Rachmaninoff

[quote name='NIKI12345']Yeah the battle is over because of Rachmaninoff. Thank you. I posted this thread to get opinions not someone to fight against them. I didn't want someone to say **This is the right answer and everyone else is wrong** So I'm glad its over thanks again Rachmaninoff[/quote]What in the world are you talking about? All I did was decide to not continue a debate when it's obvious neither one of us agreed with the other person's point of view. It wasn't even a fight to begin with. Everyone has their own opinion on things and as Aaryanna_Mom already pointed out, it's easy to find information that supports both views so I've no interest in continuing it especially when neither side is going to change their stance. To continue and be pigheaded along the lines of you are wrong and I am right is kind of pointless. So the final word is we disagree and lets just leave it at that. At least that's the way I saw it. lol All it means is that both of us are firm in our opinion on what we think on the subject, nothing more. And certainly nothing to get upset over. ;)

[quote name='indifference][COLOR=DarkRed']Now don't keep me waiting too long for your part as I assure you my character, and I do mean Jared of course, is impatient to have his fun so to speak. :p [/COLOR][/quote]You're a cruel woman Crystia! *sob* Poor Darren! I should have chosen something besides my own name for my character. It's kind of creepy and fun all in one. On another note, I'm looking forward to what William is up to that will upset Stevens. And it goes without saying that I hope it upsets Jared too. :p

Darren ignored the chime from his handheld computer indicating that he had a new message. He was nearly finished interviewing the last person for the day and since it had not been the tone indicating it required immediate attention, it could wait. He was eager to be finished since so far today the people he had talked to though skilled, were far from what he was looking for. Darren stifled a yawn as he wrapped things up and thanked the young man for coming. Then once he had finally left Darren turned back to the windows overlooking the city. Electing to sit on the edge of the desk while he pulled up the message. A groan of exasperation escaped his lips when he realized just who it was from. With a snarl of irritation he closed the message and sent a request to the Creator to be transported up. [I]The sooner I get this over with the better.[/I] He thought. Once he was on board the Creator he put in a request to find out where Jared was and then headed off in the direction of Jared?s quarters as the system listed him as being in that location. Darren groaned again. Jared was always worse about teasing him when he was in his private quarters. And sure enough when he arrived and entered, Jared had one of those self-satisfied little smirks he often wore around Darren.[I] Lovely,[/I] he thought. ?[B]Take a seat Darren,[/B]? Jared said indicating the sofa in the center of the main room. ?[B]I have something I want you to look at.[/B]? He tossed Darren a data chip once he had taken a seat. Darren caught it and inserted it into his handheld, but the last thing he had expected was the logo for top-level security to come up on the screen. He looked up questioningly at Jared who had joined him on the sofa. ?[B]Go ahead,[/B]? Jared said as he leaned forward and flashed a conspiratorial smile at Darren, ?[B]It is about you after all.[/B]? Puzzled Darren turned back to the screen and pressed the button to open up the file. It was a file about him from the High Council. There was nothing surprising in it other than them listing him as the person they considered the top expert in the field of shipping. [I]I don?t understand, what is he trying to show me? [/I]Darren turned back to Jared. ?[B]I don?t understand.[/B]? ?[B]It?s simple Darren, that is taken directly from the High Council?s personal records, they are the only ones who have access to it, your official record makes no mention of how it was you who made the suggestions that completely changed how shipping protocol is handled through out the Empire. Nor how you refused offers to work with either the military or directly for the High Council.[/B]? Jared pulled back a bit and crossed his right leg over his left one, shifting to better face Darren, ?[B]You even refused the royalties from the change and instead simple requested to be given access to all permits, including the one to handle weapons, something no independent merchant can get. You went to all that trouble only to receive next to nothing for your hard work. Why?[/B]? Darren closed the report and set his handheld computer on the low table sitting in front of the sofa. He pulled back, clasping his hands together in his lap, uncertain as to how to continue. How was he to explain that he did not want the recognition? That he did not want to alienate his family who disliked the military? Though with the way things had gone, perhaps it would have been better if he had. He would have been wealthy enough to retire somewhere for life instead of working as a merchant, if he hadn't been working he wouldn't have been dragged into this mess. He sighed inwardly. He enjoyed being on his own and if he had accepted the credit it would have tied him down and his own family, though he cared for them, were far from objective when it came to money. ?[B]Money and recognition is not what I care about.[/B]? Darren turned to look at Jared, who still had that self-satisfied smirk. ?[B]I like being independent and accepting the credit and the royalties would have interfered with that.[/B]? Jared laughed and then laughed some more when Darren flushed over his reaction. ?[B]I would imagine being hounded by your family played into it as well. But enough of that, though it is worth noting your accomplishment since it is part of why I am going to go easy on you.[/B]? [I]Go easy on me?[/I] Darren thought. [I]What is he talking about? [/I] Jared picked up Darren?s handheld computer and turned it back on as he took out the chip with the report and inserted another one. His expression all business, as even the usual smirk he wore vanished. Something that sent a shiver down Darren?s spine as he handed it to him and instructed him to look at the contents and when he saw what was on it, he froze in panic. ?[B]That?s right Darren, unless I?m mistaken that is Jason?s sister, Sara Sanders entering the building you were stationed in while you were in Denver Colorado. Her appearance is quite different or else we would have realized it was her much sooner.[/B]? Jared reached over and lazily took Darren?s handheld computer from him, noting how Darren was trembling. ?[B]Did you really think I would send you to a location that was not secure? The surveillance and security was set up long before I even arrived at Earth. If you thought you were not being checked on, you were mistaken.[/B]? Darren jumped when Jared grabbed his right arm and leaned forward to speak, his eyes now cold and calculating, ?[B]She was in the building for nearly an hour Darren, and you were very nervous when I joined you that day. If she was checking out the building, she would have seen you. The question is, did you actually see or speak to her?[/B]? Darren opened his mouth to speak, but nothing came out. Fear paralyzing him as his thoughts raced like mad. [I]He knows! He knows I spoke with her![/I] He thought in panic. Darren couldn?t think coherently,[I] I shouldn?t have warned her![/I] He swallowed hard as his breathing became more rapid as he began to panic even more at another thought that crossed his mind.[I] He?s going to kill me! [/I]And then he tried to squirm free when Jared pulled out a shot and administered it before he could properly react. Jared sighed dramatically, ?[B]I thought you were smarter than that Darren, this time, you won?t be able to lie to me.[/B]? He tossed the syringe onto the table and then leaned forward until their faces were nearly touching. ?[B]And for your sake, I hope you weren?t foolish enough to have actually joined the resistance. Because that is something I will not be able to forgive you for.[/B]?

TherapySessions: As far as I am concerned our discussion is pretty much over at this point. I do have one recommendation for you in regards to the thought that others believe that drugs are bad for you due to propaganda and poorly written articles. Consider this, so far a huge percent of what you are countering with is nothing more than articles and information from sources that you yourself did not create, sound familiar? Both of us are guilty of taking outside sources of information and accepting them as truth, and just as you do not accept what I have read, why should I accept what you have read as the truth? You seem to think illegal drugs are okay, I do not. And I for one have no interest in hijacking this thread only to argue my points that in the end you are going to dismiss just as I will not accept yours. We disagree, end of discussion. And that is my final statement, at least in regards to your opinion on this topic.

If we go by the last game I actually bought it would be Twilight Princess, since I don't buy a lot of games. And as I've already mentioned in the thread for it, it was 100% worth every penny I spent. I've yet to finish it, but I've really enjoyed playing it. Now if we go on to the last game I got, which was given to me for Christmas, it would be Star Ocean: Till the end of time. And though it's not quite as solid as Twilight Princess is, I have been enjoying playing it. About the only complaint I have is that it's the type of game that really should have come bundled with the game guide. Because with out the guide, once you get so far it's annoying as hell, due to the customization and inventing aspect. But if you have the guide, it goes back to being a fun game, even if parts of it are cliched. And it's got good voice actors for it which is always a plus in my opinion.

[quote name='Aaryanna][COLOR=DarkRed']Just wanted to let you know since I definitely have not lost interest.[/COLOR][/quote]Same here. ;) Though my delay in posting was due to other things as well as homework taking up my time. And the fact that Crystia and I were working on a possible scenario, which should be interesting since we came up with a way to do it. So since you know what I'm talking about SunfallE, sit back and enjoy watching the fur fly so to speak. And with that being said, I hand the beginning of that over to you Crystia. And at the same time... I am so glad I am not my character!

Though not as impressive as Jared?s or Sandra?s quarters, Darren had to admit it that he liked having floor to ceiling windows along one wall. It was very soothing to end his day by sitting in one of the nicer padded chairs with his feet up facing them while he reviewed the information he had been working on. Unlike Sector One, which had, but a thin layer of green due to the surface being destroyed quite some time ago, Earth was very beautiful to look at from space. But back home, at least in Sector One, everyone lived in underground caverns. Though the moons of that sector had people living in structures on the surface. He wasn?t sure why the High Council had elected to allow things to recover more naturally instead of using their technology to repair the damage, but then he rarely understood any of their decisions these days. Finished with what he had been working on Darren set his handheld aside on the small table just to right of his chair and continued to watch Earth as the Creator continued in it?s path around the planet. It was interesting to watch as the view went from day to night especially where the U.S. and Canada was concerned. Now that Canada was virtually empty it was dark at night instead of being lit up like the U.S. was. And in the Middle East, ever since Sandra had destroyed a number of oil fields and had people pull back and leave them isolated, the lights changed every day as they had been fighting among themselves the entire time. Logically he could understand her decision, but emotionally, it just seemed so pointless that they could not stop fighting. Did they really enjoy conflict so much that when denied access to his people they were perfectly happy annihilating their own? It was not a pleasant thought since he was sure there were plenty of women and children being caught in the senseless violence. [I]All they are doing is proving the High Council?s assertion that other races are inferior.[/I] He thought. [I] Idiots.[/I] Darren got up and went into the bedroom to get ready for bed. Tomorrow was going to be rather busy since he had to interview humans tomorrow to find someone to handle the paper aspect of how Earthlings did things. If he were lucky he?d find someone suitable quickly like he had in Denver, Colorado. And it went without saying, the less time he spent with Jared, the better. He pulled out the silk pajamas in the compartment next to his bed and quickly changed into them. Yet another thing he had to admit that he liked. The silk sheets and night clothing were something that once this was over he would probably continue to use as they were much nicer than the plain cotton he was use to wearing. It was interesting how many of the types of materials for clothing they used were similar to what Earth had. Maybe later he?d check out what was available on Earth. He had contacts that dealt exclusively in transporting goods like that to other worlds. And if he was going to minimize the issues over the jealousy other merchants had in regards to his current position, he was defiantly going to need to make sure he had some good information for those he was use to dealing with in the shipping industry. With a sigh he turned the lights out and climbed into bed.[I] I'm turning into a politician [/I]he thought with disgust. [I]I never had to worry about others being jealous and sabotaging my shipping out of spite before. If it's not the damn resistance giving me grief, it's Jared and my own people![/I] He shook his head. [I]Stop thinking about it fool, losing sleep over things you can't change won't help. [/I] He sighed again as he shifted to find a more comfortable position before finally falling asleep.

[quote name='TherapySessions] Are you going to deny someones subjective experience based on an apparent ignorance about psychedelic drugs? [/QUOTE]Whether or not I am ignorant about said drugs is irrelevant. The ones who make them illegal know a hell of a lot more than I do. So yes I would deny them that experience since usually they are made illegal for a good reason. [QUOTE=TherapySessions] Serotonin and various other receptors are essential to our mindstates and chemical cousins of other tryptamines like LSD, 4-HO-DMT (Magic mushrooms anyone?) and various other lesser known psychedelic tryptamines, which are closer (and physically safer) chemicals to us than most of the chemicals yous would take without a second thought if prescribed from a doctor or bought in a shop.[/QUOTE]But that?s the whole point here, drugs like LSD are not something your doctor is going to prescribe for you, and what made you think I?d take anything just because my doctor ordered it? I?m sure I?m not the only patient who asks questions about just what the doctor wants me to take. And there are times, especially when painkillers are involved, where I opt for the less powerful ones since some of the stronger ones have very negative effects. [QUOTE=TherapySessions']Well the majority of the population have not tried psychedelic drugs so that's pretty much a mute point just now. However, most of the people that I know who have are very open minded, empathetic people, mostly everyone else I know hasn't tried them because they have bought into the propaganda surrounding them (sound like anyone?), plus psychedelic mind expansion is looked down upon by a large amount of society (how ironic).[/quote]Most of the people I know who haven?t taken them are open minded, empathetic people, and guess what? They didn?t need illegal drugs to get that way. Oh, sorry, I guess since you think it?s propaganda, in spite of all the cases where doctors have dealt with druggies and documented the known side effects and problems, then we are pretty much done here since it seems you?ve already decided that the rest of us can?t think for themselves. I suppose the we might have seen others pretty much self-destruct their lives once they became addicted to illegal substances is irrelevant. (how ironic) [quote name='TherapySessions']If I were to be cliche I'd say that great things to come out of drugs were drug influenced musicians of which there have been many, if I were to give a more relevant point I'd mention the fact that Francis Crick attributes discovering the DNA Double Helix to LSD and that there are large amounts of people actively participating in humanitarian aid and trying to changethe world for better as a result of psychedelic drug use.[/quote]How about some data on the large amounts of people actively participating in humanitarian aid due to psychedelic drug use? Unless you are talking about the ones trying to help the actual druggies? Because I can easily think of organizations like the Mormon church who have millions of active members helping with humanitarian aid all with out the aid of any form of psychedelic drug. If you are trying to imply that psychedelic drug use makes people more inclined to be more humanitarian, I don?t buy it. [quote name='TherapySessions']Oh and before your tar me with the previous posters brush this is not "pseudo-intellectual babble", I am talking about real experiences that have actually changed people for the better due to the actions of specific drugs, which is well documented worldwide. The people that show an interest for psychedelics in my experience are some of the most empathetic, peace loving, open minded and humanitarian people I know. As I said earlier, who are you to deny someones subjective experience?[/quote]How about you show some of this documentation you speak of? Because it?s fairly easy to find documentation on all the negative effects and deaths caused by the same illegal drugs you are casting in the role of something that makes people more ?empathetic, peace loving, open minded and humanitarian? So who are you to deny others the right to put an end to something that has been proven to be so destructive? If these drugs were really so beneficial the drug companies would be selling them left and right to make a profit. Instead of them being illegal.

This is a thought that?s been running through my head lately, one that can be blamed on one of my classes at school. Basically I?ve been thinking about the [B]Seven Deadly Sins[/B]: [CENTER][B]Lust[/B] [excessive sexual appetites] [B]Gluttony[/B] [over-indulgence] ~ [B]Greed [/B][avarice] [B]Sloth[/B] [idleness] ~ [B]Wrath[/B] [anger] [B]Envy[/B] [jealousy] ~ [B]Pride[/B] [vanity][/CENTER] And the [B]Seven Holy Virtues[/B]: [CENTER][B]Chastity [/B][purity of soul] [B]Temperance[/B] [self-restraint] ~ [B]Humility[/B] [humbleness] [B]Charity[/B] [giving] ~ [B]Diligence[/B] [zeal/integrity] [B]Forgiveness [/B][composure] ~ [B]Kindness [/B][admiration][/CENTER] And how either one of them could be considered excessive. I was required to write up a paper and be extremely blunt about each area and how it relates to myself and to how I felt the different aspects helped to balance the other. For example take Lust, I?m sure many of you can relate to seeing a fine looking member of the opposite sex and on some level having what could be considered impure thoughts. Though that?s purely subjective. But in my paper I explained how yes I am attracted to beautiful women and that on some level it was normal since it was balanced by what I would consider the Temperance [self-restraint] side of myself. The side of myself that doesn?t seek dates with women only for personal gratification though I?m not claiming I?m a saint in that respect, only that I don?t sleep around at any opportunity. Another one and this is hard for me; I get envious when a girl I like is dating someone else. And yet I try to counter it with forgiveness or rather composure. Not that the girl needs to apologize, but rather that I need to let go and forgive myself for feeling selfish instead of thinking that the feeling is acceptable. When the person in question has every right to see whom they please. So in the end I like to think that for the most part the aspects of myself that could be considered sinful is kept in check by the part that could be considered selfless. Though I'm sure there are some that are excessive and either I don't see it or I am fairly well balanced. [I'm not holding my breath though] How about the rest of you?

[QUOTE=Desbreko][color=#4B0082]Hylian hī·lēăn (hi lee an) As quoted from Zelda Universe's [url=http://www.zeldauniverse.net/content/view/475/471/][u]pronunciation guide[/u][/url]. Those are the most commonly accepted pronunciations for some odd Zelda names.[/color][/QUOTE]I didn't even know there was a guide on how to pronounce it. However, that is exactly how I have always said it. The other choice just didn't make sense and never occurred to me.

[quote name='DeathKnight][color=crimson']When I'm poor as **** I doubt I'll care either way.[/color][/quote]Quoted for truth. I expect to not become a millionaire but rather to work in the profession I have chosen and save enough money to retire and yet have enough to live comfortably.

Personally, unless you yourself are Japanese, I would avoid using Japanese names. For one thing you won?t really relate to them or even understand them in the same context. I would stick with names from where you are from, as you will have a better frame of reference as to how it would actually relate to your characters. It?s nice and all to have Japanese names when reading manga as it does give it a sense of being more original, but at the same time it?s a little jarring since the names sound and look more like gibberish than an actual spoken name. Just as it?s jarring to hear anime?s in the original Japanese with subtitles and yet barely understand the characters when they have them try to say something in English. But that?s just my take on it. Besides later once you?ve learned more about the Japanese culture and the reasoning behind how they select names, you can always go back and re-name your characters. And since you will have developed their personalities more it will most likely make it easier for you to select a name that really does fit.

[quote name='Retribution][size=1]That has zero bearing on the debate at hand. You asserted that people will always find a way to harm others, regardless of weapon restriction/regulation. The fact of the matter is, things like school shootings wouldn't be possible without firearms. Essentially, the damage would be limited by the limited weaponry.[/size][/QUOTE]Actually, I made no such assertion if you look at my post here: [QUOTE=Rachmaninoff]Even if we take all the guns away, I [B]wonder [/B]if it would stop people who feel driven to hurt others, I [B]wonder[/B'] if they would simply find another means to harm people. So that's really what has me the most shocked over this. The trying to understand the thought process that lead them to such a violent solution.[/quote]I said I wondered if gun control would make a difference, not that they would hurt someone no matter what. My point was that would stricter gun laws really make a difference. Sandy touched on it briefly about better social care and health issues. Other things that might address why they feel the need to inflict lethal damage on innocent people. So the debate is what drives someone to reach a point where they will kill regardless of the weapon and why others even with similar stressful lives or situations do absolutely nothing to other people. I'm more interesting in understand what break down happens within a person's mind that results in them harming others. You're missing what I'm trying to say here.

[QUOTE=Retribution][size=1]A man is angry and fed up with the world and decides he just wants to hurt as many people as possible before dying. Scenario 1: Man gets a semi-automatic weapon and ammo, goes to a mall during peak business hours and opens fire. Many are killed (let's say he kills 20, which isn't tough to do in a mall), while hundreds are wounded. Mall police with their pistol sidearms have a time of taking the man down, but can do it before the SWAT need to be called. Scenario 2: Man can only obtain a machete and maims 5 people before being taken down in a hail of bullets. Is there really a debate here?[/size][/QUOTE]You forgot Scenario 3: Man decides that in the end he has no reason to harm someone else and commits suicide. So that's the debate, why do some actually follow through where others may think about it but do not?

[quote name='Kitsaku']The point is to bring out community spirit altogether. If you don't have a MyO account, then submit it somewhere online and give me a link =3 Thanks.[/quote]I do have a suggestion if you are looking for more people to get involved. I would encourage people to post their entries at other places like theO or a site they have. But to also come and post it here with a link back to where it is hosted. Not only would people get to see the other entries, but it would help gather more attention and potentially attract other members who see an entry and think, hey that looks like fun. Where hosting it and only sending you a link would leave a lot of it in the shadows since not everyone is going to be looking for the contest entries. And it also leaves it open for people who don't have a myO or other type of account as they can simply post their entry here. Just something to consider. ;)

[quote name='Shadow Blade][SIZE=1][COLOR=SlateGray]So on a lighter note the question is what scares you as a male or female?[/SIZE'][/COLOR][/quote]Well my number one fear probably has nothing to do with being a guy. But to put it simply, having anything happen to my hands. I didn't even realize it was a fear until last year when I was in a car accident and my right leg was broken. I play the Cello and right now pursuing music is my life, so to lose the ability to play is something I am afraid of. Something I realized right after the other car had hit the one I was in and my first thought after realizing everyone was okay and in spite of the pain from my broken leg, was sheer relief to realize that my hands had not been hurt. The other fear is a little more personal and has to do with being able to father children should I eventually get married. Something that doesn't need to be explained as I'm sure people will understand what I am referring to.

[quote name='Retribution][size=1']I get what you mean, but every time a highly tragic school shooting occurs, there's this moral-panic-inspired debate over gun control, when in fact this debate shouldn't have needed a shooting to spark it.[/size][/quote]Gun control is already debated quite a bit here in Utah. And I agree with what you are saying, but debating gun control wasn't my goal here. Instead it is that what surprises me the most is that someone attacks people they don't know and kills them. That's what makes this seem so pointless and sickening. Even if they couldn't get a gun, I don't understand or rather I can't relate to what drives someone to even feel the need to act in this manner. Even if we take all the guns away, I wonder if it would stop people who feel driven to hurt others, I wonder if they would simply find another means to harm people. So that's really what has me the most shocked over this. The trying to understand the thought process that lead them to such a violent solution.

[quote name='Adahn][size=2]How do you think your life would be different if you were the opposite gender?[/size][/QUOTE]For the most part most of who I am wouldn?t be any different, as far as my personality goes. Though I suppose I would be attracted to guys instead of girls since I?m straight. And then the more obvious one of being able to have children instead of simply being the father. Not that being the father is simple, but the idea of being pregnant and then giving birth? That I can?t even begin to imagine. [QUOTE=Adahn][size=2']Go ahead and talk about what it's like being a guy for yourself.[/size][/quote]I really don?t think it?s all that different than what a girl would do I get cleaned up [yes I really am one of those guys who showers daily, uses deodorant and even cologne] and I like to look nice so I have slightly nicer shirts than the standard t-shirt, though I still wear jeans. I have been called a romantic by my friends, I am not into sports but rather the performing arts, specifically more along the classical aspect and not rock concerts. I?m not even sure how it?s any different than it would be for a girl other than the more obvious one like I already mentioned. The physical differences that is. Unless I knew I had been a guy before, even the different social expectations would seem natural to me.

OOC: Just to let everyone know, per SunfallE's directions I am advancing the story by four days. [CENTER]---------------------[/CENTER] When Darren had first transported down to Australia with Jared, he had been surprised by how well things were under control. Unlike other areas that were not completely taken over or stripped of the inhabitants, some of those areas were far too dangerous to travel in without a strong military presence. He had not removed the treatment that made his eyes look blue and now that he had been at it for nearly four days he was beginning to wonder if perhaps he should. It was almost embarrassing to be mistaken for a human; he had been getting all sorts of strange things, from outright hatred to others attempting to gain his favor. Darren stopped what he was doing at the desk in his office in Canberra Australia and turned to look out at the city. If you overlooked the massive construction projects taking place and the troops occupying the city, it was actually very charming in a very old fashioned sense. It was so different from how things looked back in sector one. The style of buildings and construction was something that hadn?t been seen on his world in thousands of years. It was like stepping back into the past. He turned back to his workstation?[I]now is not the time to be daydreaming fool[/I]? Darren pulled up the reports on the facilities being built. It was all going rather smoothly. Though he suspected that the main reason was the lack of a more prominent resistance presence. Since the Elite Specialist had not only located their base that had been situated underneath the city and destroyed it, things had calmed down. And then once they located and destroyed a number of safe houses and captured a fair number of resistance members, it had pretty much died. The US and Europe was not faring so well. Who ever was in charge of the resistance here was good, it didn?t seem to matter how many troops they had, they still kept finding ways to sabotage and destroy facilities that were being built. In some areas it was all they could do to maintain control of the area. Darren toggled a key to bring up the current updates and the progress on the hunt for the three humans that were suppose to be on Earth. Nothing had been found and surprisingly, even with the conditions of reuniting families very little in the way of leads was coming in from the humans. He would have thought that they would be quick to turn them in. But so far that was not the case. Darren paused the update when it came to the part about the woman named Sara. They still did not have an updated picture as to what she looked like and even though he did not care for her he still wasn?t going to tell them that she looked nothing like the picture they were circulating. He wasn?t even sure why he kept it to himself. It was one thing to say nothing to Jared, but to the military? [I]Because if you tell the military idiot they will want to know how you know she looks different.[/I] Well true, but it was more than that. Her actions the last time they had met puzzled him. The first time she had nearly killed him and seemed to have no trouble hurting him. The next time once he had calmed down, he realized that she had practically tried to shove him out the door. The question?why? [I]Stop thinking about her fool?[/I] Darren closed the updates, stood up and walked over to the window. [I]I should see if I can find another expert to take over, one who will actually want the position?[/I]But even as he thought it he knew it would not happen. Before he would have been proud to admit that he excelled at what he did, he had even written up the protocols for handling shipping in the Empire when he started his own company. The current method had been so inefficient and wasteful, others had fought the idea at first, but the military had been quick to catch onto how it would benefit not just them but the entire Empire. And though he had refused offers to work for both the Military and the High Council, he still had been pleased to see the changes he suggested becoming standard throughout the Versilan Empire. It was a pity that the very accomplishment he had been so proud of was being used against him. Though he supposed he couldn?t be to upset, after all, with the incident of being in a restricted sector, if he had not possessed skills that were useful, the military would have executed him. Whether or not it was his fault he was there was irrelevant. He closed his eyes, breathed in deeply and then sighed before heading back to his desk. When he was finished, the first thing he was going to do was go back to his quarters and have a drink. Something that was becoming a habit as of late.

I?m going to take you literally since popularity is really overrated. In the sense that I may think someone is popular when I may be the only one who thinks that. lol Anyway?[quote name='ForgotteÑ-HerÖ][COLOR=Blue]Who's your favorite member and why? [/COLOR] [/QUOTE]That?s really easy and simple. My favorite member is Crystia/indifference for the simple reason that she?s one of my best friends in real life. ;) There are others of course, SunfallE for teaching a newbie how to use the ignore function. DeathKnight and Charles for their wicked sense of humor, though I haven?t seen Charles around in a while. This guy here: [QUOTE=DeadSeraphim][size=1][color=indigo][font=arial]I love myself better than you.[/font][/color'][/size][/quote]His post speaks for itself. Desbreko, all it takes is reading theDailyOtaku to see why. And lots of other people that I enjoy reading what they say, even if they argue with you like Retribution does. [which is fun to read by the way] [QUOTE=ForgotteÑ-HerÖ][COLOR=DimGray]And...[/COLOR] [COLOR=Blue]What members have gotten popular?[/COLOR][/QUOTE]That I couldn?t really say, I don?t know who was considered popular before and other than to notice certain people I couldn?t really say if others think they are popular. And to be truthful, I really don?t care. I enjoy reading peoples posts or chatting with them on MSN messenger or I skim over what they have to say if the topic doesn?t interest me. And a perceived popularity has nothing to do with that. I'll read anything no matter who wrote it if it's interesting on some level.

Well it wasn't the same type of surgery that you experienced [and I wish you a speedy recovery] but last year when another driver decided to run a red light and slam into the passenger door of the car I was in, it resulted in my right leg being broken in three places. After being taken to the emergency room and examined, it was determined that I needed surgery and now I have several titanium nails that were inserted that unless they cause problems later will be there permanently. Then after some time to make sure the surgery went well and a period of being taught how to use crutches and not put any weight on my leg I was finally released about a week later. I ended up staying at my parents house for two months since the apartment I live in is an older building and there is no elevator to the third floor. Then I ended up staying there another month while I worked in rehab to regain the strength I lost to be able to handle the stairs at my apartment. So I got to experience my first broken bone, car accident, surgery and hospital stay all in one go. I've since recovered and I was even up to taking a trip out back east last fall with one of my friends. And though I do get the occasional twinge I get around just fine and I understand from the doctor that I'll be able to go back to hiking this summer with my friends like I always do. Ironically the part I hated the most besides being in the hospital, was being stuck at my parents house. I don't mind my parents, but I hated being stuck in the same place other than doctor visits for such a long time. Though my good friends came to the rescue by moving some of my things there for me, such as video games, DVD's and such so I would have something to do. And they made a point of showing up on a regular basis to keep me company. ;) Edit: I forgot the most annoying part about this entire experience. Not being able to play the Cello for nearly three months. That drove me nuts.

[quote name='Retribution][size=1']I'm saying it shouldn't take a spurt of violence to mobilize people against homicide and the factors that contribute to it.[/size][/quote]A lot of people are against violence and homicide and the factors that contribute to it. That's what makes such high profile cases like this so shocking. That in spite of making getting a gun harder [In Utah: State law requires gun buyers to go through a state-based criminal background check in addition to the federal NICS check.] this sort of thing still happens. I understand what you are saying Retribution, but the fact that things like this happen doesn't mean that the people or the authorities aren't working on fixing the factors that contribute to it. Take this case, the police have already determined that the shotgun was obtained legally. No matter how hard we try, in the end we can't be looking over everyone's shoulder or reading their mind. You can work your butt off trying to be prepared and yet this sort of thing will still occur.

When I've had to write a short story and it seems like I can't think of a single thing to write about, I've turned to taking a recent and yet wacky dream that I've had and writing it out. I've gotten some pretty strange stories by doing that. Or you could just do what Retribution mentioned. A story about fruit vs vegetable genocide certainly sounds wacky to me.

Darren finished up his breakfast and putting together the last of his things, since Jared had not shown up last night he was fairly certain that he would today. He still didn?t know where he was being moved to and since the notification had come from the newest Fleet Admiral he wasn?t too worried. He had barely taken a seat and turned on his handheld computer to start going over the plans for Australia when the chime indicating someone was at the door sounded. Quickly he switched off his handheld and went to answer the door. Sure enough it was Jared though there was something different about him though he couldn?t figure out what it was. He mentioned something along the lines of good you?re ready to go and picked up a few of the bags himself helping Darren so that a second trip would not be necessary. Then he followed him to a shuttle from the Creator that was waiting in the hanger bay. The Creator? They were moving him to the Creator? He didn?t get a chance to ask Jared if that was the case since he was piloting the shuttle himself. But when he overheard from his vantage point of sitting in the co-pilot?s chair the officer on duty welcoming Jared back to the Creator the difference suddenly clicked. It was his uniform. Though nearly identical to his previous one, there were subtle differences most notably in the one indicating his rank. Jared was now serving as the second in command for the Creator if he remembered what the cut and symbols on his uniform meant. Darren pulled out his handheld computer to send in a request for the updates for today but Jared beat him to it. ?[B]You know Darren, if you really want to know what?s going on all you have to do is ask.[/B]? Darren froze in place his right fingers just above the send button. He hated how Jared did that. Watched what he was up to even when he was supposedly engaged in other activities. He turned to see Jared watching him with one of those self satisfied little smirks he often wore. ?[B]All right, what is going on?[/B]? He finally asked him. Jared smiled and turned back to landing the shuttle, ?[B]The Commodore turned out to be [I]unreliable[/I]. Sandra is now the Commodore of the Creator and I am her second in command where the previous second in command of the Creator has been put in charge of the Crimson. So before we head down to Canberra Australia to get started today, since you are my responsibility I am moving you over to one of the guest quarters of the Creator. There are other updates of course so do go ahead and press the button to request the info.[/B]? Darren did as he was told and then put his handheld back into his pocket and got up to grab his things once the shuttle had landed. And then in spite of his best efforts to be indifferent, he couldn?t help but gawk and gaze at everything as Jared took him through the corridors to the guest quarters. There was no getting around the fact that the sheer size and scope of the flagship was impressive. And the crew was every bit as efficient and quick as those on the Crimson had been. The trip to his new quarters was over soon enough and even they put the one on the Crimson to shame. It was obvious as they entered that he had been placed in guest quarters meant for important guests. It was nearly twice the size of the previous one he had been in and even had the luxury of a replication unit. Something that like his translator had to have perfect crystals. Even the Crimson had only two of them on the entire ship, as it was too costly for more. Darren sighed inwardly as Jared placed the bags he had been carrying on the floor. There was no point in saying anything since Jared would only make fun of him. Something that he did at every opportunity, as he seemed to delight in making him ?react? as he put it. ?[B]I?ll be back in a few hours to take you down to Earth. I suggest you take the time to put your things away and prepare any questions you may have for me.[/B]? Darren waited until Jared had left before picking up the first bag with a sigh, he took it into the new bedroom to start putting things away.

[quote name='Mariskah][COLOR=Navy]o_O It?s a good thing you?re not controlling all the villains in the story Crystia or we would be so screwed. :p Good grief, your characters are such psychotic bastards. I?m beginning to wonder if anyone in the resistance will survive the Empire?s psycho agents. [/COLOR][/QUOTE]I've been thinking the same thing. o_O And I must say, interesting choice of words on that thought. Ouch![QUOTE=indifference][COLOR=DarkRed]And given a chance I've other ideas to use with Stevens depending on how the story progresses. If you thought Jared was a psycho, just wait until Stevens gets started. [spoiler]If SunfallE lets me do what I have in mind that is.[/spoiler'] :p [/COLOR][/quote]I wondered at the lack of Empire characters in this RPG, but now I'm glad there isn't more! So far all of them are nuts! [spoiler]Well other than Crystal, but still she's going to help them torture poor Kim! [/spoiler] Also...considering this snippet from your latest post Crystia:[quote name='indifference][SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkRed]?[B]And since I understand that Jared?s preference does not coincide with yours dear Sandra, he may take that pretty little shipping expert with him as well. After all the guest quarters on the Creator are empty and I do want everyone to be happy in their new positions. I?ve already advised this Darren to be ready to move when the two of you return and I?ve already informed the second in command of the Creator that he will be taking over as the new Commander of the Crimson.[/B]? [/COLOR'][/SIZE][/quote]I think poor Darren is in for a rough time. :animecry: I saw we band together to carry out an assassination Mariskah, and the first to go should be Fleet Admiral Stevens!