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Found 58 results

  1. Dannylonglegs

    [O-G10] Happy Hanukkah, Odus Dillberg!

    Tags: Civil Building, Spying In an Axle Break-room "No, sorry, that's Top Secret. Even I wasn't informed of the nature of the experiments.... ... ...Umm, yes, I'll Inform you when she returns." "Pheew. After a long year of work, I'm glad that it's finally holiday season once again! Latkes for dinner, just the way mamma used to make them! Apple sauce, check! and Sour Cream... Check! yum!" "Oh, Hey, Dr. Ben Nai! How are you doing? I haven't seen you in a while." "I've been busy being a janitor." "Yeah..." "Have enough room for another? I love Latkes!" "Sure! Are you Jewish?" "My spouse was, but they left me when Dr. Long demoted me. They said that they couldn't be married to a garbage man..." "oh." "But I'm sure Dr. Long treats you much better than her other subordinates. I'm sure that, deep down, below her cold exterior, she has a warm heart, and only treated me with such cruelty because I deserved it. and not because she's just an awful person." "Um.. hehe, yeah." "Well anyways, let's eat!" "Yes! definitely!" *One Awkward dinner later* "...And I said, girl, if she doesn't treat you with respect and basic human decency, then you've just got to get yourself out of that relationship." "Yeah!" "Ooh. is that a real dreidle? I've still got 7 minutes of break time left, want to spin it around? "Sure! let me grab it." "Shall we wager a few credits? What Dr. Long doesn't know can't hurt her!" "Why not..." "Alright, you roll first!" "Shin!" "Gimel! What luck for me!" *later, in a different breakroom* "Ok, commander, the bug has been planted in target's Coms device." "Good, good. From his device, we can attempt to gain access to her personal server and their surveillance grid." Offscreen figure: "If it works" "Thank you for your diligent work, operative Nai. Your efforts will be rewarded in due time, and you will have your revenge." _____ Happy Hanukkah ~Insectoid Aristocrat
  2. Dannylonglegs

    [O-H04] Before Too Long

    Tags: Civil Buildings, Science Sector: Last recorded in H04 "where.... am I?" "This is impossible... am I dreaming?... if my eyes indeed do not deceive me, it would appear that I'm Traversing through a star studded void upon an ethereal spiral of light... gravity is meaningless apart from the fact that my feet meet the hard light every step. I lack a helmet, and my surroundings are void yet I am capable of breathing... I... I think I'm breathing..." "The last thing I remember is the vacuum ducking me out of the Rod 69 after Pombe's psychic powers blasted a hole through time and space... perhaps this is the void through which our vessels travel while within the anomalies... but yet... this seems... weirder still...." "What is this? before me I see a blurry image... I feel... familiar things?... nostalgia?... why am I feeling this...." "Is this... me? my childhood?... my stars, I remember this... my holographic starmap. my robot... the one that..." <<Mama! Mama! Cecile reprogrammed my robot!?>> <<"That's nice dear. Glad you're getting along with her finally.>> <<"No! She reprogrammed it to attack me whenever I turn it on! she's always picking in me and she never shares! Why do you make me play with her?! She's not my friend!">> <<"She is your friend. her parents are very important people with Kawashita, and other than Octan they are our greatest rivals... so you'll play nice with her and be her friend. Or else.">> <<"Mama? what's an 'Octan?'">> <<"Octan is a big scary monster that eats smaller monsters. now hold your sister, Mama has to make a work call, and your lazy caretaker is late.>> <<"Come here Abi, Danny's got you...">> "Wow... that memory... it was so real... I.. felt it like I was there. the childish frustration... the... coldness...." "What is this place I've come to?... And how do I get out?... wait... is that... another past event?..." <<"Bob, did I ever tell you the first time I saw a star was when my bama took me with them on a business trip to mars? I was in the window seat of the shuttle, and I still remember the awe of that moment to this day...">> <<"hah. you did tell me that one.">> <<"Heh. They're so beautiful.">> <<"Yeah, Danielle, they're the most beautiful thing in the universe. And I want to visit them all.">> <<*Snort* "Ha! You could hardy pass your Astrophysics II Final last semester!">> <<"Hey, no one cares how well you do on the exams, as long as you can fly the escort ship in the Final Simulation... And you know as well as I, I can fly that ship!">> <<"My mother cared...">> <<"Hey, my bad. I didn't mean to remind you of that.">> <<"Yeah. It's OK. it's not your fault she withdrew her financial support from me. Well, I'll show her. I'll be the most published scientist this galaxy has ever seen.">> <<"And I'll visit every star there is.">> <<"You know... if someone truly unlocks the secret of GATE generation, that might not be such a far-out dream.">> <<"Yeah.">> <<"Maybe I'll do that. Just imagine all the amazing variations out there. the diversity of evolution, and the miracle of life repeated endlessly in every system in every galaxy... Our universe is so full of beauty...">> "... Why is this happening?... am I dying? is my life flashing before my eyes?" <<"Dad, Don't tell Ma I came by. I just needed to grab a few things.">> <<"If you like, Danny... but remember, you are our daughter. You're welcome home anytime you like. we're so proud of you, you know. Your scores are fantastic... You could certainly join Explorien as a scientist and you'd have a fine career.">> <<"Thanks Baba, but I plan on joining Octan... but... Thanks... thanks...">> <<"Danny, you would have made a wonderful architect.">> "Why must I relive this! Oh great... another vision..." *several visions later* "This is not a memory.... this vision... is this... my future?... it's cold... I feel... betrayed. Hatred... I'm unconscious. I don't know what will happen to me..." "And the lid is closed upon me...." "Another vision..." "I feel... nothing. Victory is mine and yet I am not pleased. I've... done something... something... unforgivable. Perdition." "By the stars... What will I have done?!"... "Are there no more visions to be seen?..." "I've wandered now for hours! where are the visions? where are the rest of my futures? Where is the wrinkled and grey haired danielle, skin warm from the heat of a new sun? Where is the frail but dignified white haired danielle gazing up at the stars surrounded by loved ones? Where's... where's the hospital bed? The sad eyed croud gathering over my body like vultures?... where's. .. where's my future?... "Where is anything?!" ~Insectoid Aristocrat
  3. Dannylonglegs

    [O-H04] Into the Great Beyond

    Tags: Science, Civil Building Sector: H04, nowhere near any planet. Build is a reference to Deus ex Machina... Aboard the O.C.S. Rod 69.... "Hello, Pombe." "Danielle," "I take it you are well?" "I'm still reeling from the sheer numbers lost in the war between Turkeys and Reindeer, to be honest. if only the two could arrive at a compromise regarding the disputed time period... I wish they could just get along." "Sure. Whatever. So, Anyways, we're going to be testing an experimental GATE drive today... One powered by... special... Octan employees. Employees such as yourself. Employees who display... advanced... Willpower... And you of all employees have demonstrated this trait repeatedly. So, I requested your assistance with our trials here. This is Project Birthday Boy." "Cool!" "Indeed. Now please... have a seat, sir." "Don't mind if I do!" "now just let me hook up these wire to the back of your head..." "Oh! Your hands are cold." "Comfortable?" "Not particularly..." "That makes both of us." "I might feel better if I took off these restrictive undergarments." "Yeah, I'd rather you didn't." "As you wish." "Alright. Let's initiate the reactor. Here we go. Prometheus?" Prometheus: "Control room is 'Go'." "ERT?" ERT: "ERT is 'go'." "Excellent. Prometheus, the status on the stabilizer array?" Prometheus: "Stabilizer array performing at peak efficiency." "Wonderful. Ok. Pombe, I would like you to do something for me... "Yes?" "I would like you to concentrate, if you can, on opening and maintaining a rift, of sorts. I want you to... create a fissure in time and space." "Ok!" "Prometheus, Activity the emitters." Prometheus: "I've never seen anything like it. it's like they have a life of their own! Overhead Capacitors to one oh five percent. One one oh. One two seven. Doctor, this is highly irregular! " "You're telling me." Prometheus: "The phase arrays are completely anomalous. at this rate... we may..." "Shut it down. NOW!" Prometheus: "I... can't. The streams... they're crossing." "Impossible!" "Evacuate!" "My gods... what have we done. Pombe! What are you?!" Prometheus: "Emergency shutdown Failure. Ejection... Failure." "fuck." To Be Continued... ~Insectoid Aristocrat
  4. Dannylonglegs

    [O-H04] The Fruit of Knowledge

    Tags: Civil Building, Science Planet: deep within the bowels of Crofter's Ridge "Hello, Dr. Long. You look well." " I'm fine, Dr. Bernier. You're looking slender. Have you lost weight?" "Here, I brought you an apple. You really must eat." "I'm not hungry, but thank you for the offer." "That was not an offer." "I've already eaten..." "Not according to your guard you haven't. Eat the apple. I want to watch you eat the apple." "I... no.. I can't. I won't." "Look. I need you healthy right now. We are at the cusp of a breakthrough. You showed me this. your experiments with these psychic children could open doors we never even knew were locked. You know this, don't you? I need you to hold on to whatever it is that motivates you... because Octan needs you. Think of the profits your work will bring to us when we have teams of special forces operatives capable of reading minds and practing telekenisis.... Think of the glory you'll garner yourself if we manage to generate permanent Gravitational Anomolies sustained by merely the will of a psychic worker... or a machine capable of mimicing the electrochemical power of a psychic brain... you'll be as famous as Rhumkomf and Brikowski! Think of the Knowledge you will uncover in your research. You'll pioneer a whole new uncharted field and discover not only how these "psychic" brains actually work, but why we've only recently come across them. Has Andromeda itself had a hand in this mutation? We don't know... but you could help us figure this out.... Or instead think simply of the order[I/] we can impose on the galaxy with this power. Just imagine a galaxy under complete control of our benevolent corporation's forward thinking and efficient oversight... But whatever it is that keeps you going..." "We all need to eat to live." *Five tense minutes later* "That wasn't so hard, was it? Now. Take your pills, then tell me what you've found out about Ms. Kolai from the data I gave you.." "Feeling better?" "Yes... So... the data you gave me on Patient Kolai... it was very strange. It is similar to the thought patterns that individuals exposed to Subject Three for prolonged periods of time displayed. She is likely experiencing altered perceptions of reality..." "What did we learn from subject three?" "Not much, I'm afraid. Subject Three vanished along with Subject Ten during "the Incident."" "Yes. A tragedy that. At least all involved had signed their waivers. That alone saved us from millions in legal fees." "But Subject Three was next in line to undergo the test. he was a class I Reality Warper." "I think, then, that we may still get our test in. I'm Greenlighting Project Birthday Boy. this is exactly what I wanted to hear." "SK-M0, Inform CEO Pombe that it is time. We're going to see if Corporate's dream can be made reality. If anyone can do it, it's him." ~Insectoid Aristocrat
  5. Dannylonglegs

    [O-H04] Double Blind

    Tags: Science, Land Vehicle, Civil Building Planet: Crofter's Ridge (in orbit) "Ah, Dr. Black. Funny how we coincidentally were walking down the same corridor of the Axle at the same time, considering how truly immense this vessel is. Why is it that you're all by yourself?" "Hello, Dr. Long! You mean why I'm not with Dr. Hawkins? He's on a tour, actually, with..." "No. I meant to ask where your defense drone and robot dog had gotten to?" "My robot dog? ED just took Gidget on a walk..." "Hmm. I was concerned, because, the last thing I saw was it being viciously attacked by your defense drone." "I'll have to look into that." "Please do." "That does seem odd, though..." "I thought so too. Your robot dog isn't programed to be confrontational, after all." Moments later... "Major Alcock. I'd like to thank you in person for all your hard work preparing the Lab for project Birthday Boy and Suburban Soccer Mom. I take it you have brought with you the machine I requested?" "Your thanks are unnecessary. Corporate pays me well." "I know." "Then you know I'm not your lab assistant. I serve Corporate." "I do too." "And you believe that Kodan doesn't know the nature of "the lab"? It is suspicious that his dog has gone offline." "I have the utmost faith in Dr. Black. He, in a way, is a model Octan employee. He asks appropriate questions... and accepts the answers he is given. Let's get going then." Several rooms over, in the health wing. "The Doctor will see you now..." "Oh boy! I hope they ask me to cough a few times! Hee hee hee!" "Hello Ms. Kolai." "Dr. Long? I thought this was just a well check!" "Well, in a way it is." "No offense, but I didn't think you were a medical doctor!" "I'm not. My father used to refer to me as 'the kind of doctor that doesn't help people.' he stood by that joke for years before I started paying his medical bills. That made him quiet. No, I'm not a medical doctor, but I am here to help. I want to ask you a few questions." "Okay! Gosh I can't even remember the last time we met, it's been so long!" "Interesting... doesn't remember last meeting. So, Ms. Kolai, you've served as our CEO's aid now for well over a year... and I have a few questions to ask regarding your... work relationship. "Alright! Ask away! I've had a lot of character development under his direction!" "I'd like to know if you've noticed anything... abnormal about Pombe or events that occur around him." "I'd be hardpressed to point out anything abnormal about my time with him! everything totally normal! infact, this scenario right here feels more abnormal than anything else! I mean... why does this room only have 2 walls?" "two walls? you mean you don't see the third and fourth wall? huh. are your glasses on straight? I will admit I did approve of your being hired personally, considering you displayed pragmatism and logical thought patterns during your probationary period... but you mean to tell me you haven't noticed anything... strange... about Pombe?" "Nope!" "Nothing... supernatural?" "Apart from his superhuman fashion sense?" "Hmm. So you are saying to me very clearly that you have not noticed him displaying... subconscious powers capable of warping the very fabric of reality and space to suit his his eccentric tastes?" "I can't seem to think of anything..." "huh. by the way, why are you wearing a helmet?" "because we're in space! duh!" "I see. Well... thank you for your testimony. We're going to run a few tests on you now." "!!!" "we're going to need you to remove your helmet and lay down on this slab please. Remove any metal you may be wearing, such as glasses, and hand them to my armoured assistant. We'll now conduct several minimally invasive test to analyze your mental health." "But you haven't even taken me out to dinner first!" "We don't have to. It's in your contract." "What if she doesn't survive? She's no use to Corporate dead." "She will be fine. I'd be more worried about permanent damage from her time enduring Pombe's psychic backlash. But we will see. We will see." ~Insectoid Aristocrat
  6. Dannylonglegs

    [Challenge 5][Cat E] Track and Field

    On Farmolis's Famous Octan Olympic Arena, where all the best and brightest athletes have come to train! Including none other than Dr. Danielle Long, who was surprised to wake up to a holo-mail from CEO Pombe, requesting her presence at the games... on penalty of forfeiture of shares... Octan Olympics! by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Emily: "Alright! Wonderful job in the Mech wrestling contest, but you've still got one category left to enter! Track and Field." Dr. Long: "Oh joy. By the way, I don't believe we've been formally introduced. I'm Dr. Danielle Long." Emily: "Emily DuPont, Special Forces, at your service." Dr. Long: "A pleasure. And... thank you for... back on Onix." Emily: "Just doing my job, mam." Dr. Long: "I appreciate it. Speaking of... what are you doing here?... and where's Engineer?" Emily:"This is track and field! You don't need an engineer, you need a coach!" Dr. Long: "Aiya!" Emily: "Alright, so, I know you're no athlete, so let's do this like science and throw stuff at the wall to see what sticks!" Dr. Long: "That's not how science works." Emily: "I'm not a scientist." Octan Olympics! by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Emily: "Run!" Several hours later..... Octan Olympics! by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Emily: "your best was 20 minutes... for a mile... maybe Running's not your thing." Dr. Long: "I have never experienced such agonizing physical pain in my life." Emily: "No pain, no gain!" Dr. Long: "ouch..." Octan Olympics! by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Dr. Long: you want me to swim in that?..." Emily: "Yes." Dr. Long: "I am a scientist. I have a dual degree in Experimental Physics, and Xenobiology. I studied the water systems of Farmolis when we first arrived in Andromeda. This research comprises the first two chapters of one of my books. I know what is in this water." Emily: "And?" Octan Olympics! by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr "I'm NOT swimming in it." Octan Olympics! by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Emily: "Alright, scientist! Let's see how you are with Animals! Ever rode a horse before?" Dr. Long: "So... this is a horse. It's a lot bigger in person than I thought it would be from the holographic replications I've seen." Emily: "I'll take that as a no." Dr. Long: "How does it work?..." Octan Olympics! by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Dr. Long: "OoOoh no!" Emily: "Maybe we should try something else... You've improved your running time, at least!" Octan Olympics! by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Emily: "You know what?... maybe Fencing is not a great idea either." Octan Olympics! by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Emily: "oh! I know! Have you ever fired a gun?!" Dr. Long: "yes." Emily: "You any good?" Octan Olympics! by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Emily: "Damn, Danielle..." Octan Olympics! by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Emily: "You should have told me you were an ace shot. How did you keep your hands so steady?" Dr. Long: "Years of pipetting, I suppose." Emily: "Do you shoot often?" Dr. Long: "No. I took a class a few years ago in preparation for the frontier." Octan Olympics! by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Emily: "So you're just a natural good shot?" Dr. Long: "No. I practiced every night for hours, forgoing sleep, in order to prepare for my final exams. I graduated top of my shooting class, not because of talent, but because I worked my ass off to perform better than everyone else. And I did." Emily: "Coldblooded. I like you." Dr. Long: "Likewise." To be graded: Octan Olympics! by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr ~Insectoid Aristocrat
  7. Dannylonglegs

    [O-H04] Stranger Things

    Tags: Civil Structure, Science (finally, amiright?) Planet: deep within the bowels of Crofter's Ridge "Emily, I've been thinking." "Late at night, I know." "I just wanted to let you know that I think I've thought it over, and concluded that I did what had to be done, and that the results, while not ideal, yielded more good than bad, in the long run." "Glad to hear it." "What I mean to say is... I've washed my hands of this senseless self-pity. I do what I do, not for my own sake, but for the greater good of our company. I blaze a trail through the mud so that others may walk on pavement. I do what needs to be done. I did my duty." "Couldn't have said it better myself. So, what are we doing in this cavernous mega-lab hidden miles beneath the ground?" "We're lighting a torch in the darkness." "This lab structure is the kindergarten of Suburban Station... and this, is project 'Suburban Soccer Mom.' I initiated this program to investigate 'psychic' phenomena. Long the subject of speculation and fiction, I've come to discover that psychic powers can be very real... however we do not yet fully understand them. Most notably, it is suspected that our very own CEO may have reality warping powers of this nature. I've been tasked with investigating this and coming up with a way to test for this, and harness it. I personally believe that reality warping powers may be the secret to unlocking true permanent gravity anomaly generation... and once we can prove this to be true, and investigate the mode of action.... we can mechanize it. "Cool." "Yes. Very cool. It is my personal ambition to ensure that Octan remains at the for-front of gate travel technology.. and the way I see it... The corporation best capable of manipulating the fabrics of time and space, will be the corporation that dominates them all. I see before us, Emily, a future of peace.... Because when Octan develops the power to generate and manipulate Gates at will, to travel to any corner of the universe in an instant.... There will be no war." "That sounds like a beautiful dream." "Dr. Bernier. I've heard great things..." "Ms. Long..." "My mother's name was Ms. Long. Please, call me Dr. Long." "Oh, of course." "Lets get started, shall we? I've read your reports on your child, Subject Eleven. You've done wonderful work with her. You've made me a believer that such things are even possible... And that's saying a lot. I am a stickler on proper procedure and scientific methodology. As such my visit here today will not be more than a demonstration. I want to observe what this child can do firsthand, and assess the needs of this project. have you prepared the equipment?" "yes. It's all ready..." "Then let us begin." "So.... How's life?" Background Officer: "Well I still ain't got my hand back. Other than that, can't complain." "Eleven, darling... I'm here." "Mama!" "I want to introduce you to someone...." "This is Dr. Danielle Long. She's your mommy's boss." "Hello, child." "I've seen you in my dreams!" "Fascinating. So, today we'll be performing a series of tests... to look into... your 'special gifts.'" "Do you know what this is?" "No." "Can you activate it?" "Yes." "By the stars. It is true. Now deactivate it please." "Ok." "Bring in the projector." "Ok, Eleven. This next task will consist of several parts. I will think of a word in my head, and associate the word with an image or two. I want you to tell us what word I'm thinking of, and use this machine before me to project the images from my head. Can you do this?" "I think." "First word." "Beauty" "Correct. Second word." "Mystery" "perfect. Now we will conduct the final test. Guard, bring in... The device..." "No... you said you wouldn't..." "I want you to concentrate, eleven. Channel your power into this device... I want you to create a fissure in time and space." "Ok." "I can't." "That's because the machine does not work. This was only a test... but despite that, you got very far. Admirable attempt. Thank you for showing me this. I'm very pleased with your progress, Eleven." "Please you've got to kill her. You promised you'd help." "And we will help, but we will not be killing her. She is very useful to us." "You said you'd help. We had a family... She had a father... but she removed him from existence in a temper tantrum! No one remembers him but me! ..." "In your contract it explicitly states that if she dies, you are out of a job. And need I remind you who is paying to operate on your numerous brain tumours?" "But it's abominable. It's strange." "I've seen stranger things." "It's unnatural. It's not right." "We will be the judge of what is right and what is wrong." "I can't keep living like this. I I can't. I cant." "Oh, I assure you, Octan can keep you alive for a very long time." "It's time for Dr. Brennier to get some rest. Guards, make sure she takes her pills and eats her dinner. I won't have another food-strike interrupting her work." "You have no idea what you're tampering with!" "Excellent. Everything is going according to plan. Now, I hear that Pombe's aid, Eschey has been acting strangely. I think it's time for her to have another psych evaluation. Inform her she has an appointment... with the Doctor." Cue the music! ~Insectoid Aristocrat
  8. Dannylonglegs

    [Challenge 5] [Cat D] Drive Safe

    On Farmolis's Famous Octan Olympic Arena, where all the best and brightest athletes have come to train! Including none other than Dr. Danielle Long, who was surprised to wake up to a holo-mail from CEO Pombe, requesting her presence at the games... on penalty of forfeiture of shares... Octan Olympics! by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr "This is Dr. Danielle Long, reminding all participants in the First Andromeda Olympic games to please Drive Safely. These games are just that--Games. Please, do not engage in fowl play, or cut corners. And always, follow the rules. The rules exist for your safety and to ensure a fair contest." Octan Olympics! by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Octan Olympics! by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Octan Olympics! by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr ************************** It's a tablescrap, but I figured I might as well whip this together while cleaning off my table. ~Insectoid Aristocrat
  9. Dannylonglegs

    [Challenge 5] [Cat C] Fang of Lolng

    On Farmolis's Famous Octan Olympic Arena, where all the best and brightest athletes have come to train! Including none other than Dr. Danielle Long, who was surprised to wake up to a holo-mail from CEO Pombe, requesting her presence at the games... on penalty of forfeiture of shares... "What.... exactly am I looking at here?" "That's your GARC! For the Olympic challenge!" "You have got to be joking." "Nope! That's the design! We ran it and several dozen others by test audiences, and they thought that this was the best match for you!" "No no no... Just look at this thing! The skulls and bones and flames? Do they think I'm some uppity punk?" "This is a GARC! The ships you'll be up against will be brutal cut-up-sticker-spammed vehicles straight out of Mad Max 82 Fury Skies! Take a look at the maneuverability though! This badboy can fly with precision targeting at great speeds! Engines on all sides! And as for the skulls? Well... There's no drag in space, baby! " "But... Well, I've already seen some of the entries. They look... normal." "Yeah, but this one was tailored for you by a crew of your employees who thought it best matched your personality." "By the stars... I'm beginning to think I have a massive PR problem." "Well... It could be PR." "And the name. Honestly? A typo? What the nebula does "Lolng" Mean anyways?!" "Nope. Not a typo. The designer's just a huge nerd." "Tell them they're fired. They're all fired." Octan Olympics! by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Octan Olympics! by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Octan Olympics! by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Octan Olympics! by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr "Hmmm.... Maybe I was wrong to fire them. This thing flies really smoothly. Or at least the AI flies it smoothly." ~Insectoid Aristocrat
  10. Dannylonglegs

    [O-H06] Hollow People, Trouble Sleeping

    Tags: Civil Building Sector: H06 (Axle) TW: Mild graphic content. And blood. Originally this was two builds, but I consolidated. Originally I intended for the Office build to have more builds in the same vein to be accompanied by this song, but now I'm thinking the build needs something more mellow, like this. Hollow People and Trouble Sleeping by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Hollow People and Trouble Sleeping by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr "Logdate 739, this is Dr. Danielle Long, recording from temporary officespace Launchpad 6 aboard the O.C.S. Axle. Vaccine dissemination is progressing. As The Liberated Democratic Republic of Unified Onix spreads, so to does Octan's healthcare programs, and enlightened ideals. While the means employed by the LDRUO may fail to meet Octan's rigorous ethical standards when left to their own devices, under our constant scrutiny, we'll ensure both prosperity and peace for the Oni-Ren as we extract the copper we need to fuel our Awesomnium Alloy technology. As the Eyewash program succeeded under my supervision, I have decided to reopen my investigations into CEO Pombe's psychic powers. Before I attempt to conduct project Birthdayboy, however, I will need to resolve Project Suburban Soccermom. Dr. Brennier has done some fantastic work with her child, and It's about time I checked in on her... and tested the device. Barring Unanticipated delays, this will occur within the next two weeks. If the research has met expectations, we may finally be able to test Pombe conclusively, and we may then be able to devise a means to further monetize his powers, or those similar to his. This concludes my log update. Dr. Long out." Hollow People and Trouble Sleeping by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr *Sigh* Much Later, within Dr. Long's chambers. Hollow People and Trouble Sleeping by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr "Nope. Stop. I'm finished." "Already?" "I'm finished for the night. You may return to your room." Hollow People and Trouble Sleeping by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr "You feeling alright? You've been awful quiet the past few weeks." "Never better. Now leave. I need to sleep. And shave your chest too. It's disreputable." "... Alright." "..." Hollow People and Trouble Sleeping by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Later still. Hollow People and Trouble Sleeping by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr "This is Dr. Danielle Long. Do you have a moment?" Hollow People and Trouble Sleeping by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr "Always! Hold on one sec." Hollow People and Trouble Sleeping by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr "I need the room." Hollow People and Trouble Sleeping by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr "What can I help you with." "I... have an odd question to ask you." "Shoot." "I can't sleep." "Because of... on Onix?" "Yes." "I see." "I don't consider myself a bad person, Emily. My job requires perfection, and while I am certainly not perfect, I must meet the high standards and therefor I demand that of my subordinates as well. I do not tolerate incompetence, but that doesn't make me a bad person... The work we do on the Axle saves lives. Millions if not billions of lives. human and otherwise. This is an objective fact. At peak efficiency the Axle is a bastion of civilization in the savage frontier, but if I slip for even a moment, people die. I am not accustomed to failure... or self-doubt... but I cannot help but feel that out success in Onix was not complete... I... I'm not sure what I'm saying. I am not used to being so close to... to death. To brutality. I suppose I feel.... complicit in what just happened. Even though they weren't human, they had lives. Thoughts. I guess... How do you, a soldier with a very admirable confirmed kill-count, deal with what you must do. How do you put the thoughts aside so that you can sleep?" "Honestly. It gets easier. I do what I do for the company, not because it feels good, although I admit, I love the adrenaline of a good fight... but because what we do is the right thing. We are doing good work in this galaxy, you know. We're bringing civilization to the final frontier, and that's a messy job. All we can hope is that at the end of the day we've done more good than not." "hmm." "It gets easier." Overview of the build: Symbolic of Yin and Yang? A monocrome Octan symbol? happy accident? Hollow People and Trouble Sleeping by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr ~Insectoid Aristocrat
  11. Dannylonglegs

    [O-F09] Dragons in Brazil

    Tags: Land Vehicle, Civil Building, Sector: F09 In a waiting room in the Axle's extensive Archives department. Dragons in Brazil by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr "Next up, Number 199716." Dragons in Brazil by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr *WHIIIRRRRR* "Hey, Ilba, isn't that...." Dragons in Brazil by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr "...Dr. Nai? "Yeah." "Tough luck." "Yeah." Dragons in Brazil by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr ~Insectoid Aristocrat
  12. "...and the Revolution will be brought to you by Octan and with brief Commercial Interruptions." The Invasive Species: Part 7. Finale. Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Interlude Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 (Finale) Tags: Military Land Vehicle, Civil Structures Meanwhile, in the Gongen Empire's capital. This Revolution Will Be Televised by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr "They are at the gates, my Queen. Duchess Qui Zil 'Ing gave them the keys. It is over, and they have won... But you must live on. The hope of our people rests in you. Take the concubine's tunnels below the castle. Escape to the East River Tribe. They will harbour you." "But what of you, Bishop. Will you not go with me?" "I cannot. I must stay behind and misdirect them if I can. Vile though they may be, I don't think they'll hurt an old woman like myself too badly. Flee, my Queen." In the Streets.... Into the Light of One Thousand Suns. by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Broadcast in Oni-Ren Language: "Citizens. Rejoice. We come not as conquerors, but as liberators. The Queen has the cure to the Black-eye and she wants to watch us suffer. Join the resistance! Let us put an end to her tyranny!.... Citizens. Rejoice!...." Into the Light of One Thousand Suns. by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Into the Light of One Thousand Suns. by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr later, Within the Palace... This Revolution Will Be Televised by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr General: "Lord President, We have captured the bishop. There is no sign of the Queen, but the bishop has been... very talkative." Ba'al Ba'al Jinks: "And what has she said?" General: "She told us everything. The Queen left for the West Lava Canyon Tribe days ago." Ba'al Ba'al Jinks: "Good. If she's told us everything she knows, then there's no reason to keep her alive. Now, let's get this place in order for when Octan comes. They informed me they'll be here at week's end to ensure a peaceful transition of power." Later that week.... Into the Light of One Thousand Suns. by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Dr. Long: "We need to inform Ba'al Ba'al to invest in paved roads." Jebediah: "Maybe we shouldn't have walked." Meanwhile... This Revolution Will Be Televised by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr "My Friends, today is a glorious day! We have successfully liberated the Gongen Empire from the oppression of Queen Bowa San! We stand now at the window of opportunity. I look out that window and I see a brighter future for all of us. No longer shall we be restrained in darkness to serve the Queen and her lackeys. Now we walk freely together into the future. Under Queen Bowa San, Onix was made a laughingstock. The Aliens from other planets looked down at us and they chuckled, for they saw a sad backward little people. The Queens refused to let us interact with the aliens, share their secrets. Instead she forced us to suffer illness and famine... War, and bloodshed. But that ends today. Today we have removed our shackles, and we may enter the galaxy at large. Now is our time to step forward together into the glow of not one, but one thousand suns! Together, we will make this planet great again! Once the votes are cast, I will be your new president, Ba'al Ba'al Jinks, and no longer will we be the Gongen empire, no. I am pleased to declare that starting today, we are now the Liberated Democratic Republic of Unified Onix! Together, we shall work together, in the name of peace and progress, and we will earn our brighter future!" *Crowd cheers* Later.... This Revolution Will Be Televised by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Ba'al Ba'al Jinks: "Youssa remember dat youssa say the Copper youssa need be under dah "Hunting Grounds" right?" Dr. Long: "That is correct." Ba'al Ba'al Jinks: "Well, Messa be havin' a present for you. This golden tooth comes from there. See, themsa biggun bigguns with the big moneys, they was hunting for the Steam swamp dragons there. The Steam Swamp dragon is a fiercish predator. Always eating. Theyssa say that the dragon is the smartest of all the animals on our world... but not smarter than wessa Oni-Ren. The way themsa be huntin' the dragon is they get a captive Oni-ren, and dey make the Dragon go huntin' dissun. The Dragon will stop at nothing to capture itssa prey. There is a legend. This legend say that the reason the dragon hunt us Oni-Ren so hard is that theysa be jealous of our smarts... that theyssa thinksin' theyssa can be stealing ourssa smarts from us if theyssa catches us. But youssa and messa... Wessa smart'uns. Wessa know that legends are all fake fake. She's just a predator, and all shessa be wantin' is to consume." Dr. Long: "How fascinating. What a barbaric practice." Ba'al Ba'al Jinks: "Thissun' is the last golden toothwe'll be huntin' for. Now on the huntin' Grounds is the Minin' Grounds. " Dr. Long: "Excellent. That is our prefered method for you to pay off your debt to us for the army and equipment." This Revolution Will Be Televised by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Jebediah: "Dr. Long. I'm getting intell that there's a gathering of protesters in the streets. They are armed. We may need to form a defensive perimeter to ensure the safety of our Octan personnel." Dr. Long: "Damnit Jinks, I thought you said you had the capital under control." Ba'al Ba'al Jinks: "Messa do.... wait just a moment." *discusses with general* Okeyday! Problem solved! Now is bein' a time of celebration!" This Revolution Will Be Televised by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr "Peace!" After the ceremony, and discussing finance, The Octan officials pile out of the Presidential Palace, and begin making their way back through the war torn streets to find an unpleasant surprise. Into the Light of One Thousand Suns. by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr "So this is what she meant when she said everything was under control. I'm beginning to have my doubts as to whether or not Ba'al Ba'al Jinks is a fit ruler of this planet. We'll have to ensure strict civil rights policy adherence... By the stars..." Into the Light of One Thousand Suns. by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr "Help... messa." Into the Light of One Thousand Suns. by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Into the Light of One Thousand Suns. by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr "Hey. It'll come out. I always use Octan's 'Out Damned Spot' brand laundry detergent. It does the trick every time." Later..... This Revolution Will Be Televised by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr "PR called. They said we should have the employees here take some footage. They're going to cobble together some kind of Public Relations video to ease this all over." "Great." This Revolution Will Be Televised by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr PR Video (and reason why I place the build on Illustria) In spoiler! ****************************************************** There you have it, the exciting conclusion of "The Invasive Species" ~Insectoid Aristocrat
  13. Sector: H06 Tags: Civil structure Previously... A Heavy Load by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr A Heavy Load by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr A Heavy Load by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr ~Insectoid Aristocrat
  14. Dannylonglegs

    [Challenge 5][Cat A] Lil' Longlegs

    On Farmolis's Famous Octan Olympic Arena, where all the best and brightest athletes have come to train! Including none other than Dr. Danielle Long, who was surprised to wake up to a holo-mail from CEO Pombe, requesting her presence at the games... on penalty of forfeiture of shares... Octan Olympics! by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Engineer: "Well, madam, as you can see, the core and engine are fully functional. She's operating at 95% Target output." Dr. Long: "Hmm... That's unacceptable. Tighten that nozzle, adjust the location of that fuel pump, and reconfigure the wiring. Bring it up to 100% Target Output, or I will find someone who can." Engineer: "If only... Triple H were here..." Dr. Long: "He is not here. Do what must be done." Octan Olympics! by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Dr. Long: "Why are these not assembled? Engineer: "Well, you see, there's a real funny story about that..." Dr. Long: "I did not come here to listen to funny stories. I came here to assess your craftsmanship, and right now, I'd say it's certainly lacking." Engineer: "I'm waiting on Pneumatics to supply me with the gas repressurizer! I can't do final assembly until they get me that pressurizer!" Dr. Long: "Stop looking for excuses. I'll deal with Pneumatics... And as for you... pack your things. I'll add finding a suitable replacement to my agenda. That shouldn't be too hard, I don't think." Engineer: "No, please! I've got a wife and three kids!" Dr. Long: "No you don't. In your file it says you're "Single and ready to mingle." Engineer: "Well, I want a wife and three kids eventually..." Dr. Long: "Get out." Octan Olympics! by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Dr. Long: "And what seems to be the holdup here!" Software Specialist: "I'm giving her all she's got, Doctor, but I can't access tha damn file to download!" Dr. Long: "Honestly, the incompetence I have to put up with on a daily basis. Clappy, access file Zoology_AI_Bullfrog.exe. This is Doctor Long, code blue entry, pass 98765. "You got it, boss!" Dr. Long: "Finally, someone who follows my orders." Later...... Octan Olympics! by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr "Finally, I have my competition entry assembled. When I designed these schematics, I modeled her after the robots I use to collect samples underwater... and then I gave her legs because that was an entry requirement. Honestly I just want to get this over with so that I can continue doing science, but perhaps I can bring glory to the great Octan Corporation by performing above average in this contest. After all, I am a perfectionist. No one will stand my way when I set my mind to something. Now, Let's get this baby started. Lil' Longlegs, please initiate Start Sequence." Octan Olympics! by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr "Perfect." About the Mech: In professional Mech Wrestling contests, Mechs of this nature (long legs, hunched torso) are frowned upon, but not outruled. Typically they are seen used by "Heel" Performers, as their use is considered... underhanded. The long legs are seen as an unfair advantage, since they add to the balance and leverage of the robot when wrestling... but as they say, the higher they stand, the harder they fall... Dr. Long knows none of this, though, as she only read the exact rules, and has never actually watched or participated in a mech contest. She didn't think to overview any of the ... unspoken rules... after all. Rules are made to be spoken. That said, Dr. Long wouldn't particularly care if she found out. If it's in the rules, it's legal, and if it gives her an advantage, well... too bad. Octan Olympics! by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Octan Olympics! by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Octan Olympics! by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Octan Olympics! by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Dat bumper tho'... ____________________________ Notes: Credit for story idea to Bob... ~Insectoid Aristocrat
  15. Dannylonglegs

    [A-G10] What is a Queen to a God?

    "What is a God to a nonbeliever?" The Invasive Species: Part 6. Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Interlude Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 (Finale) Tags: Alien Planet: Onix What is a Queen to a God? by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr What is a Queen to a God? by Danny-Longlegs, on FlickrWhat is a Queen to a God? by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Queen: "But the scripture states that the gods returned from the heavens when the Zoid slavers did descend upon our people. The Gods... They showed us that by eating the Zoid we could be free of their shackles. Will not the gods return to us now, in our time of great need?" Bishop: "The Gods work in mysterious ways, my Queen... And our enemy is not from without... but from within. I fear that the Gods may... require us to resolve this ourselves." Queen: "Ba'al Ba'al is no true Oni-Ren*. She might as well be a mere extension of the arm of Octan. Do you think her army of Mecha-nicks was herself created? Do you think the Nan-Nan tribe built for themselves their armor of black?... Ba'al Ba'al and her army are merely puppets to the true enemy... Will our gods not return and teach us how to beat them back?" Bishop: "My Queen... I must confess that I do not believe that the gods will return again.... It has been so.. so very long since they did before." Queen: "But are we not faithful? Have we not upheld their ways? Why would the Gods have abandoned us to our doom?" Bishop: "The Gods abandoned us long, long ago." *The word for Oni-Ren in Oni-Ren is not Oni-Ren, but rather a word more like the common word "Person" What is a Queen to a God? by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Later, In Cerebus Station. An Audience with the Queen by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Translator: "Wessa be wanting to discuss... peace." Dr. Long: "I'm listening." Translator: "Oursa Queen be wanting youssa to be... calling off youssa dog, Ba'al Ba'al Jinks." Dr. Long: "Octan claims no affiliation with Ba'al Ba'al Jinks. She may have been our guest at one point, however, Octan has yet to recognize her freedom fighters as a legitimate organization." Translator: "Oursa Queen be beggin the question of howsa Ba'al Ba'al be having offworlder technology?" Dr. Long: "That would be a question to ask a representative of Ba'al Ba'al Jink's freedom fighters." Translator: "Theysa no talk. Only kill." Dr. Long: "Perhaps there would be a way to... circumvent any further losses. I'm sure Ba'al Ba'al could be reasoned with... But for Octan to become a partisan in your civil war... That would certainly come with a price." Translator: "Does youssa mean the old agreement?" Dr. Long: "More than that. We discussed that arrangement during times of peace. Now you come to us in a time of war and ask for our direct interference with your internal matters? We would have to assemble a taskforce to assess civil liberties in your nation, and draw up actionable plans to bring your empire closer in line to Octan's corporate policies before even considering intervention on your behalf. Octan follows strict moral and legal guidelines in circumstances such as this to ensure mutual benefit of all parties involved." Translator: "Wessa no think wessa can be working with youssa." Dr. Long: "Very well. My people will be in contact with your people, should you change your mind." Later that week, after a battle, by the Statue of the Fallen Goddess. What is a Queen to a God? by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Dr. Edris: "Is that azure liquid... Water?" Dr. Long: "Yes. Poisoned by Copper." Dr. Edris: "Do the natives drink it?" Dr. Long: "The natives have a greater capacity for copper intake than we do. Nonetheless, the copper in the water will need to be filtered out and converted to a usable form." What is a Queen to a God? by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Dr. Long: "It's wasteful. Don't you think? All this usable copper oxidizing away in a great heap." Dr. Edris: "This is an item of great cultural significance, from what I can tell. It's one of the statues to their gods. I'd say the religious significance of this item alone makes it almost just as valuable as the copper put into making it." Dr. Long: "Well, we'll need to dismantle it, so take your pictures now." Dr. Edris: "This is a priceless artifact we're talking about, Danielle. This needs to be preserved." Dr. Long: "They've done a fine job preserving it themselves. It looks like it more than half melted into the lava ages ago. Appraise the item in reference to its cultural value. We'll write Ba'al Ba'al a check. We can construct a new one out of Steel." Dr. Edris: "For the record, I don't approve." Dr. Long: "Noted." What is a Queen to a God? by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr What is a Queen to a God? by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr __________________________ Kudos to those who have been following my larger story and get the implications of this being a statue to the Oni-Ren Gods. Also, the build is kind of a reference to Planet of the Apes. unintentionally, at first, I might add. ~Insectoid Aristocrat
  16. Dannylonglegs

    [O - G04] And Clouds of White

    "... are harbingers of the storm" The Invasive Species: Part 5. Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Interlude Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 (Finale) Tags: Military vehicle, spaceship/flying vehicle, land vehicle (Cart) Planet: Fractor V (In Orbit), also Onix, but you know. Alien fleet. The O.C.S. Axle by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr The O.C.S Axle, In Orbit Fractor V Dr. Long: "What do you mean they're not going to allow us to return!?" Odus Dillberg: "A.L.I.E.N. has moved a portion of its fleet into Sector G10. They've placed a several defensive craft in orbit Onix and will refuse the Axle's reentry into Onix orbit until they have 'ascertained the validity of rumours that Octan is developing a bioweapon'! They claim to believe that we're weaponizing the black-eye in our labs in Cerebus Station!" Dr. Long: "This is absolutely preposterous. A bioweapon as they're describing would be in direct violation of the Kuiper Pact. They should know that Octan would never condone such flagrant disregard for regulations as that. No... This is something else...A.L.I.E.N. is a Kawashita affiliate. Clearly Kawashita is attempting to assert themselves in the sector, and they are using their proxies in A.L.I.E.N. as pawns to prevent our good work from getting done. Hmm. I will not have it." Odus: "So... What are we going to do?" Dr. Long: "I will be returning to Onix to provide our allies there with the shipment they so desperately need." Odus: "But.. But the blockade." Dr. Long: "Reply to A.L.I.E.N. Inform them of the following; Octan refutes the existence of a bioweapon, and would be more than willing to internally investigate this matter, and we would be willing to cooperate with any A.L.I.E.N. run investigations into the violation of the Kuiper Pact they have described. This said, Octan does not recognize the authority of A.L.I.E.N. to prevent Octan's entry into a sector, nor to present Octan with ultimatums of this nature. The O.C.S. Axle will be returning to Onix, and it will continue to remain in orbit as we see fit. We would remind A.L.I.E.N. that the O.C.S. Axle is a registered Civil Structure, and that any use of force against the Axle is a declaration of war, and Octan's reprisal shall be swift and thorough." Odus: "Ok." Dr. Long: "Inform them that their blockade has failed. They will not prevent us from providing the people of Onix their emergency relief." Later, in Orbit of Onix.... Dr. Long: "Prepare my ship to launch with the others. We're making planet-fall within the hour." ( )Clouds of White by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Later, on an underused trail in the steambog, a family of Oni-Ren travel with their wares to market. And Clouds of White by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Father Oni-Ren (In the Oni-Ren's language): "Don't dawdle, my daughter, we must get to market." Daughter Oni-Ren: "Daddy. why isn't mommy coming with us?" Father Oni-Ren: "Your mother is sick, my sweet. We must sell these greeblefruit in the market, so that we can pay for the shaman to look at her eye." Daughter: "And why do I have to come along?" Father Oni-Ren: "You'll be the woman of the house soon. you must learn to sell produce at the market. The Gods know I can't do it myself." Daughter: "Daddy... Look at the sky... Look at those weird clouds, daddy!" Father Oni-Ren: "Those are not clouds, my daughter. Those are the sky-ships of the off-worlders. I've never seen so many before all at once..." Daughter: "What does it mean, daddy?" Father Oni-Ren: "I... I do not know." Nimbus Eagle class dropship by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Nimbus Eagle class dropship by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Nimbus Eagle class dropship by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Nimbus Eagle class dropship by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Nimbus Eagle class dropship by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Nimbus Eagle class dropship by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Dr. Martenz: "Danielle! Do you know where Ba'al Ba'al has gotten to? She vanished around the same time as you left for Fractor V!" Dr. Long: "I am aware. She is back in the Gongen empire, attempting to enact peaceful regime change. How goes the vaccine production?" Dr. Martenz: "We're operating at peak productivity. We're filling crate after crate, but Danielle, should I be concerned about that alien fleet? I heard that they wanted to investigate for bioweapons? What the Yetornius is going on?" Dr. Long: "Do not worry about the fleet. They will not harm us." Dr. Martenz: "And those ships you brought in from Fractor V. Those are Nimbus Eagle troop carriers... Not scientific vessels." Dr. Long: "yes." Dr. Martenz: "I gotta ask... are we at war?" Dr. Long: "Octan is not at war. The people of Onix are in turmoil, Dr. Martenz. They are dying of the blackeye, and they languish under a tyrannical despot. Octan is invested in restoring order, and ensuring the wellbeing of all of our clients, current, and potential. We are providing relief and support during their time of crisis." Dr. Martenz: "Oh... I see... And... Which side do we support?" "The side that wins." __________________________________________ Better pictures updated, as well as a photo-shopped picture Note to Judges: New pictures will display the Flickr link and say "And Clouds of White" All otehr images should not be judged. Unless you want to judge my super micro "O.C.S. Axle" Which is, in-fact, new for this week. C&C appreciated! ~Insectoid Aristocrat
  17. Dannylonglegs

    [O-G04] Power Play

    Tags: Civil Building, Science Planet: Fractor V (aboard the Axle, in orbit) Notes: This isn't really part of "The Invasive Species." Think of it as an interlude so that you all can finally use the bathroom after 4 weeks. Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Interlude Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 (Finale) "Log date 704, this is Dr. Danielle Long, recording from the O.C.S. Axle, in orbit Fractor V, where I am reassigning the function of some underused Troop carriers. Our orbital factories have been churning them out since MANTIS's last treaty violation, but since we've returned to less overt aggression, I've been able to borrow a few. I've been informed that MANTIS is dealing with some kind of spider infestation, of late, and they can hardly muster an offensive, at the moment. I'm not one to underestimate an enemy, though. As they say, walk quietly, but carry a blaster. The situation on Onix is progressing well. We've released Ba'al Ba'al back into the Gongen Empire, where she is reestablishing communications with her previous allies. Octan has brokered a treaty between Ba'al Ba'al and her revolutionaries and the Nan-Nan tribe. Once I return with our drone peacekeeping force, we may finally be able to reason with the Oni-Ren." Later.... "Status update. Ship transfer complete. The Axle's Hangars are full. I now will retire to the exercise chambers of the Axle to perform my required physical therapy treatment.... And considering recent events... Well... You never can be too safe, can you? Hmm. Why am I asking my logbook expository questions like this. Anyways, Dr. Long out." Axle Exercise Chamber G+ Room 5 Power Play by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr "I'm no proponent of violence as a means to resolve conflict." Power Play by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr "It's costly. Barbaric. Senseless." Power Play by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr "If only the Oni-Ren Queen could understand this. If only she listened to logic." Power Play by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr "She's forcing my hand now... refusing our generous offer... We've tried the carrot... And as much as I don't like it, we'll need to try the stick." Power Play by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr "With our peacekeepers, we can ensure minimal losses during the transition... But times of unrest are inherently unsafe... I need to make sure that this still works, for my own protection... Shame it never made it to development... Octan didn't see the utility, nor demand for such a product as the Chekhov's Gauntlet... But the prototype fits me like a... well, like a glove." Power Play by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr "I have confidence that with collaboration and logical discourse, we can end the suffering of the poor plague-ridden people of Onix... We simply have to remove one particularly stubborn obstacle." Power Play by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr *ZZZZ* *Thunk* Power Play by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr "Ouch. I... I'm glad I chose against the higher setting..." Power Play by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr INTERCOM: "Is everything alright in there? What happened?" "Just a slight weapons malfunction... But everything's fine right now." INTERCOM: "We're sending a technician in there." "Very well. I insist that we follow proper procedure after all. The door is unlocked." Power Play by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr "Hmm. This thing sure does pack a punch. I'd hate to be on the receiving end of such might. Fortunately, the glove is on my hand. ____________________________________________________ Next week, "The Invasive Species" begins its climactic series with "And Clouds of White." As always, comments, critiques, and criticism is appreciated. ~Insectoid Aristocrat
  18. "Casts a dark shadow..." The Invasive Species: Part 4 Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Interlude Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 (Finale) Tags: Civil Building Planet: Farmolis Bright Light of Civilization by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Jebediah O'Reilly: "It's all here." Dr. Long: "Excellent. How, might I ask, did you acquire this information?" Jebediah O'Reilly: "That's a story for another time. Maybe I'll tell you next week." Dr. Long: "And... the contents of this disk?" Jebediah: "Well, our one-eyed buddy Ba'al Ba'al Jinks has done some pretty serious stuff. Not the bumbling fool I initially took her for. She's been charged with organizing riots and fomenting rebellion. She even flew a stolen pirate speeder into the Queen's palace! She claimed it was an accident, but if you look at the evidence they've collected on her... Well... Let's just say she's a little bit zealous when it comes to instigating 'social and technological progress'." Dr. Long: "Interesting... And the status of social issues under the Queen's rule?" Jebediah: "I think it's more than enough to make the Board of Ethics place economic sanctions on Onix... Or at least it would be if they had imports." Dr. Long: "Sanctions weren't what I had in mind... Why don't you... walk me through this." Jebediah: "Alright." Later Bright Light of Civilization by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Dr. Long: "Kevin." Meanwhile.... In Farmolis, Headquarters City.... The Bright Light of Civilization by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr .... In the Primary HR building, among the clouds... The Bright Light of Civilization by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Kevin: "Well good morning to you, Danny! How's business?" Dr. Long: "Just greeeat." Kevin: "Don't be such a Grumpy-Guss, Danny. As a Certified Human Resources Professional, I can tell when I hear dissatisfaction. I'm very empathetic, you know. Now, what seems to be the problem?" Dr. Long: "This task you asked me to do. It's getting a bit... messy." Kevin: "Oh my, Danny, I've never known you to be the messy type!" Dr. Long: "It doesn't suit me... but I need your advice... or... at least... your approval. For what I'm about to do." Kevin: "And what is it that you're about to do..." Dr. Long: "The Oni-Ren Queen will not listen to reason. We've offered her the galaxy on a silver plate. Technology. A cure to illness... And yet, she will not allow us to mine the richest Copper deposits in all Andromeda. Her people are dying, and she chooses to spite us rather than simply acquiescing." Kevin: "Well she sounds like a real Mean-Mandy!" Dr. Long: "You could certainly say that." Kevin: "We could?" Dr. Long: "Yes." Kevin: "Well in that case, I think you and I both know what has to be done." Dr. Long: "And that is?..." Kevin: "I think I said once, that running a business is a lot like running a dairy farm. Did I ever tell you that?" Dr. Long: "If you did, I don't recall. Sounds euphemistic." Kevin: "Oh Danny, don't be silly. You know I'd never use euphemism with you. That's just malarkey." Dr. Long: "Carry on." Kevin: "See, The point of a dairy farm is to get milk for our valued and beloved customers. When the milk cows produce milk, everyone is happy! The cows are happy! The farmers are happy! The cherished customers are happy! The world is perfect and everything is awesome. But what's slightly less awesome is when one of those poor milk cows doesn't make milk any more. That's not good. But fortunately there's more that can be done with a cow than simply milking! A good dairy farm never lets its customers down." Dr. Long. "..." Kevin: "So. Still down in the dumps? Did my little pep-talk help?" Dr. Long: "I think I know what needs to be done..." Kevin: "Oh that's wonderful. See. That's why I trusted you with this task, Danny. You're a smart cookie. A keen intellect. We both work for the same folks, you and I..." The Bright Light of Civilization by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr "The customers, of course! And our benevolent corporate overseers, who are always trying their darndest to best-serve our cherished consumers. It's our duty to provide the paying people of the galaxies with the best service, and best products we can market them, and quality employees such as yourself are key to our grand purpose." Dr. Long: "The Oni-Ren need our vaccine, and we need copper. It doesn't have to be complicated." Kevin: "But if it does get complicated, remember. Octan has the best PR department in the galaxies!" Dr. Long: "Very well. I guess it's time to pull up my gloves and get back to work." Kevin: "That's the spirit! Go out there and spread some happiness, and peace, and light." Dr. Long: "Good bye, Kevin." Kevin: "See you soon, Danny." Dr. Long: "I hope not." The Bright Light of Civilization HR Edit by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Later.... Dialogue by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr "Log date 697, This is Dr. Danielle Long, recording from Cerebus Station, Onix. Mass-production of Black-Eye vaccine has begun. We will have to work very efficiently if we're to make enough to serve the entire population of Onix... I've gone over the logistics of the distribution plan with Special Forces operative Jebediah O'Reilly. He had quite a wealth of insight regarding the vaccine distribution plan. I have to go over the preparations with the Axle staff as well. We will need ships, and supplies, and many drones, so this will have to occur in person, I'm afraid. I've informed Dr. Martenz of my brief leave. He said he'd make sure that the vaccine production continues without a hitch. Alright. Dr. Long signing off." Later... Bright Light of Civilization by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Ba'al Ba'al Jinks: "Youssa was wanting to a-speak with me?" Dr. Long: "I do. My colleague informs me you've quite the reputation as a political extremist in the Gongen empire." Ba'al Ba'al Jinks: "Umm.. Well, Messa and theresa Queen are no-gettin' along. Shessa be thinkin' that wessa people no be havin' to advance... no be havin' to interact with the offworlders. But wessa the laughing stock of the galaxy. Wessa dying down here." Dr. Long: "I see...." Bright Light of Civilization by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr "Could I ask you a question?" "Yessa!" Dr. Long: "How would you like to be... President Ba'al Ba'al Jinks?" ________________________ While I'm still proud of the build, it didn't turn out exactly as I'd hoped. Two things I'm not so pleased out are first, the sun on the building... It looks like a cross, and that's not at all what I was aiming for. I wanted some spikes pointing out of it to really pull-off the sun-like appearance. Instead it looks like a gravestone or a cross, which leads to undesired implications. I throw a lot of symbolism into my builds, especially during this arc... and that was not intentional. Second thing is I was hoping to add more buildings in the background. That was just a time thing. Didn't want to lose the light! Hope you liked this week's installment. As always, comments, criticisms, and concerns are welcome! ~Insectoid Aristocrat
  19. Dannylonglegs

    [O-G10] A Conference with the Queen

    "And a Meeting with Dr. Long." The Invasive Species: Part 3 Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Interlude Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 (Finale) Tags: Vehicle (Micro Chauve-Souris Blanche), Civil Building, Science Planet: Onix, G10 This is a long one. Sorry in advance. An Audience with the Queen by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr An Audience with the Queen by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr An Audience with the Queen by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr "Log Date 686, This is Dr. Danielle Long, recording from my Touch-Down Office in the Virology department of Cerebus Station, Onix. Thanks to the added help from the Axle's forces (and a galaxy-renowned geneticist recruited by our CEO) Dr. Martenz's efforts manufacturing a vaccine for the Oni-Ren disease Black-Eye have been accelerated exponentially. We've worked days and night on this project... figuratively and literally. The planet's rotation around its sun is quick compared to Earth's or Farmolis's.... We have arrived at a final product that is 99.8% successful in producing near-immediate positive immune response in Oni-Shu test subjects. Today, we inoculate our first Oni-Ren test subject. Ba'al Ba'al Jinks has volunteered for the honour. I expect results by the end of the day." Later An Audience with the Queen by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Dr. Martenz: "Danielle, we've done it." Dr. Long: "Has our specimen already begun to demonstrate immunity?" Dr. Martenz: "Yes. Yes it has... I mean, she has. Ba'al Ba'al has." Dr. Long: "Go on?" Dr. Martenz: "Well, thanks to the miraculously quick immune responses demonstrated by much of this planet's multi-cellular life, we can confirm that Ba'al Ba'al is immune to the Black-Eye virus." Dr. Long: "Excellent." An Audience with the Queen by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Dr. Martenz: "I present to you... the future." Dr. Long: "No need to be dramatic, Dr. Martenz, it's a vaccine, not the Fountain of Youth. Ba'al Ba'al. how do you feel?" Ba'al Ba'al Jinks: "Messa be thinkin' youssa hoomans be havin' a sayin' for dis. Oh, yeah! 'ain't no fleas on messa!" Dr. Long: "How apropos. Well done. Dr. Martenz. how long before we can conduct a larger operation? Are there any other natives willing to work with us? To prove to the Queen of the Gongen Empire that the Vaccine works?" Dr. Martenz: "As a matter of fact, there is a tribe of Oni-Ren willing to deal with us. The Nan-Nan tribe just south of the empire, on who's land we currently reside, have been eagerly awaiting the vaccine. They are a small band of people, who's population has been devastated by the plague. They are a mercantile people, and more likely than not introduced the infection to the Empire themselves, but that's neither here nor there. We will begin the outreach stage of the Vaccine productions later this week." Dr. Long: "You will start now. Take as many men as you need. I want results, not more delays." Dr. Martenz: "Um... OK, yes. We will begin today. I'll send a representative to the Chieftan post-haste." Dr. Long: "Excellent. There is much work to be done yet, but we've made great progress. I have arranged a meeting with Queen Bawa San. I need all the pieces in place before then to ensure her compliance. I have other business to attend now. Good work. Touch back with me later when the process is in motion." Later. An Audience with the Queen by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr An Audience with the Queen by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Jebediah O'Reilly: "Dr. Long." Dr. Long: "Mr. O'Reilly." Jebediah: "You rang?" An Audience with the Queen by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Dr. Long: "I did. I called for your assistance because we're facing a recalcitrant and dogmatic adversary. We have developed a functional vaccine for the Oni-Ren's Black-Eye plague, but yet I cannot be sure that the Oni-Ren Queen will acquiesce to our attempts to aid them. She is letting her people die by not allowing us to assist, and I have reason to believe her ignorant belief system will persist even when I present her with hard evidence of our vaccine's efficacy." Jebediah: "And what can I do about that? Do you want me to kill her?" Dr. Long: "No. Lord Business no... Think about PR! No... But I want you to do a little digging. Dig up some dirt on the empire if you can. I want to know about anything from minority oppression, to technological suppression. I want to know how the people are treated, both within and without the empire. I want to know who supports the Queen and why... And I would like to know as soon as possible." Jebediah: "That sounds doable. And what do you expect to accomplish with this information?" Dr. Long: "Knowledge is power, Mr. O'Reilly. And another issue as well. Dr. Martenz has taken a local under his wing. Ba'al Ba'al Jinks. I'd like to know more about her. She was an exiled political dissident. I want to know her ideals and methods... and her ambitions." Jebediah: "I think I understand. Sounds like a plan." Dr. Long: "And be careful. I hear the Oni-Ren are occasional sentient-eaters." Jebediah: "I'm a trained professional. I think I can handle a few cannibals." An Audience with the Queen by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Several Days Later... An Audience with the Queen by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Lawyers: "Waxler and McGrill, Lawyers at law." Mrs. McGrill: "If the shoe don't fit..." Mr. Waxler: "...You must acquit!" Lawyers: "We're your legal council!" Dr. Long: "Ok, fine." Lawyers: "Legal Council: Because sometimes people say things that Octan doesn't want them to say!" Mrs. McGrill: "And that's where we come in!" Mr. Waxler: "No comment is a good comment!" Dr. Long: "I get the picture. Let's get prepared to meet Queen Bowa San." An Audience with the Queen by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Dr. Long: "This is our Translator, Ba'al Ba'al jinks. She's an Oni-Ren, as you can tell." Mrs. McGrill: "Hey cutie." Ba'a' Ba'al Jinks: "Hewo, Messa Ba'al Ba'al Jinks." Dr. Long: "Alright, then, if everything is in order, then we can get started." An Audience with the Queen by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Later, in Queen Bowa San's Palace, in the Gongen Empire's capital.... An Audience with the Queen by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr An Audience with the Queen by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Bishop: [in her own language. Old.] You now stand before the Queen, divine regent of our people, and actor of our Gods' will. Ba'al Ba'al: "Customary Greeting." Queen Bowa San: [in her own language] "You offworlders have brought Ba'al Ba'al Jinks into my palace? This is an insult." Ba'al Ba'al: "Shessa be sayin' wessa not being welcome." Dr. Long: "As expected. Inform her that we come in peace." Ba'al Ba'al: [in Oni-Ren common] "We come in peace." Queen Bowa San: [in Oni-Ren] "Did you come in peace when you flew an offworlder vessel into my summer palace's tower? I think not. But speak. I will hear your demands since you came so far to my abode... But do not assume that I will sign any treaties with those creatures." Ba'al Ba'al: "Shessa gonna hear us out." Dr. Long: "Good. Inform her that we have developed a medicine that will render its recipient immune to the Black Eye Plague. Tell her that we will provide all Oni-Ren with this 'vaccine' if she lets us work with them. We can help her people. Improve their way of life and living conditions... And we ask very little in return." Ba'al Ba'al: [in Oni-Ren] "My friends can cure the plague. They can help our people. Our old way of life is inferior to theirs. They will bring us into the light of a thousand suns, and all they ask is our cooperation. Please, your highness, our people are dying and suffering." Queen Bowa San: "How do I know you are telling the truth." Ba'al ba'al: "I have received it, as has the Nan-Nan tribe." Queen Bowa San: "The Nan-Nan tribe is our enemy! They are untrustworthy barbarians." Ba'al Ba'al: "We can give the cure to the Empire too. You just need to cooperate with us!" Queen Bowa San: "What does cooperation entail?" Ba'al Ba'al: "Shessa wanna know what we want." Dr. Long: Excellent. Ba'al Ba'al, tell her what I'm saying." An Audience with the Queen by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr "This is a holographic representation of your planet, Queen Bowa San." An Audience with the Queen by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr "And this is where your empire lies. On the North Pole of the planet our people refer to as Onix." An Audience with the Queen by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr "Let me zoom in on that. There we go." An Audience with the Queen by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr "I have magnified the location on this holographic map of the richest copper veins not only on your world, but in the entire galaxy. Copper is not a common commodity in this galaxy. It has long since been removed from most planets in the galaxy... long before we humans arrived here. But your planet has a vast reserve of Copper, and our corporation desperately requires this mineral. In exchange for our technological assistance, and freely distributed vaccine, we would humbly request to share a portion of this land that we may mine for copper here. Our sources indicate that the land is undeveloped 'hunting land.' We would be able to work here without disturbing the wildlife or whatever hunting expeditions are conducted here. We could have a beneficial relationship." Ba'al Ba'al: Translates. An Audience with the Queen by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Queen Bowa-San: "No." Dr. Long: "What?!" Queen Bowa San: "No. [in her Language] You plague-walkers have brought death to my people through your insidious disease, and now expect to rob my domain of our land and treasures in exchange for the cure?" Ba'al Ba'al: Translates. Lawyers: "Octan denies any responsibility for spreading the illness. There is inadequate evidence to suggest any culpability on our behalf." Ba'al Ba'al: Translates. Queen Bowa San: "Insult after insult. The OId ways are tried and true. Tradition has defined our culture and saved us from the occupation of the Zoid. Our ways are the ways of the gods. You and your human masters will destroy our people and destroy our culture more assuredly than a plague might. Tell these demonic creatures that I will not kowtow to their wishes, and I will not abide by their presence on my planet. You will leave at once." Ba'al Ba'al: "Thissa not good. She 'a sayin' wessa gotta go." Dr. Long. "Damnation. Tell the Queen that we offer her a bounty. Peace, Prosperity, and Plenty. An end to illness, and an end to war if she desires. Octan can be a powerful ally, but an even more powerful enemy. Tell her she's making a mistake." Lawyers: "Don't translate that powerful enemy part." Ba'al Ba'al: "messa no be thinkin' wessa have time to translate any of that." An Audience with the Queen by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Queen Bowa-San: "Go." An Audience with the Queen by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Later... An Audience with the Queen by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr "Log date 690, this is Dr. Danielle Long recording from Cerebus station, Onix. Negotiations with Queen Bowa San went horribly. I hate dealing with Ignorant, uncooperative creatures..." _________________________________________ Earlier... An Audience with the Queen by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Dr. Martenz: "I'm sorry about the accommodations. We don't have many Touch-Down offices in the station. It's Mostly labs." Dr. Long: "I've had worse. At least this hallway is not directly under an Air-Ventilation unit." Dr. Martenz: "And, I'm sorry too about the view. There's not much to look at. Just rocks and ash clouds. Octan could make this planet great." Dr. Long: "We will. When the Oni-ren learn to move past their archaic xenophobia and isolationism, then they may share in our wealth and advanced technology and benefit from our generosity. We can help them... they just have to let us... " ______________________________________________ Comments and critiques are, as always, more than welcome. Any hints on photographing black? ~Insectoid Aristocrat
  20. Dannylonglegs

    [O-G10] Like a Fecund Fruit Tree

    "...With produce ripe to be plucked." The Invasive Species: Part 2 Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Interlude Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 (Finale) Tags: Science, Civil Building Planet: Onix (The Axle, in Orbit) Not new build Dr. Martenz: "Progress on the vaccines goes slowly. We are in our trial stages now, but the alien species most like the Oni-Ren in regards to immune system is the Oni-Shu, but the creatures are... uncooperative. They keep escaping their crates and destroying lab equipment. Simply put, Danielle, I need more people. Not new build Dr. Long: "And the Oni-Ren are still unwilling to open a dialogue regarding their epidemic?" Dr. Martenz: "No. The Queen is sticking to her state's Isolationist, Nationalist ways. They refused to join A.L.I.E.N. or cooperate with Kawashita, and they are unwilling to negotiate with us now. Dr. Long: "This is unacceptable. Their people are dying but yet they are too proud to work with us? Well they rebuke us at their own peril. The Oni-Ren should be grateful that our benevolent and powerful corporation is even so generous as to consider the mutually beneficial arrangement we've offered. Vaccines for the Black-Eye, beneficial trade deals, access to our advanced technology, agricultural practices, and health-care, and a steppingstone for interplanetary recognition, all in exchange for copper mining rights in land they don't even use to its fullest potential! Their resistance is illogical. Dr. Martenz: "I concur." Dr. Long: "Once we have a cure to their ailment, then we can make our move. Their Queen cannot say no when she sees with her own eye the true power of Octan. We will show her the light even if we have to hold her eye open to it. Dr. Martenz: "Well... I could have the vaccine finished in two weeks time if you simply sent me some more workers..." Dr. Long: "You didn't get the memo?" Dr. Martenz: "What memo?" Dr. Long: "I've made this endeavor one of the Axle's top priorities. You have the full force of the Axle at your disposal, and I shall make landfall with a force of peacekeepers and my finest scientists in one standard business week." Dr. Martenz: ".. Oh... Wow. I'm honoured." Dr. Long: "Check your holo-mail." Dr. Martenz: Yes, Dr. Long." Dr. Long: "See you in a week. Dr. Long out." Dr. Long: "Thank you for the files on Kawashita, Mr. Dillberg. It's a shame about their CEO. Killed by a reactor leak? I thought Kawashita was better than to let something like that happen. from what I heard, Raven was an effective leader and an analytical mind. I suppose I should be glad that her passing weakens our rival corporation... but a human is a human, and I take no joy from senseless loss. And then there's the matter of their new Master Mechanic that they brought in from the Milkyway. I wonder if it's... No.. couldn't be. Anyways, Odus, you've done well. I've finished reviewing the files from my Sabbatical... care to join me on the Forward Observation deck of the Axle?" Odus: "Sure!" Dr. Long: "I want to see this planet of ours." Later, on the Forward Observation Deck of the Axle, in orbit of Onix: Dr. Edris: "There's Onix." Shorty: "And its moons; There's Kwartz, the ice moon of the lava planet; and there's Garnit, the rock moon that shines red; and where's Paerl, the glimmering jewel of Onix?" Dr. Edris: "It has a wide elliptical orbit. We've actually already passed it." Shorty: "Pity. I hear it's the most beautiful one." Like a Fecund Fruit Tree by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Jebediah O'Reilly: "What a view." Kodan Black: "Spectacular." Dr. Long: "Mmmm." Jebediah O'Reilly: "Glad you brought us here, Dr. Long. It's quite the pretty sight." Dr. Long: "Pretty?" Jebediah O'Reilly: "Yeah." (incase you want background music to accompany the following monolog, click now.) Dr. Long: "Look at them." Jebediah: "The Planet and its moons?" Dr. Long: "Yes. The celestial bodies... As a child, I marveled at their greatness. I would gaze out my window vainly hoping to catch a glimpse of just a single star or planet through the smog and the light pollution... But to no avail. The first time I saw one outside of a holo-screen or class simulator was my first time leaving earth. I was lucky enough to have a window seat on the shuttle, and my life's trajectory was forever changed by the gravity of what I saw. The void was full of light. I looked back on Earth, and it was small. So small, it looked as though you could hold it in your hand like a bruised green apple. And to think... that green apple was our home... this astronomically small blue-green orb was the birthplace and the graveyard of almost all of humankind. One day Earth will breath its last breath, I thought to myself there in that shuttle... But humanity will not. No... We are no longer tethered to that green orb. No longer are we worms in the core of a rotting fruit. We have metamorphosed, and now we have wings. Dr. Black, Look at them all. Gaze upon our fecund intergalactic fruit tree! All these worlds are ours... So full of invaluable resources, Copper, biomass, water, Awesomnium. Any one of them could be a new home for our species, but we have access to all of them, Mr. O'Reilly. They're so beautiful. So inescapably tempting... It's as if I could merely extend my arm and grasp one in my hands... "They're like plump, ripe fruits, and they are in season to be plucked." Messenger: "Oh, there you are Dr. Long. I have something for you." Jebediah O'Reilly: I found it floating in space, aged pretty badly... for whatever reason. Messanger: "It's your logbook. We consolodated your temporary logbook with your old one and put it all in on sleek new device!" Dr. Long: "Excellent. Thank you." Like a Fecund Fruit Tree by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr "Log Date 683, This is Dr. Danielle Long.... ... It's good to be back." __________________________ Everyone needs a good monolog now and then, wouldn't you agree? This was originally going to be my entry for challenge 2, but the build din't work then. I have since gotten more pieces and figured out a better way to pull the structure off. So, Here is "The Invasive Species" Part 2. I'm proud to say that the titular invasive species has appeared in every one of my builds since I returned. It's hard to see in some of them though, but I think most of them have been pointed out. ~Insectoid Aristocrat
  21. "...Walk all over their hosts" The Invasive Species: Part 1 Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Interlude Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 (Finale) Tags: Science, Civil Buildings, Planet: Farmolis (The Axle, in Orbit) First time Readers of my story, check the bellow Spoilers section for some relevant info/links. Aboard the Axle, in Orbit of Farmolis (not a new build) Dr. Long: "This is Dr. Danielle Long, please respond, Mr. Dillberg. Odus Dillberg: "Danielle!? Is that you!? How've you been!?" Dr. Long: "I'm on my way. I'll be on the Axle within 8 standard business hours. Please prepare for my arrival." Odus: "With pleasure!" An hour or so later... Secretaries by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Ding dong the Long is back! The Doctor Long is back! Odus: "Alright, Alexis, forward the return message to all Axle employees. Bubba-Jack, you coordinate with the discovery division so that we can get all those old reports on her desk. I will go tidy up my office. Many hours later.... Secretaries by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Dr. Long: "Odus." Odus: "Danielle! Oh, you're back! thank gods! I've been so overburdened by work! I had to hire ten new secretaries to help me, and of course, I used your automated Dr. Holo-Long AI for morale and to lighten the load, but... wow... it's not easy, what you do." Dr. Long: "No. It's not easy, but someone has to make sure the spaceships run on time. Now... ten new secretaries did you say? You'll have to fire them... Well... Fire 9 of them. A transitional second secretary could be useful." Odus: "O-oh. Ok. I... I guess I could do that." Dr. Long: "Good. I take it relevant discovery files and status updates have been forwarded to my office?" Odus: "Your secondary office... The Primary office is still under... renovations." Dr. Long: "I see. Excellent. It's good to be back. I'll speak with you later, more, after I get caught up. Thank you for taking care of things while I was away." Odus: "You're... you're welcome." ............ Later, In a pathology lab on Onix: Living on the backs of Others by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Dr. Krasnoyarsk: "The Date is Junalli 6, 3816. This is Dr. Perry Krasnoyarsk, conducting dissection of suspected disease Vector of the Oni-Ren plague, "Black Eye." "The Foveanus torpeonus, or Xerillian Ant-scorpion, has been cited as a non-native species on Onix, likely carried here by one of Octan's Biomass harvesting vessels transferred from Xerillian. The ant-scorpion is known to overpower and outcompete local omnivores and scavengers, as they lack native predators, are well protected with an array of natural defenses, such as a numbing sting a viscous bite, and tough, heat resistant hide. Their presence has been determined to correlate with outbreaks of the native Oni-Ren illness "Black Eye." The "Black Eye" illness is caused by a virus native to the southern regions of this planet, but which has lately spread to the largest organized group of Oni-Ren, who dwell on the North Pole's Rocky Plains region. The objective of my research today is to dissect the Foveanus torponus to observe on a macroscopic scale what, if any, physical indications of Black Eye may be present, or if the xenoarthropod is carrying a parasite that may instead be the disease vector." Living on the backs of Others by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr "Specimen sample acquired. I will start with the dorsal carapace of the Foveanus torponus. I have selected a sample of back tissue, and will now observe under the microscope." Living on the backs of Others by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr "Hmm.... There are several lumps present... bite-marks... it appears..." Living on the backs of Others by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr "Fascinating.... I may have just discovered our culprit." Living on the backs of Others by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Living on the backs of Others by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr "There is a parasite on the back of the Ant-scorpion. This appears to be a Yetornius lava-mite... known vectors of several diseases on their homeworlds, although, fortunately harmless to humans, as they refuse to colonize our soft skin, as they find it unsuitable. A hard skinned being such as an Oni-Ren may be a suitable host... Hmm... This requires further investigation. I'll need to show this to my superior, Dr. Martenz." Living on the backs of Others by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr "Dr. Martenz; I've found something." Dr. Martenz: "Excellent. What have you found?" Dr. Krasnoyarsk: "The Foveanus torponus specimen is infested by Acarus morbus, from Yetornius; a well-documented disease vector." Dr. Martenz: "Great work. Send me a selection of cells sample from the mite. I'll look it over downstairs." Much Later, after cell culturing, and a lot of leg work: Living on the backs of Others by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Dr. Martenz: "Hmm... Yes... Mmmhmm. Ooh. Fascinating. Yes, I believe we've found the virus. Running report... and done. Turn off the electron microscope, Ba'al-Ba'al. Oni-Ren: "Yessa." Living on the backs of Others by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Dr. Matrenz: "I hear Dr. Long has returned to the Axle... Time to report our findings to her, I think." Later.... Living on the backs of Others by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Dr. Martenz: "Yes, the office of Dr. Long, please." Meanwhile, aboard the Axle, in orbit Farmolis... Dr. Long: "Yes, Odus, put him on. I'll take the call here." Living on the backs of Others by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Dr. Martenz: "Dr. Long?" Dr. Long: "Speaking." Dr. Martenz: "I believe we've discovered the disease vector. Of Black-Eye. It's a mite that's infested the invasive species, Xerillian ant-scorpion." Dr. Long: "Good work. And how goes progress on the vaccine?" Dr. Martenz: "Vaccines don't happen overnight. This isn't some sci-fi space Opera, Dr. Long. It takes at least a month to develop a vaccine." Dr. Long: "I want it yesterday. This is a very important bargaining chip in our ongoing negotiations with the Oni-Ren. And what of the monarch? Is she still unwilling to hear our requests for cooperation regarding mining rights? I see you have an Oni-Ren in there with you. Has progress been made?" Dr. Martenz: "No. This is Ba'al-Ba'al Jinks; a political dissident, banished from the Oni-Ren Queen's domain who has since sworn loyalty to Octan. I literally ran into her in the fire swamps. She's been functioning as a lab assistant, cultural informant, and translator. " Ba'al-Ba'al Jinks: "Messa Ba'al Ba'al Jinks! Messa your humble servant!" Dr. Long: "Why do I sense we've picked up another pathetic lifeform?" Dr. Martenz: "What?" Dr. Long: "Nothing. Good work. Tell me when you have the vaccine, or if the Queen changes her mind about allowing us access to the copper fields... I mean... Their hunting grounds... Dr. Long out." Dr. Martenz: "Wait! I forgot to ask for more people to help me in my work!" ________________ Slow and full of exposition, but there we have it. Episode 1 of "The Invasive Species" ~Insectoid Aristocrat
  22. Dannylonglegs

    [O-HO6] Back in Business

    Tags: Spaceship, Science (testing a new ship counts, right? Otherwise, not this tag.) Back In Business by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Back In Business by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Bob of Quatrian: "So, Back to work again, huh?" Dr. Long: "Oh, They sent you to pick me up?" Bob: "I sent myself! Any excuse to get out of the office! Dr. Long: "Well, that explains the unorthodox landing place." Bob: "You like it?" Dr. Long: "There are actual landing platforms closer to the city you know." Bob: "And risk showing this baby off to the public? Not yet! You're looking at Next years new Small Shuttle craft! I'm taking it on a test run to see if it even gets off the ground without bursting into flames!" Dr. Long: "Get's off the ground... That's not reassuring. What are the odds of me making it back to the Axle in one piece?" Bob: "With me as your pilot? I'd say the odds are pretty good." Dr. Long: "You've quelled my fears." Bob: "So what's it like to be a civilian for a change?" Back In Business by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Dr. Long: "Long. Dull. Monotonous. Normally I'd like that, but there are no fires to put out, or regulations to reinforce. It's... unfulfilling. I can't wait to reemerse myself in my work in the Axle. There's so much to be done. Bob: "All that talk about work, you must be the life of the party." Dr. Long: "I never was." Bob: "You never were. But hey! Who needs parties when you've got New Spaceships! SO, I present to you, "O.T. La Chauve-Souris Blanche!" Dr. Long: "About that... Why?" Bob: "Well that's French for the White Bat, so I guess the guys down at marketing thought it looked like a bat. I can see that, but I think it looks more like a space whale, personally." Dr. Long: "No, I meant... Why the experimental ship instead of the O.T. Cog 1?" Bob: "Well, I was hoping the new ship would help take your mind off some of the... changes that have occurred on the Axle in your absence." Dr. Long: "Oh no." Bob: "The Cog line was put to rest. " Dr. Long: "But why? The line had a decade yet to go before it reached its built-in obsolescence date!" Bob: "Well, You were pretty much the only one who like them. A bunch of the researchers and pilots on the Axle wrote a petition to get on a rotating cycle of new shuttles instead of the Cogs, and Pombe signed off on it." Dr. Long: "That's... Disappointing." Bob: "I know you had some sentimental feelings for the Cog line, so I think I found you a fitting substitute shuttle." Dr. Long: "Oh?" Bob: "This one. If you like it, and it gets back off the ground again, and passes the safety regulations, this prototype is yours." Dr. Long: "Mine?" Bob: "Well, the company's, but we'd put it in your hangar... the one where the Cog 1 was held." Dr. Long: "That can't be proper protocol." Bob: "There's more to life than adherence to protocol Danielle. Also, the Chauve-Souris Blanche flies like a dream." Dr. Long: "Well, as long as it gets me from point A to point B, I'm happy. Thank you." Bob: "Point A to Point B is your only criteria? Well, in that case--after you-- Back In Business by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Bob: "I'm gunna do a few barrelrolls." Dr. Long: "Noo. Bats don't fly upsidedown! They only rest upside down!" Back In Business by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Bob: "Next you'll be telling me they don't fly blind, either!" Dr. Long: "Turn the instruments back on! Echolocation! They use echolocation!" Bob: "Hahah! Great to have you back in the fold Danielle! Back In Business by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr ________________________________________ Coming Next Week! "The Invasive Species" Part 1; "The Fecund Fruit Tree" "Those who live on the backs of others" The wings have to be removed to change between flight and landing mode, but if I wanted to scrifice form a little, I could have made it a pull pin. I chose removal because ultimately it looked better. Also, there should be a scorpion in this build too, but it either fell, or was occluded by the ship. I don't remember. ~Insectoid Aristocrat
  23. Dannylonglegs

    [O-H06] Atlas Shrugged

    Tags: Civil, Buildings Planet: Farmolis Atlas Shrugged by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Dr. Long: "Funny seeing you here, Amaira, I was just headed to see you actually. I have an appointment with you at your practice 30 minutes from now." Doctor Patel: "Ah, Hello Danielle. I'm on my lunch break. The gardens are beautiful on South Main Street, wouldn't you agree?" Dr. Long: "Yes, Amaira, they are indeed beautiful. Specimens from Earth, all of them. They grow so verdant on this world of ours." Dr. Patel: "Indeed." Dr. Long: "Of course, they grow so well because we modified them to do so... just as we've modified this planet." Dr. Patel: "Indeed." Dr. Long: "..." Atlas Shrugged by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Dr. Patel: "So, how are you feeling, Danielle. Last we spoke you were furious at me, if I recall." Dr. Long: "That's an exaggeration. Frustrated, would be more accurate. Frustrated that you wouldn't allow me to return to my duties aboard the Axle." Dr. Patel: "Of course. You're so much like your mother, Danielle. So passionate for your work... Devoted. And stubborn. You must take better care of yourself, Danielle. The reason I didn't let you go back so soon was--" Dr. Long: "--I know--" Dr. Patel: "Your muscular atrophy has diminished, thanks to your regular exercise and consistent Gravity, but your bone density will never recover, Danielle." Dr. Long: "I take my supplements, my estrogen, my OctaOsteo. I spend the requisite amount of time on the G+ decks on the Axle... And I've looked over the paperwork, Amaira. My bone mass has not decreased at un-expected levels. It's completely standard for my job description." Dr. Patel: "Then perhaps it's your job description that needs to change." Dr. Long: "You know that's not going to happen." Atlas Shrugged by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Dr. Patel: "I know... But you're damaging your body being in space so regularly. You must take care of your body, or it may break." Dr. Long: "Then I'll buy a new one." Dr. Patel: "I care about you. I loved your mother dearly, and I just don't want you to make the same mistakes she did." Atlas Shrugged by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Dr. Long: "..." Dr. Patel: "I won't change your mind." Dr. Long: "No." Dr. Patel: "When we meet again thirty minutes from now... I'm going to sign off on your request to return to work." Dr. Long: "Thank you. It's what I want." Dr. Patel: "I know. I won't delay you longer, then." Dr. Long: "... Thanks." Dr. Patel: "Oh, I read your books by the way. "The Modern Darwins" Is a bit too coldly worded for an informal piece, I think. You should lighten up. Good for your heart." Dr. Long: "I'll see you soon." Atlas Shrugged by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Atlas Shrugged by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Atlas Shrugged by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr This statue depicts John Hannibal as Atlas. One of the many statues of him that adorn the streets of Farmolis Headquarters city, now. He was perhaps the most efficient CEO we've had on the Andromeda Branch, which I found quite admirable. I could fault the man for very few things. Perhaps he was a little soft-hearted on the Alien species with whom he made contact... but that line of thought brought the Merchant Confederation within our folds. Perhaps the only thing I could truly fault him for was his humility. At times he shouldered more of the logistical burdens of running Octan than the next three people put together... myself included. And for all his work he requested no thanks. Needed no other incentive than loyalty to our great company. A giant among men, was he... so perhaps he would have liked this statue. He once told me, "A Gentleman wears white." What could be more white than pure marble?" Atlas Shrugged by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Atlas Shrugged by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr "If my memory serves, I think he believed in some higher power. A life after death. I do not. What is dead is dead. A sentience, once snuffed out returns to the void that bore it. The only form of life after death that I am aware of, from my studies, and introspection, is that which lives on in others. In those with whom you interacted, and those who have heard of you. So whether or not, John Hannibal lives on in some incomprehensible spiritual form, he most assuredly lives on in the scorch marks he left on this galaxy... and in the stones of his statues. These... more... abstract definitions of life... certainly not a life as a biologist such as myself would describe it... but, these forms of life outlive us all. Our legacy..." Atlas Shrugged by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr ........................... Hours later, in a different part of the city.... Kevin: "Danny! Wonderful to see you again! I heard from your doctor that you'll be returning to work on the Axle! That's just great!" Dr. Long: "Mhhmm. I won't even ask how you found out so quickly." Kevin: "There's my Danny! Always not-asking the right not-questions!" Dr. Long: "So... To what do I owe the pleasure of an appointment with you." Kevin: "Well, I thought you and I might have a little chat!" Dr. Long: "A chat." Kevin: "Well yeah! About... your career goals." Dr. Long: "What about my career goals." Kevin: "well, I guess I'll just cut to the chase. Do you want to be back on the board of the executives?" Dr. Long: "Of course." Kevin: "That's just what I wanted to hear! So... Exactly how badly do you want it?...." __________________________ Better pictures in the morning. Critiques and comments welcome! For Rodiziorobs: Atlas Shrugged by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr ~Insectoid Aristocrat
  24. Dannylonglegs

    [O-F03] Top People

    Tags: Science, Air/space vehicle, Land Vehicle, Civil structures Planet: Forring Top People by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Dr. Edris: "Be careful. Shorty, you'd better not tinker with that thing we recovered. I sent a message to Dr. Long. This is all hers. Shorty: "I will... It's just... It's emitting a signal of some kind. I can't tell if it's just part of the device's function, or if it's some kind of distress beacon. Dr. Edris: "Whatever it is, we'll let Danielle figure that out. The last thing we want is for you to break it!" Shorty: " Alright. I'll leave it be." Top People by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Dr. Edris: "Join me, I'm going to go taunt our captive. They brought him back here after his processing. He'll be transferred in the morning." Top People by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Top People by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Shorty: "Hey, forklift guy, why are you still here with the engine running?" Forklift Guy: "The way this machine vibrates has got to be intentional, man." Shorty: "You're one of Pombe's new hires, aren't you." Forklift Guy: "Yup!" Shorty: "Thought so." Top People by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Dr. Edris: "Keep that Spec-Ops droid out of earshot of the prisoner, officer. He's MANTIS." Top People by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Dave, from accounting: "What is this thing you've trapped me in? I can hardly stand!" Dr. Edris: Oh, this thing? It's a specimen transfer crate. This is a science facility, after-all. We don't have any prison cells.... but this is actually more secure than most! Dave, from accounting: "You've no right to imprison me like this. This is a MANTIS planet!" Dr. Edris: "I suppose you haven't heard then? This planet now belongs to Octan... again. You're in a position unsuitable to giving orders." Dave: "Hmm. Well it wasn't when you unlawfully assaulted me. I demand to be released at once! You've held me two weeks too Long!" Dr. Edris: "Huh. Well, I guess you'll have to file a complaint regarding mistreatment with the department of Legal issues." Dave: "Finally. Get me the forms." Dr. Edris: "Can't. You're scheduled to be sent off to Farmolis to face trail for participation in overt corporate espionage, and hijacking Octan robotics." Dave: "So you can't just hand me the forms." Dr. Edris: "Also protocol states that once one of these specimen crates is sealed, it cannot be reopened without the presence of proper authorities." Dave. "Holy crap Octan sucks." Shorty: "Red tape and green bills." Dr. Edris: "Night-night, Dave from Accounting." Dave: "You'll pay for this." Later that night..... Top People by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr *alien-cricket chirps* *An EMP blast breaks the silence, as technology in and around the Octan base begin to short-circuit* Top People by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Underneath the platform... a rumbling... Top People by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr A hidden door opens, and the retriever emerges. Top People by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr The biomechanical creature crawls out from under the platform and approaches the lab... Top People by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Top People by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Top People by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Dave tumbles out of his prison as the locking mechanisms fail. Top People by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr The creature did not notice him... It appears oblivious to all but the lab... and the object therein that it seeks.\ Top People by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Top People by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr The disturbance from the EMP awoke Dr. Edris and Shorty, and they both rushed to the site where the Alien artifact was stored.... Only to find that a massive biomechanical creature attempting to break the door in. Top People by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Top People by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Shorty: "What are we going to do?! That EMP knocked out everything! Lights, computers, vehicles... even our guns!" Dr. Edris: "Not... all of our guns." Shorty: "Is that a projectile weapon?" Dr. Edris: "Smith and Wesson. I shouldn't have this. It's very old..." Shorty: "What is that thing?..." Dr. Edris: "I dunno, but I'm about to find out if I can kill it." Shorty: "And what should I do?" Dr. Edris: Just stand by the wall, will ya?" Top People by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Top People by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr *bang* Top People by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr "Well, That went surprisingly well, all things considered." Shorty: "yeah... but look at the specimen containment crate..." Top People by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Dr. Edris: "That's no problem.... we've got something even better." That Morning.... Top People by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Top People by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr H-Pod-Carrier by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Top People by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Dr. Edris: She's going to love this." Top People by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr ~Insectoid Aristocrat
  25. Tags: Civil Building, Science Planet: Onix //"This is Dr. Martenz contacting the O.C.S. Axle. Please Direct me to Dr. Long's office."// DrMartenz by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Catching up with Odus by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Odus: "This is Dr. Long's Office, Odus Dillberg speaking." Dr. Martenz: "Hi. Look, I've got a very tight schedule, so I'm going to make this quick. Transfer me directly to Dr. Long. This is Dr. Martenz, from pathology, and I urgently need to speak with her." Odus: "Ooh. Sorry, I'm afraid that's simply not possible." Dr. Martenz: "What?!" Odus: "Yeah. She's on sabbatical at the moment. I'm currently managing the administrative side of things on the Axle, and Dr. Black is running the sciency stuff." Dr. Martenz: "Kodan Black?!" Odus: "Yeah, that's the one! Fine chap, very nice." Dr. Martenz: "... Kodan... Black?" Odus: "Yep!" Dr. Martenz: "Ok. Ha ha. Now please, transfer me to Dr. Long. I know she doesn't take sabbaticals. She's never missed a day of work in her life. I understand she's a busy woman, and she's probably in some meeting, but please don't disrespect me." Catching up with Odus by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Odus: "Huh? I'm being super serious right now. Dr. Long has been on leave for months now. She was... uh.. Well, I guess I'm not supposed to say why, but there was an incident, and, well, she hasn't been able to come to work." Dr. Martenz: "Great Scott! You're serious! And... That Kodan thing is serious too?! Great Scott!.. I should'ave been nicer to the kid. When's she coming back?" Odus: "Should be pretty soon. I just heard back from her doctor that... oops. Shouldn't've said that! Soon." Dr. Martenz: "No kidding. Well. I'd like to leave her a message then. Tell her that I'm calling in a solid 'you-owe-me.'" Catching up with Odus by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Dr. Martenz "I need more people on the ground here. The Oni-Ren are making a pathology report on Onix damn-near impossible. They won't let me anywhere near their settlements. This is made even more frustrating by the fact that they are currently dealing with an epidemic of something they refer to as 'Black-Eye.' " If I had more men... possibly some peace-keeping troops, I could conduct my report with far greater efficiency... and hell... we might even profit by selling them vaccines for their illness. Please convey my message to Dr. Long as soon as she gets back... I don't know how much longer I can do this all by myself and with these stupid interns I keep getting sent. Seems like they all outrank me in a year anyways. [inaudible grumbling noises]" Catching up with Odus by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Odus: "Ok, I'll let her know. Is there anything else I can help you with?" Dr. Martenz: "No, that'll be all. Thank you. Dr. Martenz out." Catching up with Odus by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Robotic voice: "You have _27_ calls waiting on hold." Odus: "Oh bother. There's just so much work to be done. How ever did Danielle manage so much!?" Robotic voice: "You have _28_ calls waiting on hold." Odus: "What would Dr. Long do? Oh! I know! I'll consult the Dr. Long AI!" Hello Holo-Long! by Danny-Longlegs, on Flickr Odus: "Dr. Holo-Long, I've been answering phone calls all morning! My other desk is piled full of paperwork so high I can't even work there! All the other Secretaries are all swamped just like me! What ever should I do?!" Holo-Long: "Get back to work." Odus: "Ok, boss!" _____________________________________________________________________________ Anyways, More updates on affairs without the good doctor. Please keep in mind that I am very open to constructive criticism. I'm not entirely satisfied with how my surface-of-Onix build looks. I was aiming for a rocky landscape without Lava (because there can't be Lava on every square inch of the planet) and I tried to incorporate some elements from previous builds on Onix (Kai's green biomass crystals, Black and dark grey rocks) along with some of my own (Nugget moss/fungus, dark tan soil/moss) but I worry I may have gone too many places all in the confines of one very small build. Tell me what you think, Edit: also the picture is not flattering. Also, for those of you wondering why so many builds without Long, well, I'm setting things up. This, for instance, is setting up a story arch I have planned. Stay tuned for "The Invasive Species" Coming in like 3 weeks. ~Insectoid Aristcorat