pombe

Here we are finally! Welcome to our new home of Bastion! And who be ye? Ye dun look like a Sea Rat! Look everyone! This must be one of those ruffian scoundrel types I've read about in the brochures! Ah, but where are my manners? I am Ethylene Glycol, professor of science; and these are my students. This here is Lucy Liu, my senior graduate student. Don't mess with her, because she's Asian and knows martial arts. That and she's a bitter sixth year student who doesn't have enough papers to graduate. That wasn't a racist introduction at all. Besides, whose fault is it that none of my projects had interesting results?! And why did we even leave Corrington in the first place, Professor I-Lost-All-My-Funding-And-Had-To-Leave-The-University?! And what the hell is an Asian?! Do you see a place called Asia on this map?! I told you she was bitter. This here is "Motorboat" Peacock. People assume he is nicknamed after a seafaring vessel that has not been invented yet, but in fact, he is nicknamed after a thing he does with his mouth which is named after a seafaring vessel that has not been invented yet. For some reason, he is very popular with the ladies. BbbrrrrrrrrrrrrBbrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrBBRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!! And this is my newest student, Alois Bieber. He was a former Oleon soldier who had attended a seminar of mine to protest science, but instead got enlightened by my lecture and has since become an evangelist for science. FOR GREAT SCIENCE!!! Erm...hi. My name is NPC143. Oh, my poor soul. You are one of those non-player characters. Maybe if you try really hard, you will eventually become significant enough to have a name of your own in this story. <sniff> I just want to be a real boy! Don't we all? Anyways, we are here to establish a new university of higher learning here at Bastion! One unfettered by the idiotic scientific rigors that those Corrington stick-up-their-arses seem to adhere to with all the fanaticism of the Oleon religious zealots. You mean like replicating experiments to ensure that the results are reproducible and statistically significant? Gobbledygook! A single observable event is all that's required! Afterall, if it's not true, then why was it observed in the first place? Or like writing transparent Materials and Methods so that others can follow how one did an experiment and reproduce it if necessary? And give away my precious secrets?! Nonsense! They are lucky enough that I don't write my manuscripts in code, as it is. Um...okay. You there. You look tough, how did you lose your eye? I was in the laboratory one day performing an acid-base titration when my fiance barges in and throws my experiment in my face! She apparently had learned of a tryst I was having with my undergraduate assistant. You could say that she blinded me with science! Ha ha! Science giveth, but science can also taketh.... I'm sorry I asked. Oh, look at the time! We must be off! It's been a pleasure, I hope we'll meet again...er...NPC297. That's NPC143. Sure, whatever. Toodles!

All my monies to Bob!

Psst...Scooter. I missed that last part, let me see your notes. Maybe you should stop browsing the interweb on your mobile device during class. No. Get your notes somewhere else. Aw, come on. I'll hack into the studio that makes that new anime you like so much and get you their files before they've released them. And I'll cram that harddrive up your nether regions. Everyone knows not to mess with the studios before they release the episodes, you honorless scrotum sucker. You two had better shut the hell up before I report you both to the chief accountant. Yes, ma'am!

Location: H03 - Kaalin Tags: Spaceship Dramatis Personae: Previously: http://www.eurobrick...howtopic=118483 Currently, on approach to Kaalin.... I appreciate you referring your psychologist to me, Bruce. I think I've been needing to see a therapist for some time. Of course, Ms. Kolai! I am always happy to help a colleague in need. The doctor is the reason I am who I am today! In fact, I'll buy you a drink to celebrate this occasion! That...that's okay. I don't really drink. The last time I did, I passed out during a meeting and woke up in an engineering bay hours later. But I appreciate the thought. Wait, what was that about the doctor and who you are today? Another time, perhaps! Uh.... There she is, the Merchant Confederate medical cruiser, Seraphim! It was convenient that both our fleets were located at Kaalin. That way, I could go see the doctor while Pombe and Hombre went down to the surface for some apparent man to man talk (\http://www.eurobrick...howtopic=119854). Serendipitous, even! Let me buy you a drink to celebrate serendipity! Oh, um, we've arrived! I have to get to my transport shuttle! Bye! Thanks again! ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Later, aboard the Seraphim.... FOR THE LAST TIME, I DO NOT TOUCH MYSELF WHEN THINKING ABOUT MY BOSS!!! Uh huh. Patient exhibits classic denial when asked about her boss. Let's switch topics. Did you see your father naked when you were a child? What does that have to do with anything?!?! I take that as a "yes". WHAT?!?! HOW IS THAT A "YES"?!?! You didn't say "no". Eshey, do you harbor feelings of jealousy against your mother? What? No! Of course not! Mm hmm. Patient saw her father naked as a child and exhibits hostile feelings of jealousy against her mother. NO NO NO!!! And...what are you supposed to be?! I'm the doc's assistant! Sadly, Eshey, the time for this session has run out. But before you depart, let's sing that song I taught you at the beginning. WHAT? NO! Then unfortunately, I'm going to have to recommend that you go on medical leave until you are deemed mentally capable of fulfilling the requirements of your position. I feel better, so much better! Thank you, Doc, for taking all the ouchies away! I didn't feel so good till you fixed me like I knew that you would! And I feel better, so much better now! There, do you feel better now? Additional pics under the spoiler tag, and comments and criticisms are all welcome!

These are my proudest moments; I love it when an apprentice becomes an equal. I feel like I've lost a son, but gained a brother. I hope that he will surpass me one day, and then I will have lost a brother, but gained a father. I didn't understand a single word you just said. It made no sense. And how come he got promoted? I've been your apprentice longest! Yes, but you aren't a superstar like Hombre or Normal Guy. You know? I wonder how Isabel is. I miss her sometimes. Now she was an explorer! I think Hombre has the potential to be just as excellent as she was.

Did ED-208 really have to go? Look at the pictures! All he's doing is just standing there like an idiot! I need him back here! Now now, Sue. I'm sure he's being useful to Kodan there. Besides, this is important. Octan Motorsports has had a long history of not just pioneering racing development, but winning as well. Our reputation here helps our brand overall. Potential customers may not know we make body oil and handcuffs, but they know we make high performance race cars that win. That sort of cross promotion helps the sales of our body oil and handcuffs. Well, when he's done over there, he'd better come back to help me test the body oil and handcuffs.

I always fancied myself as an admiral. Thanks for allowing me to live that dream vicariously through your entry! Something is definitely wrong here. What's a Chogsey? And why am I wearing this hat?

All my monies to Bob!

Well, shucky darn and slop the chickens! That there is a fine steed and some even finer ridin', if I do say so myself! Wow, you even included builds that were recycled from previous entries and not officially part of that challenge entry! Well done! Of course, he did, you tenderfoot! woofmcmoose is a builder you can ride to the river with. He even fixed you up with a mech more awesome than Big Z's. Boy oh boy, will Big Z kick up a row when he finds out about this! Woo-wee! Watch and learn, Eshey. This is how real builders ride! What? What does that even mean?

Location: H07 - Quantus III Tags: Exploration, Land Vehicle Note: This build is for Week 30. It is being posted early. Dramatis Personae: Previously: http://www.eurobrick...howtopic=118482 Currently, on Quantus III.... Additional pics under the spoiler tag, and comments and criticisms are all welcome!

Location: G03 - New California Tags: Spaceship, Land Vehicle Dramatis Personae: Previously: http://www.eurobrick...howtopic=118315 Note: The O.C.S. Head has already been featured in the Challenge 3 Category A build: http://www.eurobrick...howtopic=118306, and should not be judged here. We're in orbit above New California, sir. Good. Now we wait. What are we waiting for? Everyone else. Sir? The ambush by the Zoid above Arium Minor was a wake up call, Eshey. If it wasn't for the timely intervention of one of Santa's reindeer and his crew, we would have lost the Shaft and who knows how many Octan employees. I recognize that I was too reckless and I take full responsibility for that. In order to be better prepared for the next surprise, I've decided that a single ship is too vulnerable and have decided to assemble a fleet. A fleet? Yes. I've requisitioned a few ships to join us. Additionally, I've called the rest of the team from the Axle and assigned each of them their own command. To fill out of the rest of the command positions, I've hired additional help from the Merchant Confederacy. I don't get a command? Nope. A vessel has just dropped out of the GATE, sir! That should be them. On screen. KlIk tHE O.c.s. kLiK hEAd rePoRtINg iN, klIk siR! Oh, HI kLik hOnEy! Normal Guy gets a battleship?!?! He is the most qualified member of the team. He will serve as command over the muscle of the fleet and will have ability to obliterate enemy fleets with the Head's main cannon. Normal Guy, why don't you power up the main cannon as a test exercise? YEs, SiR KLik! Excellent. The Head is essentially just a big gun, but that gun packs quite the wallop. pErMIsSioN tO kLiK puLL ALoNgsiDe iNto KLIK forMaTiOn, SIr. Permission granted. Three new contacts, sir! The O.C.S. Nut I reporting in, sir! Bqllr! Welcome Nuts I, II, and III. The lack of escorts during our last encounter was very costly. Smaller, faster ships completely out-maneuvered the Shaft and nearly destroyed her. We won't make that same mistake again. Nuts I, II, and III, assume the standard formation. The fleet is a head, a shaft, and three nuts?!?!?! Almost. There's just one more ship left. What else can there be?!?! And why are there three nuts?!?! Are you alright, Eshey? Three nuts is normal. A new contact, sir! There he is. Crap in a hat. Don't tell me.... Bruce Vayne and the O.C.S. Sack reporting in, sir. Many apologies for the delay. The Sack seems to have thrust and navigational issues. Hold on, sir. We seem to be experiencing some technical difficulties. What do you mean we can't pull into formation with the rest of the fleet? You're telling me that we're just drifting in space? How am I supposed to buy everyone drinks like this?! YOU LET HIM BUILD A CAPITAL LAND VEHICLE?!?!?! Additional pics under the spoiler tag, and comments and criticisms are all welcome!

The title of this post reminds me of a song. Eshey, put the needle on the record. Yes, sir. [Debbie Gibson plays] Everytime I'm tellin' secrets I remember how it used to be And I realized how much I miss you And I realize how it feels to be free Now I see I'm up to no good (no, no, no) And I wanna start again Can't remember when I felt good, baby No I can't remember when No, only in my dreams As real as it may seem It was only in my dreams.... Oh yeah. Take all the time you need. And, of course, if there are any other resources or personnel you may require, I'll approve any requisition. Well...not Kodan. I need Kodan. And not ED-208, either!

All my monies to Bob!

You know, mom. I can shoot a gun straight, too. I can still transfer to special operations. There's more to it than just shooting a gun, Louise. I am merely using this opportunity to meditate and relax. Stick to your flight simulator. [sigh] Yes, mom.

Location: F09 - Arium Minor Tags: Dramatis Personae: Previously: http://www.eurobrick...howtopic=118036 Quickly! We have to get to Arium Minor to save those Merchant Confederate pilots! http://www.eurobrick...howtopic=118168 We've just dropped out of the GATE, sir! Arium Minor on screen! Sir! Two contacts closing in! They appear to be Zoid Wasp class frigates! They are powering weapons! Red alert! Power up our weapons and evasive manuevers! The name's Joey. Joey Lucchese. And I'm an enforcer for Don Maggiano. The Don wants youse to be swimming with the fishes, Octan-scum! They're firing weapons! Sir, decks 7 through 10 have been compromised! And one of our starboard engines have been hit! I guess this is it, team. Everyone, get to an escape pod! If you make it to the planet, rendezvous at the assigned coordinates. Beware of Zoid slavers, of course. And take as many of them out as you can! Sir! New contact from a GATE! It's hailing us! Octan vessel, this is the N.P.S. Donner. We see have you have a bug problem. Mind if we assist? By all means, N.P.S. Donner. We welcome help from the North Pole. Boss, we is being targetted by the reindeer! Retreat, Mugsy. We wills be back, Octan! No ones messes with Don Maggiano and gets aways with it. I'm Bugsy, boss. Eh, shaddap and get us out of here! Thanks Donner for the assist. We would have been space dust if it weren't for you. No worries, Pombe. You and your crew are all on Santa's nice list...well, except for Eshey. She's not been so nice. Remember, he is always watching you. He watches when you're sleeping. He watches when you're awake. And he especially watches when you are alone and think nobody is watching you doing those things. Normal Guy especially will be getting something very nice in his stocking, though Santa can't give him who he truly wants for Christmas. Good to hear! Normal Guy is my favorite! Well, take care and don't run over any grandmothers this holiday season! That was just that one time! And the toxicology report cleared us! Her blood alcohol levels were off the charts! She had no business wandering out in the snow completely drunk! Additional pics under the spoiler tag, and comments and criticisms are all welcome!

OOPS. THIS IS MEANT TO BE CAT B, NOT CAT A. Could a mod please correct this? Thanks! This is a rebuild of "I've got a bad feeling about this", which can be found here: http://www.eurobrick...howtopic=109621 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++Start data transmission++ Explorer Pombe reporting in from E11. I've looked over the data generated by my esteemed colleagues, and so far, Kawashita's domination grows rapidly out here in Andromeda. Makoto Orenji's recon revealed that our long ranged surveys were correct: sector E11, otherwise known as the Fascini Cluster, has vast amounts of Awesomnium. Unfortunately, as agent Koro has discovered, we are not the first to notice this. At least Koro can be relied on to rectify the situation. Additionally, we have one of our best engineers, Operative Q, or just Q as he likes to be called, already excavating the precious ore. I'm following up on Dr. Livingston's suspicion that Awesomnium is actually being created inside these asteroids. He hypothesizes that bacteria are actually creating more Awesomnium. The atmosphere on these asteroids is so thin that I've opted to take a Kawashita spacesuit to search for what might be causing generating Awesomnium. I've managed to locate a large asteroid and started to explore it. There's so much Awesomnium that it actually sticks out of the surface! Somehow, though...I can't shake the feeling that I'm being watched...which I can't confirm since, according to the sensors, the asteroid is made up almost entirely of organic material. In fact, it appears that 60% of the dry mass of this asteroid is actually bacteria, which supports Dr. Livingston's model. Hmm...somehow this all seems very familiar, but I can't quite put my finger on why that is. Anyway, if something is watching me, I won't be able to tell where it is. I'll just have to be extra careful. Time to report this find...wha...zzzz....bbazz..........something.........rock...wha.....ssssssaaazzzzzzzz.....rocks.....atta.................zzzazzzzzzzzz........ ++End data transmission++ Comments and criticisms are all welcome!!!

This is a rebuild of EpsilonEta's "Arrival", which can be found here: http://www.eurobrick...howtopic=110272 I want to thank EpsilonEta for his permission to use and his approval of the portrayal of his characters. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ An Octan Dreadnought Class battleship, the O.C.S. Head, arrives at Planet H06, otherwise known as Farmolis, the planetary headquarters of Octan in the Andromeda galaxy. It is a dawn of a new day in Andromeda, and the passengers that the battleship brings will change the galaxy forever. On board is a military operative known only as "Raven". She has been hired by Octan to handle security and to escort explorers in Andromeda. Many speculate that an agent with her reputation is more likely to perform espionage and sabotage on rivaling companies. Of course, Octan denies any such accusations. With Raven is her daughter, Louise, a young woman with striking red hair, who once had dreams of becoming a military operative like her parents, but when her father died was forced into the safer profession of being a pilot by her mother. Raven: Don't hunch, stand up straight. And smooth out the creases in your flight suit. Louise: Jeez mom, I'm nervous enough as it is, I don't need you to embarrass me in front of the other employees on my first day. Raven: You have to act more professional! You shouldn't address me as "mom" at work. Louise: I'm not going to go around calling you "special agent Raven" at work! I don't care if you're some famous special ops agent. You're my mom. That's that, and that's what I'm going to call you. Raven: ... Louise: Hey mom. Have you noticed anything strange today? Things seem...out of place for some reason. Raven: Yes, I noticed that things aren't quite right. But I can't quite put my finger on why that is. Oh well, whatever. It must not be important. Oh, there's the planet! It's so beautiful! This will be our new home for a while. I never understood why you wouldn't let me join the military like you and dad. Your father and I fought so we could make the universe peaceful for you. You'll understand one day. It's one of the reasons why I signed the both of us up for Octan. Working for a civilian corporation is safe and stable, not to mention quite generous. This is something your father would have approved of. Then why did Octan send us through the GATE in a battleship and not a colony ship? Deterence. The price of victory is eternal vigilance. There will always be enemies, and you must always remain on guard. I still say I could have made a good soldier. And you will make a better pilot. [static over the intercom speakers] All passengers, this is the bridge, we have achieved geosynchronous orbit over Farmolis. Please gather your belongings and prepare to board the shuttles that will take you to the surface. I guess that's us, mom. Do you have everything? Double check that you didn't leave something behind. [sigh] Yes, mom. All comments and criticisms wanted!!!

I like the room setup with the chains. I think ED-208 and I will have to visit sometime.

Oh, they broke free from Zoid pens. I read that wrong at first and thought they broke free from Zoid pen.... STOP!!! STOP!!! JUST STOP!!!

Kawashita does have some great interior designer for their starships. I especially like the use of the "brick bricks" along the back wall and the grills on the floor against the wall. Also, I sure do love me some exposed pipes. I have a pipe I could expose. NO YOU DON'T, PUT IT AWAY!!!

All my monies to Bob!

Oh, is that what happened? I was wondering why there were more views this week. I always just jump to the forum. No, I've never actually heard of it. It was a spur of the moment idea, actually. Originally, the idea was that Octan marketing failed to predict demand for natural Christmas trees, so Pombe had to find a way to increase supply. He and the crew were going to trick Eshey into cutting down an entire forest by gluing googly eyes on all the trees to convince her that they were hostile alien creatures. But as I was building the first tree, I thought, "what if I put arms and legs on this thing?" And then things spiraled out of control from there. I can't take credit for my presentation style. A lot of the way I tell my stories here in AG came from reading how the other players wrote their weekly builds. You can go to the players index and see how my presentation has evolved over the course of the game. The other players here are my greatest inspiration.

DON'T DO IT!!! IT WILL DESTROY YOUR MIND!!! THERE ARE THINGS YOU CANNOT UNSEE!!!

Location: H07 - Quantus III Tags: Exploration, Land Vehicle, Spaceship Dramatis Personae: Previously: http://www.eurobrick...howtopic=117535 Currently, somewhere over Yetornius.... Thanks again for the rescue! I have no idea why my starfighter wasn't responding to my controls. It seems Tabman here has terrible luck with starfighters, sir. He keeps getting lemons that have control failures. They're not starfighters! They're tanks! And why do you keep letting him drive them out of the hangar?!?! In any case, it worked out and we have flight data to pass to our engineers. On behalf of Octan, we'd like to thank you both for submitting the designs and for test piloting the prototypes. Unfortunately, Eshey and I have to take our leave of the Merchant Confederacy. A situation has come up and we are needed elsewhere. A situation? Yes. A mechanized Christmas tree developed by our combat division has gone rogue and disappeared. A what has gone rogue? A mechanized Christmas tree. We believe it stowed away on a transport ship and escaped to Quantus III, where we suspect it will try to hide in the forests there. Why do we make such things?!?! That sounds serious, sir. Indeed. Our assignment is to locate it and terminate it. We can't have rogue Christmas trees running loose. It would be bad for business. Before you leave, let me buy you a round of drinks. This is the bridge. We have a contact that has just dropped out of a gate. It's transponder identifies it as the Octan vessel O.C.S. Shaft. It has been granted permission to pull alongside us for a ship to ship transfer. That would be our ride. Thanks for the offer, Mr. Vayne. Perhaps another time. Any time. And good luck! Sir, this is the Shaft. We are ready to receive you and Eshey. We're on our way, Sue. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Later.... Sir, we have arrived in system and are on approach to Quantus III. Excellent. Have we located the tracking beacon of the Christmas tree? Tracking beacon? We hide tracking beacons in all Octan products in order to data mine for location information regarding where our customers use our products. It turns out that these beacons are also useful when one of our products go rogue and need to be hunted down. We track our customers?! Isn't that illegal?! Are you a lawyer, Eshey? Let our legal division handle these matters. Sir, we've located the beacon. Good. Let's prepare for atmospheric entry so we can make visual contact. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ On Quantus III.... There! Sir, we've made visual contact with the Christmas tree! It appears to have seen us and is trying to get away! Note: the blue sky background is recycled from this build: http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=110926 and therefore should not be judged. Alright. Take us over it. There's no way it can avoid the Shaft. Eshey, go prep for the drop. Wait. I'm dropping to terminate the Christmas tree?! Don't worry. You'll get to use this mech. How do you feel, Eshey? I feel hard. Excellent. Hold on a second! This mech has no weapons?!?! I wouldn't send you to take on a military grade Christmas tree unarmed. You'll be using this triple chainsaw halberd to take it down. Do you approve, Eshey? Yes. Yes, I do. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ CHRISTMAS TREE. TIME TO DIE. YOUR DAYS OF RUNNING ARE OVER. I AM YOUR DEATH. I AM YOUR END. Uuuuuuuuu! Uuuuu! Uuuu uuuu uuu uuuuuuuuu uuuu! Uuuuuuuuu uuuuuu uuu! Uuu uuuu uuuuuuuuuu uuu uuuuu uuuu! Uuuuuu! U uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu uu uuuuuuuu! Uuuu uuuuuu uuuuuuuuuuuuu! ESHEY, STOP!!! You guys say that you're Christmas present aliens who didn't have a Christmas tree to be under until Christmas, and this tree saw your plight on social media, felt sorry for you guys, and came all the way out here so you could have a Christmas tree to be under? So you're asking us to not terminate the Christmas tree? WHHAAAAAAAAAT?!?!?!?!?!? 11001001001001 00100000001110101 001001111101100101010010 101010011010010000101010010101010100101 1101001010100010101011010100101011111010001010001. You couldn't help yourself after you read their story? And you promise to come back to Octan after the present aliens are opened on Christmas day? Well, you certainly are full of the Christmas spirit! Eshey, stand down. We'll let the Christmas tree complete this task with the understanding that it will return to us afterwards. Uuuuuuuuuu! Uuuuu uuuuuuuuuuuuuu uuuu uuuuuu uuuu! Uuuu uuuuuuuuuuuu uu uuuuu u! You're telling me that you contain a firetruck for little Timmy? How excellent! I'm sure Timmy will be so thrilled to get a firetruck for Christmas! Wait!!! A little kid is going to tear you apart on Christmas day and take your innards?!?! Won't you die?!?! Aren't you scared?!?! Additional pics under the spoiler tag, and comments and criticisms are all welcome!

Thank you again for attending this on my behalf. Eshey and I are currently dealing with a runaway Christmas tree. It was important to have an Octan presence at this gala hosted by Extensive Enterprises who we have an important business relationship with. I am actually having ED-208's hip actuator replaced with a more robust version. Apparently, the previous hip actuator was not rated for the rigorous and sustained activity I put him through.