod']Wow. o_O Spiders huh? *shivers* Yuck! And since it's Alcuin this time I'm assuming it was either Rachmaninoff or Darren who triggered the punishment. I think I know what caused it, but this time I'm going to keep my thoughts to myself. XD[/COLOR][/quote]Hell! *borrows a phrase from SunfallE* and... [B]*[B]dies[/B]*[/B] If my thoughts mirror yours it was me! Damn! That's twice I've managed to break a rule. >_< And that punishment? I positively hate spiders! Not enough to have a true phobia, but still. Gross! On the other topic of post length, I hadn't given it a thought, but then I've been RPGing with SunfallE in Silver One and the posts vary enough that they've been shorter and just as long as the ones in here. In the end I hadn't even considered them to be long. Sorry. Though if it makes things easier I'll try to shorten them for you Sandy. Oh and one other thing, that last post you did BKstyles. Oh that was slick, if I didn't know better I'd swear you and SunfallE planned that from the very beginning. Poor Lucia. As for Katar...*snickers* serves him right. lol

Things had been going well, or so Darren had thought. Due to the security issue he was not required to transport to his office near the Council Center, something that didn't really bother him. It was pretty easy to simply talk via direct communication with those who were suppose to work with him and since he had already checked out those who would be working in the office, a simple interview was all it took for him to finish making his choices. Though he had Jared check them out as well. He wasn't completely happy with everyone, but it was kind of unavoidable. And if there was one thing he didn't have problems with, it was expecting others to do their jobs. Darren had worked with the remains of his fathers company when he took over. And even if the others were older and more experienced than he was, he had written up the protocols so he had no problem refusing suggestions to change it since some of the suggestions would make things more drawn out and lengthy, in addition to making it easier for others to cheat the system. In a way he couldn't help but laugh, after all, most people in politics couldn't seem to grasp the fact that simple was easier. Always making rules and regulations far more complicated than they had to be. That was part of what he had been trying to avoid. And just as he didn't care that his father and his stupid friends hated him and the changes, neither did he care that others were angry that he wouldn't make things easier for the wealthy to cheat the population. Darren had made his mind up. If he was going to be stuck working as the Shipping Expert, he was going to do things his way. And since the High Council agreed with it, he refused to budge when pressed or outright badgered. No he would not allow the larger companies to bypass some of the checks, no he would not allow a ship to only have to check in with the sector they started in and the one they finished in. Everyone had to follow the same procedure, checking in at each sector. It wouldn't have been so annoying if they hadn't refused to drop it, bringing it up again and again, trying in their patronizing voices to explain that larger companies deserved a break. Finally after a few days of being badgered he had forbidden any of the larger companies to speak to him directly other than a few times a week. It was clear to Darren that they were use to dealing with the previous shipping expert since they got nastier than hell when he refused the changes they wanted. If he had allowed it, they would have been dangerously close to making the same mistake that the three largest shipping companies had been busted for. Profiteering. But fortunately, when they tried to act like he was too stupid to understand the accounting behind their profit, he had been able to see that they were lying. He didn't have to understand accounting for this job, though due to fixing the mess his father had created he did. Still it was a simple matter to run things through the automated accounting program in the computer system to find out the truth. And the truth was, not one of them was hurting for profit or making money, even after what had happened and prices had been brought back down. Darren sighed as he finished reading some of the requests. Even though he wouldn't talk to them directly as often, they still sent the same stupid requests all the time, changing a word or two hoping he was too stupid to notice. He shut down his terminal in his quarters and went into his bedroom to change. Tonight he was required to attend one of the silly stupid balls being held at the university Kerstin was attending. And though he would have rather skipped it, Sandra had made it clear that he was required to go. Sure she would be coming along as his escort, but still. With a sigh he finished changing into the more formal uniform, wincing as he stared at it in the mirror, cringing at the browns and gold. Kerstin thought it looked nice, but he still felt like an idiot wearing it. "[B]I'd better get going.[/B]" He said out loud to himself. "[B]Even if I'd rather die than be seen wearing this damn thing.[/B]" He walked back out into the main room, careful to avoid walking through the sofas and tables in the center of the main room since the stupid cape liked to catch on things. A moment later he was out the door and heading for Sandra's quarters. Knowing her she was already waiting since she had been born and raised in a family steeped in politics. It was a thought that was confirmed when she answered her door immediately, already dressed in a beautiful blue silk dress that sparkled with bits of silver. With a low front neckline and strapless sleeves, it flowed down her body, clinging in all the right places. And when she turned slightly Darren could see that the back of the dress was also quite low as it was open halfway down her back, She was stunningly beautiful in the dress a fact that hadn't really occurred to Darren since he had never seen her in anything other than a military uniform. He politely extend his right arm, "[B]You look beautiful.[/B]" He said sincerely as she took his right arm with her left. Sandra just flashed him an amused smile, "[B]Thank you Darren, at least you actually mean it.[/B]" She laughed at his confused expression. "[B]Forget I said that, it has nothing to do with you. So, shall we get going? I'm sure Jared is waiting for us as well as your sister on Reflection.[/B]" "[B]Yes, I'm sure he is,[/B]" Darren said, feeling a bit uneasy since his encounter with Jared a short while ago had him convinced that Jared was up to something. He had favored him with one of those smug looks he got. Making Darren wonder just what Jared was up to. "[B]Anyway, lets get this over with shall we?[/B]" Darren said politely. Sandra just laughed and laughed at that statement. Darren waited patiently for her to finish. "[B]What's so funny?[/B]" "[B]Darren,[/B]" she said as they continued down the corridor towards the transport room. "[B]If I had things my way, I'd never attend one of these silly functions either.[/B]" She smiled warmly. "[B]I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who dislikes them.[/B]" "[B]I don't understand, if you don't like them, why do you go?[/B]" "[B]Because whether or not I like them, they are required. Once you've been around for a while you'll see what I mean. If you were take away the silly functions that the politicians enjoy so much you'd have riots in no time. Besides, even if I dislike them, they are useful. They are perfect for showing support for another group or person. Which is why I am your escort. Every politician there with half a brain is going to realize that by escorting you I am making it clear that the High Council supports your position. It's also useful for forming political alliances and discussing deals without the need to be official. But for someone like your sister, they can be one of the best methods for meeting potential clients.[/B]" Sandra just chuckled some more before finally getting it under control. "[B]Anyway, as you already said, lets get it over with. Just try to look at least semi happy alright?[/B]" Darren sighed, "[B]I'll try.[/B]"

[quote name='Darren']Thank you so much. I didn't see any inconsistancies when I read over it, so it should be fine. I feel so stupid for not checking the "who's online thing," while I was posting. In any case, I actually think our posts fit together pretty well. How 'bout you? Because if you don't think it's as good, I could probably edit mine a bit to fit yours more... I just feel awful... :animeswea Sorry :catgirl:[/quote]Works for me, especially since altering mine is easier that one of us starting over. Especially since I used my poison card on Dafine. lol Still at least it was pretty fixable. I didn't have to change too much. So I think it works and moving it so it was after your post was pretty easy to do. :catgirl: I'm just glad your post didn't have them moving elsewhere so it was easy to make mine seem as if it came just after yours.

[SIZE=3][CENTER][U][B]Group Three[/B][/U][/CENTER][/SIZE] Sastasha didn?t know what had happened, only that now he was with some other group. His sudden appearance alongside Serena?s disappearance had literally thrown everyone into a mass of confusion, as questions were flung left and right. It didn't help that the one that looked like a cat thought he was some shape changer. Sastasha backed up in fear when she yelled at him after the dark skinned man stopped her from killing him. Then after the others reasoned that he couldn't be a shape changer, Sastasha snapped a bit, worried about Lucia being stuck with Katar. ?[B]Look, I'm sorry about the misunderstanding, I don?t know what happened. I never met Serena. Though I'm sure she's probably with the group I was with. But mostly I'm not a shape changer.[/B]? Sastasha said, getting exasperated. Though the look in Dafine's eyes told him that she didn't believe him. Frustrated he set the makeshift pillowcase he had with food down and then sat down on the steps leading into the huge temple like room made of stone with massive pillars supporting the roof. It was with the sunlight coming down through sections that were open rather peaceful. He didn?t trust it though since he knew perfectly well that such places like this were often full of traps. Well at least if any of the silly movies made about them were accurate that is. ?[B]What?s in the bag?[/B]? Eliana asked. ?[B]It smells like food.[/B]? Alcuin said. ?[B]Where did you find food?[/B]? ?[B]It was in one of the rooms we found along our way. Why?[/B]? ?[B]We have had no such luck,[/B]? Etamet stated. ?[B]If you have enough would you be willing to share?[/B]? Sastasha shrugged his shoulders, ?[B]Sure go ahead. I?ve already eaten.[/B]? He picked up the sack and handed it to Etamet who opened it and started handing out stuff to the others. Most of it was fruit such as apples, bananas and oranges. There was a variety of snack foods such as protein bars and mixed nuts, stuff that was easy to carry and yet would sustain them as they traveled. At the very bottom there was also a few candy bars.[I] I guess one of the others put that in there.[/I] He thought since he had not prepared the bags with food. Sastasha had never cared for chocolate. But then as a singer, he had always tried to avoid things like caffeine. A moment later after making sure there was still a few items left for Sastasha, Etamet handed him the sack back. ?[B]Thank you,[/B]? he said simply as they and the others quit questioning him in favor of eating the food. Talking among themselves as they switched things around based on who liked what. In the end other than Alcuin, no one wanted the candy. Having one when he was done with the fruit and then stashing the others in a pocket for later. Sastasha almost laughed, even if from another world it seemed that all women were conscious of their weight. And looking at the pretty Eliana, he was glad that they were. And Etamet, well he reminded him of those from his world in Africa, and sugar was not really a popular thing among those he had known that were from there. A little while later when they were done and all of them tucked the remaining fruit and stuff into pockets, they thanked him as well. Other than Dafine who had refused to take any of it and was still glaring at him as if he was trying to poison the others. Sastasha just shrugged as he got up again. ?[B]Glad I could help. So do we want to proceed? Which way do we need to go?[/B]? ?[B]That way,[/B]? Etamet said pointing towards the other side of the room. ?[B]However, if it is anything like the last one it will be dangerous. We will have to be cautious.[/B]? ?[B]I kind of figured that.[/B]? Sastasha said. ?[B]Oh?[/B]? Delita said raising her eyebrow questioningly. ?[B]And just how did you know that?[/B]? ?[B]Because where I am from, places like this have traps. From spears shooting at you to trip wires to poison darts. They?re lethal. At least they were before explorers carefully disarmed the traps.[/B]? ?[B]Are we are on your world then?[/B]? Delita asked. ?[B]Not if it?s the same place where I just was. We don?t have creatures like I?ve seen or the technology to create massive metal caverns.[/B]? ?[B]Well wherever we are, it?s probably best that we get moving.[/B]? Alcuin said. Reluctantly the others agreed. Sastasha kept his distance from Dafine who still seemed to be angry with him. Electing to follow Etamet who seemed to have a knack for finding the trip wires and stones that would trigger a trap if stepped on. They were almost to the other side where several passageways made of stone lead somewhere else when Delita stepped on a stone that sunk under her right foot. ?[B]Shit![/B]? She swore even a she rolled to the side to avoid what ever was coming. The sound of something being released was loud and clear. But even as the group scattered as much as they dared, nothing seemed to happen. Then a split second later Dafine gave out a startled shriek and then reached to her left arm and pulled out what appeared to be a small dart. Cautiously she raised it to her face and sniffed it. ?[B]It?s poison![/B]? She said with alarm. [CENTER]***[/CENTER] [CENTER][IMG]http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b269/MetalSonic700/poisoncarpanop.png[/IMG] [IMG]http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b269/MetalSonic700/panopticon-catwoman-1.png[/IMG][/CENTER] [B]OOC: [/B]And now my card has been played as well. The question now is will anyone post and save Dafine from dying from poison. ;) [B]Card: [/B]Poison [B]Definition: [/B]This card is used to poison one of the characters. When a character becomes poisoned, anyone can heal them simply by writing a post where they get the antidote. The catch is, though, that they only have 2 days to post about the character finding the antidote, or the CCC will post their death. killing with poison does not cost the poster their death card.

[quote name='Darren']Hold on Rach... I skimmed over yours. Tell me, do you think it can work out if you just posted yours after mine? I mean there may be a few inconsistancies, but we can both edit those... I think it could work seeing as Dafine was very critical of Sastasha in both posts... Just throwing out ideas so neither one of us has to scrap posts.[/quote]Let me take a look and see how I could switch them. Just a sec. I'll come back and edit this when I'm done. Since I could probably have Dafine fuming in the background while the others eat instead of joining in. [B]EDIT:[/B] Okay I altered my post and moved it so it's after yours Darren. Let me know if I missed any inconsistencies since I changed part of it to reflect that Dafine believes that he's a shape changer and that she refused to eat any of the food he had with him. I hope that works.

Sorry Darren. I didn't even know you were posting. >_< I wrote mine up in word and signed in to post it. I checked the who's online and you weren't listed. I didn't know you were working with group three too. After everything calmed down too, I feel bad. Would you rather I delete mine and start over?

[quote name='SunfallE][COLOR=#DAA520]Well here's the way I see it. It's done, its over, and it's time to move on. [/COLOR][/QUOTE]Quoted for truth. [QUOTE=Darren]So, that about sums it up, I believe. And just so everybody knows: Your complaints are making me want to kill them more than DB's posts. It makes me think that you're all so upset because the characters aren't going in the way you had planned out. [B]Which then leads me to the conclusion that they belong to you... [/B']So it can go both ways: You see DB putting a target on their heads, I see you guys putting targets on their heads. Whatever.[/quote]For the record Darren...Not one of the characters that are being brought up are mine. Just wait until we get to the end and you'll see. My complaint had [B]NOTHING[/B] to do with who's character they are. But there was no reason why I should be expected to sit back and say nothing. Everyone is entitled to speak up when they think something isn't working. That's what the underground thread is for right? Or am I wrong? Anyway, as far as I'm concerned it's over. Since it's pointless to go back and rehash all the things that have been frustrating. This last thing was merely the one that set me off. I already said I was sorry for being too vocal and coming across as being accusing. Just as I'm sorry for saying I give up when in reality it doesn't matter, it's just a game. And I don't intend to give up. Nor do I expect DB to either. Though I'll probably wait until later today or tomorrow to post, since right now I'm still frustrated.