Gavin

[SIZE=1]Interesting, most interesting. Well I'm actually trying to lose a few kilos over the next few months and get back into shape, the only problem is that whenever I try to lose weight it seems to have absolutely no effect. So what I've turned to now is just jogging about two miles a few times a day and doing weight training in my local gym and so far it seems to be paying off. As well as this I've cut out quite a lot of fat and sugar out of my diet and replaced it with fruit, which is probably having and impact. As for the weight training part I've so far been able to bench-press about 50 kilos without huge difficulty though I can only do it about 15 times before my arms get tired. I usually do about 15 in each hand as well for about ten minutes, generally what weight I can't seem to shift I'm just trying to turn into proper muscle. I have to admit that apart from cutting out fatty foods and some sugars as well as limiting what carbohydrate foods I eat I've not made any serious changes to my diet. I drink about 3 pints of water a day as well as about a pint and a half of milk to try and keep myself hydrated.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]Interesting, most interesting. I have to admit I was actually shocked when I read the end of the article though it's not the first time I've heard about such actions by cops going wild. I agree completely with Baron and Godel, police officers are there to protect the people, not to abuse their powers. Any officer who did something like that should have faced a murder trial and those who abuse their powers should be removed from the force altogether. In Ireland our police force, [B]An Garda Siochana[/B] has been riddled by corruption charges in the last few years, the main problem is that the Gardaí are always covering up for one another. A case in Donegal Gardaí faked a bomb find in order to further their own careers, planted evidence on suspects and just had no respect for the law. It's only in the last few years since an independent commission to assess the Gardaí has there been any results. Another case that happened in my local town as a bunch of itinerant girls (Irish Gypsies) just started beating one another in the middle of the street. It was vicious stuff as it was a three-on-one fight, to my knowledge three different people phoned the Garda station, which was about 150 meters away. Half and hour after the fight had ended a single Garda Squad Car drove by once and sped back to the station.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]Interesting, most interesting. I don't think we've had this in a long while, at least not in the las few months. In my own opinions [B]A New Hope[/B] will always be the best, not sequel or prequel can ever compete with the first time we see and hear Vader. I personally enjoyed the storyline to it far more than any of the other, Han as the kind of rogue almost pirate was very enjoyable as well as A New Hope being the only one with a living Obi-Wan. Luke as the unassuming farm-boy caught up in galactic upheaval, still innocent of the way of the universe was a breath of fresh air. The battle over the Death Star was one of the best cinematic moments of all five films so far.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]Interesting, most interesting. Well I'm not sure quite how to feel being the first guy to post here, but I've definitely had my fair share of bad haircuts at the hands of a local hairdresser and a barber on town which I why I don't even get my hair cut any more, or at least until I have to. My worst haircut was most definitely one I got about 3 months ago for my granduncle's funeral, since last October I'd be growing my hair longer because it was something I'd never done before. Now my hair is light brown and has a tendency to wave or curl at the ends once it gets, anyway at just before being cut using a strand of hair from my forehead I could touch the end of my nose. I went into town and told the barber that I wanted it "[I]neatened[/I]" up slightly for the funeral, by the end of the shaving it looked as if I had a small afro. It took nearly two months to grow my hair to get any sort of decent shape back in it. Generally my hair is OK, I just shower use a bit of shampoo, comb and dry it using a hair dryer and it's fine. I suppose I'm not really worried about bad haircuts because baldness seems to be genetic in my father's family, so the theory is to enjoy it while I have it.[/SIZE]

[size=1]As I said in my new update this is just most of my sign up, I'm still writing up the personality and biography sections but I should have those done within 24 hours. [center][u][b]Character Sign Up[/b][/u] [b]Name:[/b] Ventarris Aquel. [b]Age:[/b] 12 when frozen so he is now 24. [b]Sex:[/b] Male [b]Homeworld:[/b] [I]Proclarush Taonas[/I] Proclarush Taonas was once a considered a jewel of the Ancient Civilisation, that was long ago and all that is left of the world now is a barren wasteland covered by magma. At it?s height Proclarush was considered to be one of the most beautiful as well as scientifically diverse worlds in the entire Ancient Territories, much like Antari it was frequented by those who wished to explore and experience all that the Galaxy had to offer. Taonas had been colonised thousands of years before hand, when the Ancients had first begun to move away from Terra using ships, though in it?s heyday the Stargate was one of the only means of long distance travel. Close to Furling territory, one of the Ancients first allies, Taonas was also used as a meeting ground for discussion between the Ancients, Furlings, Nox and Asgard, though the Asgard were still considered slightly young. [b]Position:[/b] [I]First Commander[/I] [b]Appearance:[/b] [img] http://www.tvtome.com/images/people/24/6/68-41204.jpg[/img] [b]Personality:[/b] Will Edit [b]Biography:[/b] Will Edit[/center][/size]

[size=1]Well this does clear up things Hugo, I was having major trouble with posts and then the whole thing seemed to die off rather quickly. To be honest the idea of making all leasons compulary seems to be an idea thta might need work, certain characters might not take to the likes of [b]Bisheology[/b] (if it is what I'm lead to believe it is) or [b]Hair and Beauty[/b]. Just my thoughts on the subject.[/size]

[quote name='wrist cutter']As if there are guilty animals? That's quite an overstatement. How you treat animals is entirely different from how you treat people.[/quote] [SIZE=1]I meant innocent in the context of an animal is not inherantly evil, like a small child it will not commit wrong on purpose. As for the second part of that statement I think it is not entirely different, how you treat a domesticated animal like a kitten or pup for instance is quite similar to how most people would treat a small child. People who treat small animals, actually people who can treat any animal cruelly are quite capable of being just as malevolent to anyone because it's in their nature. You may disagree Wrist Cutter but I think the vast majority of people would agree with that point. [/SIZE]

[size=1]Heh sorry for the lateness of my appearance but this seems to have progressed at a very rapid pace. [I]Malcolm sighed as he walked down the gravel driveway of the villa, his flight from Boston had been delayed just under fourteen hours because of bad weather, hopefully this wouldn?t make much difference to whatever tasks himself and the others were expected to do. A young woman was in the driveway walking towards him, laying down his pack he extended his hand to meet hers, he wondered where exactly he was going to pitch his stuff once he got inside but right now it was just simple introductions.[/I] [b]Beth:[/b] [[I]Cheerfully[/I]] You must be Malcolm ? [b]Malcolm:[/b] [[I]Chuckles[/I]] Indeed I am, I?m guessing I?m a little late... [b]Beth:[/b] Not really, most of the last few days have been introductions. [b]Malcolm:[/b] Well then I guess I?d better introduce myself to the others. [b]Beth:[/b] [[I]Smiles[/I]] The name?s Beth by the way. [b]Malcolm:[/b] [[I]Taking her hand and kissing it[/I]] Charmed. [I]Well if his dating skills needed polishing they?d definitely get it here, she blushed and giggled a little before leading him towards the villa, something caught his eye on the roof and he removed his glasses, what looked like someone climbing down the guttering. ?Well now, that?s something you don?t see everyday? he thought to himself, adjusting his bag over his shoulder he noted to come back out here once he?d managed to find somewhere to stay. The lounge area seemed rather comfortable and he wondered what kind of people he?d be staying with, or even if there was any room for him to stay. Dropping his bag in the middle of the floor he walked back outside still seeing someone trying to shimmy down the drain pipes, calling up he soon found himself on the ground with someone one his back.[/I] [b]Malcolm:[/b] [[I]Splutters[/I]] Uh mind getting up off my back... [b]Corey:[/b] [[I]Angrily[/I]] You made my fall of the fucking drainpipes I should kick the hell out of you. [[I]Getting up[/I]] [b]Malcolm:[/b] [[I]Coughs[/I]] Sorry about that, I was just wondering if you wanted some help getting down.[[I]Brushes off his clothes[/I]] [b]Corey:[/b] [[I]Frowns[/I]] Listen I didn?t mean to snap at you, you just startled me is all, name?s Corey and you must be Malcolm since you?re the only one of us who hasn?t shown up yet. [b]Malcolm:[/b] [[I]Grins[/I]] That?s me, my flight was delayed in Boston so it took a little extra time for me to get here.[/size]

[SIZE=1]Interesting, most interesting. Personally I think that each and every person's situation is different, some people have an easier time in college than they did in High School because they have better teachers. Some have the exactly opposite because they had good teachers in High School and lousy ones in college, I haven't reached college yet but I've been lucky enough to have good teachers in High School so far. As per the "bar" you parents hold over you to reach again I think it's different for every student, most of the time parents just want to see you do your best even. I remember after my last State Exam my parents told me that they were happy with my results as long as I was happy with them. I think that if your parents are setting unreal goals for you then you need to sit down with them and tell them that you just can't work at that level.[/SIZE]

[size=1]Interesting, most interesting. Personally I'm all for the fair treatment of animals, however in this case I think it's taking the point of animal welfare a little too far. However in saying that a person who is deliberately cruel to an animal for no reason just sickens me, as a good friend once raised, a person who can be cruel to an innocent animal could easily do it to a child or another person. These chickens were at a slaughterhouse for KFC, they were going to die anyway and as such ethical treatment of them isn't really a concern. Every time you eat a piece of chicken, a burger, or something that required the death of a living animal do you question how it died and if it was an ethical death. Chaos raised a good point, chickens are a bit mad in groups and I have a lot of respect for anyone who can work with them on a daily basis, especially in a place like a slaughter house. As per the last part of Deathbug's post I too would be willing to pay the extra 25 cents however I don't think that would make any difference.[/SIZE]

[size=1][center]Interesting, most interesting, the protogé of my protogé... [B][U]Sign up:[/U][/B] [B]Name:[/B] Malcolm Kane [B]Age:[/B] 17 [B]Gender:[/B] Male [B]Appearance:[/B] [img]http://www.tvtome.com/images/people/24/6/68-41204.jpg[/img] Malcolm stands roughly 6'1" and weighs somewhere in the region of 75 kilos, athletic in build his muscles are clearly defined where they can be seen, enjoys weight training in his spare time. Usually dresses in a pair of dark blue jeans with a black leather belt around the waist, white t-shirt under a wine colored hooded sports jacket and a pair of navy and white trainers. Wears a pair of black rimless sunglasses over his eyes most of the time. [B]Personality:[/B] If there was every someone who embodied the term "Mr Nice Guy" then that person is Malcolm, kind and compassionate he makes it his business to always think the best of people. Honest, loyal and friendly if there was ever a person you would like to have as a friend it would be Malcolm. Has an affinity when it comes to animals, often brings in strays he finds though this does tend to upset those who would rather not have animals living with them. Often quiet although when motivated he tends to speak his mind. [B]Hobbies:[/B] Chess, crosswords, classical music, going to the gym. [B]Best Subject:[/B] European History [B]Personality Trait:[/B] Compassion [B]Bio:[/B] Malcolm was was born in the Republic of Ireland nearly eighteen years ago to parents Michael and Fiona Kane, his remembers little of his parents because he was so young when they died. At the age of 4 they were killed in a fire at his home, the only reason Malcolm survived because he was sleeping over at his grandparents house at the time. His grandparents were nominated his guardians after his parents death however they felt as if they wouldn't be able to take care of him because of their age. It was decided to sent him to his married paternal uncle over Boston, at 4 years and 3 months he began his childhood all over again. His aunt and uncle already had two children, two daughters who were roughly the same age as Malcolm, before his parents had died he'd been talkative and fun loving, afterwards however he became quiet and secluded. Once he began Grade School his ?gifted? nature became apart, he was able to read, spell, write, do math all years beyond his age, his teachers decided against moving him up after what had happened because they believed it may not have been good for him. It may have been due to this that Malcolm became even more secluded, staying on his own at lunchtime reading while other children played together, it got to the extent where he would lash out in class at slower students for what he believed to be their stupidity. The decision was made to move him to a private school where he would be able to be educated at his level, as well as this he was to have several counselling sessions to get over the death of his parents, something his aunt and uncle believed was a key issue to his outbursts. It was in the wake of this he seemed to come out of this depression he?d been going through, his mood shifted back to a happy child although he still had to deal with the fact this he was special, progressing at a level that suited him he was already studying high school material at the age of 10. Getting into high school Malcolm once again progressed at the rate he had done through grade school, he found that he had an affinity for history, but more specifically he wanted to learn more about where he was from, after all there were eighty five million Irish people in America. He began to weight lift as a weigh of taking out the stresses of life, something which both relieved his stress and go him a lot of attention from his female (and some male) class mates. He applied for the trip on the grounds that he was both a good student and a good person, the trip to France was a way of learning more abut the continent he had learned so much about.[/center][/size]

[size=1][center][b]Though they are but children, they represent the greatest hope of our race... They will sleep for thousands of years, if we have survived we shall come to find them.... If we should meet out doom then they can be the light of a next generation...[/b] ----------------- [I]Twelve thousand years ago the civilisation of the Ancients was being decimated by a disease of unknown origin, with thousands of seeded worlds across many galaxies it was impossible to save them all, even for the Ancients. In desperation and with little hope left to find a cure, they believed the key to defeating the plague was to place over two dozen of their young adults in cryogenic stasis, to sleep for thousands of years. This would insure that even if the civilisation of the Ancients was to fall there would be some hope left for it's reconstruction, the twenty eight were picked from the most gifted children of the entire Ancient Race. Their keepers were to be a race in whom the Ancients could see potential, [b]the Asgard[/b]. Many of those against the project believed that a cure would be found before such drastic measures were to be taken, they were merely children and as such would not understand the gravity of what they were being asked to do. They argued that if worst came to worst then these children would be left frightened and alone under the supervision of a race who's path was not yet clear, it was to condemn them to a more slow and painful death than the disease which had begun to destroy their civilisation. And so it was given to those precious few chosen that it would be their decision whether or not to accept this mission for their people, to be entrusted with their very survival. Those arguing against it informed the children that they would be the last of their race and would likely not see another of their kind for the rest of eternity. Amongst themselves the children accepted the task they were being asked to accomplish, it would be long and difficult although the sleeping period would seem as the blinking of an eye. They could not be allowed to stay on Atlantis, if it too fell then there was no telling what would happen to those who remained inside in stasis. A lone scholar suggested placing them on the First World, [b]Terra[/b], where the Ancient civilisation had grown from, though it too has suffered the effects of the virus there was hope in those akin to the Ancients, who seemed unaffected, they too showed potential though not for many thousands of years. Again argument broke out as to where to sent the children, the Asgard although powerful did not have the means to travel throughout the broadness of Ancient territory, and as such may not have been able to protect the children. The only viable option was to build a completely new home for them, the First Galaxy was chosen, though Terra could not be used for fear another race might encounter the city and use it's technology in the ways of war. With almost daily quarrels breaking out of where to locate this new city the decision was once again left to the children who would be inhabiting it, it was debated that it was the only fair thing to do. Again the children took council among one another, many worlds in the First Galaxy were inhabitable, though few fitted into the required parameters. After many days the youths returned with their choice, the city would be located on the planet of [b]Precalis[/b], a small world far from many of the other gated worlds in the First Galaxy. The decision was theirs, the task begun. And so they slept for thousands of years, the vast knowledge of the Ancients being introduced to their minds, for every millennium that passed they would age a year, and so when they would awaken they would be as adults. Fourteen males and fourteen females, within each the light of all those who had come before them, from those fourteen the Ancients would rise once again. It was hoped to be enough...[/I] -----------------[/center] And so we have our plotline, I quite like the introduction as it just popped into my head while I was writing it. As you might have guessed from both the title and the storyline this is an RPG based on Stargate, but more correctly it is and RPG based on the enigmatic Ancients. The RPG will work around an "Episode System" as begun by Bill (Jokopoko) in his last Star Trek RPG, I give the basic premise of the story at the beginning of an Episode and we work pretty much from there, think of this like being a TV series. The one thing I will say is that this in not an RPG for those who just want to have a quick go and leave it after 30 posts, this will be a long RPG, I'm thinking of it lasting up to 1000 replies, something that has been done before though it does take the right people to do so. The first Episode itself will be based around the waking up of these youths, the Ancients are gone, or ascended rather and they have little interesting in the children left behind. And error in the computer mainframe has meant that certain portions of their memories are not accessible right now, meaning that some parts of Ancient technology will not be available right away. In fact right at the beginning of the RPG they will have [b]no[/b] memories of who they and of where they're from, the Asgard as their trusted guardians have left several holographic messages though with the Replicator war still in effect they can't actually contact the children. The series will run parallel to SG-1 and Atlantis though SG-1 will have the greater influence since it's set in the same galaxy, I may introduce SG-1 and the Tau'ri at some stage but not for at least 7/8 episodes. If you have any questions about the RPG you can post them in the Underground thread I'll be creating after this. Now we move onto the Character Sign up and that'll be pretty much it, thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy it. [center]----------------- [u][b]Character Sign Up[/b][/u] [b]Name:[/b] Please note that the Ancients do have exotic names so be creative. [b]Age:[/b] Since everyone was frozen between the ages of 8/12 you'll wake up between the ages of 20/24. [b]Sex:[/b] Male or females, that's pretty much it. [b]Homeworld:[/b] Remember that there were thousands of seeded worlds, as such people shouldn't be from the same place, as such I?ll give people the freedom of naming and describing their homeworld. [b]Position:[/b] Though they were all equals as children once reaching adulthood a certain hierarchy had to be put in place, as each child was selected because of their skills they will fulfil that role in the new city. Please pick from the below list. [I]First Commander[/I] The overall leader of the group, I may take this spot or give it to an NPC so it?s not available. [I]Second Commander[/I] Assists the First Commander and sees to the day to day running of the city. [I]First Engineer[/I] The chief Engineer of the city, insures all systems are operating normally. [I]First Physician[/I] Insures the overall health of the populous. [I]First Guardian[/I] The Guardians maintain security in the city as well as it?s defence. [I]First Precursor[/I] Leads expeditions through the Stargate, I can see this being a sought after position. [I]First Savant[/I] Chief scientist of the city, gets to make all the wonderful gadgets we use. [I]First Scholar[/I] Keeper of the City Library, provides required information. To each of these positions there is also a Second (Except Second Commander), or in some cases even more as certain city sectors require multiple specialists: Engineers ? 6 (First and Second Engineers as well as 4 Third Engineers) Physcians ? 4 (Again First and Second as well as 2 Third Physicians) Guardians ? 8 (First and Second as well as 6 Third Guardians) Savant ? 4 (First and Second as well as 2 Third Savants) So even if you don?t get the spot you want there?s still a chance to get another. [b]Appearance:[/b] Pretty standard, what you loom like, a picture will do as we'll as be wearing the same clothing [b]Personality:[/b] Again the standard, what you're like as a person [b]Biography:[/b] Your personal history up until this point One last thing, have fun and be creative.[/center][/size]

[QUOTE=Baron Samedi][size=1]If you would like to see better threads in the OL, I'd suggest something remarkable; make them yourself. And if you can't think of a single, quality, uncovered topic, then maybe you've reached the impasse most people have.[/size][/QUOTE] [SIZE=1]Heh you've got a point there Baron it's actually the controversial threads that often get me in the mood to post. To be honest though what I was talking about was the fact that even if threads have got better in terms of quality it's still the same stuff that's being discussed in them. Stuff like the Gay Marriage threads people's opinions of them never change so realistically people might as well just Copy & Paste previous responses because it's always the same. I'm just using Gay Marriage as an example though.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]I took a job last year around Christmas because I'd just left school after my injury and needed something to do to get me out of the house. I applied into Dunne Stores (think of it as an Irish equivalent of Walmart) and got a job there for the Christmas holidays. Since it was only work for about 5 weeks I wasn't put into the tax bracket so I was making somewhere along the lines of ?200 a week, not great but I could have done a lot worse. I actually have a job interview lined up for Monday, a 9/5 which should start refilling my very empty pocket lately.[/SIZE]

[quote name='Methuselah][COLOR=DarkRed][SIZE=1]I was thinking about the island this morning and I picture a large Lincoln style statue in the middle of the island depicting James, mod-rod in one hand, mouse in the other with a wire hanging down from it. It looked pretty cool in my head.... I could picture some underground cult rising up and having rituals while worshiping the statue at midnight XD I can be so sad?[/SIZE'][/COLOR][/quote] [SIZE=1]Heh that sounds like something interesting, though I think it would more than likely be Adam as the statue considering he is [U]The Founder[/U] and almighty soveriegn of Otakuboards. I like the whole cult worpshippers of James though, perhaps even wars between different cults who worship different Mods, perhaps we need a security force for the new OB Island too.[/SIZE] [quote name='Methuselah][COLOR=DarkRed][SIZE=1]Ah yes, something else pertaining the Arena and the living areas, are they like apartments or are they separate houses, like smaller version of the main dome?[/SIZE'][/COLOR][/quote] [SIZE=1]I actually see peoples houses being based of either their signatures of MyOtaku's considering they're already personalised it would make sense for them to play a role. Does anyone else see the [B]Otaku Lounge[/B] as the bar from Cheers with Panda behind the bar moderating arguments between different Otaku's while they kick back and relax.[/SIZE]

[QUOTE=Zeta]I myself haven't seen it tinted red, though I may not be looking hard enough. If it is tinted red, it isn't too noticable, seeing as how I still don't see it. Though it could be my T.V. or something that isn't allowing me to see it clearly. Anyways. Since I bought the DVDs I have been watching the Episode III behind the scenes dealy much more than I have watched the movie. I love it. [spoiler] Just seeing Hayden in the Vader suit walking up those stairs and then looking at the Emperoro, gives me the chills.[/spoiler] Kane: Have you picked up the final NJO book yet?[/QUOTE] [SIZE=1]Well I've watched it a few times and I'm quite sure they're tinted red, it's weird because if it was an error on the disk it doesn't effect any other part of the picture. I guess we'll have to get a few more responses before we can be sure. As for the first scene [spoiler]with Hayden as Vader that was just so awesome to watch, I literally felt goosebumps form as he walked up onto the stage. It may have taken what 28 years but it will definitely be worth seeing Vader again.[/spoiler] Yeah I picked it up about 2 months ago and finished it within a week, I thought it was alright, not great but it was better than average. I liked the appearance by many of the characters from the Star Wars universe although the book felt like it was wrapping up everything in the series as a whole rather than just the NJO. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]Interesting, most interesting. I honestly wouldn't be the biggest fan of the Resident Evil series, something about horror in games and/or movies just doesn't make a fun experience for me. However I did rent Resident Evil for the Gamecube a few months back and it wasn't all that bad, the suspense actually made it a slightly more interesting experience. Though since the place where I could rent Gamecube games has closed down I'm pretty much left with the only option of buying them if I want to play them. I've read a few previews for the game in different games magazines as well as seeing a clip of it on Gamezville on Sky. Personally I like the idea of not fighting off hoards of mindless zombies but rather having to face off against actual human beings, granted they try to kill you but it still adds a little to the plot. The screenshots and clips I've seen so far are very sweet and I'll be keeping an eye open for further info on the game as it appears here. I honestly don't mind seeing the game going to other consoles, why should Nintendo fans be the only people to enjoy the game, even if the Gamecube is floundering in Europe. Actually I retract that statement, considering at least here the Gamecube needs every bit of help it can get against the X-Box and PS2.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]Well I wasn't blaming Chibihorsewoman for the way the Otaku Lounge is at the moment, if it sounds that way then I apologise to her for that. I merely stated that people will discuss everyday life stuff that seems boring after it's been put in threat form for the hundredth time. As I said I'd love to get in a thread that wasn't boring or controversial, something which rarely happens in the Lounge nowadays. I'd say what Zidargh meant was that of these everyday threads it happens to be Chibihorsewoman that makes a fair amount of them. I'm not saying that's bad I'm just stating reality. Again I?m not saying anything against Chibihorsewoman I?m just stating facts.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=1][i]Kane wondered how Deedlit had managed to roll him, considering he was about six times her size, or how his face paled when it was made of metal, these were questions to be answered at another time. His blaster had already discharged a few shots and along with Matt's unbelievable arsenal they'd managed to clear the immediate area of n00b forces for at least the time being. Quick scans of the horizon via his optic units told him that n00b forces weren't far away, they needed to get back to the Square soon, or else they wouldn't be getting back at all. However just before he was about to transform again his eyes came across what looked to be a burning body, moving over to it he realised who it was and roared in agony... it was his brother Yoda. It appeared that he'd held off a number of smilie attacks with his lightsabre before being overwhelmed and killed, picking up the tattered robes and burned body he scooped up some earth before laying him to rest... He's have his revenge later but now they had to get Terra back before she too was logged out permanently, quickly the others scrambled into the open cab and he gutted his engine for all it was worth. Anything left of the roads had been pretty much totalled during the fighting, if they ever managed to win this war they'd have a hell of a time trying to get the place back in shape again. Explosions could be heard from a relatively close distance to the group, Kane was in no mood to lose anyone else he knew today.[/i] [B]Kane:[/B] [[i]Swerving enemy fire[/i]] I suggest that we head back to the Square, there's little we can do for anyone else caught out in the battle, besides if Terra doesn't get medical treatment soon she probably won't survive. [B]Matt:[/B] [[i]Sighing[/i]] Your probably right Kane, since when did you start thinking about what's best for the Moderators ? [B]Kane:[/B] Mods can handle themselves, but I'm in no mood to bury anyone else today... [b]Deedlit:[/b] [[i]Quietly[/i]] Who was it Kane ? [B]Kane:[/B] [[i]Solemnly[/i]] ...Yoda.[/size]

[QUOTE=Dagger IX1]Yes. That was an excellent speech, and demonstrated just how different Kerry is from Gore (whose "concession" speech was plagued by a sort of snide bitterness). I admire him for showing optimism about America's future under President Bush (even if I can't bring myself to feel the same way), and for admitting defeat without any waffling whatsoever. ~Dagger~[/QUOTE] [SIZE=1]I was actually kind of sad when he gave that speech, near the end when he got kind of choked up it showed me just how good a man he was. I think that Bush's main task in America will be to reunite it's people after this election, considering it was one of the most harshly contested in American history. Kerry's speech about optimism should help the healing begin, though I wouldn't rule him out as making another try for the White House in four years. Perhaps we may just see a President Kerry in 2008.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=1]Interesting, most interesting. I actually had noticed the same trend in the Otaku Lounge as of late, though realistically this sort of things has been going of for quite a while. To be honest I agree with Zidargh on this though I don't blame Chibihorsewoman completely, although she does start a fair share of these threads. Often I relish the chance to take part in a discussion that doesn't involve Gay Marriage/Abortion/American Politics/Thread about general nonsense/etc. I don't really know what the cure is to this, as long as there are people who will post in these threads, I admit I do but I always put effort and meaning into what I write, they will always exist. I expect someone to say we could ban Chibihorsewoman but honestly I don't think that will solve the problems. People will banter about everyday crap, they do it in real life, they'll do it on OB.[/SIZE]

[QUOTE=Warlock]I'll have to make sure to change that then, now won't I? :) ...Um, the rarely speak to bit, not the bit about you idolising me. ...Though I guess you speaking to me more often would kinda make you stop idolising me too. Quite a condundrum. :D[/QUOTE] [SIZE=1]Well if we see you around the Arena (God I'm still referring to the Square as the Arena, I'm getting old) a little more I think that a few more people might start to idolise you. Although they never had the chance to actually see you in action or write along side you back in the day. As for the second part I'll always idolise you Warlock, you were the man back when I joined, even though I was older than you, but anyway you rocked the Arena and gave people a sense of something to aim for.[/SIZE]

[QUOTE=wrist cutter][SIZE=8][color=brightred]SARCASM.[/color][/size] [size=1]that is all.[/size][/QUOTE] [SIZE=1]Uhuh... and the point of that was ? Besides you were the very one who went on about different labels in your school and then went on to point out about you are what you wear. As such I made the assumption that the different cliques wore different clothing to one another.[/SIZE]

"Alright I'm in", Alderaan had become less friendly to outside journalists in the last few weeks, I had a gut feeling that the authorities were hiding something, I'd have to thank a contact for the tip-off later. Unfortunately Alderaan security meant that I couldn't get anywhere near any government building with forceful expulsion and that was something I could do without. I had decided to do some low-level interviews with civilians, afterall if the Organa family had something to hide their people had the right to know about it. I had decided to hit a normal middle-class neighbourhood, the building blocks of Alderaan's society. My camera had been hidden into my garments so that I would seem as normal as any visitor to the planet, but there was a story here and I was willing to bet my Holonet timeslot on it. I had few contacts on Alderaan, until recently it had been considered unworthy of major news coverage, the last piece I could recall had been a dispute over the legitimacy of the Organa's claim to the thrown. I had a feeling that normal Alderaanians had a right to know what their government was up to, few governments ever gave transparency into their actions, unless of course the Emperor demanded so. If the rumours about Alderaan were true pretty soon every two-bit Holonet writer would be swarming the planet like a hoard of mynock around a power generator. I had prearranged a meeting with local university professor, with any luck I may have just landed a catch that would put me on Prime Time news for a major network. I did my best to blend in, I was a journalist and this was something I had to excel at, on some worlds a slip up could cost you a lot more than a fine. A partner of mine had been unlucky enough to be caught by the Black Sun crime syndicate while doing a story; they vaporised him and sent us a copy of the execution. I had made it my business to keep and eye out for anything suspicious, guards seemed to be on higher alert at any of the government buildings, perhaps they knew the jig was up. "You must be Garn" the old man's head appeared out of an open window about two or so meters above my head, "And you must be Professor Jovus", quickly the gentleman pulled his head back in the window before it could seen that the two of us were talking. The house didn't look like it belonged to a man who probably made two or three times my salary but then again appearances could be deceiving, the door was quickly unlocked and I was motioned to step inside. "You know how much trouble I could get into for merely speaking to you ?!, the Organa's power stretches far beyond the rim of the proper and legal", the old man was clearly having second thoughts about what he was doing but this was my story and I wasn't about to let it slip away... "You were the one who wanted to do this interview, in a few weeks you'll be heralded as the man who brought down a corrupt and dangerous government with nothing more than honesty and vigilance", I had obviously got his pride working as his mood shifted almost instantly. "Alright I'll do it, but only for the good of Alderaan... that and I want you to use a false name and change my voice, if I'm discovered I'm more than likely a dead man." I could have asked for a better start to the interview but then again with so few genuine sources I had to make do with what I got, he seemed a bit skittish about this but chances were I got get at least some useful info from him. I was brought into what appeared to be some kind of study, most of them had to do with Alderaan's political history and others had to do with various other subjects of Alderaan subject matter. "So you said you had proof that the Organa family is involved in terrorist activities, can I get you to elaborate on that ?" I had posed the question as carefully as I could so as to get any possible margin of error, if I was going to make accusations as serious as this I had to be very careful about what I wrote. Jovus breathed in and out a few times before beginning to answer, obvious he hadn't expected me to be so forthright about my questions, "I assume that you are aware of the group calling themselves the Rebel Alliance, and their supposed ties to the Imperial Senate ?", it was a rumour I had heard of, one who's legitimacy I couldn't confirm, "I have, are you saying that the Organa's are involved with the Rebellion ?". "They're more than involved with it, Bail Organa and his daughter Leia are senior members of the Rebel High Command, along with Imperial Senators Mon Mothma and Garm Bel Iblis, they are responsible for dictating the actions taken by the Rebel Alliance as well as trying to countermand effort to defeat them in the Senate. I had just struck gold, that is if the proof was there, "So is this treason against the people of Alderaan and the citizens of the Empire limited to Leia and her father or are other members of the Organa family involved ?" Jovus seemed to become slightly more confident now that he had someone to confirm his belief to. "It is my understanding that many of the more highly powered members of the family are involved with the Rebel Alliance, this includes smuggling finances for the Rebels to equip their growing fleet, offering safe harbour to Rebel spies and officers as well as the storage of weapons for use in terrorist activities. Beautiful, just beautiful, if my camera was working then every bit of this information was being transferred into a ship in orbit as well as the Databanks of my ship docked in a nearby port, that way even if the authorities got wind of what I was doing there was still a good chance that the information wouldn't be lost totally. "I assume you have proof to back up these claims against the Organa's ?", Jovus' face seemed to light up at this question, as though he'd been waiting then entire meeting to discuss this, from his back pocket he removed a small data chip. I took the chip and held it between my fingers before inserting it into a small datapad I'd brought with me to the meeting, within seconds a assortment of different files and documents became available for me to view, some had to do with the management of finances, others had to with police reports detailing the arrival of known member of the Rebellion, another, the most recent even dealt with a mysterious trip Princess Leia was taking to the world of Tatooine. I wondered what would happen to Jovus if the Rebellion ever found out what was happening here, but then again once I got off Alderaan that was no longer my problem, I had my story and the Empire finally had proof against the traitors in the Senate. He motioned towards the back door, obviously intending for me to leave by it, but before he could say any more the front door was broken in, instantly he knew that Alderaan security knew what he was doing, the jig was up. Quickly he pulled up a section of wood from the floor and pushed me down into it, I fell about a meter onto solid ground before realising that he'd pushed me down into a tunnel, I heard raised voices from the room above, "YOU TRAITORS WILL NEVER WIN AGAINST THE EMP..." the sound of a blaster echoed from the room and I knew what had happened, Jovus had given his life so that the galaxy would be a safer place... I moved quickly, I wouldn't allow Jovus' death to be in vain, I had my proof and I intended to use it. Hopefully they believed they'd silenced their leak. A number of minutes later I reached the end of the tunnel. My first thought was to get off-planet, but a frantic dash to the starport might attract attention. I'd better lay low for a bit. Hangar traffic would catch somebody's eye, especially after blaster fire. But where would someone go to disappear for a few hours...

[SIZE=1][I]Kane was still weak from his injuries but he knew that if the n00bs were able to gain a decisive very gates of the Arena then there was no telling how long far they could push in Otaku held territory. His blaster had cooled to the extent that he had the use of it again but the power cell had been depleted to about 50% meaning he couldn?t go nuts firing. The remnants of a few RP towns and villages as well as the increasing sound of gunfire told him that he was getting pretty close to the battlefield, how close was just answered for him when a n00b totting a rocket launcher decided to send one Kane?s way. Stunned from both the blast and his injury the n00b had a chance to retreat before Kane could return fire, cursing he moved on quickly but kept his sense sharp in case the n00b struck again. N00b styled speech could be heard in pretty much every direction so it was hard to pick up allied comm. Units, Kane couldn?t afford to allow his concentration to lapse again or he?d join those in the K.I.A. sticky thread. Within a few moments he actually managed to pick up some properly spelled and punctuated speech, something the n00bs weren?t known to do, ?It could be a trap? he thought though the benefits out-weighed the risk. He kept his blaster levelled, the shelling was getting closer and closer do it was more than likely an allied held territory, n00b smilies had yet to pick up the giant transformer, he?d heard they could be particularly nasty in groups. He caught what looked to be the rocket launcher totting n00b in his sights again and took aim, just as he was about to fire he heard his comm. unit go off again as matt?s voice echoed at the side of his head.[/I] [b]Kane:[/b] Matt, this is Kane, hold your position I?ll try and get to you as soon as I can for retrieval. [I]?Thank God I picked this as my appearance? he thought as he alternated into his articulated truck form, picking up speed he made a bee-line straight towards the n00bs, if he couldn?t get him with his blaster rifle then he?d squash him like a bug. The n00bs never even heard him coming as Kane grinned hearing the squish beneath his tires, the only problem was now he represented a very real target to n00b foot soldiers, putting the pedal to the metal he drove until he reached the flooded trench where the two Otakus had held their ground. Shouting loudly he told them to get in, internally he groaned as their muddy feet touched the exposed metal, it was like having someone spread mud on his back.[/I] [b]Deedlit:[/b] Nice to see you Kane, been a while. [b]Kane:[/b] [[I]Rocked by an exploding smilie[/I]] Yeah, but let?s reminisce later... Where to Matt ? [b]Matt:[/b] To find Terra...[/SIZE]