204.31.253.74 writes: Normally I don't make announcments like this, but thought it'd fun if I ran something of a trailer here.... ["The Mission" is [c] by Queensryche] -- -- -- -- -- -- -- "My fellow associates of illegal enterprises," he said in very smooth, loud voice after the noise settled down. "I welcome you all to partake in one of those rare moments in history this fine evening..." ~~In the wooden chair~~ ~~Beside my window~~ ~~I wear a face born in the falling rain~~ "...The same type that happened when George Washington threw a half-dollar across the Delaware river..." ~~I talk to shadows from a lonely candle~~ ~~Recite the phrases from the wall~~ ~~I can't explain~~ "...The same type that occurred when Hitler first assumed control of the Nationalist Party in Germany. The same type that took place as the Romans perfected the Phalanx..." ~~This holy pain~~ ...In short, my brethren, the start of a great empire." ~~Six days ago my life had taken a tumble~~ ~~The orders came from high above they say~~ I just heard about this group from a friend, Zipper explained through various gestures, and wanted to see for myself what it was like. ~~A need to use me once again they've got my number~~ ~~Further the cause, boy -- yes, you know the game~~ "You're entirely too noble for your own good, Zipper. Look back on your life, and tell me what you see. Be honest, now. Did your fellow Rangers really treat you as an equal, or more as a tool? Were you always part of the plan, or did they generally keep you on because you had wings?" ~~I'll wait here for days longer~~ ~~'Till the sister comes to wash my sins away~~ ~~She is the lady that can ease my sorrow~~ ~~She brings the only friend~~ ~~That helps me find my way~~ Fat Cat straightened up suddenly. "What's that?" "What's what?" Stripes glanced at him. "That noise." Stripes listened, but not having as sharp as hearing, didn't notice anything. Not that it mattered, though, as the video monitors showed the source of the noise clearly. "Oh my God...." ~~I search the past back to a time when I was younger~~ ~~A target for the new society~~ I want to know what the ant hill you think you're doing, Zipper's searing look read. ~~Picked to displace the leaders~~ ~~Countering objectives~~ ~~Of this new underground reality~~ Crossing her fingers, Gadget swallowed for a moment, well aware she was about to give the order which, if the plan failed, could result in the deaths of a great many people. ~~Waiting for days longer~~ ~~'Till sister comes to wash my sins away~~ ~~She is the lady that can ease my sorrow~~ ~~My love for her will help me find my way~~ "Sumptin's movin' in there," Tom muttered, his pupils dilating quicker than the others. "Looks like the whole--" Tom stopped in mid-sentence and gaped at what he saw as his eyes finally fully adapted to the darkness within. A moment later, Debbie and Gravel also gasped in shock as their eyes reached the same point. ~~They'll say my mission saved the world~~ ~~And I stood proud~~ Before he realized it, Chip was hoisted free from the floor and hurled down through the rafters, coming to a painful halt about two feet down, knocking the wind clear out of him. ~~My mission changed the world~~ "Yeah, Hitter'll be delighted to meet ya, bud," Grater assured Zipper. "He's one of your biggest fans, y'know." Fans... Zipper chuckled. Times sure have changed from when I first started as a Ranger. ~~It turned my life around~~ "How come you know so much, Aunt Gadget?" he asked, settling against her again, and closing his eyes as she stroked his hair back. "Are you a mommy, too? Mommies know everything." Gadget's cheeks grew a tint of red, and smiled down at Henry. "No, Henry, I'm not a mommy. I'm just an aunt right now." Still, she felt a faint glow at the idea of being dubbed a "mommy". Glancing down at Henry, now asleep, she wondered if she might be one sooner than one would think. ~~I look around my room is filled with candles~~ ~~Each one a story but they end the same~~ Picking up his book again, Chip proceeded to zone out the rest of the day, until the piano came crashing through the front door. ~~I'll hide away in here the law will never find me~~ ~~The walls will tell the story of my pain~~ "Where are we going?" Tim asked over the noise. "Out of here!" Gadget replied, stubbornly arguing with the controls to keep the APC pointed straight ahead, rather than swerving into the walls as it seemed wont to do. "Can you be a bit more specific?" Tim questioned. "Not really," Gadget answered with a shrug. "Great...." ~~Waiting for days longer~~ ~~'Till sister comes to wash my sins away~~ ~~She is the lady that can ease my sorrow~~ ~~She sets the pace for my delivery of pain~~ Even before he had resurfaced, the swift current was carrying him swiftly downstream. He sputtered as he flailed about, attempting to get a handle on his situation. Glancing back at the opening, he saw a dense cloud of insects pour out, and begin to spread out, moving downstream. ~~They'll say my mission saved the world~~ ~~And I stood pround~~ "So much for *that* plan," Dale commented darkly. ~~My mission changed the world~~ "Destroyed?!" Sand slammed his fist down on the rickety desk in front of him, snapping it in half. ~~The underground will rise and save this world~~ "Mate, we've *never* been in any situation like this before," Monterey sighed. ~~We'll all stand proud~~ "They killed Chip," Zipper actually said through a half-choked sob. ~~Our mission changed the world, we'll change the world~~ Horror building, he now realized why her glassy eyes held such a distant stare.... ~~We'll all stand proud~~ -- -- -- -- -- -- -- "Swarm" Now playing at: http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Boulevard/8011/Swarm.htm Matt