This week we have an anonymous suggestion (sort of)... Dirty

This will be interesting. This time the wheels are turning.

Ooh.... so many possibilities!!!! But why am I reminded of this? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlLWinLK35c

I remember that. It was pitiful, but so cute, too.

that was funny, maybe I should start watching this program!

Oh, TJ! Thanks for bringing a broad smile to my face this morning! I've been loving the show since I had the possibility to start to watch episodes of it every now and then, lately, and you were right ... they're awesome! Haven't stumbled into this episode, yet, but thanks for coming up with it! Hmm ... now "Dirty" is such a prolific word ...!

OMG! Bwahahahahaha...I hadn't seen that one! Thanks for the laugh, TJ!

Originally posted by amethyst This week we have an anonymous suggestion (sort of)... Dirty

Oooooh...so many connotations to choose from! Let's see...let's see... where my dirty muse will take me...

Originally posted by KT1972 that was funny, maybe I should start watching this program!

It's one of my favorite shows! You'll find it funnier if you are into geeky stuff, but anyone can enjoy it.

Mark stood stiffly, hands on his hips, pelvis thrust out unnaturally into what was supposed to be a heroic pose, a smile pasted onto his face. His mind grew numb with the inanity of the situation, yet he forced himself to speak in a bright, brittle tone. "We couldn't have done it without you, Zark!" "Really?" the rotund robot tittered. "You're our number one guy!" Mark insisted. "A real member of the Team!" Princess added, in an overly cheerful voice. "Oh, Princess..." Zark's eyes twisted around to look at her hopefully, although Mark wasn't entirely certain how a robot could manage such an expression. Princess' eyes briefly took on a note of panic, yet she pushed it away, squaring her shoulders with grim determination. Slowly she bent down, kissing the air just above Zark's bulbous head. The robot's lights turned pink... was Zark actually blushing? Mark didn't even want to think about that. He just wanted to get out of there as soon as humanly possible. "I'm afraid we have to go now, Zark." Princess said with forced sadness. "But we'll see you again soon!" "Goodbye, Princess... Goodbye, Commander!" Zark said, waving cheerily at them as they departed. Once they were outside in the hallway, Mark slumped against the corridor wall, sighing in relief. "Every time it gets more and more difficult." he admitted. "I don't know how much longer I can pander to that robot's insecurities." "In a strange sort of way, he needs us." Princess replied. "Although I wish it weren't quite so... unpleasant." Her mouth twisted distastefully, clearly she was remembering how she had been forced once again to kiss the robot. It had been happening all too frequently of late. "Thank you for coming with me." Mark told her, taking her hands in his. "I don't think I could bear to go through this alone." "It's a dirty job, but someone has to do it." Princess smiled. "I'd do anything for you, Commander." "You know, Zark's not really so bad..." Mark blushed furiously, backpedalling from his earlier statement. He had to distract her. He couldn't allow himself to admit... "Commander! How dare you say such a horrible thing!" Princess frowned sternly, but he could see the sparkle in her eyes. "You're supposed to be honorable and tell the truth! But right now, your mouth is so dirty I should wash it out with soap!" Her cheeks colored, and Mark suddenly found her so enchanting that he couldn't help himself. "I could think of something else I'd rather have you do with my mouth..." he whispered, leaning forward slowly until their visors thunked together. The clumsy sound brought him back to reality. They couldn't... "Are you having dirty thoughts too, Commander?" Princess smiled slowly, her eyes locking with his. "We can't go on like this." he told her, but as her smile deepened, he panicked. It was too much. He couldn't do it. He had to change the subject. Now. "We can't keep pandering to Zark. We have to get rid of him." he finished quickly. Disappointment crossed Princess' features for a moment before she pulled back slightly, nodding slowly. "I agree. And I think Jason would be the perfect person to help us with this." "Jason?" Mark was surprised. "He hates Zark more than anyone. And when it comes to getting your hands dirty..." "Jason's our guy. Good point." Mark agreed. "Let's go find him." They set off, intent on their goal. Despite the dirty nature of the task they were about to undertake, the Commander had never felt more hopeful.

I think you just about covered the prompt in this!how many varients of the word 'dirty' can you fit in one fic? brilliant as usual TJ.

hahahahaha...great stuff, TJ! You really outdid yourself with the dirty references! I'd love to see what they have in mind for Zark!

Oh come on! There are many more references! First of all , no one actually got dirty, in the traditional sense of the word. Not one touched actual dirt, or discussed dirt (in terms of gossip). Mark and Princess didn't get 'down & dirty'... I'm sure there are many more! ETA Here you go! http://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/dirty

You hit it, TJ. Such dirty thoughts. Shame on you! hehe I'm still working on mine.

Instead of having my head in the gutter, I went with Princess' fangirling over the band called..."The Dirty Name Five". LOL

Nice submission, TJ. you got a lot of the idioms I was thinking of. Springie, that is great. Although I do wonder in some ways if this is Princess wondering if she could be up there as part of the band, instead of fangirling about them.

Originally posted by Springie Instead of having my head in the gutter,

In the gutter? In the gutter? I'll remind you, young lady, that you were the one who led me into the gutter, showed me your home, and offered to share it with me! And now, when I'm nice and comfy, you abandon me for higher ground? Humph!!!!! (P.S. Love the idea of using the Dirty Name 5!!!!)

another great pic Springie, although I can't help thinking she would be dancing along to the music.....

Originally posted by Transmute Jun

Originally posted by Springie Instead of having my head in the gutter,

In the gutter? In the gutter? I'll remind you, young lady, that you were the one who led me into the gutter, showed me your home, and offered to share it with me! And now, when I'm nice and comfy, you abandon me for higher ground? Humph!!!!! (P.S. Love the idea of using the Dirty Name 5!!!!)

ROFL, TJ! CD, I'm sure that she would LOVE to be a part of the band! KT, I agree...I can totally see her dancing to it!

So Jun has 'dirty' thoughts about one of the Dirty 5 guys, too?

Originally posted by Becky Rock So Jun has 'dirty' thoughts about one of the Dirty 5 guys, too?

I hope not! They're pretty gross!!!!!

Excellent short, TJ! Hilarious use of the prompt. Sweet picture, Springie, although I have to agree with Clouddancer in that I would think she's fantasizing as being a part of the band, or any band for that matter. My story, unfortuneately, is clocking in at just over 2k...sigh...

K2, a long story isn't a problem for me! I'm looking forward to it!

Originally posted by k2p2 My story, unfortuneately, is clocking in at just over 2k...sigh...

Can't wait to read it! Springie, great artwork! As for dreaming about being in the band versus being with the band, I think most 16 year old girls wouldn't make the distinction. Besides, most 16 year olds wouldn't notice how ugly/gross they are, but that they are famous, and popular, and have their face all over all the teen mags and Rolling Stone. But then Princess (or Jun) is not most teenage girls. TJ, great story. I wonder how Jason finally gets rid of Zark or is that in one of your other stories? Great use of the word Dirty!

TJ ... I love the way you introduced the word "dirty" so many times, with so many different meanings! Great story! I'd be very happy to see how they'd eventually get rid of Zark, no matter how much dirty the job might get! Springie ... Princess looks so cute in that picture! Great use of "The Dirty Name 5"! k2p2 ... can't wait to read your story!

Sorry Amethyst and Marie... I have no idea how they get rid of Zark! At hat point, I was all out of 'dirty' ideas.... But if anyone would like to suggest something....

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LW, you're right, this is raw and untidy, but that's exactly the way these feelings behave. You've painted a very powerful picture (not just the bird picture, but the picture you create with your words). I am glad that you felt you could share this with us.

LW, very powerful, very emotional. I like how it keeps the reader guessing about the speaker until near the end. Great job!

Okay, here's mine for this week. As I wrote, I started thinking that I might add this to another story that I'm writing. I think this would work well as a piece of that with just a bit of editing. ~~~ Joe flopped onto the bed in his trailer. He had never been more grateful for its solitude. At that moment the only things he needed more than being away from Ken were solitude and having Galactor gone for good. Since the later would take time, he settled for solitude. He chuckled. He had Ryu to thank for his solitude. It was the best part of Ryu joining the team. In order for him to maintain his cover as an employee at the harbor, Nambu got him the old shack on the pier to live in. That allowed Joe and Ken to move out of Nambu's villa. The Doctor arranged for Ken to move out to his father's old airstrip and go Joe a camping trailer. He told Joe that it worked well with his cover, too, by giving him a place to stay as he traveled around to races, but firmly reminded him that the team was his first priority. Joe snorted. He did not need that reminder. The team was his best opportunity to get revenge for his parents and to rid the Earth of Galactor. Now if only he could convince Ken that they could not do that and keep their hands clean. The best way to defeat Galactor was on their level: Dirty! Galactor did not play by the rules. Why should the team? Stopping to ask permission to use Bird Missiles every time they needed to stop a mecha from hurting more people only gives Galactor more time to cause more pain, more destruction, more deaths. Ken was a good little soldier who never questioned orders. Joe on the other hand questioned them constantly and argued with Nambu on the best tactics for taking out Galactor. Nambu naively thought they could defeat Galactor on the defensive, seek out their headquarters while playing defense. They might eventually, but at what cost? Wouldn't it be better to fight dirty and win sooner, rid the Earth of Galactor sooner? Wouldn't that save more lives in the end?

Very emotional poem Littleworlf. I was told that a writer puts a bit of their soul into each and every word they put down, you have plently, put out plainly for all to see. That took courage. Ameythyst--nice short. Briefly summoning up the difference between the two command styles and the reasoning behind them. But it makes me wonder how much Joe is willing to sacrifice to gain his ends and when does it all just become too much. Pondering, pondering.. Gawd, I wish I could write short,

LW- very deep and powerful...I think this captures the essence of the appeal of our birdies! Amethyst- great characterization of Joe! He was definitely ready to fight dirty if he needed to!

So many nuances and interpretations, all for just one word... An idea came to me late last night, while driving, and now I've got a little outline jotted down. Will likely need a few days though... LW, your piece comes from a dark place but shows, I think, the need for heroes, to help us find the hero within ourselves. Heroes suffer, struggle, and they get dirty, but they win in the end.

LW, thank you for sharing. Writing is sometimes the best way to get our feelings out. Ame- a switch to Joe for you and he's exactly right. Just being on the defence would never work.

Originally posted by Becky Rock Ame- a switch to Joe for you and he's exactly right. Just being on the defence would never work.

It happens from time to time. Joe fit this idea better than Jason. And by using Joe, I can edit it to fit the vignettes I'm writing.

LW ... such a powerful and emotional piece, which you had the courage to write! Thank you for trusting us by sharing such, and for echoing the human need to find a hero in oneself, some day a winner over RL difficulties! Amethyst ... great interpretation of Joe's view of the war against Galactor! Your piece does indeed reflect the character's real thoughts, and the difference between him and the other characters, especially Ken! I can really see this included in other pieces you're working on! Can't wait to see them!

Help me, please. I can't do this any more. I know I shouldn't be feeling this way, not after all this time, but I still get eaten up about it. It still burns, the rage inside, when I think about it all. So I try to avoid thinking about it. But that doesn't work. Not when the slightest, innocent trigger can set off the chain reaction which means another tormented sleepless night. Replaying the events over and over in my mind, and unnecessarily torturing myself. Yet I don't have to do it. I know that. It should have been done with years ago, the matter settled, "put to bed" I believe the saying goes. Forget it, it's over, move on. So why can't I? Why can it suddenly hit me like a bolt from the blue? I'm disressing myself further over an event that cannot be changed, and a single word is enough to start the wheel turning. Not the word on it's own you understand, but the chain reaction the word begins, snowballing from one post to the next, until the damage is done. The word has done it's worst and set off the supressed turmoil in my mind. Then the tempo changes. The outside world goes back to being all sweetness and light, but what's done cannot be undone. The anger and rage has been reignited, the fuse lit, the past relived in all it's dirty sordid glory! But I'll get the better of it again, catch it, force it back into the darkest recess of my mind where it belongs. sleep will return and I'll face the world as if nothing was ever wrong. Until next time.

I like this, KT! I could see this being Joe, with his memories of his parents being murdered, especially leading up to ep. 78.

Amethyst, I like this vignette about Joe, showing what's going o in his thoughts. I've thought that many a time as well: that the ISO needs to go on the offensive. Toward the end of the series they do, but arguably by that time it's (almost) too late. KT, you've written an interesting scene. I can imagine one of the Team feeling this way years after the war is over, yet unable to put it behind them, unable to move on. Something as traumatic as what they have experienced would become a part of them, and something they couldn't ignore.

Didn't have much time to read in the last couple of days, and catching up now! Wow, guys, what can I say? Each contribution is incredibly good this time -- but I especially liked LW's poem-fic. It brings back memories of days that I felt the same for our birdies...Thank you LW for putting it up here for us! TJ, are sure you cannot find a dirty way to get rid of Zark? OK, should write something by the weekend...thinking...thinking...

Springie, I just noticed Princess's tee-shirt! Great little detail

Daniella, if I can get YOU thinking about a dirty way to get rid of Zark, then my work here is done.

Jason tried not to breath in the gagging smell too deeply, but each step through the foot of dirty, disgusting water only brought it to the forefront. At least his boots were dark and didn't show what only God knew was in this water. He glanced back at Mark and Princess, betting even transmutation wouldn't make their boots clean again. "Tell me again who suggest we sneak into this base THROUGH THE SEWERS?" he hissed. "Zark," Mark repeated for the tenth time through clenched teeth. "This is the last straw. That tin can has got to go," he said as he stepped on somehting he couldn't see and didn't want to investigate. "I'll distract him," Princess said, her face green. "Just make sure there's not enough left to put back together." "That's a promise," Jason said. Two days later: "Who left this ashtray on my desk?" the Chief asked his secretary. "And why can't I reach Zark?"

Bwahahaha....Great!! Love that last line, Becky! This reminds me...we can add ashtray to that list of 100 uses for Zark...(I can't remember exactly what that list was called, but it was funny- anyone else know what I'm talking about?)

I think it was 101 Uses For A Dead Zark. I'll look around for it. Becky, that was great! And you got revenge on Zark! Amazing how this theme comes through over and over again...

OK, here it is. It was written by Mad Katharine. Princess's (Jun's) Apartment/Snack J Bar Trash can under bar Soda fountain (pull the fosdic and get Dr. Pepper!) Recycling bin in back alley Beer cooler Bar stool Spittoon in bar Art deco light fixtures Men's room urinal Microbrewery beer fermentation vat Popcorn popper Dishwashing machine Clothes dryer Amplifier for punk-rock band bassist Toilet bowl Espresso machine CD jukebox Television (with fosdicks as antennas) Head as a satellite dish Fosdick as a swizzle-stick for impaled oranges in a "Sex on the Beach" Planter for the fern hanging in the corner next to the door Cash register Bongo drum for rock band Umbrella stand Early-warning defense system (waitaminnit...that was the most annoying thing about him!) Alarm system Shower stall Refrigerator Easychair ottoman Outside the I.S.O. Planters in grounds landscaping Mailbox Parking lot speedbumps Parking lot ticket dispensers Groundskeeper's lawnmower Zark's G-Force uniform seen strung up on the flagpole under the U.N. flag and I.S.O. emblem Zark's #7 sweater is hung below its G-Force uniform Cigarette ashcan at door (smoking is not permitted inside) Inside the I.S.O. Professor Nambu's new computer CPU Cuckoo clock in Nambu's office (1-Rover-1 pops out on the hour and barks) Centrifuge in I.S.O. laboratories Test subject for high-altitude gravitational kinetic energy test at ISO Liquid hydrogen container Hazardous materials container Diaper pail in day-care center Microwave oven in commissary Industrial-sized 50-gallon commissary soup kettle Trophy head on Nambu's wall (with antlers) Air conditioner unit on roof Water cooler in office Paper shredder Custodial staff's vacuum cleaner, with foot as a vacuum head and body as the canister ISO water reclamation project sewage water filter #7 Sweater used as a cleaning rag 1-Rover-1 used as a dustbuster Basketball hoop in staff's recreation area Dumbbells in same On Base at Crescent Coral Island Torpedoes in Phoenix Crash test dummy for prototype G-2 vehicle Oil change receptacle for vehicles' maintenance Tool box Metal in Zark's body used for heat-shield tiling on underside of Phoenix Gunnery range practice target (with Ken/Mark on bridge shouting "Pull!") Pop-up target in small-arms practice range Body used as Phoenix's landing gear hydraulic struts Foot used as wheel blocks for G-1 Eagle Sharp Overhead projector in briefing room (with an occasional malfunction: a holographic image of a girl in white whispering "Help me, Obiwan..." Engineer Kamo still hasn't figured out how to fix it) Paper shredder Nambu seen using fosdic for a pointer in briefings In Battle Nuclear-loaded suppository for Gallactor animal mecha du jour Ammo for battleship cannons Decoy to draw enemy fire Cover feet in fuzzy material and hang as dice over bridge of warship Land mines Miscellaneous Uses Comfort station in downtown Manhattan Traffic signals Airfield runway marker lights Power plant for GM's newest electrical car Speaker board menu at fast-food restaurant drive-thru Litter boxes for three cats (cross section of torso and inverted head) Object of sexual desire for Susan out on Pluto Possible candidate for threesome with R2D2 and Susan out on Pluto? Lucasfilm stuntdouble LD/CD/VHS tape storage cabinet 1-Rover-1 electric toothbrush New Volkswagen Beetle vehicle design for the new model year Sex toy for Sosai-X Footstool Casino slot machine 1-Rover-1 electric pencil sharpener Beauty salon standing hair dryer (For those extra tall beehive do's!) Tennis practice ball launcher Third-place prize in "Jeopardy" television game show contest Jungle gym in playground Gas station fuel pumps Ocean marker buoy #7 sweater used as dartboard target (impaled by several quillspike shuriken and one boomerang blade... *Ssssthwack!*) Eighteen-wheeler big rig diesel fuel stacks Shopping cart (cut off head and add wheels...it could work!) Circus prop for elephant act at Ringling Bros. #7 sweater used as bath mat or toilet seat cover Yellow G-7 cape cut up to make Princess a new shirt... ...or a pair of hotpants (Mark: "Whoa yeah!") ...And the final, but most useful way of using a dead 7-Zark-7: A wrecking ball!

KT, that was deep. Will you reveal which member of the team you were representing?

TJ, I haven't seen that in years. My favorites: urinal supositiory for the current mech Now for the centrifuge - boy, I bet Jason was happy when they didn't do the puppy episode for BotP. He'd have been inside the tin can. As for my short - the moment I read 'dirty', I thought of a sewer.

Zoltar tried not to gag as he waded through the foot deep brackish water. It was so dirty he couldn't see through it. Even if he could have, he didn't wan to know what he was stepping on. "And whose idea was it to escape G-Force THROUGH THE SEWERS?" he hissed at the Captain behind him. The man gulped the stinking air, knowing his pink and orange Captain's uniform was never going to come clean. He quikly pointed to the group of goons taking up the rear. "They did!" he stammered. The goons froze as a unit. "No we didn't," they protested. "He did!" They pointed back to the Captain. "I need to recruit better help," Zoltar muttered and kept going.

ROTFL, Becky! Now what happens when Zoltar meets up with G-Force in the sewer? BTW, does this mean that Zark was right?

Becky, those were hilarious. Great job!

Becky, those were great! I agree with TJ, we need on more to finish it off. TJ, thanks for reposting the list. It is always fun imagining Zark as inanimate objects. The key being inanimate.

Becky - they were great! I agree with the others, can there be another to show what happens when they meet up in the sewer?

Originally posted by Becky Rock KT, that was deep. Will you reveal which member of the team you were representing?

I actually had the Swan in mind as I wrote it, but I suppose it could fit the others. I'm interested to know who TJ thought I was writing about though. TJ - Love the list, I haven't read it before so thank you for posting, it certainly put a smile on my face!

Becky and TJ -- you've made my morning! I haven't read the list for AGES! Becky, it seems you found a dirty but ecologically-sound way to get rid of Zark! Our job here is done!

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KT ... deep emotions run into your piece! I too thought that it was written from the Condor's point of view, at first! But then, all of the team members had undergone great difficulties and traumas through their lives, so it could be applicable to each and every one of them! You did a great job in expressing such repressed pain ... a pain which others might not be able to see because the one feeling it is so good, and strong, to hide it ... hence, our Swan! Becky ... thanks for making me smile so widely, and also for quenching my thirst of hearing about a possible elimination of Zark! I agree with the others in wishing to read what happens next in the sewer! k2p2 ... lovely idea to continue on a storyline which you've begun earlier, and which had such potential of continuation! Can't help asking what's more behind this new character you created! Also, nice to see something from G4's point of view, which is rarely seen! Jinpei's and Iona's relationship is becoming even more interesting! ... hope the next prompt would be a suitable one, which will give you even more ideas to continue the story!

is there any more to this story, and will you be posting the whole thing anywhere? I'd be interested in reading the whole thing! it's excellent. seems Iona is still finding her place in the team, and the team are still trying to accomodate her!

TJ, thanks for posting that list! It's such a good way to relieve tension from thinking about someone, or something, not that much tolerated, in this case Zark! I wonder if this might work in RL, too!

Originally posted by KT1972 I actually had the Swan in mind as I wrote it, but I suppose it could fit the others. I'm interested to know who TJ thought I was writing about though.

I wasn't certain, but I thought it might be the Condor. Joe seems to me to be the one who has done many 'horrible' things that would be difficult to forget... he seems like the 'tormented soul' type. OTOH, I can see how it could be the Swan as well. Despite what she has to do, she's a caring person, and the everyday 'routine' for the SNT would be something difficult for her to accept without shoving her feelings down... and then they'd resurface later. She'd also be the most sensitive to seeing the suffering of innocent victims.

K2P2, I really enjoyed this continuation to your story! I find it interesting that Joe is so protective of Iona, yet he doesn't want to use her name. Is there something about her, or is he just attempting to shield her as an 'innocent'? He doesn't want to think about bringing a young girl into battle? It's very interesting to see Jinpei's reaction as well. I don't think he's entirely jealous... otherwise he's be salivating at the thought of Iona getting into trouble. Of course he's not too happy that she used Jinpei's program... the real question is, how did she know of the program? Dud she find it on her own, or did Jinpei show it to her, and then she used it later? I am also looking forward to seeing more in this storyline!

K2P2, you really need to continue this story!

Originally posted by amethyst K2P2, you really need to continue this story!

I second the prodding, K2. There's got to be more to the story that I hope you share.

Thanks everyone! I've really been enjoying getting back into writing, and am so glad you are enjoying the stories so far. Oh, and don't be afraid with your criticisms or questions.... Iona is an interesting character to write. She's whispering constantly to me, and has one helluva backstory that I should perhaps start writing down. In reading a lot of the fic over at Fanfiction, I didn't see too many stories featuring Jinpei either. The prompts are great exercises...Maybe the next one should be "program?"

I'm sure Amethyst can put you on the list to post a prompt, K2P2!

Definitely! We have one for this Sunday. But the 29th is free and so everything after that. I'll put one up if we don't have anyone else, but it is fun seeing others contribute prompts. Single words, short phrases, quotes, etc. Anything that you think would be fun to write to.

Originally posted by Becky Rock

Originally posted by amethyst K2P2, you really need to continue this story!

I second the prodding, K2. There's got to be more to the story that I hope you share.

What's the word for seconding something that someone else has seconded? Well, whatever it is, that's what I'm doing here, K2! I love to read about new members/OCs joining the team!

thirded? then I'll forth it too!!!

And I'll make it unanimous!

Here's mine for this week, which could be seen as a prequel for a well-known episode... Anderson looked again at the report he had just received from President Kane, as if hoping it would have somehow changed. As if it would not implicate his old friend...but the report was still the same: Stellar City had just been attacked by a mecha closely resembling a spider, which had been causing drought conditions for the city, threatening its population. To Anderson -- and to President Kane, if the report was anything to go by -- behind the attack was no other that Anderson's old friend and fellow scientist, Dr. Strecker. Who had been fired. And had probably defected. And now Strecker wanted to meet him. Anderson knew very well all this, but in his heart he did not want to believe it. He did not want to believe that Strecker was dirty. But the facts were cold and cruel and could not be argued with: this was the motto he had lived by all his professional life, and he was not going to change now. Sighing, he picked up the phone and asked to be connected to President Kane. "I read your report, sir. I think I should go meet him. No, without G-Force...It would be for the best..."

You're right, Daniella, this is a great lead-in to the episode! And we know that there definitely was something dirty about Strecker...

Nice short Daniella, I could so see this happening, "behind the scenes," so to speak. One of my favorite episodes.

Wow...I just want to say that I am flummoxed at the response to Iona's stories. Really, I am. I am not a published writer. Although I hope to change that, with two novels in the works... I'll do my best to keep up with the prompts, but between work and family life my free time sometimes is short. When I get all the stories done, I'll put them up at either fanfiction.net, or gatchfiction. Thanks for all the wonderful encouragement. I hope I can keep up the quality you all seem to believe is there. Now back to painting...

K2P2, most of us are not published writers either. But we love Gatchaman (BOTP, GoS, ER) and that comes through in our writing and our stories. You are no different from any of us in that regard!

Daniella, are you thinkig about rewriting or saying more about that episode? You've got it started right there. When I started writing fanfic so very long ago, I had no idea there were others out there doing the same thing. I thought I was weird. Now I know I was actually perfectly normal!

Originally posted by k2p2 I am not a published writer. Although I hope to change that, with two novels in the works...

Neither am I, but I do hope to change that someday.

I'll do my best to keep up with the prompts, but between work and family life my free time sometimes is short.

That's why these prompts or challenges are opened ended. Life doesn't always want to cooperate with us, and there is nothing more frustrating that seeing a really great challenge idea with a deadline that life interferes with.

When I get all the stories done, I'll put them up at either fanfiction.net, or gatchfiction.

Many use both. There are also a few other archive possibilities out there, too. But most here read at either or both of those.

Originally posted by Becky Rock Daniella, are you thinkig about rewriting or saying more about that episode? You've got it started right there.

You're right, Becky, I am thinking of doing an episode rewrite on this...it's one of my top ten favs of the series! But the idea for the short came immediately when I saw the prompt "dirty" -- plus I've been watching a lot of gangster films lately, where there's lots of talk of cops and other being "dirty"

Originally posted by Transmute Jun K2P2, most of us are not published writers either. But we love Gatchaman (BOTP, GoS, ER) and that comes through in our writing and our stories. You are no different from any of us in that regard!

Three cheers for fanfic, which gives us the opportunity to be creative and share our creativity -- and also the opportunity to read the wonderful contributions of others on a universe that we all know and love!

Originally posted by Daniella T

Originally posted by Transmute Jun K2P2, most of us are not published writers either. But we love Gatchaman (BOTP, GoS, ER) and that comes through in our writing and our stories. You are no different from any of us in that regard!

Three cheers for fanfic, which gives us the opportunity to be creative and share our creativity -- and also the opportunity to read the wonderful contributions of others on a universe that we all know and love!

until I discovered these fandoms, I'd never have believed I would be writing my own fanfics, never mind sharing them with like minded people around the world!

That's a great short, Daniella, and an equally great prequel! I'm more familiar with the Gatchaman version of this story, but agree that it's one part which sticks to one's mind! And "dirty" he surely was! Can't wait to read your episode re-write! Becky ... I thought I was weird, too, just because I kept Gatchaman and other childhood related anime in mind! I was so equally surprised and overjoyed to find other people like me, but being able to start trying to write fanfic was the cherry on the cake! I only wrote other, non-related pieces in the past, so this was just sublime! This, and the fact that I was finally able to share my thoughts with others, and the other way round!

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That's simply fantastic Marie! Loved it

Wow! Marie, I am impressed!!!! I love the line about the "dead girlfriends' portfolios speaking for themselves"!

Originally posted by Becky Rock "Who left this ashtray on my desk?" the Chief asked his secretary. "And why can't I reach Zark?"

That's great! Got me thinking of the scene in ep. 30 where Dr. Nambu is stubbing out a cigarette and imagining the ash tray as a piece of Zark... (Though the bit with the cigarette didn't make it into the BOTP version, "Ghostly Grasshopper")

Marie! That's awesome!!!!! I'll bet the girl truly is a doomed Devilstar!!!!

Marvelous piece, K2P2! You've seamlessly made Iona seem so much a part of the team and created such interesting dynamics, with Jinpei feeling both some jealousy and a desire to impress her, and Joe not saying anything to her, really -barking at her, in fact- but it all coming through in his protective and comforting gestures -so very much like an older brother.

Originally posted by Daniella T

Originally posted by Becky Rock Daniella, are you thinkig about rewriting or saying more about that episode? You've got it started right there.

You're right, Becky, I am thinking of doing an episode rewrite on this...it's one of my top ten favs of the series!

I hope you continue with that idea! That episode does have so much that could be explored/expanded, and Strecker is so different from the usual "Captain of the Week."

Thank you, gatchamarie, for writing that poem! So spot-on for how Joe'd be feeling in a situation like that! You're right, it does sound best in rap style (the BF is too far away to hear me right now so I'm trying it out...)

Originally posted by lborgia88

Originally posted by Becky Rock "Who left this ashtray on my desk?" the Chief asked his secretary. "And why can't I reach Zark?"

That's great! Got me thinking of the scene in ep. 30 where Dr. Nambu is stubbing out a cigarette and imagining the ash tray as a piece of Zark... (Though the bit with the cigarette didn't make it into the BOTP version, "Ghostly Grasshopper")

So Nambu smoked? if so, I'm glad they didn't include that for Anderson.

I think it was the only time that Dr. Nambu was ever shown with a cigarette, and he was under a lot of stress -hopefully it was just a one time thing for him!

Marie, I've never been able to do poetry, so I'm floored by your talent. This poem tells quite a story. It reads as if Jow believes he's cursed.

Originally posted by lborgia88 hopefully it was just a one time thing for him!

not if the picture is to be believed it wasn't!!! i'm also glad that Anderson and the G-Force team were not shown smoking, I'd had enough influence around me at the time as it was!

Great poem, Marie. I love poetry, but writing it is very hit and miss for me. LB, great screen cap. Nothing is dirtier than an ashtray. (I'd rather do dirty diapers than clean an ashtray.) I'm glad to say that smoking is one habit that I've never picked up, though I don't know that I'd have noticed if it had been in BotP as my parents smoked at that time.

Marie, there's only one thing I can say: Hats off and a high-five! That was brilliant!!!

The poem was a hoot! I can so imagine those exact thoughts running through the Condor's mind, but at the same time a parallel line of thinking going..."how can I make this work?" Loved it!

I loved the poem, Marie! So many people have tried writing rhyming poetry only to have their work come off as trite or just weak. They need to take a lesson from you; the rhyming didn't take anything away from the poem!

Sorry, I have had a very busy and hard week and have not had time to comment even though I was reading. K2P2, I love that additional information on Iona. Like the others I am looking forward to more. Daniella, that is quite an introduction to that episode. I look forward to reading your rewrite when you get to it. Marie - wow, you are a triple threat. Not only a great story writer and artist, but also a poet. Great stuff.

Your comments are truly heartwarming, guys! Thanks again! You're all my greatest incentive! To tell the truth I find it easier, less time consuming, and more natural for me to write poetry than to write fic! Poetry was the first thing I tried to write down since when I was a small child, and many a time I've also expressed myself, and my own feelings with such! LB ... you've nailed the shot this time around, again!

Originally posted by lborgia88 You're right, it does sound best in rap style (the BF is too far away to hear me right now so I'm trying it out...)

LOL ... I wrote it when I sent my DH to buy some things from the grocery shop! It would have been a bit embarassing for me to have him hear my own vocal contribution to the piece!!

Originally posted by gatchamarieIt would have been a bit embarassing for me to have him hear my own vocal contribution to the piece!!

You make it sound almost as bad as my artistic attempts! (Abstract stick figures, anyone?) Now, I seriously doubt you sound that bad!

LOL, EW! Springie was after me and after me to try some art, and I kept telling her that I have zero artistic talent. Seriously, I almost failed the required art class in high school. So eventually I drew some stick figures to show her how bad I was and get her to understand. Turns out, she loved them. I just can't win!!!

What makes things worse for me is the fact that my mom was a painter who'd had her work featured in a couple of New York galleries in her day!

I'm not quite in that deep a hole... but my ILs are professional artists (meaning they make/made a living at it) and they run an art gallery... and I have no artistic talent or eye! That being said, I teach art classes at my DS's school. Sad innit?

Originally posted by Transmute Jun That being said, I teach art classes at my DS's school. Sad innit?

Hey, it could be worse! I had a math teacher who had to use a calculator for 2+2!

EW, what kind of medium/themes did your mother use? TJ, I'm sure you're a fantastic art teacher.

I'm teaching little kids, and they don't know any better, so it works out rather well.

Managed to finish my "dirty" piece, but thought it might need to be in the Rubber Room. http://www.gatchamania.net/thread.php?sid=&postid=140757#post140757

Originally posted by amethyst I'm glad to say that smoking is one habit that I've never picked up, though I don't know that I'd have noticed if it had been in BotP as my parents smoked at that time.

So did mine -my Mom a pack a day, my Dad an occasional cigar-smoker. Though my Mom quit, cold turkey, in 1978 and never smoked again. I think that seeing and remembering what utter crap she felt like for about a week while she was going through all the withdrawal put into my 8-year-old mind that smoking was something I didn't want to do! My Dad, well, he still does, on occasion, smoke a Cuban cigar.

Originally posted by Transmute Jun Seriously, I almost failed the required art class in high school.

I'm impressed that you had a required art class! The school system I was in, we only had art K-6 (for fun, not for grades) and nothing at all after that, optional or required.

It was part of the Ontario requirement for a high school degree. You had to have one art class and one PE class, at minimum! I dropped both art and PE in grade 10, and my average shot sky high!

Originally posted by Becky Rock EW, what kind of medium/themes did your mother use?

Mom worked in oil on canvas board. When she was in high school, she did scenes that looked like they were set in the South Pacific or Southeast Asia, and she did a few religious scenes (I have a painting of St. Francis of Assisi with a wolf at his feet that she'd originally given my grandparents.) Later, she did more landscapes and slightly abstract, nature-themed pieces.

Since I keep posting in these challenges, maybe I should add something that could fit the purpose of this thread! Here's something off-the-cuff... * * * * * Jinpei's shoes sloshed as he crept in through the back door of the Snack J. The things he'll do for a beloved hobby. . . "Jinpei!" Jun's horrified gasp seemed to come from everywhere. "What did you do -- go to a pig farm and wallow in every pen there? You're filthy !" "Oh no, Sis," he replied, hoping she didn't notice the soaked cardboard box that was dissolving in his hands, "nothing at all like that!" The cardboard crumbled in his hands, spilling what seemed like hundreds of beetles and cockroaches onto the floor. Jun let out a disgusted cry before she yelled, "You know you can't bring those dirty things in here!" From that moment, the boy felt like scum as he had to round up the insects and clean up the mess.

LOL, I'm with Jun on this one! No bugs in my house! Heck, I pay good money to keep them out without bringing the in voluntarily! Besides, you never know when one of those beetles will grow in the middle of the night and eat you... Perfect interpretation, EW!

Originally posted by Transmute Jun I dropped both art and PE in grade 10, and my average shot sky high!

I dropped PE in grade 10 too -the first year that it was optional instead of required! I'm such a klutz, and it was nothing but doing all the throwing-catching-kicking-balls kind of sports that I'm dreadful at, and no one ever wanted to pick me for their team...

ElectricWhite, I'm not sure who I feel sorrier for there -Jun or Jinpei! Not sure I want to know where he got those bugs either!

Great contribution, EW! Yeah, someone finally posted in the rubber room! Good job, LB!

Oh, EW! I'm terrified of any creature having six legs and more, so I can totally sympathise with Jun! Great contribution! You've captured the characters of both Jun and Jinpei so well in such a short piece! As to art ... maybe many already know what I'm used to say! Art is everywhere, and in everything we do! Each individual expresses it at his own way, so everyone is an artist in my opinion! EW ... your mum seems a great artist! I've inherited my artistic side from my Dad, who also used to paint when he was younger! I love to express it in everything I do, with all my abilities and limitations, but then I'm not that good at everything!

Oooo...EW, that is Jun's worst nightmare! I'd flip out if my son did that! Great stuff!!!

EW. Great little short. Jinpei really has Jun over a barrel with his bug and critter collecting, especially as the Snack J is an establishment that serves food. She'd have the health inspectors knocking in no time at all.

Sorry it's taken so long for me to reply! As soon as I posted that short, there was a flash of lightning, and all I could get was a "Service Not Available" message for this site! It's finally straightened out (obviously) so. . . Thanks, all! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

Originally posted by ElectricWhite

Originally posted by Becky Rock EW, what kind of medium/themes did your mother use?

Mom worked in oil on canvas board. When she was in high school, she did scenes that looked like they were set in the South Pacific or Southeast Asia, and she did a few religious scenes (I have a painting of St. Francis of Assisi with a wolf at his feet that she'd originally given my grandparents.) Later, she did more landscapes and slightly abstract, nature-themed pieces.

She sounds very talented.

EW, that gave me the heeby-jeebies. I can handle most bugs, but roaches totally gross me out.

Glad you made it back to us, EW!

Originally posted by Becky Rock EW, that gave me the heeby-jeebies. I can handle most bugs, but roaches totally gross me out.

They're not my favorite things, either! If you showed me the tiniest roach on the planet, I'll be on the other side of the room, on top of the tallest piece of furniture, pressing myself against the ceiling as much as possible, and screaming like a freakin' banshee!

Originally posted by ElectricWhite

Originally posted by Becky Rock EW, that gave me the heeby-jeebies. I can handle most bugs, but roaches totally gross me out.

They're not my favorite things, either! If you showed me the tiniest roach on the planet, I'll be on the other side of the room, on top of the tallest piece of furniture, pressing myself against the ceiling as much as possible, and screaming like a freakin' banshee!

That would be me with spiders (although, I've learned to tolerate Daddy Long Legs, they'll eat other spiders). I guess were lucky, we don't have the big icky roaches in California, just the small ones. I'll clean like crazy when I see them or ants, but the don't freak me out.

I can handle most buggy things -though really big spiders make me leery! The bug that really makes me all "Eeek!" though, is the house centipede. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scutigera_coleoptrata Not fair to them, really, as they actually eat other, far worse, insects. One thing I've learned over the years, though, is that a vigilant cat is an excellent mode of insect-control -not only do they kill the bug, they'll eat it too!

Originally posted by lborgia88 I can handle most buggy things -though really big spiders make me leery!

That just reminds me of something that happened about a year-and-a-half ago. My grand-nephews (yes, you read right, grand-nephews) used to come over to my place after school to do their homework until their dad could pick them up after work. One of the boys left his copy of "Ranger Rick Magazine" (it's an educational wildlife thing) on the table. The pic on the cover looked like a strange, fuzzy, black-and-orange stuffed animal. Dad picked up the magazine, read the tiny caption at the bottom, and flung the mag across the room, letting out a "Bleah!" as he did so. I picked up the magazine and read the caption. The "stuffed animal" was a tarantula shot at an unusual angle and extremely close up! (And it looked so cute before then!)

Originally posted by lborgia88 I can handle most buggy things -though really big spiders make me leery! The bug that really makes me all "Eeek!" though, is the house centipede. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scutigera_coleoptrata Not fair to them, really, as they actually eat other, far worse, insects. One thing I've learned over the years, though, is that a vigilant cat is an excellent mode of insect-control -not only do they kill the bug, they'll eat it too!

Yeah, I hate those ones, too and they're very fast. The other thing is big spiders, like tarantulas. I don't mind wolf spiders, even though they can get pretty big. They eat other bugs.

Here's another installment of Totally G-Force! Jason wasn't sure why he let Mark talk him into joining he, Clover, Tiny and Alex to a midnight showing of 'Porky's'. Although it was one of his favorite movies, he'd never seen it with a mixed group. It would be interesting to observe the girls' reaction. Until he saw Samantha was with them. He ground his teeth. So it was a set-up. She saw him and turned to Clover, an unhappy look on her face. So, she was an unhappy about it as he was. He knew they would try to maneuver the seating to force them to sit together. Jason wasn't going to allow it. As they walked into the theater, Jason's enhanced hearing picked up on Samantha accusing her friends of 'dirty tactics'. He couldn't agree more, glaring at Mark's back. The Commander would deny any knowledge of the dirty trick, but Jason wouldn't believe him. Once they reached the seating, Jason made a beeline to the far left, jogging up the steps to sit in the first empty aisle seat on the right. He wasn't going to let anyone past him to the other four seats. At Clover and Alex's dismayed looks at where he had sat, he smiled, letting them know they had failed. Everyone walked past, Sam last in line. She stopped besdie him and Jason had a momentary stab of fear she was going to try to sit next to him. Instead, she leaned down to whisper in his ear, 'You beat me to it', before walking on to sit six rows up beside Alex. Jason grinned with satisfaction and settled in to enjoy the movie, happt Sam had acknowledged his quick thinking.

Becky: Uh oh, they might like each other despite themselves.

Hey, she's female and we know how much Jason likes females.