The scene at the Philadelphia Navy Yard was it's own usual brand of highly-organized chaos. On the dock next to SSN 2161-X, a tall, balding, somewhat sardonic man in the khaki uniform and dolphins of a US Navy sub commander stood next to a shorter man in pristine Navy dress whites and the insignia of an admiral. The crew of the sub was busily engaged in re-painting the hull; strangely, a large logo was being roughed out on both sides of the boat's sail above her hull number and the rest of the hull was being painted bright silver, instead of low-visibility grey. Civilian representatives of the Electric Boat Company and Grumman Aerospace were also visible, installing some kind of equipment in clusters around the bow and stern of the large Seawolf-class nuclear attack boat. Odd protrustions spotted the hull here and there, and what looked like fairings for huge jet engines were mounted low on the hull. There was also a mini-sub similar to the NR-1 nuclear rescue vehicle docked over her aft escape hatch.
They both watched the bustle of activity in companionable silence. The taller man finally spoke to the admiral. "So we're still go for launch on Sunday, sir?"
"Yes. The Navy still hasn't changed its mind, and I don't think they're going to at this late date. We need a presence out there too badly to turn back at this point. The modifications are done, we've culled the right crewmen from all over the sub service. I think we're ready, what's your assessment?"
The tall man looked pensive. The faint strains of some kind of music were briefly heard over a lull in the usual background noise, and the boat seemed to quiver momentarily. "I've been reading my XO's reports almost hourly, sir. I think we'll make launch without problems. I'm more afraid of interference from the rest of the brass when they get wind of this. We may be a black project, but we're not *that* black, if you catch my drift. We could still get out asses kicked."
The admiral snorted. "Let 'em try. Personally, I'm going to fight for this project tooth and nail; it's my last chance to poke a sharp stick in Admiral Graham's eye before I retire. Besides, if we're ever going to get a handle on the situation in the Solar System, we've got to get out there where we can *do* something."
A willowy blonde woman walked down the gangplank and up to the two men, saluted and then held out a clipboard. "Supplies are all loaded, sir," she said to her captain.
"Admiral, I don't know if you've ever met my exec, Lieutenant Emily Lake?"
"A pleasure, Lieutenant." He turned back to the commander. "I've got to fly out to New York tonight, but I'll try to be back for the launch. Good luck and Godspeed to you and the Stingray, Commander Dodge."
He turned and saluted the Admiral; as he did, the ship's patch on his shoulder came into view; a stingray, in a sailor's hat and chomping a cigar, with a skull-and-crossbones flying from its erect tail. "Thank you, Admiral Winslow."
The noise cleared enough to finally recognize the background music being played over large loudspeakers: the Village People's "In the Navy"...

As the title suggests. Does anyone have a trial code? For Heroes or Villains.
See, I've got a friend who's interested in trying the game. Like, really interested. He was basically going all little cartoon hearts over my shoulder as I did a sales pitch earlier tonight.
Heck, I think he's downloading the game client now, actually...
I thought I still had at least one valid code saved somewhere, but I can't find the thing.
...if you do, send me a private message on the boards, or email me: acyl84 (at) gmail.com
Much appreciated. o_o;
-- Acyl

Some things that've been going through my head for a while, in the background. I figure I'm sufficiently doped on flu medicine to put 'em into words.
The fandom is El-Hazard. The OVA, not the crappy TV series.
Okay, so ...
idea 1) - Makoto spends a lot of his time researching, trying to find a way to control the Eye of God and the Key Staff and get Ifurita back. What if he didn't limit himself to just going through the Royal Library of Florestica? What if he decided to take a page out of Fujisawa's playbook and, after a few weeks of research, packed up some notes for further perusal and went vamoos, searching for possible solutions in a vaguely Indiana Jones sort of manner? Basically, trying to find some alternative to using the Eye's effect, or more direct information on how to use it better rather than old tales from the Library.
He periodically returns to Florestica to pick up more notes and hints to other possible sites of OldTech.
A week or so before Fujisawa's wedding disaster, he finds something. And, in the usual bumbling manner of the male lead in a harem or semi-harem show, gets some more trouble out of the deal.
Ayup, he wakes up Kalia.
idea 2) - okay, so he's finally managed to make it. He's back on Earth, Master of the Power Key Staff, and all that jazz, reunited with his Lost Love. Ahem.
Only things aren't nearly as simple. See, Roshtaria and surrounding countries move forward, and as the Bugrom aren't really much more than an annoyance, and haven't been since The Eye went Berserk at the end of the first OVA series, the inevitable follows. It's merely political unrest, at first, but there is pressure brought on the Royal House to provide stability.
The first step towards that being at least trying to ensure that Roshtaria has some chance at continuing the Royal Line. Unfortunately, with Fatora being how she is, they can't exactly count on her. And Rune is suddenly up to her ears in suitors, while still not wholly recovered from the whole Gallus thing (impressions are misleading).
You see where I'm going with this, no?
So, in an effort to give her some breathing room, Londs concocts a plan and runs it past her. She hesitantly agrees. They then run it past Makoto. Who is very tempted to run screaming.
After all, who better to ensure prosperity to the country and the Alliance (such as it is nowadays) than the Sage of El-Hazard, whose wisdom and skill prevented the whole world's annihilation and tamed a Demon God? Besides, he's about as apolitical as they come, so he's just about the only candidate the other Alliance nations can agree with, other than the ones they put forward themselves.
It certainly doesn't help matters for the poor guy that Rune _is_ beautiful, smart, understanding ...
... and she doesn't seem to mind very much either, before 'not minding' turns into genuine, if subtle, enthusiasm.
Oy.
Does he manage to recover Ifurita before the wedding? If so, what then?
Or does it happen just after? How would that work out?
And yes, I'm angling for a Ifurita/Makoto/Rune polygon here. Hell, if you find a way to throw Nanami and Shayla in there for good measure, I'll sing you praises.
idea 3) the most open-ended one. The backlash from Ifurita using the Eye of God to skip worlds and even time itself wasn't quite as ... contained ... as it would have been otherwise.
The energies lashed out through the only other outlet, other than the Eye and her, available.
Meaning the Power Key Staff.
With ends up with Makoto being forced to go on his _own_ Odyssey ... but where'd he get stuck all of a sudden? And ... err ... okay, _why_ are there two preteen girls with staff weapons flying through the sky over there and slinging energy blasts at one-another ...
... more importantly, why the hell is the Staff suddenly speaking to him and calling him the Goshujin-sama in Ifurita's voice?
Well, on the flip side, once he's settled in and dealt with all the inevitable cases of mistaken identities as well as other fallout, the Time Space Administration Bureau turns out to be just the place to get some headway on dimensional travel.
-Griever
When tact is required, use brute force. When force is required, use greater force.
When the greatest force is required, use your head. Surprise is everything. - The Book of Cataclysm

Morgan and Bella walked into the Legendary base together. Several members wondered privately if Bella was upset, as she was talking rapidly in Spanish. No, that couldnt be it, when Bella was upset things tended to catch fire or explode. Or both. The two had just returned from a trip to Spain together, and from the postcards they had sent to the base, it sounded like theyd had a wonderful time. They had come to the base to drop off souvenirs they had picked up for members of the SG. There were cheers in greeting as the couple entered and Bellas apparent anger subsided as greetings and gifts were exchanged.
So, tell us all about your trip. Space Mage asked as they all sat down in the lounge to hear the tale. Her eyes glowed in excitement and you just knew she was eager to hear all the details.
Morgan cleared his throat and glanced at Bella quickly before starting. She didnt even look at him. It was fantastic. Madrid is a fabulous city. Bella let me play tourist and we went to all the museums and churches. And the food! Morgan rolled his eyes and issued a groan. The food was fabulous.
The retelling of the sights and sounds and tastes of Spain took a good deal of time as more members entered the room and salutations and gifts were exchanged.
Someone asked the inevitable question, Did you see a bullfight?
This was where the room went quiet as Morgan glanced quickly at Bella, Yes. was all he said.
That got all the younger members excited and they began asking questions. Was it gross, did the bull really die, did the bullfighter. As the questions were asked no one seemed to notice Bella try and slip away, except Morgan, who answered the questions and then tried to turn the focus of the conversation. It didnt work, they were too eager.
This was the point were Bella began to laugh quietly to herself. She went briefly to a computer terminal, pulled up a website, printed off a document and went back to join the group. Just let them read about the bullfight for themselves Morgan. She handed the paper to Space Mage.
AP, Madrid. A new style of bullfighting has been shown to the people of Madrid today. American hero Morgan Mac Hine entered the ring to face off . She stopped talking out loud, and her moth hung open as she continued to read in silence. She turned to Morgan. You knocked out the bull with a kick to the head?
The group around Morgan stared at him incredulously. Morgan squirmed in his seat a moment. Well, yeah. See they gave me this estoque, its a sword. And youre supposed to stab the bull. He got up and went through the motions. But see, I never trained in sword forms and when theres a 1200 pound angry animal running towards you, well, instinct took over. He bent down and whispered to the group, Bella was very supportive about the whole thing and offered to burn anyone who disputed the fight.
Bella was laughing. You did well Morgan, I was very proud of you. You earned your traje de luces. The group stared at Morgan, their mouths hanging open. With a put upon sigh he activated his costume crystal. Black leather shoes, tight black pants, a Mac Hine green shirt and the traje de luces, coat of lights.

Morgan COL
Ok, there's a story behind this story. I was watching Strictly Ballroom this morning, and if you haven't seen it, shame on you, it's a fabulous movie. Anyway, the main character, Scott, is loaned a Coat of Lights by the heroine, Fran's, father. For those of you who don't know, a Coat of Lights is worn by bullfighters, it's all sequiny and glowy. So I started wongering...gee, Bella likes Bullfighting, to impress her, Morgan would get in the ring, and then in my head I saw him do that Eagle's Claw move - where he jumps, gets the guy in the head and back flips out - on a bull. I hurt myself trying not to laugh too loud so as not to wake up The Rev. It's too bad COH costumes don't have a lot of texture. Oh well. It'll have to do.....for now :-)

I posted a variation of this elsewhere and this is rather embarrassing to ask but I was wondering if anyone here could give me any advice on how to start the beginning of a story. I've got a number of various ideas floating around in my head that I'd like to write but I can't ever figure out how to actually start the beginning of the story itself and was wondering if anyone could give me any advice on how to do so.
Dwarven Vow #16: You can do anything if you try! We're dead anyway if we fail.
-Lloyd Irving (Tales of Symphonia)

[Time: Shortly (and we mean *shortly*) before the SOS-con announcement.]
Somewhere, a man placed a call to a company located in Washington.
High above the paciifc ocean, someone answered...
***
"Winter Media Services, how may I help you?" As I spoke, the van's computer took my words, remodulated them into a rather chirpy female voice, and scrubbed the background noise. The overall effect was... well, moderately disturbing for me to listen to, but it presented the necessary image.
"Just one moment... Yes, Mr. Howard, your order is on schedule for pickup this friday, barring any unforseen circumstances."
"You want to expand your order by 30%? I'll need to check with production on that, please hold on."
At this point, I would normally put the line on hold for long enough to make them think I was actually doing something, then respond affirmatively. But before I could do that I was interrupted by a flashing red bar on the left of the windshield. I read the message, sighed, and reopened the line.
"I'm sorry, but we're already at full capacity for the rest of this week. ... Yes. Yes. The additional units can be ready next thursday. ... Yes. Thank you for choosing Winter Media Services!"
As soon as the bar indicating an open groundside call vanished, I sighed. "Okay, Irene, why exactly did you tell me to *not* do something that would make us more money on this deal?"
A window opened off to the side showing Irene's blue-haired visage. "Someone called a Convention."
I was unimpressed. "So?"
"So, you couldn't do the larger order and still make it to the con on time."
"So?"
Irene's ears twitched. "Look, an out of schedule Con probably means something unusual is going on. And last time I checked, you seemed to care about that sort of thing. And besides, there'll probably be some more of those obscure-stuff panels you like so much. SO STOP ACTING LIKE IT DOESN'T RELATE TO YOU ALREADY!!"
I winced. "Okay, okay, just stop yelling... We -will- have time to do the original order first though, right?"
"If we don't waste time, we should be able to finish up and get there before the rush. I'm already warming up the machine."
"Just don't forget to open the garage for me."
"Very funny. Irene out."
***
I checked over Irene's timetable while heading back to the Hofwell's Field. She was right, we could manage it, but the timing would be tight. So instead of taking a break (or a nap) the way I usually do after a trip downside, I started unloading my cargo immediately.
When I unloaded them from the van, they looked like seamless blocks of plastic. In a certain sense, that was even what they were. As each one slid into it's place in the machine, it's sides melted away, leaving behind a more delicate structure that supported it's contents while leaving them accessible.
And you know, it's not even the weirdest way of transporting blank discs I've run into. Proof that not everything bizarre needs to have plotdevite behind it. Admittedly, I like my method better.
Once that was finished, I went back to the van for the master discs the customer had sent us, while Irene started the motors that set the side panels in place.
A monitor labeled 'Irene only' lit up, showing Irene watching curiously as I put the discs into the read drives. "So, what is it this time?"
I checked the paperwork that was in the zip-folder with the master discs, then frowned. "I have absolutely no idea."
"Well, I guess I'lll find out soon enough. Loading..." Irene's eyes closed, then slowly slid open, her arms spreading wider as an imaginary wind ruffled her hair... then suddenly stopped. "Eeeeewww!"
"What?"
"Look at this!" Irene put an image up on the auxillary monitor.
I stared at it for a moment, tilting my head to look at it from different angles, trying to figure out what the heck I was actually looking at. Then, all of a sudden... "Eeeewww!!"
"Do we really have to do this one?"
I sighed. "As a professional dvd replication service with a reputation to maintain, Winter Media Services must provide it's best effort on even distasteful jobs, until and unless someone gives us an excuse to set the law on them... and can you take that off the screen please?"
"That's easy for you to say. *I'm* the one who has to run the duplicator here."
"Um... try not to look at it?"
"Fine. But you'd better really appreciate this," she said, and scrunched her eyes shut.
I quickly turned to watch the exterior monitors. Normally Irene is fully aware of everything around the Field regardless of what her icon looks like, but when she makes that face, it usually means she's not seeing anything for the duration. I didn't really expect anyone to ram us; most people pay closer attention than that in the inner system. But there was no reason to take chances. Besides, looking the other direction would soon be very uncomfortable without sunglasses. Yeah, even though the machine itself is light-tight.
The overhead lights went out. Strange light patterns flickered across the walls. It looked a bit like what a few hundred photocopiers in a disorganized heap might project if they were all set off at once. I've never really understood why; the machine doesn't have that much in common with them. It doesn't really have that much in common with dvd drives either, really, despite being made from parts from them.
The lights turned back on, and Irene opened her eyes again. "... Eeeeeww."
I sighed and brushed the side of the monitor with my hand. Distracted from her indignation, Irene rubbed up against the side of the screen and purred.
One run down, four more to go... It was going to be a long day.

Introductions finished, the jounin looked at each of them for a moment, then smirked. "While it's true that you have all passed theAcademy exam, there are other important skills for a ninja team that go beyond just that. Therefore, it is the duty of each jounin to administer another test to determine whether a rookie team will train under him or her."
"WHAAAT!?" Birds scattered from nearby trees in distress, and a few seconds later, an echo of the cry came back form the Hokage monument.
"Another test? Fine! I'll ace this too, and you'll see I'm the best ninja ever!" (the brash one) boasted, crossing (pronoun) arms and nodding descisively. "So, what's this test, huh?"
(sensei)'s smirk turned into a rather less than reassuring smile. "Ah, you see, that is the test. The three of you have twenty four hours to determine its nature and pass, or... you'll go back to the academy."
"WHAAAAAAT!!" If anything, the second time was louder. Even (the quiet one) dropped the kunai (pronoun) had been fiddling with, but didn't quite gape.
(sensei) just nodded in a (characteristic) way. "Don't worry so much if you can't pass, you won't be alone because no more than a third of the class will succeed. Your time starts.... NOW!" With a swirl of leaves and a thin puff of smoke, the jounin was gone, leaving three dumbfounded genin to trade incredulous looks and complain about how unfair it was.
=============
The test, of course, is for the three students to work together trying to get the information, and despite the heavy hand with the hints to that effect in the instructions they'll most likely not succeed without another chance.
Actually, this seems like a very Ibiki thing to do - maybe that's how the Ino-Shika-Cho team in TGNH got handled? Nathan?
- CDSERVO: Loook *deeeeply* into my eyes... Tell me, what do you see?
CROW: (hypnotized) A twisted man who wants to inflict his pain upon others.
For the next 72 hours, Itachi intoned, I will slap you with this trout. - Spying no Jutsu, chapter 3
"In the futuristic taco bell of the year 20XX, justice wears an aluminum sombrero!"hemlock-martini
--
"Anko, what you do in your free time is your own choice. Use it wisely. And if you do not use it wisely, make sure you thoroughly enjoy whatever unwise thing you are doing." - HymnOfRagnorok as Orochimaru at SpaceBattles
woot Med. Eng., verb, 1st & 3rd pers. prsnt. sg. know, knows

Remember Captain Planet and the Planeteers?
Right.
[Team]Kwame: wheeler's dead again.
[Team]Wheeler: lol
[Team]Linka: Fire blasters draw too much aggro
[Team]Wheeler: any1 got rez
[Team]Gi: We need a tank...
[Team]Gi: Kwame should have rolled a stone tank, not an earth troller.
[Team]Kwame: hey dont blame me
[Team]Wheeler: rez plz
[Team]Linka: I'm a stormie, no rez
[Team]Kwame: ma-ti is emp
[Team]Kwame: ma-ti?
[Team]Gi: He's AFK.
[Team]Linka: He's always afk when we fight
[Team]Kwame: damn leech
[Team]Wheeler: lol
[Team]Wheeler: any1 got wakie
[Team]Linka: Sheesh
[Team]Wheeler: thx
[Team]Gi: I give up, let's just call Cap.
[Team]Kwame: ok
[Super Group]Kwame: cap?
[Super Group]Captain Planet: sec
[Super Group]Captain Planet: kk, back.
[Super Group]Captain Planet: Need help?
[Super Group]Kwame: yeah
[Super Group]Captain Planet: lol
[Super Group]Captain Planet: Let me exit mish
[Super Group]Kwame: ok
[Super Group]Captain Planet: Ready for invite
[Team]Captain Planet: thx
[Team]Captain Planet: omw
[Team]Kwame: wait for cap
[Team]Wheeler: k
[Team]Linka: Ok
[Team]Captain Planet: Exemp?
[Team]Gi: Actually, don't. Can you just clear the mish for us?
[Team]Captain Planet: lol no xp
[Team]Linka: That's okay, we're sick of this
[Team]Kwame: yeah
[Team]Wheeler: lol
[Team]Gi: Let's just finish the storyline
[Team]Captain Planet: kk

-- Acyl

boards.cityofheroes.com/s...t=all&vc=1--
Christopher Angel, aka JPublic
The Works of Christopher Angel
"Camaraderie, adventure, and steel on steel. The stuff of legend! Right, Boo?"

Or it will be once I finish working ideas out. Figured I could just make a thread to set down my vehicals/characters/history/ect, and hopefully have someone catch problems before I get too deep into them.
comments welcome
2nd edit (count is solely for my own curiosity)
***********************
Ship Name: SS Starhawk
Created by Tim Brazeau (Timote)
Registry Number: SS-
Base Hull: Douglas C-133B Cargomaster
Drive Type: Speed (max velocity 0.0075C)
Owner of Record: Wing and a Prayer Enterprises
Flag of Record: Canada
Purpose: Mobile Home, Cargo/Passenger Transport, Asteroid mining/prospecting,
Launched: Nov 13 2009
Crew:
* Tim Brazeau (captain/pilot)
* John 'J.T.' Carlson (Engineer)
* Rob Holmes (Navigator/co-pilot/Computer specialist)
* Amanda Elliston (cargomaster/gunner)
* George ___ (medic/cook/gunner)
Supplementary Crew:
* Thumper (ship's cat/mascot)
* Bob Mackenzie (AI)
* Doug Mackenzie (AI)
Supplementary vehicals:
* APE unit 1 (large exoframe for construction, maintenance and also used for loading large/heavy cargo.)
Known Vehicle Quirks:
* Lactose intolerant - The starhawk does not like milk. Bringing milk aboard causes a loss of roughly half the ship's power and lowered efficency of most systems. Oddly this is not triggered by other dairy products such as cheese, butter, or even dehydrated milk (as long as it remains in powdered form). The effects last for one or more hours after the milk is disposed of (1 hr if removed from the ship, drinking it doesn't help as the effect doesn't start to wear off until the milk is digested by the drinker's body.
* Great White North, eh? - The ship's AIs are based off of Bob and Doug Mackenzie (after a DVD of Strange Brew was left in the entertainment center overnight). Might be better described as Artificial Stupidities.
Known Crew Quirks:
* You want what? - Due to the ship's problem with milk, the crew tend to order it quite a bit when they are off the the ship. This gets them some rather odd looks when they order a glass of milk at a bar.
* Not telling - J.T. refuses to admit what his middle initial (T) stands for. Just that his mother named after an actor she was a fan of.
Faction: Generalist
Home Port: Babylon.5
Current Location:
Status:
Trivia:
* While Bob and Doug aren't the most efficient of AIs, Tim knows it could have been worse. A few days prior he'd left 'Monty Python's Quest for the Holy Grail' in the entertainment center. The thought of AIs based on _that_ film is disturbing to say the least.
* The base hull was purchased from Davis-Monthan AFB with assistance from Mr Morden/Johnson.
Description: Based on a military cargoplane, so the body is long and (relatively) narrow, split into Upper and Lower decks for the most part (it's a little less than 50ft tall). The wings are cut off roughly a meter/yard from the hull, with a pair of jury-rigged (and then 'waved) engines nestled underneath next to the hull.
The ship's weapon systems consist of a pair of quad turrets (one of the top and a retractable one below) whose designs are based on a mix of the millenium Falcon and WW2 bombers. As of SOS-con they are mostly bluff, as the crew still haven't gotten the power feeds to work properly. The guns are currently little more than really impressive looking laser pointers.
Power systems consist of a large Solid cube, with a hardtech backup system for lifesupport and communications.__________________
The main reason Santa is so jolly is because he knows where all the bad girls live. - George Carlin.
___________________________
"I've always wanted to be somebody, but I should have been more specific." - George Carlin