This week's prompt: The dawn Also, open dates for those who want to submit prompts: 2/19, 2/26, 3/11, 3/18, 3/25 and beyond

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yay, we start from the Galactors POV. A great insight TJ, how the captains follow orders no matter what they might think, and about how easily Katse dismisses the opinions of those he commands. Can't wait to read the rest of this fic when it's completed!

We'll see how long that takes.... this fic is taking weird turns... it's not at all what I intended when I began!

Taking on a life of it's own eh? They're often the best ones!!

Oooo...interesting...this captain is reluctant to go up against the Science Ninja Team? I can't say that I blame him!

It seemed as if it had been years since he had seen the sun rise. His past excuse of spending too much time underwater at the Crescent Coral Base didn't apply as Galactor destroyed the base months ago. Laboratories usually do not have windows. It had been a few days since he'd been in one. He missed the base. The tranquility of the sea. The hope inspired within by those working for a better world. When was the last time he watched the day break? Almost exactly a year ago. The day after the world leaders nearly caved to Galactor. The day they stopped Galactor's plans at the expense fo the life of Red Impulse. His friend. This dawn was just as bittersweet. Katse and Leader X were gone, leaving Galactor in disarray. The world was safe. But this time, one of his children was gone, his body vanished.

Interesting PoV, TJ. I look forward to seeing the rest of the story.

Nice. . . I like the subtle way you used Nambu's POV.

I'd been playing around with the idea of a Gatch poem for a little while. So, here's my first go: Dawn The stars faded away. The daily August haze hadn't begun To push down on us yet. The water lapping against The bridge's only remaining support Dared not whisper. We sat on the bridge's last arch, Facing east, barely breathing. This silence was too fragile, Soon to be beaten away By people scurrying From building to building. I don't know why you came back. You'd done plenty when you pulled me From Galactor's fire As it gorged itself On my home. I hope what you'll soon see Will be worth your while. I can't think of anything I can give you That's worthy Of you. The sky grows lighter. The first tiny curve of the sun Slips above the horizon. The river turns to platinum and gold. A small, sweet breeze blows -- Angels thanking us for for being there. I feel the arm you kept around me, Steadying me, protecting me, Relax just a little. Through your visor I see your eyes are closed. You're taking in every feel, every smell And I can't help smiling.

Amethyst...very touching. You had me sympathizing with Nambu. EW...your poem was beautiful!

Amethyst, I like the use of Nambu's POV, and the way he associates the sunrise with a near defeat. EW, this is an interesting reflection on the cost of the war, as well as what remains.

Funny, my thoughts went to Katse too: Katse surveyed their latest mecha. It was glorious, a mighty dragon designed to slay even the God Phoenix. "This is the dawn of a new age, gentlemen. The Age of Galactor!" His men cheered as they filed aboard. Those Science Ninja whelps wouldn't know what hit them.

I couldn't help grinning as I read yours, CW!

Originally posted by ChrisW"This is the dawn of a new age, gentlemen. The Age of Galactor!"

How many times have we heard that before?

Originally posted by ElectricWhite I couldn't help grinning as I read yours, CW! How many times have we heard that before?

I am a huge fan of irony.

Amethyst - I like Nambu's POV on the end of the war. It seems that every time he sees the sun rise is a mixed blessing.. symbolizing both celebration and loss. EW - Nice to see a poem on the forum, especially one as sweet as this! ChrisW I thought I did brief... you beat me hands down, I'm not sure I could sum up a prompt in such few words!!

Originally posted by KT1972 ChrisW I thought I did brief... you beat me hands down, I'm not sure I could sum up a prompt in such few words!!

Don't expect that to happen often. Usually I take a few thousand words just to warm up!

Just jumped in and found four nice stories waiting for me TJ -- I loved the way you captured the essence of being a minion in a military machine, having the follow the orders of megalomaniacs like Katse...Waiting for the rest of the story! Ame -- very emotional. Poor Nambu, caught again between his feelings and duty, between celebration and despair. EW -- Hats off, I say CW: Like TJ, your story could be applied to almost any real historical situation and that, for me, is the mark of a great fic!

Changing the theme slightly..... The alarm roused him unwillingly from slumber and, against his will, he tumbled from the bed. His first thought upon hitting the floor was how dark it was, his second, how cold. He stared at the clock, still incessantly ringing, and convinced himself that someone had set it wrong. No one ever had to get up in the dark - not without being called up on a mission anyway! He resisted the temtation to crawl back under the covers and, instead, prepared himself for the day ahead. He was just finishing breakfast as the dawn broke over a sparkling white landscape. He grinned suddenly as it caught his eye and he was unable to dress quickly enough before rushing out to dive into a soft bed of snow!! ***** As inspired by the Great British weather....

Originally posted by Daniella T CW: Like TJ, your story could be applied to almost any real historical situation and that, for me, is the mark of a great fic!

Aw thanks. It's funny, at first I thought I was being a total wuss by going so short. Then I stared at it for a while, shrugged, and said, "But that's all there is."

KT: I love how it's first "WHY am I up?" then the dawn sun reveals why it's awesome to be up.

Originally posted by ChrisW KT: I love how it's first "WHY am I up?" then the dawn sun reveals why it's awesome to be up.

Yes! Brilliantly snowy freezing days in Brussels also, echoing KT's sentiments!

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This prompt is prompting some very moving pieces! Excellent poem, LW! I especially liked the line "And tomorrow...we will do it all again" -- captures the sentiments of being caught in a cycle of violence

Chris, I can totally see this as a 'prequel' to the show! Oh, how that poor man's hopes were dashed... KT, I love the picture you paint of having to get up, forcing himself to get up, then forgetting abouot whatever it was that had been so important to go play in the snow! LW, you're exploring a theme that I've tried to grapple with (although nto so well as you did here)... the idea that the Team lives their lives in a cycle of violence, and for psychological stability they need to connect to more beautiful, simpler things, just too maintain their sanity.

KT -- sorry it took me a little while to write a response to your piece; I had to put on a sweater and get some hot chocolate! A nice, refreshing take on the prompt. CW -- don't underestimate the power of shorter works!

CW, love your little bit- you have me imagining Katse singing it to the tune of the song "Age of Aquarius" ! LOL

KT- you me picturing Ken, reluctant to get out of bed...and we all know how grumpy he gets without breakfast!

LW- that was amazing- so emotional, yet he talks about it in such a nonchalant way, kwim? The violence is just a part of their lives. And you have the Swan calling to him as though she is concerned- she is the emotional center of the team, after all. Great work!

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Originally posted by k2p2 I had to read it a few times to get it right in my head, but that may just me after a long day at work....

LOL, no biggie! I can see how that could be confusing. Never fear, it shall be reworded.

Amethyst. I just love your prose and your stories...Everything flows together so naturally and smoothly--the character, the emotion...the whole 9 yards..... Interesting is that Nambu is featured in my story this week as well..Must be the phase of the moon.

EW-Very sweet, very telling poem of a quiet moment between two characters, nicely done. I loved the detailed descriptions as it made me feel as though I were right there. Great job, write some more please! Chris W. Love how you can tell a whole story in just a few lines. I am envious. Great little story--although I wouldn't mind finding out a bit more about what happens next either.

Don't expect that to happen often. Usually I take a few thousand words just to warm up!

Ha! My writing process is as follows. Outline, write a few k, research, edit, edit, edit...Drat still 2k cut, cut, cut...Is that the time? Damn I'm gonna be late for work--post--post--post...did it fit? Yes....gone.

KT- Loved it! Gotta be from Jinpei, right? Especially this bit...

No one ever had to get up in the dark

I get up at 4:40 a.m...just about ever day I go into work. What is really beautiful, is how in the early morning hours, just before the dawn, after a fresh snowfall--everything is blue. I could just picture Jinpei outside playing in it...wonderful story.

LW--very powerful writing, but exactly what I expect from you, not a word wasted to form a perfect image in my head of what is going on . Beautifully done in describing all of the horrors and grind of war.

Originally posted by k2p2 KT- Loved it! Gotta be from Jinpei, right? Especially this bit...

No one ever had to get up in the dark

I could just picture Jinpei outside playing in it...wonderful story.

yay, Jinpei's right! (sorry Springie!)But I can't see the older members rushing to get dressed especially to go play in the snow somehow!

Yay!!! Although I could see the older members joining him once Jinpei was outside, they just needed an excuse..

I'll bet... somehow, grown-ups playing in snow seems ridiculous, yet put a kid or two among them and it's all perfectly acceptable!!

LW -- I must say the imagery you used really stuck with me! Did it take you long to find the phrasing?

okay going to upset a few people with this - 15 minutes to read promt, visualise and imagine the sunrise and association 10 minutes to write (long hand) 10 minutes to type walk away 10 minutes to proof and spell check walk away 10 minutes to re-read and post (usually how I do most of my writing)

Actually, I find that to be a bit more realistic than the "professional" writers who insist that only "real" writers sit down and write 8 hours a day, every day, like an office job. That kind, I find, produce uninspired pieces that seem to reflect a self-absorbed personality.

Originally posted by littlewolf okay going to upset a few people with this -

Why would this upset anyone. We all have different methods, styles and preferences. I'm one of those weird people that use a variety of methods or techniques depending upon purpose. Sometimes I scribble things out furiously, and other times I spend too much time thinking. Sometimes I have to just start writing and see where it takes me, sometimes I need to write out where I want it to go. Sometimes I write, sometimes I type. Knowing how others approach prompts, shares insights and inspiration to try something different. Thanks for sharing!

Originally posted by KT1972

Originally posted by k2p2 KT- Loved it! Gotta be from Jinpei, right? Especially this bit...

No one ever had to get up in the dark

I could just picture Jinpei outside playing in it...wonderful story.

yay, Jinpei's right! (sorry Springie!)But I can't see the older members rushing to get dressed especially to go play in the snow somehow!

OOPS! I missed the eagerness to get out in the snow- my mind is a bit Eagle-centric today, huh? LOL

I agree with Amethyst - everyone writes differently, and not everyone writes the same way all the time. Some things I write come out relatively quickly, while others take much longer. It has to do with the nature of the piece, my mood at the time, if there's anything special to inspire me... all kinds of stuff. There is no right or wrong way to write. As long as you write, that's all that matters.

Originally posted by Springie CW, love your little bit- you have me imagining Katse singing it to the tune of the song "Age of Aquarius" ! LOL

LOL ... can a Gatchaman version of Hair be far behind?

Holy Cow! This is what I get for being sick and not reading. I won't be able to catch up until tomorrow night.

Originally posted by ElectricWhite Actually, I find that to be a bit more realistic than the "professional" writers who insist that only "real" writers sit down and write 8 hours a day, every day, like an office job. That kind, I find, produce uninspired pieces that seem to reflect a self-absorbed personality.

Well, as a professional writer, I'll say that I can't afford to just sit around waiting for the muse to wave her magic wand. I think what most people mean by that is that they keep showing up for work as a way of training the muse to pay more visits. Writing isn't always wildly inspired in early drafts, and edits can be a bit of a slog. It's usually a reaction to people who only ever write when they feel truly inspired. Then they complain that they're not getting anywhere in their career. You have to show up to work more often than that.

Originally posted by amethyst Why would this upset anyone. We all have different methods, styles and preferences. I'm one of those weird people that use a variety of methods or techniques depending upon purpose. Sometimes I scribble things out furiously, and other times I spend too much time thinking. Sometimes I have to just start writing and see where it takes me, sometimes I need to write out where I want it to go. Sometimes I write, sometimes I type. Knowing how others approach prompts, shares insights and inspiration to try something different. !

I love hearing how other people work. I'm allergic to one-true-wayism, especially when it comes to creative pursuits. I know writers who work totally out of order, people who have to write linearly, people who outline, people who can't, etc. Personally I had to revisit my entire approach when I started writing fiction again. I had to look back at what caused me to stall out and get nowhere, and find a new method. Experimentation is the rule, not the exception.

I found the NaNo experience last year an eye-opener: having to write every day -- or night in my case -- even when I felt totally inspiration-less, helped a lot. The muse started visiting more often, and I managed to reach the 50.000 words required on time!

Thanks I should have typed "might upset some people" my muse can be very efficient when she knows what she wants and very unco-operative when I resist her

I used to write linear. No outline, but dozens of notecards...I work, I have a family.--I quit writing... Getting older and wiser, I started to write scenes. I still have a general outline, but now I write everyday and write what scene appeals--or as in the case of the prompt jar, what inspires. Just as important for me is that I READ! I read books about writing, I read other people's stories and critique them and then send them back. Oftentimes those stories get published--which is waaayy cool. I've gotten blistering critiques in return. I've got one right now sitting in my inbox for a Canon story that I wanna post over at Fanfiction.net, that I am kinda afraid to open to right now. The most important thing, is that this fandom has me writing again.

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LW: Man I hope those people have good insurance for themselves.

Talk about Jobsworths!! Those guys take the biscuit (after filling out the relevent requisition forms that is!)

I know what's going to happen to that paperwork... and where it will be stuffed on that administrator's body....

now now - have some respect for the need for bureaucracy. without the constant suffling of endless paperwork, re-direction, subdepartments, planning committies, endless debate, and their inability to make a immediate decision, our beloved "Birds" would have been out of work episodes ago, the war may not have got to this stage, the "chicken" phoenix may never have been build, zark would have been decomissioned long ago (what would we have to pick on and cringe at) and our characters would not have the "issues" we so love to write and comment about. True, having to deal with their inabiltiy to make a logical and common sence discision if frustrating, Their inability to understand the real world is illogical, but they do employ a vast number of people, create laws that leave us bamboozled and frustrated and their constant stream of bullchit that pours forth from their mouth is the work of mentally impaired spin doctors Perhaps the world would be a better place without them, run smoothly and efficently, and great forest of trees would not quake upon their arrival for loss of their brethean due to the need for more paper, the ozone layer would not be as depleted, the air cleaner But, alas this story would not make sense if they were not there So sayith my inner spin doctor

Originally posted by k2p2 Just as important for me is that I READ! I read books about writing

I agree, and most books on writing that I read, preach reading religiously (It might be the only religion I prescribe to). Any way, on another thread I promised this: Zen in the Art of Writing -- the inspiration for these prompts -- ISBN 978-0-553-29634-1. It really is the most entertaining book on writing that I've read, most are like dry textbooks (though I do have Stephen King's On Writing sitting on my bookshelf waiting patiently for it's turn)

Originally posted by k2p2 The most important thing, is that this fandom has me writing again.

That was me a few years ago. Another fandom got me writing fiction, but I fell into a slump and this fandom helped pull me out.

Originally posted by ChrisW

Originally posted by ElectricWhite Actually, I find that to be a bit more realistic than the "professional" writers who insist that only "real" writers sit down and write 8 hours a day, every day, like an office job. That kind, I find, produce uninspired pieces that seem to reflect a self-absorbed personality.

Well, as a professional writer, I'll say that I can't afford to just sit around waiting for the muse to wave her magic wand. I think what most people mean by that is that they keep showing up for work as a way of training the muse to pay more visits. Writing isn't always wildly inspired in early drafts, and edits can be a bit of a slog. It's usually a reaction to people who only ever write when they feel truly inspired. Then they complain that they're not getting anywhere in their career. You have to show up to work more often than that.

Oh boy. This is one of those times when a face-to-face conversation would have probably worked better than the written word. No matter how many punctuation marks I use, there are some tones and inflections that can't be captured in print! (Not to mention the immediate responses we can give each other!) When I was talking about "professional" writers, I was referring to those who wouldn't really be considered professionals. (Something similar to some "experts" you'd find on Fox News.) These are the ones who don't produce anything of quality and are unwilling to improve; instead, they harshly and unjustly criticize others (especially young talent who are just beginning to explore their capabilities.) As I read LW's response to the question I'd asked about her poem, it seemed to me that she'd heard the critics who just shoot others down and do nothing to help. I realize that some forms of writing absolutely requires a desk job-style schedule. That's how I have to work for any nonfiction piece I do. However, my poetry and fiction simply don't come out well in that type of setting. And, since this is a place to produce works for enjoyment, I don't think anybody should feel embarrassed for they way they went from idea to finished piece. I never meant for my comment to be taken as a slight against the writing profession. (If I did, then what the hell am I doing selling pieces to magazines?!?) I just meant for it to be in the confines of the small conversation about LW's poem. No hard feelings?

Originally posted by ElectricWhite Oh boy. This is one of those times when a face-to-face conversation would have probably worked better than the written word. No matter how many punctuation marks I use, there are some tones and inflections that can't be captured in print!

And this is with the nearly 1000 smilies that Cep has for us to use. While reading this I was reminded of a classroom conversation that I had with a creative writing professor. She went on and on with a bunch of Literary BS on the difference between genre fiction and Literary fiction being authorial intent, etc. When she asked the students what they thought it was (mostly to gauge who could spew back her Literary vomit rather than determine the ass-kissers from the free thinkers), she did not like my answer: 20 years. Regardless of authorial intent, Literary fiction is best gauged not by the here and now, but how it stands up to the passing of time Writing should be flowing and engaging. How the author gets there is less important than getting there. What is important on how the author gets there, is to provide inspiration to others, tips and strategies on breaking slumps and trying something different. But we must all remember, that unlike mathematical equations (functions excluded), in writing there is no one right answer. It is an individual application that is unique to each of us. Many of us share similar strategies, but none of us are exactly the same (being the same is a fallacy in all but mathematics).

Frankly, if we were all the same, I'd have nothing to read but my own writing (and others which were exactly like it) and that would be booooring......

Originally posted by ElectricWhite When I was talking about "professional" writers, I was referring to those who wouldn't really be considered professionals. (Something similar to some "experts" you'd find on Fox News.) These are the ones who don't produce anything of quality and are unwilling to improve; instead, they harshly and unjustly criticize others (especially young talent who are just beginning to explore their capabilities.) As I read LW's response to the question I'd asked about her poem, it seemed to me that she'd heard the critics who just shoot others down and do nothing to help.

Ah I see. And I wasn't angry or even upset. I'm just a little pedantic! (Is it possible to be a little pedantic? Is that like being a little pregnant?)

Originally posted by ChrisW I'm just a little pedantic! (Is it possible to be a little pedantic? Is that like being a little pregnant?)

It makes more sense to me than someone who proclaims, "I'm going back to being a virgin!"

This reminded of what I read somewhere: fighting for peace is like making love for virginity.

Originally posted by Daniella T This reminded of what I read somewhere: fighting for peace is like making love for virginity.

Whoa, that is, like, so deep. . .

Originally posted by ElectricWhite

Originally posted by Daniella T This reminded of what I read somewhere: fighting for peace is like making love for virginity.

Whoa, that is, like, so deep. . .

It is, isn't it ? Anyway, Back To Topic: Ladies and gentlemen, for this week's installment of Bradbury's Jar, we return to an old favourite....The Sky is Falling! //It was probably the longest day of Mark's life: alone on Riga, full of doubts about himself, his father, his friend Tom...and then having to deal with the shock of finding out that Cronus was indeed his father, while at the same time trying to neutralise Spectra's worse threat ever. A threat that was, in the end, neutralised, precisely because his father was determined to finish the job that he started 14 years ago... But back on Earth, for Anderson, it was probably the longest night. Locked in the ISO building, trying to contain the rising panic of the ISO delegates, keeping resolutely faith in G-Force and their ability to pull through one more time. He lost track of the coffees he drank. He half-heartedly made a stab at a slice of pizza, from the stack they had ordered before he locked down the room, but left the slice to congeal on his paper plate. Slumped in his seat, he kept a wary eye on the delegates, trying to detect the first signs of a desire to capitulate...when he opened the doors in the morning...but in reality, it was a moot question: if the city was still there in the morning, there would be no need to capitulate. If not, well, they had lost anyway... The Rigan delegate approached him, shoulders slumping, her black pants suit creased at the knees from the long time she had been sitting in the same position. "Andrea?" he asked, looking up. God, he was tired! And if her bloodshot eyes were anything to go by, he didn't look all the fresh either. "Just wanted to stretch my legs. Any news?" The question was superfluous -- he would told them if he had had any news, but she wanted to say something, something to lift the silence that had descended in the vast chamber, with delegates too stunned, still, from Zoltar's message, to speak. He shook his head. "No, but it's still early. G-Force needs some time to get there, get the missile..." his voice trailed off. "I wonder whether I will ever see my planet again," started Andrea, but Anderson cut her short. "Don't. Just...don't. Please." She nodded, climbed on a desk next to his chair. "Coffee?" he asked, pointing at an urn at a side table. She looked disgusted at the idea of more coffee, then nodded slowly. "Sure." He poured two cups, came back to her. They sat in silent companionship for a while. Around them, the other delegates had started to doze off. "Close your eyes for a bit, Andrea," suggested Anderson. "I'll tell you when G-Force calls." *** At the end of the long, long vigil, his phone rang. To tell him that G-Force had, as he had expected, succeeded, once again, in their mission. But also to tell him that he had lost his best friend. He went to the window, looked out. The dawn was breaking.//

shame there's no smilie for Anderson/Nambu, you do his POV so well!

I can see how that night would have been even more stressful for Anderson, not knowing what was going on, what was happening... I hope they had a bathroom though, if he was drinking all of that coffee!!!!

Originally posted by Transmute Jun I can see how that night would have been even more stressful for Anderson, not knowing what was going on, what was happening... I hope they had a bathroom though, if he was drinking all of that coffee!!!!

LOL! I bet the screenwriters never thought of that!

Great addition to that episode, Daniella. The night locked in that room must have been one of the longest ever imagined.

Nambu/Anderson seems to be triggering the inspiration this week...and I am all for it! Is this part of a larger story by you, Daniella, or just an aspect of an episode. I'd love to read more. Although this gave me pause...

She nodded, climbed on a desk next to his chair.

Did you mean, climb onto a chair next to his desk? Or did she just sit down by him.. Thanks again for the isightful read.

Originally posted by KT1972 shame there's no smilie for Anderson/Nambu, you do his POV so well!

Thank you! You're right, we should get one!

Originally posted by amethyst Great addition to that episode, Daniella. The night locked in that room must have been one of the longest ever imagined.

Thanks Ame! This is was one of the most stressful episodes, and a rich source for fics!

Originally posted by k2p2 Nambu/Anderson seems to be triggering the inspiration this week...and I am all for it! Is this part of a larger story by you, Daniella, or just an aspect of an episode. I'd love to read more. Although this gave me pause...

She nodded, climbed on a desk next to his chair.

Did you mean, climb onto a chair next to his desk? Or did she just sit down by him.. Thanks again for the isightful read.

Thank you! Nope, it's not part of a longer story (yet) The image I had of Andrea was that she climbed to the desk next to the one Anderson was sitting at, and he was sitting at the chair (can't imagine Anderson sitting on a desk).

Originally posted by Transmute Jun We'll see how long that takes.... this fic is taking weird turns... it's not at all what I intended when I began!

Sounds interesting! Is it changing in tone from, say, comic to serious (that's happened to me before) or is it the plot that's changing on you?

Originally posted by amethyst This dawn was just as bittersweet. Katse and Leader X were gone, leaving Galactor in disarray. The world was safe. But this time, one of his children was gone, his body vanished.

Very poignant, and you fill in what's missing from episode 105 -we never see, there, Dr. Nambu's response to the loss of Joe.

Originally posted by ElectricWhite I'd been playing around with the idea of a Gatch poem for a little while. So, here's my first go:

A wonderful image in your poem. I could see how one of the Ninjas (I see Joe here) could need a quiet moment, watching the sun rise after a battle, to remind himself why it's all worth it and take heart that victory will come.

Originally posted by ElectricWhite I couldn't help grinning as I read yours, CW!

Originally posted by ChrisW"This is the dawn of a new age, gentlemen. The Age of Galactor!"

How many times have we heard that before?

Heh, and how many times has Leader X heard that from Katse too? No wonder he just decides, in the end, to destroy the world instead of conquering it!

Originally posted by KT1972 As inspired by the Great British weather....

Hee, I guess a snowfall brings out everyone's inner kid, if it's something you don't have too often!

Originally posted by littlewolf But...for now...in the void Between the sleeping and waking moment...... I will embrace what it has to offer.

Wow, LW. You really convey the tragic, inner toll that war, with no victory in sight, must take on Ken, and how he tries to cope.

Originally posted by Daniella T At the end of the long, long vigil, his phone rang. To tell him that G-Force had, as he had expected, succeeded, once again, in their mission. But also to tell him that he had lost his best friend. He went to the window, looked out. The dawn was breaking.//

I tend to forget about them all being shut in that room during The Sky is Falling. Anderson has a hard task during so many episodes, being unable to do anything, really, except wait for news from G-Force... Nice to see that here, he doesn't have to do it alone!

Originally posted by KT1972 shame there's no smilie for Anderson/Nambu, you do his POV so well!

I've often thought it's not fair either that there's no option of joining a "Nambu/Anderson" clan here. Don't know how many members he'd get, but the option should be there.

Daniella, that was great! You filled in the gaps nicely- Nambu/Anderson gets a bad rap for sending them out and expecting them to perform, but he has a lot of pressure to deal with, too!

Originally posted by Springie Daniella, that was great! You filled in the gaps nicely- Nambu/Anderson gets a bad rap for sending them out and expecting them to perform, but he has a lot of pressure to deal with, too!

You know, DT, it's a shame nobody produces a "special edition" disc that uses pieces like yours to enhance episodes.

Daniella: Love that, I always wondered just how much badgering, intimidation, etc. Nambu/Anderson suffered during that lockdown. They could not have been happy with him, heh.

Hmmm I was wondering... I seem to be coming up with possible romantic interests for Anderson recently (Sarah in "Adeste Fideles" and Andrea in this short). Is my muse trying to tell me something?

Originally posted by Daniella T Hmmm I was wondering... I seem to be coming up with possible romantic interests for Anderson recently (Sarah in "Adeste Fideles" and Andrea in this short). Is my muse trying to tell me something?

Run with it Daniella, and see where it takes you!

I might even make him try to choose between the two -- that would definitely be seeing Anderson in a new light!

Oooh, that would be an experience to read about.... you have to do it now!!

Hmmm I was wondering... I seem to be coming up with possible romantic interests for Anderson recently (Sarah in "Adeste Fideles" and Andrea in this short). Is my muse trying to tell me something?

I say, run with it! Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and a writer's hand needs to turn to ROMANCE!

Another prompt idea, K2? A good one for Valentines week too!!

Another prompt idea, K2?

Hey, I did give one...and it was for that week...but not having written much on the subject, I'm not very good at it. You'd think after being married for 22 years, and having teenagers with all their crushes and angst, I'd be better at it. Perhaps Iona? I dunno...she's got enough issues already, dontcha think?

Okay folks, get ready for some cognitive whiplash. Dawn can mean many things but for a lot of folks and it can mean a new beginning. In this prompt I thought I'd twist it around to to the VERY beginning of Iona's story--how she ended up in Utoland and under the attention and care of Dr. Nambu, told from the good man's perspective....(and whom, like Jinpei, we really don't seem to hear enough of) Sorry Condor fans, but Joe doesn't make a physical appearance at the very end of this bit as he has in the past...Instead we have mention of another very important figure from within the fandom.... Special thanks goes out to Unpublished Write, and their post in the general discussion section. I knew about Peek, but not the others.. Now onto the story, which I pray fits...

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Ooooh, I like where you're going with this!!!!!

Ooooh, I like where you're going with this!!!!!

It is a lot of fun to write.

Interesting... Galactor certainly has a well-placed contact... I'm just glad that we know Iona will be okay after all of this! You certainly know how to weave an interesting story, K2P2!

Originally posted by Transmute Jun Interesting... Galactor certainly has a well-placed contact... I'm just glad that we know Iona will be okay after all of this!

Will she? She is still living with her foster folks...Lynn and Harry...I am sure she has her suspicions, but when it all comes out--some chips are going to be falling pretty hard...

Originally posted by k2p2

Originally posted by Transmute Jun Interesting... Galactor certainly has a well-placed contact... I'm just glad that we know Iona will be okay after all of this!

Will she? She is still living with her foster folks...Lynn and Harry...I am sure she has her suspicions, but when it all comes out--some chips are going to be falling pretty hard...

I think it's safe to say that "okay" is a relative term here. . .

By 'okay' I meant that she survives to fast forward a few years and become part of the Team...

K2 such an interesting origin for Iona. Such an intriguing storyline with her foster mother. It will be interesting to see what happens when that discovery is made.

Cool! I am glad you are enjoying it. I've been jumping around the timeline so much in this story that I know it is confusing...

Originally posted by k2p2 Cool! I am glad you are enjoying it. I've been jumping around the timeline so much in this story that I know it is confusing...

I enjoy reading it in pieces. Plus I know I'll get to read it again when you've got it all complete and start posting it in order.

I've been so busy I haven't been able to catch up, so here are my thoughts so far. TJ- your actually made me feel sorry for the Captain of the Week. Poor guy. I'm looking forward to reading the fic you mentioned. Ame - That was moving. We never really saw Nambu's reaction to Joe's 'death'. I'd like to see more on it. EW - I read it first at Gatchfanfic and loved it there. Your words invoke wonderful visuals and I enjoyed the happy ending. Chris - That's two lines that sure tell a lot. I liked the "The Age of Galactor" reference. KT- I loved it but it made me want to crawl into bed and hide. No more snow, please! LW - It starts out cold but is factual. I was ROTFLMAO thinkihg about the Condor wanting his bullets I want to say something about poetry. I never used to care about it and thought it was dribble. That's before I had the joy of meeting the fantastic poets of Gatchmania! Daniella - I like the different POV you used for another ending for the Sky is Falling. I agree that Nambu/Anderson rarely gets the chance to be romantic. But could you imagine the poor woman becoming the den mother to that group? Now I go to catch up on the rest.

k2p2: Ooh, a great opening. Can't wait to see more, I'm still fairly new to Iona.

Originally posted by ChrisW I'm still fairly new to Iona.

No worries...she's still fairly new to me too. Her story starts with Prompt Jar #2.

K2, you gave just enough info on Iona to really wet our whistle. I'm really looking forward to seeing more.

K2p2, very interesting twist there with Iona's foster-mother! And she works at the ISO too... This can't be good!

An old prompt no doubt and probably rife with bad grammar, but here goes: Slowly, ripples grew from the midnight center of the lake. Spreading out in ever widening concentric circles and dissipating once they reached the shore. He watched, mesmerized, as she rose from the water, pale skin glistening with a sheen of water droplets shimmering with the half-light that heralded the coming of the dawn. Her inky dark hair glimmered as if strung with ethereal strands of silver and diamonds. She carefully waded her way through the water, fingertips barely grazing its surface, as graceful as her namesake. Her green eyed gaze pinning him as effectively as one of his feather shuriken. Holding him in her thrall. Vaguely, he recalled story from a book he had as a boy in Sicily, about Greek mythology. Reminded of Eos, the goddess of the dawn. A beautiful woman, who at times was depicted with the large white-feathered wings of a bird. It was rumored she had many lovers, one of them, Ares the god of war. As she drew closer, he slowly rose from where he had been resting and offered her his hand, drawing her into his embrace. He shivered slightly at the feel of her cool skin against the feverish warmth of his. A ghost of a smile crossed his lips as she drew him down, hands behind his neck. And as her lips opened beneath his like a flower, he realized she made him feel more powerful than any god.

Quite a sensual piece, RB!

Thank you EW! (and I just realized, should I have put this in the Rubber Room? Eeek!)

Originally posted by Redbird Thank you EW! (and I just realized, should I have put this in the Rubber Room? Eeek!)

If that's the case, I'm sure the kindly, all-seeing Cep will move it!

Good to know!

WHOA!!! That was GORGEOUS, Redbird! You are so poetic! I'm so glad that you are taking the time to go through and add to the Bradbury prompts!

No, I think this is okay here, because there's nothing explicit. But oh my... it's very thought-provoking!

Originally posted by Springie WHOA!!! That was GORGEOUS, Redbird! You are so poetic! I'm so glad that you are taking the time to go through and add to the Bradbury prompts!

Thanks Springie! I hope to do a few more of the older prompts. I just need to look through them to see if inspiration hits.

Originally posted by Transmute Jun No, I think this is okay here, because there's nothing explicit. :

That was my initial thought TJ, I wasn't totally sure (being a newbie and all).

Originally posted by Transmute Jun But oh my... it's very thought-provoking!

I agree that it's very poetic, weaving the imagery together between visual and thought concerning Gods.

Echoing the others' comments .... so very magical, lining the piece with that powerful mythological atmosphere, so very sensual and so very poetical! Oh, I love poetry! Now, I hope that, differently from the Goddess Eos, she doesn't have any more lovers ....

Thank you for the kind comments, BR & GM! GM: as for her other lovers....I wasn't told of any! LOL.

Nice little scene you have here...Not sure if this is a ghost, or a figment of Joe's imagination, or the real thing...good to keep it that way. My only nit (and I am a knitter) is that to me, it gets a bit bogged down by the heavy description in places. Just a little streamlining and you're golden for pubbing as a bit of original work.

A perfect description of a perfect moment, RB! Joe deserves this, so I'll go with it not being a hallucination of his, but a reality!

Originally posted by k2p2 Nice little scene you have here...Not sure if this is a ghost, or a figment of Joe's imagination, or the real thing...good to keep it that way. My only nit (and I am a knitter) is that to me, it gets a bit bogged down by the heavy description in places. Just a little streamlining and you're golden for pubbing as a bit of original work.

Thank you for reading k2p2, and I appreciate your suggestions! They are always welcome.

Originally posted by Daniella T A perfect description of a perfect moment, RB! Joe deserves this, so I'll go with it not being a hallucination of his, but a reality!

Thanks for the kind words DT. And yes, it's reality, not a hallucination!

I don't think I can add anything more. A magical piece that weaves the mythology of the gods with a dream like atmosphere. I like where you stopped this leaving us to wonder, and decide, if it IS a dream or reality.

I'm glad you enjoyed it CD. Thanks for popping in to read and comment on it!

RB -- not to be beating a dead horse, but I think you're starting to drive people crazy by not telling them right out if it's really happening to Joe or if he's dreaming!

Err...I did say it was reality. LOL.First post at the top of this page in response to DT.

Thank you, RB! I'm afraid you've sometimes gotta be blatantly, obnoxiously obvious for everyone to get the message!

First, you are welcome RB. I love seeing the old threads and prompts coming back to life again. Second, you may have mentioned to DT that it was reality, but I like to think it could also be a dream that might bring him some enlightenment, or some peace that he never seemed to have in real life.

Thanks for the tip, EW! I'll keep that in mind. LOL.

Originally posted by clouddancer Second, you may have mentioned to DT that it was reality, but I like to think it could also be a dream that might bring him some enlightenment, or some peace that he never seemed to have in real life.

Most certainly! When I wrote the piece, in my mind, it was written as reality, but it could definitely be interpreted in another way. That's why I left it up to the reader to decide how they wanted to view it. That being said, there might be more that stems from this piece...the wheels are turning.....

Always nice to see that a prompt may bring a larger story to life !