Rachmaninoff

Darren breathed a sigh of relief once Jared had left. He hated working with him and the sooner he was done the quicker he could get back to working on his own ship. He was tired of Jared finding ways to get under his skin. It was obvious he enjoyed upsetting others, what other reason could he have had for having one of the day crew give him a chip with the results of his investigation into who had hacked his clearance? Unless Jared was lying and in all honesty he couldn?t see a reason why he would, everything pointed to it being done by the resistance, especially since he didn?t have any rivals who would go to such lengths. No one wanted him dead; he had no real enemies in the trade business. He was brought back to what he was doing when a soft chime indicated that the signal had been lost. Not the one to the Crimson, but the one from his handheld to the computer system. ?[B]God damn stupid backwards piece of junk![/B]? He growled, resisting the urge to kick the equipment. ?[B]The first thing I?m going to recommend is that all of this useless garbage is scrapped![/B]? He moved over to another section and opened up the casing so he could log in directly. [I]No wonder Jason had me come, there?s no way I could have effectively hacked this from orbit. [/I]Darren had thought the transportation facility was bad, this was worse. [I]And these idiots actually trust this to get them safely to their next destination.[/I] Darren swore again when he saw that there was no point for him to connect to the system. He moved over a few yards to the next section to check the next set of computers. Again there was nothing for him to work with. It looked like this part was nothing but their form of storage to hold the information. It must be built into the workstation that was near the door. He turned intending to walk back to the desk near the door, but instead a split second after realizing someone was actually in the room with him, he found himself flying sideways back into the computer equipment as something struck him with incredible force on his right shoulder. Pain blossomed in his left side when he struck the edge of the column of computer equipment, knocking the section over and again when he landed hard on his back among the scattered equipment. He barely had time to register that it was a human female who was attacking him. He caught a flash of surprise in her eyes before she hit him again a split second after he landed on the floor. This time her hit landed directly on his left side and there was no mistaking the sharp sudden pain that indicated she had broken several of his ribs. Then for some unknown reason she hesitated. Instinct took over and he took advantage of her hesitation to shove her off of him. He was still holding the handheld computer and though it pained him to do so he held the power button down sending the signal to Jared. He was halfway up as she overcame her hesitation and attacked him again, knocking him back down and pinning him to the floor, her left knee jammed painfully into his chest where she had broken his ribs, making it hard to breathe. [I]How did she manage to even hurt me?[/I] Darren thought as he began to panic.[I] Humans aren?t that strong![/I] But then it hit him, he knew who she was, he had seen her picture just a few days ago on the wanted list. She was Jason?s sister! If she was attacking him it meant she was working for the resistance. [I]If I don?t stop her she?ll kill me! [/I] Darren did the only thing he could think of. He was still holding the hand held computer in his right hand and he swiftly brought it up as hard as he could striking her on the left side of her head with enough force to cause her to shriek with pain as she was thrown sideways into the next set of computer equipment. He managed to get on his knees but when he reached for the disruptor that was in his pouch there was nothing there. The utility belt he had been wearing was gone. It must have been pulled off during the struggle. He looked for it and then stopped when Sara started to stir. [I]Damn it! Where the hell is Jared?[/I] He thought as he got to his feet and backed away. Favoring his left side where she had hurt him. The pain was making him dizzy and nauseated, leaving him to wonder what else the impact had done.[I] I can?t fight her.[/I] He thought as he watched her get up. Blood was running down the side of her head from the cut where he had hit her, but other than that she appeared unharmed. [I] Human or not I don?t think I can beat her.[/I] He thought. He continued to back away as she was between him and the only exit to the room a gasp of pain escaping his lips when he made contact with the wall by virtue of backing into it. The stood for what seemed like an eternity, watching each other, waiting for the other one to make the first move. And when she did it was not what he expected. ?[B]Who are you? You?re not Jared[/B].? She said. ?[B]And don?t pretend you don?t know what I?m talking about, I know you?re a Versilan.[/B]? Darren was speechless, he couldn?t possibly answer her. Even he knew that the resistance had no qualms about killing members of the military. And why did she think he was Jared? ?[B]You?ve mistaken me for someone else.[/B]? He finally replied. ?[B]Don?t play stupid with me. I know what a handheld computer is, that?s a product of Versilan technology.[/B]? She replied. ?[B]Only one of your people would have one.[/B]? Darren remained silent. ?[B]Don?t make me force it out of you.[/B]? She warned him. Again Darren remained silent, surely Jared would arrive soon, all he had to do was hold out until then. But Sara was not so patient, he barely had time to register that she had moved before she rushed him again. He tried to get out of her way even though he knew he would not succeed.

The time had finally come. The other teams had already transported down to Earth equipment in hand to destroy several transportation facilities worldwide. Darren waited patiently for his turn with Jared. He already had the hand held computer and scanner he would be using at the main computer bank for the Dallas, Texas airport. If he understood correctly, the initial scan done by the Crimson indicated that there was a main section and an underground backup; he would be accessing the backup while Jared placed the actual explosives. This time since he would not be with Commander Crystal Jared had provided him with a sort of panic button. He had written a program where all Darren had to do was press the power button for the hand held computer and hold it, resulting in it sending a alarm to Jared to indicate he had ran into trouble. Not that he expected to need it. Darren stifled a sigh; it had been so nice to not have to deal with Jared the past couple of days, he wasn?t looking forward to today, especially after what had happened last time. Jared may have advised him to control his reaction, but it wasn?t that easy. He abhorred violence and just the thought of Jared actually doing anything to him was enough to give him nightmares. He wanted nothing to do with owning slaves or being part of the military. Sure there were people like Jared no matter what you did, but most of them lacked the authority to get away with abusing others. He had thought that by being neutral he could avoid getting caught up in some of the more ugly and petty arguments of his people. He should have known better. After he heard the rumors on how a mere Earthling had written a program that actually disabled a battleship he had wondered if what he had been taught about them being superior was really true. But then the damn resistance had hacked his clearance, nearly getting him and Mike killed in the process. Something that if the military would have done if they hadn?t needed his skills. Thanks to them he was now in the military?s debt, something that he was sure they would use regardless of what happened to him, and he doubted they would even care if Jared were to take advantage of him. Especially after Jared had installed the translator in his left ear. He may as well be branded at this point as no civilian would have such a device, and he would not be able to afford having it removed. Darren caught himself sighing and suppressed it yet again. If the resistance really was for equal status among the races, then why the hell were they throwing their own people into the line of fire? He would not be in this mess if they hadn?t done what they did. [I]If I ever find the idiot who hacked my clearance, I?m going to beat the crap out of him. [/I]He thought with annoyance. Darren caught himself scowling and before Jared could notice he looked elsewhere. [I]Careful idiot! [/I]He admonished himself. [I]Don?t give him another reason to toy with you. [/I] Yet another reason he was furious with the resistance and the military. The time finally came and without a word he entered the door first when Jared indicated he should. Devoid of windows, the underground section was full of tunnels with huge pipes running along the walls and bright lights everywhere. Without a word he followed Jared staying behind him. It didn?t take long for them to find the underground computer system. Jared motioned for Darren to stay put. And then he moved forward, leaving Darren to wait. It didn?t take long. The sound of Jared firing his disruptor weapon several times was clear and then his voice telling Darren to join him. Darren was surprised at how huge the room was. Their computers were massive and bulky. His own handheld computer could easily manage this airport and only take a fraction of its available resources. He moved into the room to join Jared, stepping over the stunned bodies of the guards at the entrance. ?[B]I?ll be checking the area and taking care of any more guards in this section. I should be done in less than an hour. I assume that?s enough time for you to get the information you need?[/B]? Jared asked Darren. ?[B]It should, it just depends on how much of the data is local and how much of it is networked. If I have to go elsewhere, it could take a while since their connection speeds for transferring data is horrid.[/B]? ?[B]I suggest you get to work then, remember if anything comes up, use the alert function and stay out of sight until I return.[/B]? ?[B]Understood.[/B]? Darren replied. He opened up his handheld computer and began the process of hacking into the computer system of the airport.

I could easily get long winded here, but Aaryanna_Mom already beat me to most of it. But I?ll make another point that will perhaps help you see what I was getting at a little better. You wish to talk about an ideal thread and yet from the very beginning you are attempting to control other people?s responses. You start from the stance of assuming we think you are presumptuous, even to the point of throwing in the line? ?[I]unfortunately, if you presume I?m being presumptuous, you presume too much.[/I]? A stance that only makes you really look like you are arrogant. Then after a brief introduction of what you wish to discuss and the statement of [I]?If there are enough responses[/I]? a stance that could be taken as the other members are simple minded and not very deep. Remember at this point you?ve already expressed the desire to make the Lounge a better place, indicating that you do not consider it to be in that state. You now introduce a lengthy set of guidelines you want people to follow. Which might not come across as an attempt to control the types of ideas presented if you hadn?t taken the approach to the topic that you did. Even the wording comes across as playing moderator as you remind people to not argue or to create duplicate threads. Or that if someone comes up with an idea for one no one else should create a thread on that topic. You even point out how the main audience here is thirteen or in the teenage age bracket and yet you?ve loaded the thread down with guidelines that come across more like homework or a project instead of a discussion. References to outside this thread are being brought up because from my standpoint, the guidelines you want to follow wouldn?t work in Otaku Lounge. So it stands to reason that the same would apply to this thread as well.

[quote name='Adahn][size=2][font=Tahoma] Unfortunately, if you presume I'm being presumptuous, you presume too much. [/font][/size][/QUOTE]Not presumptuous, confusing perhaps in the sense that you don?t always clearly present your thoughts, but then we are all guilty of that yes? But I digress, on to the topic at hand: [QUOTE=Adahn][size=2][font=Tahoma] I'm an idealist, and as such I believe it is possible for there to be an ideal thread for the lounge. Now, I don't think it is possible for [i]one[/i] thread to stand above all the rest, because we all have different tastes. I do think, however, that in reaching for the ideal thread, we can generate a good number of interesting topics. I apologize for the massive contradiction, but I can't quite find a better way to say what I mean. [/font'][/size][/quote]Ah good you?ve admitted from the very beginning that you are an idealist, because I really don?t see this idea taking off. You?ve already stated the problem with creating an ideal thread; it?s subjective and highly dependant upon personal preference. [QUOTE=Adahn][font=Tahoma][size=2] This is the only off-topic forum, and as such should be [i]teeming [/i]with threads that engage readers on a level deeper than discussion of manga and anime. Right now, it seems that the Lounge is a place to ask advice about things, or comment on something in which a poster has a passing interest. Such topics are interesting and fulfilling in their own way, but there is so much [i]potential[/i] for something better.[/font][/size][/QUOTE]Why should it be teeming with discussions that are as you put it a deeper level? On some level the Otaku Lounge serves the purpose of allowing people to discuss things that are off topic regardless of whether or not there is a deep meaning to it. And deeper doesn?t necessarily mean better when it comes to discussions. You think deeper is better and others are not interested in turning this area into a dry, dull, deep discussions only type of place. I say dry and dull because that idea does not appeal to everyone, just as the idea of nothing but advice threads and silly games does not appeal to others. If the idea of creating the ideal thread were to take off, it would be an issue, it would give the impression that you had to create an ideal thread, that it had to live up to some sort of potential. And in the end it would stifle the discussions and make coming here less enjoyable, in my opinion that is. The occasional deep thread along with all the other less deep is what makes this section fun. This next part of yours is a good example of how the expectations of such a thing would produce problems: [quote name='DeadSeraphim][size=1][color=indigo][font=arial]Otaku Lounge is for off-topic discussion that doesn't fit into any other forums, ie, everything that the rest of OB [i]doesn't[/i] have, goes here. You can't make 'guidelines' for such a freeform environment, and if you did I would imagine discussion as a whole would become stagnant 'serious' crap... you know, like how it is now, but [u]more so[/u].[/font][/color][/size][/QUOTE] This part of your response is the problem:[QUOTE=Adahn][size=2']I do not appreciate your other comments, and I suggest you adopt a new attitude, one more respectful and civilized towards your peers.[/size][/quote] DeadSeraphim told you what they thought of the idea and you instantly accused them of having a poor attitude instead of seeing that they simply disagreed with your idea. The one not being civilized here is you. The part where you explained what you meant was fine, but this added on part was wholly unnecessary since you yourself indicated that they did not understand what you meant. It shows a poor attitude on your part to get upset if someone doesn?t instantly see what you mean or agree with you. As for the topic, it is an interesting idea to see what others consider an ideal topic, but as far as actually applying guidelines? Personally I think it would cause more strife than good especially since the Otaku Lounge already has a good format going. One that encourages people to be a part of things without worrying whether or not they?ve met some guideline. Besides the standard one of readable posts and avoiding spam. But those apply to the whole site and not just this section.

Darren had been confined to his quarters since the transportation facility had been destroyed, but to tell the truth he didn?t mind. Apparently Jared along with several of his operatives were scouting several targets so they could be taken out at the same time. He would be working with Jared for one of them. Why he didn?t know, but then he supposed it was his own fault for expressing the desire to see things in person. And though the information was useful, he was thinking that most of it could be obtained by using the ships sensors. But being allowed to access them was something he had been denied. At least Jared had been leaving him alone to work on the plans for setting up a replacement. He had already determined the most effective way to cripple the shipping was to target their shipyards for transport over the seas. Earth was highly dependant upon the use of huge vessels that carried cargo over their seas. If they were to destroy the major shipyards, within a month people would begin to starve, literally, some areas even quicker than that. So instead they were going to continue to disrupt the ground and soon the air shipping as well. This time they would be hitting several airports. And then in secession, each day for nearly two weeks a facility would be blown up. Starting with a place called Dallas, Texas. In just a few days he along with Jared would take care of that facility. His part would include hacking into their computer systems and observing how things were done while Jared set the necessary charges. This time there would be no need for him to hide what he looked like, at least initially, especially since it would be foolish to try and walk in there looking like they had before. Then once he and Jared were ready to leave they would use the same image they had before, and thus deliberately lead the authorities to believe that it was the same person as last time. Darren leaned back and stretched. There was nothing to do in the quarters. Unlike his own ship that had a small recreation room where he could work out if he desired or engage in a holographic program. He didn?t dare ask for access to anything like that here. And he?d rather not talk to Jared anyway. Not sure what to do he started checking what he was allowed to access. Current news from the Empire, which included a report of three traitors who had been executed for selling military goods on the market.[I] Idiots,[/I] he thought. [I]That was a dumb thing to do.[/I] A new Elite Specialist had been assigned. That too was interesting since it didn?t happen very often. [I]I wonder where they sent them? [/I]Finally he pulled up the wanted list to see the current status on bounties. He himself did not try to collect, but he had contacts that did and he had always made a point of keeping an eye out for any criminals. Tossing tidbits of valuable information like that to people was good for business. There were a few new additions since he had last looked several weeks ago. There was even another Earthling listed. [I]Another one?[/I] He thought. [I]Doesn?t that make three now? I wonder why they want them so badly?[/I] Until the bounty on a human named Jason and one named Celestia had been announced, he had never seen a bounty that was for a live capture only. And the amount they were offering was astonishing. He pulled up the information and checked out the profile and picture that was included. Something caught his eye and he pulled up the one of Jason to verify it. [I]Siblings? Earthlings have more than one kid?[/I] That was a bit surprising. No wonder they had issues with poverty and people starving. There was no attempt to balance things. In the Empire if you did have children, you had to get permission to have more than one. If the current population was too high for the area, you couldn?t have another one. They had learned the hard way what overpopulation could do, as well as senseless wars. Darren started to close the report when another one caught his eye. The change to it less than a day old, he opened it to find that one had been changed to a live capture only. It was for the former Commander of the Tempest, Daniel. [I]I wonder what he did to make them want him so badly too. [/I] Darren closed the reports, [I]was that connected to why sector thirteen had been restricted?[/I] Usually such a restriction did not occur until after a world was invaded, but this time it had happened first. [I]Was it because those four were in the area? [/I]It would certainly make sense. A yawn caught up with him, reminding him that he was tired. [I]I think I?ll take a shower and get ready for bed a little early tonight.[/I] The quarters were spacious enough that he could even do some standard stretching exercises to help him unwind for the day.

Well I?m playing it on the normal level since you can?t earn battle trophies on the easiest level. And so far it?s going along just fine. I?ve gotten past the first big plot spoiler where you find out more about Fayt. I wasn?t too surprised since the whole story had been indicating that [spoiler] the force that attacked the planet he was on in the beginning were after him. [/spoiler] It did have a nice spiffy cut scene that I enjoyed. And now I have another member on my team. Maria isn?t too bad and she?s pretty cute, but she has the most boring and uninspired sayings in battle. And her self important ones when she levels up kind of grate on my nerves. Anyway, I?m now on my way to the Shrine of Kadan. I?m still liking it, though I kind of wish I could do more customization, but at this point in the game I can?t recruit very many inventors yet. Still it was useful for whipping up a bunch of healing items since you can only carry so many of one type. So having more than one option to cure a status issue or health is nice. I also did what you suggested SunfallE and spent the time needed to get the regeneration symbols. Those are unbelievably useful. I think the game would be annoying me at this point if I didn?t have them to equip on my characters.

I have a few things to say beyond the initial one of it was interesting to read. It may not be the most original concept in that the idea of big brother watching you isn?t new. But it still looks like you intend to take it on an interesting tangent in that respect with the kid almost living in a fantasy world of his own creation. Instead of the more obvious one of someone fighting the system. There are two things that don?t seem to fit; the first would be the title. An Original Story just doesn?t sit as well as The Undiscovered. But that?s just me nitpicking and not really important. The second is how the prologue is done. The first part about the chips and the boy with the vivid imagination flow together nicely to set up the stage for the story up to this sentence?[B]At least, that?s what most people believed.[/B] The next section of conversation seems out of place as if it should be the beginning of the first chapter instead of part of the prologue. You?ve started with a type of descriptive narration and then switched to outright conversation, something that I found to be a bit jarring. It doesn?t fit with the style of the rest of the prologue before it. Other than that you?ve got a nice start here. And even then what I'm saying is only the impression I got when reading it. ;)

You?ve got an interesting concept but it?s a bit lacking in its execution:[quote name='ForgotteÑ-HerÖ][COLOR=Blue][CENTER]Samuel Norton was training with his sword. His friend?s eyes were moving around slowly.[/CENTER][/COLOR][/QUOTE]The statement [B]His friend?s eyes were moving around slowly[/B], doesn?t really explain why his eyes were moving. Was he concentrating on Norton?s moves? That sentence needs to be clarified. [QUOTE=ForgotteÑ-HerÖ][COLOR=Blue][CENTER]The Norton family is not from this planet. They are from a galaxy far, far away. Not star wars far, but far enough.[/CENTER'][/COLOR][/quote]I?d drop the Star Wars reference, its not necessary in order for the reader to grasp the concept that the Norton family is from a galaxy far, far away. [QUOTE=ForgotteÑ-HerÖ][COLOR=Blue][CENTER]?Hey Nat, you shouldn?t sleep in the forest. Bigfoot might come up and eat you.? Norton joked. That?s real funny dude.? Nat sneered at Samuel. A deer slowly stepped in front of the two boys. They were only 13. So they didn?t know much about wildlife. ?Hey cool, I think it?s a doe?? Sam guessed. ?Actually Sam, it?s a buck.? Nat answered the unasked question. ?How can you tell?? Sam asked. ?Look under it.? [/CENTER][/COLOR][/QUOTE]Another issue is how you are running the conversation together; it needs to be broken up to make it clearer. Here?s an example of what I mean: [SIZE=1]?[B]Hey Nat, you shouldn?t sleep in the forest. Bigfoot might come up and eat you.[/B]? Norton joked. ?[B]That?s real funny dude.[/B]? Nat sneered at Samuel. A deer slowly stepped in front of the two boys. They were only 13. So they didn?t know much about wildlife. ?[B]Hey cool, I think it?s a doe?[/B]? Sam guessed. ?[B]Actually Sam, it?s a buck.[/B]? Nat answered the unasked question. ?[B]How can you tell?[/B]? Sam asked. ?[B]Look under it.[/B]?[/SIZE] See the difference? Also you?ve got some semantics issues going on here. By having Nat answering the unasked question when Sam did indeed voice the opinion that it was a doe, you?ve contradicted yourself. Also don?t use the number 13, actually spell it out. [B]They were only thirteen, so they didn?t know much about wildlife.[/B] It just looks better if you avoid abbreviations like that. Anyway, there are other issues, but I am not an English major so other than to know it doesn?t flow right I couldn?t point all of them out to you. But what I have suggested would go a long way towards making your story easier to read. ;)

[QUOTE=2007DigitalBoy][COLOR=DarkOrange]they usually aren't worth the cost, and what's the point of buying them for someone else when you could buy one for yourself for cheaper? Besides, if you care about someone, you should be doin more for them than a freaking candy-gram. Good way for the school to raise money though.[/COLOR][/QUOTE]Ah, but you are assuming that if someone does the candy-gram it is the only thing they do. In addition to supporting the fundraising aspect of it, it's a good way to make someone feel special. I don?t know about others, but candy-grams were always in addition to the other things I would do for my girlfriend. And for special friends as well.

[quote name='NIKI12345']:animeblus Do you think schools should sell candy grams personality I don?t think they should because it would hurt the other person?s feelings who doesn?t get one? Now this topic is really going to help me with school so when replies tell why in a paragraph or two. If you?re lucky you will be used as a project. So replies as soon as possible. Thanks.[/quote]Don?t you mean personally? Anyway?Candy Grams are awesome. I kind of wish they did them for university even though it?s not really feasible. But still there?s nothing more fun than sending anonymous candy grams to all the ladies that you know. I would save my money just so I could send them when I was in High School. I?m pretty sure that most of them knew it was me, but they didn?t seem to care. It was equally as fun to send them to all the female teachers you liked as well. Ah good times. :)

[QUOTE=Allamorph][FONT=Arial]Yo, guys, lay off the poor dude. His arguments may be verbosely meaningless, and somewhat irritating sometimes, but he just likes to hear himself talk. That's about it. That's all this thread is here for. So, come on. Somebody out-blither him already. (^_^)[/FONT][/QUOTE]For the love of [spoiler] insert what ever you want here [/spoiler] don?t encourage him. Even if they were trying to make things interesting or they just loved to hear themselves talk, I shudder at the thought of someone out-blithering him so to speak. No offense Adahn, but your premises that others would intuitively know what your question was, is but a red herring to cover what I see as a desire to, as Allamorph put it, hear yourself talk. Unfortunately all it does it make you look, in my eyes, like an arrogant [spoiler] insert what ever you think fits. [/spoiler] Especially the part about bending others personalities until they are of a shape with your own. No thanks pal. I?ll pass on that part. As for the apparently hidden original question, my reason for being here is simple. My best friend Crystia is a member here and it is for that reason alone that I joined. That and when I realized SunfallE was doing an RPG based off of her Silver One story, I wanted to be a part of it. ;)

[quote name='Aaryanna][COLOR=Teal']Let the chaos commence! Even though I kind of feel bad about kidnapping innocent people for research, even if it is just a story! lol[/COLOR][/quote]I feel the same way when it comes to writing about my character when Jared's around, as if I've betrayed him by not getting him the hell out of there! ;) Crystia, after reading this: [quote name='indifference][SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkRed]It was so enjoyable to tease Darren, and it was quite the temptation to take it beyond simple teasing. Because to be honest, he was very attractive, even more so since he was so competent at his job. Pretty and brainless men were fun, but not anywhere as interesting as the competent ones. Jared sighed, the things he did for duty. Still there was no telling what was going to happen in the days to come and for now he was satisfied with simply putting him on edge. If only because he really did look so adorable when he was flustered. [/COLOR'][/SIZE][/quote]I have decided that you are evil! :p My last post ended up being far longer than I had originally intended and I blame it all on you Crystia! [reads the post in the main thread again] God I can?t believe I actually wrote that! Look at what you?ve done to me woman! ;_ ; And before anyone takes me too seriously here, it was wicked fun to write, even if it was creepy as hell to write about one guy harassing another. My poor character is sooo going to need therapy once Jared gets done with him. Only one thing though, I tried really hard to match Jared?s personality with what I read in the original story and with what you have done Crystia so if I was off, let me know and I?ll fix it. [Is in shock over having spent nearly two hours writing a post of that nature, and is even more in shock over the fact that it was fun] :animestun

Darren did not want to watch what Jared was up to, let alone listen to him ruthlessly toy with the officials on Earth as he destroyed the shipping complex. He had known that the military would use such tactics before taking over a world, but it was another thing to actually be a part of it. He felt sickened every time Jared triggered one of the explosives. Even if they were inferior, there was no need to kill them. So far no one had died, but somehow Darren got the feeling that Jared would not hesitate to destroy the complex with everyone still in it. When it was finally said and done and the complex had been destroyed, Darren found himself fighting the feeling that he was going to throw up. He tried to analyze the data but he couldn?t get the image of the buildings blowing up out of his mind. Darren wondered just what bothered him the most, the destruction or how Jared seemed to find the whole thing amusing. He avoided looking directly at Jared who was also analyzing the data, he didn?t want Jared to see how much it upset him. But when the computer finished compiling some of the scanning results and listed the number of dead he couldn?t hold it in any longer. He pushed away from the table, knocking the chair he had been sitting in over. He felt dizzy and before he knew what had happened he was on his hands and knees retching. But there was nothing for him to throw up. He had been so nervous that morning that he had relied solely on a type of energy drink that they used. It didn?t stop his stomach from trying to throw itself up though. The sound of footsteps coming towards him finally registered when the retching finally came to an end. Darren tried to stand back up only to be caught by strong hands and gently placed in another chair when a wave of dizziness overtook him. When the dizziness passed and he could focus his eyes he saw Jared putting the chair he had knocked over back up. Then he turned it so it was facing Darren and sat down. ?[B]I never expected you to be so squeamish Darren. I thought it was clear that there would be causalities.[/B]? Darren could feel tears flowing down his face; he averted his gaze looking elsewhere, uncomfortable with how Jared seemed to look right through him. How could he possibly explain that it was more than simply being squeamish? The data indicated that at least sixty people had died in the final explosion. Even though he had not pushed the button so to speak, he had still been down there helping Crystal tag people for research. How could he explain that what truly haunted him was the knowledge that he had deceived them? He had known that the complex was going to be destroyed and he had done nothing to warn them. He had let them go back to their jobs knowing that the building at that point had been rigged to blow up. He had let them die. ?[B]I bet I can guess why you are so upset.[/B]? Startled Darren looked back at Jared who in spite of everything, still looked like he was enjoying himself. [I]How could he possibly know what I am thinking? [/I] Jared smiled and continued once he had Darren?s full attention. ?[B]It?s not so much the causalities as it is a feeling that you allowed them to die, that their blood is on your hands.[/B]? Jared smirked at Darren?s tiny startled gasp. ?[B]I?m sure your image of me as a ruthless and sadistic bastard also plays into this as well. Not only did you do nothing to help those inferior humans, but you did nothing to stop me either. You even helped me and Crystal to not only kidnap the humans but to deceive them as well.[/B]? Darren felt cold all over as a feeling of panic came over him. [I]Has he bugged my quarters?[/I] He had certainly not been shy in his opinion of Jared when he wasn?t around to hear him. How else could Jared know that he thought he was a sadistic bastard? Jared laughed in delight at Darren?s panicked expression. ?[B]Darren, I am an expert at reading others body language,[/B]? he leaned forward ignoring how Darren weakly tried to pull away. ?[B]It is I who conducts interrogations on the Crimson. I would be a poor interrogator if a reaction as simple as yours was beyond me.[/B]? His heart racing Darren wished with all his might to somehow vanish into the floor, but Jared had other ideas and before he could even react, Darren found himself pinned to the chair by Jared?s weight when he sat on his lap straddling him, pinning his hands under his weight as well. He choked down a gasp of horror when Jared casually pushed him further into the chair by virtue of his left elbow digging into the right side of his chest and his left hand reaching over to push his left shoulder down into the chair. And when Jared started moving even closer he knew he had turned bright red from how painful the rush of blood to his face felt. He started to panic and attempt to pull free, until he realized where his hands were pinned in relation to Jared. Darren froze and at that exact moment Jared pulled back and laughed. ?[B]See what I mean?[/B]? Jared leaned forward again until their faces were almost touching, forcing Darren to look straight into his eyes. ?[B]You may be good at negotiating contracts for shipping, or in dealing with your clients and crew. But you lack the discipline to hide how you felt over the death?s of the humans as well as the ability to hide how you feel about me.[/B]? Darren tried to respond, but he was too flustered by what Jared had just said. He opened his mouth to speak but nothing came out. He squirmed underneath Jared?s weight, and then stopped. Chilled by the voracious look in Jared?s eyes. Then just as suddenly Jared let go of him and got up. Darren watched him warily as he walked back around the table to close down the terminal. ?[B]I suggest you learn to control your reactions in the future Darren,[/B]? Jared said as he walked back over to where Darren was sitting. ?[B]Even I have my limits when it comes to exercising restraint.[/B]? [I] Restraint? Just what does he mean by restraint?[/I] Darren wondered. Jared laughed again at Darren?s confused expression. ?[B]Don?t tell me you need me to explain that one as well.[/B]? He paused and leaned down to whisper in Darren?s ear. ?[B]Don?t you see Darren? It?s your lack of control that is so endearing and attractive in the first place.[/B]? And with that cryptic statement Jared left Darren sitting in the conference room until a moment later two security personal entered to escort him to his quarters.

[quote name='Vincent Love97][font=Arial][size=1][color=mediumturquoise]Yeah, I've been on these boards for a while and so have other people. So here's the deal: I view peoples profiles [when I'm really bored] and then I see their join date. What bothers me is people signed up like 3 years ago, and they're not posting until now. So what do you think about this?[/color][/size'][/font][/quote]Perhaps you could clarify why this even bothers you? I would imagine that like many people, perhaps they simply signed up for more than one message board and thus never spent a lot of time at more than a few of them. Or perhaps they joined, their interests changed, and now they've become interested in the site again. But honestly, what I don't get, is why it would even bother you. I can't speak for them since I have not been here very long, but I'm sure I'm not the only person to join something, lose interest and then later go back when I find I'm interested in it again. That's just the way life is, message board or not. ;)

[quote name='Aaryanna][COLOR=Teal]If any of the alternate personalities could be considered evil I would have to go with Bakura's alternate personality. It's been a while since I read it, but I remember what happened when he was introduced to the story. His alter personality [spoiler]nearly killed everyone when he tricked them into being turned into figurines for a game, and even then if Bakura hadn't risked destroying his own soul they would have died. [/spoiler'][/COLOR][/quote]I'm in complete agreement as I just finished reading the two volumes that had that story in it. His alter ego was not only evil, but vindictive and cruel. The way he was willing to [spoiler]kill everyone, including himself to keep them from escaping was downright chilling. [/spoiler] Now on to the next part of the story!

[quote name='Clurr][FONT=Arial']So, how many of you are musically inclined? Is anyone in a band? Or maybe we have some solo artists here? Share your musical endeavors![/FONT][/quote]Musically inclined? Yes. In a band? No. Solo artist? Yes and no. I do perform in recitals as is required for school and I am part of one of the university orchestra?s as well. Either one is enjoyable as I love playing the Cello, even if I?m too broke to afford a much nicer instrument than what I have now. Right now I have no interest in composition or in recording any music. I?m more interested in getting my Masters and then going on to get my Doctorate as I intend to teach music, preferably at a university, but I?m sure there will be lots of other interesting possibilities as well.

First of all I?m sorry I wasn?t around the other day. I?ve been feeling under the weather lately, though today I seem to be better.[quote name='BKstyles][font=tahoma]-[b]Rachmaninoff:[/b'] Clearly you have a heightened appreciation of music, including forms of classical music (though i may be misinterpreting). My question to you is who are some of your favorite composers, and what style of music has influenced you the most? [/font][/quote]Actually that would be more of a I appreciate music in that I love the music that was composed during the classical and romantic era?s of music. Most current music does not really interest me though I do enjoy hearing how current shows take older music and build a melody or entire theme around older pieces of work, or outright uses them. Like the Harlock Saga which used a story loosely Based on the German medieval epic poem "The Song of the Nibelungen," something that the German composer Richard Wagner took 21 years to complete that four-part grand opera. I can safely say that it is the only anime show that had me hooked in less than thirty seconds of the opening beginning even if it only used music from the segment of the opera as it applied to the corresponding segment of the original story. As for what style has influenced me the most, when I was younger I loved Mozart, I still do, I loved the neat precision of how his pieces are performed. Then other composers such as Brahms and Mendelssohn and Rachmaninoff who had more expressive and emotional tones to their music were what I fell in love with later on. Rachmaninoff being my favorite obviously. Lets see, as for more current composers, or rather ones that have produced works while I am actually alive, I?ve always admired the work of John Williams. I?ve collected quite a few of the soundtracks from movies he has worked on. [quote name='Peanut][size=1][font=tahoma][b]P.S.[/b] - I would like to get to know all the rest of you better as well, as long as your not cannibals. That is all.[/size'][/font][/quote]I can guarantee you that there is no danger of that. ;) [QUOTE=Dragon Warrior][size=1]Then it looks like it's all decided. I'm captain, our color is Green, Kitty's the flag maker, and we're The Laugh Out Louds. Darren's truely the last one to have to put in on the vote. It's up to him now. But since this is all being pressured for time, I'd say try making some flags right now, Kitty ;) Green and that say "The Laugh Out Louds." Just so we'll be ready for anything.[/size][/QUOTE]I certainly have no objection to what?s been done so far, it looks great. [quote name='Dragon Warrior][size=1][b]To Rach:[/b'] Since music is your life, do you plan to ever compose and record music in the future?[/size][/quote]At this point I am undecided. I have done some composing as is required for school, but I am not happy with it. So for now, no. Maybe later I will once I get my Doctorate since my primary goal is to eventually teach others to play the cello in a university setting, or to teach other types of music classes such as theory and history.

All right Aaryanna, my part of the operation to take down the shipping facility is up. Just to let everyone else know, she and I discussed the idea yesterday so she will be following up with the part about tagging people for research since it falls under her objective. I hope I wrote up what you described to me about Crystal dragging Darren with her correctly, if not tell me and I?ll correct it. ;)

It was one thing to talk about blowing up a facility, and yet another altogether to actually do it. Darren couldn?t help but feel nervous. There were so many things that could go wrong. What if the government didn?t take the bomb threat seriously and evacuate the people? Even though he would not be the one pushing the button, could he really sit by and do nothing? Jared had assured him that the very first explosive they would be placing would be in the abandoned warehouse on the very edge of the facility as a demonstration that they were serious. [I]Why am I even going with him?[/I] He thought as he followed Jared to the transport room to head down to Earth. [I]I?m not a trained member of the military; someone like me would only get in his way![/I] But Jared had insisted that he come with him, that he had something for him to do. Darren could not think of a single thing that he could do. He was not trained to use explosives and though he could use laser and disruptor weapons, if Jared wanted someone to keep a lookout, there were others who were far more qualified than he was. He sighed as he followed Jared through the transportation door and into the clinic where Commander Crystal was waiting for them. As always she was brisk and to the point as she immediately began to explain to him what his part would be. Darren found himself actually liking her. Even though she was a member of the military and a commander at that, she was straightforward and honest. Unlike Jared, there was no second-guessing her meaning or gestures, as she had no ulterior motive where he was concerned. Not like that disaster a few nights ago when Jared had given him some of his favorite drinks. Jared had insisted that it was a reward for good work, but that bastard had to have known he would not have understood that. How could he have known that the more expensive drinks were something that those who were not officers could earn as a reward? Jared knew he was not a member of the military. And the way he had teased him mercilessly over how flustered he had gotten over thinking he intended them as something else just showed that. [I]He did that on purpose.[/I] Darren thought, still annoyed over what had happened. ?[B]Darren![/B]? A sharp reprimand from Crystal brought him back to what she was saying. ?[B]Pay attention! I don?t intend to explain this twice.[/B]? ?[B]Yes Commander.[/B]? Crystal handed him a small syringe and went over the basics on how to give a shot to humans again. It didn?t take long for him to grasp the concept. ?[B]Now just to keep things straight. Our agents have hacked into the shipping system to indicate that you and I are there on behalf of the health department to administer a vaccine to a potential contamination that has occurred. While you assist me in briefly examining each group to tag those who would fit the research profile, Jared will be taking advantage of each section being shut down temporarily to plant the explosives.[/B]? [I]Now this is interesting,[/I] Darren thought. [I]Tagging people for research? Just what is she referring to? [/I] ?[B]You and I will be wearing these,[/B]? Crystal said as she brought out some devices that could be worn on one?s neck, wrists, the waist and one?s ankles. They were used to support holographic technology. ?[B]It would not be in our best interests to look the same. These devices will make sure that when suspicion falls on us for being there, they will never be able to find us since the images created will not be the same as our true appearance.[/B]? [I]Well that makes sense.[/I] Darren thought. He had wondered about that even as Crystal was explaining it. He took the devices and put them on as instructed. [I]I may not be a doctor or an explosive expert, but this I can do. [/I] ?[B]Are we ready everyone?[/B]? Crystal finally asked. Darren nodded his head to indicate that he was. ?[B]Good, now since you know how to actually drive one of those contraptions they consider a vehicle here Jared, I?m relying on you to actually get us there.[/B]? ?[B]It will be my pleasure Crystal.[/B]? Jared replied as he led them outside to the vehicle in question.

It?s hard to know what to say other than I agree. There?s no reason to deny gay marriage in my opinion. I was raised in the very Christian based religion of the LDS/Mormon church and since I?ve become an adult I?ve moved on and left religion behind me for the moment. [In other words I don?t follow any religion at the moment] But in the end it does boil down the argument of not casting stones when we ourselves are not free from sin and I understood that the whole point of being here was to make our own choices, not attempt to make others choices for them. And if our government is suppose to keep religion separate, then why the hell are we trying to ban something that is considered wrong from a religious standpoint? That sort of thing in my opinion shouldn?t even be in the laws to begin with. It?s one thing for the actual religion to not perform gay marriages, but to deny them the rights to a civil union under the government smacks of hypocrisy to me. Even the statement that it is a sin is questionable since that belief is based on a religious one and not a scientific one. Though I?m sure you could argue it causes diseases, and yet you can also argue that there are plenty of STD?s from the so-called normal relationships as well. I?d like to see the stigma attached to someone being homosexual become a thing of the past as well. It?s disgusting to see it being used as a tactic to enact more laws that hurt not only gay couples, but non-married straight ones as well. The state of Utah had a huge debate where they enacted another law that not only banned gay marriage but stripped the rights of straight people living under a common law marriage. A law clearly designed to force people from being married if they were gay and to make sure those living together in what they considered a sinful state would have no rights since they did not get married. I voted against this law, but it still passed. I couldn?t even get people to see that it was aimed at straight couples as well, they were so afraid of someone gay getting married that they didn?t care. Anyway?my opinion is in the minority here it Utah, but I?m all for giving gay people equal rights in that respect. And I agree DK, your post was beyond awesome. ;)

All right time to introduce myself: I?m 26 and currently in College working on my Masters Degree in Music, my instrument of choice being the Cello. At this point my classes are far from boring as getting into more depth as far as music theory, music education and choral conducting is concerned is very enjoyable. Like Kitty, I spend a fair amount of my spare time with my friends. In the summer?s we go hiking on trails, as there are a lot of nice hikes one can do in the mountains here and on weekends we almost always either go out to a movie or get together at someone?s house to watch movies. So in no way does it sound boring Kitty. ;) I second the nomination of [B]Dragon Warrior[/B] as the team captain as I trust my fellow teammates judgment in this. And looking at our strengths and weaknesses I nominate [B]Kitty[/B] to help with the design of the flag since my own graphic skills are fairly limited, and blue is a great color so that works for me as well. As for the team name, I suggest we go with The Warrior?s as a play off of Dragon Warrior?s own name. In other words we are his warriors, unless the others think that?s a bit lame. It?s the only name I can think of at the moment though.

For starters, I ran into this series last year when one my cousins, who is much younger brought it with them when they visited. I was not terrible impressed and I didn?t even realize it was actually an anime show until much later. Then because in the last year I?ve started watching anime I got curious but I was still not impressed. That is until one of my friends dared me in a conversation to read the manga. And being the fool that I am, I took that dare. A dare that I am glad I did. The manga of this series is nothing like the anime show. It is not for kids at all. From threats to fighting and life threatening games it?s dark and disturbing on some level. [spoiler] the section where Yugi?s rival is sentenced to experience death in the cards was completely unexpected. As well as the section where he attempted to kill Yugi by forcing him to play in a lethal game in a mad desire to get revenge on him for winning. [/spoiler] It has a very strange style of art in how simple changes in how Yugi?s hair and facial expressions are drawn to indicate whether he is the [spoiler] regular Yugi or the alternate personality he gained when he solved the puzzle. [/spoiler] So it?s safe to say that I am now collecting this series as it has pretty much sucked me in completely. So now the question, since I didn?t find a previous thread on it, who else is into this series and what is your take on it?

I think I?m going to reverse this a bit since I hate talking bad about myself, even if it is true. So I?ll start with the bad and end with the good. For starters, I jump to conclusions too easily. I?m very cynical and have little faith in mankind even though plenty of people are doing a better job at life than I am. Grammar and spelling are my enemies because I?m too damn lazy to apply myself in English classes. The same goes for math. I?m a hopeless romantic in spite of being cynical and that often results in an abrasive manner that confuses people and makes me mad that they can?t see that I?m the messed up one here. I?m also a bad at knowing when to back down in a debate. I love talking about different issues even when others are tired of it already. However, on the good side, I think I have a kind nature underneath everything; I love cats and warm fuzzy blankets. Trust me this is a very good thing. The one thing I feel like I am good at is music. Specifically playing classical music. I play the Cello and I?m good at it. I?ve obviously got lots to learn but I still feel a sense of accomplishment in my skills in that area. I?ve already earned my Bachelor?s degree in this field and I?m on track to getting my Masters degree soon. Hmmm...I guess I should have said I?d bring my Cello for the Survivor 4 sign ups. But I was worried the environment would wreck havoc on it. lol

Now, that would be telling. ;) It's a given that I will get my mom some roses as she's a great mom and it's also a given that I'll be presenting some roses to the girl I like. As for the actual day, I don't have anything planned, other than to deliver said gifts to each person.

Well I certainly don?t mind the post length. ;) The whole story has been very enjoyable. And I have to say Beth, your last post?Damn! You had me hook line and sinker for a moment there. Jason?s nightmare experiance was well written and creeped me out! ;)