Rachmaninoff

[CENTER][IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/alexanderedward-chronicle.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] Alexander was feeling more than just a little bit tired once everyone other than Daedalus and a select few had been evacuated from Rosengard. Once he had made sure those who could deal with the bomb were notified, he had moved to do what he could, helping with double checking the estate to make sure everyone was gotten out. He had barely finished that and was debating on joining Alecia and the others at the medical center when more of the Royal Police Guard showed up, something that considering what was going on did not surprise him. What did surprise him when he went to greet them, was when his own superior officer Jonathan Grants crawled out of the closest car and immediately moved to intercept him. "[B]Alexander, there you are![/B]" He grasped his shoulder and steered him towards the gates, away from the estate. "[B]Commander Rosier has instructed us to patrol the perimeter of Rosengard from now on to prevent something like this from ever happening again. Now give me the details, I'll need them for Lieutenant Connel over there.[/B]" Alexander turned to look briefly at the Lieutenant who nodded and then back at Jonathan who was still heading towards the exit. "[B]Wouldn't it be better if we stay close to the others?[/B]" "[B]You misunderstand, considering what happened, it's best if the details are kept to a select few to keep the investigation from being compromised. I'm following Lieutenant Connel's orders to debrief you out of hearing range of the other men.[/B]" "[B]But that would mean...[/B]" Alexander trailed off, surely he wasn't implying what he thought he was. How was that even possible? It was hard to imagine that anyone would willingly help someone who had no qualms about killing innocent people just to make a point. "[B]Yes it would, it's more than a rumor that there are those within the Royal Police Guard who support The Underdogs attempts to bring about a revolution.[/B]" He steered Alexander into a nearby shed on the outer edge of the estate, one that was carefully concealed by tall dark bushes. "[B]What are you saying?[/B]" Alexander started to get angry. "[B]Are you trying to tell me that someone in the guard knew what was going to happen and did nothing to stop it?[/B]" "[B]No Alexander, now before we go any further tell me exactly what happened.[/B]" He gave Alexander a stern look when he started to object and then as if sensing that Jonathan would say nothing until he recanted the nights events, he settled down and went back to the beginning, to when he had come to Rosengard to look for Alecia. It took far longer than Alexander would have thought as Jonathan constantly asked him questions, pressing for details. After what seemed like hours but was probably no more than a single hour he was finally satisfied that he had gotten everything from Alexander that he knew. "[B]Excellent work Alexander,[/B]" He said once they were done. "[B]Now about what we were talking about earlier, why do you think someone would support a group like The Underdogs?[/B]" "[B]I have no idea sir.[/B]" Alexander replied, unwilling to answer the question. "[B]Oh come now Alexander, you're from New Czenoble, you know what the living conditions are like for most of the population there. Even your own family does nothing more than manage to care for themselves.[/B]" Alexander turned a bit red. "[B]My family does well enough, they have a home they...[/B]" "[B]They deserve far better than wages that make it next to impossible for them to have their own place like you and Alecia do. You know as well as I do that when your older brothers finally marry they, like most of the few in New Czenoble who manage to scrape by, will live with your parents since the wages there are deplorable.[/B]" Alexander stiffened. "[B]What are you trying to say sir? What has my family got to do with any of this?[/B]" Jonathan sighed as if it should have been obvious. "[B]My point son, is that even those like your family who work hard, are still barely able to get by. You've no idea just how much money lines the pockets of the rich when it's a matter of greed and lack of concern for one's fellowman, instead of an honest profit.[/B]" He grabbed Alexander's shoulders tightly, "[B]What I am saying is that your family is one of the few who even manages to get by and even then, only just! There's no medical treatment for the less fortunate, there's starvation and deplorable conditions everywhere you turn in that pathetic excuse for a city!"[/B] "[B]I know that![/B]" Alexander exclaimed as he shrugged free of Jonathan's grasp, looking to the side. "[B]Why do you think I study law on the side? Everyone should have equal rights.[/B]" "[B]Exactly. Which is what makes you so perfect.[/B]" "[B]Perfect? For what?[/B]" Alexander turned back to look at him wondering just what in the world he was talking about. "[B]I would have thought that by now it was obvious as to what I am saying here.[/B]" Jonathan said softly. Alexander looked at him for a moment, confused as to what he was saying and then he took a step back, his eyes going wide as he realized what he meant. He opened his mouth to say something only to find that he was speechless. [I]Oh gods, tell me I'm dreaming! Is he out of his mind? [/I] He tried to respond again and failed, too shocked at what his own superior officer was saying. "[B]Your talents are wasted here Alexander, you of all people understand what The Underdogs are trying to do. How they are trying to put an end to the tyranny of the Dynast government.[/B]" "[B]Oh hell![/B]" Alexander moaned, "[B]Please tell me this is some kind of sick joke.[/B]" His look pleaded with his superior but it was clear that he was not joking. "[B]How can you even ask me this? Especially at a time like this![/B]" "[B]There is no good time for something like this.[/B]" "[B]How can you possible expect me to answer something like that? What makes you think I won't turn you in?[/B]" Alexander shook with anger. "[B]Your so-called caring group tried to kill both me and my wife. Do you really think I'd want anything to do with something like that?[/B]" He backed away a bit. "[B]You're out of your mind![/B]" Alexander jumped when Jonathan grabbed him by the shoulders again. "[B]No, I know you better than that, all I ask is that you think about what I said. This needs to stop. People like Lady Bavaria and those of the Dynast government who don't give a damn that their lavish lifestyle comes from treating other human beings like animals are the ones who are out of their minds.[/B]" He let go and stepped back. "[B]Think about it, you know I'm right.[/B]" And with that he turned and left the shed, leaving Alexander standing there, his thoughts running in circles as he wondered what in the world he was going to do about what had just happened.

Kerstin couldn't get the image of the massive transportation system collapsing onto the city below out of her mind. She could still see it crushing the buildings that were unfortunate enough to be underneath it. She felt like she was caught in some nightmare from which she could not escape as she followed along with the odd trio that she was with. It was hard to stay focused as they hurried as fast as possible through the corridors. There was some attempt to restore order but from the sounds that reached them from outside, it was clear that quite a few people were panicking. [I]How do they expect to escape unharmed?[/I] She wondered as she struggled to keep up with the three she was with. [I]Why am I following them? I don't even know who they are![/I] One of them had said that Stevens sent them, but was it really true? She cringed as yet another explosion went off, shaking the building violently, resulting in her stumbling and only the help of the taller dark haired woman kept her from falling. "[B]You can't go this way![/B]" A voice called out as they approached what seemed to be a corridor connecting to the spaceport that was next to the capitol center. "[B]Hey![/B]" The voice called out when they did not stop. "[B]I'm serious! With the Imperial Fleet here it's not safe to take off![/B]" To Kerstin's utter surprise the taller dark haired Versilan with them merely knocked the man aside, hitting him with enough force that he was sent flying to crash into the nearest wall. He slide down, clearly unconscious from the blow. "[B]What did you do that for?![/B]" She exclaimed, starting to move to check him before being halted by the taller of the two dark haired women. "[B]Miss Anderson, we can't afford to be delayed.[/B]" She grabbed her left arm and dragged her along, only letting go when it was apparent that Kerstin had quit trying to help the man that Drace had hit. [I]What's the matter with these people? There was no need to use force! [/I] Her thoughts scattered as they exited the building only to find people among the ships squabbling and fighting over who got on. Even the ship they were approaching was not immune as people were surrounding it and attempting to force their way in. She was wondering what they were going to do when the taller man and woman both simply waded into the fray, knocking people aside as if they were nothing. Kerstin choked when she realized that he was not holding back, delivering killing blows to those who fought back or merely stood in his way. "[B]Oh my...[/B]" She covered her mouth with her hands as she fought the urge to throw up. She couldn't stop the tears that flowed down her cheeks as she tried to avoid looking at those who were dead. Upon realizing what was happening the others attempting to fight over the ship pulled back and then took off, leaving them alone for the moment as they entered the code to the door and then entered the ship, locking it down once they were inside. [I]I can't believe he killed those people! [/I] She didn't get a chance to say much else as they made it to the bridge and strapped themselves in as the woman took the pilot's seat and began to prep the ship for take off. Kerstin was too lost in what was going on to really pay attention to what they were saying. And as they took to the sky, she couldn't help but notice the extent of the damage that had been caused by the transport system collapsing. [I]Why?[/I] She wondered as the ship steadily climbed towards space. [I]Why couldn't we find a way to avoid this? All those people...[/I] She choked on the thought of how many must have died when the structure had collapsed. Finally she could stand it no more and closed her eyes as she looked away.

I’m sure I’m not the only one to do this, forget something and then later feel really stupid that I forgot it. XP My most recent example of this was this morning, I woke up and for the life of me couldn’t remember why I didn’t set my alarm. So I did what I always do as far as getting cleaned up, breakfast and doing anything else I would need to do before heading out for school. It probably wasn’t until a good two hours after I had been awake that I remembered there is no school today since it’s Martin Luther King Day. Naturally I felt really stupid that I forgot about that. I mean I remembered last week since I was thinking about how nice it was going to be to have a three day weekend. Anyway, about the only good thing is I realized that[I] before[/I] I left my apartment to head for school. Showing up to realize no one was there? That would have really sucked. lol Anyway, what types of things have you forgotten that later you felt bad for, like missing a birthday, or something else that made you feel really stupid that you managed to forget it?

I've run into that before, where they have some great sale supposedly, but if you get something on sale then suddenly you have to pay full price for something else. The catch being that in order to get that free item you have to pay full price for the other. It's kind of annoying really since often the ads they put out don't have the full details or if they do it's hidden so far into the ad that you don't see it. Often they'll have some disclaimer somewhere along the lines of *certain limitations and restrictions apply* And thus they cover themselves so they don't get nailed for 'false advertising' As far as I know, it's legal for them to do that, even if it is annoying as all get out.

I don't really have a main snack food since what I'll munch on changes so much. One month it will be something healthy like fruit where the next it's stuff like M&M's or chips of some kind. The right kind of cookies is always good, or even some tea or since it's winter right now, hot chocolate. @20080DigitalBoy I rarely snack on something else while something is cooking up.

Shy trying to drown in two feet of water... That takes talent. :p And for the record, even if I'm not that good at it, I can play volleyball. XP

[quote name='indifference'][COLOR="Indigo"]Anyway, I'm working on that post I mentioned Gavin, it should be up in the next hour, so at that point you can sail in and finish up. Saving everyone [I]and[/I] Rosengard from Lady Bavaria's complete and utter stupidity. [/COLOR][/QUOTE]While thrashing Harrison at the same time I would imagine. Heh. Anyway, Beth and I have not decided if Alecia and Alexander would attend the Chimaera Cup or not. After all, it's likely that both of them would be working, unless it's in the evening?

[quote name='Korey;803154][FONT="Franklin Gothic Medium"] So Wal-Mart ruining buisnesses seems like a little man's view of the story. Blame the consumers, not the company.[/FONT][/QUOTE]I can see what you are saying and yet at the same time, consumers aren't the only problem. That responsibility needs to go both ways, not just on the consumers. Corporations need to be accountable for their practices in getting consumers those 'lower' prices. And I'm referring to the conditions in China where many of those cheaper goods are made.[quote name='Desbreko;803226][color=#4B0082]A [i]lot[/i'] of big corporations outsource manufacturing to foreign countries to cut costs. Singling out Wal-Mart for it isn't exactly fair.[/color][/quote]Well I'm not trying to say Wal-Mart is the only one who does this. But the are one of the biggest companies out there that does and last I heard nearly seventy percent of what they sell comes straight from China. I could be wrong on that though.[QUOTE=DeathKnight'][color=crimson]Haha, these people are poor! They need this Wal*Mart! Instead of working on improving the conditions of society, the economy, and the disadvantages of rampant capitalism, give them cheap ****! Duh what else would you do? You guys are a hoot.[/color][/QUOTE]Like a two inch band aid on a foot long gash. Hardly effective and I agree. Anyway, I still think that though the concept of cheaper goods is good for the economy, we are far from even being close to doing it in a manner that really helps the economy. XP Oh and for the record? I rarely shop there. Though whether or not the places I do go to are any better is another matter. I honestly don't know.

I haven't really had much issue with the Administration at the university I attend. Though I could bring up plenty of horror stories from my friends who attend a different one a little further south. Perhaps the one I remember the most was when a buddy was moving to a different student housing apartment complex. Like many places he had a deposit that he had been required to present when moving in and the condition to get it back was that he pass an inspection after he had moved out, showing that the place was still in good condition and clean. Well he passed, and was even given a paper by the Administration showing that he did and yet that refund never came. Finally he looked into it only to find that even though he had the paper, signed by the staff there no less, it was on their records that he had not passed. What made it worse? It was student housing for Brigham Young University and he was attending Utah Valley State College. In the fine print, since he was not a student at BYU, he had no right for any form of addressing the issue and that slip of paper signed by the staff was worthless. They kept the money because[I] technically[/I], they could get away with it legally. Naturally, he made the point of never, ever staying in student housing that was associated with BYU again. And since then he's learned that he's not the only UVSC student to be shafted by the Administration when it comes to deposits for renting an apartment.

[quote name='Kam']A couple of days later, we talked. She told me she loved me, she was glad that it happened, but those feelings were from a long time ago. She doesn't want to be with me.[/QUOTE]I only have one thing to say really, since the others already covered what I would have said. And that is to agree with the sentiment of being there for her in the form of a good friend. Then once things have moved on, if you are ever going to develop more, it will be from that friendship instead of from what happened before. Which is far better than going from feelings that come from a time when things were messed up.

Here?s my new list for poorly done anime and that would be [B]A Wind Named Amnesia.[/B] It?s hard to express how a film that could have done it right, ended up doing it so wrong. It was trite, with the barest hints of the overdone theme of the primitive need for sacrificial worship, religion, rape, pillage and greed. In a planet forever changed by people losing their memories, the meaning was dragged out and mutilated by poor script writing and very awkward pacing. The story never truly focused well enough to deliver or go anywhere since you?d have robots suddenly bursting through the scene to ruin the mood by shooting at everyone. It?s like they couldn?t focus on the journey of discovery that the main character and the girl were on. It was like they keep throwing things in there to prove a point without bothering to explain why it was there. And the ending? I?m not even going to go there since it wasn?t an ending at all. The scenery was beautifully done, but beyond that I was not impressed, even the music was deplorable since like the visuals and the story, it too was a mix of good and downright awful. The fight music outright clashed with how well the scenery flowed, making it jarring. It was fine to see once, and the best thing I can say about it is I?m glad I only rented it instead of actually purchasing it.

[quote name='Pumpkin;803183][color=#CC0066][font=tahoma][size=2] Most people have felt betrayal at one point whether it be by someone you love, a friend, or even relatives atleast once in their lifetime. However...have you ever felt so betrayed that you have yet to forgive that person? Have you ever been cheated on by your partner? How did you deal with it? Did you forgive that person or did you move on with your life? If you moved on, how did you get over it?[/font][/size][/color][/QUOTE]I?ve never experienced this so I can?t really answer it.[quote name='Pumpkin'][color=#CC0066][font=tahoma][size=2]I heard a quote from a friend that says "It is harder on the human SOUL to be cheated on then to get over a death". Years ago, I probably would have said this quote was ridiculous and stupid. However in this past year, I'm starting to believe it might have some truth to it. I was discussing some things with some friends at work about cheating and many dont believe that cheating on a spouse is wrong. That everyone cheats and its a part of human nature to explore.[/font][/size'][/color][/quote]I would have to disagree with that quote, if only because I?ve seen close and dear friends have to deal with a death. Losing someone you love is something that though you may get over it enough to smile and move on with your life, I think that hurt which is deep inside, on some level, never goes away. Cheating, depending on the situation can be equally as hard to get over, but at the same time I think one has the potential to eventually move past it and find someone who truly loves them and doesn?t cheat on them. Something I think would help to heal those scars from being lied to. However since I haven?t been cheated on or lost a loved one, I can?t say for sure, other than what I?ve seen my friends go through. The only time I would say cheating is something that is a part of human nature to explore is when one is a child and doesn?t know any better. Because even though that?s not the same type of cheating as one would do to say a girlfriend/boyfriend/spouse, it?s still the very concept of cheating to begin with and it?s something that often takes getting caught for a kid to realize that it has real consequences. Once one is an adult, I don?t agree, there?s really no point in being more serious with someone, with committing to that person if you?re going to break that commitment. [quote name='Pumpkin'][color=#CC0066][font=tahoma][size=2]What is your opinion? And what are your thoughts on cheating? Do you think someone can truely change their cheating ways or is it part of who they are? Have YOU ever cheated and how did you deal with it? How do you react to someone who you know is cheating? Do you know many people who cheat on their spouse? Is there a big difference on cheating on your wife/husband then on your bf/gf? [/font][/size][/color][/QUOTE]I already started to cover this, but as far as I?m concerned, cheating is wrong. If you feel the urge or desire to cheat with someone who is already committed or you wish to cheat on the person you are with, then you need to evaluate your motivations and feelings and get your head on straight before you make that mistake. I also think that the idea that cheating is part of one?s nature is an excuse, unless the person in question is mentally ill. Now as for changing? I think people are human and that they make mistakes, so yes I think it?s possible to truly change. I myself, to my knowledge, have not been cheated on nor have I cheated on someone. Honestly, once you move to caring about someone, I find the thought of hurting them in that manner sickening, literally. Whether it?s a spouse or a girlfriend/boyfriend. If you have gotten to a point where you are serious at all, then it?s wrong to cheat, period. In my mind, it?s just as bad for someone who isn?t married as for someone who is at that point. Sadly, I?ve seen friends go down the road of cheating and thinking nothing of it until it was too late and the damage was done. It was surprising at how arrogant they were about how they were hurting no one. Hell one guy was even cocky enough to make the claims that if she had known he existed, she would have never married her husband. It was sad to see. [quote name='Pumpkin'][color=#CC0066][font=tahoma][size=2]I read statistics that a lot more women are cheating now on their husbands then ever before. However most people seem to think that because someone is a "man" that is more exceptable however for them to cheat. Which leads me to ask, IS it harder on a girl to cheat in society then a man? What do you think? Share your thoughts. [/font][/size][/color][/QUOTE]I don?t know about statistics, but it seems like cheating is becoming more common period. I honestly wonder if it?s because people are rushing their relationship into the next level before they are truly ready for such a commitment. And though society may act like it?s more acceptable for a ?man? to cheat. I personally think that as a ?man? I should have more sense than to do something so foolish and heartless. But then I could never forgive myself if I hurt my girlfriend in that manner. I do think it?s harder on a girl to cheat, if only because they are often expected to hold to a higher level of morals than a man does. At least here anyway. I see that all the time too, a guy cheats, it?s shrugged off, a girl does and she ends up being labeled by others for being a horrible and unfeeling person.

[quote name='Sandy;803239]Excuse me for having a life to live. XP[/QUOTE]No. :D[quote name='Gavin'][SIZE="1"']Yeah, I'd appreciate that Rach.[/SIZE][/quote]And done... that post took forever since I kept finding typos. XP Anyway what with the chaos of Alexander ordering the servants to get everyone out of Rosengard, I'm sure Daedalus is going to be wondering what the hell is going on for him to have done something like that. I'm also going on the basis that Daedalus would know that Alexander would never do something like that if he didn't have a good reason. That and that it's standard Guard procedure to evacuate everyone in a situation like that. He would not wait for Daedalus to arrive to order that.

[quote name='Desbreko'][color=#4B0082]My fangirls run to me for favors, not the other way around. When a guy has to resort to that, he's fallen very far indeed.[/color][/QUOTE]*fails as a fanboy obviously* XP

[CENTER][IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/maceyellen-chronicle.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/marieevangeline-chronicle.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/victoriaann-chronicle.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/alecialeanna-chronicle.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/alexanderedward-chronicle.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/fauntleroy-chronicle.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] After making sure the few servants at the home he and Alecia shared were aware that both Dame Anna and Henry were going to be moving in with them for the moment, Alexander headed over to Rosengard to see how both of them were doing as far as gathering their things for the move. It had been horribly uncomfortable during the ride back since neither one of them wanted to impose, but Alecia had insisted, telling them that they could work out the details later. It wasn't like they didn't have room. Their home, though small compared to Rosengard was still more than large enough for them to stay there. Alexander was still dressed in his formal dark uniform of the Royal Police Guard since he had not bothered to change since coming back and though Alecia had gone over earlier, to apparently talk to Macey, she had not returned yet. Within a short time he was at the gates and he was not surprised when one of the servants approached him reluctantly. "[B]I'm sorry sir, but I've been instructed by Lady Bavaria to tell you that you are not welcome here.[/B]" [I]I think not.[/I] Alexander thought. "[B]I don't care what orders you were given, until Leonhart's wake is over I will not even consider such an absurd request. My wife is here and I am going inside to join her.[/B]" He pushed his way past the servant who reluctantly pulled back and said nothing further. [I]She's certainly not wasting her time in taking over.[/I] Alexander thought as he hunted for one of the servants who was unlikely to know about Bavaria's order for him to stay out. It didn't take long and the young girl directed him towards the Library of the estate, taking a moment to show him the way. He knocked on the door and when it opened he didn't know who was more surprised. Him or the girls. It was an odd sight to see, Macey, Eva and Alecia busy hunting through books with papers literally strewn all over the place, in some cases, stacked nearly as high as one's waist. [I]What in the world?[/I] A moment later Victoria Ann's head popped up from behind a stack of books on the table as she stood up. "[B]What are you doing here? Girls only![/B]" Though the way she beamed at him suggested that she wasn't upset to see him at all. "[B]I'm afraid we're rather busy here Alexander,[/B]" Macey said as she moved to close the door. "[B]Perhaps you could be a dear and check on how that horrible wake is going and come back later?[/B]" Alexander started to object, looking over to Alecia who merely shrugged when the sound of someone running their way was heard, a second later one of the servants came running straight for Alexander upon seeing him. "[B]Thank goodness you're here![/B]" She paused, taking a moment to catch her breath. "[B]Something has happened to Fauntleroy. He's been shot![/B]" Alexander pulled back a bit, surprise evident on his face as the others gave off the tiniest of gasps of surprise. [I]What in the world? [/I]He had expected the wake to get ugly but not like this! "[B]Where is he? Take me to him.[/B]" He turned to Alecia, but she had already anticipated what he would say and was wading through the papers to get to the door. "[B]He's in Leonhart's personal wine cellar. There's some sort of odd contraption down there as well.[/B]" The servant said hurriedly, a worried expression on their face.. "[B]Go and fetch one of the potionists kits from the kitchen and join us there.[/B]" Alecia ordered as her and Alexander took off at a dead run with Macey right behind them. Alexander could hear Victoria Ann trying to follow them only to be stopped by Eva. "[B]Let me go! I have to go and help Uncle Fonty![/B]" She cried as Eva caught her trying to run after the group. "[B]You'll just get in the way Victoria. Don't worry, they'll take care of him.[/B]" Eva told her as she tightened her grip on Victoria, attempting to hide her own worried expression from her. The others didn't waste any time as they ran as fast as they could through the estate, startling servants and guests alike when Alexander merely shouted at people to get out of the way. Something that most upon seeing his uniform, did so without hesitation. Then a quick run down the dusty stairs into the cellar where another servant was next to Fauntleroy who was lying on his back on the floor, trying to stem the blood with a handkerchief. Upon seeing Alecia she got up and moved out of the way immediately. "[B]What happened?[/B]" Alexander queried while Alecia started to check where he had been shot. Fauntleroy coughed a bit, grimacing from the pain. "[B]I came to get something from the cellar but there were two strangers here, a man and a woman. When I asked them what they were doing here, he shot me and then left.[/B]" "[B]Come here Alexander, we have a bigger problem.[/B]" Macey called out. He got up and went to join her, surprised by what she was looking at. He was pretty sure what it was even though he had never personally dealt with one. But there was no mistaking what appeared to be a timer in the form of a clock attached to some bottles and vials full of all sorts of different compounds, including gunpowder. It looked deceptively simple yet it was likely that it was more than enough to reduce Rosengard to rubble should it go off. He shook off the shiver of fear that ran through him and turned to the servants who were rushing down the stairs, one with the kit for Alecia the other coming to him asking what they should do. He resisted the urge to order Alecia to leave and instead turned to the servant to tell them what to do. "[B]Go and inform Daedalus at once. Then you are to evacuate everyone from Rosengard immediately.[/B]" "[B]But, Lady Bavaria gave orders that you weren't even allowed on the grounds. We can't possibly do that, she'd...[/B]" "[B]I don't care what Lady Bavaria told you. This is official Guard business now and Lady Bavaria does [I]not[/I] have the authority to countermand an order from the Guard.[/B]" Alexander grabbed the servant by the shoulders, turning so they could see the contraption, their eyes going wide. "[B]Is that what I think it is?[/B]" The servant began to tremble. "[B]Correct, and if we can't figure out how to disarm it this whole place is going to go up.[/B]" He pushed the servant towards the stairs. "[B]Now go! I want everyone out of here other than Daedalus. You will remove Bavaria and her family as well even if you have to drag them kicking and screaming, do I make myself clear?[/B]" "[B]Yes sir![/B]" The servant turned and took off at a dead run. He turned to Alecia who was applying a mixture to Fauntleroy's wound to stop the bleeding. "[B]Can you move him?[/B]" "[B]Yes, this should slow the bleeding enough for us to move him to safety.[/B]" She smiled a worried smile at Alex. "[B]I need to get him to the closest medical center to get the bullet removed.[/B]" She stood up as a couple of servants started to pick Fauntleroy up as carefully as possible considering the situation. "[B]Be careful love.[/B]" She gave him a quick kiss before she turned to follow the servants who were carrying Fauntleroy. "[B]I will.[/B]" He whispered back. Watching her until she had left. He turned back to Macey who was carefully studying the device. [I]I hope we can stop this, or at the very least get everyone out in time,[/I] he thought.

[quote name='Gavin'][SIZE="1"]Am I sensing that somewhere between posts there's '24' style countdown timer old friend ? Maybe the loyal Almagests can use this situation to our advantage... you know, if we find and disable the bomb, we could claim it's likely it was intended to target her and the guests she invited for the "wake". I rather imagine compromising the security of some of Czenovia's most valuable citizens might not be such a good reflection on the new "head" of the family.[/SIZE][/QUOTE]Well I'm currently working on a post regarding this situation, do you want me to have Alexander order one of the servants to fetch your character since he is the head of the household on some level? Then you could lead into that with how he responds.

[quote name='Desbreko'][color=#4B0082]Yes. I already had to raid OB's treasu?er, "borrow" some money to pay off the bets. I would've tried extracting some from DB as punishment for losing on me but I don't think he has much. :animedepr[/color][/QUOTE]And here I figured that your fangirls would happily give you what you wanted. :p That and I'm wondering why DB let Prem win, he must have been tired from watching anime all night or something. lol

Kerstin had been expecting to be shipped off world after what she had overheard upon waking up and finding herself in this place, but now, several weeks later, she was still in the same room they had put her in to begin with. Other than someone seeing to her needs, for the most part she was left alone. During that time she was visited twice by more of the local police for sector eight. One had obviously been a type of commander on account of his uniform. True to what the doctor had said, nothing had been done, all he had come for was to ask her a series of questions, not pressing when she was silent for some of what he asked her. It was frustrating to be kept locked up in the tiny room and yet at the same time, it wasn?t anywhere as horrible as when she had been kidnapped before. A part of her wondered if the fair treatment would continue or not though. Somehow she couldn?t imagine them not using drugs on her at one point. [I]I wonder how Darren is doing?[/I] She wondered for what seemed like the hundredth time. Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the door opening to admit two people. Instead of the usual group that brought her meals or the local police force, this time it was two dark haired women dressed in civilian clothing that she had never seen before. It was even more puzzling when the security simply told them to let them know when they were done. ?[B]Who are you?[/B]? Kerstin asked once they were standing in front of her bed where she was sitting down. One of them pulled out a medical scanner from a pouch at her side while the taller one spoke up. ?[B]We?re here to check your health Miss Anderson.[/B]? [I]Check my health? Didn't the doctor already do that?? [/I] ?[B]I don?t understand, I thought I was already checked out by the doctor when I was first brought here.[/B]? She paused for a moment before it finally hit.[I] Are they checking me out to prepare for interrogation?[/I] She tensed without even thinking about it. ?[B]You can relax Miss Anderson,[/B]? the one checking her out said kindly. ?[B]We?re only checking to make sure you weren?t exposed to something. This is not a pre interrogation exam.[/B]? Her eyes met Kerstin?s and though she did not know the woman, her gaze was clear, indicating that she spoke the truth, at least as far as she knew it. Kerstin looked to the other woman who merely remained expressionless and next to impossible to read. She shivered a bit before turning back to the other woman. ?[B]I don?t suppose you can tell me anything about what?s going on?[/B]? Kerstin knew the answer already, but she couldn?t help herself. ?[B]No I cannot.[/B]? The woman scanning her straightened up and put the scanner away in a pouch on her side. ?[B]I?m sorry to have troubled you.[/B]? She started to turn to leave but Kerstin grabbed her sleeve. "[B]Wait! You said I might have been exposed to something.[/B]" She looked at her and let go of her sleeve upon realizing that she had grabbed it. "[B]Well, was I? Exposed that is?[/B]" "[B]It seems that you were not, so there's nothing to worry about.[/B]" She turned and motioned to the other woman who was with her, nodding briefly and then both of them went to the door, pressing the panel to communicate with the security outside, telling them that they were done. A moment later they were gone and Kerstin was once again alone. [I]What in the world was that about?[/I]

I promise I haven't gone insane, but perhaps the person who wrote this article here: [URL="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22719054/"][U]Wal-Mart[/U][/URL] has? Not that I have anything personal against Wal-Mart, but I find I just can't agree with some of the claims in the article.[quote]It may surprise ? or even infuriate ? critics, but a new study finds Wal-Mart benefits rather than harms the American economy.[/quote]Now I'm kind of wondering, since when? I won't argue that lower prices are nice but at the same time, every time one of the super centers opens, local businesses in the area, especially the smaller ones end up closing their doors with a year of the store opening. I should know I lost a part time job to that myself several years ago, the small store I worked at just couldn't compete, period. Maybe this isn't true in other parts of the US, but where I live, so far it has been true.[quote]The study shows that between 1985 and 2003, personal income, overall employment and retail employment grew faster in counties with a Wal-Mart than in those without one.[/quote]I believe the word for that is coincidence since usually areas that get a super center get it because of having enough population growth to support having a store that big in the area. Anyway, feel free to disagree, tell me how Wal-Mart is so wonderful, or come along and tell me how horrible it is. I've heard a lot both ways so I really don't know which it is anymore. XP

[quote name='SunfallE'][COLOR="RoyalBlue"][FONT="Lucida Sans Unicode"]Well it was fun while it lasted. XP I already talked with most of you about this but with that final post, Project Starship is officially over. If anyone wants to pick it up again later feel free. Thanks for your input everyone. :catgirl:[/FONT][/COLOR][/QUOTE]I agree, even though I'm sorry to see it go. Though the way you ended it does make it easy for ending up with a new crew should anyone decide to re-launch. If you do... I vote for having BKstyles character ending up in a military prison. :D

I get that feeling right before a major performance that is central to my grade... like my Master's performances that I had to do. That overwhelming feeling was intense, even though I prepared like crazy for it! Fortunately it helped that I did well. XP I still get it a bit before major tests or when I know I'm going to be beyond busy for a few days. Usually I just do my best to get through it since most of the time it's not that bad. That and it always feels good to be done and get a good grade.

Does it count if it was the final semester of getting your Masters? XP If so, even though I worked hard and got good grades, I still had times when I was ready to walk out the door just so I could spend weeks being lazy and doing absolutely nothing. But I couldn't since I didn't want to screw up getting my degree nor miss something important that could mess up getting accepted into the Doctorate program. But still, at that point... I was feeling like I've been in school forever and on some level, even though that's finished, I still do. Fortunately, my three weeks off back around Christmas helped me to unstress and feel more up to diving back into being busy again with this semester. Though I'm sure in a while I'll be back to feeling that way again. Not that it will stop me from getting good grades though. I've come too far to do that and what I want to do requires a Ph.D. Which of course will mean another three years of school, at least.

[quote name='Premonition'][COLOR="1234"] I'm not following DB's shadow that much, why, I can stop if I want to! [/COLOR][/QUOTE]You sound like an addict declaring he can walk away from his addiction at any time Prem. :p [[SIZE="1"]I kid[/SIZE]] Anyway, be sure to enjoy your time in a room with Sandy and screaming fan girls. Or you can try to escape your fate though I imagine that you'd be caught. Now the question is, what's next?

I guess the question I'm wondering is what you are doing after realizing a girl is married. I mean it seems pretty natural to avoid asking someone out if they are wearing a wedding ring. I remember moving into the phase of noticing things like that once I started college. Especially since I was sure I would feel pretty stupid to ask a girl out on a date only for her to turn around and show me her ring and point out that she's married. XP

[quote name='indifference'][COLOR="Indigo"]Hmmm... and here I was under the impression that people were shocked at Alecia's outburst and the fight in general instead of idly standing by.[/COLOR][/QUOTE]This is the approach Beth and I were taking when we discussed the post while I was actually writing it up. It seems more than reasonable to me that someone who isn't known for publicly losing her temper would startle those around her when she did. Obviously it would wear off within a very short time, but it wasn't an intentional slight or an attempt to imply that Bavaria's siblings would do nothing. They were smug in their belief that Bavaria was right so it's only natural to be surprised when contradicted so forcefully since I would imagine they were not expecting it at all. On the opposite flip here, I find it hard to believe that they would never be surprised and would instantly defend Bavaria, I would imagine that even Jack and Morphia aren't instantly on top of things as far as responding goes, they are human after all. I've been seeing that in their posts which is why I had them, like everyone else:[I] [B]Alecia snapped,[/B] [B][U]causing the people who were gathering to pull back a bit[/U][/B]. [/I] Be surprised by the outburst. It wasn't a lack of defense it was suppose to indicate surprise over her behavior. Anyway, Crystia tied that into her post and since no edit was requested, I figure it's done and over with. That and there's nothing stopping either one of you posting about their reactions to everything else, which could include them defending Bavaria to others.