Gavin

[quote name='Shy'][size=1]I've never really thought that double-posting was a huge issue in Anthology threads, since in most cases the mods choose to overlook it (or at least some have in the past.) That forum isn't active enough to support discussion about everything posted in it, so if someone is posting a lot of poems or short stories I don't see an issue with them double/triple-posting. My concern is that most fan-fiction is episodic in nature, so splitting the story into multiple posts is more natural. But the entire thing really seems like a non-issue. -Shy[/size][/QUOTE] [SIZE="1"]Josh really summed up my thoughts on this, it's doesn't seem to me to be a huge issue if we allow writers in the Anthology to double post occasionally if they want to add new chapters to their existing works. I don't see it happening too often, as if it's the story itself is popular there will be additional posts aside from the OP, if not, then the OP generally loses interest and doesn't continue.[/SIZE]

[SIZE="1"][CENTER][IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/daedalusavatar.jpg[/IMG][IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/maceyellen-chronicle.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] Moving through the steps of the waltz with surprising grace for a man of his unusual size, Daedalus took a moment to survey his niece. Macey looked every inch her usual impeccable self, a flawless beauty, very much like her departed mother, but her dark eyes belied an exhaustion uncommon even among the Almagest clan. Few would have noticed, as she had managed to mask the tiredness almost completely, but for Daedalus, the most workaholic prone Almagest since Celsius himself, it was born of decades of looking into a mirror. "[b]You look overworked my dear.[/b]" He dipped her elegantly to the rhythm of the music. "[b]You're one to talk Uncle.[/b]" There was a tone of mischief in her voice, reflected by the small smirk on her face. "[b]How poor Aunt Harriot puts up with you I should never know.[/b]" With the quick twirl, the pair were once again moving across the dance floor, to avoid giving anyone the chance to eavesdrop on the conversation. He simply smiled at the girl's witty retort, indeed, she was quite correct, Harriet was perhaps the most giving, loving woman he had ever met, the very fact that they had been married for over fifty years without incident was as much proof that she had the patience of a saint. Something she certainly needed when married to Daedalus. "[b]Perhaps you should ask her, I simply accept my good fortune without hesitation. But that aside Macey dear, I am merely concerned about your health. As you quite aptly stated, I'm better aware of the effects of overworking than you are.[/b]" "[b]Thank you, but I'm sure you also know how caught up you can get in personal projects.[/b]" Daedalus raised an eyebrow, he was not aware of the details of Macey-Ellen's latest project, though she had a vested interest in the more... biological end of alchemy, something which disappointed him greatly, she had far too much talent to waste it on such a mediocre area of the arts. Of course so many of his so-called scientific peers would disagree with him, telling him his field of view was too narrow, fools. "[b]All too well, I recall one particular incident, in which I believed I had spent four days in my lab continuously working, when in reality, I had spent nearly two weeks. Needless to say, I required some minor medical treatment for exhaustion and dehydration.[/b]" "[b]Oh, you mean the time father threatened to kill for nearly killing yourself ?[/b]" Her own eyebrow was cocked in a similar expression of curiosity. Daedalus merely coughed awkwardly. "[b]Yes, well, it was simply a minor oversight on my part.[/b]" Macey's short laugh was musical, and reminded him very much of Patrice, and even his own mother to a degree. The two simply continued to dance quietly, listening to the soft tones of the music playing around them.[/SIZE]

[quote name='Desbreko'][color=#4B0082]The Hueco Mundo arc is indeed much better, though. I've been enjoying it.[/color][/QUOTE] [SIZE="1"]Well, seeing as I've got up to date with the manga since Monday, I can safely say that there or rather there are a few good fights coming up in the Hueco Mundo arc which hopefully will be something to watch. [/SIZE]

[quote name='Desbreko'][color=#4B0082]I thought the Soul Society arc was the best of the anime so far, actually. At least for actual plot progression; the intro arc before that where everybody is basically just screwing around while characters are introduced was fun but not much happened. Now, the Bounto (read: filler) arc after the Soul Society arc? [i]That's[/i] boring. The whole arc can basically be summed up in this one phrase: Vampires fight using dolls. And it's as bad as it sounds.[/color][/QUOTE] [SIZE="1"]Yeah, I quite enjoyed the Soul Society arc for the way it build up the characters and the plot, something which the Hueco Mundo arc is doing too. I skipped all the filler this time around, seeing as I didn't do it with Naruto and regretted it immensely, the whole idea of vampiric dolls... yeah, as bad as it sounds. [/SIZE]

[SIZE="1"]She was mesmerising... these were the only words Eoghan could think to describe Lady Di Ahn, in fact, he was quite certain that after the usual platitude he had introduced himself with, he would be quite unable to speak again. The way she was staring at him... assessing him... made him feel strangely self-conscious, as if he was afraid he would not pass whatever standards she was judging him by. "[b]I must say, you bear little resemblance to your good father the baron.[/b]" A chill crept up Eoghan's spine. He hadn't expected her to know O'Griffy personally, to the point where she would be able to comment in such a fashion. Although his face showed no exterior change from the pleasant but formal smile, his mind was racing. He let out a brief chuckle of appreciation to complete his facade. "[b]Yes, I am told that I take after my mother's side of the family. Although my father has, in jest I hope, claimed I am the progeny of our gamekeeper.[/b]" Her laughter was musical, as she waved a hand dismissively at his self-derogatory remark. "[b]I am sure your gamekeeper is not quite so handsome Baron O'Griffy.[/b]" "[b]True milady, but please, call me Connor, I am not a man for formalities in good company.[/b]" He flashed her his most sincere smile. Di Ahn's face seemed to soften at the sound of his first name, as though a wall had been broken between them. The two guards, which instinct told him were secret police watched the pair with a rapt silence, they more than likely did not approve of the informality of the engagement, but had no say in the matter. "[b]Connor...[/b]" She rolled the name along her tongue for a moment before smiling. "[b]Please call me Di Ahn.[/b]" "[b]I would be honoured Di Ahn.[/b]" Eoghan could say with honesty, she was like no woman he had ever met in his life before. She was not like the female soldiers in his guard, nor was she like the endless suitors who were paraded in front of him in an effort to secure the native Irish royal bloodline with a legitimate heir. No, this woman intoxicated him, her intrinsic pride and sophistication, and a warmth and geniality yet beneath this there was... a fire, passion, like nothing he had seen before. Yes, intoxicating was the best word to describe her. "[b]Are you hungry Connor ?[/b]" There was something in her eyes that hinted she did not simply mean food. Or perhaps he was just seeing his own desire reflected in her. "[b]Quite, the journey by steam train was quite draining.[/b]" With a gentle tug she drew him towards the banquet tables across the hall, he noted with some amusement that Li Shu had scurried off into a corner in an attempt to live down his humbling at her hands. The feast before his eyes looked magnificent, gingerly he took a plate of food, as Lady Chang continued to draw him along to a secluded table.[/SIZE]

[SIZE="1"]Currently I'm switching between both the Bleach and Naruto animes and manga, I got into Bleach only a while back, but I think it's a great series, certainly rivalling DBZ for my favourite anime/manga. I suppose one of my favourite aspects to the show is that despite the completely supernatural premise to the show, because let's face it, it doesn't come much more supernatural than the main character being a reaper, it still retains a lot of it's sense of reality. I think the most obvious thing here is that characters actually change their clothes on a regular basis, and they're a healthy mix of different peoples, which is nice.[/SIZE]

[quote name='Neuvoxraiha'][COLOR="DarkOrchid"][FONT="Times New Roman"]Oh tush. Just be sure to note that your character is quite clumsy and turn it into a little lesson with Macey as the teacher. Or something.[/FONT][/COLOR][/QUOTE] [SIZE="1"]Believe me, I can do clumsy, but I have a feeling that Daedalus' wife, despite his work habits has managed to polish him up a bit socially so he doesn't look completely out of place. I think the amusement will come with her dancing with a man of his size, given he stands somewhere around the six and a half foot region and is built like a bull from the physicality of his work. Just got word, I should have my PC back in the next few hours, so I'll make a post as soon as I can.[/SIZE]

[quote name='Andy'][FONT="Book Antiqua"][SIZE="2"]Yeah...umm.....how about the Fourth Hokage?[/QUOTE] [SIZE="1"]Meh, we really don't know enough about him for me to be saddened by his death. Now given the current fight going on between [spoiler]Jiraiya and Pein[/spoiler], the former's death has the chance to really depress me because he's so awesome. [b]Dragonball Z[/b] OK, OK, so nobody really stays dead, but when I first started watching the show, before I knew about the Dragonballs themselves, and [spoiler]Vegeta was killed on Namek by Frieza[/spoiler] I was actually nearly brought to tears. It wasn't really his dying, but more his sort of redeeming speech as he was dying, when he opens up about his life and why the way he was was down to Frieza. That last tearful "Don't let him do to anyone else what he did to me" made me feel so sad. Then of course he was resurrected and acted as if nothing happened, which sucked...:animesigh[/SIZE]

[quote name='The13thMan'][COLOR=DarkOrange][FONT=Century Gothic]You're basically arguing that if a lot of people are in harm of a substance from a personal choice that the government should intervene. I, like Retribution, have to disagree with you here. I believe very strongly that people should be able to make the decisions for themselves. It's part of having freedom, the choice to do good or bad. The smart people make the smart choices and the dumb make the dumb ones. And through natural selection and the spreading of good information we can grow as a species. Controlling us does nothing to help us. I can't help but to compare people who deal with too much government control to house cats spoiled by the security of the house. When they face the real world they both suffer. Neither grow for the better. I keep thinking to the book of 1984. There government wasn't formed over night, it was a long and slow process. I can't help but think that maybe we're going down the wrong path. I hope to god we aren't. [/FONT][/COLOR][/QUOTE] [SIZE="1"]Well seeing as neither of us is going to change our opinions on the subject, continually debating it really isn't going to do any good. I feel, as I've said already that when a particular activity threatens the health of many citizens of a country then the government has a right to intervene with a certain level of control, the particular level of which is up to the ministers themselves to decide. You disagree with that, and that's fair enough as we're just having a discussion and not anarchists planning to bring down governments. As for the possibility of a 1984 style world, I think people are smart enough to realise that's happening before we get to that point of government control. Case in point, Hugo Chavez's recent political defeat.[/SIZE]

[quote name='Neuvoxraiha'][COLOR="DarkOrchid"][FONT="Times New Roman"]Well just so you know for tomorrow, when you...post... ...you're about to start waltzing with your niece, Ella Macey Almagest. She's a very graceful dancer due to years of practice as well as a natural grace and instinct for rhythm. The goal is for the pair of us to have fun times while maintaining a sort of father, daughter relationship. Only not really.[/FONT][/COLOR][/QUOTE] [SIZE="1"]Sounds fun, it's a shame the only thing I'm worse at that ballroom dancing is actually writing it. Heh. :animeswea[/SIZE]

[quote name='Andrew'][SIZE=1]What's the latest then Gav? We still going ahead with this as you planned or are we abondoning it?[/SIZE][/QUOTE] [SIZE="1"]Sorry, PC broke down a few days ago, along with all the stuff I had written for the intro with it. I'm getting it back later tonight, but I probably won't have a chance to start it until the weekend. I'm still committed to the project fully though.[/SIZE]

[quote name='Tombstone'][COLOR="Navy"]Indeed the strength is really confusing. (My main reason for picking on Toshiro lol) I'm not even certain if I get it yet, but the way I see it so far. From the [spoiler]Ichigo and Byakuya fight back in Soul Society, if I recall, Byakuya said something about Ichigo's Ban Kai only increases his speed, and then another confirmation from Grimmjow and Ichigo's first encounter.[/spoiler][/COLOR][/QUOTE] [SIZE="1"]Hmm, I must have missed that, though seeing as there's a huge shrink in the size of his zanpakuto that it's easier to fight with. I'm not complaining, as [spoiler]Kenpachi is one of my favourite characters, so him squaring off against an Espada will be a good fight.[/spoiler][/SIZE]

[SIZE="1"]Can't really say I attend any big Christmas Events, as they're all too far away to comfortably travel. I'm thinking of going up to see the Christmas Eve fireworks display in Dublin this year with a few friends by train, but I usually like to be home for Christmas Day with the family.[/SIZE]

[quote name='Tombstone'][COLOR="Navy"]Bah, now I gotta put up with the more uninteresting characters before the [spoiler]Kenpachi an Nnoitra[/spoiler] fight. All this procrastinating I tell ya, lol.[/COLOR][/QUOTE] [SIZE="1"]Just caught up to the latest chapter and this is definitely the fight that's shaping up to be the coolest. As much as I like [spoiler]Byakuya[/spoiler] his fight was over waaay to quickly. I suppose the only thing that still really confuses me about Bleach is the fluctuating strength levels for certain characters. I mean, [spoiler]Ichigo beat Kenpachi, well drew I suppose in reality, back rescuing Rukia in Soul Society when the latter was at full power without even having a bankai. Now apparently Zakari is powerful enough to take on an Espada which Ichigo would require both his bankai and vizard powers for.[/spoiler][/SIZE]

[quote name='Tatsubei Yagyu'][FONT="Comic Sans MS"][COLOR="Navy"]I have the dumbest idea that "Akatsuki Leader Tobi" and "Akatsuki Noob Tobi" are 'different' for some reason... :animedepr I have no idea how to explain it, and it really doesn't make any sense... ...but why else would he present himself to Naruto and the crew, and work with Deidara while taking that abuse...? ...this is the dumbest theory I've ever had, but hey...I hit the money with my Asuma being Sarutobi's son, though it wasn't really that mind-blowing. :animesigh Man...I'm so confused. :animestun[/COLOR][/FONT][/QUOTE] [SIZE="1"]Honestly, I've read worse theories, I disagree, but I really have ready worse ones. For instance, Tobi according to one Narutard is the evil half of the Kyuubi's chakra which was sealed in Sasuke but broke free, thus giving him both the Sharingan and the demon fox's powers. As for Asuma being Sarutobi's son, Konohamau's hair and Saru's own beard gave it away for me way before it was properly revealed.[/SIZE]

[quote name='Retribution'][font=Arial]I see weed and cigarettes to be about equivalent in terms of erm... "badness" (?) if this makes any sense. So in this light, it would strike me as ridiculous to jail someone carrying a mass amount of cigarettes, even if they did have intent to sell them. Additionally, the addictive properties are heavily contested with respect to marijuana. If anything, I would argue they are less addictive than cigarettes, but I don't feel like hunting for verification.[/font][/QUOTE] [SIZE="1"]Funnily enough, I actually agree with you about that first part, how cigarettes and weed are on equal ?badness? levels, though my viewpoint after is the complete antithesis of yours. Admittedly for me there is a personal element with the dangers of tobacco, as cancer is rife in my family, and I had to visit oncology wards a lot more often than a kid should, so my view is definitely biased against substance which cause cancer, which from what I?ve read pot does as well. As for the addictiveness, well my info on this mainly comes from a classmate who was a major marijuana user who said himself it?s as addictive as cigarettes, now whether he meant physical or psychological addiction I don?t know. It?s all down to opinion of the user in the end I suppose. [/SIZE] [quote name='Retribution'][font=Arial]But even if they did become addicted to marijuana, why does the government have to be responsible for breaking their habit if it is themselves they harm? The "damage" of weed to a person or a community is negligible. Of course, I agree with the government taking action for something like heroine or cocaine, which have significant documentation on its addictive properties and destruction of inner cities. However I simply don't see marijuana to be anywhere near that level. I'm not arguing against governmental legislation for the safety of the public. I'm arguing against legislation that interferes with a personal decision that affects only the person choosing the action. I am not complaining about "being told what to do," because that would mean I'm an anarchist... I'm not. I'm "complaining" about being told what to do when my personal decision affects me and only me. I don't want the government to tell me I can't play football "for my own good". Sure, the government can say "You'll get seriously injured if you play football because you are weak" but at the end of the day, the choice to try out for a team rests with me. Who is the government to say I'm too weak, if only my personal safety is at risk here? If you are alright with the government deciding what you can and cannot do when it concerns only you, I am deeply disturbed. I say this with total seriousness.[/font][/QUOTE] [size=1]You make fair points Alex, and I suppose I didn?t read deeply enough into what you were trying to say on the self-determination front, sorry if I wronged you there. Personally though, I see it as the government?s duty to do all it can to protect the welfare of it?s citizens, something which we agree on, but apparently disagree to the extent of which a government should go in order to do so. I accept that you believe that as long as it is only the personal safety of the person involved, then there is no need for strict government intervention, but honestly when it?s the personal safety of potentially tens of thousands of people I think it does fall into the government?s authority. I don?t know if I?d say I?m ?alright? with the government making decisions for me, I simply accept that they can and there really isn?t anything I can do to stop them doing so.[/size] [quote name='Lethargy'][SIZE=1][SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkGreen]You seem to be under the impression that marijuana is [B]cocaine's leafy brother[/B]. Correct me if I'm wrong, but in all my research, I have yet to find a documented case of [B]physical[/B] marijuana addiction, or even [B]serious psychological[/B] addiction. Granted, one can build a tolerance for it (just like with [U]anything[/U] else), and sudden cessation after extensive (and I mean [I]extensive[/I]) regular use may cause some negative side effects (just like with [U]anything[/U] else), but honestly, marijuana, in certain aspects, is far less detrimental to one's health than alcohol or cigarettes (again, that doesn't mean it should be legal).[/COLOR][/SIZE] [SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkGreen]I can't help but hear this read in a [B]thick Irish accent[/B] (although I'm not sure how heavy your accent is).[/COLOR][/SIZE][/quote] [SIZE="1"]No, admittedly despite my desire to ban all drugs, I'm well aware that the likes of heroin and cocaine are considerably more dangerous than marijuana, hence the formers are Class A and the latter is not if I remember correctly. As for the documentation on the addictiveness of these drugs, as I said in response to Alex, my info comes from an ex-user who I know, so I can't say that it applies all across the board. In regard to my accent, I don't really know, I've played online using a headset with Jokopoko so he'd probably be the one to ask. I've always considered it normal, but there are a few different accents in Ireland which are different.[/SIZE]

[quote name='DeathKnight'][color=crimson]I know, that [url=http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/dcf/duc.htm]United States Department of Justice[/url] source that says the exact same thing as the Wikipedia article could have come from anywhere, Gavin. I expected more from you, and you fell far short of that.[/color][/QUOTE] [SIZE="1"]Meh, I assumed that the DOJ statistics were correct, if they're wrong blame it on my lack of cynicism when it comes to government statistics, the Irish ones are usually pretty accurate.[/SIZE]

[quote name='Retribution'][font=Arial]Ease of purchase has absolutely nothing to do with our debate on its legality. I'm more or less speaking on this topic based upon principle. I know pot is extremely easy to come by, but I disagree with the idea that you can get a jail sentence for possession.[/font][/QUOTE] [SIZE="1"]For me it would depend on the amount in possession. Obviously a person with a few grams of the stuff for their own personal use should not be given the same kind of sentense as the dealer with a couple of kilos in his car. To my knowledge, at least here in Ireland, prison time is more so given to dealers than addicts, it's usually only multiple instances of possession gets you time for the latter. I'm not sure why you disagree with giving possession a prison sentence, but in my own case I believe that for the addict, doing so with not help them overcome their addiction, that and prisons are notoriously easy for getting drugs in, which sort of defeats the purpose.[/SIZE] [quote name='Retribution'][font=Arial]Actually, if you look slightly deeper, you'll see that some (perhaps not all) of my concerns are legitimate, not some angst-ridden teenage moanfest. But if you read it as such, I'm not worried. Do explain to me how the desire for self-determination is childish, especially within this context.[/font][/QUOTE] [SIZE="1"]Your overriding concern Alex has been that you disagree with other people deciding on what you can and cannot do after you?ve become an adult, you call that self-determination, I personally think it sounds childish because it means you don?t like being told what you?re allowed do. Maybe I?m wrong, as I said, it?s just how I read it. That said, particularly within this context I see your desire to legalise a harmful, addictive substance out of this idea of self-determination, even if it causes them harm to be immature because it would be ?impugning on their private lives? and that?s not a good enough reason to let someone harm themselves in my mind. If you go back and reread the thread, note how nearly everyone who actually is a legal adult has disagreed with the legalisation of marijuana. It seems the ?adults? who you?re trying to do this for disagree with you.[/SIZE] [quote name='Retribution'][font=Arial]You can say the same for alcohol, which by the way, is in all likelihood more addictive than pot. And last I checked, alcohol-dependency motivated robbery isn't rampant. This holds no water. As for banning things that serve no purpose, it is perhaps the weakest argument one could make for maintaining the marijuana law. When applied to other scenarios, I'm sure you'll find yourself standing on sandy ground.[/font][/QUOTE] [SIZE="1"][url]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drug-related_crime[/url] Afraid Wiki seems to agree with me. It is a well known fact Alex, whether or not you want to accept it that addicts are willing to go to extreme lengths to feed their habit, due to the psychological effects of addiction on behaviour. I do not believe this is the same for alcoholism as to memory I have never heard of an alcohol dependency-motivated crime. As for the banning things that serve no purpose, reread the post, I said dangerous things that serve no purpose, there is a difference. Anyway, we?re getting into the same cycle you and I seem perversely required to do in every thread in which we disagree, let?s just skip on to the part where we agree to disagree.[/SIZE]

[quote name='Boo'][size=1]Or try one of your local coffee shops! *nod* ... Wait, or is that just the Netherlands again?[/size][/QUOTE] [size=1]Heh still Holland you crazy Dutch bastard, but that's why we love you ;)[/size] [quote name='Retribution'][font=Arial]But the debate isn't over the [i]ability[/i] to smoke up, it's over not going to jail if you have weed on your person, which is absolutely ridiculous.[/font][/QUOTE] [size=1]Well both are intertwined from what I see, obviously you have to be able to get the stuff in order to be able to be caught with it. The fact that cannabis a lot easier to get, relatively speaking, than other drugs makes that fact even more important when people talk about it being illegal.[/size] [quote name='Retribution'][font=Arial]I'll be frank for a moment. I find those who want to make decisions for others truly annoying. Well, annoying doesn't grasp the enormity of the feeling. It's people like that in this nation who want abortion illegal, who want gay marriage illegal, who want to keep watch of you and tap your phone [i]all for your safety[/i]. Sure, this is a slippery slope (and yes, I'm aware it's a logical fallacy) but it's people like that who keep legislating other people's lives. I hate it. The way I see it, if you want to keep marijuana illegal, you should also support prohibition and making cigarettes illegal. Both are detrimental to ones health. Both "touch other people's lives" in a negative way. Both are responsible for plenty of ill intent. Both serve no real purpose aside from having fun in a way that is dangerous for your health. But frankly, I figure if you want to smoke, go right ahead. If you're an adult, you should decide what you do with your life. I figure if you want a beer, go for it. Do it all responsibly. I don't want a cop to arrest a stoner, to make the legal system even more bogged down with totally useless cases when greater things are at hand. Personally, I'm not too big on pot. But so long as it doesn't have catastrophically negative effects on communities like cocaine does, I honesty don't care if a college kid wants to get blazed and neglect his studies.[/font][/QUOTE] [SIZE="1"]I understand where you're coming from Alex, but honestly this whole "I don't like being told what I can and can't do" sounds honestly a bit, and I'm hesitant to use the word, but it sounds childish to me. I accept this is just a rant and you mightn?t actually have meant it that way, but it?s just how it sounded as I read it. I have already said in this thread that I support prohibition and a full ban on tobacco products for the reasons you?ve outlined above, they?re dangerous and serve no purpose. You say that legalising cannabis will make the courts less clogged, but what happens if say a drug addict doesn?t have enough money to walk into a pharmacy and buy his supply and he goes out and mugs someone to pay for it ? It?s a common occurrence now for addicts to commit crimes to pay for their habit, in getting them early for possession, maybe more serious crimes are being stopped. At least that?s just my thoughts.[/SIZE]

[quote name='Lunox'][font="trebuchet ms"] Who cares? Is your life dramatically different because marijuana is illegal? It's not like it's impossible to find pot because it's illegal, so I don't see the big deal here. [/font][/QUOTE] [SIZE="1"]Quoted for truth, go to a local high school or college and you won't have any trouble getting some.[/SIZE]

[SIZE="1"]Sorry about the lateness of my post, I'm not sure when I'll have my PC back from repairs, so my activity is going to be pretty limited for the next few days. I'll try to keep up with what's going on and make a post where I can.[/SIZE]

[SIZE="1"]Sorry about this being late, my PC broke down yesterday so I?m using my sister?s laptop. [CENTER][IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/daedalus-chronicle.jpg[/IMG][IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/dawlish-chronicle.jpg[/IMG][IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/helen-chronicle.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] Daedalus leaned against the staircase nearest the exit to Dwalish?s room, sighing thoughtfully. It seemed after the accident, he had picked up even more of his father?s bad habits than even Daedalus suspected, it was disappointing in a way, but not something that overly concerned him. Harriet had always been the one to deal with the emotional welfare of the children, he loved her for it, because it was something he himself was completely incapable of doing. Maybe that?s why he was more comfortable dealing with clockwork machines, there was no feeling with them, just logic and obedience. He was cold like that he supposed, he preferred an order to all things, routine, class, when things knew their place there was order, when they did not, chaos quickly followed. Daedalus was not a good parent, it was not his role, but he loved his family, this could never be doubted. The thudding of his boot sounded down the marble hallway as he strode after his children. He readjusted his tunic as he walked, it was not something he enjoyed wearing, but the party tonight called for his best wear. Anyone who saw the dress uniform would immediately recognise it as that of a Czenovian military commander, an honorary rank given to him by the Mideus Prosperous himself, though many outside the Almagest family would remark it came in payment for what lay hidden within Mount Grail. Such remarks had never really bothered Daedalus, it was true that was mainly concerned with creating technology for the Czenovian military, technologies which if used could wipe out cities in an instant, but his rank within the military was given to him years beforehand in the Mine Wars, and such titles were not uncommon among the social elite? ?[B]I absolutely refuse to wear that Nellie !![/B]? Dwalish?s exclamation broke Daedalus out of his train of thought, evidently he did not approve of his sister?s sense of taste. ?[B]What?s wrong with it ?![/B]? Helen?s retort was as heated as her brother?s. Shaking his head, Daedalus picked up his pace, until he was standing in the doorway observing. Dwalish was sitting on one of his rooms spacious, though regularly unused couches as his sister attempted to choose a garment from his equally unused closet. The pair were so busy glaring at one another, it took a few second for them to notice he was standing there. ?[B]Father ?[/B]? ?[B]Yes ?[/B]? ?[b]Why?re you here ?[/b]? There was a sharpness in Dwalish?s tone that Daedalus didn?t like, but for the sake of peace he ignored it. ?[B]I thought I?d investigate the cause of the disturbance.[/B]? He waited for one of them to respond.[/SIZE]

[SIZE="1"]Yeah, I was actually surprised by the Suigetsu/Kisame fight, though I'm nearly 100% certain the boy is going to get his *** handed to him by Jaws. Maybe it's supposed to be more of a spar than a proper fight. Tobi showing up to fight the Leaf-nin is also a bit interesting, seeing as I'm one of those Tobito people, I'm hoping we might get a Kakashi/Tobito confrontation and get behind the mask, or at least him making a vague reference to Minato or Rin. On the Yahiko = Pein front, maybe Nagato did an Obito and gave him his eyes when he was dying ? It sort of explains why he requires six bodies when the Six Paths required only the one, in the same way Kakashi's Sharingan is more difficult to use than Itachi's or Sasuke's. I get he feeling we're in for a lot more dialogue in the Jiraiya/Pein fight and some decent action in the others. [/SIZE]

[quote name='Rachmaninoff']Oh, I don't know... perhaps this contributes to that aura of being scary?I'm sure there are more instances that just that one as well. :p[/QUOTE] [SIZE="1"]Heh, fair enough then. :animesmil Anyway, I should have a post ready sometime today. Just OOC Sandy/Josh, what kind of limits do I need to be looking at for Daedalus' work in terms of size or power ? Your little line about his most powerful ones being hidden away intrigues me.[/SIZE]

[quote name='Retribution'][font=Arial]Why are we protecting people from themselves? Isn't part of being an adult the ability to make personal decisions and not have the government unnecessarily intervening in their private life? Sure, it's not healthy. So what? Should we legislate diet as well, so that you're only allowed a certain calorie intake relative to your personal weight?[/font][/QUOTE] [SIZE="1"]Honestly, yes. Part of a governments duty is to look-out for the welfare of it's citizens, even if this is "intervening in their private lives". I mean, if we get right down to it, if alcohol and tobacco were introduced now, they would almost certainly be illegal due to their toxic long-term effects, so the only reasons both remain legal is down to history and profit margins for corporations. Most of what I've read has come from anti-drugs campaigns, so I'll admit there's a slant on it, the same way there would be if it came from a pro-drugs one. If some day there is an impartial long-term effects trial done, and it unequivocally states that cannabis is not dangerous, then I'll consider changing my stance, but right now, it's just a dangerous drug that needs to stay banned for people's own safety. Just remember of course, if it is legalised and some company like Johnson or Pfizer get a hold of it, they're going to try to get it passed the FDA as cheaply as they can, regardless of how safe it is. It's not like legalising it is suddenly going to produce a 100% safe version of it, because they know they've got customers just dying to get their hands on it. On a lighter note, you're aware that the side of the argument that Premonition agrees with loses by default right Alex ? ;)[/SIZE]