Since everyone is doing some absolutely amazing writing lately, I thought I'd issue a small challenge. I teach Gifted third graders (8-9 year olds) and I consider the group here to be highly "Gifted"- as a matter of fact, I'd be willing to assume that many of you were identified as Gifted in school! Anyhoo...this is a writing/ drawing activity I do with my students at school, allowing them several choices of what they want to write or draw about a subject. It can be as long or as short as you'd like, and of course, you can choose to do something that is not on the chart...just get it approved by the teacher first! j/k LOL So take a look at my chart. All you have to do is choose one item from each category (Role, Audience, Format, Topic) and create something- it doesn't matter whether it is long or short. Have fun! (I'm going to work on mine now!)

Here's the choice board...

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oooh!! Sounds like fun!!! I shall have to try to give it a go.

Ooh, something else to work on while at my in-laws. Thanks, Springie

I'm looking forward to seeing what you come up with! Here's mine- a sort of magazine ad...er, uh...cover... Jun finally got what she wanted...but poor thing ended up in some familiar clothes. Hopefully, Madame Caledon won't notice that Jun feels right "at home" in the designer's new fashion!

Ooh, great to see Jun's getting some more modeling work -and a cover no less! She looks great. Your challenge has so many interesting possibilities. I will see what I come up with...

Great entry, Springie and a great idea!

I've gone overboard again! Springie- I know you said Science Ninjas but I made if BotP - because it fit so well what I needed to write! Ok: R : A member of G-Force A: A member of G-Force F: Friendly/Persuasive Letter T: Summer Lovin (well - pushing it - but considering the traditional time for this event...) Here we go - yes, it's fluffy. And a little angsty. And part of the Generations arc. Until Death do us Part at Gatchafanfic Until Death do us Part at ff.net

And it turned out so wonderful, Maddy! BOTP is fine, I forgot to add in the directions that everyone could use the BOTP counterparts if they wished!

Originally posted by Springie And it turned out so wonderful, Maddy!

It did, didn't it? She got me sniffing with that one...

Can't beat a heartfelt love letter from the Eagle.

I came up with Ken, advertising to the citizens of the world. (Granted, it hinges on acrobatic flying being considered a "sport.")

Ha! Great lborgia!! Let's just hope if you book a lesson, he actually shows up...

I'm going to cop out here and say, look at the latest episode review (which I'm about the post). I'ts Jinpei, speaking to the citizens of the world about mountain-climbing and yeti-hunting...

Originally posted by lborgia88 I came up with Ken, advertising to the citizens of the world. (Granted, it hinges on acrobatic flying being considered a "sport.")

I'm signing up ... right now!!!

This is an advertisement which could well take place in a sequel part of my "Rain after the Storm"! I'm treating Jun and Ken as "one" person here ... they have already been married! ... and I hope that the bowling part could be considered a "sport"!

Oh, that's wonderful, Marie!! I love the 'Now open DAILY'!!

Originally posted by green I love the 'Now open DAILY'!!

I can hear Jun's heart sing as she includes that part!

What fabulous Ads!! LB...your Ken profile is top notch! You just get better and better with every picture! I'll be first in line for that flying school!! And Marie, the Snack J ad is wonderful!! I love the idea of a bowling alley...and especially the idea that Ken and Jun are already together!! *swoon* The responses to this RAFT so far are fabulous!!! And TJ, your episode reviews are gold!! We understand that you're busy right now...keep 'em coming!!

Oh...and LB and Maddy...I'm sure you'll add these into your tribs sometime...(if you don't plan on sharing them, please let me know...I'd love to share your posts) but everyone else...is it ok for me to share your replies to this RAFT in my next "Bird Scramble" contribution? For those of you who don't know, "Bird Scramble" is a quarterly fan publication comprised of 25 members who share fics and pics and other "stuff". They only take 25 members at a time to keep costs down. But there is a waiting list for people who would like to contribute/ join when members drop out. I know that there are some "Scramble" readers who would like to see what you did!

I love the invitation, Marie! Now where can i go accept it? I need Google Directions...

Originally posted by Springie but everyone else...is it ok for me to share your replies to this RAFT in my next "Bird Scramble" contribution?

I don't know if mine is good enough but feel free to do whatever you want with it!

I love the results of this challenge. Your ads girls are beautiful and Maddy I love your persuasive piece. I know Mark would have me persuaded to do anything.

Originally posted by Madilayn Ha! Great lborgia!! Let's just hope if you book a lesson, he actually shows up...

True! There should be tiny print saying "All lessons subject to cancellation without notice (or refund)"!

Originally posted by Springie Oh...and LB and Maddy...I'm sure you'll add these into your tribs sometime...(if you don't plan on sharing them, please let me know...I'd love to share your posts)

You're welcome to share mine.

Originally posted by gatchamarie This is an advertisement which could well take place in a sequel part of my "Rain after the Storm"! I'm treating Jun and Ken as "one" person here ... they have already been married! ... and I hope that the bowling part could be considered a "sport"!

That a great ad, gatchamarie. I love that you used a Phoenix image -even if the Snack J patrons wouldn't know its significance! In this 'sequel,' does Ken still have an unpaid tab? (I hope you write this sequel!)

Originally posted by lborgia88 I love that you used a Phoenix image -even if the Snack J patrons wouldn't know its significance!

The patrons wouldn't know but the owners yes! The Snack J ... like their own lives ... has risen from its own ashes!

In this 'sequel,' does Ken still have an unpaid tab? (I hope you write this sequel!)

If I were Jun I would have been more than satisfied being paid in many other ways by my Eagle ... especially if he were to be my long-wished husband! And thanks, LB! There are many ideas in my mind for a sequel ... there's especially one topic that has been roaming my mind for a while now ... but, sob, I don't have any time to spend on writing long fics, at least during this period. And I so wish to begin dedicating some time to write some episode recaps of Gatch F, the first slot I find in my schedule! Perhaps ... some day ... maybe!

Marie, we'll be happy with any writing you can produce!

Thanks, TJ! Right now I'm more concentrating on the work to be done for the increasingly demanding clientele I'm having! Oh people are so learning fast how to order the most complex designs of cakes that I can manage to make! (I'll show you some other photos!) Ah well ... as long as I can work and earn something I won't complain! And family is so demanding also! But I've promised you those recaps and I always maintain promises when I can, so those have the priority!

But if you keep making those complex cakes, you'll get a lot of practice and then yo'll get better, and doing them will ne a snap, right? Oh, now all of this talk of cake has me wishing for Easter chocolate. Good thing I'm at the office, or I'd be chowing down...

Okay, I answered the challenge! I was a little loose on some of it, but hopefully Springie will not penalize me too much for going out of her guidelines. Role: Goon Audience: Lord Katse Format: Memorandum (does this count as a letter?) Topic: Soprts... vaguely... one is mentioned... ***** MEMORANDUM To: Lord Katse, Leader of Galactor From: Herman Snider, Galactor Soldier: Third Class Subject: Request for Changes --------------------------------------------------------------------------- To our most powerful and beloved Leader, Lord Katse, Now that I have been part ofthe Galactor Syndicate for a few weeks, I wanted to pass on my impressions of life within this organization. While I am grateful for the opportunity I have been given to serve, and to escape the troubles that plagued my life as a civilian, I feel that I should use my civilian talents to improve our organization from within. You may not recall, Sire, but in my civilian life I was a human resources consultant. It was my job to ensure the happiness and welfare of all employees in our company. I would like to offer some suggestions for the same within the Galactor organization. 1) Improvement of employee benefits package While the Galactor Retirement Plan is incredibly generous, I have been shocked to discover that there are few, if any, other benefits for the vast majority of Galactor troops. Health insurance consists of free visits to the Galactor Infirmary, which seems to either send patients away with little more than a bandaid, or bring them inside for weeks on end. It's almost as if these men are never seen again. Come to think of it, Sergeant Johnson went in with a broken leg fourteen days ago, and he hasn't been back since... On a side note, is it good morale to have the Infirmary next to the Galactor Crematorium? Life insurance is a standard component of any benefits package, and given our occupation, is really something that should be considered. I would also like to see more employee training offered. Sessions on 'Aim, Shoot, and Run', while potentially useful, are limited in scope. Could Galactor perhaps offer reimbursement of tuition costs for training at the local community college? 2) Alteration of uniforms Upon arriving, I was given a uniform which had a ragged hole (as if piecered by a knife, or a dart) and brown stains on the collar. When I complained about the sorry state of my clothes, the Quartermaster simply told me to 'deal with it', as I would not be wearing the uniform for long. Sire, it has been five weeks, and I am still dressed in this shabby garment. I would request a new uniform that more accurately displays my pride in this fine organization. 3) Permission for variation in haircut I was surprised to learn that Galactor requires its soldiers to wear their hair long enough to brush their shoulders in the back. Most military organizations require men to have their hair cut short. As my hair has grown in, I have found its length to be uncomfortable, but I have been informed in no uncertain terms that this is not permitted. However no one can explain the reasoning behind this rule. On a related note, would it be possible to redesign the chest plates on our uniforms to be placed inside the cloth material? Between the long hair and the obvious chest plates, the standard Galactor soldier seems more androgynous than male, which is quite disconcerting. I'm not certain what gender-confused person designed these things, but they really could use some updating for the 21st century. 4) Employee recognition and social days There is very little recognition of good performance, and as a consequence, I have witnessed horrifying laziness in many of my peers and subordinates. No one seems to want to improve or do better, as there is no motivation to do so. Could we perhaps have an 'Employee of the Month', or 'Mecha Captain of the Year' award? At my old company, we had Golf Days where everyone would go out to the golf course and enjoy themselves playing 18 holes. This social interaction promoted well-being and loyalty to the company. I would suggest that Galactor host a Golf Day, perhaps near its Pebble Beach or Palm Springs bases. Thank you for your attention to my requests, Sire. I look forward to your response. __________________________________________ MEMORANDUM To: Bubba Henderson, Mecha Captain: First Class From: Berg Katse, Leader of Galactor Subject: What the Hell? -------------------------------------------------------------------------- I am attaching a copy of a memorandum I received last week from one of your men. My first reaction was: Why am I being bothered by this crap? My second thought was to answer his requests, so that another idiot doesn't get any ideas. Benefits package - Is he kidding? Our retirement plan costs pratically nothing, but life insurance would bankrupt us! As for the Infirmary, they were already ordered not to hand out bandaids, but to instead instruct men to tear a strip off of their uniforms to tie around their wounds. Oh, and remind the Galactor Crematorium that their quota for the month is down. Request for training is denied. What good is training going to be when these guys have a life expectancy of 6 weeks? Alteration of uniforms - Request denied. Ensure that Soldier Snider is in the first line of defense on our next mecha attack. Preferably where the Condor will be engaging the troops. No need to get a second hole in that uniform. Permission for variation in haircut - Please remind Soldier Snider that *I* designed the uniforms. Preferably immediately before assigning him to mecha defense. Employee recognition and social days - How the hell can we have an employee of the month when they're gone every other month? And what kind of criteria should we use: the guy who didn't get killed when the Science Ninja Team torched the mecha? Hmmm... maybe Employee Target of the Month. The winner gets to stand in the front of every offensive charge against Gatchaman. Hmmm... I think we've got something there. Golf? What kind of moron is this guy? Green uniforms on a golf course filled with idiots too stupid to shout 'fore'? I can think of at least 18 holes I'd like to put in him, though, but I'll leave that pleasure to the Condor and his shuriken. I know we have been forced to supplement our troops from outside the organization, but really, are losers like this really the best you can do? How the hell does Leader X expect me to work with such incompetent subordinates? I ask you...

I love this TJ. Even if Springie thinks you have gone out of the guidelines, it was a very enjoyable piece that gave me a good laugh at the end of a very long day.

OMG, TJ...this is hilarious!! I was cracking up while reading...especially during Katse's response..."What the Hell?" LOL ... It's fine with me if you bend those parameters! This RAFT response is awesome! Can I share yours in Bird Scramble, too?

You can certainly use it, Springie! I wrote this during my office hours, so it's a little rough. I'll clean it up if you want to post it in Scramble.

Loved it TJ. I;ve already posted my piece on ff.net - but please feel free to use it for Scramble Springie. Let me know if you want me to send you the word file.

Thanks so much, Maddy! I'll just get it from the Archives!!

Great responses to the RAFT (and great idea, Springie!). Loved the memo, TJ. I was also at Katse's subject line.

Glad you enjoyed it, Hino!

This is a pretty awesome thread!! You guys are pretty darn brilliant .. and incredibly talented! Can't wait to see what else happens... And as a really stupid question.. What is this Bird Scramble thing I keep hearing about? Is it a website?

Bird Scramble is the Gatch/BotP paper zine. It has 25 contributors and every 3 months you provide a trib. Here's the link about it I'm a member, as is TJ, Springie, lborgia & James and quite a number of others (Cricket, REboekah etc). Your trib is a min of 2 pages. Most people who put a fic in their trib don't post it elsewhere until BS has gone out to members. Join the fun????

TJ, your memo is hilarious and brilliant! I couldn't help chuckle all the way through! I think you've depicted the most intelligent goon from the whole bunch but who, in fact, could be considered as ignorant and naive as the others ... if not more! Great job!

Love that memo, TJ!!

Originally posted by Transmute Jun I wrote this during my office hours, so it's a little rough.

So funny, and also so very true to Katse and Galactor! I hope it wasn't inspired by any HR policies of your employer!

I will let one of the Bird Scramble members answer that but the best way I can describe it is a fanzine mailing list which produces a paper form of stories. You submit stories and make comments on stories submitted and only the members of the fanzine get to read them. I would participate but my problem is I would not be able to submit a new story for every publishing and it would have to be a new story, not posted anywhere else at the time. By the way here is a link all about Bird Scramble and I think it lets you know who to contact if you would like to join. But I gather it is a limited membership and you only get in when someone else pulls out. http://www.chronicsite.com/gatchaman/birdscramble.html

Originally posted by Madilayn I'm a member, as is TJ, Springie, lborgia & James and quite a number of others (Cricket, REboekah etc).

There are also a number of members from the BOTP Mailing list, like Dizumo, Cathrl, Allison, Julie and Disturbed. Barrdwing is also a member.

Originally posted by gatchamarie TJ, your memo is hilarious and brilliant! I couldn't help chuckle all the way through! I think you've depicted the most intelligent goon from the whole bunch but who, in fact, could be considered as ignorant and naive as the others ... if not more! Great job!

Well you know, if Galactor is recruiting outside the organization, they're going to get all types. It would take a very special person to survive being a goon long enough to get promoted to the upper echelons... and Soldier Snider isn't that person. Thanks, Green! Nope, LB, I didn't base it on my own company's HR policies, but I was inspired by all of these union protests that seem to be in the news lately...

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awwwww - very nice, Amethyst!!

Hell, if that was the type of help I'd get, I'd take to my own tyres with a knife!!

Nails, Green, nails. They don't look intentional, they can usually repair the tire depending upon the location; most knife slashes can't and that would lead to a suspicious Condor. Thanks, Maddy. I haven't played a lot with creating OCs but it seemed to be the way to go with this challenge.

Oh, Amethyst - you be devious! I'm sure I got some of them suckers around here somewhere...

Why thank you, Green! But you'd be surprised how many tires I've needed to fix because of those nasty little buggers, or worse replace because the hit to close to the sidewall or even the one that went into the sidewall while the car was driven (though considering the area we were driving that might have been a stray BB). I just wished the AAA tow truck drivers looked more like the Condor (though hubby is probably glad they didn't).

Now that begs for a sequel!!! Maybe she's in some kind of more mysterious trouble, and a man with blue wings shows up to help.... Great piece! It certainly got me thinking...

Oh Amethyst, that was wonderful! You are making me wish I was that girl!! I think I've been inspired to do another pic!

*perks* A new Springie pic???

...a shirtless one, too!

I second TJ's

Well it didn't turn out as well as I imagined it in my head..sorry, girls!

The important part looks great, Springie! I feel very honored that I inspired another great Springie drawing. Thank you!

I should've mentioned, Springie if you think it is good enough to submit to Bird Scramble with the others, you have my permission and I'll hold off putting it up elsewhere in the meantime.

Yay! Thanks so much, Amethyst...I'm going to add it into my trib...

Cool! Thank you!

Originally posted by Springie Yay! Thanks so much, Amethyst...I'm going to add it into my trib...

I'm looking forward to it!

What a nice thing to wake up to a Saturday morning too, Springie!

Yeah, you're right, Springie, he's wearing too many clothes. Other than that, it's great!

This looks great Springie. Although I think after fixing a car he needs just a smudge of dirt or grease on his chest that I could oh so gently help him wipe off .... or not so gently if that is what he would prefer.

Originally posted by clouddancer This looks great Springie. Although I think after fixing a car he needs just a smudge of dirt or grease on his chest that I could oh so gently help him wipe off .... or not so gently if that is what he would prefer.

Wow. Amazing how we looked at the pic from two different PoVs. I saw him as having taken his shirt off, to keep it clean and just opened the hood to see what was wrong.

Originally posted by Transmute Jun Yeah, you're right, Springie, he's wearing too many clothes. Other than that, it's great!

So seconded!!!

Great, Amethyst! And an oh so wonderful pic from you, Springie, to accompany Amy's write-up! What a lovely intro to this Saturday's morning! Now ... I'm just thinking! You know how there are some car insurances available for women only! ... think about having a company dealing with roadside assistance which sends the Condor for the rescue in most of the occasions! Or maybe the Condor could be the one who owns the company! I bet there wouldn't be any woman who would not subscribe! And ironmongers would run out of boxes of nails in a very short time!

I would definitely sign up for that coverage!!

You know...that's a really good idea...car insurance for women where only "hotties" work...especially hotties that look like Ken and Joe! Sign me up!

Damn, then I could make a fortune selling pamphlets on how to sabotage your car without casing major damage. How long do you think it would take them to catch on to us?

You know, last year I moved, and a wonderful friend recommended these movers... and they did an excellent job!

Oh yeah - I'd move too if they were part of the deal!

Thank you TJ. I remember seeing that picture somewhere but could not remember where. I am glad you brought it out again.

That picture still cracks me up!

Hot Damn! Where were they when I moved?

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Cool, UW!

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Are you going to write those, too?

BTW, I did read (in Reader's Digest) about a young woman who worked hard and saved her money (in some sort of bonds or something), and could not get a loan because she had too much money saved. In a book on the crappy American child-services system, I read about a man with two children who attended night classes -- and was charged with neglect for doing so. He wanted a better life for them. (Title is Wounded Innocents.)

Oh I can just see Don Wade (can't recall his Gatch name) being drawn in by this!!! Great writeup, UW! My Bird Scramble trib has been sent for this issue or I'd ask if I can add it...maybe I need to do a RAFT part 2 in the next "ish"...

Originally posted by amethyst Are you going to write those, too?

To do a proper job of that would require more time than I can spare right now. Because it would be a hoot to make up a full sales package for a Galactor front organization. Then, just for balance, one for the ISO. Then Springie could take it to Bird Scramble . The 'International Institute of Science and Technology' is that organization mentioned in the 'Grape Bomber' episode. (In my AU, Galactor has a number of front organizations. Their members/employees/students are not necessarily Galactor members, but they do provide a stream of recruits. Such as Mikhail.)

Originally posted by Springie Oh I can just see Don Wade (can't recall his Gatch name) being drawn in by this!!! Great writeup, UW! My Bird Scramble trib has been sent for this issue or I'd ask if I can add it...maybe I need to do a RAFT part 2 in the next "ish"...

Mikhail (at least, that's the spelling in the subtitles). But, does it really work as a letter? I figure Galactor has to get its recruits somehow, and I can see them sending out a letter like this. The recipients could be local government agencies, those who were rejected for financial aid, the leaders of local community groups, and others who could point desperate people their way. Again, in my AU, Galactor is still working covertly (even after the first mecha attack). When they take over, and reveal themselves, a number of the graduates will be able to rationalize the violence and whatnot. (And -- shameless act here -- if you know of anyone who could use some copy or some autoresponders.... )

Yes, it works- it's definitely persuasive! And the RAFT isn't strict, you can bend the guidelines a bit...it's just to get you thinking...my post bent the categories a bit, too... Hey...and if anyone thinks of other RAFT ideas, feel free to use the format and go for it! I'd love to see people set up some more RAFT challenges!

Wow, UW... that's just scary.... I can actually see it working...

That's awesome, UW! You've sent my mind rolling! TJ ... that pic cracked me up! Moving house wouldn't be so annoying with those two helping! I would likely add a few of empty boxes with the others, just to keep them around!

I think I had enough of moving house when I was renting... I'm just not inclined to move unless I really have too... Ebony takes one solid look at the amount of stuff she'd have filter through... cringes and goes back to the computer...rather surf the forums... LOL

Originally posted by amethyst My RAFT Challenge response. This is currently unbetad and hopefully not a Mary Sue, so constructive feedback is appreciated.

Very nice! I think it's very believable that Joe would reach out and help someone in trouble, but also have to be evasive and secretive too. I agree that there's scope for a sequel here...

Originally posted by Springie Oh Amethyst, that was wonderful! You are making me wish I was that girl!! I think I've been inspired to do another pic!

Yes, seeing your pic has me seriously tempted to drive my car across a bunch of nails, if only a shirtless Condor would appear to change my tire!

Thanks lb! As for sequel/prequel. If anyone has an idea, go for it. I have none at the moment.

Originally posted by UnpublishedWriter ______________________________ To: Berg Katse, Lord of Galactor From: Richard Morgenstern, Recruiting Director Ameris and Amerishima Re: Campaign for Galactor Institute of Science and Technology Enclosed is a preliminary proposal for the North American phase of the worldwide recruitment campaign for the Institute.

UW, I think the recruitment strategy you've presented here would work well for Galactor -disturbingly well! I suppose they wouldn't want history majors though?

Originally posted by Transmute Jun You know, last year I moved, and a wonderful friend recommended these movers... and they did an excellent job!

Heh, and they make me want to move!

Originally posted by lborgia88

Originally posted by Transmute Jun You know, last year I moved, and a wonderful friend recommended these movers... and they did an excellent job!

Heh, and they make me want to move!

I just had a thought, I wonder if they would help me pack up my classroom for the summer? In fact I suspect I may be moving classrooms (again) this year. I wonder if they would be available June the 30th.

Give them a call! However, you may need to have a variable schedule. They tend to be called off from time to time for 'emergency jobs' with no warning.

And with my luck they would have to on THAT day. Especially since the next day would be Canada Day and we all know how Galactor likes to take over a Celebratory Day.

Originally posted by lborgia88

Originally posted by UnpublishedWriter ______________________________ To: Berg Katse, Lord of Galactor From: Richard Morgenstern, Recruiting Director Ameris and Amerishima Re: Campaign for Galactor Institute of Science and Technology Enclosed is a preliminary proposal for the North American phase of the worldwide recruitment campaign for the Institute.

UW, I think the recruitment strategy you've presented here would work well for Galactor -disturbingly well! I suppose they wouldn't want history majors though?

In my AU, they have it all covered, from the science and technology to the liberal arts. After all, they anticipate ruling the world, which means they'll need all sorts of people. A history major would help them to avoid a lot of mistakes. Join up with one of their institutions of higher learning, jumping at the chance to work with people you've wanted to work with forever. Unknown to you, you are monitored. If you show promise, then begins slow work of initiating you further into Galactor itself. When the time is right, the recruiters lay the groundwork. Then you sign on the dotted line and get to wear a fetching green and blue uniform (and, a few years later, hope that you aren't in the same base with those kids in the bird outfits).

UW, your description there is so eerily reminiscent of The Firm.

Never saw that movie (or read the book). But it did seem the most logical way to recruit for a covert organization. (Imagine the social fallout after episode 105.)

Oh, both are excellent. As for the movie, Gene Hackman, David Strathairn, Gary Busy, Wilford Brimely, and the guy from Apollo 13 more than make up for Tom Cruise being in the lead, though this was early enough in his career he was still trying to act and was almost cute.

The movie is actually better than the book. I read the Readers Digest condensed version of the book, then the full version and again, the condensed version was better. I think that becuase it was a "first" novel, it suffered from too much description etc. If you read his subeseuqent books, they have a lot less minutae in them and so flow a lot faster.

I didn't realize that was his first novel. Oh, well, I enjoy it, but it's not one I consistently reread. I do rewatch the movie once or twice a year though.