Dannylonglegs

Thanks, Medium! It's not as large as i originally hoped, but it probably looks better than it would have, and it's much sturdier! Thanks! I've used it before in similar circumstances... but I love the sticker! Glad I could fit you in. I needed someone to play off of, and you and Dr. Long have a good working relationship. Thanks, ye judges! ~Insectoid Aristocrat

Nice build! The snot is effective here to make up the road, and the grass is well constructed. The gate is nice and corporate in appearance, and the guard structure is a really nice touch. Very well thought out. The lamps are a nice detail as well. The guard tower could benefit from some tiles on top. I'm not too keen on the truck though. Mostly the front. It seems a bit bare there, and might benefit from doors or something. Maybe a grate to cover the bricks. Perhaps some guard rails or something. Either way, it fulfills it's purpose, and when it's in the landscape it's harder to tell that some parts seem missing. Great work! Great to see you back in action! ~Insectoid Aristocrat

Crisis indeed! Love the clean build. Nice photography, and wonderful dialogue! I can't wait to see how this story unfolds! Nice work on the emblem. It's really nice! ~Insectoid Aristocrat

Lovely parking lot! Big Z has quite the collection of vehicles! Octan does well for its valued employees, it seems! The build is well made and the story is pleasant. Nice to see Zaael enjoying his familial bliss! ~Insectoid Aristocrat

Great job here. I love your builds and how clean they all are! Your use of light really works here. It sets the mood quite well! I also like how you've developed this story. I like that the truth of an issue for one corporation can be drastically different for another one. It's realistic, considering who we all get our news from is most assuredly biased. It's something I'll be playing with in my own Invasive Species arc. Maybe Octan looks like and alien invader to one person, and a savior from on high to another. It all depends on who you get your truth from. Also, love the Doctor Who reference. ~Insectoid Aristocrat

Wow! Great build this week! You never cease to amaze with your creativity! To start off, the photography is all excellent! Your micro ship is really good. One of my favorites from you, actually. I'm not sure why. the asteroid is good too. I like the way the ship and the asteroid feel like they belong to the same environment, much like Slave 1 belonged in the trash. Doctor GeneHackman is just great! So inventive! You always seem to think outside the box to present us with fun, creative NPUs. This week's GeneHackman is a real gem. I'll be sure to reference him in a future build! Good to know Octan's got Dr. Long's back! We must create that that vaccine to help those poor Oni-Ren! And that door is great too. As Kodan mentioned, the bar in the door is a perfect way to create a sliding door. I may also look into using the technique... ~Insectoid Aristocrat

I quite like them. They could perhaps have been better integrated, but they do resemble alien growth. ~Insectoid Aristocrat

This is just such an incredible compilation of truly wonderfully conceived and executed pieces of art. Wow. Once again, Bob, you have created a masterpiece. The focal A2NT on its own may have been a 7 in and of itself... but then you added more and more and more. :oh2: The control room is pretty awesome. I live how the simple and clean build conveys the feeling that it's part of something larger than it actually is. Also it's beautiful. That tiling technique is always wonderful. The sprite is sweet! Looks like quite the quick fighter! I like the "neck" portion with the white 1-1 round tiles. Nice repetition there. I agree with Kodan that the Baraka head may be a little out of place on a ship called "Sprite". Might have better been called the "Shark", or "Dragonfly". The digger is sweet. Very well shaped. Love the orb shaped cockpit. Even the satellite is great! And the pictures and editing are exquisite! Stupendous work! ~Insectoid Aristocrat

To answer your questions to the best of my ability, I'm pretty sure that's allowed. I'm fairly certain that brickarms and such have been allowed for sigfigs, but it is not recommended for other non-avatar figures. That is definitely allowed. Especially for Mantis and Kawashita. We purists over at Octan, on the otherhand... No. Couldn't find the exact quote, but apparently it was some random picture from heteh interwebs. Welcome to AG! Glad you chose not-Mantis, although I'm sad to see you didn't choose Octan. ~Insectoid Aristocrat

Ooh! Awesome build! Really love how this Mantis-wide story is progressing. And I love to see callbacks to old characters like this! Sebastian seems to be quite a cool recurring villain. And, having checked out his origin, I can definitely confirm that Octan's Science division would have kicked him out. Mad-Science of his type is most assuredly frowned upon! The build is great. That mech is super cool, and quite powerful looking. Hard to imagine what kind of demonic entity could single-handedly take it down, but then again, with a formerly-Octan-affiliated Zoid-accepting mad-scientist in charge of creating some sort of genetically superior super-soldier, who knows what kind of evil creature that mech could be facing!? The lab environment is nice, but the outside build takes the cake. I love that slanted snot wilderness technique. You really pulled it off well! Great job! ~Insectoid Aristocrat

I was looking for a tile there, as it looked like there should be one there, but the LDD must really not want to make that part visible. I can tell. The best stories are those which have been well planned and have a good pay-off, so I can't wait to see what the Web we Weave has in store for us. ~Insectoid Aristocrat

The plot Thickens! The mite is indeed very cool! I love those slope pieces and how they form its abdomen. Quite threatening. And the lights are a great touch! The Mantis-wide story you've been developing is really paying off. prettymuch every build this week has been engulfed in this web of intrigue. I can't help but wonder if this is all just some big conspiracy to prove Spacersteve innocent of Goatman's death... somehow.... Really cool story though! Can't wait to find out how it ends, and why SpacerSteve is on Farmolis... and why Octan doesn't know about that. Unless we do, of course... Octan knows LOTS OF THINGS... ~Insectoid Aristocrat

That power suit is pretty sweet actually! Very cool! Also, gotta love the big speech! Cool developments! ~Insectoid Aristocrat

Nice build! The shape is rather simple, but overall effective. It makes sense that a space freighter would have a simple shape, afterall. The crates are a nice touch! The front seems a little bare. It might benefit from a trans tile of somekind. Interesting continuation of the story. I see how it's joining into the greater MANTIS Story at the moment. Very cool. ~Insectoid Aristocrat

Bob, could you add this Entry to the Known Lifeforms of G10 category of the Traveller's Guide to Andromeda? (Assuming that Space travel is a requisite for counting as Advanced, they don't fit that category yet... but if this is not a requirement, they may fit that category.) Oni-Ren Description: Named by an early Kawashita explorer whose crew was taken hostage and eaten by one of their smaller clans, the Oni-Ren of G10's Onix have developed a reputation throughout the galaxy as a backwards people. A.L.I.E.N. refuses to work with them, since the Zoid are considered a delicacy by the Oni-Ren, and the uncooperative feeling is mutual. They are one-eyed humanoid sentients with a tough hide and high heat tolerance. The Oni-Ren are universally matriarchal, and not egalitarian, with the males of the species unable to hold positions of power, and often serving as foot soldiers during times of war. The largest organized government of the Oni-Ren, the Gongen Empire, dominates almost the entirety of Onix's north pole where some of the most fertile land, and greatest deposits of copper can be found. The empire is characterized by lack of trust for Offworlders, and maintains a policy of isolationism. The Oni-Ren from the empire and those within its range of influence all follow a similar religion featuring a pantheon of celestial figures for whom many copper statues have been erected. Recently a deadly illness has spread to the Gongen Empire, known as "Black-Eye"... the Gongen Empire lacks the technology level to effectively combat the illness and refuses to work with outsiders who may be able to help them. Threat Level: Medium to High. Depends on what clan or faction one encounters. Many are openly hostile when encountering offworlders. The consumption of sentient species holds no taboo to the Oni-Ren. Even among more "civilized" factions, outsiders are often treated poorly. Source: Octan's cultural informant, Ba'al-Ba'al Jinks. ~Insectoid Aristocrat

Thanks Your analysis is spot on! Thanks! Dr. Long certainly doesn't see herself as in-the-wrong. Octan brings order and prosperity, in Dr. Long's estimation, and it's insane to refuse their generous gifts. Also she has quotas to meet. You'll see. Thanks. ~Insectoid Aristocrat

Awesome build! Love the triangle of tiles and the detail work on the garage! The vehicle is smooth and speedy-looking! The little touches like the lights do not go missed! Wonderful work! You have indeed grown a lot since you started! ~ Insectoid Aristocrat

The premiere Corporation indeed! I love it! This build is exactly what we needed! Not too extravagant, but still requiring effort and thought. The greeble on the back is especially good! Love the beams and rods. It looks very sciency! Also, I love how this is presented as a propo-piece! Very interesting way to display it! Wonderful work all around, and thanks for building our Tech Build! I assume you're talking about yourself? ~Insectoid Aristocrat

Thanks! And go ahead and use the holo-phones! Thanks! Thanks! I wish I could have gotten a shot without the reflection, but I only had one shot at it, and had to keep the less-than-perfect pictures. Thanks! If you don't like the Oni-Ren, I've got some great news for you... Thanks! ~Insectoid Aristocrat

Thanks! Slow but steady wins the race. There is a reason I pointed it out... I've been trying to include them in every build since my return. Thanks! Thanks! Glad you like it! Thanks! That actually took the longest to figure out, and it's pretty sterically hindered. Thanks! Yup, Octan does have a lot of cool slick and smooth ships (many of which are Bob's), but also a lot of utilitarian vessels designed to get from point A to B and do C. Thanks! ~Insectoid Aristocrat

Well, Octan did have a nonconforming employee once. Come to think of it, I think Dr. Long might have had something to do with his... sidelining. But still, I'm sure you'll do fine in MANTIS. Can't wait to see what you've got in store! When I said this was my favorite build of yours, I actually just meant in the game. Your Blacktron Landing Pad inspired this build of mine. (The pillar, surprisingly) ~Insectoid Aristocrat

"...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

Wonderful. My favorite build of yours yet, and probably all week (don't tell anyone else, shh! ) This. Mech. Is. Gorgeous. The utilitarian design, industrial colouration (as mentioned in story), the appropriately bulky chest and arms, lights and/or glass bits on the front and all around in sensible areas... all these details are spot on! Your shaping is really spectacular, the way you built it to fit the mini figure just right is admirable! Even the base and the crate are lovely! It's posable, and practical! I just wish it was Octan! Wonderful job again on the story. You're a real novelist! ~Insectoid Aristocrat

Another hilarious build! Great work! The, uh, "open cockpit jet" design is great, and the greebling is sensible and well constructed! great job! ~Insectoid Aristocrat