Again, copied and pasted: This week is a random word: Battered Please remember to copy all responses. Original conversation can be found here: Crescent Temp Base

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(I've had to edit my original comment, but the sentiment remains the same. My temp base response had comments for Jublke and DT too, but I'll repost them when they transfer their posts.) EW - I found it amusing. Glad those darned rats were useful for something.

"What is that, Jinpei?" Jun wrinkled her nose at the small, brown lumps. Based on the cardboard container in which they were held, she guessed it had to be a food item of some sort, but it certainly didn't look appetizing! "Only the best food at the entire park!" Jinpei told her, waving the container under her nose. "But I don't think you'd like it." He pulled it away, shrugging his shoulders with a forced casualness. "You're right about that..." Jun replied automatically, until she caught the gleam in Jinpei's gaze. Whatever this was, he didn't want her to have any. He was purposely placing them in front of her to convince her to refuse. But if that's what he really wanted... "It is the best food in the entire park." Jun finished her previous sentence. "So I guess I should try it, huh?" "Uh, yeah..." Jinpei's lip quivered as he realized that his ruse hadn't worked. Jun's sharp eyes watched him carefully as she took one of the lumps, moving it toward her mouth. The expression of anguish and disappointment on his face convinced her that she had it right. Carefully, she took a small bite. It was... heavenly! It melted in her mouth, sweet, choclatey flavor oozing across her tongue and slipping down her throat to warm her inside. "Oh!" she grinned widely, reaching for another. "What is it, Jinpei?" The boy was so upset by the failure of his deception that he didn't bother to fight her. "It's a deep fried Oreo." he mumbled. "A deep fried... what?" "Oreo. It's battered and then fried in oil, like a french fry." A deep fried Oreo? Jun frowned in thought. Only a true genius would have thought of something like that! Hmmm... maybe it was time to install a deep-fryer at the Snack J...

(N.B. Daniella commented on this before me) The Scots have been deep frying chocolate bars for years, although I've never been brave enough to try one. It's only a matter of time before someone would try the same thing with biscuits though.

Let's see ... first I congratulated TJ on her nice use of the prompt and then I added this. I've since posted it over at Gatchfanfic because I was happy with it, --- Somehow, this prompt led to a whole fic ... The Warehouse Jason stood in the alley before what appeared to be a warehouse. Or rather, what had been a warehouse before this latest round of Spectran attacks. Cautiously, he tested the door knob, expecting it to be locked, when it turned in his hand. Slipping inside, he realized that the light he'd seen through the windows came from several racks of votive candles. Oh, Christ, he thought, I've broken into a church. His first instinct was to backtrack, to slip back outside to continue his patrol before anyone might notice his presence. He had verified that no one was breaking Galaxy Security's ban on electric lights at dusk - this part of town had been so badly battered by Spectran forces that it was unlikely the electrical lines still worked anyway - and he had not located any refugees needing assistance. Still ... something tugged at his subconscious, and he found himself walking toward the altar instead of slipping back out the door. "Bless me, Father, for I have sinned ..." The words slipped from his mouth before he realized it, echoing loudly in the empty cavern. Long-forgotten prayers came to mind, and with them images of himself as a small child, dressed in his Sunday best, absently kicking the wooden pew in front of him. Memories of his parents surged forward. In the darkness of the empty church, he knelt at the front altar, overcome with grief. "May I help you?" Jason had no idea how much time had passed. He stood and whirled, cable gun at the ready. "No need to shoot," the old man said, stepping out from the shadows with his arms above his head. "I mean you no harm. I am the Pastor here. My name is Father Brennan." He held out a hand. Jason holstered his gun and returned the handshake. "I'm the Condor." "I gathered that," the priest said, eying the young man's attire with a slight twinkle in his eyes. "Now, how can I help you?" Having regained his composure, Jason answered, "G-Force is assisting U.N. forces in searching for refugees in this sector of town. If you come with me, I can take you to the temporary evacuation shelters." The priest shook his head. "That's not necessary. I have all I need right here." Jason found his temper rising. "My orders are to take you to safety." Undaunted, the older man replied, "And my orders are to stay and care for the lost souls who seek refuge here." He ventured a smile. Jason shook his head. "You're making a big mistake." "Am I?" the priest challenged. "Perhaps I was waiting here to care for you." Even through his heavy gloves, Jason could feel his hands growing cold. He's just playing with your mind, Jase, let it go, he told himself. And yet he was curious. "What makes you say that?" Father Brennan smiled. "I heard you come in. Seldom has anyone broken in to this place seeking the Lord's forgiveness." "The door was unlocked," Jason growled. "Nevertheless," the priest continued. "You are always welcome in the house of God." "I doubt that," Jason mumbled under his breath. His wrist communicator began to chime. Through the unit, Mark's voice called out, "G-2, where are you? We're ready to pull - " Jason silenced the device. "You may not realize it, son, but God has a purpose for your life," the priest continued. "You came here seeking Him." "I need to go," Jason replied. As he turned away, the priest reached out to him. "At least let me pray over you for a safe journey," he said. Before Jason knew what was happening, the priest's hands were on his helmet and prayers he had long forgotten were tumbling from the older man's lips. Jason felt a strange sense of calm as the priest reached the end of his recitations and withdrew his hands. "Thank you." "Come back anytime," the priest said as he wandered back into the darkness. On his way out, Jason paused before the rack of votive candles and lit one each for his mother and father. Noticing the jar of coins, he belatedly realized that he was supposed to drop money inside. I'll mail him some money later, he thought to himself as he pushed open the heavy door and wandered back out into the alley. Much to his surprise, Tiny was waiting for him. "What are you doing here?" he asked. "Mark got worried when you didn't respond. What took you so long anyway?" "I ... uh." Jason turned away from Tiny and looked at his boots. "I was talking to Father Brennan at the church here." Even in the dim light of dusk, Jason could pick up on Tiny's quizzical expression. "What're you talking about? This is a meat-packing plant." Jason frowned. "No, it isn't! I was right here ..." He turned back to the door he had just left, only to find it locked. "Well, it must have locked on my way out. But, look there," Jason said, pointing to the light through the windows. "That's candle light." Tiny shook him by the shoulders. "Jason, the building was on fire earlier today. Parts of it are still burning. We need to get out of here." "But Father Brennan!" Jason cried. He broke away from Tiny and shot the lock from the door. Pulling the heavy door open, he glanced around wildly in the soot-filled warehouse. Gone were the votive candles, the altar, the church ... there was nothing inside but the smell of rotten burnt carcasses and the remnants of meat-packing supplies. A few spurts of flame still burned in places. Jason dropped to his knees. "I ... I don't understand," he whispered. Tiny clamped a hand on the Condor's shoulder. "Jason, we need to go." "In a minute," Jason murmured. He offered up a silent prayer for Father Brennan, whomever he might have been, before standing and following Tiny into the night.

(again following Daniella's comments.....) Jublke - I have to agree with Daniella, it is such a heartwarming story.

EW - A rat for a rat. Works for me. TJ - Never had one. I didn't find out they existed until after my chocolate allergy reared its ugly head. Julie - loved it over at Gatchfanfic.

Originally posted by Becky Rock TJ - Never had one. I didn't find out they existed until after my chocolate allergy reared its ugly head.

Maybe if they used one of those "golden" Oreos?

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Yikes! Now does Dr. Nambu have rabies?

Maybe the rat's mission was to kill Nambu!

or infiltrate ISO HQ, or Crescent coral base.....

As previously commented at the Crescent Temp Base: To all ... great use of the prompt, guys! TJ ... you managed to make me drool! I never tried that type of guilty food, but that really seems yummy! Sigh .. why's the food that's the more oily the more good on the taste buds?! Julie ... such a conscious resting piece! I believe that the pastor was really waiting for Jason for whoever knows how long a time, the pastor seemingly might have also been a figure from Jason's past! Or was it Jason himself who evoked such a circumstance? Wonder what had been passing through his mind earlier, or what kind of event he had been dealing with, which could have triggered such emotions and scenario! EW ... yikes ... I still didn't eat and am close to dinner time, so I'm thankful that we're not going to eat meat tonight, since I'm sure that I'd be looking at it closely before putting it into my mouth, even though I'm the cook of the house! This prompt really took us through such a culinary journey! I'm the type of person who likes to try different food from different countries, deeming food as part of the culture, but rats ... well ... I'd surely think more than twice if I'd know what's in the plate! Wonder if I'd realise the kind if not warned before, though! You can't know! If I can eat snails when they're disguised with sauce I think I could eat anything! Surely not insects, though!

Regarding your second submission, EW ... yikes ... I hope that, with its bite, the rat didn't manage to let astray a few of those minuscule beetles found in KT's story into Dr. Nambu's blood stream! I don't know why, but I cannot get those thingies off my head!

Originally posted by gatchamarie Regarding your second submission, EW ... yikes ... I hope that, with its bite, the rat didn't manage to let astray a few of those minuscule beetles found in KT's story into Dr. Nambu's blood stream! I don't know why, but I cannot get those thingies off my head!

Or maybe they're in your brain.... Oh no! Gatchamarie's been infested with those nano-cyborg-beetles!

Noooooooo!!!!! From all things .... beetles?! .... seriously?! Ghosts maybe, but beetles?!

Originally posted by gatchamarie Noooooooo!!!!! From all things .... beetles?! .... seriously?! Ghosts maybe, but beetles?!

Well....at least they're not cockroaches....

Hopefully Nambu won't turn into a giant version of the rats.

Not to be a pain, EW, but cockroaches and beetles stand side by side on my black list! Well ... almost every insect, to tell the truth! Except for ladybirds and butterflies! These last ones happen to visit so often my stomach, rather than my head!

Oh, Becky ... I can now imagine Nambu's transformation, as if watching Hulk!

Originally posted by gatchamarie Oh, Becky ... I can now imagine Nambu's transformation, as if watching Hulk!

I can see it now....the doctor throws his desk across the room while shouting, "Nambu smash!!!" Oh, and Marie, you are such a pain! (Just kidding!) I find cockroaches to be worse than beetles because of all the nasty diseases roaches carry. (Ick!)

One of the apartments I lived in in college had roaches so bad we broke our lease to get out of it and sprayed everything as we moved out of fear of taking them with us. CD, I love the 'Nambu Smash!'. Springie, that might be an interesting pic!

I once had this idea of a Gatchaman 'superhero' fic, where I assigned the characters superhero roles. But I had Ryu as the Hulk, not Nambu...

Here's my copy from the temp base: //Anderson pushed a hand through his hair, as if surprised that it was still on top of his head. Pushed up his glasses -- as if surprised he found them still on his nose. After three days without sleep, his mind was starting to play games. Coffee would offer minimal respite -- in fact, he was beginning to hate the stuff. Stimulants would be the next thing to try -- he had been avoiding the drugs, but if the constant battering did not let up, he would have to try them. "Come in, G-Force. What's the situation?" "We just repulsed another attack, Chief. It's going ok, until the next one. They really haven't let us rest or sleep for days, eh? I never remember it so bad." Anderson could have strangled him. Mark sounded excited, even chirpy. Sure, it was youth, and adrenaline, and his cerebonics. But he still could've strangled him. Even the sound of the computer fan, whirling endlessly, was grating on his ears. The comlink beeped. "This is 7-Zark-7," a voice piped up. Anderson groaned. Battered. He was battered. Only his oath to the Federation -- and a mulish determination that Zoltar would not win -- kept him at his desk. That, and a fresh pot of coffee his aide-de-camp brought it. On second thoughts, he didn't hate the stuff.//

TJ -- Ryu is just perfect for this!!!!!!!!!!!

By the way, can I use this opportunity to say how much I liked everyone's new avatars? I still haven't changed mine (duh -- you can see THAT) but now I'm tempted...

Ok DT, here's my comment to your piece transferred across.... DT - LOl, I'll bet Zark was the last thing he wanted to hear at that moment. I'm surprised it didn't have him reaching for something much stronger than coffee!

Daniella, we used to change our avatars much more often, before the system went down. I recall it was about a year ago, because it was early October and I was trying to change to a Halloween avatar and couldn't. We've even done a couple of 'clan switch' weeks before, where everyone switches their clan for a week. So all of the Eagles, Swans, Condors, Galactors, etc. get shuffled around for a week, and people change their avatars to go along with it. We could try that again... maybe for Halloween, like 'costumes'. It's always fun.

Originally posted by Transmute Jun We've even done a couple of 'clan switch' weeks before, where everyone switches their clan for a week. So all of the Eagles, Swans, Condors, Galactors, etc. get shuffled around for a week, and people change their avatars to go along with it. We could try that again... maybe for Halloween, like 'costumes'. It's always fun.

And what would you do about the "blanks" -- no clan affiliation? Hmm?

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Jun let out a heavy sigh as the warm water lapped around her bruised, battered body. It had been one hell of a battle, and the team had crawled back to base, barely able to keep their eyes open. Suddenly, she heard the distinct click of the doorknob and she bolted upright. *Why didn't I lock the door?* She thought to herself. She instinctively covered herself as best as she could with her hands as she parted her lips. She was ready to reprimand the intruder. "Joe?" Her eyes widened. "What are you doing here?" A gleeful smirk tugged at the corners of her mouth. This was one intruder she was happy to see...

Springie -- very sweet! The battle will soon be forgotten. And Joe's battered body will lower itself in the water - sigh.

DT ... (as per already commented at the Crescent Temp Base) ... I can almost feel Anderson's battered state in my bones! Great description! I too really think that he's really at the border and that he'd put down the pot of coffee in order to go for stimulants in his state!

Originally posted by Springie This was one intruder she was happy to see...

... And, I'm sure that the vision in front of the intruder's eyes was a very welcomed one, too! Lovely soft, sensual and bubbly pic, Springie!

TJ ... I remember the avatar switching, too! It used to be so fun, even though I must admit that I quite miss my Eagle when we're detached!

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That's sweet, KT! It's nice to see Ken finally on the mend.

Awwww! Love it, KT! I hope Jun didn't make the first cake...and send him to intensive care!

And I love that Jun wasn't offended by his relief that she didn't make the cake!

As sweet as cake, KT!

TJ - I have never heard of deep fried Oreo's, although I have heard of Mar's bars being deep fried. Haven't tried those though. EW - shudders at the thought of eating rat, no matter what sauce it was smothered in to "hide" the taste. Julie - A very heart warming piece that forces Jason to do some introspective soul searching. EW - your second piece makes me wonder if the bite Nambu received will start making him support Galactor.

KT - so Jun's cookie put Ken into intensive care? remind me to never eat at the Snack J!

Just think of the advertising -- "The Snack J's food is to die for!"

EW: Oh dear, a bit too much honesty there. ... And then the rat assassin makes her move! TJ: Never had one of those. With my sweet tooth, that's probably a good thing. jublke: Oooooh, ghost priest ... I bet by the time they get home Jason will be going "I did NOT say there was a church in there" DT: Hehe, Mark might be chirpy because he's succumbing to sleep deprivation psychosis or hallucinations or something. Springie: There's always room for dessert and always energy for nookie ... KT: *snicker* That's true love, Jun admitting she doesn't dare bake.

Originally posted by ElectricWhite Just think of the advertising -- "The Snack J's food is to die for!"

That would work for Halloween.

Man, this is going to be long. It's split into two posts. *eyeroll* WTF did I get myself into? Did I mention I really hate writing action? LOL. This continues where Prompt #95 Stripped left off: *************** Prompt # 88 Battered. Joe heard the thunderous bang of the exploding mecha far above him, and felt a shift in the air surrounding him as the aftershock hit him like a freight train. He couldn't help but let out a shout of exhilaration as it did so. Grinning from ear to ear, he rode the wave out to its end, zeroing in on the God Phoenix distance, when he spotted Ken on the periphery as he dropped through a cloud. Squinting at the mist that partially obscured his vision , he frowned. Ken seemed to be.. falling...rather than gliding. His form was normally flawless in the air; but this time....his position....his wings.....he was floundering. Something was seriously wrong. The cocky grin was suddenly gone, replaced with a steely countenance. Setting his teeth and shifting his body slightly in the air, he caught an updraft. Joe had just begun to soar aloft when Ken unexpectedly plummeted past him at breakaway speed. He was in freefall, and at the rate of his decline, he was going to streak past the God Phoenix, straight towards the Earth below. Shit. Joe immediately drew his wings closer to his body and dove, hoping to catch up with him and piggyback him aboard ship. However, to his surprise, Ken was drifting in the direction of the God Phoenix. Somehow he managed to slow himself down, and Joe watched as he began to line himself up for a landing. Seeing them approach, the bubble dome retracted, and Ken awkwardly touched down, collapsing into a heap as his legs gave out from under him. Joe landed lightly next to him a few seconds later, crouching down at Ken's side, breathing hard from the dizzying descent. It was then his heart nearly stopped in his chest. The back of Ken's battered helmet was scorched, the antenna melted down to a blackened stub, and upon closer inspection, Joe noted the back of his wings were badly burnt. The clean, sharp edges were now tattered and sooty; riddled with holes, the technologically advanced fabric having actually melted in some spots. Ken lay half on his side, half on his back, head lolling to one side. His normally clear blue eyes were glazed, but he gave Joe a weak smile before they slid closed and rolled back in his head. "Ken?" Joe questioned, as the bubble dome closed over them, shielding them from the cold air. "Ken !?" ************** "Jun, get down here, I need your help! Ryu plot in a course to the Crescent Coral base. Jinpei radio ahead to Dr. Nambu...Ken's hurt--burns, possibly chemical in origin." The transmission cut out immediately after that. The three ninjas on the bridge glanced at each other nervously, none of them saying a word. None of them wanted to voice their fears. They had seen the mecha explode--what had gone wrong? Joe hadn't given them any other details, but the concern was evident in his voice. "Oh man...." Ryu said softly, to no one in particular. "Do as Joe says, Jinpei," Jun snapped at him, unbuckling her seatbelt, and sliding out of her chair. "And be quick about it." But she could already hear him putting through a call to Hakase, as she did so. His voice trembled as he raised the doctor on emergency comms. All sorts of scenarios flashed through her head, as she ran down the passageway towards the lift. Ken had survived so many things--so many near misses, she thought, trying to calm herself down. It would be the same this time too. Wouldn't it? Jun met him at the lift, one hand flying to her mouth as she took in the sight that greeted her. Joe was kneeling on the platform beside Ken, hands bracing his shoulders in order to keep him still as they descended. Ken was curled into a ball and he wasn't moving. A thin film of tears formed across her eyes, but Joe was grateful to see that she quickly blinked them back, swallowing hard. Now wasn't the time for it. With her help, Joe carefully hefted Ken over his shoulder, Jun gasping when she saw his wings. The legs of his birdstyle bore marks of the explosion as well. Her eyes met Joe's, she saw the worry that she felt, reflected there. Jun hurried down the hallway ahead of him, almost at a run due to Joe's long stride behind her. "How bad...." she began asking, only to be cut off by Joe. "I'm not a doctor Jun!" he replied harshly, trying not to bang Ken's head against the narrow passageway to the medical bay. "I'm not sure if he sustained any burns to his back, his wings are pretty bad....." The MedBay was a room designed with four adult sized examination tables, each one with monitoring equipment mounted at its head. A shallow stainless steel counter with a small sink was built into one wall, under which were a few narrow drawers that held basic medical supplies and surgical instruments. Beneath the drawers was a squat refrigerator, which had icepacks and medicine vials, though over the years they had taken to storing some "in flight" snacks in it at times. A large cabinet that contained other various medications and a few emergency blankets sat immediately to its right. Jun entered the room first, helping to guide Joe though the door and towards one of the padded tables. With minimal fuss the two of them quickly deposited Ken onto one of them, Jun gently catching his shoulders as Joe lowered him and lifted his legs up. "Ken?" Jun said softly, leaning close. "Can you hear us? You're on the God Phoenix. Just hold on." Jun proceeded to strip off Ken's gloves, and quickly took his pulse and noted his respiration. Joe flipped up the visor to his helmet, and peeled back one of Ken's eyelids with his thumb. Thankfully his pupils reacted to the light in the MedBay, but he was out cold. They worked in silence, Joe holding him down, while Jun rapidly but carefully strapped him in. Ken didn't even wince as she pulled the reinforced nylon straps tightly across his body, her knuckles white from tension. Deftly she latched them closed, and placed a reassuring hand on Ken's shoulder. "Do you think we should remove his helmet" Jun wondered aloud, as she glanced down at him. Joe opened his mouth to respond, when a rumble sounded around them, and the ship began to shake, causing Joe to throw a hand up to steady himself against the wall next to Ken's head. Jun swayed and gripped the edge of the table, her jaw set into a firm line. "Ryu!" Joe yelled as the God Phoenix pitched from side to side. "Can't you keep this thing flying straight?" "Trying to!" Ryu shouted back. "Hold on!" The God Phoenix banked hard to the left, and the ship began to shake violently. The latch on the fridge gave way unleashing a small battalion of Ryu's colas, which rolled across the floor haphazardly. The aftershock knocked Jun backward into the adjacent exam table, but she managed to catch herself, grabbing onto the back of a small chair that was bolted to the floor next to it. Joe's teeth knocked together, almost biting his tongue instead of the inside of his cheek. They could hear Jinpei shouting from the bridge. "Joe!" Ryu called out, concern in his voice . "Can you get up here? We've got incoming!" Joe cursed silently to himself. "Ryu...What's our ETA to the Crescent Coral?" "Currently about 22 minutes..." Ryu confirmed. "Jun, finish up here and join us up front...." Joe's eyes narrowed as he turned on his heel and headed towards the bridge. ***********

Continued from the above post: ************ He hated the Med Unit. The bright lights, the antiseptic smell of the place. Hated it all. Hated the cold, clinical demeanor of the doctors who wouldn't give them any information about Ken's condition. It made him want to wrap his hands tightly around the man's throat and scream at him, tell him that their commander, their friend , no....his brother was laying in that room down the hall and no one would tell them anything or let them in to see him. That the five of them were a family, and they had no one else. Didn't they understand that? "It's my fault," Joe murmured, from where he was leaning against the wall, hands shoved in his jeans pockets. "I should have made sure he was out first." He stared up at the ceiling, and banged the back of his head softly against the wall. "It's no one's fault." Ryu told him sternly, fixing him with a frown. The big man had set himself down in one of the hard orange plastic waiting room chairs, his size dwarfing it. In his hand he held a can of soda which he had gotten from a vending machine down the hall. "Ryu's right, Joe. "Jun said quietly from where she was seated on a leatherette row of seats with Jinpei, who was sobbing silently into her shoulder, her arms wrapped around him. "Don't blame yourself." Jinpei was very close to Ken, worshipped him almost. He looked up to him as his Aniki and at times, Jun thought, as something of a father figure. The youngest of them all, he was the one who most needed a stabilizing male influence in his life. How often had they forgotten Jinpei was just a child? A child who was entrusted with an adults job? Stroking the top of his head, she swallowed, remembering the medical trauma team that had been waiting for them as they disembarked from the God Phoenix. How they efficiently whisked Ken away on a large gurney, and after a brief analysis, began cutting through the front of his birdstyle, hooking him up to an array of machines. He was so still. As still as ... No. She wouldn't think it. "It should have been you! " The sudden shout brought her back to the present, surprising her. She glanced down to see Jinpei struggling to free himself from her embrace, a finger pointed towards Joe. He shoved away from her and stood staring angrily at their gunner, fists balled up at his sides. "It should be you in there instead of Aniki!" Ryu sputtered, choking on his soft drink, thrown into a fit of coughing. His face was aghast, mouth working but nothing coming forth. Joe just glared at the youngster from under his eyelashes, grey eyes guarded. "Jinpei!" Jun exclaimed rising from her seat to grab hold of his arm. "Don't say things like that! Things that you don't mean...!" "I do mean it sis!" Jinpei said, tears rolling down his cheeks. "It's all his fault! Why didn't he..." Before Jun could stop herself, her hand flashed out and slapped Jinpei across the mouth. "How dare you say things like that!" she scolded him harshly. "Joe is your brother too!" Jinpei raised a hand to his reddened cheek, momentarily stunned, mouth hanging open. "Aniki could die....!" Jinpei cried, shoving past her and running towards the hallway as he knuckled away the fresh tears streaming from his eyes. On the edge of her vision, Jun saw Joe shove himself away from the wall and stalk down the hallway opposite them, long legs carrying him quickly away. However, Jinpei didn't make it far before he was caught by a suddenly appearing Dr. Nambu who latched onto his arm, and firmly dragged him back towards the rest of the group as he walked towards them. How much of this debacle had he seen? Ryu, now recovered from the former outburst stood up from his seat, an anxious look crossing his face. After giving them all a long, questioning look Dr. Nambu finally spoke. "Ken is not going to die."

Well this is certainly tension-filled! I'm seeing a trend! Seriously, Redbird, I really felt like I was there with them, scared to death at Ken's condition...

Powerful stuff, Redbird! I always thought it was interesting that Jinpei almost exclusively uses aniki for Ken, though sometimes he says Joe-aniki if I remember correctly (yet never Ken-aniki, Ken is always aniki). You used that fact well. The self-blame on Joe's part (and his noting that they have no one else but each other), the lashing out on Jinpei's part, it all makes sense. And Nambu being Nambu, I suppose he led with the headline, heh. Ken isn't going to die but will he be ok? Hoping there's more to come! (I tend to write long pieces, I totally get that "What have I done?" feeling when you realize it's not over yet. )

Originally posted by Transmute Jun Well this is certainly tension-filled! I'm seeing a trend!

Hopefully I won't write myself into a dead end!

Originally posted by Transmute JunSeriously, Redbird, I really felt like I was there with them, scared to death at Ken's condition...

Thanks, TJ. At some point I'll probably add more to the end of the first post , but not right now. I got tired of looking at it, so I knew it was time to stop.

Originally posted by ChrisW Powerful stuff, Redbird! I always thought it was interesting that Jinpei almost exclusively uses aniki for Ken, though sometimes he says Joe-aniki if I remember correctly (yet never Ken-aniki, Ken is always aniki). You used that fact well. The self-blame on Joe's part (and his noting that they have no one else but each other), the lashing out on Jinpei's part, it all makes sense. And Nambu being Nambu, I suppose he led with the headline, heh. Ken isn't going to die but will he be ok?

Thank you for the input, Chris. I think Jinpei looks up to Ken a lot. And of course Joe will blame himself for what happened--Ken is so important to the team--because what is that SNT without Gatchaman? Yeah, Jinpei will call Ken "Aniki", and very rarely calls Joe, "Joe-aniki".

Originally posted by ChrisW Hoping there's more to come! (I tend to write long pieces, I totally get that "What have I done?" feeling when you realize it's not over yet. )

Oh, I definitely have times where my brain just pumps all this stuff out, and I end up with 10 pages of writing (not saying all of it's useable or good though. LOL). Then I'll look down and say "Ok now what?" Yes, there is more to come. I've got to clean up the next piece before I post it (it'll probably be split into two posts as well *sigh*). Might be done in a few days. These posts will somehow tie into my other prompt responses. (i.e. "Dawn" and "Found"--the ones with Jun and Joe). I've got some kind of idea where it's headed, so we'll see how it pans out.

Woohoo

I love the angst here, RB! Keep it up!

Thanks, DT. More to come....

Originally posted by ChrisW Woohoo

You might come to regret those words! LOL.

Originally posted by Redbird

Originally posted by ChrisW Woohoo

You might come to regret those words! LOL.

Now you've really got me curious, RB!

All in good time, EW. All in good time. (Or maybe I should say "Gatch Time". LOL)

Intense and deep, RB. Joe's feeling a load of guilt and Jinpei didn't help matters by voicing Joe's fears. Hope there's another prompt out there to keep you going.

Currently working on the next installment, Becky. Hope to have it done in a few days, give or take.

That was some really captivating writing, RB! You're good with descriptions...I could really picture it all! Looking forward to hearing what happens next!

Thanks for reading, Springie! I appreciate your comments!

Redbird, this is great! I love angsty action! I do have a couple of questions for you: Why didn't Joe do something more to stabilize Ken before moving him out of the bubble? Maybe they were under attack or Joe somehow knew he didn't have a spinal cord injury? Couldn't they just raise the bracelet and detransmute Ken? If the surgeons can cut through birdstyle, couldn't Katse and his men do the same? Is there really room on the ship for four tables in sick bay? I've always kind of pictured it like an aircraft lavatory, but since it exists in Gatch space, you can, of course, make it as big or small as you want. Just my two cents! Take what works & leave the rest. You've got a great story going here ... looking forward to more.

Originally posted by jublke Redbird, this is great! I love angsty action! I do have a couple of questions for you: Why didn't Joe do something more to stabilize Ken before moving him out of the bubble? Maybe they were under attack or Joe somehow knew he didn't have a spinal cord injury? Couldn't they just raise the bracelet and detransmute Ken? If the surgeons can cut through birdstyle, couldn't Katse and his men do the same? Is there really room on the ship for four tables in sick bay? I've always kind of pictured it like an aircraft lavatory, but since it exists in Gatch space, you can, of course, make it as big or small as you want. Just my two cents! Take what works & leave the rest. You've got a great story going here ... looking forward to more.

You raise some good questions! Questions about medical ideas went through my brain while writing this, believe me. LOL. I'm thinking that Joe already knew Ken didn't have a spinal cord injury. The idea about de-transmuting the birdstyle is a great one. I hadn't thought of doing that. Though I will say this--since the birdstyles are supposed to be "indestructable", I think the medical team and CCB scientists wanted to see and inspect the damage to the suit themselves--perhaps for testing. What melted the wings of his birdstyle might be a substance they've never seen before. As for the exam tables in the MedBay--I always imagined a doomsday scenario where you have most of the team disabled, one person would be needed to fly the God Phoenix (and if it had an auto pilot, it wouldn't be working). Yes, worst possible case scenario but, that's why I opted for the 4 tables. LOL. I would think that it's a little cramped in there though. I'm glad you enjoyed reading it! (The next little bit you can find in #57 Pain, if you want to follow up). Any other questions, etc--just let me know!

Not de-transmuting made sense to me because it sounded like some of the stuff was melted/melded into his skin. What would it do to him if they de-transmuted him? Could be dangerous. And, the bird style is probably designed to support them in case of injury in ways that their civvies aren't. I suppose since the ISO made the gear they could have specialized equipment for emergency removal like cutting it off. I've imagined that there's 1 or maybe 2 exam tables but there's maybe bunkbed-style securing tables if more people are injured, just not well-situated for doing full exams.

Originally posted by ChrisW Not de-transmuting made sense to me because it sounded like some of the stuff was melted/melded into his skin. What would it do to him if they de-transmuted him? Could be dangerous. And, the bird style is probably designed to support them in case of injury in ways that their civvies aren't. I suppose since the ISO made the gear they could have specialized equipment for emergency removal like cutting it off.

Exactly!

Originally posted by ChrisWI've imagined that there's 1 or maybe 2 exam tables but there's maybe bunkbed-style securing tables if more people are injured, just not well-situated for doing full exams.

Oh that's an interesting idea. Kind of like a berth.....? When I say exam table, I'm thinking of something similar to what you'd see in a modern doctors office--smaller and padded---not a huge honking steel table like I remember from when I was a kid. LOL. (Kind of like how a gyn's office might have but a bit longer---umm and no stirrups! *laughs*)

I am sorry I have not been around much to make comments. My computer has been in at the store for a data transfer to a new computer (which is what I am now working on) and that meant I did not have access to the internet for a few days. I really enjoy your writing style which is so descriptive that it allows me to see and feel what the characters are feeling. As for the medbay in the phoenix - like others, I have always imagined one or two fold down tables for the injured to be placed on. I have never imagined more than two team members injured to such an extent where they would need such tables/beds. I guess I have felt more "minor" injuries would be quickly treated and then the person would be back in their (more secure and padded) seats on the bridge of the Phoenix. I do also have a very tiny kitchen/eating area on the Phoenix, which has been utilized as a medbay for treating someone when the medbay itself was occupied.

Hi CD! Good to see you back--hope the new computer is working well for you!

Originally posted by clouddancer I really enjoy your writing style which is so descriptive that it allows me to see and feel what the characters are feeling.

Thank you for the compliment! I try hard to "see" things through the characters eyes--so you're seeing and hearing what they are etc. Glad to know I've done a good job with that!

Originally posted by clouddancer As for the medbay in the phoenix - like others, I have always imagined one or two fold down tables for the injured to be placed on. I have never imagined more than two team members injured to such an extent where they would need such tables/beds.

Your idea makes sense too, so I can see why you'd only have one or two tables. I always had it in my head that the ISO would want to be prepared for the worst, hence the 4 tables.

Originally posted by clouddancer I do also have a very tiny kitchen/eating area on the Phoenix, which has been utilized as a medbay for treating someone when the medbay itself was occupied.

Never thought of having a kitchen or an eating area!

Originally posted by Redbird

Originally posted by clouddancer I do also have a very tiny kitchen/eating area on the Phoenix, which has been utilized as a medbay for treating someone when the medbay itself was occupied.

Never thought of having a kitchen or an eating area!

Well to be honest, I write and think in the BOTP universe, so I figure the team must go no missions that take them away from Earth for several days and then they can not get off the ship so they need a place to eat/store food. The room I think of is barely larger than a closet with a tiny fridge/cooling unit, a microwave to heat things and a pull down table and fold out seat to sit on if necessary. I have thought the team must also have a section on the Phoenix for sleeping in as well, but have never actually "used" that area in a story. (If that is understandable.) Most of the time I think of the team sleeping (falling asleep) in their seats or so "wired" during or after a mission that they are not able to sleep. BTW: yes I am enjoying my new computer, but there are a few settings I am trying to adjust so they are how I like them or where I need them.

Originally posted by clouddancer Well to be honest, I write and think in the BOTP universe, so I figure the team must go no missions that take them away from Earth for several days and then they can not get off the ship so they need a place to eat/store food. The room I think of is barely larger than a closet with a tiny fridge/cooling unit, a microwave to heat things and a pull down table and fold out seat to sit on if necessary. I have thought the team must also have a section on the Phoenix for sleeping in as well, but have never actually "used" that area in a story. (If that is understandable.) Most of the time I think of the team sleeping (falling asleep) in their seats or so "wired" during or after a mission that they are not able to sleep.

Ah, that certainly makes a lot of sense then, if you're talking about BOTP. (I grew up on them too, but I've gravitated more to Gatch. Still love BOTP though!). Being away from home for so long would require them to have more fitting accommodations aboard ship. Sounds like you've got your Phoenix all planned out! I'm sure you'll eventually think of a storyline that will let you use the sleeping area. And I agree about the team being so wired, that they'd fall asleep in their seats at times too.

Originally posted by clouddancerBTW: yes I am enjoying my new computer, but there are a few settings I am trying to adjust so they are how I like them or where I need them.

That's the one thing I hate about getting a new one--figuring where everything "went". I can't stand it when software makers decide to move things around or hide them. *Grrr...* Hope you get things sorted soon!

I think I've seen ones where the team catches sleep in the med bay. That would make sense to me since there's at least one table in there. Congrats on the new computer, cloud! Yeah it takes me weeks to get a new computer set up just how I want it. Still, it's new and shiny, so enjoy it!

CD: Just make sure you also have an external hard drive so you can back up your computer files! I lost everything (photos,fics,etc.) on my last one due to some weird glitch with the HDD. They're pretty inexpensive these days, under $100 (USD that is).

I use Carbonite to back-up my files. It saved my butt a few years ago when my computer died just as I'd completed my second book. I always assumed in BotP the Phoenix would have a little kitchen and sleeping quarters. I figured they needed to eat and might need some privacy once on a while.

Originally posted by Redbird CD: Just make sure you also have an external hard drive so you can back up your computer files! I lost everything (photos,fics,etc.) on my last one due to some weird glitch with the HDD. They're pretty inexpensive these days, under $100 (USD that is).

Thanks Redbird. I have an external drive and I backed up my files just before I went to the store to purchase my new computer. So I am all set if I happen to loose files. The other thing that was nice was the shop transferred all my files across to my new computer. As far as I can tell everything has been placed back in the same location I had them on my old machine. Mostly what I am trying to adapt to is the new OS and the upgraded browsers I can now use. As for my BOTP universe. Like you I grew up on BOTP and after watching the series I started creating other stories which I interacted with as I grew up. My universe tends to be much edgier/darker than the BOTP universe and I have found many of the traits and characteristics that we attribute to the Gatch team seem to show up in my characters.

Did I ever tell you how much I love your descriptive style, Redbird?!!! The characters' emotions are almost tangible! And, when there's a lot of angst the better! You so know how to make me happy, especially where my Eagle is concerned! You're also being great with cliffhangers, this one in oh so Nambu's style!! Can't wait to read more! Regarding the number of tables at sick bay, I also always imagined the maximum existence of two, in such a restricted area, but CW's bunkbed style idea is very plausible, too! CD ... congrats for your new computer!