And the word of the week is...... Promise

Oooh. I bet this gets some interesting submissions. Thanks, KT!

Huh... this one deserves some serious thought...

That one is getting my juices going, what little juices I have at the moment.

I promise I'll try to get my muse to come up with something worthwhile!

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I remember this scene in Fierce Flowers -the guys are kind of jerks the way they all ditch Princess! Is this part of a longer piece? I'm wondering now if Jill will get better...

Nope, not part of a longer piece, just something that came to mind. I recalled Princess complaining to herself about how the guys had promised to stay with her. I figured since I'm basically re-writing the episode it wasn't necessary to 'finish' it. Uh... Jill gets better...

Poor Princess, yer the guys are being absolute Jerks love the piece, been a while since I saw the Fiece Flower episode

I don't know if they're being jerks... but they are being awfully careless of her feelings.

TJ: I love how we're all so drawn to the Jigokillers/Fierce Flowers episodes. So much happening there in so many layers. ETA: I'm wondering if I should go watch the BOTP version. I watched the Gatchaman version over and over while working on "Life Starts Now" ... Now I'm wondering if the guys are actually more callous there in the BOTP version!

They're more callous in Gatch. They're intentionally leaving Jun alone knowing the 'thing' only attacks women. Then no one says anything when Jinpei makes fun of Jun's drawing, even though she's clearly stressed out, and Ken makes an insulting comment about how they forget she's a girl. Of course, Joe makes up for all that by going ballistic when Ken wants to kill Jun, and Ken makes up for it when he tries to kill himself after he thinks he's killing her. Yep, much fanfic fodder. I've definite;y written about this episode a LOT.

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Chris -- I do hope you continue this story! I'd love to see Ken on the island trying to "use unfamiliar equipment"! Interesting premise for an Eagle story. BTW, it would be nice to read a prequel about the "ISO Teens of the Future mixer"! TJ -- Excellent use of one of our favourites! I forgot how nasty the rest of the team was to Princess in the beginning of the ep...

TJ - It's been years since I last saw the BotP version of this episode, thanks for the recap, however brief! Chris - Loved this, although I can't help but wonder how Ken coped on this particular mission!!

Originally posted by Daniella T Chris -- I do hope you continue this story! I'd love to see Ken on the island trying to "use unfamiliar equipment"! Interesting premise for an Eagle story. BTW, it would be nice to read a prequel about the "ISO Teens of the Future mixer"!

I have a few ideas for where this can go. Will have to see where the prompt winds take me! The ISO Teens of the Future idea was seriously random. We'll see if anything comes to mind.

Originally posted by KT1972 Chris - Loved this, although I can't help but wonder how Ken coped on this particular mission!!

I do enjoy coming up with torment for characters I love ... who knows, maybe Joe will show up to be his wingman ... that might actually put him in a worse position than being there by himself.

My turn is one for all the 'shippers.... As the first chords played, he took his place at the altar, turning to see the vision in white floating towards him, his heart fluttering in time to the melody. He still had difficulty believing it, she was his! All these years of hoping and praying finally paid off. She reached him at last, the veil lifted to reveal sparkling emerald eyes. He couldn't avoid shyly blushing as she gazed adoringly up at him, while their mentor 'handed' her to him. He knew, in his heart, as they repeated their vows, exchanged rings and their lips joined, this was one promise he intended to keep - forever.

KT: So sweet

KT, that's perfect! What a lovely interpretation of the prompt! Chris, I enjoyed your story. I can see how Ken would be uncomfortable at such a place. He is certainly uncomfortable in those kinds of situations! Now if you really want to make him uncomfortable, have Rumi Borombo show up....

Originally posted by Transmute Jun Now if you really want to make him uncomfortable, have Rumi Borombo show up....

TJ, you're evil.... whatever has Ken done to deserve such treatment? *Grin*

Originally posted by KT1972 TJ, you're evil.... whatever has Ken done to deserve such treatment? *Grin*

He's ignored Jun! That deserves punishment....

Originally posted by Transmute Jun Chris, I enjoyed your story. I can see how Ken would be uncomfortable at such a place. He is certainly uncomfortable in those kinds of situations! Now if you really want to make him uncomfortable, have Rumi Borombo show up....

LOL oh my, yes, that could be bad. Talk about wishing he hadn't hopped on that train.

KT -- the scene we'd all want to see! Very sweet!

I've got to catch up, but I want to get my piece out while its fresh in my mind. Jason slid down the wall, hugging his legs to his chest. He'd promised. He'd promised Lucy he would help her get out from Spectra's clutches. Now she was dead and it was his fault. He buried his head against his legs, biting his lips to keep from screaming his anguish. She was dead and Spectra was going to pay. Even if it killed him.

TJ, did you get your inspiration from the Jigokiller pillow? Great piece. I hope Princess uses her yo-yo on the guys.

Originally posted by Transmute Jun They're more callous in Gatch. They're intentionally leaving Jun alone knowing the 'thing' only attacks women. Then no one says anything when Jinpei makes fun of Jun's drawing, even though she's clearly stressed out, and Ken makes an insulting comment about how they forget she's a girl. Of course, Joe makes up for all that by going ballistic when Ken wants to kill Jun, and Ken makes up for it when he tries to kill himself after he thinks he's killing her. Yep, much fanfic fodder. I've definite;y written about this episode a LOT.

Great writing, TJ! You're right...this episode is definitely one of the most used for fanfic fodder! I think they were treating her badly on purpose...so they'd be extra guilty when she "died"...if only the reunion had been sappier...they didn't even show her reunited with Jinpei!

Chris- I love this so far- I'd love to see what happens to Ken in a resort like that! Poor guy doesn't stand a chance- he definitely needs a "wing man"- pardon the pun!

Oh KT- you know how to make my heart skip a beat! That was lovely!! I agree, there are many of us who'd love to see that scene!

Becky, what a powerful image! I can totally picture Jason angsting about Lucy in that way- it works for Joe, too! Nice work!

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It's a little bit disjoined, but, hope you get the idear

Becky: Oh, that's a great moment to choose there! Poor Jason and poor Lucy. Springie: I've been pulling the wingman thing for a while, so we can be cheesy together. Still deciding what exactly is going on on this island, and what initial trouble will find him. I doubt it will wait for him to come to it, heh heh. LW: An interesting approach there, jumping about like that. Curious to learn more about this lil lady.

Becky - Aww, poor Jason, I just want to hug him and make it all better again!! LW - wow, a strong story indeed, loved it! The Condor getting emotionally involved with another agent, even though he knows he shouldn't.....

Originally posted by Becky Rock TJ, did you get your inspiration from the Jigokiller pillow?

Jigokiller pillow????? I don't recall that!!!!!! I recalled the beginning of the episode where Princess was complaining to herself that the guys had promised to keep her company. That was the spark for this one.

Becky, I seeyou were inspired by an episode as well! If yo uthink about it, everyone on the Team makes promises... and they arent always able to keep them. LW, I really like your story idea here. It pushes at a bigger question: how far is Joe willing to go to defeat Galactor? What is he willing to do? Is there a line he won't cross?

LW, that was very powerful! Joe does seem as the one member of Gatchaman who would have made a blood promise, and would go to any lengths to realise it!

Chris - We all know Ken needs help with his social skills, but it seems drastic. He's going to crash and burn, but there will probably some girl who will take pity on him. KT - That was sweet. Can we assume she married her G-1? LW - Wow. Poor Joe. Sometimes his revenge isn't enough to keep going. I have a feeling there's more to this story. TJ - Did you miss LB's thread last week Jigokiller throw pillows?

Originally posted by Becky Rock Chris - We all know Ken needs help with his social skills, but it seems drastic. He's going to crash and burn, but there will probably some girl who will take pity on him.

If Nambu wasn't so career-focused he might have realized sending Ken alone on this was a recipe for disaster. Nambu's not the paragon of social skills himself. Sending Joe with him would be more effective but less fun for moi.

Originally posted by Becky Rock KT - That was sweet. Can we assume she married her G-1?

Assume away Becky!!

Nice LW- very official sounding! So, let me get this straight...Joe is on an undercover mission...and he outed his target to the ISO? And the mission/ his need for revenge is still affecting him- Ken intervened and got punched by a drunk Condor and was comforted by Jun? Then, at the end, was he with another agent on the dance floor? Just wondering if I have it right...

okay The idear behind the story was - ISO wanted wanted the K.I.N.D.N.E.S Exoskeleton developed by a group of emergency workers to assiist people injured in the war (either through physcal injures or loss of limbs).She/Target was one of the main developers of this system ISO beleives with this technology they could adapt it and use it for their soldiers in the war efford. The makers are unwilling to see their product use to promote war, as it would then be prohibited to be used for civilians (why it was developed in first place) ISO want this technology and has sent in other operatives - they have failed, the "Target" is used to dealing with people who are tramatised or PTSP - hence Q and shift in attituded Nambu sends in Joe to "do whatever is neccesary" other that injure the Target. Nambu tells the others it is just a "Transport assigment" not a kidnapping/extration as she is not willing to voluntarily work with ISO She gets to Joe. Joe still hands her over. Ken pushes his luck, Joe doesn't want to talk about it Joe's need to keep his blood promise to his parents is stronger and will override and or justify any and all actions he needs to take. Oh she is a civilian, yes she was the one joe was dancing with, not an agent, I don't know how involved they actually were, she doesn't approve of his choice or how she was used Actually it makes more sence typing it out that way Maybe I need to work on how I positioned the time line so it makes a little more sence??? It's a bitch when a story makes sence in your head, even after you read it out several dozen times, and you hear anothers point of view and thing "Crap" it doesn't make as much sence as I thought Ah well learning curve!

Originally posted by Becky Rock TJ - Did you miss LB's thread last week Jigokiller throw pillows?

I must have! I don't recall that at all! See, old age and my mind is going... where is it?

LW, it's a good storyline. But you have just demonstrated the reason I need to write a story outline before I start a fic!

All right, here's my go at it... and I promise, NO ZARK! Jun dressed a bit slower than usual -- the shower did little to easy away the aches and stiffness from the last mission. But she had to get up. If the Snack J was to open that day, she needed to do some prep work. She stopped in front of Jinpei's room and peered in. His head was at the foot of the bed, plus an arm and a leg were hanging over the side. A tiny snore just reached her ears. A small smile formed on her lips as she decided to let the boy sleep. Jun felt as though she was still half-asleep as she checked the inventory and double-checked to see if there would be enough ice for the drinks. But then she saw a plain white box on the bar. She was sure it wasn't there when she went to bed last night... It wasn't shaped like a florist's box, or the kind of box that held the last birthday cake she'd brought home from the bakery. No ideas about where it came from or what could be inside came to mind. She barely breathed as she approached it. There was a note taped on top. She carefully leaned in to read it without touching it. Just like I promised. She relaxed when she recognized the handwriting. She lifted the lid. "Oh Joe!" she gasped, "How --?" ***** "Hakase wants me to again stress how vital it is you evacuate her right away." Ken's voice came over the communicator. "I got it, Ken!" Joe's patience was already worn pretty thin. "Why didn't she go when the UN evacuated the area?" "Something about her being too 'feisty'. Still, the ISO can't afford to let her fall into Galactor's hands. She's a big-wig in the Mantle Project." Great. Joe thought, She's a royal pain in the ass, in other words. "So why send me? I'm not exactly driving a stretch limo, here." "You're the closest. Just get her to the rendezvous point. Gatchaman out." "Great." Joe muttered to himself, "If she isn't a pain in the ass, she will be!" He soon came upon a ranch-style house -- the only house for miles in a region of farmland. He waited a few minutes before exiting the G-2, carefully looking for any sign of a trap or enemy activity. "It's about time you showed up!" a voice called from the side of the house as soon as the Condor's feet touched the ground. A woman who couldn't have been more than four-and-a-half feet tall and looked at least eighty years old made her way to the G-2. Under her arm was a plain white box. "We don't have room for personal things." Joe said as she continued making her way to him. "What's your name, boy?" "I'm the Condor." "Well, Buzzard, you'll make room for this!" Remember, you must respect your elders! a small voice from the back of Joe's mind chided him as he grit his teeth. The drive wasn't the easiest. Joe ended up with the tiny woman and her box in his lap, which was far from comfortable. Still, he didn't end up dealing with Galactors during this time, and the woman didn't talk much except to make the odd comment about how he clearly wasn't eating enough and needed to put on a little weight if he ever hoped to get a good girl. The G-2 reached the rendezvous point. As soon as Joe shut off the engine, the lady said, "I want you to have this." and tapped the box. "Ma'am, I can't -- " "You will because I said so!" the woman snapped. She then lifted the lid and showed him the contents. Joe's jaw dropped a bit. "What --?" "When I bought this a long time ago," she explained, "I had a feeling I'd just be holding on to it for somebody else. When I saw your car driving up to my house, I knew it was you." Joe stammered a little before saying, "Thank you." ***** The ground under a school playground trembled under the stampede of playing children. But not all the children were playing. On one bench sat three kids, two boys with a girl between them. Each of the boys had the beginning of a black eye forming, and the girl let out gut-wrenching sobs as she clutched a handful of fluff -- all that was left of her only doll. The boy on the left looked awkwardly down at his feet and occasionally stole a glance at the girl, not sure what to do. The boy on her right glared at two older boys being scolded by a teacher a few yards away. This boy seemed to be trying to summon a demon to come forth and drag the older boys to the open sewers of hell. "Um, Jun," the first boy finally said, "don't you think you're a little old to play with dolls?" "She was all I had from my mommy!" Jun cried, "Oh, you don't understand! You still got your mommy!" "But she's sick." he replied quietly. "Jun," the other boy said, keeping his eyes fixed on the targets of his ire, "you'll get another doll just like that one." "Right." Jun answered bitterly, "They don't make them anymore, Joe." Joe looked squarely at Jun. "I don't know how long it'll take, and I don't know exactly how it'll happen, but I promise you -- I promise you -- you'll get another doll like this one!"

Woo EW, and you kept your promise too!! yay Brilliant story too BTW!!

That was beautiful, EW! One little bit of CC, though: "The other boy glared at two older boys" -- where did this other boy come from. I have a feeling it was Jinpei (or it could have been Ryu), perhaps instead of using other or another, try something like this: "A smaller boy watching glared ...."

Originally posted by amethyst That was beautiful, EW! One little bit of CC, though: "The other boy glared at two older boys" -- where did this other boy come from. I have a feeling it was Jinpei (or it could have been Ryu), perhaps instead of using other or another, try something like this: "A smaller boy watching glared ...."

Thanks for the catch! I took care of it right away.

EW, what a sweet story! I love the connection and the promise. Perfect!

Aw EW, I love it. Joe can be such a sap when no one's looking.

A lame pun, I know -but this popped into my head...

Hee Hee Hee!! It may be lame, but it works!!

Just need a homophone check on that line...

Originally posted by ChrisW I might do this as a little prompt to prompt serial or something. We'll see. This is standalone.

It's a great intro, and makes me want to know what happens next! I could just see a place like Club Aphrodite being a front for Galactor recruiting or mind-control experiments...

Originally posted by Transmute Jun

Originally posted by Becky Rock TJ - Did you miss LB's thread last week Jigokiller throw pillows?

I must have! I don't recall that at all! See, old age and my mind is going... where is it?

I don't know how to do links - yes, I know, that's sad and pitiful. Look under the last 2 weeks entries. It's actually the name of the thread as well.

LW, I have to admit it did seem a bit disjointed, but your explanaion clears it all up. I, too, hate when a story looks and acts a certain way in my head that just doesn't translate to words.

Originally posted by KT1972 My turn is one for all the 'shippers....

Ah, but I see the guy in question isn't named here... ???

Who would you like it to be then LB?

Originally posted by Becky Rock He'd promised. He'd promised Lucy he would help her get out from Spectra's clutches. Now she was dead and it was his fault.

Originally posted by Becky Rock She was dead and Spectra was going to pay. Even if it killed him.

I can really see Jason feeling like this -both blaming himself and wanting to avenge her. Really, Jason seemed to have more feelings for/about Lucy than Joe did in the Gatch version. The way he says "I know you, you're real!" and calls her name after her...

Originally posted by KT1972 Who would you like it to be then LB?

Oh, whoever the has decided she wants, of course. (Though I know who I'd want... )

That's a great story, EW. I was expecting the woman to smack Joe with the box at first. And just how did she know he needed a doll?

I knew there was no way they could have such great hair without help, LB!

Originally posted by lborgia88 It's a great intro, and makes me want to know what happens next! I could just see a place like Club Aphrodite being a front for Galactor recruiting or mind-control experiments...

I'm very much a pantser (not a panther like autocorrect just tried to edit me into) ... I often don't know what's really going on until I get there. That's part of the fun!

TJ-very nice rewrite of the episode...one of my favorites, although it has been some time since I've watched the BoTP episode of it, and I LOVED IT being told from Princess's view. (and yeah, like I posted before, they were jerks...) I'd love to read more! Chris--I had some skepticism when I started reading this as to why Nambu would send Ken, or any of the team to such a place, but you resolved that nicely in a believable way. Looking forward to the rest! (may the prompt be with you!) KT-very sweet...and great to keep us guessing. Becky--nice powerful piece. I like how you illustrate Joe's emotion and frustration..It reminded me of the saying--the candle that burns the brightest often burns the shortest...and Joe was most certainly that in the first series...well done.

Originally posted by Transmute Jun I don't know if they're being jerks... but they are being awfully careless of her feelings.

As a mother of a sweet year old daughter--yeah, they were being total jerks in the Gatch ep...

Originally posted by k2p2 Chris--I had some skepticism when I started reading this as to why Nambu would send Ken, or any of the team to such a place, but you resolved that nicely in a believable way. Looking forward to the rest! (may the prompt be with you!)

If I want to send characters someplace, uh, totally out of character I'll twist myself around into knots until I finally figure out how to justify it. Glad it worked!

Originally posted by ChrisW

Originally posted by lborgia88 It's a great intro, and makes me want to know what happens next! I could just see a place like Club Aphrodite being a front for Galactor recruiting or mind-control experiments...

I'm very much a pantser (not a panther like autocorrect just tried to edit me into) ... I often don't know what's really going on until I get there. That's part of the fun!

And I'm an outliner/planner. I can't seem to get enthusiastic enough about an idea (that sort of internal "aha!" moment) to want to write it unless I can envision all of it -beginning, middle and end.

Originally posted by lborgia88 And I'm an outliner/planner. I can't seem to get enthusiastic enough about an idea (that sort of internal "aha!" moment) to want to write it unless I can envision all of it -beginning, middle and end.

Aha! Another one...I used to be a pantster...then sorta evolved into an outliner...although sometimes I write the conclusion first, then figure out how the story got there later.

I think my "planning" ways stem from the fact that I'm more plot-driven than character-driven. Glad that we're not all the same though -more fun that way!

Originally posted by littlewolf What seems like harmless conversations and question has you questioning your convictions...

Originally posted by littlewolf A blood promise

Wow. She definitely got Joe questioning his convictions, whatever Dr. Nambu might have thought. Puts the ISO in a rather sinister light, that they're willing to grab an unwilling scientist because they think her K.I.N.D.N.E.S exoskeleton has military applications -but then, desperation or determination to win can to that. What's especially interesting is that it's usually Ken that's put in the no-win position of grappling with love vs. duty, not Joe, but when a promise he made to avenge his parents by defeating Galactor is involved...

Originally posted by ElectricWhite "I'm the Condor." "Well, Buzzard, you'll make room for this!" Remember, you must respect your elders! a small voice from the back of Joe's mind chided him as he grit his teeth.

This made me laugh out loud!

Originally posted by ElectricWhite Joe looked squarely at Jun. "I don't know how long it'll take, and I don't know exactly how it'll happen, but I promise you -- I promise you -- you'll get another doll like this one!"

Ohh, so sweet that he remembered a promise he'd made to Jun all those years earlier, and got a chance to keep it!

Originally posted by lborgia88 And I'm an outliner/planner. I can't seem to get enthusiastic enough about an idea (that sort of internal "aha!" moment) to want to write it unless I can envision all of it -beginning, middle and end.

Yeah if I do that first then I never actually write the story. Ruins the joy of discovery. I love how everyone's writing process is so different. During a chat someone was telling me to figure out what happens on the island so I'll know what Ken would pack. Later I realized that's the opposite of how I do things. I figure out what the character would pack, and later figure out what will happen on the island, and how the character will deal with it given what he's got on hand.

Originally posted by Becky RockI don't know how to do links - yes, I know, that's sad and pitiful. Look under the last 2 weeks entries. It's actually the name of the thread as well.

Thanks, Becky! I found it. FYI, to do links, it's just like pictures. Simply use URL instead of IMG in the tags.

Originally posted by ChrisWDuring a chat someone was telling me to figure out what happens on the island so I'll know what Ken would pack. Later I realized that's the opposite of how I do things. I figure out what the character would pack, and later figure out what will happen on the island, and how the character will deal with it given what he's got on hand.

Okay, guilty! You and I seem to be complete opposites in our approach, CW The only 'impromptu' stuff I do is Got To Get This Out... which is very draining on me! Normally I know exactly where I'm going, although if a detour presents itself I'm certainly willing to explore... With your situation with Ken and the island... if you want to write Ken packing first and then have him go and figure out what happens, that works. If you get into a corner and realize he needed something he didn't bring, then you can always go back and change the earlier scene to include it. I do that kind of thing ALL the time. That's why I don't post a fic until I'm completely done with it. I'm always going back to the earlier stages and making changes for better flow/consistency! Other than IFs (in which all this kind of stuff gets thrown out the window) there's only one time where I didn't change earlier parts to match later parts. I was writing a fic and had an ending all in mind... and when I got there, a freaky idea occurred to me and totally changed the nature of the whole thing. I decided to experiment and leave it in... but to this day it's probably my most disjointed piece, and I still cringe a bit when I read it. OTOH, there are other things about that one I really enjoy, but this one thing still niggles at me... it's like I really wanted both endings but couldn't have them.

EW, I love reading about the softer side of our Condor! Or Buzzard...

Originally posted by Transmute Jun Other than IFs (in which all this kind of stuff gets thrown out the window) there's only one time where I didn't change earlier parts to match later parts. I was writing a fic and had an ending all in mind... and when I got there, a freaky idea occurred to me and totally changed the nature of the whole thing. I decided to experiment and leave it in... but to this day it's probably my most disjointed piece, and I still cringe a bit when I read it. OTOH, there are other things about that one I really enjoy, but this one thing still niggles at me... it's like I really wanted both endings but couldn't have them.

Actually, TJ, you could write it both ways...that's why we have the "Alternate Universe" label! If you can stand to (more or less) write it twice, you can explore both options or any others that pop up along the way! You don't have to be a about it!

Uh.... no. It's not that kind of fic. The original ending would have been a few pages, while the one it ended up with doubled the length of the fic and took things in an entirely new direction. This isn't like a 'Clue' ending...

Originally posted by Transmute Jun Okay, guilty! You and I seem to be complete opposites in our approach, CW The only 'impromptu' stuff I do is Got To Get This Out... which is very draining on me! Normally I know exactly where I'm going, although if a detour presents itself I'm certainly willing to explore...

Hey I'm not saying any method is more valid than any other. Ultimately the reader just gets to enjoy the story with no clue of how we got there!

With your situation with Ken and the island... if you want to write Ken packing first and then have him go and figure out what happens, that works. If you get into a corner and realize he needed something he didn't bring, then you can always go back and change the earlier scene to include it. I do that kind of thing ALL the time. That's why I don't post a fic until I'm completely done with it. I'm always going back to the earlier stages and making changes for better flow/consistency!

Normally I'm the same. Part of being a pantser is that I'm also a drafter. I write a first draft that's typically full of holes (skipped scenes, things I hadn't considered, etc.). A lot gets filled in/corrected the next time through. I figure posting this one as I go will be an amusing exercise in fighting my tendency toward perfectionism. We'll see how long it lasts.

Other than IFs (in which all this kind of stuff gets thrown out the window) there's only one time where I didn't change earlier parts to match later parts. I was writing a fic and had an ending all in mind... and when I got there, a freaky idea occurred to me and totally changed the nature of the whole thing. I decided to experiment and leave it in... but to this day it's probably my most disjointed piece, and I still cringe a bit when I read it. OTOH, there are other things about that one I really enjoy, but this one thing still niggles at me... it's like I really wanted both endings but couldn't have them.

You could post two versions I guess. Two different endings. I've had stuff morph on me too. Definitely one of the harder parts of dealing with the creative mind!

LW...I had a little trouble with the disjointedness of your tale, but only a little... With a little tidying up, and some fleshing out, this could be humdinger of a tale. EW, sweet kinda tale...but has me wondering, if in Canon, is there any mention of the team being together as children. Ken and Joe seem to have a history together...but not the others...or is it just me? Now I need to get writing on my own.

OK gang, today is International Women's Day, so, combined with this week's prompt, we get another episode in Anderson's tortured love-affair-to-be with Sarah... //Anderson had heard that in the old days, it was a tradition on Earth to celebrate what they called International Women's Day -- he understood it to mean to celebrate the achievements of women in all walks of life, although, in his own lifetime, he did not see any evidence that his female colleagues needed to celebrate this. As far as he was concerned, his female colleagues had had exactly the same chances and faced exactly the same difficulties he did. And as for children, his experience with raising five young ninjas could easily beat the experience of any woman he knew of. And yet... And yet, there must have been something to this old-fashioned celebration. Princess was the first one to remind him in the morning -- she acutally sent circular email around Centre Neptune, daring any male colleague to forget it. Jason was particularly threatened, and Anderson privately advised him not to make any snide remarks, if he didn't want the whole female population of Centre Neptune descending on him. An advice he grudgingly accepted. Armed with the knowledge that female Centre Neptune personnel still appreciated being congratulated on IWD, he emailed Dr. Sarah Petrides, daring to even address her as "Dear Sarah", and asking whether, following their dinner on Valentine's Day, she would consider going to a scientific conference with him. WITH him, he stressed. As in going together. And perhaps staying together in the hotel...nah, that was going too far. He deleted the last sentence, congratulated Sarah again on IWD, and sent the email. Her reply was full of enthusiasm about the conference. In fact, if he knew any better, he would have realised she was babbling in written speech the same way he had been babbling orallly during their dinner, and this was only to hide her nervousness. But he didn't know any better. But just before she signed off, after thanking him for remembering the old IWD holiday, there was another sentence. "And Jack, you have to promise that we will at least spend one night without talking about work or the conference, ok?" Anderson scratched his head at that -- what WOULD they talk about then? But he remembered the way Sarah had smiled at him during their dinner, and gave the only answer he could. "I promise."//

Daniella: So sweet. This all feels very true to character, I'm enjoying watching him flounder his way through things. And it was very wise of Jason to listen. He doesn't need yet another group of women out to kill him.

I have to admit, I've never heard of International Women's Day. I like the piece, Daniella! I love that now Sarah's nervous and Anderson is too 'inexperienced' to recognize it... yet he picks up on her intimation.

Very sweet, Daniella...I hope you keep treating us to this glimpse of Anderson's life.

Originally posted by Transmute Jun I have to admit, I've never heard of International Women's Day.

It's not as big in Europe as it was when I was a child, when we had celebrations in schools etc, but still there are messages from politicians, girls go out for drinks, you get flowers, etc. Not to be confused with Mother's Day, this is mainly about professional rights, equal pay for equal work etc. So I can definitely see Princess celebrating it!

so they will be spending more than one night at this hotel together then!!! Looking promising, just hope he doesn't mess thing up for them both, not this quickly anyway

Originally posted by Transmute Jun

Originally posted by Becky RockI don't know how to do links - yes, I know, that's sad and pitiful. Look under the last 2 weeks entries. It's actually the name of the thread as well.

Thanks, Becky! I found it. FYI, to do links, it's just like pictures. Simply use URL instead of IMG in the tags.

This is even more pitiful. I don't know how to do pictures, either. I'm a true technophobe.Trying that kind of stuff scares me.

I hadn't heard of IWD either until a guy at work mentioned it. It was on his calendar. Daniella, the Chief just might need some advice from Jason!

Originally posted by littlewolf okay The idear behind the story was - ISO wanted wanted the K.I.N.D.N.E.S Exoskeleton developed by a group of emergency workers to assiist people injured in the war (either through physcal injures or loss of limbs).She/Target was one of the main developers of this system ISO beleives with this technology they could adapt it and use it for their soldiers in the war efford. The makers are unwilling to see their product use to promote war, as it would then be prohibited to be used for civilians (why it was developed in first place) ISO want this technology and has sent in other operatives - they have failed, the "Target" is used to dealing with people who are tramatised or PTSP - hence Q and shift in attituded Nambu sends in Joe to "do whatever is neccesary" other that injure the Target. Nambu tells the others it is just a "Transport assigment" not a kidnapping/extration as she is not willing to voluntarily work with ISO She gets to Joe. Joe still hands her over. Ken pushes his luck, Joe doesn't want to talk about it Joe's need to keep his blood promise to his parents is stronger and will override and or justify any and all actions he needs to take. Oh she is a civilian, yes she was the one joe was dancing with, not an agent, I don't know how involved they actually were, she doesn't approve of his choice or how she was used Actually it makes more sence typing it out that way Maybe I need to work on how I positioned the time line so it makes a little more sence??? It's a bitch when a story makes sence in your head, even after you read it out several dozen times, and you hear anothers point of view and thing "Crap" it doesn't make as much sence as I thought Ah well learning curve!

Ok, I see...very nice story line! Thanks for straightening me out...my brain was a bit scrambled...(it usually stays that way!) LOL

Oh EW...that was so sweet! What a great story!! Joe's soft heart is showing here!

Originally posted by lborgia88 A lame pun, I know -but this popped into my head...

Oh LB, I'm "dye"ing here!!

Nice writing, Daniella! It's interesting to see Anderson being as uncomfortable around women as Ken is in Gatch!

DT, I've got a feeling the chief's gonna have one hell of a hard time keeping his promise to not talk about work. BTW, I've heard of IWD, but only as part of an occasional joke on late night television. The latest was by Conan O'Brian, who said, "Today is International Women's Day...or, as Rush Limbaugh would call it: 'Sluttapalooza'!"

Originally posted by k2p2 but has me wondering, if in Canon, is there any mention of the team being together as children. Ken and Joe seem to have a history together...but not the others...or is it just me?

I think that about all that canon supplies is that Ken's father "died" when he was four, and then his mother died when he was 11. Joe's parents get killed when he's about nine -if his canon age is 18 at the series' beginning, he'd have to be 19 (possibly even 20) by episode 81, which is the 10-year anniversary of his parents' death. It's never stated exactly how old Ken is when he starts living with Dr. Nambu -could have been as young as four or as old as 11- but it's a given that Joe was there at least by age 9. And I don't think there's any mention at all in canon of when Jun, Jinpei and Ryu started living with Dr. Nambu -sort of a weird blank, but does leave a door wide open for fic creativity.

Originally posted by Daniella T "And Jack, you have to promise that we will at least spend one night without talking about work or the conference, ok?" Anderson scratched his head at that -- what WOULD they talk about then? But he remembered the way Sarah had smiled at him during their dinner, and gave the only answer he could. "I promise."

Ooh, promise you'll let us see what happens on that one night at the conference?

Originally posted by lborgia88

Originally posted by k2p2 but has me wondering, if in Canon, is there any mention of the team being together as children. Ken and Joe seem to have a history together...but not the others...or is it just me?

It's never stated exactly how old Ken is when he starts living with Dr. Nambu -could have been as young as four or as old as 11- but it's a given that Joe was there at least by age 9.

In episode 52, The Secret of Red Impulse, Nambu clearly tells the team (minus Ken) that 14 years earlier, Ken's father left his 4 year old son in Nambu's care, not wanting to put his family in danger! What exactly happened to Ken's mother is mostly assumed, other than that he remembered her before she died. It puts Ken at age 18 by episode 52 anyway.

Originally posted by ElectricWhite BTW, I've heard of IWD, but only as part of an occasional joke on late night television. The latest was by Conan O'Brian, who said, "Today is International Women's Day...or, as Rush Limbaugh would call it: 'Sluttapalooza'!"

What's even worse, I once had two American flatmates who were fans of Rush Limbaugh -- I got these kind of jokes every day at breakfast!

Originally posted by Becky Rock Daniella, the Chief just might need some advice from Jason!

Smirk! I can just see Jason's face!

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Joe still isn't sure of her motives, is he? You can see that he cares about her though, so if his worst fears are confirmed, it's going to be so hard on him to do what he feels he has to. well written K2, I'm still curious as to how the boys in the picture are involved though.

Originally posted by KT1972 In episode 52, The Secret of Red Impulse, Nambu clearly tells the team (minus Ken) that 14 years earlier, Ken's father left his 4 year old son in Nambu's care, not wanting to put his family in danger! What exactly happened to Ken's mother is mostly assumed, other than that he remembered her before she died. It puts Ken at age 18 by episode 52 anyway.

Yes, the series is so vague about Ken's mother! There's no canon even as to what sort of illness or disease she had. Ken tells Jun in ep. 92 that he was eleven when she died, and that he remembers how light her ashes were, and says "Well, she was kind, but she was frail, especially after Dad went missing. She was often confined to her bed," which could certainly mean that she was far too ill even when Ken was four to be able to take care of him at all and that he was living with Dr. Nambu, or that she still could take care of him (at least for some years) but wasn't exactly in the best of health and sometimes had spells where she was too sick to do it. Maybe she and Ken were both living at Dr. Nambu's house after his father "went missing" -there's plenty of room in that place, and Dr. Nambu could easily have hired a nurse or other staff to help with their care.

I really enjoying seeing this caring side of Joe, that Iona brings out, K2! As someone with Galactor in his own past, I can see why he'd now be especially concerned for her. But the dream he was having in your piece from #9, where Iona's wounded and tells him "you did this to me," really seems to drive home how worried Joe is that he just brings doom on the people he wants to help. Also curious about who the two boys might be -trying to recall if they've already been mentioned or alluded to...

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Originally posted by Daniella T What's even worse, I once had two American flatmates who were fans of Rush Limbaugh -- I got these kind of jokes every day at breakfast!

The only reason to listen to him is to laugh at how ignorant he is. The man disgusted him even when I was a proud, registered Republican. But then I always broke with the party on the things that seemed to come up the most on his show the few times I listened: Abortion, birth control, prayer in school, etc.

Originally posted by lborgia88 Ken tells Jun in ep. 92 that he was eleven when she died, and that he remembers how light her ashes were, and says "Well, she was kind, but she was frail, especially after Dad went missing. She was often confined to her bed," which could certainly mean that she was far too ill even when Ken was four to be able to take care of him at all and that he was living with Dr. Nambu

I think that is quite possible. There are many diseases that could cause someone to just wither away and take years to die slowly and painfully. It's quite possible that Ken went to Nambu's while she went to a nursing to receive care. Daniella, K2, those were great reads. I want to know what happens next in both stories.

Originally posted by KT1972 Joe still isn't sure of her motives, is he? You can see that he cares about her though, so if his worst fears are confirmed, it's going to be so hard on him to do what he feels he has to.

Woo! That is exactly what I was trying to get across. Does happy dance!

I'm still curious as to how the boys in the picture are involved though.

You will, eventually....

Originally posted by lborgia88 I really enjoying seeing this caring side of Joe, that Iona brings out, K2!

Glad you're liking it!

As someone with Galactor in his own past, I can see why he'd now be especially concerned for her. But the dream he was having in your piece from #9, where Iona's wounded and tells him "you did this to me," really seems to drive home how worried Joe is that he just brings doom on the people he wants to help.

Or that fact that he gets bound up in his revenge he forgets who he might be hurting....

Also curious about who the two boys might be -trying to recall if they've already been mentioned or alluded to...

This is only the second time that they've been mentioned...the first was in last week's prompt...Iona's past is just as complicated as her present, it seems. Hope you like a tangled tale.

K2: Very clearly written. I can feel Joe's struggle, and Iona's tired nerves.

K2, another piece of the puzzle that is Iona. But what would happen to Joe if he took that step and found out she wasn't the enemy? I think it might break him.

Wow, it's amazing what can happen when you step away from the site for most of the day! I never dreamed a little bit of my writing could cause such a conversation! Anyway... k2, another well-written piece. I can't wait until there's enough to put the puzzle together. In the meantime, I guess I'll just have to put up a corkboard and tack on a hard copy of each addition (like you see tv police taskforces do whenever they're trying to solve a crimewave.)

K2, this is nicely done! I'm interested to find out what is going on with the two boys in the picture, too! It's nice to see Joe's softer side, too!

K2, I'm really feeling for Joe in this piece. You can see him torn between what he feels he has to do, and his loathing of that. And then he reconciles the two by choosing to do what he must in the 'kindest' way possible. I guess the question is, what will it take to convince everyone that Iona is as much of a dupe as they were?

K2, this is getting really suspensful! I'm sure there's a lot of background story you will show us slowly!

More please!

Thanks all! you all gave me a "aah and " moment definetly have to try and plan out my stories, cause I keep forgetting you are not all mind readers

Originally posted by littlewolf cause I keep forgetting you are not all mind readers

I apologize for my deficiency.

Chris W-Thanks! I was really working on Joe's conflict with this bit. Becky--I think Joe would have to be absolutely sure, and he's not...so his doubts stayed his hand, so to speak. But he's going to be watching her like a-a-a CONDOR! Hee... Thanks EW...I've really thought about doing that character connection thing you mention during our writing discussion...but I was afraid I'd come up with Kevin Bacon, and then what would I do! Thanks Springie! Perhaps someday I will ask you for an image of Iona. Right now I have to be content with the image in my head...Yeah, I'm gonna have to addresss those boys soon enough..poor kids. TJ--oh I have something in mind that should work to convince the team as well as the readers..or at least I hope that I do. Iona is smart, but like most 14 year olds, she gets kinda fixated on things, much to the detriment of herself and possibly others.. Daniella--there is TONS of backstory...and plenty of frontstory too...It just all depends on the prompt. LW- we are a little more than halfway through the first part of Iona's story...

I didn't realize Iona was so young. I got the impression she was the guys' age. That makes Joe's actions even worse. He was willing to kill a 14 year old?

Please TJ don't appologise, knowing my mind, I would see it was a safety mechansim on your behalf. there are moments I don't want to even know what's going on in in there it goes to some truley freaky places

Originally posted by Becky Rock I didn't realize Iona was so young. I got the impression she was the guys' age.

No, I put this alternate universe a bit further ahead, totally ignoring Gatch II and Fighter....Iona and Jinpei are both 14, with the Jun being 20, and the guys 22...Ryu is more like 24 or 26, since I read somewhere that he was the eldest, and I like him that way.

That makes Joe's actions even worse. He was willing to kill a 14 year old?

I am not so sure if he'd follow through and actually do the deed, but I wanted the readers to be sure of that possibility, or that he would kill her rather than let her fall into Galactacor's hand--she just simply knows too much...

I think he'd really have a hard time doing it. It'd be one thing if they were in a no win situation and had been ordered to commit suicide rather than be captured and risk giving secrets away, so they either killed themselves or one killed the other, then themselves. There was a fic that explored that. Jason was caught in an explosion and trapped.I sem to remeber they had cianide pills and he took his, but the Spectran saved him. Will have to look up the name.

Originally posted by k2p2 No, I put this alternate universe a bit further ahead, totally ignoring Gatch II and Fighter....Iona and Jinpei are both 14, with the Jun being 20, and the guys 22...Ryu is more like 24 or 26, since I read somewhere that he was the eldest, and I like him that way.

I think these are more believable ages for them to be doing what they're doing than their ages in the first series -especially for Jinpei, as there's a world of difference between being 10 and being 14 -puberty being one difference! I believe that Ryu is the oldest on the Team in the Gatch OAV, whereas he's a year younger than Ken and Joe in the main series.

One of the Image comics, the Battle Book, indicated at the begining of the series, Mark, Jason and Tiny were 18, Princess 17 and Keyop 10. I don't know if that came from Gatchman or Sandy Frank.

It came from Gatch. There's an old thread where Tatsunokofan posted:

As for their ages, that's a little more official. According to Tatsunoko, the ages of the characters are as follows: Ken - 18 Joe - 18 Jun - 16 Jinpei - 10 Ryu - 17 Dr. Nambu - 48 Kamo - 60 Berg Katse - 30 Gel Sadra - 3 Egobossler - 28 Kempeler - 35 Mekandor - 38 It is generally assumed that these are their ages when the first series started (Not that Tatsunoko ever updated their information in regard to their ages). Add two years for the end of the first series, two more years for the beginning of the second series, and one more year for the start of the third series.

Could I suggest a more accurate discription would be: "These are their ages when we are first introduced to them"? since by that reckoning, that would make Gel Sadra about age 7 when the second series started. Otherwise I'd tend to agree.

I think you're right -that for the Gatch II and Gatch F characters here, their ages should be taken as the ages they were at the beginning of the series they first appeared in. I'd think it a safe guess that no one at Tatsunoko in 1972 had any notion whatsoever of characters like Gel Sadra or Egobossler, who didn't get created until many years later!

So Gatch I, Gatch II and Fighter take 4-5 years, if i remember right. I've often wondered why they didn't age Junpei? He wouldn't have been recognizable if they had?

Originally posted by Becky Rock So Gatch I, Gatch II and Fighter take 4-5 years, if i remember right. I've often wondered why they didn't age Junpei? He wouldn't have been recognizable if they had?

Well if you look closely, they kind of aged Jinpei. He does look younger/smaller in Gatch I than he does in the other two. His voice is also a bit deeper/more adolescent and less childlike in GII and GF. I'm not sure they aged him enough, but they did age him some. Maybe they were afraid of messing with the dynamic. He does notice girls more as he goes on.

Oh I don't know about that, he had no trouble noticing Maria in the first series!