The "founder": Mia Pond.
Showing posts with label Just for Fun. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Just for Fun. Show all posts
Monday, April 23, 2012
The Glorious Ponds
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Happy First Contact Day!
First Contact refers to when two species meet for the first time - in the case of this particular nerdy situation we are, of course, referring to when humankind met their very first alien species (in Trek) - the Vulcans.
They met/will meet on April 5th, 2063 and as such, today, is the pre-versary of that day!
So I present you with Trek shirts for all your geeky sims! They use base game meshes and the only NON-Castable part is the emblem/shield. You can make the shirts any color or pattern you want otherwise. I did not do elders because…well I don’t really play elders for long and the clothes always look funky lol
The file includes:
Toddler (unisex)
Child (unisex)
Teen (male and female)
YA/A (male and female)
Go geek up those sims! :P
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Berry Sweet Competition Cycle 7
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Assignment Zero/Entry
Much like her namesake, Pitaya is somewhat exotic on the outside but feels fairly plain and mild on the inside. As an avid gamer girl, she feels good as long as she can hide behind her computer and her avatar but when forced into the real world she becomes shy, awkward and clumsy.
Under the influence of my best (and only IRL) friend, I signed up an audition spot for the BSC. I figured I'd be eliminated right off the bat but would still appease Serria by at least trying out. Days before the audition, however, Serria reminded me of one tiny little problem, "You cannot audition for the Berry Sweet Competition barefoot! Don't you own ANY shoes?"
Honestly, that would be a no - save the flimsy pair of flip flops shoved somewhere under my bed. I had to admit the point though so my only means of prepping for the biggest modeling competition in the 'verse involved shoe shopping. After a harrowing hour looking at the foot torture devices, I left the store with a new pair of flip flops and a look of disdain from the sales lady. I'll just have to win the judges over with charm and grace - shoes be damned.
Additional thoughts: If you've ever lurked or competed in the Berry Sweet Comp, you know the level of fierce talent that shows up for this - I honestly expected to be eliminated without even making it into the Sweet 16!
The one I didn't use (because there's almost always one I threw out! lol)
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Assignment One: The Berry-Con
I know what you're thinking - who idolizes the psycho stalker? It's not that I idolize Shilo Cerise Amour or anything but I have a thing for those villains you love to hate! The Bad Berry Panel was dedicated to just those sorts so I just knew I had to be there!
Sure it was at the berry crack of dawn and sure when you put so many violent personalities in the same room it's bound to cause problems....boy did it ever! Maize and Manny spent most of the panel fighting. Snare wouldn't stop making moves on Celly even though she wouldn't even LOOK at him. Darko made it his life's mission to thoroughly gross out Shilo by belching the WHOLE TIME! It was awesome! The best convention panel EVER!
After it all descended into chaos, I intended to meet (and rescue) Shilo from Darko but was waylaid by Mirage Kashmir. He had one of those smiles - you know the ones - deliciously deadly? It was both flattering and creepy really. One, he's a movie star and two, he's a berry hole...
Additional thoughts: I love Bad Berries, I love seeing the darker side of a story or character and those characters that you just love to hate seem to stick with us more than any other. Hence the birth of the Bad Berry Club.
The one I didn't use:
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Assignment Two: Berry-Idol, part 2
When Shilo called me I was leery - I don't really DO parties but then she mentioned Mirage would be there and, well, berryhole or not...
The first party was great - or the nectar was anyway - but Mirage was a no show. In true psycho stalker form, she suggested we go find him! She neglected to mention we'd be climbing into the nearest tree for a sneak peak!
Let's just say my naughty Mrs. Claus outfit and the infernal strappy heels were NOT meant for tree climbing...ow!
I did meet a cute cop though, as I was being arrested for trespassing...
Additional thoughts: As I picked a bad Berry for an idol in the first assignment, this one was pretty challenging for me! Pit couldn't be "excited" necessarily to go out with her idol. Still, it was fun - even making her jump on the trampoline until she fell over and and over and over. Sorry Pit!
The one I didn't use, well there wasn't one this time. There were lots of shots taken, just none I would have considered for the entry.
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Assignment Three: Peas in a Pod
When Worlds Collide
I have two best friends (three if you count my computer). One of the sim variety and one of the furry variety.
Unfortunately the first time Serria (my sim friend) met Sprite (my dog), things didn't really go so well. They have one thing in common - they both LOVE shoes. They just have a slight difference of opinion of what one should do with them.
I swear she didn't stop grumbling about her precious boots for a month!
Additional thoughts: I was going to just use the dog because Pit is not particularly people friendly but as I'd mentioned a friend in the entry, I figured it was time for Serria to make her appearance. Serria's a fashionista and loves her clothes (and shoes) so Serria and pets...probably a no-go.
The one I didn't use (the dog's face in the entry one won me over lol):
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Assignment Four: Swings
When Fairies Take Flight
When we arrived at the faire, my niece looked toward the rides with both longing and dread - she was scared to go too high or too fast! Instead we got our faces painted, bought new clothes, adorned our hair with flowers and turned into real fairies (according to the vendors). Almost.
Fairies had to fly; that's what she told me. With a great deal of bravery, she pointed to the swing ride and we flew. Boy did we fly!
Additional thoughts: First off, I think Thistle is the most adorable little berry ever! So this assignment just about broke my mental health! I love swings but they are tricky to work with in sims! lol More than that, I had a mental image in my head that simply could not be translated to the game! Still, I do love the end result.
The one I didn't use: there isn't one. I took tons of pictures for this and disliked small things about most of them so they got eliminated right off.
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Assignment Five: Berry Sweetlets
This is a story my dad still tells to this day to unsuspecting friends and boyfriends - I woke up in the middle of the night and climbed up into the fridge for juice and cookies. Even Tango the tiger came with me for my midnight caper.
I can only figure I was too tired or content to bother to go back to bed because my dad found me the next morning still sleeping there, with the door wide open and juice dripping from the toppled juice box.
From then on, Dad made sure to keep a box of juice on the lowest shelf of the door just in case.
Additional thoughts: This picture was inspired from a story of my own childhood actually. I think I was after Oreos and Kool-Aid though.
The one I didn't use:
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Assignment Six: Color Balance
Ever since my brother's wife died, he'd pretty much checked out and I stepped in to take care of Thistle. So when she begged me to join her on her Berry Scouts camping trip - I couldn't say no. I do wish she would have mentioned the fact that it was a Father/Daughter trip though!
My social skills around men are pretty much non-existent, so when Khaki - one of the scout leaders and a single father sat down next me just after most of the girls had gone to sleep, I was tongue tied.
When he put his hand on mine...I nearly fainted...
Additional thoughts: I was assigned green and yellow which are not really my favorite colors lol. Green was good though because it allowed me to use the grass and bushes and such without detracting from the overall color scheme.
The one I didn't use: Not one this time. I took plenty but as usual I ignored them because of small details here and there. I'm such a perfectionist lol
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Assignment Seven: It's a Sitcom!
Road Trip!
After gloriously flushing out of college after only two semesters, I invested what little money I had in a new-old van - by new-old I mean it was new to me but actually really old.
My plan, such that it was, involved road tripping across the country in seek of...something. Of course I had no money for gas, or food, after buying the van. So I put an ad in the school newspaper seeking an adventure buddy.
Serria didn't even go to the school I did but she had a dream that would not be realized in a small town. She also has some money, making her a good candidate.
Picton and Amaranth came as a set - which was two more than I'd originally planned to take on - but once Picton explained Amy's story, I couldn't say no. She'd been in, what could only be described as, a toxic relationship with Picton's roommate. Picton, being a rescuer at heart, wanted to save the planet. He started with Amy.
None of us had much to offer monetarily. Serria had put most of her money into a failed fashion line. Picton had been cut off by his father when he chose environmental law over corporate law. And Amy was lucky to get away with the clothes on her back. Still, we pooled our resources and began our journey.
Then Serria ran into Tango - quite literally. Tango was in the midst of his own cross country journey, though his was on foot. We were only two days into our trip when Serria's horrible driving effectively terminated Tango's plans. Though he was unlikely to be running any time soon, Tango did survive and it seemed only fair to offer him a ride.
We were probably the most unlikely group of people to come together personality wise. Serria and Picton faught all the time, about everything. Amy, though physically healed, was still a wreck inside while Tango was broken and grumpy about it. Still - it worked, sort of anyway. Every city was an adventure. Every day was a chance to get lost.
And lost we got - more often than not.
"I've got no signal out here!" Tango grumbled as he looked at his phone for the dozenth time. Beside him, Amy whimpered a bit and looked around anxiously.
"Are you even looking at that thing right?" Picton tried to snatch the map from Serria's hands.
"You think anyone is inside?" Serria asked meekly, gesturing to the old gas station.
"Looks like it was abandoned back when the van was new Ser," I said, rubbing my temples.
The problem with stopping in every city we drove through was how long it all took. The only person who had a problem with that, though, was Tango. Because Tango had plans, lots and lots of plans.
Like Serria and Picton - this was a clashing point for us. I was simply not a planner. I didn't even have a destination in mind! On a whim I might verge left and completely upset Tango's precious balance for the day. Is it wrong that I found this just a little bit funny?
We were in Twizzlerbrook walking along main street when a few locals called us over to join their BBQ. It was not an opportunity to pass up. Tango, however, had picked out a place from the guidebook for lunch and started to protest but I grabbed his hand. "Come on Tango, it's free food..."
After we were full and had expressed our gratitude to our hosts, we sat on the edge of a large fountain. Being barefoot, I dropped my feet over the edge and let the cool water work out the minor aches and pains. I saw Tango watching me, a curious look his face and beckoned him over. Though he came to stand beside me, he refused to put his feet into the pool or even take off his shoes. I could feel the argument coming - one we'd had a dozen times about my lack foot apparel - and decided to preempt it this time.
I took his hand and held fast as I plunged into the water, dragging him in with me. If he'd been expecting it, I wouldn't have had such an easy time of it. The pool of water was deep but after a moment we both found our footing and he came up sputtering. "What the berry!?"
"Bet you didn't plan that!" I teased, sending a small wave of water at him. He pushed it back at me and I couldn't help but giggle.
While I'd been clearing the water from my eyes, he'd ducked under the water and popped up right next to me.
And then he kissed me! Behind us, I heard Amy cough several times followed by Serria's voice, "told you so! You owe me three candy bars and two sodas!" Picton groaned. Apparently I was the only one surprised!
"You know I planned that," Tango said, when the liplock ended, all too soon for my tastes.
"R-really?" I stammered.
"Almost since the day we met."
"Almost?" I said, teasingly, trying to get back to familiar territory.
"Well there was the part where you drive me crazy - had to get over that," he replied with a grin.
"And how's that going for you?"
"Still here aren't I?" Tango said with a wink.
Additional thoughts: I opted to turn a small portion of Pit's past into a sitcom for this assignment. This would have occurred over the summer when she was 19/20. I think the gang looks like I berrified the Scooby Doo crew a bit as an after thought lol. Oh and this would be when she met her BFF Serria! :D
The ones I didn't use:
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Assignment Eight/Finale
Photo 1: Third Wheel
When Serria pleaded with me to accompany her on a date - a third date no less - I was naturally anxious. Why me? What benefit could I be as a tag-a-long? But she's my friend and, well we do stuff like that for friends. Three things happened to make the date completely and totally awkward - as if it weren't already!
1) I realized, as I was getting ready and Ser wouldn't shut up about him, that this was the "audition date" - the one where you see how is with your friends before taking it up a notch.
2) Ser's date turned out to be Khaki. Khaki was Thistle's scout leader. Khaki and I had flirted quite a bit on a certain camping trip!
3) I realized my BFF was already head over heels for this guy. So much for my little crush.
Photo 2: I’ll be there for you.
I'd seen it coming - I wish I could say I hadn't but the moment Khaki had recognized me on that fateful date, things had gone downhill with Ser. So I planned ahead and just waited. I elicited the help of Ser's administrative assistant and our friend Amy to plan a big night for Ser. I almost felt bad hoping Khaki would dump her before the day came and went!
Amy was on the board of a big charity helping battered and abused women get on their feet again. She'd already been planning a fashion show when I proposed using Ser's designs in the show and she was quick to jump on board!
When the big night came, Ser was still in phase one of the dumping and didn't even want to leave the house but glitz and glamour always perked her up! She was so out of it, she didn't even notice the models were all sporting her own designs until the announcer called her up on stage! I was the loudest person in the crowd cheering for my BFF - much to Amy's horror.
Photo 3: A Berry Sweet Surprise!
Having reconnected with Amy during the charity event, I thought getting all the old road trip gang together might further Ser's recovery. She'd lost touch with most of them but I'd exchanged emails over the years so it was easy enough to find them. Fate, as ever, was in our favor and everyone was able to make it! I expected Ser and Picton to pick up where they left off - fighting - boy was I in for a surprise!
Of course Khaki crashing the party was an even bigger surprise! What the berry was HE doing here?
"Oh, you're not alone..." Khaki looked around awkwardly at the party he hadn't been expecting. "I wanted to talk to you...is that Serria?" I didn't answer as his face moved from surprise to hurt to annoyance. "Guess she moves on fast..."
"Seriously?!" He left soon after that, though it took a lot of persuading on my part!
Photo 4: SWEET!!
I've always thought of Ser as the sister I never had. Despite our obvious differences and small bickerings - we're always there for each other. In fact, I think I could say the same for most of our friends now - they're family; a family we could pick.
It's been a year since that fateful date on the boardwalk. Despite the initial heartache - I think it was meant to happen the way it did to bring Picton and Ser back together. Amy and Tango have even made a go of it - which was awkward at first but I assured her that Tango and I are just friends.
Besides - I'd say Khaki and I getting together was more awkward than all the rest. I know! I know! It's crazy isn't it? But that's the way the Sweet world works! Oh I think I'm supposed to try for the bouquet now!
Additional thoughts: I'll leave these off for now since the Finale hasn't be judged yet! I will say I had a lot of fun with this competition as a whole and NEVER expected to make it this far!
The ones I didn't use:
Monday, March 5, 2012
Happy Birthday Dusty Plains!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Happy Holidays!
Love y'all!
And an outtake of Erik setting his bum on fire :P
Sunday, November 27, 2011
NaNoWriMo Update
I'll try to get more excerpts up but really, while the 50,000 words are done - there's still 15-20K more to finish the story up! But still....shiny! :D
Monday, November 21, 2011
NaNoWriMo: Chapter 13 Excerpt
"Underneath the console – you know the code El. That will open the hidden space and inside will be the key." Michael's voice echoed in her mind as she recalled his quick instructions. She'd been happily packing for her visit to the Unity base before he'd burst through her door and started yammering a mile a minute about aliens and nuclear weapons. "If the worst happens, you have to get to Mars and then Dmitri will help you find the key. You're the last hope..."
"But what will happen Michael? The key for what?" Eloise had asked him a dozen times and still, even now as she stood there reaching into the tiny compartment, she wasn't one hundred percent sure. She shook the memories from her mind – had it all happened only a few weeks ago? She looked askance at Dmitri and he nodded once more, his helmet obscuring his facial expression. He, and he alone, knew what she was about to do and had been guiding her here all along.
Her gloved fingers brushed along the edge of the thin plastic device and she grabbed it, pulling it from it's hiding space. Dmitri only glanced at her briefly, preferring to keep his eyes on Alex to ensure he didn't interfere while Eloise silently prayed that he would do just that. Looking down at the plastic in her hand, she took several steadying breaths before turning it over. Along the back she saw a miniscule line, a split in the plastic where she was to crack it open as it was only a cover, shielding and protecting the string of characters inside.
Though the crack sounded damnably loud to her ears, neither Dmitri nor Alex seemed to have heard it. She slipped the thin card inside from it's sheath and held it up for a second before turning her attention back to the console. "I think I found it!" Alex shouted, causing them all to jump. In a moment, all the consoles had come to life and Alex began to scoot out from his spot on the floor. Dmitri turned toward her and motioned quickly to the card.
"No more time ma'am" he whispered, moving silently but quickly to where Alex was laying.
"Right then." Eloise muttered. She couldn't spare any more time for thoughts or second guessing. There were three codes on the card – all would be necessary to complete her task as she understood. She bent in front of the computer and typed in the first of the three but paused as soon as it came time to press the final key. Behind her, Dmitri was trying to keep Alex's attention but he turned her direction expectantly. She closed her eyes and pressed the button.
Every screen in the room lit up with images of the Earth. Glaring red dots were scattered across the map at the core of at least a dozen major cities. "What's that?" Alex grabbed the console and pulled himself up, the black box he'd been searching for still clutched in his hands. He looked over toward Eloise and frowned. "What is it? What did you bring up?"
She couldn't stomach to look at him and turned back toward the screen in front of her. Once again the cursor was blinking expectantly, though it gave no actual instructions. She looked down at the card in her hand and began to punch in the next set of characters. This time she didn't hesitate over the final keystroke for she feared if she did she wouldn't be able to finish.
"Warning: Planetary Protection System activated. Accessing systems." The computer's voice cut out a few times, probably a result of the assault but its warning rang clear enough throughout the command unit
"But what will happen Michael? The key for what?" Eloise had asked him a dozen times and still, even now as she stood there reaching into the tiny compartment, she wasn't one hundred percent sure. She shook the memories from her mind – had it all happened only a few weeks ago? She looked askance at Dmitri and he nodded once more, his helmet obscuring his facial expression. He, and he alone, knew what she was about to do and had been guiding her here all along.
Her gloved fingers brushed along the edge of the thin plastic device and she grabbed it, pulling it from it's hiding space. Dmitri only glanced at her briefly, preferring to keep his eyes on Alex to ensure he didn't interfere while Eloise silently prayed that he would do just that. Looking down at the plastic in her hand, she took several steadying breaths before turning it over. Along the back she saw a miniscule line, a split in the plastic where she was to crack it open as it was only a cover, shielding and protecting the string of characters inside.
Though the crack sounded damnably loud to her ears, neither Dmitri nor Alex seemed to have heard it. She slipped the thin card inside from it's sheath and held it up for a second before turning her attention back to the console. "I think I found it!" Alex shouted, causing them all to jump. In a moment, all the consoles had come to life and Alex began to scoot out from his spot on the floor. Dmitri turned toward her and motioned quickly to the card.
"No more time ma'am" he whispered, moving silently but quickly to where Alex was laying.
"Right then." Eloise muttered. She couldn't spare any more time for thoughts or second guessing. There were three codes on the card – all would be necessary to complete her task as she understood. She bent in front of the computer and typed in the first of the three but paused as soon as it came time to press the final key. Behind her, Dmitri was trying to keep Alex's attention but he turned her direction expectantly. She closed her eyes and pressed the button.
Every screen in the room lit up with images of the Earth. Glaring red dots were scattered across the map at the core of at least a dozen major cities. "What's that?" Alex grabbed the console and pulled himself up, the black box he'd been searching for still clutched in his hands. He looked over toward Eloise and frowned. "What is it? What did you bring up?"
She couldn't stomach to look at him and turned back toward the screen in front of her. Once again the cursor was blinking expectantly, though it gave no actual instructions. She looked down at the card in her hand and began to punch in the next set of characters. This time she didn't hesitate over the final keystroke for she feared if she did she wouldn't be able to finish.
"Warning: Planetary Protection System activated. Accessing systems." The computer's voice cut out a few times, probably a result of the assault but its warning rang clear enough throughout the command unit
Sunday, November 20, 2011
NaNoWriMo: Chapter 12 Excerpt
James waved his acknowledgment, close enough to permission by the young scientist's standards it would seem, as he began rooting around in the pockets of his suit for some tools of some sort. Before he poked a needle into the bodies, James grabbed Eva's arm and nudged her around the central station of consoles toward the other half of the pod. They could just see the drill, resting forever idle now, between the computer consoles that formed a tight ring around it in the center of the space. James pulled out his HHAD and shook his head after examining it. "The anomalous reading is in this room but what is it?"
"Maybe...i-it c-could be th-that?" Eva stammered, her arm was extended and trembling as she pointed into the darkest corner. James looked up and stepped forward, hoping to see further into the corner but she grasped his shoulders quickly, stopping him in his tracks.
Then, slowly and awkwardly, the shadow moved! Or rather something within the shadow moved. They heard a raspy, shallow gasp and breath followed by the scrapping of metal against metal. James pried Eva's fingers from his shoulders before reaching down and pulling out the pistol he'd collected during suiting up. With one quick glance at Eva, he leveled it at the shadow just as one of the aliens crawled into the thin strip of light.
Like his companions, he was coated in blood and appeared to be badly wounded. In spite of her fear, Eva was overwhelmed by compassion and started towards him. "Stop Eva," James said, his gun still leveled on the alien's crippled body.
"He's wounded...." she looked back and forth between them for a moment before starting again in the alien's direction.
"Eva! Stay back!" James's shouts caused her to halt once more. "He deserves to die for what he's done."
"It wasn't him though, his people maybe but not him." Eva put herself in his line of sight, causing him to flinch briefly. "Besides, that's not us. We don't do that..."
"Move Eva." James felt his hand began to tremble but he didn't drop his arm or the weapon. "That's an order."
"Not if you plan to kill him! I won't let you."
James looked at her as if she'd gone mad, in his mind she more or less must be to defend this beast! "Eva! Think of all the people they slaughtered out there!" He pointed toward the doors which led back to the rest of the colony. "And on Earth. The families. Entire cities were destroyed by his people! Without any mercy! And you want me to have mercy for it now?!" His eyes were thick with unshed tears that he wished he could swipe away.
Eva, too, was crying and shaking but she stood, resolutely, in her place. "James," she gulped. "James...this isn't you." Her voice was small, just barely above a whisper, but the words struck home. "You," she sniffled, "James Hunt, you are a good man. And the James I know....my James – he wouldn't kill a man in cold blood. Now even this man – this alien." She shook her head fiercely as she spoke, the tears flowing down her face were obscured by her visor but he could hear it in her voice. "This isn't you...this isn't us..."
Humbled and shamed by her words, James faltered and dropped his arm to his side. The weapon hung limply in his hand and he closed his eyes tight in an attempt to regain his composure. At the same time, the alien was slithering across the floor, unbeknownst to either of them. Though he'd been stabbed and laying in a pool of his own blood since then, he stumbled to his feet and struck, with trained precision. By the time Eva let out a startled gasp, drawing James's attention, the alien had an arm wrapped around her chest. In the other hand, he clutched a shard of glass and was pressing it against the tube that supplied Eva's air supply.
"Maybe...i-it c-could be th-that?" Eva stammered, her arm was extended and trembling as she pointed into the darkest corner. James looked up and stepped forward, hoping to see further into the corner but she grasped his shoulders quickly, stopping him in his tracks.
Then, slowly and awkwardly, the shadow moved! Or rather something within the shadow moved. They heard a raspy, shallow gasp and breath followed by the scrapping of metal against metal. James pried Eva's fingers from his shoulders before reaching down and pulling out the pistol he'd collected during suiting up. With one quick glance at Eva, he leveled it at the shadow just as one of the aliens crawled into the thin strip of light.
Like his companions, he was coated in blood and appeared to be badly wounded. In spite of her fear, Eva was overwhelmed by compassion and started towards him. "Stop Eva," James said, his gun still leveled on the alien's crippled body.
"He's wounded...." she looked back and forth between them for a moment before starting again in the alien's direction.
"Eva! Stay back!" James's shouts caused her to halt once more. "He deserves to die for what he's done."
"It wasn't him though, his people maybe but not him." Eva put herself in his line of sight, causing him to flinch briefly. "Besides, that's not us. We don't do that..."
"Move Eva." James felt his hand began to tremble but he didn't drop his arm or the weapon. "That's an order."
"Not if you plan to kill him! I won't let you."
James looked at her as if she'd gone mad, in his mind she more or less must be to defend this beast! "Eva! Think of all the people they slaughtered out there!" He pointed toward the doors which led back to the rest of the colony. "And on Earth. The families. Entire cities were destroyed by his people! Without any mercy! And you want me to have mercy for it now?!" His eyes were thick with unshed tears that he wished he could swipe away.
Eva, too, was crying and shaking but she stood, resolutely, in her place. "James," she gulped. "James...this isn't you." Her voice was small, just barely above a whisper, but the words struck home. "You," she sniffled, "James Hunt, you are a good man. And the James I know....my James – he wouldn't kill a man in cold blood. Now even this man – this alien." She shook her head fiercely as she spoke, the tears flowing down her face were obscured by her visor but he could hear it in her voice. "This isn't you...this isn't us..."
Humbled and shamed by her words, James faltered and dropped his arm to his side. The weapon hung limply in his hand and he closed his eyes tight in an attempt to regain his composure. At the same time, the alien was slithering across the floor, unbeknownst to either of them. Though he'd been stabbed and laying in a pool of his own blood since then, he stumbled to his feet and struck, with trained precision. By the time Eva let out a startled gasp, drawing James's attention, the alien had an arm wrapped around her chest. In the other hand, he clutched a shard of glass and was pressing it against the tube that supplied Eva's air supply.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
NaNoWriMo: Chapter 11 Excerpt
"The likelihood of anyone surviving is very slim Captain." Arizona slipped the environmental suit helmet over her head and clicked the air locking mechanisms into place before turning toward him.
The ten people leaving the ship in order to explore the Mars Colony were pressed together in a small hold as they donned the suits. "Perhaps, but we'll still have a look and not give up all hope eh Ms. Kowolski?"
"Hope. The notion of holding onto a belief despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary." Arizona looked unimpressed, frowning under the visor of her helmet.
"That's about the whole of it." James said, shaking his head in disbelief. "Everyone ready?" He was met with a chorus of affirmatives so he stepped forward and pressed the buttons to release the airlock. Encased in the suit, his fingers were at least three or four times their normal size and moved somewhat awkwardly over the keypad but the hiss of the door seal releasing reassured him.
They moved together from the landing pad to the mostly intact corridor that attached it to the rest of the pods that made of the Mars Colony. From there, the three teams were forced to separate in order to accomplish their individual missions. "This feels like we're robbing a grave." Frank Canton was clearly upset by the mission allotted to him but waited to say anything until James was out of sight and earshot.
"The occupants of this facility have no use of the supplies now as they are dead." Arizona stepped up beside the first person they came across and stooped to examine the body. "Female, non-violent death – I'd guess oxygen deprivation after the life support system went down." She ran her gloved fingers under the collar of the dead woman's jumpsuit which had a small silver caduceus pin attached to it. "She was medical staff."
"They may have no use of it anymore but it still feels wrong Arizona!" Frank swore a few times before stomping onward.
Arizona looked toward the other two in confusion but they simply shook their heads, imploring her not to continue the line of discussion. But she hurried after Canton anyway, "How can it feel wrong exactly? The dead can't use stored food or medical supplies but we can."
"It just...." Frank stopped so suddenly that Arizona piled into him and they almost tumbled forward. At their feet, a woman clutched two children in her lap. The small family looked to be completely at peace despite the terror that must have been surging through the woman – presumably the mother - as she tried to find a way to save her children. "Can you honestly look at these people and not feel compassion?"
"It's not a matter of not feeling compassion Mr. Canton." Arizona knelt before the family and examined them again, to confirm her suspicions on the cause of death. Still kneeling, she looked upward, "it's simply a matter of practicality. Our futures are uncertain and it is logical for us to outfit ourselves in such a way to survive. If this topic is uncomfortable for you, I will desist questioning. Though I still do not understand your thought process."
The ten people leaving the ship in order to explore the Mars Colony were pressed together in a small hold as they donned the suits. "Perhaps, but we'll still have a look and not give up all hope eh Ms. Kowolski?"
"Hope. The notion of holding onto a belief despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary." Arizona looked unimpressed, frowning under the visor of her helmet.
"That's about the whole of it." James said, shaking his head in disbelief. "Everyone ready?" He was met with a chorus of affirmatives so he stepped forward and pressed the buttons to release the airlock. Encased in the suit, his fingers were at least three or four times their normal size and moved somewhat awkwardly over the keypad but the hiss of the door seal releasing reassured him.
They moved together from the landing pad to the mostly intact corridor that attached it to the rest of the pods that made of the Mars Colony. From there, the three teams were forced to separate in order to accomplish their individual missions. "This feels like we're robbing a grave." Frank Canton was clearly upset by the mission allotted to him but waited to say anything until James was out of sight and earshot.
"The occupants of this facility have no use of the supplies now as they are dead." Arizona stepped up beside the first person they came across and stooped to examine the body. "Female, non-violent death – I'd guess oxygen deprivation after the life support system went down." She ran her gloved fingers under the collar of the dead woman's jumpsuit which had a small silver caduceus pin attached to it. "She was medical staff."
"They may have no use of it anymore but it still feels wrong Arizona!" Frank swore a few times before stomping onward.
Arizona looked toward the other two in confusion but they simply shook their heads, imploring her not to continue the line of discussion. But she hurried after Canton anyway, "How can it feel wrong exactly? The dead can't use stored food or medical supplies but we can."
"It just...." Frank stopped so suddenly that Arizona piled into him and they almost tumbled forward. At their feet, a woman clutched two children in her lap. The small family looked to be completely at peace despite the terror that must have been surging through the woman – presumably the mother - as she tried to find a way to save her children. "Can you honestly look at these people and not feel compassion?"
"It's not a matter of not feeling compassion Mr. Canton." Arizona knelt before the family and examined them again, to confirm her suspicions on the cause of death. Still kneeling, she looked upward, "it's simply a matter of practicality. Our futures are uncertain and it is logical for us to outfit ourselves in such a way to survive. If this topic is uncomfortable for you, I will desist questioning. Though I still do not understand your thought process."
Friday, November 18, 2011
NaNoWriMo: Chapter 10 Excerpt
The doctor sat beside her bed, a book open in his lap and a light snore came from his slumped form as Alex drew nearer. Amy, who lay silently in her bed, was smiling at the doctor. When she saw Alex approach, she raised her finger to her lips and pressed it to them in the universal signal for silence. "Shh." she whispered, then patted the side of her bed.
Alex sat where she bid and grinned at the dopey look on Russ's face. "I could wake him and send him to his room ya know." he whispered.
Amy shook her head softly. "He rarely sleeps, I'd hate to interrupt him now. He'd make some excuse about work and then be up another twelve hours."
"Up at all hours trying to figure out what to do with you eh?" Alex teased.
Amy shrugged. "I told him he should do the operation but he's... he doesn't think he can."
"I'm sure he'll figure it out. He's very dedicated." Alex bit his lower lip for a second and then reached into his jacket. His fingers ran along the frame and he hoped it wouldn't distress her. "I've brought you something, though I'm not sure..." Without consciously making the decision, he pulled out the picture.
Even without seeing the photograph, she seemed to know the contents and choked out a sob as she reached for it. "Let me see Alex." He wanted to protest, afraid it might make her start crying and trigger another seizure or something, but he couldn't watch her beg for more than a second before he handed it over to her. To his surprise, she smiled, albeit sadly, as she looked down on the faces of her family. She traced their faces with her hand and Alex was reminded of how serious her condition was by the various IV tubes the doctor had semi-permanently affixed to her arm. "Thank you Alex..."
Moving in his sleep, the book tumbled off the doctor's lab and fell to the floor with a loud thud. Russ jumped at the noise, his eyes popping open, and he let out a startled cry. "Ahh!" He looked around for a second, noticed the book on the floor and bent to scoop it up. "Wha?"
Though fresh tears were glistening in Amy's eyes, she smiled at the charmingly confused look he had on his face and Alex wondered if she was growing attached to the young doctor. "Morning Doc." Alex grinned at him. "Have a good nap?" Amy had to fight back a giggle at his expense.
"I feel asleep? Oh I'm sorry Amy, I know I was reading...." he held up the book halfheartedly.
"It's alright Doctor, you rarely sleep, I can't say I mind too terribly." Amy said. Having a moment to really look her over, he couldn't help but wonder if the doctor's sleep schedule directly correlated to Amy's. She had deep, purplish bags under her eyes and looked drawn and tired. It could be due to the injuries and being constantly subjected to the rhythm of the monitors but she didn't look well at all today.
Before he could voice his concerns, however, one of the many medical devices in the bay let out a loud shrill beep. Amy cringed and Alex looked around for the source. "Ah, blood tests are done..." he said, snapping the book closed and handing it to Alex as he rushed past.
"Blood tests?" Alex asked, instantly concerned.
"Oh nothing to worry about. The good doctor siphons my blood every few days for tests of some sort. Being bed bound, I don't put up much of a fight." Amy joked. "Though, to be honest, I'm beginning to suspect he's a bit of a vampire."
Alex sat where she bid and grinned at the dopey look on Russ's face. "I could wake him and send him to his room ya know." he whispered.
Amy shook her head softly. "He rarely sleeps, I'd hate to interrupt him now. He'd make some excuse about work and then be up another twelve hours."
"Up at all hours trying to figure out what to do with you eh?" Alex teased.
Amy shrugged. "I told him he should do the operation but he's... he doesn't think he can."
"I'm sure he'll figure it out. He's very dedicated." Alex bit his lower lip for a second and then reached into his jacket. His fingers ran along the frame and he hoped it wouldn't distress her. "I've brought you something, though I'm not sure..." Without consciously making the decision, he pulled out the picture.
Even without seeing the photograph, she seemed to know the contents and choked out a sob as she reached for it. "Let me see Alex." He wanted to protest, afraid it might make her start crying and trigger another seizure or something, but he couldn't watch her beg for more than a second before he handed it over to her. To his surprise, she smiled, albeit sadly, as she looked down on the faces of her family. She traced their faces with her hand and Alex was reminded of how serious her condition was by the various IV tubes the doctor had semi-permanently affixed to her arm. "Thank you Alex..."
Moving in his sleep, the book tumbled off the doctor's lab and fell to the floor with a loud thud. Russ jumped at the noise, his eyes popping open, and he let out a startled cry. "Ahh!" He looked around for a second, noticed the book on the floor and bent to scoop it up. "Wha?"
Though fresh tears were glistening in Amy's eyes, she smiled at the charmingly confused look he had on his face and Alex wondered if she was growing attached to the young doctor. "Morning Doc." Alex grinned at him. "Have a good nap?" Amy had to fight back a giggle at his expense.
"I feel asleep? Oh I'm sorry Amy, I know I was reading...." he held up the book halfheartedly.
"It's alright Doctor, you rarely sleep, I can't say I mind too terribly." Amy said. Having a moment to really look her over, he couldn't help but wonder if the doctor's sleep schedule directly correlated to Amy's. She had deep, purplish bags under her eyes and looked drawn and tired. It could be due to the injuries and being constantly subjected to the rhythm of the monitors but she didn't look well at all today.
Before he could voice his concerns, however, one of the many medical devices in the bay let out a loud shrill beep. Amy cringed and Alex looked around for the source. "Ah, blood tests are done..." he said, snapping the book closed and handing it to Alex as he rushed past.
"Blood tests?" Alex asked, instantly concerned.
"Oh nothing to worry about. The good doctor siphons my blood every few days for tests of some sort. Being bed bound, I don't put up much of a fight." Amy joked. "Though, to be honest, I'm beginning to suspect he's a bit of a vampire."
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
NaNoWriMo: Chapter 9 Excerpt
"But Mom!" Russ whined. Once again he's been relegated to the back seat even though he was ten years old and there was no one sitting in the front passenger seat. "This is ridiculous!"
"It's for your own safety dear." His mother's face was composed despite the fact that he started this argument every afternoon when she picked him up from soccer practice. The other boys on the team would point and laugh as he was forced to move from the front to the back like a preschooler. "I won't yield simply because other mothers are so flippant with their child's safety." She glanced at him through the rear view mirror and smiled, intending to comfort him.
Russ, only a child, turned his head and crossed his arms over his chest. She tried, several times, to engage him in conversation but he only grunted once or twice in response and otherwise ignored all her attempts. When they were nearly home, she'd been prattling on about the new movie she knew he wanted to see but instead of jumping into the conversation, he balled his fists and shouted, "SHUT UP! I HATE YOU!"
Taken aback, she stopped talking instantly and took her eyes from the road to look back at him. He saw the tears swelling in her eyes and wanted to take back his words immediately. Before he could, she closed her eyes and grabbed at her chest, clutching her broken heart.
But Russ's attention was drawn from her to the oncoming headlights! "Mom!" he shouted, reaching out for her to get her attention. She was slumped over in her seat and made no move of acknowledgment. Russ yanked at the seat belt, trying to get free of the confines but his awkward, panicked attempts to release the belt were fruitless. Still trying to revive his mother, he heard the squeal of brakes and then the grinding of metal as the oncoming car collided with theirs. As one mass, the two cars crunched into the metal guard rail and then, as the rail buckled under the pressure, into the steep ditch until finally coming to rest.
Russ, though sore and jostled by the initial collision, didn't see any obvious injuries on himself. "Mom?" he called out toward her, still wrestling with the seat belt now that all movement had stopped. He could hear shouting outside, possibly from the driver of the other car or witnesses but he focused on his mother. She had a deep gash on her forehead and the whole front of the car was pushed so far in that he could no longer see her legs.
Finally the belt snapped out of place and he slid from the seat toward her. "Mom?" he asked again. To his relief, she let out a small moan and her head shifted enough that he could see her face. "I'm sorry Mom, I'm so sorry!" He dug around on the floor board, looking for his bag from soccer practice. It had been pinned between the now compacted front seat the back bench but he was able to pull a towel free and pressed it to the gash on her forehead in hopes of stopping the blood flow. "Mommy...." he whispered, longing to hear her voice or even a groan. "Mom!"
Monday, November 14, 2011
NaNoWriMo: Chapter 8 Excerpt
Down on the third deck, the six engineers had been relegated to loading cargo along with the Ambassador and Dmitri. While it didn't please them to be stuck with Eloise's company, they all took a little delight at seeing her struggle to pull her own weight. In the midst of their work, they were discussing the upcoming launch and their overall chances of making it to Mars. "You know what the real problem is right?" Ricardo Luiz asked after dropping a crate into place.
"We have only one?" Alice Tracy, while appearing sprite and ill equipped for manual labor was dragging in pallet after pallet of food under Mario's watchful eye.
"The aliens gotta have ships out there in orbit." Ricardo ignored her jab and plopped down on his crate as he continued. "So assuming we get past the smaller fighters here and assuming we get outta atmo and assuming none of these otherwise untested systems don't fail on us..."
"Ricky, you wanna bitch, do it while you're working. We haven't got time for sittin' on our bums." Frank scolded.
Ricky jumped up and left the hold to retrieve another crate so it was silent for a few moments until he returned. "Assuming we survive all that, they're just gonna blow us out of the sky once we get out there."
"Not if they don't see us." Arizona Kowolski said as she shoved a box full of clothes into a storage bin. When she turned around, everyone had stopped working to stare at her.
Even Frank Canton had been caught off guard by her suggestion and paused, with a heavy crate in his arms, to look at her expectantly. "How do you suppose we do that missy?"
Arizona looked startled and a few people began to mutter that she didn't actually know what she was talking about before she responded. "How do you live with those brains?" she asked without jest. "The same way we've hidden from them thus far."
"I don't think we can take the mountain with us Arizona." Camille Rice said slowly. Of all the engineers, Camille was the most tolerant of Arizona's personality quirks and most of them turned to her when it came to dealing with the genius.
"I'm not talking about the mountain." Arizona rolled her eyes. "A dozen holographic emitters conceal the launch site, making it appear as the side of a mountain. Seeing as they haven't detected the opening thus far, it's unlikely they have the technology unless they did an in depth scan. If we take the emitters and affix them to Unity, they can project a low level holographic image to shield us from view."
"And what about scans, I'm sure they could still detect a large object coming their way even if it is hiding." Ricky pointed out arrogantly.
"Of course they could. That's why we use the satellites to bounce a scattered signal to the other side of the planet, drawing their attention." Arizona said, a small smile on her face.
"It could work" Frank admitted slowly. "At least long enough for us to get away."
"You're assuming they haven't destroyed the satellites though." Alice pointed out reluctantly.
Arizona shook her head. "They haven't or our HHADs (hand held access devices) would be useless outside of the facility. They still connect to everything."
"She's right of course." Dmitri said, smiling appreciatively.
Ricky grumbled under his breath. "She's always right."
"We have only one?" Alice Tracy, while appearing sprite and ill equipped for manual labor was dragging in pallet after pallet of food under Mario's watchful eye.
"The aliens gotta have ships out there in orbit." Ricardo ignored her jab and plopped down on his crate as he continued. "So assuming we get past the smaller fighters here and assuming we get outta atmo and assuming none of these otherwise untested systems don't fail on us..."
"Ricky, you wanna bitch, do it while you're working. We haven't got time for sittin' on our bums." Frank scolded.
Ricky jumped up and left the hold to retrieve another crate so it was silent for a few moments until he returned. "Assuming we survive all that, they're just gonna blow us out of the sky once we get out there."
"Not if they don't see us." Arizona Kowolski said as she shoved a box full of clothes into a storage bin. When she turned around, everyone had stopped working to stare at her.
Even Frank Canton had been caught off guard by her suggestion and paused, with a heavy crate in his arms, to look at her expectantly. "How do you suppose we do that missy?"
Arizona looked startled and a few people began to mutter that she didn't actually know what she was talking about before she responded. "How do you live with those brains?" she asked without jest. "The same way we've hidden from them thus far."
"I don't think we can take the mountain with us Arizona." Camille Rice said slowly. Of all the engineers, Camille was the most tolerant of Arizona's personality quirks and most of them turned to her when it came to dealing with the genius.
"I'm not talking about the mountain." Arizona rolled her eyes. "A dozen holographic emitters conceal the launch site, making it appear as the side of a mountain. Seeing as they haven't detected the opening thus far, it's unlikely they have the technology unless they did an in depth scan. If we take the emitters and affix them to Unity, they can project a low level holographic image to shield us from view."
"And what about scans, I'm sure they could still detect a large object coming their way even if it is hiding." Ricky pointed out arrogantly.
"Of course they could. That's why we use the satellites to bounce a scattered signal to the other side of the planet, drawing their attention." Arizona said, a small smile on her face.
"It could work" Frank admitted slowly. "At least long enough for us to get away."
"You're assuming they haven't destroyed the satellites though." Alice pointed out reluctantly.
Arizona shook her head. "They haven't or our HHADs (hand held access devices) would be useless outside of the facility. They still connect to everything."
"She's right of course." Dmitri said, smiling appreciatively.
Ricky grumbled under his breath. "She's always right."
Sunday, November 13, 2011
NaNoWriMo: Chapter 7 Excerpt
"Please sit down Ms. Cruz." It was the first time Eva had heard Dmitri speak and her eyes may have grown to the size of saucers. Obediently she sat, though she couldn't fathom why she was listening to this stranger. Even the Ambassador seemed stunned by this turn of events for a second. "Very good. My name is Dmitri Garlov by the way, I'm not sure the Ambassador made the introductions earlier." Ambassador Jones looked mortified at her own oversight; that or she was embarrassed to have it pointed out. "Now first, I must say I think Mr. Hunt made the right choice when he asked you to keep things in order while he was gone. It's clear he trusts you very much and the others pick up on that.
Eva nodded meekly. She wanted to correct his misconceptions or say something, anything at all, but nothing came out even as her mouth hung open.
"I think you can appreciate the gravity of the situation here Ms. Cruz. We all can of course. In an hour or two panic will begin to set in, particularly if the assault resumes and we can't have that."
"Of course not." Eva said with a gulp. His words were strung together in such a way that a painting was forming in her mind even as he spoke.
Dmitri waited patiently, leaning against the desk with his hands casually clasped in front. He watched, without interruption or word as the emotions danced across Eva's face. He knew exactly what he was doing as he planted the first seeds in her mind. Once the seed took hold, all the horrible possibilities sprang forth until she was visibly shaking in her seat. "Now then, in order to avoid panic, we, and by we I mean you, will need to give them a plan – something to keep them busy."
"Me?" Eva's voice was a shrill squeak by now, a very unusual circumstance for her that mortified her to no end.
"Mmhmm, you." Dmitri looked past her to the ambassador and shook his head. Catching sight of the exchange, Eva looked over at Eloise and was shocked to see her snap her mouth closed.
Eva took a steadying breath and then looked back at Dmitri. She felt her normal sense of calm returning to her body and grabbed hold of it before it flitted away again, letting it grow steadily. "Look, for one, Mr. Hunt will be back and any plans will be through him." She refused to acknowledge their sad little head shakes at that proclamation, James Hunt would be back. In the back of her mind she had been repeating that mantra for hours now to the point that it was hard to believe anything else. "And we don't need a plan – we're perfectly safe here and can be sustained for months if need be."
"The aliens will be back and will continue attacking until the mountain crumbles just as everything else has crumbled. They will take over the world and all of humanity will be lost Ms. Cruz. Make no doubt about that." Dmitri's words slammed against her like a ton of bricks.
"H-how do you know?" she whispered. A tiny thought was sparking in her mind but she couldn't grasp it until just now. "Who are you?"
"I know because it is my job to know and I already told you. My name is Dmit..."
She jumped from her chair, effectively cutting him off mid-sentence. "It's your job to know? You're the lackey of some two bit ambassador," she turned to the ambassador, whose mouth was hanging open in shock and indignation, "No offense ma'am" Eva said with a sheepish look. Before Eloise could say anything, her attention was back on Dmitri though. "Explain yourself."
"It's Top Secret I'm afraid." he said with a casual shrug.
"Well then it's a good thing I work for a Top Secret government project and therefore have top secret clearance," she smirked and settled into the chair once more, folding her arms over her chest.
Eva nodded meekly. She wanted to correct his misconceptions or say something, anything at all, but nothing came out even as her mouth hung open.
"I think you can appreciate the gravity of the situation here Ms. Cruz. We all can of course. In an hour or two panic will begin to set in, particularly if the assault resumes and we can't have that."
"Of course not." Eva said with a gulp. His words were strung together in such a way that a painting was forming in her mind even as he spoke.
Dmitri waited patiently, leaning against the desk with his hands casually clasped in front. He watched, without interruption or word as the emotions danced across Eva's face. He knew exactly what he was doing as he planted the first seeds in her mind. Once the seed took hold, all the horrible possibilities sprang forth until she was visibly shaking in her seat. "Now then, in order to avoid panic, we, and by we I mean you, will need to give them a plan – something to keep them busy."
"Me?" Eva's voice was a shrill squeak by now, a very unusual circumstance for her that mortified her to no end.
"Mmhmm, you." Dmitri looked past her to the ambassador and shook his head. Catching sight of the exchange, Eva looked over at Eloise and was shocked to see her snap her mouth closed.
Eva took a steadying breath and then looked back at Dmitri. She felt her normal sense of calm returning to her body and grabbed hold of it before it flitted away again, letting it grow steadily. "Look, for one, Mr. Hunt will be back and any plans will be through him." She refused to acknowledge their sad little head shakes at that proclamation, James Hunt would be back. In the back of her mind she had been repeating that mantra for hours now to the point that it was hard to believe anything else. "And we don't need a plan – we're perfectly safe here and can be sustained for months if need be."
"The aliens will be back and will continue attacking until the mountain crumbles just as everything else has crumbled. They will take over the world and all of humanity will be lost Ms. Cruz. Make no doubt about that." Dmitri's words slammed against her like a ton of bricks.
"H-how do you know?" she whispered. A tiny thought was sparking in her mind but she couldn't grasp it until just now. "Who are you?"
"I know because it is my job to know and I already told you. My name is Dmit..."
She jumped from her chair, effectively cutting him off mid-sentence. "It's your job to know? You're the lackey of some two bit ambassador," she turned to the ambassador, whose mouth was hanging open in shock and indignation, "No offense ma'am" Eva said with a sheepish look. Before Eloise could say anything, her attention was back on Dmitri though. "Explain yourself."
"It's Top Secret I'm afraid." he said with a casual shrug.
"Well then it's a good thing I work for a Top Secret government project and therefore have top secret clearance," she smirked and settled into the chair once more, folding her arms over her chest.
Friday, November 11, 2011
NaNoWriMo: Chapter 6 Excerpt
James stepped through the shattered glass of the door and looked around the bar. Even in its glory, he was certain that this place was the sort of dive found in many small towns. The furniture had all been demolished in a fit of rage by someone or someones. A large hunting knife was buried right through the eye of the deer head mounted on the wall above the jukebox. James righted a surviving bar stool and climbed up on it to retrieve the knife. He wasn't sure he'd have any real use for it but it seemed some how cruel to leave it where it was now.
As he climbed down, he heard something completely unexpected! A groan!
Whirling around toward the source, he frowned when he found nothing but the bar waiting for him. Somehow he'd expected to find some drunkard passed out on the bar or even someone wounded stumbling about from the back room but there was nothing.
"Oh damn..." a disembodied voice replaced the groan and James found himself jumping in surprise and, admittedly a bit of joy. He ran around to the other side of the bar to find the source. Heaped on the floor was a bloody, soot covered man writhing in some sort of pain. Despite some bumps and bruises, he didn't look seriously wounded so James had to assume the source of the agony came from the empty vodka bottle still clutched in his hand. The man looked momentarily terrified of James's appearance and then looked utterly confused. "Who are you?"
"Who are you?" James countered, offering his hand to help the man up off the floor. "Are you hurt at all?"
"All over." he said, groaning even as he moved his hand to grasp James's. "Russ Allen, formerly of the country hospital."
"Formerly?"
"As in it's no longer there." Russ laid his head against the cool wood of bar and actually smiled. "Big boom."
"Are you drunk?" James had briefly rejoiced at having found a medic of some variety but so far, Russ was making a less than stellar impression.
"Not nearly enough." Russ said with a pained smirk. "So, I ask again, who are you?"
"James Hunt." he replied, leaning back against the wall to observe the first living person he's seen since driving away from his friends and co-workers. "So are you a doctor?"
"Intern, or was. Remember? Big boom?" Having recovered himself somewhat, Russ was rooting around in the limited remains behind the bar.
"Right, got that." James frowned. "I'm not sure you really need more alcohol Doc." he ventured after several empty bottles met their death on the floor.
"I'm not sure you're in any place to dictate how I wait for my alien overlords." Russ retorted, not even looking back at Hunt.
James just shook his head. "Right then..." Without anything more to say to the man, he turned on his heel and picked his way over the rubble back toward the door. "Good luck Doctor."
Russ looked up in surprise. "Wait..." He gave up his search for liquid bliss and stumbled, less gracefully, after James. "What are you doing here anyway?" As he stepped into the street, he had to shield his eyes from the near blinding sun.
"Looking to help people. I guess I was looking for hope – survivors. So far I've only found you." James quirked an eyebrow, surveying the disheveled doctor once more and then hopped into the jeep and turned the key in the ignition.
As he climbed down, he heard something completely unexpected! A groan!
Whirling around toward the source, he frowned when he found nothing but the bar waiting for him. Somehow he'd expected to find some drunkard passed out on the bar or even someone wounded stumbling about from the back room but there was nothing.
"Oh damn..." a disembodied voice replaced the groan and James found himself jumping in surprise and, admittedly a bit of joy. He ran around to the other side of the bar to find the source. Heaped on the floor was a bloody, soot covered man writhing in some sort of pain. Despite some bumps and bruises, he didn't look seriously wounded so James had to assume the source of the agony came from the empty vodka bottle still clutched in his hand. The man looked momentarily terrified of James's appearance and then looked utterly confused. "Who are you?"
"Who are you?" James countered, offering his hand to help the man up off the floor. "Are you hurt at all?"
"All over." he said, groaning even as he moved his hand to grasp James's. "Russ Allen, formerly of the country hospital."
"Formerly?"
"As in it's no longer there." Russ laid his head against the cool wood of bar and actually smiled. "Big boom."
"Are you drunk?" James had briefly rejoiced at having found a medic of some variety but so far, Russ was making a less than stellar impression.
"Not nearly enough." Russ said with a pained smirk. "So, I ask again, who are you?"
"James Hunt." he replied, leaning back against the wall to observe the first living person he's seen since driving away from his friends and co-workers. "So are you a doctor?"
"Intern, or was. Remember? Big boom?" Having recovered himself somewhat, Russ was rooting around in the limited remains behind the bar.
"Right, got that." James frowned. "I'm not sure you really need more alcohol Doc." he ventured after several empty bottles met their death on the floor.
"I'm not sure you're in any place to dictate how I wait for my alien overlords." Russ retorted, not even looking back at Hunt.
James just shook his head. "Right then..." Without anything more to say to the man, he turned on his heel and picked his way over the rubble back toward the door. "Good luck Doctor."
Russ looked up in surprise. "Wait..." He gave up his search for liquid bliss and stumbled, less gracefully, after James. "What are you doing here anyway?" As he stepped into the street, he had to shield his eyes from the near blinding sun.
"Looking to help people. I guess I was looking for hope – survivors. So far I've only found you." James quirked an eyebrow, surveying the disheveled doctor once more and then hopped into the jeep and turned the key in the ignition.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Happy (early) Birthday School Days!
Two years ago, back on SiManiacs, I posted the very first chapter of School Days. They were awkward and funny little freshmen! The next three chapters came very quickly because I was eager to tell the story! They were rather short chapters (compared to what I write now anyway!) But I do so love that initial Erik/Ginny/Todd triangle!
So, come Thursday it will have been two fabulous years and I'd like to wish some of my nearest and dearest characters, a very happy birthday. And a big thank you to everyone who has and still reads the story! There's not much left of high school but it will continue after NaNoWriMo ends of course!
------
A few pictures from the years.
Ginny, V, Todd and Timothy as children
Freshman Year
Sophomore Year
Junior Year
And Senior Year
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