James

[color=#808080]Hi Washu. Nice to meet you. ^_^ Unfortunately we don't allow Introduction threads here at OB (although it's understandable that you didn't know; our rules haven't been updated in a while). But, by all means, I hope you enjoy the place. Have fun. ^_^;[/color]

[color=#808080]The Liquid skin won't actually cause any changes in the site's behavior, because the code itself hasn't been changed. So I'm not sure what that problem is related to.[/color]

[color=#808080]After an additional few minutes of corridor negotiating, Proteus had finally found the small bunker in which his friends were waiting. As the door slid open and everyone was finally able to see Proteus, the emotion in the room became obvious. Even Iota, who hadn't known Proteus at all before, seemed happy to see him. The room they were in was full of titanium and aluminium crates. This was one of the smaller ammunition dumps within the Sub-Level 3 area. Proteus sat down on a nearby crate and glanced at everyone briefly. Demos wasn't his usual self. He wasn't running around with his usual fiery attitude; instead, he sat in virtual silence. He was deeply contemplating the events of the last few hours. Reverb's face was the same, but it was also very different. He had now experienced death -- perhaps in the worst possible way. And now, perhaps through this experience, he was truly one of them. Iota, for her part, remained highly composed throughout the ordeal. She didn't seem to be visibly shaken, but Proteus knew that the gravity of recent events did not escape anyone in the small room. Demos sighed and rest his hands on his knees. "So," he breathed, "what's the story?" "Where do I start?", questioned Proteus. "Well, you could start with that missile incident," replied Demos slowly. Proteus nodded. "It was Dr. Karman who had me kidnapped from here." These words alone revealed so much to the others in the room. "Dammit! So [i]that's[/i] how the terrorists knew how to strike us?!" Demos seemed infuriated. He stood up and kicked the titanium crate to one side. Proteus nodded once again. "Yes. That's how they knew. Dr. Karman has been planning revenge on the Hunters for quite a while, it seems." Reverb glanced at Proteus. "I don't get it...why would she want revenge? For what reason?" "Well, it's a long story. But basically, a family member of hers was killed in the airstrike that Warlock ordered several years ago. She has never forgiven this organization for that loss," explained Proteus. "In fact, she has set up some sort of organization abroad...called Red Alert. It seems that her entire purpose is to undermine the Maverick Hunters. I am her creation...she wanted me to infiltrate this place. But when she realized that I was never activated, she decided to do it herself." Everyone in the room was silent. Proteus' words were revealing so much about recent days; it was coming together for them. "And so, the suicide attack was orchestrated by her group. I don't know how large they are, but the Red Alert 05 complex in Kyushu is pretty large. It covers the side of a mountain range there." Iota interjected; "Wait, Proteus...you said [i]Red Alert Five[/i]. Does that mean there are others?" "I don't know. I didn't find any information to suggest the existence of other centers...but I wasn't there for very long." Demos sat down on another crate and looked up at Proteus. "Yeah, well...now everything's really screwed up. Red Alert is just another problem we gotta deal with here; there is something going on with the Hunter leadership. Duke gave us some pretty crazy orders back there..." Proteus questioned what Demos meant by this and Demos proceeded to explain the civilian deaths that had occurred at the hands of the Hunters. Proteus was flawed by this news; he looked visibly shaken by Demo's words. He had thought that Red Alert was bad enough on its own, but now this? "I don't know what to do," he muttered. "How can we possibly have any control over this situation?" The others did not respond immediately. But finally, Reverb looked up at Proteus and smiled. "I'm sure we can do something, Proteus. We're not [i]just[/i] servants of Maverick Hunters...we have our own free will. We can sort this out if we have to." These words were comforting to Proteus, as was Reverb's enthusiasm. But still, he had no idea how this small group of hunters could do [i]anything[/i] to repair the massive problems that they were facing...[/color]

[color=#808080]Oh, now that's really weird...because that's not actually an image. lol I don't know what it is. On v6, it doesn't even exist. When I look for it on Liquid, it's just some code or something. I have no idea what that's about... o_O;;[/color]

[color=#808080]It's important to remember that Nintendo isn't relying on the GameCube in the same way that Sony and Microsoft rely on their respective consoles. Nintendo is different. It relies on a combination of Game Boy and GameCube. And Game Boy is selling pretty darn well at the moment. GameCube's library is already superior to N64. There are no questions in my mind when it comes to Nintendo's first and second party offerings. The key thing is third party offerings. You have the Capcom five...the "Tales" series, Soul Calibur, Zoonami's project...Final Fantasy: CC...the list goes on and on. GameCube is building up that third party exclusivity. For me as a gamer, that's an exciting thing; I really look forward to what GameCube has to offer in the future. [/color]

[color=#808080]Sitting on something and rotating is certainly what I would classify as a nasty remark to someone else. I'll decide what is and isn't appropriate here -- and the rules make it pretty darn clear. I think I've said enough. Bad behavior won't be tolerated here and that's all I have to say about the matter. Anyway, it'd be nice if the thread could actually continue...[/color]

[color=#808080]Jenni, your sarcasm is not warranted right now. This isn't about acting like someone other than yourself. All I'm asking you to do is quit the nasty comments to fellow members. I don't think that's too much to ask. By all means, be yourself. But there's absolutely no need to belittle all the people around you and continually respond with sarcasm. You need to respect the other members here and avoid personal attacks; our rules have clear guidelines about this issue. [/color]

[color=#808080]Jenni, your swearing is only one aspect of the issue. Your attitude is the other. "Sit on it and rotate" is [i]not[/i] how we talk to others here. You are intelligent enough to understand that the censor doesn't have an "attitude sensor". I'm asking you to behave in a more courteous and respectful fashion. I don't think that's unreasonable. I'm sure you can do it.[/color]

[color=#808080]Jenni, that's the absolute last warning you're going to get from me. Swearing IS against the rules here. And your attitude toward other members is most unwelcome. It's your choice; if you want to remain at this site you're going to have to learn to be a little more gracious to fellow members.[/color]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Harry [/i] [B]Everyone knows that you learn things at military school right? Everyone thinks that I'm saying "give up on them." [/B][/QUOTE] [color=#808080]No, if you'd read my post, you'd realize that I was referring to Jenni's comments on the subject. Some kids might need military school, sure. I concur with that; especially the more troubled kids. But we can't start forcing kids into schools that the Government chooses. That's wrong. Of course some kids will fall through the cracks; but military school is the easy solution. It's better for us to focus on ways of repairing the already damaged public education system.[/color]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Jenni [/i] [B]wow... I wished I gave a **** about how i spelled [/B][/QUOTE] [color=#808080]Give it a try. I'm not very pleased with your behavior, Jenni. Pull your head in. As for the topic, I think Harry's initial post is kind of pointless. The problem with schools is that teachers are [i]already[/i] giving up on students. It's not so much a problem with the students themselves. Some schools need more money because they get an unfair percentage of Government funds; the money isn't used to purchase fairy dust, it's used to purchase text books, equipment (science equipment, books, pencils, etc) and of course, it's used to hire teachers. It's not very mature or reasonable to simply say "those kids don't deserve education if they behave that way". [i]Every[/i] child deserves education. Being childishly dismissive about the problem isn't going to solve it. The key is not just more money though. The key is to find out how that money is spent and to ensure that it's spent [i]properly[/i]. Also, this isn't just about schools. It's about parents. Parents need to read with their kids...they need to help their kids through homework and they need to really provide strong support for their children. Unfortunately, not enough parents are doing that.[/color]

[color=#808080]I'm a freelance journalist, Ajeh. I met Mr. Martinet through my work with N-Sider.com.[/color]

[color=#808080]The icon next to your avatar? Which icon? I'm not having any problems, so it could have something to do with the way your computer reads the site. Some other people have had some issues in terms of seeing images with the Liquid skin. You could try logging out and then back in...or something. They all show up for me -- so they [i]are[/i] there.[/color]

[color=#808080]A couple of points. 1) How many times do I need to remind people that more and more Iraq topics are not warranted? Harry's first post was good, but it should be confined to our previous thread on the issue. By all means, I encourage Harry to post there. 2) I'm not going to respond to your comment directly, Cloricus. You could use that argument to tell the US that it had no right to defend Europe against the Nazis "Oh, it's not our war". How dismissive. What I will say is that I don't see anyone protesting the brutality of Saddam Hussein. You certainly can't protest that in Iraq, because you'd have your tongue cut out or your limbs sliced off and burnt with hot irons. Gee, what possible reason could we have for removing Saddam? I don't know about you, but I value the innocent Iraqis. They can't liberate themselves. But the financial resources and military resources of my country [i]can[/i]. And that is precisely why it's justified. I don't care as much about Iraq's disregard for international law -- I care more about the plight of the Iraqi citizens. At times like these, I think I have a lot more humanity than those who protested against the war, many of which would have a different opinion if they had sat and spoken to the mother of an Iraqi who had been taken away in the night all because he spoke his mind. [/color]

[color=#808080]I'd like to become the President of the USA. But I don't live in America. So I'll put that idea on hold. Other than that, I'd like to get involved in the video game industry. Specifically, Japanese development houses. There are lots of developers in my country, but I'd really love to work for a big Japanese developer like Square Enix or NCL. Oh well, you never know. Japan isn't [i]too[/i] far from here...[/color]

[color=#808080]Aw Jenna...I don't know what to say. I remember how you used to talk about your little brother on here. This seems so sudden and shocking... I don't know what I can say at a time like this. And I don't know how comforting my words on a screen can possibly be...if I were there in person to offer my condolences, maybe then whatever I say would have more gravity. I guess I just want to tell you that I'm here for you. It doesn't matter whether we are close friends or not friends at all...if you [i]ever[/i] need someone to talk to about anything, you can always talk to me. Even if you just need someone to be there and to listen...and to try and understand. I'll always be here at any time for that.[/color]

[color=#808080]OMG!! I love that! LOL! [spoiler]First time I've used "OMG!!" and "LOL!" on these boards in three years...consider yourself lucky.[/spoiler][/color]

[color=#808080]The Sub-Level 3 carpark was completely deserted. The asphalt was cool and dark; no vehicles had been to this part of Hunter Headquarters in several days. The darkness was broken by security lights on the surrounding walls and ceilings. The crimson rays of light were dividing the darkness like shards of broken glass as they flickered silently. But soon, the silence was disturbed by the soft humming of a fusion engine. A curvy, titanium and fiberglass security car entered the carpark from one of its many exit ramps and rolled through the enormous area. Sitting snugly inside the car was Proteus, who was carefully following his own internal schematic of the complex. The map was hovering over the side of the car's windshield; as soon as Proteus had sat in the car, he was able to link his own internal navigation system to the vehicle. "I must hurry," he thought to himself. For the next half hour or so, the security car rolled quietly through the carpark and through several access corridors. The corridors were large enough to fit several vehicles (various APCs routinely travelled through them, particularly when they had undergone repairs or had new weapons fitted). But now, like the carpark, the access tunnels were empty. This surprised Proteus, because even at this time of the morning (around 5:30am), these areas were usually full of Maverick Hunter employees, transport vehicles, security cars and other machinery. Proteus guessed that most of the security cars were patrolling the barriers now, in case of a second attack. He also guessed that most of the human employees had been ordered to remain in their apartments for the time being. Most staff didn't begin work until around 7am, but the top secret Sub-Level 3 area was usually full of staff throughout all 24 hours of the day. Perhaps Signas had called them to a meeting. Or perhaps they were assembled within special emergency bunkers to await security instructions. Proteus had no idea. And for his own aprt, he didn't know what his friends knew about the MHHQ leadership. But he [i]did[/i] know something they didn't; the origin of this latest attack. Finally, Proteus came to a Service Gate. He couldn't take the vehicle any further. This part of Sub-Level 3 contained a string of corridors and access tunnels that were several kilometers in length either way. Vehicles were not allowed because this part of Sub-Level 3 was highly sensitive; only the most senior of staff were able to travel here. This is where some of MHHQ's most secretive weapons labs were located. Proteus thought that it made sense for his friends to hide here. Afterall, it was very quiet and they'd have plenty of time to prepare plans for their next move. Proteus pushed his face into a mould on the wall, which promptly skanned his microhydraulic retina and performed a quick surface sample. Within seconds, the data was analyzed and compared to a security database. As expected, the heavy door opened with a sharp "click". And the light above the mould turned green. Beyond this door was the very first of several hundred access corridors. The environment inside was surprisingly serene. Also, it was not as dark as the more "public" areas of the Sub-Level. The entire corridor was lit up. It was also an incredibly clean environment, devoid of dust and dirt. This was because of the sensitive nature of many of the weapons projects inside. Proteus began making his way down the hall. His HUD was still active and he could see the small blinking dot (representing Iota) blinking. He was only a couple of turns away from his friends' location. [center][img]http://www.otakuboards.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=6052[/img][/center] Little did he know, the heat-sensitive security cameras were still active in this region. Nobody was supposed to be down here under such an emergency. The static had caused major interference between communications systems across the Headquarters, but nevertheless, [i]someone[/i] now knew that the Sub-Level 3 high security areas had activity within. Proteus and his friends had unwittingly lessened the amount of time they'd have to make plans. At the very least, they'd be located and called to action. And now wasn't the time for that; Proteus needed to explain about the Red Alert organization (or at least what he knew) and he needed to learn what his friends knew. Hopefully this hastily convened meeting would provide both parties with some much needed answers...[/color]

[color=#808080]Ah yes, see Adam? Hehe theOtaku.com is a brand that has been built up over a period of years. It's become a major name amongst the anime community on the Internet; and one of the world's premiere anime sites. To change "theOtaku.com" would be like changing "Nintendo". It's a well recognized name with a lot of nostalgia attached. I think the name itself is quirky and suitable for the content we offer...and even if it [i]were[/i] a horrible name, it has so much warmth and nostaliga attached that I think changing it would be a really negative thing. But I've expressed that view to you before. So you know how I feel. ~_^[/color]

[color=#808080]I really encourage everyone to host their images away from OB. It's not very difficult; there are an ample number of free webhosts out there. As Semjaza said, it's not possible to host more than one attachment per post. And it's not acceptable to double post in order to post a second attachment. So, you can either wait until someone posts and post another attachment [i]or[/i] get your images hosted elsewhere.[/color]

[color=#808080]Jenni, lay off the swearing a bit please. It's becoming a habit. lol Anyway, as for the topic at hand...I think my initial response would be to hide and wait for a moment, to see if the sniper shoots again. But after that, I'd have to help. Although, it depends. If the guy was dead (and if it were totally obvious that he'd died straight away), then what's the point in helping him? If he's dead there's nothing you can do. But if he's [i]still alive[/i] and it's obvious...well, that's different. You should of course help in that situation.[/color]

[color=#808080]The trainer, please [i]do not[/i] double post. It's inexcusable in this forum. Edit your original post rather than posting a second time. Remember, all new members are expected to read our rules before posting.[/color]

[color=#808080]Yep, FFVII is one of my all time favourites games, period. As for the Chrono series...I did play a little of Chrono Trigger, though I never finished it (I didn't own it; it was a friend's game). However, I may purchase the rereleased version. Chrono Cross was similar, in the sense that I didn't own it. My friend owned it and I borrowed it. I got as far as that foresty/swampy area and then I had to give it back. But I adored it; it was so much fun and it had such a strong sense of imagination. The characters were mostly pretty well fleshed out and the text translation was extremely well done. Chrono Break for the PS2 (or whatever it ends up being called; but I'm sure it'll be a PS2 game -- I think most people are), will probably end up being a very highly anticipated RPG for many. Any suggestion of a new Chrono game is, of course, something that arouses great excitement.[/color]

[color=#808080]I tend to agree with Medra. You're not going through anything that other teens don't. My eyesight is bad, too. It was a shock when I first found out, but really, it's totally irrelevant. Wearing glasses or contacts becomes as normal as brushing your teeth. And you'll be thankful that they give you the opportunity to see properly. And yes, parents always have some beef. Some are worse than others. We're only getting your side of the story though. Your dad might have some justification for getting you to "straighten up". As for your girlfriend...you're young. You will definitely find someone else -- someone who will appreciate you and love you for who you are. It [i]can[/i] be hard, but it does get better. The key is to be true to yourself and to try your best. Nobody can ask for more than that.[/color]

[color=#808080]Excuse me, but don't you think that's a little rude? lol In any case, the banners are displayed throughout this very thread. I don't think it's absolutely necessary to display them in the first post, but I'll add the links if you insist. :rolleyes: [/color]