Rachmaninoff

I don't know if there is a nice way, at least one where you won't lose them as a good friend. Though that depends on whether or not it's just a crush or more than that. The only advice I have is to be as honest as possible when explaining that though you like them, it's not any more than friendship. Either they will accept it or they won't. Best of luck.

Quicker than he would have thought possible, Darren had the evidence proving that three of the wealthiest shipping companies were guilty of not only cheating the public but the High Council and the military as well. And in each case all of the remaining electronic signatures lead to the three who owned the company in question. Aaron Christensen of Daedalus shipping, Jeffery Francis of Nagendra shipping and Tamara Hadley of Baldomero shipping. Darren had already sent his report along with all the necessary evidence to the High Council earlier that morning and truthfully it had him feeling nervous. What they had done was something that would warrant the death penalty. Provided it wasn't something that the High Council already knew about and simply looked the other way. Though he found that a bit hard to believe. Darren would have thought that it would have gone the other way, that the merchants would have been giving the High Council better prices instead of deliberately taking advantage of them. In the end it was extremely foolish. The companies had been depending on being able to interfere with any sort of investigation instead of playing it smart. If it wasn't for his new position, he would never have been able to gather the information so quickly. If he had thought things were quick before, once he had the clearance issued for being the High Council's shipping expert, there wasn't anything in relation to shipping that he didn't get the information immediately when requested. And even then, if one didn't know where to look and what to request, even that would not have been enough. But now it was too late, by the time the companies had realized that he was requesting the information, it was too late, Darren had already gotten it. They couldn't head off the investigation since it was already done, he had made sure to send the requests simultaneously to prevent them from attempting to withhold or delay releasing the information. He had learned a lot from seeing what his own father had done. With a sigh he put it out of mind, he had other things to take care of. Darren checked the system to see where Commodore Sandra was, though he still worked through Jared, he wanted to ask her a few questions. He had stayed on the ship in favor of getting the report on the shipping companies done, even though the resistance had been dealt with in the UK. With all that had happened, he felt that dealing with the illegal price gouging was more important. The High Council had stepped in after both the attack in sector six and four to keep things under control, but putting an end to the underhanded dealing would do far more to help keep prices from getting out of hand than what they had done. With a sigh Darren stood up, pulling out his new hand held computer to contact Sandra, requesting to speak with her. And though he did not get her directly, a moment later a message returned instructing him to join her in her quarters. Something that surprised him until he realized that it was lunch time. Lately it was too easy to get busy and forget to even stop for lunch. Still at least he wouldn't have to wait long and it took him very little time to get there. When Darren entered her quarters and took a seat across from where she was sitting at her desk, he began to wonder if he shouldn't have come. But it was too late for that. "[B]What can I help you with Darren?[/B]" She asked him. Darren looked down, suddenly feeling stupid for coming, "[B]I wanted to ask you about Jared helping my sister...[/B]" He started to say and then looked up quickly, a bit startled when Sandra chuckled at him. She smiled at him, "[B]Jared was right you are easy to read.[/B]" "[B]Easy to read?[/B]" Darren asked confused. Sandra nodded, "[B]Correct, easy to read. You are curious as to why Jared kept her informed as to your well being since you started working for the military, you want to know why he has even bothered to see that she is taken care of. Am I not correct?[/B]" Darren nodded. "[B]Yes.[/B]" "[B]It's really simple Darren, it's one of the traits that makes Jared such an excellent officer. He always takes care of those who serve under him. Whether or not they like him is irrelevant.[/B]" "[B]I see.[/B]" Darren replied, turning a bit red at Sandra's statement indicating he did not like Jared. Even more so since it was true. "[B]Do you really?[/B]" Sandra mused, "[B]Let me put it to you another way. Just as Jared is useful for his more direct and ruthless methods, so are you for your integrity and honesty.[/B]" Darren felt his cheeks grow hot as he flushed. [I]What?[/I] He thought. [I]They think I'm honest? [/I]He had never thought of it like that. [I]Aren't you? [/I]The other side of him replied.[I] Be quiet! [/I] He shot back. Annoyed that he had blushed in front of Sandra. "[B]I hadn't thought of it like that.[/B]" He finally responded. "[B]Anything else you wish to ask about?[/B]" "[B]No.[/B]" Sandra favored him with another smile, "[B]One other thing Darren, in regards to the three shipping companies, all three have been found guilty of high treason.[/B]" "[B]Already?[/B]" "[B]They were already under suspicion before you sent the High Council the report. That sort of nonsense needs to be dealt with and to do so we need someone who will not look the other way just because they are wealthy and powerful. You were chosen for a reason Darren. Remember that.[/B]" Darren stood up, "[B]I see. Thank you for your time.[/B]" "[B]Your welcome, feel free to stop by any time you need me to clarify something.[/B]" Darren just nodded before leaving her quarters to head back to his own.

"[I]The U.S. pays some of the steepest prices in the world for prescription drugs, as many other countries have some type of price regulation. Drugmakers say that, in part because of cost controls elsewhere, they need higher prices here to recoup profits for research and development.[/I]" Or so I understand from several articles I've run into recently as well as personal experience since the few medications I take have increased by more than thirty percent in just a few months. Now here's the thing, so many other countries, like Canada for example, to the best of my knowledge don't pay the high prices we do for prescriptions. And yet the Drug companies would have us believe that there really is a need for the prices to be so high. It's a touchy topic for people, my parents being some of them since being retired means they are hit hard by how Medicare doesn't cover things as well as their insurance did before they retired. Another thing I read is that: "[I]Lawmakers in the U.S. Congress, mostly Democrats, are pushing to give the Medicare agency the power to negotiate drug prices, although the Bush Administration opposes it.[/I]" To be blunt I've never liked the Bush Administration, and this is just one of the reasons why. In my opinion, their main objective is profit and supporting big businesses instead of the little guy so to speak. And if that wasn't enough I also read this in an article: "[I]Prices for oral contraceptives, or birth control pills, are doubling and tripling at student health centers, the result of a complex change in the Medicaid rebate law that essentially ends an incentive for drug companies to provide deep discounts to colleges.[/I]" And here I thought I had it bad with a ten to thirty percent increase, but to deal with double and triple the price? That's just absurd in my opinion. In the end, I think it's rather sick how much these powerful drug companies are taking advantage of the public and I think it's something that needs to be stopped. I'm sure I'm not the only one facing price gouging this year or who thinks the current system in the US is sick. What's your take on it? Or rather gloat as to how much better your system is?

[quote name='Ikillion][COLOR=#0e1030][SIZE=1][FONT=Trebuchet MS]This seems like the OB scavenger hunt from this past summer without the scavenging part. [/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR][/QUOTE]Oh I don't know...This part seems like it would definitely fit under the scavenger hunt part:[QUOTE=White]In one round I may want you to guess the different Animes from the different screen shots but in another [B']I may need you to run to your local book store and take a picture of a certain Manga.[/B][/quote]I'll have to dig out my digital camera if that's going to be the case. Either way, should be fun, even if all I do is end up watching.

[quote name='Desbreko][color=#4B0082']All the sticky threads that were in the Manga Workshop and Hardwired were somehow deleted during the move. We're working on replacing them but it will be a bit before the thread directories are back.[/color][/quote]Well that was a quick bit. I'm glad to see that the directories are back, since I'm lazy and like using them instead of searching for a thread that isn't up on the main page anymore. And I'm still liking the new layout as well. ;)

Personally I think it looks great. But I did notice one thing that seems off. The Manga Workshop seems to have lost the manga directory and the rules sticky. Or is that just temporary? Anyway, looks great. Definitely more balanced than the previous layout.

So who here is into April Fools? It's not a huge deal where I live, but it doesn't stop me and my friends from pulling silly pranks on each other. One of them [strike]indifference[/strike] already clobbered me earlier today with a mock "[I]I love you, let me count the ways[/I]" card. That when you opened it was full of reasons why they didn't love you. Stuff like I don't love you because... you're to short, have blue eyes, like the color green, etc. I got a good laugh out of it though. So far the best April Fools prank I've seen today can be found here: [URL=http://www.theotaku.com/news/view/news_team_welcome/2273/][B]Prank[/B][/URL] If you are familiar with the story behind the person featured in it, it's definitely funny. Anyway, I haven't managed to pull any good pranks on anyone yet. Though I'm thinking about it. So what did you guys do as far as pranks go? Or what have you done on a previous April Fools if you didn't do anything this year? Or did someone already nail you?

Good job on Kim's response to realizing that she was not in sector one Aaryanna_Mom. Poor Kim. And I rather liked your post Takuya where the base was taken out in the UK. I don't know what I was expecting, but that was not it. Now the resistance is down to only one base on Earth and Sara is wishing she had killed Darren! Even if she does think he's handsome. I can see that I'd better keep him away from her! :p

Ignoring the startled glances from the crew over his now filthy uniform Darren immediately headed to his quarters. It didn't take him long to get cleaned up and into a new one, seeing that it hadn't taken the supply master very long to get him several to have on hand at all times. Including, Darren grimaced in distaste, one that made his current one look plain. With far more fancy material and a much higher level of gold trim running though it. Now that it was official, he would be required to wear that any time he faced the High Council. He sighed and finished getting dressed and went back out to the desk in his quarters. He logged in quickly, still not use to having a higher level of security as it still surprised him when it pulled up the multiple screens showing everything he had access to. He quickly checked as to what had happened. The updates were already in the system, no one had survived. The pilots, and all of the troops had perished. The supplies with them destroyed as well. [I]Damn![/I] Even if they worked for the military it bothered him that so many had been killed. He finished reading what was going on and then switched to something that he could do. The new shipping protocols were not in place yet and he still had information to track in regards to Williams. As well as indications of double dealings among some of the more wealthy merchants. He had been finding evidence of illegal smuggling on their part as well. Something that if what he was finding was correct, indicated that the previous shipping expert had been simply ignoring it, possibly taking bribes to look the other way. Darren found himself getting angry, there was no need for it. Most of these people had more money and wealth than they would ever know what to do with. Why did they have to cheat and trample on those who did not? This was yet another reason why he had preferred independence. It was why he had made sure everyone could retire when he took over his father's company and why he had made sure those who were not ready to retire were properly set up in a different job when he stripped it down to just him and Mike. In the end, he hated dealing with people like his father and those in power. With a snarl of irritation he started preparing reports to send off for further information. In this case, knowing how things worked, he knew just how to get his hands on the information needed to prove whether or not the merchants were indeed guilty of smuggling. They didn't understand the system like he did. He knew every loop hole and potential method of hiding illegal stuff. Things that he had not been able to address with the current level of technology when he first started.[I] I'll show you.[/I] He thought as he finished writing up the reports and sending them off with instructions to send the information back immediately. Then once he had finished that, he opened up yet another set of reports he was now responsible for. Dealing with the selection of staff to work with him in Sector One. He had been reviewing those who had worked with the previous shipping expert and potential candidates should he chose to go with a completely new staff. Darren treated it the same way he had when selecting someone on Earth. He required each and every one of them to apply for the position. Even if they already held it. And then because he did not trust the current system to check them out, he did it himself using other resources to find out about those who had applied. It was no surprise that a fair number of them were involved in illegal stuff as well. Darren sighed and got up, walking over to fix himself something to drink. Dealing with all of the reports was starting to give him a bit of a headache, or was it because of what happened earlier? He still couldn't get the image of the transport coming in too quickly, it's engines on fire out of his mind. Or the horrible shriek of metal on metal when the other one had crashed into the first one. Darren set his drink on the small table next to one of the padded chairs looking towards the view of Earth. He sat down with a sigh, leaned back and reached up with his hands to massage his temples. He definitely had a headache as he could feel his head pounding under his hands. He got back up, grabbed his drink and went back over to his desk, it had been several hours since he came back up and he wanted to see if there were any new updates. Darren took a quick look, there was one. London had been put into a lock down and troops had been shuffled there to do a complete sweep. He was not surprised. Unless he was mistaken the shots came from the city. It had surprised him at how brazen the resistance had been by such an attack. Or perhaps it shouldn't surprise him, since it had been determined that former Commander Daniel was in charge. Someone like that would have realized that those transports were a perfect target. With a sigh Darren finished his drink and pulled the reports on Williams back up. He had been looking forward to a break from the ship, but now it looked like he was still going to be stuck up in space for a while longer.

I've already seen the anime first, and I know there's more to the manga as I started reading it just in the last week. Anyway, I've really enjoyed finally reading the manga since I've enjoyed the stuff that was left out. Like a couple of fights between [spoiler]Yuki and Kyo[/spoiler] Those are just priceless. I'm curious to see how things go in the manga since I understand that Akito is actually a [spoiler]woman and not a man[/spoiler] By far my favorite character so far is the perverted Shigure. Him and his little [spoiler]High School girls comments and all.[/spoiler] And I'm really hoping there's more on the other zodiac family members who you barely met in the anime.

I haven?t seen a thread on this yet. I?m assuming they?ve occurred in the past since for me at least; it?s about this time of year that I start thinking about my plans for the summer. I?m looking forward to it this year since last summer sucked. I had been in a car accident before summer started and I spent a good part of it recovering from the broken leg I got. So most of things I had planned did not happen. Anyway, plans for me usually involve going with my friends on the weekends to somewhere in the mountains and going on different hikes. This year we are planning on hitting most of the national parks here since they?re a number of hikes we have yet to do. If you aren?t familiar with Utah, the geology is pretty interesting and fun to see when you do visit. If money and time permits my friends and I also plan on visiting the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Anyway, what are your plans for the summer?

Well I must say, that was fun, posting from the prospective of seeing the transport ships get shot down. Though if I messed up SunfallE just whack me upside the head and I'll fix it. Anyway, now that the resistance has clobbered the Empire quite a bit, somehow I'm getting the impression that freeing Crystal is not the only thing that is going to upset the resistance. Especially now that Kiva has a brand new more powerful messenger ship no less. And poor Kim, thinking she's in sector one due to the cell transfer. Even if it is on the sad side, I do like how you've been portraying her Aaryanna_Mom.

Darren was already waiting in the transport room for Jared, earlier the reinforcements had arrived and now that they had been deployed it was time for them to go down and oversee the arrival of the supplies. The first two had already landed in Australia and two more were heading for the US. Once they got down to the surface the remaining two would be cleared to land in London. It would be his and Jared's job to make sure things went smoothly. Especially since until the reinforcements had arrived things had been too unstable for setting things up. The door to the transport room opened as Jared entered and then a minute later they stepped though the transport door, a squad already waiting for them. Immediately guiding them to the open area where the ships were due to land. [I]I wonder why they even need us here? It's not like they need me to tell them what to do since we haven't even set up any of the transfer points yet.[/I] His thoughts were interrupted by the chime indicating an incoming transmission. But a quick check showed that it was Jared's hand held computer and not his. He could not see who Jared was talking to but his answer... "[B]I see,[/B]" Jared replied in a very cold tone. "[B]When did this happen?[/B]" Darren wondered just what had upset him. [I]What ever it is, this time I'm going to keep my mouth shut[/I] he thought to himself. "[B]A Pulse Cannon? How the hell did they get one of those?[/B]" Jared said incredulously. "[B]I see. No, everything seems to be fine here. Right.[/B]" Jared closed his hand held, ending the conversation. As much as he wanted to know what that was about Darren kept quiet. He could always look up what a Pulse Cannon was once they were done. He opened up his own hand held computer to make a note to remind himself to look it up later, not noticing that Jared had walked over and peeked over his shoulder. He nearly jumped out of his skin when Jared spoke. "[B]If you are wondering what a Pulse Cannon is all you have to do is ask.[/B]" Darren turned to face Jared, "[B]I know.[/B]" "[B]It's not a secret Darren, the resistance shot down the two transport ships headed for the US.[/B]" "[B]Damn! By using a Pulse Cannon I take it? What about their shields, wouldn't that protect them from ground attacks?[/B]" "[B]Not these ships, unlike your own ship, or the ones used by the military, these ones only transport basic supplies and only require simple navigation shields to protect against space debris and the turbulence of entering the atmosphere of the planet. A Pulse Cannon would easily damage them, which is why the military does not use them.[/B]" Jared explained. "[B]Then why were they used?[/B]" "[B]Because most of the transport ships we do use are still in sector four. And Pulse Cannons are not that easy to get a hold of. But more importantly,[/B]" Jared said angrily, "[B]The only way they could have pulled it off is if they knew in advance what the transport ships would be and their destination as well. It takes at least fifteen minutes to set up a Pulse Cannon and for that type of strike to work they would have needed to get the flight path from the bases' sensors as Pulse Cannons are designed to take out ships within visual range.[/B]" Darren winced. "[B]I see.[/B]" Jared started to say something else but was interrupted by the sound of laser fire as several loud shots came from somewhere in the city. [I]What they hell?[/I] Darren stood still as the military immediately went into action, confusing him with the hustle of people shouting and orders being given. Then a few minutes later more shots were fired. Something that this time he actually saw as they arched upwards in the direction where the ships would be coming from. [I]Shit! They're firing at the transports![/I] He looked to see where Jared was only to realize that he was gone. [I]He must have gone to where the shots came from...What should I do?[/I] He stood there transfixed as the first transport ship came into view, it's engines on fire. It was coming in far too steeply and part of it clipped the shipping building that was close to the landing area. At that moment Darren realized that he was in it's flight path. He started to move only to be grabbed by one of the security personal who urged him to run to the side. Something that once he realized why he was pulling on his arm he did without question. A moment later the ship hit the ground with a shudder and after traveling for a while it finally came to a halt. A cloud of dust and debris knocked both Darren and the security personal flat on their faces. Darren quickly got back on his feet turning just in time to see the other ship crash into the first one. He winced at the horrible sound of metal on metal as the first ship literally crumpled when the second one plowed into it. "[B]Dammit![/B]" He exclaimed. Darren started to move forward to see if the pilot was okay only to halt when the security personal grabbed his arm, stopping him. "[B]It's not safe here sir.[/B]" Darren pulled his arm free, "[B]What about the pilots? We have to see if they are still alive![/B]" The security personal grabbed his arm again firmly. "[B]Sir, you are not trained for this. My orders are to see to your safety and as you can see,[/B]" he indicated several squads who were coming out of the building and heading towards the transports, "[B]Help has already been sent.[/B]" Darren nodded, "[B]All right. I understand.[/B]" "[B]Thank you sir, now please come this way, I need to get you back to the Creator immediately.[/B]" Darren followed him without argument. After all he was right, he was not trained for this sort of thing and would only get in the way. And after seeing how damaged the two ships were, he would be surprised if either pilot was still alive. [I]I hope Jared catches who ever did this.[/I] Darren thought. [I]Those pilots weren't even part of the military. So much for their lofty position of not attacking civilians. [/I] Darren nearly laughed out loud. [I]What am I thinking? The resistance was more than willing to sacrifice me when they hacked my clearance[/I]. He shook his head. [I]Those fools are no better than the High Council or the military. [/I]Then he turned his attention back to the security personal as he requested a transport door for Darren. He thanked him and then walked though the door leading back to the ship.

After what seemed like forever the session with the High Council was finished and Darren after a word with Stevens was finally allowed to leave so he could return to his quarters. For today he was done, but tomorrow? When the reinforcements arrived he would be starting on the UK. And if they did not get ready in time for him to go down tomorrow, there was still work to be done in regards to tracking William as well as all sorts of details that still needed to be incorporated into the update on the shipping protocols. Darren left the observation room that was just off the bridge of the Conqueror, trying to ignore the stares from the crew due to his new uniform. Before he had been a no body with the simple green cadet uniform Jared had required him to wear. But now? Darren could almost feel their thoughts as they recalculated their opinion of him. An aspect of politics that he abhorred. Especially when some of them treated him with deference and respect, something Darren did not want. What he wanted was to get back on his ship and return to what he had been doing before this mess. He continued though the corridors of the Conqueror, heading for one of the transport rooms to return to the Creator. Trying to take the path with the least amount of people and yet he still failed to avoid attracting attention. Then a moment later Darren was in the transport room and within a few minutes, back on the Creator. But it was no different here. He only hoped that in time people would stop staring, the whole thing was making him feel very uncomfortable. It was with a real sigh of relief that he finally entered his quarters and the door shut behind him. Darren immediately headed for his bedroom, intending to change out of his uniform only to change his mind at the last minute. Pausing to look at himself in the tall mirror in his quarters. From the dark brown suit pants with gold trim running down the sides to the lighter brown shirt underneath, though he hated the high collar that came up with the gold box shaped pins indicating his rank attached along with another one indicating his connection to the High Council. The rest of the shirt was covered with a dark medium brown jacket that fastened from underneath on one side and the again on the other side, creating an effect of gold buttons running down the front on each side of his chest. To the pale brown half cape that went down to his waist, laced with the outline of boxes of the shipping industry in gold, overlapping each other. Even the gold trim along the cuffs of his jacket and the shoulders where the cape was fastened, with a gold braid running from one side in the front over to the other side looked quite nice. Put together with his light blond hair and trim form, it did look quite flattering, even if he felt like a fool wearing it. Darren started to change his mind, reaching up to unfasten the first set of buttons when the chime for an incoming transmission sounded. Puzzled as to who would be contacting him he went out to answer it. It was his sister Kerstin. "[B]Darren! I'm glad I caught you![/B]" She said with a smile. "[B]I was hoping to catch you before I left.[/B]" "[B]Where are you going?[/B]" Kerstin smiled, "[B]I guess Jared hasn't told you yet has he?[/B]" She continued when Darren shook his head negatively. "[B]I'm going to sector one.[/B]" "[B]Why?[/B]" "[B]I've decided to take some art classes at one of the universities there.[/B]" "[B]Art classes? Since when were you into art Kerstin?[/B]" "[B]Darren![/B]" Kerstin protested. "[B]I've always been into art. How else do you think I could afford to live on my own? Daddy comes running to me to get money the same way he does to you.[/B]" She giggled, "[B]Or should I say use to pester you? Goodness, you should hear him when he goes off on a tangent about how ungrateful you are. It's rather entertaining and yet boring at the same time.[/B]" [I] She makes a living off of art? [/I]Darren just shook his head. [I]What else have I missed out on?[/I] He wondered. "[B]I'm sure that will change once he hears about this mornings session with the High Council though.[/B]" He said. [I]At least I won't have to hear it this time.[/I] Kerstin just grinned. "[B]I wish I could have seen his expression when he realized that it was you who wrote the protocols in the first place as well as when he found out about your new position. Oh that would have been fun to see![/B]" She laughed delightedly. "[B]Kerstin![/B]" "[B]Come on! I bet you wanted to see it too![/B]" Darren hesitated, since that was exactly what he had been thinking during the ceremony. Kerstin just smiled. "[B]I need to go Darren. I'll call you when I get to sector one.[/B]" She started to end the transmission and then stopped. "[B]By the way, will you thank Jared for me? I know Daddy and the merchants think he's a sick bastard and all, but since you started working for the military at Earth he's kept me informed as to how you were doing the whole time. Jared even made the arrangements so I will have the security clearance to call you anytime I want.[/B]" She smiled. "[B]I don't know why you guys don't like him, but he seems nice enough to me.[/B]" Kerstin smirked, "[B]Unless it's because he likes guys instead of girls and you [I]are [/I]adorable Darren. Even if you are a bit of a prude.[/B]" Darren felt himself flush hotly. "[B]Kerstin![/B]" He protested. She just giggled at him again. "[B]I'm just saying! After all Jared is pretty [I]damn [/I]adorable as well. And unlike Daddy I'm [I]not [/I]narrow minded or a prude. Anyway, I really do need to run. Take care Darren.[/B]" Darren started to reply to tell her to take care as well, but the transmission had ended. [I]I should never have lost contact with her. [/I]He thought. Darren had forgotten just how much he enjoyed talking with his sister. Even if, he blushed even more, she didn't know the full story behind Jared. If she had, he doubted she would have said what she did. He walked back over to the center of his room and sat down on the comfy sofa, place his feet up comfortably on the table. Bad manners or not, he didn't care. [I]I wonder why Jared never mentioned that he was keeping my sister informed.[/I] He wondered. It was really baffling. First his reaction to Crystal being kidnapped, though he had heard that she had been recovered. And then to find out that he had taken the time to keep the only person he cared about in his family updated as to how he was doing. Jared continued to be someone who confused him. From the time they had first met and he had turned out to be so efficient at his job, from everything that had happened since then. In that respect Kerstin was right, his father and the merchants, himself included really didn't know him at all. Other than the sick things he had done. Something that it was looking like he had allowed to color his judgment of him. Darren snorted. Not that he was going to start liking the sick bastard. Only that he wasn't going to take his behavior for granted anymore.

So many things listed that I agree with here, but probably one of my biggest pet peeves is those stupid idiots who max their stupid little cars and trucks with those bass players that you can feel the beat from a block away. And at one am in the morning it's tempting to go and find the car and rip them out and stomp on them. Especially when the idiot pulls into the parking lot of the apartment complex you live in and you know which car it is. Oh the temptation. And if you are referring to people on the Internet Panda, I so agree, it's amazing how nasty people become when they are hiding behind a screen. Saying nasty things that they would never dare say straight to your face. Mean people on the Internet are worse than mean people in real life. At least in my experience that is.

No worries Aaryanna. ;) I just sent everyone the lyrics that Alexa sent me along with what I did, so once we run it though a few more changes all we have to do is combine it with your graphics Aaryanna. And then we are done.

Darren did his best to not fidget as he stood carefully at attention as he once again faced the entire High Council. Only this time it was for the formality of naming him as the new shipping expert for the Versilan Empire, a position that he still did not want. And though the more formal outfit that was similar to what Stevens wore as the Fleet Admiral with the same style and cut was far more comfortable than the simple cadet uniform he had been wearing. He already hated it. The only difference between his outfit and Stevens was in the shades of brown that was standard to the shipping industry instead of the green for the military or the blue and silver a candidate for the High Council wore. And clearly on his collar were the symbols indicating his new status. Something that he had to resist the urge to tear off and toss aside. Darren wanted nothing more than to rip them off and stomp up and down on them like a child throwing a temper tantrum. But instead he kept his expression as neutral as possible while he waited for his turn to respond to the High Council once they reached the point in the session that would include him. Darren had already talked to both Mike and his sister last night. He had been forbidden to say anything until then. He still couldn't get over how they had responded, surprising him by still wishing to be associated with him. Mike after the initial shock of realizing that he was responsible for the protocols in the first place as well as the new ones had just laughed it off as being just like him. A comment that had stung until Mike pointed out that he had never hidden how much he hated his father and other merchants like him. But his sister.... Darren hadn't spoken to her in years and what she had said had surprised him the most...It had been late last night when he had contacted her... [INDENT]Darren stared at the new outfit Jared had brought by with disgust. He had placed it on the sofa and then left. Darren left it there as he needed to talk to his sister Kerstin first anyway. Though he had not spoken to her in years. He turned back to his computer console when a chime indicated that she had answered the transmission. Kerstin was just as he remembered with her silver blond hair, petite figure and cheerful expression, one that instantly changed to a huge smile when she realized who had contacted her. "[B]Darren![/B]" She shrieked with joy. "[B]It's about time you contacted me! You bum! Even if Jared has kept me updated on how you are that's no excuse for not calling me yourself.[/B]" She fixed him with a stern glance, biting her lower lip a bit as she pouted. [I]Jared kept her updated? [/I]Darren shook his head a bit, unsure as to what she meant by that. "[B]I'm sorry.[/B]" She glared at him a little more and then finally stuck her tongue out at him childishly. "[B]You should be.[/B]" She waved her hand in the air as if brushing something aside. "[B]But enough of that, what have you been up to? Besides working for the military.[/B]" Darren hesitated, unsure how to tell her why he had called. "[B]You know about the shipping protocols that were changed around thirty years ago right?[/B]" He finally asked her. Kerstin smiled mysteriously, "[B]You mean the ones that you wrote?[/B]" She giggled at his dumbfounded expression. "[B]Oh Darren! Honestly, I've always known about that. After what Daddy,[/B]" her expression darkened in anger, "[B]did to all those people who worked in his company and you complained about it when you took over, it was obvious.[/B]" "[B]But..[/B]" Darren stammered. "[B]No buts.[/B]" She said firmly. "[B]Unless you've forgotten that you talked to me about how things would be run if you were in charge. And when the protocols changed a year later, even though you were not mentioned I knew it had to be you. The change was exactly what you had talked about![/B]" Darren smiled weakly, "[B]I see, I didn't realize that you knew Kerstin.[/B]" She smiled widely at him, "[B]Of course not. I figured that you were keeping quiet about it because of Daddy and his merchant friends. After all if they had known, some of them would not have hesitated to try and kill you.[/B]" Kerstin stopped smiling, becoming more serious before continuing. "[B]I can guess why you called me, if this is about the shipping protocols, Daddy and his friends have already been complaining about the new ones in sector four and six. He may not run a ship anymore but that fool is still working with others to get around the checks and make a profit.[/B]" [I] God, that fool never learns,[/I] Darren thought. [I]If he's caught, he'll be executed for sure![/I] He brought his attention back to Kerstin when she continued, "[B]I didn't say anything to Jared since I don't have proof of what he's up to. And I didn't know if he knew you wrote the protocols or not. You wrote the new ones too, didn't you?[/B]" She asked him. Darren took a deep breath and then let it out. "[B]Yes I did, it's why I called you. Jared's going to be sending security to pick you up tomorrow morning. I want you to go with them.[/B]" "[B]Why?[/B]" Kerstin asked her expression puzzled. "[B]Because tomorrow during the session with the High Council, it will be announced that I am the new shipping expert for the Versilan Empire. The current expert will be stepping down and retiring.[/B]" Darren waited for her response as her eyes went wide at what he had just said. "[B]Damn! That's going to create quite a stir! Especially since you're so young! Being made the High Council's expert is going to really piss off a lot of people.[/B]" She shook her head in disbelief. "[B]Hell, I thought you had to be at least two hundred to even be considered for that position.[/B]" Darren laughed bitterly, "[B]No, you don't, they tried to offer it to me when I first proposed the change in the first place, but I turned it down.[/B]" Kerstin frowned a bit, "[B]Then why are you accepting it now?[/B]" He sighed, "[B]It's a long story sis, one that I don't have time for. More importantly will you go with the security when they come?[/B]" Kerstin smiled, "[B]So long as you promise to fill me in on what's going on later.[/B]" "[B]I will.[/B]" Darren promised. "[B]I need to go.[/B]" He hesitated. Kerstin giggled at him again. "[B]One of these days you'll figure out how to say I love you or take care.[/B]" Laughing even more at Darren when he blushed a bit. "[B]You haven't changed a bit. I'll be sure to watch tomorrow's session with the High Council. Take care Darren.[/B]" She said as she terminated the communication.[/INDENT] Darren came to himself with a jerk at the mention of his name, breathing a sigh of relief when he realized it was merely the beginning of his part, something that he had been coached on as to how it would proceed. He ignored the stares of everyone on the High Council, grateful that he could not see the rest of the people there due to this being done via long distance communication. The screen he was facing did not include the view showing the rest of the people, or those who though out the Versilan Empire would be watching the session. Though a tiny part of him as he answered the questions and recited his oath to the the responsibility he was undertaking, wondered if his father was watching. He certainly hoped so. And though Darren was not the type to wish harm towards anyone, based on what his father had done and what Kerstin suspected he was doing, he hoped that he was caught and finally dealt with. [I]I should have turned him in years ago. [/I]He thought as he continued answering the questions presented to him. [I]And I wish this was over already.[/I] Darren thought exasperated at how lengthy the proceedings were.

[quote name='takoyuki'] Every thing's wrong with being a virgin[/quote]So does that include the fact that everyone is born that way? It is kind of unavoidable you know. And everything doesn't really explain why being a virgin is wrong. Perhaps you could explain just what everything is suppose to be.

It had taken a while, but Darren had finally managed to trace the records of how the Resistance had gotten their hands on the experimental explosives. It hadn't been easy and it had required getting assistance from one of the computer specialists on the Creator to write a routine to filter the information he got to look only for a few things. However at the same time, the clearance he had gotten from Stevens had made things a lot easier since any request he sent for data no matter where it was in the Empire, was given top priority. No waiting for days to get the information, all requests were handled within a few hours. It had made a job that could have potentially taken months down to less than a week since he didn't have to wait very long for the information. Ironically the solution to the problem was what he had wanted to do in the first place, but the necessary computer time, space and available processing power just didn't exist on that level. But that had been nearly thirty years ago. Things had changed since then and most of the older computers had long since been replaced. Now it would be easy to do what he wished, which was why he had needed a computer specialist, not only for the routine to look for information, but to rewrite the current program to change how often updates were done. After receiving the go ahead from the High Council they had put the new system in place for sector six and four, testing it to see how it worked. And so far for the past few days it had worked beautifully. Now things were updated every thirty minutes instead of every twelve hours and any fragmented report was immediately checked into and verified. The military had already caught a number of smugglers using similar tactics that William had. It was a pity they hadn't actually caught William though. Darren finished looking though the report on how the new system was doing before putting his computer in his quarters on standby. If he had known that the computers for the shipping outposts and for storing the data had been updated in the last five years, he would have already requested the change regardless of what had happened with him being caught in the mess regarding Earth. If there was one thing that irritated him more than anything, it was people like his father. When he had realized what he had done to the employees of his shipping company Darren had been furious. It had taken him several years to repair the damage and in doing so he decided to make it harder for losers like him to ever do it again, prompting him to send the proposal to the High Council in the first place. And then when it was finally done, he hadn't felt sorry for any of the merchants who got in trouble. If they hadn't been such lousy no good losers in the first place, they wouldn't have gotten in trouble. His only regret was that he would be required to take credit for what he had done. Something that Darren was not looking forward too. Especially since now that sector six and four was working on the new system, arrangements had been made and within a few weeks everything in the Versilan Empire would be switched over, even the military would have some modifications made as well. Especially since tracking down the explosives had lead to military personal in sector one who had been illegally selling the stuff on the black market. Though that had lead to a dead end as those responsible for stealing it had already been dealt with. They had been caught by a Kiva Salqarian, who was the Elite Specialist working here at Earth. That had made things easier since the trail he had been following backwards from William to where they had been stolen, had lead to the report where she had exposed them to the High Council. Some of the stuff former Elite Commander Hays, Ryan and Jennifer had sold on the black market had not been found just yet. Once it was shipped off of sector one things would have been done behind closed doors, so Darren doubted any more information would be found. At least the source had already been dealt with. Darren shifted and put his feet up on his desk, lounging back in his chair. Now that the new shipping protocols were being put in place there wasn't much for him to do. Until the reinforcements arrived in a few days, things had been to chaotic on Earth for him to work in the UK. And Australia didn't have anything that needed to be done. And Jared didn't have anything else for him to do. Tomorrow would be different though. Tomorrow the High Council would be officially announcing the new shipping protocols and naming him as the creator from the beginning and as the new expert for the High Council. A position that usually required one to actually work in sector one in the city where the High Council was located. Something that annoyed the hell out of him. It had been intimidating facing them in the observation room on the Creator the other day as he had talked to them, but his stubborn streak had reasserted itself. Darren was not going to work in sector one. And after a while of insisting they had finally agreed that once Earth was taken care of he could return to working as a merchant, that they would put him on what was known as a field operative status. Another thing that just annoyed the hell out of him. Darren had actually been feeling like his anger towards the military and the government was misplaced after what happened with Jared, but the way the High Council was virtually deciding that he worked for them whether or not he liked it had just made him furious all over again. Making him feel like an idiot for questioning his feelings towards them. Even though Jared had been a hell of a lot nicer lately, it didn't change the fact that he was still a sick bastard in other areas or that the damn military and the High Council had no problems making your decisions for you. Darren got up and went into the kitchen area to fix himself a drink. No, things had not changed, all that had happened is the so called '[I]work for the military for a few months[/I]' that this thing had started out as, had turned into them making sure he was stuck working for them for life. A thought that had him wanting to scream with frustration.

Just some more of the music quotes I enjoy: [B] Music, once admitted to the soul, becomes a sort of spirit, and never dies. [/B] ~Edward George Bulwer-Lytton [B]Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent. [/B] ~Victor Hugo [B] Music is moonlight in the gloomy night of life.[/B] ~Jean Paul Richter The last one being my favorite out of all three since I love nights when the moon is full.

I've seen the first couple of episodes and I was actually planning on watching some more since they have ep 3-6 running in the on demand section of my cable. I haven't seen enough to know if I'm going to really like it or not, but I did like the initial set up and the characters from the calmer Muryou and how Hajime is telling it from his prospective, it kind of gives it the feel of something that has already happened and you're being told about it. I also like how though there is the sci-fi elements in it, so far it hasn't taken over and dominated it. I like how it looks like they are going to take the time to develop the characters and back story before getting to far into the main plot. That's good to know it's coming out in a slim pack though. If I like it I'll just wait for that instead of buying the DVD's individually.

Other than a couple of brief messages waiting for him from Jared when he woke up after the doctor had finished repairing his wrist, Darren had not seen nor heard from him in nearly three days. Once the doctor fitted him with a small brace that he was required to wear for a few days while the newly rebuilt bone set and gave him a stern lecture about not overdoing it, Darren had returned to his quarters and done what Jared had ordered him to do. To continue working on tracing William and to begin revising the shipping protocols. A task that was simple since all he had to do was switch to partial voice mode with the computer system instead of using the holographic interface to input everything. Again it wasn't the most exciting work but it was a lot less stressful than other aspects of his work had been. But unfortunately it left him with far too much time to simply think about things. He couldn't get the conversation between him and Jared out of his mind. He felt like a fool, for assuming Jared didn't care about anyone. In fact, he was beginning to question his hatred for the military and the government in general. Darren looked back at the screen to the console at his desk in his quarters, a quick look at the time showed that he had sat there for nearly half and hour doing absolutely nothing. It was already mid afternoon, he had been so busy he completely forgot to stop for lunch. Disgusted he voiced the command for the computer to save everything and go back into standby mode. He stood up and went over to look out the windows towards Earth. He looked down at the brace he was still wearing, tomorrow morning he would be required to go and see the doctor again, he had went yesterday but the doctor had decided to keep it on for a few more days. Hopefully it would come off tomorrow. It didn't hurt, but it did feel strange to wear. Darren looked back out the window. His mind shifting to other things. He had worked diligently to track down Williams, especially after learning that he was a top leader in the resistance and possibly the one who either hacked his clearance in the first place or the one who gave the order. He had also been working on modifying the current protocols to make his method of hiding extremely difficult if not impossible to do. Darren had been thinking about it on his own ever since sector six and finding the first fragmented report on William. To learn that sector four had also been attacked only made him more determined to not only find him but to improve the system to prevent William from hiding like he had been. Darren caught himself starting to clench his fists in anger. His sister lived in sector four and when he had woken up in sickbay only to find out what had happened he had been furious. And then in addition to the message about what he was required to do from Jared, he had been surprised that there was another one informing him that his sister was fine. Something that also made him feel guilty for what he had thought about Jared. I[I]'m not very good at reading people, [/I]he thought for the thousandth time. [I]All I've done since this started is make one stupid assumption after another.[/I] He sighed and turned to head into the kitchen to fix something to eat when the chime indicating someone was at his door sounded. He gave the order for the door to open, admitting Jared, who if Darren was not mistaken as he walked over and glanced at his wrist before back to his face, looked a bit uncomfortable. Jared walked over to where he was standing and held out a data chip, "[B]I have new orders for you as well as the necessary security clearance you will need for the order on this.[/B]" He waited until Darren reached out and took the data chip before continuing. "[B]It has been determined that the resistance got their hands on experimental explosives for the attack in sector four. Stevens wants you to look to see if you can find any traces of how they could have been smuggled off of sector one in the shipping records.[/B]" Darren looked at the chip and then back at Jared, "[B]You realize that in order to completely check the records I would have to have access to what the military does as well.[/B]" "[B]Exactly, the necessary clearance for military shipping as well as classified loads is on that chip. You may not be a hacker, but our own shipping experts failed to realize that people were operating illegally like William. So Stevens wants to see what you see when you look at the records, especially since you did write the protocols in the first place. Also, if you are going to modify them, knowing how the military operates will help you come up with a more complete program.[/B]" Darren nodded, thinking of a way to tell Jared he was sorry for thinking he didn't know how to care. He started to speak only to stop when Jared beat him too it, the uncomfortable look returning as he stammered out an apology for damaging his wrist. Darren looked to the side focusing on the sofa in the room instead of Jared as he replied, "[B]I certainly didn't make it any easier by implying that you don't know how to care for someone,[/B]" he paused and looked back at Jared, "[B]So I'm sorry as well.[/B]" Jared favored him with a lopsided smile that was one of the first real smiles Darren had ever seen from him. "[B]You may have been rude and thoughtless Darren, but that doesn't excuse what I did. I'll accept your apology so long as you accept mine.[/B]" Darren nodded his agreement. "[B]Anything else?[/B]" Jared shook his head negatively. "[B]No, just let me know how things are going or if you need anything, for now working on the records and the new protocols takes top priority.[/B]" Jared nodded again and then turned and left. Darren took a moment to put the chip away at his desk and then he went back to the kitchen area to get something to eat. Still surprised that Jared had even apologized for hurting him.

Works for me, it's even a rock song that I've actually heard! lol I found the lyrics for the song here: [URL=http://www.lyrics007.com/N%20Sync%20Lyrics/Bye%20Bye%20Bye%20Lyrics.html][B]Lyrics[/B][/URL] so that should help. And I like the idea Aaryanna had at poking fun at Sandy, especially after watching that video. lol I've even gotten some ideas on how to convert the song to have a message along the lines of we are going to win so our song is telling everyone else in the competition bye bye. Like they are leaving or something. ;) Along with us adding our names in there though I was thinking it might be easier to use Alexa, Bethany (Aaryanna) Kathy and either my name Darren or Rach for short. So now all we need is the vote of our Team Captain Aaryanna_Mom and we are set! Oh and as for the graphics, I've been learning how to do stuff, it's simple, but I can help you if you want Aaryanna.

[quote name='DeadSeraphim][COLOR=Indigo][SIZE=1][FONT=Arial]What's your story of monetary loss and woe?[/FONT][/SIZE'][/COLOR][/quote]Hmmm...Seems I don't really have a story of monetary loss and woe, but judging from the responses it sounds like Shinmaru has clobbered enough people that money wise it could cover nearly every member on the boards and then some. I suppose I could include the time the us post office ripped me off by not returning my deposit when I closed my p.o. box, but I don't think $30 even comes close. lol

[quote name='visualkei'] But being a virgin male, from this girl's perspective, is something extra that makes the man seem more attractive. =][/quote]It goes both ways, not that I expect a girl to be a virgin, but being in an intimate relationship with a girl who doesn't just sleep with anyone is also attractive. ;) As for the thread, I don't see a problem with being a virgin and if you're old enough, and yes I'm going to say when your state/country/etc considers you old enough then there's nothing wrong with being one or not being a virgin. As for your situation, without knowing more of the details, it does sound like you over-reacted and chewed her out. And then you and her brother ganged up on her and did the same. Do you know if she's already had sex? Do you know if she's using protection or not? Because if she's old enough, though I'm assuming she is not, then whether or not she sleeps around is none of your business. Personally at this point I would tell her parents and let them handle it if she's underage that is since I doubt she's going to listen to you or your friend at this point.