Blades

Well, we could do that and start another thread. Then again, I'll get moaned at. Sigh .... nowt but trouble you lot. Hrumph.

***** Thats right, it's back! So what if it's been 8 months since an update? I've been real busy thanks to you muppets voting me in as Fleet Commander. Anyhow .... round n round we go again. ***** For the next few pant browning minutes, myself and the good Commander Gallion ducked n dived in and out of more closets, bathrooms and service ducts than I care to recall. Most of the time, this was to avoid the wandering marine patrols that were mooching about the ship. Occasionally, Gallion would stuff me into a service crawl way just to stop me from talking for a moment or two. See, I have a tendancy to talk to myself, and anybody else whos in the immediate vicinity when Im nervous. As I was standing on a cold, metallic deck plate, naked but for a revealing surgical gown, on an Insurgent starship under the command of a man who wanted to have my genitals removed and grafted onto his own body, I had good reason to be nervous. However, Gallion didnt want me to be nervous. He said it interfered with his thinking. And thinking was apparently important right about then. In fact, he told me that if I didnt stop talking and allow him to think he was going to stick me in a supply closet, jab a broom handle up my bottom and leave me hangin there like a cocktail weenie, stewing in my own juices. The thought of having a comrade do this to me was only slightly less unnerving than having my tackle removed by a man who would make Emperor Caligulus look sane.. So I opted to stop talking. Immediately. Whatever Gallion had been thinking about during the moments when my tongue was still, it seemed to involve moving once again through the ship. I learned this as I was dragged by the scruff of my kneck after him in a less than graceful manner. After a few moments of this, we suddenly halted. We stopped, it seemed, because of the sound of approaching voices from down a corridor I assumed we needed to take. At that point, Gallion glared at me, looking angry. I smiled at him. A big beaming smile. A long time ago, my mother (Bless her) told me that If I couldnt say anything nice, then dont say anything at all. This thought is probably the one that confused me so utterly, and caused the sudden, and completely innaporpriate smile to break onto my face. Why? Hell if I know. I also had the habit of doing insanely stupid things when I was anxious. Anyway, Gallion let out something of a resigned sigh, and unclasped a spare slug thrower from his belt. He put it to my head and without saying another word pulled the trigger. Click. Gallion looked mildly upset. Guess I didnt reload it after all. Damn. The shock of what he had attempted didnt register until some hours later. At that time, I attacked Gallion while screaming like a little girl and didnt stop pounding his arms and side with my outstretched palms until he sedated me. Anyway, back to the plot . Instead of quickly reloading his weapon, replanting it on my forehead and pulling the trigger, he handed me the clumsy weapon with a spare clip, told me to load it and prepare myself for a blood bath. This seemed like an ok idea to me. The moment the clip clinked into place and I pulled back the cocking mechanism, Gallion rounded the corner, ducked down low and began wildly firing. The noise was overwhelming. Not just from Gallions slug thrower, but from the return fire and alarm claxons that wailed into existence seconds later. Energy weapons fire lanced above and to the side of Gallion as he retreated back behind the cover of the corridors wall. What the hell are you doing? he shouted at me. I shrugged at him, not having an answer he was likely to want to hear. Get out there and fight damn you! Understanding dawned on me. He wanted us BOTH to shoot them. To be fair, I hadnt handled a firearm in any capacity since my basic training days. Even then, I wasnt very fond of weapons, despite being something of a natural with them. I remember my drill instructor telling me once that had I not been the most lowly, sniveling wretch of a man he had ever seen, hed transfer me to the marine core and make me a seargent. Anyway, memories of better times aside, I now understood that Gallion wanted me to shoot back at them. As a rule, I dont shoot people. As another rule, I dont like getting shot at by people. These two opposing rules cancelled eachother out, and left me stunned once again. I wrestled with the moral implications of each of my actions for a few moments, just before a searing beam of red energy glanced my shoulder and burnt a sizeable chunk of flesh from the bone. In an instant, the conflict was resolved. Those *******s had shot me! Actually shot me. Not just shot at me, but SHOT ME! They not only intended to do me harm, but intended to kill me where I stood. I acquired a new found respect for wanton destruction, and joined Gallion in the gratuitous blood letting. I cant be sure what happened during those moments, its all a bit of a haze now, but when I think back to what happened immediately afterwards, I seem to recall seeing a look of genuine surprise on Gallions withered old face, perhaps even a momentary look of respect. However, this didnt last. Soon he was shaking his head again, and looking down at the pile of bodies on the Vengences deck. You are one messed up little puppy. Gallion said to me. Again, I dont know why, but I beamed a smile up at him. He just shook his head, waved the pistol at me and suggested I take point. I did as I was told. ------------------ F.C KARL 'BLADES' SAVAGE ORION FLEET TSUNAMI BATTLE GROUP GCV - TSUNAMI  www.orion-hq.fsnet.co.uk 'For Queen and country'

Guys! Please! Think of my inbox!

The thing is (As we all know) there is never a good time to upgrade your system. If you do it now, or later, the deal is basically the same, just the numbers are different. So long as the games industry continues to expand (Or contract as the recent case may be) this is never going to stop. You cant hold back and wait for the best deal, that essential purchase, because by the time you at the shop, hard earned cash in hand, some other guy on the block is gonna come along, show you somthing better for a few notes more and the hesitation thing will start again. It's a viscious circle, and one that wont end any time soon. Best thing to do is, hand your cash over, plug in your new card and enhoy it while its the business. Then replace it when you have to. Thats my justification anyway. ------------------ F.C KARL 'BLADES' SAVAGE ORION FLEET TSUNAMI BATTLE GROUP GCV - TSUNAMI Ôäó www.orion-hq.fsnet.co.uk 'For Queen and country'

Yeah, answered this one already. Still, welcome back again Jimmie. Now, dont be tardy and go sign in on the website. You time as a detatched officer just expired, and I need you to take command of Rockwell as Head Of Orion Intelligence. We got a lot to catch up on, so expect me n Greg to be dishin out the paper work to you in short order. Glad to see you back with us. ------------------ F.C KARL 'BLADES' SAVAGE ORION FLEET TSUNAMI BATTLE GROUP GCV - TSUNAMI Ôäó www.orion-hq.fsnet.co.uk 'For Queen and country'

Jimmy boy! Good to see you here again old friend. And why the hell have you not been replying to my emails? Anyway, we can sort out the court martial later, get your busted ass to my office and tell me all about what you been doin. Yes, thats an order. ------------------ F.C KARL 'BLADES' SAVAGE ORION FLEET TSUNAMI BATTLE GROUP GCV - TSUNAMI Ôäó www.orion-hq.fsnet.co.uk 'For Queen and country'

Yes, it's topys turvey for one and all. We'll get used to it, and although I personally prefered the way it was set up before, I guess it makes it easier to locate the most recent posts without having to wait for a long thread to download. One for the lazy people me thinks. Still, would be useful if the post reply option was at the begining of the thread. Oh, it is ... put that one down to me being tired at 4.37 am. ------------------ F.C KARL 'BLADES' SAVAGE ORION FLEET TSUNAMI BATTLE GROUP GCV - TSUNAMI Ôäó www.orion-hq.fsnet.co.uk 'For Queen and country' [This message has been edited by Blades (edited 04-20-2000).]

Gee, thanks boss. Looks like the board software has been updated again. Excellent. Oh yeah, and I hope everyone is listening to CENTRIS 185 while they online. Stay tuned, a livecast interview with INSURGENT ONE himself is due any day now. Oh, and SC, if it's not too much trouble, I'd love to get you to say a word or two. [This message has been edited by Blades (edited 04-20-2000).]

Mike, I cant even come close to trying to understand how you are feeling about this now, but I can relate to your anger and after reading your words, it's made me think back to more youthful times where I have put myself, and others at risk by getting behind the wheel in a less than fit state. Fortunately in my case, I wised up real fast as to the possible implications of my actions, and have never repeated my prior foolishness. All I can say now, is that I'm deeply sorry about what happened, and if theres anything myself, or any of us here can do to help in any small way, you need only ask. Your friend, Stacy Brain ------------------ F.C KARL 'BLADES' SAVAGE ORION FLEET TSUNAMI BATTLE GROUP GCV - TSUNAMI Ôäó www.orion-hq.fsnet.co.uk 'For Queen and country'

CENTRIS 185 is the ORION FLEETS online popular music and info station. Featuring a varied selection of popular music, CENTRIS 185 will also broadcast live from time to time, bringing you up to date info on the Orion Fleet and GalCom in general. To experience the webcast, see the relevant section on the Orion Web Page. As always, suggestions, requests and constructive criticism is always appreciated, and should be posted here. ------------------ F.C KARL 'BLADES' SAVAGE ORION FLEET TSUNAMI BATTLE GROUP GCV - TSUNAMI Ôäó www.orion-hq.fsnet.co.uk 'For Queen and country'

I saw her on a billboard in Norwich during the pre release by GameTek. She were big, beautiful, and only stayed up for about a week. Lots of accidents were caused on that stretch of road, I can tell you. Well, that was my excuse for being late for work every morning.

Oh yeah, I remember HER. Jo Guest If I recall. I love her. I wanted to father her children. Many times over. She liked THE Game. I bought THE Game. Disclaimer - Events described may not be historically accurate, but we all agree it's understandable. ------------------ F.C KARL 'BLADES' SAVAGE ORION FLEET TSUNAMI BATTLE GROUP GCV - TSUNAMI Ôäó www.orion-hq.fsnet.co.uk 'For Queen and country'

Tis good fun, but It alldepends on what sort you play really. Personally, I always enjoyed my Event Horizon Bootcamp days. Was basically a laser tag wargames, with detailed character history and an ongoing campaign. Rich story, varied game sites were used, mucho fun. Plus at the tender age of 16 I had a whole squad under me. Which was cool, cos I got to shout lots at people years my senior. Heh. I've done some fantasy, but that never really gripped me. Probably had somthing to do with getting my face bashed in by a party of players once who (Wrongly) assumed that since I was an NPC Orc working for a Mind Flayer, that I was a bad guy and deserved to be put to death. There I was, unarmed, but with three other Orcish chums facing down this party of about 10 well armed PC's ... it was a standoff, I was making my case as to why they shouldnt kill us, when my three *friends* took off like a whippet with a bum full of dynamite which spurned the players on to bash me repeatedly about until I was nearly unconscious. So, I'm not much for fantasy myself. However, my true calling is the Horror LARP experience. I've participated in a few, and run many weekend long scenarios myself, and all said and done, I'm bloody good at scaring the brown floppy stuff outta people. If I could do it professionally and make a decent wage, I'd give up all this PC nonsense and live the life of a wicked man. Anyhow, more anecdotes to follow. Where are your storys people? ------------------ F.C KARL 'BLADES' SAVAGE ORION FLEET TSUNAMI BATTLE GROUP GCV - TSUNAMI Ôäó www.orion-hq.fsnet.co.uk 'For Queen and country'

Ok, since I'm the ranking officer here, I'd better make my greetings too. *Ahem* On behalf of myself, my fleet and the entire Battlecruiser community, I bid you welcome. Pay special attention to Cmdr. Ben Zwycky's words and choose your fleet wisely, cos you will be with it for a long time to come. Good fortune be with you Joe, and welcome to the family. ------------------ F.C KARL 'BLADES' SAVAGE ORION FLEET TSUNAMI BATTLE GROUP GCV - TSUNAMI Ôäó www.orion-hq.fsnet.co.uk 'For Queen and country'

Ok, since we all run out of things to talk about until the boss drops us somthing more to gnaw upon, heres another little gem of a discussion topic that I've often thought about. How many of you have participated in any form of Live Action Role Playing? I'm talkin everything from Fantasy to Sci-Fi to Horror LARP. Let me know what you done, what you liked about it and if you still do it. Also, feel free to share an anecdote or two regarding your experiences. You can have mine in a bit ... ------------------ F.C KARL 'BLADES' SAVAGE ORION FLEET TSUNAMI BATTLE GROUP GCV - TSUNAMI Ôäó www.orion-hq.fsnet.co.uk 'For Queen and country'

My poor inbox. Didnt anybody notice I said I had MADE MY FINAL CONCLUSIONS? ... stay tuned for NEW maddness from ORIONS Fleet Commander, for there are no bad questions, just dumb answers ... ------------------ F.C KARL 'BLADES' SAVAGE ORION FLEET TSUNAMI BATTLE GROUP GCV - TSUNAMI Ôäó www.orion-hq.fsnet.co.uk 'For Queen and country'

Not only does ORION have a new face, but it also has a new live chat forum. Anyone is welcome, but is mostly geared for ORION commanders. Connect to it via any usual IRC client ( Mirc, Pirch etc ) at irc.gamesnet.net on channel #Orion-HQ. Chances are you will find commander Bosch and myself in there late evenings GMT, so why not stop by and get a grilling for bein tardy? Seeya there Commanders .... ------------------ F.C KARL 'BLADES' SAVAGE ORION FLEET TSUNAMI BATTLE GROUP GCV - TSUNAMI Ôäó www.orion-hq.fsnet.co.uk 'For Queen and country'

Hmmm, in that case, I should have had it hours ago.

By jove, I've got it! Well, after 39 commanders gladly volunteered ( I dont know if thats the correct spelling - Nor do I care ) their respectvie ages, I can announce that the average age of your typical battlecruiser Commander is 29 The award for the young whippersnapper of a commander goes to my own Commander Lockjaw, at the tender age of 14. The award for the oldest fart in the known galaxy goes to the much revered and respected commander Ondaderthad of the bunnies. Finally, the award for the fewest hairs on head must goto commander ShoHashi. Thanks for giving us a peek at a terrible future. Speakin of averages, of the 5 participating fleet commanders ( Including Rattler ), I have deduced that the authority to command the lives of every other commander in the game ( Less the UCV bunch, who to be fair, dont count ) are done by those of an average age of 28. Thanks to Rattler and Tringad for averagins that up nicely for us. So, in conclusion it's a fair thing to say that the BC experience is most favored by the late twenty somthings, although there are those that go above, and below that average. Disclaimer - I could be wrong about this, and if I totalled it up wrong, go sue someone else. I'm too busy, too tetchy and not at all fussed with accuracy right now. Check out my spelling for an example. ------------------ F.C KARL 'BLADES' SAVAGE ORION FLEET TSUNAMI BATTLE GROUP GCV - TSUNAMI Ôäó www.orion-hq.fsnet.co.uk 'For Queen and country'

Location : Orion Starstation, Office Of Fleet Commander Savage Stardate : 12.27.1300hrs, 3005 Savage crinked his neck, and massaged it gently with his spare hand while sitting at his polished mahogany desk. The last forty five minutes had been spent in discussions with Commander Miller reguarding the requisition of supplies from GalCom headquaters. Despite needing his Recruitment Officer on station, Greg had stressed the point that spending the time going through official channels to get their supplies would take significantly longer than was required. By going direct to GalCom headquaters, Greg believed that he could oil the machine enough to redirect some of the supplies from Prime and into Orion. So, Savage agreed. Besides, he was tired and in no mood to argue further with any of the command staff. He wanted to do nothing other than sleep, massage his aching body and drink himself into the kind of stupor that would make him forget who he was for day or two. However, duty wouldnt allow it. Nor would his eager leutenant, Peter Reynolds. As if on queue, his office door chimed and after a moments hesitation, Reynolds stepped through. Afternoon Commander. Said Reynolds, beaming. Savage glared at him, still massaging his knotted neck. Oh my god, Reynolds. Why are you so cheerful? This made Reynolds beam some more. We just got a mail delivery, sir. Christmas wasnt as late as we first expected. So I see. Said Savage, gesturing at the armful of parcels in his communications officers arms. Any of those for me by any chance? Yes sir. Said Reynolds, stepping forward and unloading his burden onto the Fleet Commanders desk. All from earth, even a package from headquaters. Savage frowned and looked at the large parcel marked from GalCom HQ. This is odd, he thought. A package from headquaters, marked for the attention of Fleet Commander Savage. Hmmmm. A christmas hamper from the Supreme Commander, perhaps? offered Reynolds. The very idea was almost enough to make Savage laugh. Almost. Something like that. he said. Yet another perk of the job. Reynolds bobbed his head. Well, Ill just be happy to get some real milk n cookies from home, sir. Its been a while. Savage nodded. Yes, it has. Arent you due some R&R soon leutenant? Well, I was, sir, but with the war and everything, I didnt really want to bring it up. Savage sighed. The wars over, at least for now Pete. Youve pulled enough double shifts recently to warrant a few days back home, so make sure you put you application for leave on my desk by the morning. Ill have you on the first BC headed home by the end of the . A thought suddenly entered Savages mind. Pete, can you be packed up and ready to leave in an hour? Reynolds looked a little surprised. Sir? Ive got Miller heading off to headquaters to try and speed up the requisition process. Hes likely to be there for a few days, so why dont you go with him and spend a few days with your folks? Reynolds didnt look too sure about what he was being offered. Ah, I dont know sir. Things are still a bit hectic around here. Savage dismissed it with a wave of his hand. Nonsense, we got everything under control here. Broek can take over from you for a few days. Besides, I hear Millers Comms chief is down with the flu in his medbay. They could use a magician like you for the trip back. Think of it as a working holiday. Reynolds pondered for a few moments, then began to smile. I can be ready to go in thirty, sir. Good man. Said Savage. Miller is leaving at 1400 hrs, so make sure you on the Sark by then. Reynolds nodded enthusiastically. Ill be out of your hair before you know it, sir. Ah, is there anything else I can do for you before leaving a Reynolds shaped dust cloud in your office? Savage drew in a deep breath. Nothing springs to mind Pete, except make sure you have a good time. Oh, and if you can swing it, Id love to have some milk n cookies from your mothers kitchen. Reynolds saluted. Consider it done sir! Savage nodded to the young leutenant, and dismissed him with a wave of his hand. A moment later, Reynolds was on his way back to his quarters, thoughts of family and home most prominent on his mind. Back in his office, Fleet Commander Savage began to open the package from head quarters. By the time he had finished pouring over the boxes contents, his previously gloomy mood had degenerated into something far more glum. With genuine annoyance, he thumbed his comm. Panel and requested that Executive Officer James Hamblin immediately come to his office. This wasnt going to be pleasant. ------------------ F.C KARL 'BLADES' SAVAGE ORION FLEET TSUNAMI BATTLE GROUP GCV - TSUNAMI  www.orion-hq.fsnet.co.uk 'For Queen and country'

C'mon you lowly bunch, where are those piccies? I want to set up the commanders gallery, and I aint got none. Hell, I dont care, I can drop a pic of myself and put the female recruitment drive up by a 1000% over night, but I'd rather have some more up there for company. Gimmie gimmie gimmie! ------------------ F.C KARL 'BLADES' SAVAGE ORION FLEET TSUNAMI BATTLE GROUP GCV - TSUNAMI Ôäó www.orion-hq.fsnet.co.uk 'For Queen and country'

Hmmm, outlook just had another fit at me. Next time I'll turn off email notification. Well, looks like the old Dogs of war are cropping up. Hope I didnt get you out of bed or interupt your precious nap time guys. Seriously, the numbers are starting to look good. As expected, BC appeals to a mature audience ( Ok, we knew that already ) and seems to vary between the 27 to 36 age bracket mostly. This is good. Ok, I'll give it until this evening, then I'll do the math and get an official average up. Thanks guys. ------------------ F.C KARL 'BLADES' SAVAGE ORION FLEET TSUNAMI BATTLE GROUP GCV - TSUNAMI Ôäó www.orion-hq.fsnet.co.uk 'For Queen and country' [This message has been edited by Blades (edited 04-08-2000).]

Um .... you might not be aware of this Adam, but theres a little known lore of the land which states that we can still be beheaded for saying things like that.

Heh, my in box looks like a bomb hit it. So far, it's looking good for us twenty somthings. Keep it up gang, I'm waitin to see my first senior citizen confess. ------------------ F.C KARL 'BLADES' SAVAGE ORION FLEET TSUNAMI BATTLE GROUP GCV - TSUNAMI Ôäó www.orion-hq.fsnet.co.uk 'For Queen and country'

Call me mental if you will ( It's been done before - I got a long list of X's that would testify to that ) but I'm curious as to the average age of the forum contributors. So, as a suggestion, why not stop by, let me know how old you are and after a while, we can total it up and work it out. Dont be shy gang, I'm well aware some of you older farts are gonna be reluctant to post ( I'm not gonna name any names here, but I've got a fairly prominent Insurgent Commander in mind here ), but I think it will give us a fairly good indication of what sort age group we have here. Since I brought It up, I'll start off by announcing that I'm a hair away from being 27 and starting to get ticked off by being refered to as being in my 'Late twenties' by my younger siblings. Off you go ... ------------------ F.C KARL 'BLADES' SAVAGE ORION FLEET TSUNAMI BATTLE GROUP GCV - TSUNAMI Ôäó www.orion-hq.fsnet.co.uk 'For Queen and country'