Rebel Earth No?

[Zephyr Shenkiken]

Also though, wouldn't it make more sense for Mia to get a higher rank for a successful mission? I mean we don't want critical readers to think this story's rebels are a bunch of monkeys fuckin' a football (I really wanted to use that one). Are we really not going to have any real successes till the end? I mean their infiltration got their base nuked already. That's a pretty big feux pas. I just think they need some moments to actually shine and warrent the regard they end up receiving.

Yeah that included Tada. I'm on the side of it seeming really unfair. Really, accomplishment-wise Tada's not done much but score high, take some initiative, and fuck a couple of people.

Granted I suppose escaping capture and making it back is worth SOMETHING, but it doesn't really seem like enough.

I suppose the advantage would lie in minds like his being rare but as her friend and colleague I can see him definitely being on the pro side of letting her on. He'll probably feel a little uncomfortable achieving a position like that while she isn't permitted.

As for the ferryman I think that's an awesome idea. But to clarify you want me to have him cross some body of water with the guy and recognize the 'code' and meet up with Mia. They drive to Belfast and then Blarney right? Do we meet with someone else in Belfast or not? Also, how does the ferryman recognize Tada. I mean, no one even knows if he's alive or not. There's really been no indication unless they got intel on the exploding camp he caused, but even then that doesn't specifically point to him.

[Matt]

There's stuff about that at the end of my addition - with the Yeatsians passing on that there's word that he's alive. Also the ferryman can either be given a desciption or a photo, I daresay they still have cameras - and Oxford did have detailed files with photographs on it - that's how Shlomi's doppleganger was caught.

The Yeatsians don't really need to make sense just yet - they know things, they pass things on, they're storytellers of the first kind. That's why they're so interesting. Arch-Dissemblers but also trained in the art of mythologising haha.

Also Tada has a student number that sends him to Blarney. He wouldn't have been given that number unless they already thought him an asset when they allocated him that number. It's possible that because he was accepted under Sofia Ortrun, he was a deemed rarity. The mission for Tada was just an example of his capabilities, untrained as they relatively were/developing.

So it might seem unfair. But from the perspective of Oxford and the Blarney contingent, he was meant to be there and even though his teacher is dead (admittedly by his own hand) his position is still in the role envisioned for him. For Mia, her position there is a happy accident plotwise and a controversial decision Blarneywise.

Sound about right Q???

[Matt]

Also the body of water would likely have to be the same as the one Laras/Mia crossed - though it could be somewhere along the English coastline - I think I set it in Llewellyn or something...

But if the Yeats are involved then they'd be able to send word to either ferryman or Tada potentially, once he hits towns looking for a safe boat to cross on. That sort of thing is up to you though - only if you want to use it. No worries if not.

Mostly I just think aloud on these forums.

[Quaddy]

Sounds right to be...at least with all the stuff doing with Tada and Mia. I mean, Mia being accepted as Laras' student MADE her great, but she was enrolled with the basic idea that she was just another fighter there to train. Like getting accepted vs getting accepted with a full scholarship, privileges, and all expenses covered. Tada was accepted because of how simply amazing he is--his test was almost just a formality. Mia, on the other hand, became better than what they expected; she was not MEANT to be that good. She, like all fighters, was given a chance to work with Laras. Unlike all but...well, pretty much her...she was accepted. His only fighting student that year (like Dr House and his ONE case at a time), though he obviously did other stuff.

From the POV of the Rebellion, Mia was never anyone special and, as far as they know, still isn't anyone special. Laras knows, but he wants her to prove herself to everyone else (a mark of utmost respect coming from him, if I guess correctly) and trusts that her skills will speak for themselves. Which is why Mia's floundering and proselytizing is getting on his nerves so badly; because she's not doing what he knows she's capable of doing, and he's not going to go in and save her because that's just not how he is. Meanwhile Mia is floundering because she has no idea what to do--not that Laras has overestimated her, mind, but he has perhaps forgotten how little experience she actually has in situations like this, especially growing up Royal--and she desperately wants his assistance. Not because she thinks she can't do it, but because she doesn't know where to start. Which is where the tension is coming from.

Basically, no one really knows how good Mia is. She was brought in under an average student number and proved herself worthy of Laras. But as far as the Rebellion goes, they haven't seen hide nor hair of what makes her so special; they are even wondering if Laras only picked her because she's hot. Her truly extraordinary actions aren't really that well known (defending Laras, saving his life, being the driving force behind rescuing Charon, etc) and those that are...well, they aren't out of the common way for a Rebel. So it's unfair because they haven't bothered to ask, and it's unfair that Charon (who DOES know) isn't speaking up, and it's unfair that Laras isn't seeing that she just needs a nudge and not full blown rescue, but really...as far as the average Rebel is concerned...what has she done?

Tada, on the other hand, doesn't need to prove himself because he was that special, full ride scholarship student that everyone KNEW was gifted. He was automatically put in with Sofia as a special case, and he was given the lead on the mission to save Charon instead of several other candidates because of how special those skills are. Everyone at Blarney sees that he got the number and they assume he belongs there, no questions asked.

Unfair? Yeah. But Mia's not exactly helping, either, but wallowing in the gym and getting into arguments with her brother.

And yeah...as I am currently reading my homework assignment (picked it up on Saturday, Matticakes), I gather the Yeatsians would have prepared for his arrival. Tada would be steered toward Mr. Jones the Boatman and would be given the code phrase (please use my Ferryman quote! SERIOUSLY, I AM REALLY PROUD OF THAT ONE! ...perhaps too much so...) and then would be taken to meet Mia in Belfast (probably, again, by a member of the Yeatsians). She would test his identity--things only he would know, as the bunker at Belfast would have already tested for cloaks and things of that nature--and they would head off toward Blarney. I imagine they would have a vehicle at first--stealth cars, or something--but then would have to walk the last leg.

ALSO, would the scans at Belfast pick up any of the weird wiring in his head? Because, if so, Tada's status as an intended sleeper cell might call into question his loyalty somewhat. Not so much that he would be removed without due diligence, but enough that he would have to go through scans and whatnot to ensure the Omega influence is gone. And even then his position on the Round Tables might cause a bit of a stir, especially if he's hanging around degenerates like Mia (who will admittedly be teaching and gaining a good reputation for herself).

I, too, think aloud (or, well, with my fingers) on this forum.

[Quaddy]

*Phelps, not Charon. Sorry. Been typing Charon far more often than Phelps lately...

[Zephyr Shenkiken]

I doubt the scans would pick them up because essentially the odd sci-fi thing about the 'wiring' is that it's not metal and stuff like that, it's mostly data that can be edited by a specific remote source. What's happened with his is that it's been scrambled to the point that the remote access it's faulty. Like trying to use the remote on your tv to change the channel to 50 but it changes it to 132 or something wierd.

I will need your help with their conversation also Quaddy. Gotta make sure I do Mia's dialogue correctly, and yes I'll use the code you came up with. It's pretty cool

Still, I'm not sure if he'll even admit to Mia yet that he killed Ortrun. Mind control or no, it's a pretty dark secret to have.

[Quaddy]

No problemo. The first thing that pops to mind is Mia's mood changes. She's still going to listen and contribute to Tada's conversation--and care about his problems--but when she finds out her student number doesn't match Tada's, she might get a little less effervescent. She is genuinely thrilled that Tada is back--a friend is an important thing to have--but finding out he's supposed to be there and she isn't will definitely affect her. It won't be anything big--her smile will falter, she'll insist upon moving away from that line of conversation, etc--but yeah.

Other than that, I'd need to have a few more specifics. Other than Mia bombarding Tada with questions of where he's been and whatnot.

Not telling Mia about Sofia makes sense. Murder is murder, mate. And though Mia would sympathize, Tada can't know for sure she won't go to Laras, who might not.

[Matt]

Laras would probably call it murder... Sofia was his friend. But he'd probably also put two and two together eventually... Maybe... Or he'd pretend to... maybe.

[Quaddy]

Reply to the bit on the other board:

I was also thinking, as I read (I'm about halfway done now--Eva is just now in New York) that Mia should parley her lessons into more learning. That Oxford's destruction really messed up a lot of what she would do in later years. Laras was teaching her to fight, yes, but she would have also learned field triage, tracking, survivalist training, the basics of recognizing and losing a trail, etc. And since learning those skills would in no way turn the secrets of the Rebellion over to her, there should be no problem with a tit-for-tat scenario in which she learns.

I'm also toying with a brief scene in which she sort of 'gets back' at Charon for telling her she doesn't matter. One lesson she desperately needs to learn is what I'm calling 'ranger skills'; tracking, hunting, following a path, etc. But since she can't go skyside, one of the people teaching her tracking sets up a sort of...scavenger hunt to test her skills. As she's doing this (and really enjoying herself), she ends up seeing Laras and Charon in the atrium; Laras is mostly just amused, I think, but Charon wants to know what the hell she's doing. And Mia turns to him and is like, "training. I'm learning to track and since I can't go up there, I have to do it down here. Some of my self-defense students are teaching me what I never had the opportunity to learn. And as you won't give me an opportunity to become more experienced, I've decided to prove myself by broadening my skill set. Now if you will excuse me."

Like a brief scene.

I was also toying with Laras coming to see her one night and Mia telling him to sit down, shut up, and take your clothes off. A bit more like the old Mia. But that's 'cause Mia is doing all of this, just a teeny little bit, to impress Laras.

[Quaddy]

Did you like the idea above, Matt? Zeph? I know it's a little Mia happy, but I have spent less time writing for her of late than I wanted to.

Also...I really, really want to create a group of Irish spies called the Fenians, based off of the Irish Republican Brotherhood (the group actually responsible for the Easter Rising in 1916, not Sinn Fein). Maybe less spy-ie than the Yeatsians...a more action-based group? Perhaps the creation could happen in this story?

Oh, and one more thing! I got a header for the campfire. It's pretty schnazy, and you should check it out.

Since it involves editing the piece...Zeph, you're at 8 days 2 hours since your turn came up. No pressure, just letting you know in case you go looking to see which campfire to add to first.

[Quaddy]

Oh, and...did you guys know there are no ratings on Rebel yet? I would rate it myself, but I can't. Rules and stuff.

I was thinking about the Fenians thing...what if the media takes to calling the soldiers of Blarney the Fenians? Not that they'd know they're from Blarney, but a small group working within Ireland and Britain to overthrow the government...sounds like the Fenians to me.

Sorry...historiangasm. Little stuff like this amuses me.

Oh, and Matt! I'm almost done with this book. And I definitely know where you got Amsterdam from. I like code names. What would Mia's code name be? What about Laras?

[Mynt]

I think it's a campfire thing, bro. Campfires tend to not get many ratings/reviews except for the times the members do. xD

[Quaddy]

I know. Y'all rated Renegade; I was just, you know, asking that you continue the favor.

[Matt]

HAHAHHAAHA The banner is funny. It's like... the complete opposite of the one for Renegade. Still it's interesting in a pretty flagrant kind of way =P Who did it???

I think Fenians could be a media thing - they could even be 'created' by Yeatsians because they're everywhere - they work for governments and media, for banks and trades. But yes, you see where I got them from, an Amsterdam, and a lot of other stuff. When you've finished that book you should read 'Early One Morning' by Robert Ryan.

Laras is mostly just amused, I think, but Charon wants to know what the hell she's doing. And Mia turns to him and is like, "training. I'm learning to track and since I can't go up there, I have to do it down here. Some of my self-defense students are teaching me what I never had the opportunity to learn. And as you won't give me an opportunity to become more experienced, I've decided to prove myself by broadening my skill set. Now if you will excuse me."

I think this could be interesting although I think it's also melodramatic and I can imagine Laras' amusement rapidly fading if she snipped at Charon's heels. He'd partly feel as if she was blaming him, by saying it with him there, but he'd also feel that having a soldier snap at her commander a pretty poor thing to do.

So maybe it could be more subtle, more digging so that it's more clearly a jibe and less of a temper tantrum. Unless it's a moment of weakness on her part and you want it to deepen the rift between Laras/Mia here???

Sorry I sound grumpy today... =/

[Zephyr Shenkiken]

Lol I think it's quite in character for her, as for the reactions of the others involved I can't really say.

Ha! The banner looks like something that would sever as cover art for a Rage Against the Machine album. Which is fitting.

As for the add I haven't even gotten to work on it yet. We're busy doing a lot of stuff over here because insurance is lame. Also trying to get in shape before I reach the point of no return lol. Still, I plan on getting to do some writing on it this weekend and then having it finished by Wednesday of next week.

[Quaddy]

Mia is the queen of melodrama, of course, so yeah...it's in character. But it's also in character to be short and snippy, and to say something that seems sweeter but is just as biting. So I'll have to figure out what to do when I get there. It's not this round, so I've got a bit of time.

Maybe something like, "Lengthening my list of achievements." would work for the snark reply. Part of her discussion with Charon involves him asking her to list her achievements as proof of why she should be more involved. So it would mean something more to Charon--definitely a dig--but it wouldn't put Laras off or be too melodramatic. I mean, Laras would probably understand that she's being snarky, but since it's nothing blatant, it's not really disrespectful.

I actually finished the book last night. The end disappointed me, but I was reading it for the spy stuff, so that's OK. I kind of called it the second Eva and Romer became a thing, but that's cool.

Yeah, the banner is blatant. I had a hard time describing what I wanted to Leger--I have her a bunch of feelings and colors, basically--but I was pretty pleased with the fact that she didn't simply return my GPs and call me an idiot.

So...Fenians. We'll have to get them in there somehow. The historian in me demands this.

AAaaaaand last one: that's cool Zeph. As much as I wanted people to add within a week or two, it's hard to do with the kind of additions we're writing for this thing. All of us have, like, twelve characters to write for at this point, lol. Well, except Ascetic...but he's Charon, so it's cool. Hopefully he gets back to me soon.

[Quaddy]

I've come to another decision. "Independence Day" has to be someone's favorite movie. I don't care who (maybe not Mia, though, as she's got a thing for musicals), but it has to happen. Watching it today was incredibly amusing in an "Oh Lord, I could just see a bunch of Rebels watching this movie and cheering" kind of way.

[Quaddy]

And just because I'm bored right now...I was reading some Fitzgerald, and I came across this and I loved it and I wanted to share it and since this is my forum, I can do it. I...love Fitzgerald. In fact, I was the only person in my class who loved "The Great Gatsby". (I really wanted to italicize that...I dunno how.)

"I fell in love with her courage, her sincerity, and her flaming self respect. And it's these things I'd believe in, even if the whole world indulged in wild suspicions that she wasn't all she should be. I love her and it is the beginning of everything."

And that was about the crazy woman he married!

I'm a sucker for romance quotes. I admit it. Anyway...back to reading random quotes by Fitzgerald.

[Zephyr Shenkiken]

If I make Tada's favorite movie Independance Day, can he also do a Jeff Goldblum impersonation?

[Matt]

"Lengthening my list of achievements." Is definitely better in terms of the whole 'trying to improve her public appearence thing'. I think facing down Charon in the hall, in front of Laras, really wouldn't be a smart move. And it would get around the castle like wild fire. So... it's up to her. Both are in keeping with her character but equally, one will show that she's trying, the other will potentially show that she's failing.

[Quaddy]

Zeph...yes. Yes, yes he can. Jeff Goldblum impersonations are always welcome at Blarney...Well, so long as he's doing good work and not interfering and stuff. 'Cause, you know, rebellion.

And Matt, I agree with you. But it depends on how Mia is feeling. Right now, as I write her, she's feeling sorry for herself (well...ok, not really...mostly lost and confused and upset) and quite like to say the wrong thing despite herself. When I write her next, and she's learning new things and teaching people and stuff, she will probably have a much more level head and go with the snark reply. So I'm probably going to go with "Lengthening my list of achievements".

AAAAALSO, question. Is there any way...not next round, but maybe the one after that (or the one after that, depending on when I throw this "lengthening my list of achievements" thing in there) that Laras can decide to show up while Mia is teaching and fight her? Would that be a thing? Kind of as a way to see if the teaching is helping her skills, to make sure she's not hurting anyone (teaching habits die hard, you know), and maybe even to help her out a bit and boost her skills? At least in his mind. And then when they fight, I think it ends in a draw (as they have been lately), and everyone is impressed, which helps her reputation (as was his goal) a bit?

If we wanted to deepen the melodrama between them, Mia wouldn't realize he's trying to help and think he was attempting to embarrass her in front of her students or something (especially if he points out a few flaws in her fighting technique after the students are gone), and take it the wrong way. If not, she could realize what he was doing for once and thank him, giving false (for now) hope to readers everywhere.

[Quaddy]

Zeph...are you making a Jeff Goldblum joke RIGHT NOW?! How...is it meta? I don't know. Yes. I've decided it is. Even though I'm wrong.

Need any more help with the addition? All I've got on the docket this weekend is comic books. Oh, and work tomorrow, but whatevs. Well, Doctor Who and Game of Thrones, as well, obv. AAaaaand perhaps some test driving since I am now forced to buy a new vehicle after a minor fender bender turned out to have cracked the carriage on my vehicle (thank you, person who hit me who's name is Delroy and will now die at some point in this campfire).

Other than that, shoot me some questions! If I don't talk about writing, I lose interest in doing ACTUAL writing.

[Matt]

My head says.... what on earth? Independence Day hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha

[Quaddy]

"Welcome to Earth." <--- This line officially needs to be included somehow. Especially while punching an alien in the face.

[Matt]

I haven't seen that film in YEARS. Like... early noughties or something I swear. Did you watch it recently then?