Sabrina

[FONT="Tahoma"]Aside from reading the rules, I have absoutely no idea how one becomes a moderator. I imagine it's a combination of things, starting with the current staff even needing additional help. If they do, then at that point I would surmise that they go a hunting for a member they think would do a good job.^^ It says in that bit that [COLOR="Indigo"]Indi[/COLOR] quoted that high quality posters are what they look for. I'm assuming that's someone who posts legibly, is friendly, doesn't lose their temper, is often helpful and so on. I'm just guessing though since I honestly don't know what they really look for. [/FONT]

[FONT="Tahoma"][quote name='Allamorph][FONT=Arial']Although I balk just a little at the idea of the area mod winning a contest in their own forum [/FONT][/quote]Please take note, any and all forms of [I]"balking"[/I] is strictly prohibited! :D [SIZE="1"][I]*strangle'd*[/I][/SIZE] Thanks for the kind words in regards to my hosting the poetry contest. In response to the sentiment that I should host another contest... I am actually working on some details for possibly doing a type of story event. If I can get it worked out to my satisfaction, I'll launch it and see what happens. :catgirl:[/FONT]

[FONT="Tahoma"]I hope no one minds that I indicated they are on the station now. >_> It also seemed reasonable to suggest that there was several directions people could take. I can always edit that if necessary, if not... Left is for the headquarters or command area that runs the station, the center path to the labs James mentioned in his post and to the right where those who were living there would be staying when they aren't working in the labs... if they hadn't vanished that is! =P[/FONT]

[CENTER][IMG]http://img164.imageshack.us/img164/9613/sabavixi1.jpg[/IMG] [/CENTER] ?[B]I really dislike the idea of you heading over alone sir.[/B]? Misha objected, falling back into his habit of calling Viktor sir out of long standing habit. ?[B]I won?t be alone Misha,[/B]? Viktor reminded him. ?[B]Other passengers along with members of the ship?s crew will also be heading over on the shuttle. If it worries you that much then come and join me once the space bridge is connected to the Outpost.[/B]? Misha wanted to say more but he did not. In the end the final decision was up to Viktor and upon being notified that he had been selected to be one of the first to head over to see the Deep Space Outpost built by NAR; Misha recognized that gleam in his eyes. It was the same look Viktor would get as a young boy. He had always been headstrong and slipping away whenever he got the chance to explore things on the estate back home. ?[B]I?ll do that sir.[/B]? Viktor merely smiled in response to the seriousness in Misha?s voice before he left to head for where he was to join the others on the shuttle heading over. [hr=black]100[/hr] [CENTER][IMG]http://img164.imageshack.us/img164/9613/sabavixi1.jpg[/IMG] [IMG] http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h167/Desbreko_Fanclub/VBO/indiavi.jpg[/IMG] [IMG] http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/8936/avatar21crewxq4.gif[/IMG] [IMG] http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/5076/aryaviif9.jpg[/IMG] [/CENTER] Viktor couldn?t help but smile at the thought of how his father would have been frowning at him if he had been there to see him get onboard the shuttle without Misha. Father had always been a stickler for him never going anywhere alone, even on the estate grounds. He was so strict on that matter that a tiny part of Viktor wondered at him sending him to take his place on the Von Braun with only Misha to accompany him. He looked around the shuttle to see that other than a few seats all of them were taken, a low hum of conversation filling the space as the others talked among themselves. He was about to move to take a seat when a slightly familiar voice called his name. ?[B]Viktor Ivanov,[/B]? it was Samantha Wells. ?[B]Why don?t you and your friend join us up here? You?re too late to get a seat together; the rest of the shuttle is nearly full.[/B]? Viktor wondered who she was referring to and then turned around at the sound of another familiar voice; it was the young woman he had run into when he first boarded the Von Braun. A hint of a blush crossed her face as she stammered a hasty reply. ?[B]We?re not together ma?am.[/B]? She proclaimed. ?[B]I was simply boarding the shuttle?[/B]? she faltered a bit turning even redder. ?[B]We?d be honored to join you Miss Wells.[/B]? Viktor smiled, ?[B]if Miss Brennan would be so kind?[/B]? He motioned for her to go first. ?[B]Uh? of course.[/B]? She finally managed before slipping past Viktor to join Miss Wells and another man who was protesting slightly. ?[B]Are you sure that?s a good idea?[/B]? He kept his voice low to avoid being overheard but Viktor caught what was said just the same. ?[B]Don?t be silly Jeff,[/B]? She admonished him before giving the two her full attention as they took a seat across from where Samantha and her security were currently sitting. He couldn?t help but notice that the forward part of the shuttle they were in was filled mainly with personnel from the Von Braun, a few of them frowning slightly in their direction. It was a simple matter to insist that Miss Brennan take the seat closest to the window and thus leave her in the position of facing Miss Wells directly. Viktor ignored the glances and frowns being sent their way, he was accustomed to it. Instead he focused on listening to the conversation as Samantha skillfully drew Katelyn into a conversation about herself and her intent to become a member of NARSIA someday. He was a little startled when Samantha congratulated her on being one of the winners of a writing contest for earning a spot on the Von Braun, and that her parents would have been proud of her. [I]Would have been? [/I] ?[B]Thank you Samantha,[/B]? Katelyn was saying before pausing at the sound of the shuttle?s PA announcing that in just a few minutes they would be boarding the Deep Space Outpost. The group fell silent as the vibration and slight banging noises of the shuttle docking with what had to be the air lock to the Outpost could be heard. It only took a few minutes and then upon the announcement giving them leave to head out they did. They waiting patiently until their turn came and then finally emerged into the station itself. ?[B]If you?ll excuse us,[/B]? Samantha said once they were clear of the air lock doors and standing in a corridor leading further into the station. ?[B]Feel free to go ahead and take a look around. I?m sure the station?s crew can answer any questions you might have.[/B]? ?[B]Thank you Miss Wells.[/B]? Viktor said even as her escort remained silent before they turned and headed for the branch in the corridor leading to the headquarters of the station. It was clear from the directions on the wall that the left went to the command center for the station, the center to laboratories and the path to the right to living quarters and other recreational facilities for the crew there. ?[B]So,[/B]? Viktor inquired of Katelyn. ?[B]Which area did you wish to see first?[/B]? he ignored the other passengers who were already breaking off into groups and heading into the station.

[FONT="Tahoma"]Probably my only preference is for foods that run a little on the spicy side. I love that or a sharp tangy taste instead of sweet. It's hard to list a preference when I love cooking and trying out new stuff. I'm always checking out cookbooks and getting the ingredients to whip up something new. So it's hard to list a preference when there are so many types out there that I like. :catgirl:[/FONT]

[FONT="Tahoma"]I only eat ramen when I don't have time to cook. Which isn't often. I love to cook so I tend to arrange my schedule so I will have time. So though it is tasty... I haven't even had any this year. >_> And when I do cook it, I end up making mixed veggies and other things to toss in. It's kind of boring by itself. [/FONT]

[FONT="Tahoma"]Many of these stories sound like advertising slogans, even the one done by Ernest Hemingway. Anyway...[QUOTE][COLOR="DarkGreen"][FONT="tahoma"]Basement Cat: You have been [I]snatched![/I][/FONT][/COLOR][/QUOTE]XD I love that one. Hehe.[QUOTE][B]Exquisite performances; the final note; melodious.[/B][/QUOTE]I like that one, the final performance of a master who has spent their life performing. :catgirl: And now my attempt: [B]Pot boy; Cold steel is unforgiving.[/B][/FONT]

[FONT="Tahoma"]Congratulations to [B]Allamorph[/B] the winner of the Poetry contest! Thanks again to everyone who took the time to participate and to vote on the poems that were posted for the contest. It's been a lot of fun! :catgirl:[/FONT]

[FONT="Tahoma"]The voting is now closed! Thanks again everyone for participating. :catgirl: With Indi receiving 1 vote, Aaryanna_Mom receiving 1 vote and Allamorph receiving 4 votes... the winner of the Poetry Contest is [B]Allamorph[/B]! Congratulations! :catgirl:[/FONT]

[FONT="Tahoma"]And here I was about to say that I understood why Sir Allamorph pointed out that this has already been brought up so many times. Because really, all people are doing is this: [IMG]http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/1641/beatdeadhorseplzbymelihbr3.gif[/IMG] You asked for people's opinions on the subject, you got them. How about trying to accept them instead of getting so busy trying to poke them apart when it's clear you aren't going to agree? [B]EDIT:[/B] Oh and for the record, I seen nothing wrong with basing my opinion on my own code of morals or rather those I was taught via religion. [/FONT]

[FONT="Tahoma"]I finished DNAngel so now I'm watching Lovely Complex. Oh do I love how Risa and Ootani argue all the time. XD I really like the intro song to this too. For reading, now that I finished watching DNAngel, I'm reading the manga. I'm not that far into it so we'll see how it goes.[/FONT]

[FONT="Tahoma"][quote name='Rachmaninoff]Just wait until you get to "The Second Hand of Time" storyline. Episodes 22, 23 & 24 if I remember correctly. It has some of the most expressive and pretty music in the entire series in my opinion. Here's a clip: [URL="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Dq3-3zJgKg"][U]Ice & Snow[/U][/URL][/QUOTE]I finished this up the other day and you're right. I really liked the music in those episodes the best, I need to get a copy of the music to this show. :catgirl: [QUOTE=Aaryanna][COLOR="DarkGreen"][FONT="Book Antiqua"] If you really liked the story line Sabrina, then you'll love the manga since there's a lot in it that was not included in the anime. It only goes to volume 11 but I understand that it's now off of an extended hiatus and running in Japan again. So hopefully that means we'll see volume 12 over here soon. [/FONT][/COLOR][/QUOTE]That's what I've heard so I borrowed them so I can read them and find out.[QUOTE=Rachmaninoff]Oh and Sabrina, if you thought Krad was [spoiler]mean in the anime... just wait until you read the manga[/spoiler'] He's totally different, seriously.[/quote]o_O Considering that he was more than willing to [spoiler]kill both Risa and Riku...[/spoiler] XP[/FONT]

[FONT="Tahoma"][QUOTE=Aceburner]About the font preferences: [FONT="Comic Sans MS"][COLOR="Red"]I am now announcing my change to Comic Sans in order to tick people off.[/COLOR][/FONT][/QUOTE]o_O Why would that tick people off? =P [FONT="Comic Sans MS"]I think Comic Sans looks nice too.[/FONT] I still like Tahoma though. :catgirl: The only fonts I dislike are the ones that when people use the smaller size for the text, become next to impossible to read... >_> [/FONT]

[FONT="Tahoma"]I never have eaten bugs and unless I had no choice... I would rather not. XP I know it's just because of how I was raised and I see bugs as something disgusting instead of a potential food source... But I'd still rather not try it. [/FONT]

[FONT="Tahoma"]Instead of getting into all that was said, I'm going to just answer the inital question that was presented in the first post. [quote name='8bit][FONT="Tahoma"][COLOR="DimGray"]So do you think it should be legal? Why or why not? [/COLOR'][/FONT][/quote]No. Religious reasons. Specifically, I was raised to follow a code that prohibits using substances that are harmful to the body, for recreation reasons only. Not to be confused with genuine medical substances that can save a person's life. Anyway, some of those substances are already legal (cigarettes, alcohol, etc) but I'm not going to support making even more of them legal. Oh and one other thing, Rach is right; there are a lot of us who feel the same way.[/FONT]

[FONT="Tahoma"][quote name='Allamorph][FONT=Arial']Funnily enough, I posted just like I do now when I joined. [/FONT][/quote]Same here. ^^ Though I suppose that's because I've only been here for two and a half months. >_> It sure feels like it's been a lot longer though. o_O[QUOTE=Allamorph][FONT=Arial]I [I]did[/I] initially start posting in Tahoma, but I switched to Arial really quick because [FONT=Tahoma]Tahoma is just fat.[/FONT] [FONT=Verdana]Same thing with Verdana.[/FONT] So yeah.[/FONT][/QUOTE]Awww... but I like Tahoma... It has such a nice stylish look to it. [FONT="Arial"]Arial on the other hand, just looks like some skinny thing that would fall over given a chance.[/FONT] :D[/FONT]

[FONT="Tahoma"]One of the greatest concerns I think we all share is the change in the cost of living. Gasoline; heating oil and the rate of increase for public transportation just continues to get higher and higher, along with the cost of food. I myself am not affected to greatly, but I know plenty of people who are retired and on fixed incomes who are struggling to make ends meet. [/FONT]

[FONT="Tahoma"]I have a car, but I don't drive it a lot. Like Darren and [COLOR="Indigo"]Indi[/COLOR] I just take the light rail since I'm a student. ^^ It just seems pointless to waste the gas when I can take that instead. I only use my car for going to the store or to a movie on the weekends. Sometimes I only fill my car with gas once in a month. Which usually takes about $30-35. Though with the way gas keeps going up... I've started using the light rail for trips to the store where I only get a few things. [/FONT]

[FONT="Tahoma"][quote name='TwistedChick']I'm going to assume voting is open to everyone. ^_^[/quote]You assume correctly and thank you for taking the time to vote. If it wasn't clear before... [i]everyone[/i] is welcome to participate in the voting. :catgirl: This will still be open for voting until the third of June.[/FONT]

[FONT="Tahoma"][quote name='Rachmaninoff]I just bet she was seething inside over fixing tea and being polite for a change. [SIZE="1"][I]*snicker*[/I'][/SIZE][/quote]That's what I was thinking when I wrote that up. That Lucia was just doing it to get what she wanted. ^^ Otherwise, that would have been out of character for her... at least that's my reasoning. I didn't even know Sarvel was going to be so [I]uppity[/I] until I was writing the post. Anyway, I forgot to post this in reference to what they did for setting up the ward: [CENTER][IMG]http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/3355/sdaversionpr4.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] That's what the arcane circle looked like. The actual symbols would have been different, but that is the basic idea. I meant to put that up here the other day when I finished my post and forgot. That post took forever to do... as well as being forever and a day long. I hadn't planned on writing such a huge post, but Sarvel took over. o_O [/FONT]

[FONT="Tahoma"][quote name='Darren]With the way all the character are undressing Ilona with their eyes[/QUOTE]Objection! Maybe your character and others... but not mine. :p [QUOTE=Raiha][COLOR="DarkOrchid"][FONT="Times New Roman"] So there won't be some sweaty security guards watching Ilona shower? Oh darn. And yeah, so what if I like the attention? What'll you do? Sue me?[/FONT'][/COLOR][/quote]Question is, does Ilona like it?[I] Ha![/I] Anyway, Viktor might speak to her, but it would be to find out if there would be performances where the focus was on her singing and not a noisy party. In other words, without all the "noise" drowning her out. Certainly not for the reasons the other "boys" would. They may be older than he is but that is how he would see it. =P[/FONT]

[FONT="Tahoma"][CENTER][B]Falling petals[/B][/CENTER] It had taken several weeks for Phaidra to finally find something that suited what she was after. The location was far out from the main hub of the central city, a smaller suburb that was further back among the forest just north of the larger city. It had not taken off, reduced to nearly a ghost town as most had abandoned it when funding for the area fell through. It was ideal in that the surrounding tall trees sprawled out north for miles before running into the shoreline of the sea. There were spots of habitation but the clear break from the city to that of nature was something that struck a balance that Sarvel was comfortable with. The building she was living in was actually a small bookstore that had been built and then never opened when the funding fell through. The lack of shelving on the main floor, and furniture in the top floor above the open space below, was ideal in that Phaidra did not have to remove the shelves that would have only hindered her research. Instead it was painted in warm earth tones to compliment the hardwood floors. Then it had been polished and cleaned until the area practically glowed. The windows facing the smaller city street were tinted to not only keep the sunlight from damaging the floors but reinforced with Phaidra?s own wards that she had set up once she had finished preparing the lower floor and upper one above it. At the back of the entrance to the store front was a set of spiral stairs that went up to what was now being used as a living room. It had originally been intended to be a small kitchen and break room for employees, just as the offices further back were now a type of family room along with two bedrooms. Everything was done in warm earthen tones just as every scrap of furniture if possible was real wood instead of the synthetic material the humans had become more adept in making. It was not as good a balance as Phaidra would have liked for Sarvel, but compared to the city proper where Lucia had been situated, the move had been a welcome one for Sarvel. She was still unhappy with the moving dead spots, but since their work had yet to take them close to one, she just continued to tolerate them. Phaidra knew it was only a matter of time before she tracked one down to determine just what it was though. It was what made her such an excellent partner for magical research and training. Her curious nature almost made it impossible for her to not explore something that felt off, at least not until she understood the reasoning behind it. [hr=black]100[/hr] ?[B]What kind of ward do are you planning on setting up for Lucia?[/B]? Sarvel asked her as the two left their place to head for the city. ?[B]I?m thinking a simple spiritual aversion would work the best.[/B]? ?[B]Ah, I see. Keyed so she can allow others in briefly if she wishes?[/B]? ?[B]Of course.[/B]? Phaidra reached up and pushed the glasses she was wearing back a bit. ?[B]Her message indicated that she merely needs to keep them out, however I imagine that there will be times when she wants to let someone in.[/B]? Sarvel snorted. ?[B]I doubt it; she?s not exactly the type to talk to our own kind let alone humans.[/B]? ?[B]Sarvel.[/B]? Phaidra?s voice held an edge of warning in it. ?[B]What? It?s true. She couldn?t get rid of us fast enough.[/B]? ?[B]I?m not sure it?s that simple though. Something felt off to me, more than a desire to be alone.[/B]? Sarvel snorted again but dropped it. Her attention caught by yet another one of the irritating dead spots and she paused in midair without even giving it a thought. Phaidra stopped as well turning back to see that Sarvel was looking off to the right. ?[B]Is it another one of the dead spots?[/B]? Her tail twitching Sarvel finally turned back to face Phaidra, ?[B]Yes.[/B]? ?[B]Did you want to go and check it out while I set up the ward for Lucia?[/B]? Her partner looked at her for a moment before shaking her head. ?[B]No, it will go quicker if I help you.[/B]? She smirked, ?[B]Besides, I was considering setting lose an aura of mischief.[/B]? ?[B]Sarvel, don?t you dare.[/B]? ?[B]Oh fine.[/B]? Her mouth was still twitching at the corner, causing Phaidra to give her a long hard stare. ?[B]You can stop that; let?s get going before we?re late.[/B]? With a flick of her tails she was off, streaking towards Lucia?s place. [hr=black]100[/hr] Even though they knew that Lucia was fine with them just ghosting in they landed at the door and knocked, waiting patiently for her to open the door to admit them. Once it was closed Lucia started off on an explanation of what she was interested in, something that Sarvel interrupted. ?[B]It?s customary to thank someone for coming instead of moving straight to business.[/B]? She ignored Phaidra?s warning glance and continued, intending to give Lucia a lesson in both politeness and magic. She didn?t give Lucia a chance to regain control of the conversation. ?[B]You asked us here to see if we could ward your place to keep the humans out correct?[/B]? Lucia nodded while Ruby just watched on with an amused grin. ?[B]Very well then, I?ll explain it to you. Everything has its time and place and that includes the social niceties that you tend to ignore. Normally since we are guests I would cater to your wishes, however, in this case I will not.[/B]? Sarvel started warming up to her topic. ?[B]Magic is orderly; everything is done in a precise manner to achieve the best effect. When you skip steps, you lose some of the effect or strength of the spell. Life is the same as well; a certain amount of harmony comes from those simple greetings and small talk. I do not know how it is for one who focuses on other forms of research,[/B]? She nodded in the direction of the equipment that Lucia was setting up. ?[B]But the first step in learning to master magic is to master your own mind first. Eventually you reach the point where a certain amount of steps can be skipped, but unless there is a need, you do not. So though you may not need it, those simple moments of greeting or even sharing a cup of tea while you catch up, we do require it.[/B]? ?[B]I see.[/B]? Lucia finally said, though Sarvel wondered if she did. ?[B]I thank you for coming then. I still have some of the tea you left behind, did you wish to have some before we move to business.[/B]? ?[B]Thank you and no. For this task tea would be best for when we are done.[/B]? Phaidra shot her a sharp glance and took over, acting as if Sarvel had said nothing. ?[B]What we have in mind is a simple ward of spiritual aversion. It will mentally push humans away from your place unless you wish for them to enter. If you do, all you have to do is place a very light spiritual trace on them to cancel the aversion effect. Once they leave it will fade, requiring you to do so again if they need to return.[/B]? ?[B]How effective is it?[/B]? Lucia asked. ?[B]Very effective. Humans don?t even know it?s happening, in a sense it will be as if your place doesn?t even exist to them. They will still see it, but when they are about a foot away from the walls the aversion will result in them moving away without even realizing it.[/B]? ?[B]Will it affect any of my equipment?[/B]? Phaidra shook her head. ?[B]It shouldn?t. And if it did, all you would have to do is apply a light spiritual trace to neutralize the effect.[/B]? ?[B]Alright, I?d like for you to do that.[/B]? She looked at the two and then hastily added on a please. ?[B]Stand back please,[/B]? Phaidra instructed as her and Sarvel positioned themselves in the center of the room. She looked to Sarvel and then with a snap of her fingers called forth the same electrical energy she had to trace the symbol on her application. She stood with her feet evenly placed a foot apart and then focused on the necessary pattern, tracing the symbols in the air in front of her. Once she was done, with a mental nudge she sent it to the floor where it spread out around her and Sarvel, the arcane circle sketching itself according to the instructions she had just given it. Once done Sarvel did something and counter lines raced along the ones Phaidra had just drawn, leaving the two in the center of a gold and green colored circle that glowed faintly. Without pause the two moved to the next step as Phaidra drew the next set of symbols in the air, each one coming to life in the outer most line of the circle on the floor, until with a final flare a slight ringing tone could be heard before the circle faded as if it had never been there. ?[B]I?ll have that tea now.[/B]? Sarvel said as she moved to hop onto the sofa in the room. Lucia opened her mouth as if to say something and then simply left the room. ?[B]So that?s it?[/B]? Ruby asked them when she had left. ?[B]Yes, go and fly out and come back, even though it won?t affect you directly, you should be able to feel the barrier.[/B]? Phaidra explained. Ruby shot out of the place and then back quickly, taking a seat next to Sarvel. ?[B]I see, it kind of tickles a bit.[/B]? Sarvel laughed.[/FONT]

[FONT="Tahoma"]That was utterly awesome. XD The way Nathan and Isen messed with Lucia's place, and I loved how Ruby just laughed and laughed over it. :catgirl: I'll be getting in a post describing what Phaidra and Sarvel finally ended up in. I'll also cover what Beth was talking about for security for Lucia. But first! >_> Indi is dragging me outside to help with yard work. Oh and I'm guessing it's somewhere around two - four weeks later since Beth's post about making a communicator indicated that would take several weeks. I'm going to go with a month since she's purchasing equipment, telling me that Lucia got a paycheck. :p[/FONT]

[FONT="Tahoma"]Goodness... o_O You all post like little mad things. Every time I sign off, less than a day later there's a lot of new posts. It makes keeping up more challenging. Well compared to the other rpg I'm in which is the only one I've ever been in. O_o This is going to be interesting, I just hope the pace doesn't get away from me. Good thing it's summer and I'm only taking two classes. Anyway... I too find it interesting that they are in space and no one even noticed that the ship took off. :o[/FONT]

[CENTER][IMG]http://img164.imageshack.us/img164/9613/sabavixi1.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] Viktor had been impressed by the technology of the Von Braun, even though he found the simulated sky a bit disappointing. As impressive as the holographic imagery was, he would have preferred to actually see where they were instead of something that simulated where they had been. He made a mental note to check and see if there were observation rooms that would be a view of space, he was sure that there would be. In the mean time he finished getting ready for the main party that was to be held at the Caesar?s Palace. He was already late, or would have been if it had been required for him to actually be there at a certain time. But he preferred to not make a fuss and simply join the others as a late comer. Far less fuss that way, just as his informal tux would be as well. All of his clothing other than some brought along in case he should have a need to dress more formally, was that of a casual style. Though someone familiar with clothing designers in Russia would recognize it, though he was not expecting anyone to. It was expensive enough that very few even owned it. That was something his father had always insisted on, Viktor found the cost a bit absurd. ?[B]Are you sure you want me to come along?[/B]? Viktor turned from the mirror in his room, Misha, already dressed in a suit was standing in the doorway. His graying hair and manner of holding himself at attention gave him an air of authority. Something that Viktor smiled inwardly at, after all he had and was responsible for overseeing his education and tutoring. ?[B]Of course, there?s no reason for you to stay here by yourself.[/B]? He finished up by tugging the tux in a few places and smoothing any wrinkles out. A moment to tuck his wallet into his breast pocket and then grasping Misha by the shoulder he gently steered him towards the front door of their quaint quarters. ?[B]There?s no reason for you to even go to the same part of the ship as I am.[/B]? ?[B]I did not come here for myself sir.[/B]? ?[B]Misha, how long have we been friends?[/B]? The door to their mock home opened upon their approach and then closed automatically behind them, the sound of it locking clearly audible. Viktor let go, letting his hand fall to his side. ?[B]You?ve known me since I was born, more than long enough for us to be on a first name basis.[/B]? ?[B]You know the world doesn?t work like that Viktor.[/B]? ?[B]Nonsense,[/B]? he dismissed the concern as they entered the lift. Viktor paused to answer the artificial intelligence program inquiring as to their destination. ?[B]My father is the one who has always been so concerned with status and titles; I care little for such things.[/B]? ?[B]You should pay more attention Viktor; others will expect it of you.[/B]? Misha had the tiniest hint of an edge to his voice, something else that made Viktor smile, that tone he took when he was teaching him something important. ?[B]Naturally, but you and I have had this discussion before old friend. I prefer to know people by their actions, their merits instead of their title.[/B]? He finished as the monorail car came to a halt, the program politely explaining that they were at their intended stop. ?[B]They certainly didn?t hold back when building this place.[/B]? Misha commented softly as the two started making their way through the crowd of people. ?[B]The lighting is a bit gaudy though.[/B]? Viktor laughed. ?[B]It?s supposed to represent the style of Casinos from before the Disaster.[/B]? He grinned in amusement. ?[B]It is overly flashy, one would think they are worried we will trip over our own feet in the crowd and thus they provided more lighting to guide our path.[/B]? The two made their way inside, pausing to listen to the sounds of the singer Ilona finishing up. The jazz influence was wonderfully smooth and only the overly loud volume distracted from the performance. Viktor couldn?t help but think that something like that was more suited to an audience paying attention instead of rudely conversing and taking away from the experience. Yet another thing he made a note to check into, to see if there would be genuine performances instead of those merely for open celebrations such as this one. ?[B]It?s been a very long day Misha,[/B]? Viktor tugged his sleeve, ?[B]I don?t know about you but I could use a drink.[/B]? The two made their way over until they had found a spot; a white haired, man behind the bar approached the two. ?[B]What can I get for you gentlemen?[/B]? ?[B]Kvas.[/B]? He looked to Misha who nodded indicating he would have the same. It only took him a moment to fix it for both of them. ?[B]Anything else I can get you?[/B]? ?[B]No thank you.[/B]? Viktor said politely as Misha took care of the drinks and the tip. The two made themselves comfortable once the bartender had moved to help other guests, Viktor just watched the guests as he took a sip of his drink, so far other than a few faces such as the Captain and Ms. Wells he didn?t recognize any of them.