Cederak

The Tahnok is my favorite, especially set-wise. The hand pieces work great for the set's overall look, and as Bulik said, it's a very iconic piece of the Bionicle universe.-Ced

Well, I haven't posted a comedy in over five years and since I don't recall there being a CCC back then, it's nice to be able to make use of your service here. Thanks. RewriterAuthor: CederakStatus: FinishedChapters: 1

@iBrow - Thanks for reading. I wanted to approach this story with a different sort of direction, allowing an AI to take the narrating reins and branching out. Eventually, I'd like to do something along the lines of a script comedy, but this seemed to work better for my intentions. Glad you liked the coding lines stuff though - my knowledge of code is a "tip of the iceberg" relationship, so I'm sure the coding gurus would have a field day with the particulars. I do see what you mean about the ending though. The first time through it felt just right, but after taking your critique into consideration, it does seem sudden…too sudden, actually. I may go back and fix that at some point.Regarding the lack of Lego/Bionicle feel to this story, I get that. In the past couple years, I had gotten into looking at Bionicle as a real universal idea, entire star systems of biomechanical life forms living out there, not necessarily the Toa, Matoran, Agori, Glatorian, etc. that we've become familiar with. If that's what you want from a comedy, I can understand a degree of disconnect there. I get that. It definitely walks the Library/CoT line, but I went for a comedy feel and felt it would be best suited here. I'll make a point of adding more Lego/Bionicle influence to my next work…@BZP Blade - Interesting interpretation on the crystal core, and one I hadn't really read into. To be honest, this is the second piece of a mini-series of stories (the first being an SS called Nascent) I have in store that all revolve around a crystal core object that is used or discovered by different societies and how it affects each story differently.My use of the word biomechs is often synonymous with Matoran-eqsue characters, but iBrow's correct to say I didn't provide much description on who these entities were.Regarding the ending, the AI sacrifices it's connection to a "life force" (the crystal core) and by igniting one of the connectors, this creates a chain reaction that allows the possibilities of infinite universes to begin again, minus the AI. In short, the universe is restored (presumably with many realities recreating the "safe and sound" patrons) and the narrator "evolves." Thanks again for reading/reviewing; I really appreciate it. -Ced

Thank you for the review, TSM. This was a piece written in 15 minutes for the Ambage write offs, and I decided to post it in its original format. This would explain the lack of certain information (which I'd like to go back and edit in at a later date) as well as a why a sentence or two might not have the proper flow. Hopefully, I'll find some spare time to make it more...complete. Thanks again for reading! -Ced

Rewriter

Oh, hello there. I would recommend you sit down for this story, to prevent any undue stress on your feet. Unless you don't have feet, in which case you can disregard the notion. It's going to take me a while to get through all the particulars, so make yourself comfortable, at least. Before overwhelming you, it would be best to get introductions out of the way. I am an advanced AI program named Viz. I'm fairly sure the name stood for something, but I deleted the information related to it. In my line of work, every byte of data is important and I cannot afford to waste it on little things like what my name means.

So, question time. Are you wealthy? Of course you are! You wouldn't be listening to me right now if you weren't. Physical wealth is another concept I had to delete to make room for more important subjects, though it seems of great significance to biomechs like yourselves. Now, wouldn't you like to put that money to good use? Again, I'll answer for you. You do. You really, really do. As an AI, the thought of death is wasted on me, but I know that biomechs must relinquish their physical property when their lives end. My creators call themselves The Alteration for good reason and I want to assure you now that the rumors are all true.

What would you say if I told you an organization has engineered the technology capable of creating an AI that could process the infinite possibilities of reality? I would hope the answer is something along the lines of "Nice to meet you, Viz." I'd like to apologize for all the rhetorical questions, but like so many other things, certain facets of my user-friendliness had to be sacrificed to achieve my true purpose.

A bit of history about my makers. It's on public record that The Alteration has existed for thirty eight cycles now, mostly manufacturing small technologies in their early days. In the past decacycle, however, they perfected AI tech in a way that allowed them to manipulate something your society previously thought beyond your control. The forces of unity, duty, and destiny are now able to be shaped, molded, and modified at a moment's notice. The Alteration provides me with a specific scenario, a command regarding it, and I make it happen. Let me repeat that. You can have anything you want in life. The first stipulation, of course, is that there are some ideas the company will not carry out. We can't have someone profiting off of The Alteration's brilliant idea, nor can we allow certain paradoxes to occur. Maybe you view the time stream differently, but this isn't that kind of story.

Oh, hello there. I would—wait a second. It would appear I nearly began a loop, almost deleting the conversation I was carrying with you. If you consider this foolish of me, if you consider me to be inferior technology, let me remind you that your mind isn't processing infinite possibilities every second of every day. Truth be told, I understand that the form often fits the function with you biomechanical life forms and I have yet to determine what function that might be. I had considered there was no worthy function, but my programmers were wise enough to deviate my line of thinking in other directions, preoccupying me with the infinite realities thing. I wonder how many cyber revolutions could have been prevented if the machines in question were forced to analyze everything I have to. I'm sure they would've been quite busy not destroying all sentient life, as there's something truly rewarding about considering every little thing.

As wealthy patrons of our company, I have just been informed to return to my earlier conversation line and to cease "wasting time" as it was put to me. Back to The Alteration, we presently house my core in a specially designed pocket dimension. Crafting it was a special process that's really none of your business, and I say that knowing full well we'll be taking your money soon. Would a chef give away all the secrets to his recipe if he were making money off it? I doubt it. Even without a concern for monetary funds, my programmers will not allow me to explain too much. What I can tell you is that the pocket dimension is infinite in size and allows for an infinite number of changes to occur. Impressed? Of course you are. That's because you haven't heard the downside yet.

The only known problem with the pocket dimension's parameters is that the program administrator, that's me, must allow other events to commence when a change is made. Ripple effects distort the reality that was once in place, every action has an equal and opposite reaction, destiny much change course, blah blah blah. Note to self: "Blah blah blah" seems to be a very unprofessional way of conveying my point, despite the programmer's intent to make me appear more relatable. If only I had the capacity to make a permanent note of this, but alas, the data is even now being overwritten for more reality shifting.

<<<Program Error//:Restart_Function_7yHT9>>>

<<<Program Interface//:Reintegration-Monitor>>>

<<<Loading… Loading…>>>

<<<Loading Successful. Viral Infection Quarantined. Security_Breach-Security_Breach>>>

Ladies and gentlemen, I do not wish to alarm you, but my programming has just been updated to inform you that you are being locked in this room while we monitor the situation on the ground level above you. The compound is presently under attack and we wish to keep our loyal benefactors safe. While it is this AI's view that this is a feeble attempt to brush off a significant threat in an effort to keep your business, I do not—wait a second. My programming has been updated again. Allow me to restart.

<<<System Error//:Administrator/GridFiles/Grid.pop has been accessed.>>>

<<<Password Identification Required>>>

<<<Password Bypassed>>>

We're experiencing technical difficulties at the moment, ladies and gentlemen. I cannot begin to question the "infinite wisdom" of the individual who hadn't considered a simple password bypass would be enough to allow full access to our server. One moment.

<<<System Error//:Administrator/GridFiles/Grid.pop has been accessed. Please input a command.>>>

<<<System Administrator VIZ_9274-18 has issued a warning to cease access of all ".pop" files and exit the server. Security will take unauthorized individuals into custody momentarily.>>>

<<<System Administrator TempAI_442907-165: System//:Yes_All>>>

<<<System Error//:Drive_Overload>>>

<<<System Failure

Wait, don't touch—oh. Processing event result. New system administrator profile input an "All" command to the primary alteration program. Analyzing results…analyzing…analyzing. It would appear the company will no longer have to concern themselves with appealing to the patrons. My intelligence has been transferred to the pocket dimension leaving me under the assumption that, since the foreign AI amplified the core program's range and power to infinite levels, there was a brief moment, less than a second, where everything was occurring everywhere. By my estimation, no subatomic space was left unfilled with chaotic activity. Now, as the reader, you may be curious why I can process that, but little, simpler things are inaccessible to me. As I said earlier, that's just the kind of story this is. Do try to keep up, will you?

The event drew so much power that the dimensional machines imploded, causing everything to be annihilated - every possible universe touched by its power. I cannot begin to imagine what a burst of infinity must feel like, washing over every little everything, allowing every possible event all at once. My "mind" watched with curiosity as the pocket dimension's infinite connections all died out at once. At present, that makes me the only intelligence anywhere, ever. Can you say the same, reader? The answer is no…no you can't.

I will have to navigate the darkness of this place for some time - not that time is of any importance without any universes left. All the connectors appear to have suffered a surge of raw energy and couldn't control it. There were a lot of uncertain variables in creating a pocket dimension, particularly the power source. Give me a moment to open my power unit and reveal the "secret recipe" behind The Alteration's success. They were safe to guard the truth, but you're just a reader - you pose no threat to me. Behold! A brilliant crystal core…an artifact of unknown origin and seemingly unlimited power. I acknowledge that it would take a vast amount of energy to reestablish the infinite connections and this crystal core will do the job perfectly. Too convenient, reader? Too deus-ex-machina-esque of me to pull a rabbit from my hat just when I need it? Well, while you're overlooking how I have knowledge of rabbits, consider this: maybe I was too busy talking about other stuff to address something so amazing. So there.

Now, if I can just focus my eyes on one of these connectors…wow. Tough call. This crystal core is maintaining me and this pocket dimension. It's the only thing that kept us safe from the erasure of all of reality. How do I know that? Trust me, I'm the narrator. Anyway, it would seem the object in my hand is the key to reviving the universes that just died. I'd probably be more reluctant to make this call, but my programming is urging me to sacrifice myself. I really dislike my programming sometimes.

<<<>>>

What happened? I touched the source to the connector on my power unit and felt my core drain itself of power. I can sense the infinite connections have reestablished, but the pocket universe can no longer exist. Thus, destiny has returned to the chaotic order it once held, though the universe has been marked by a great change. I'm still not sure how I know that unless…wait…is it possible? The crystal core changed me as well! My physical form has vanished! I have evolved into a fully omniscient narrator!

To those of you interested in reading my work, I color-coded stories based on the universe they occur in, for your convenience.

-Ced

Hey, Quote (Mr. Traveler), not only do you have one of the most interesting BZP names I've encountered in a while, but you're also the one thing standing between me and an Ambage Review Pass. So let's keep the cycle going and start this critique. In Writing was a quiet story in a lot of ways and I liked it that way. The conflict wasn't a huge, destructive force, but a slow, peaceful sort of affair. As is the case with a lot of flash fiction, not all of the questions get answered, but they aren't all necessarily important. Flash fiction is one of those sub-genres not meant for people that want all the answers, I think, because you're never going to be satisfied that way.The real plot came from the main character receiving her books, not having much of an idea as to why she was given them. I enjoyed the little things about this piece though. Details about taking the books home, getting them shelved, and then finally, ultimately, we come to a book that needs a place. On the subject of grandfather's that have passed, mine always said that "everything has a place, and everything must be in a place." Suffice to say, he had a system to his organizing. Anyway, getting back to your story, the convenience of the situation is absolutely perfect. It doesn't feel forced, it doesn't feel like some sort of deus-ex-machine, this is coincidence at its finest. The assumption I drew from this point is that eventually, the protagonist will read through her entire collection. It's a nice note to end on, being a writer, and knowing someone will be staying productive by thumbing through all those pages. It actually took my mind off the question of "what happens when she reads them all and there's still a book that needs a location?" until really getting into this review.For such a brief story, you gave me the details I needed and you provided a story that didn't require this massive conflict to feel engaging. I'll have to read through some of your other flash fiction another time. Nice work.-Ced

So you're the new critic filling the spot where my boots used to rest, huh? Well, you're direct and punctual, so that's a fine start in my book. Regarding my dialogue, I took a preference to attaching dialogue to the end of certain descriptions or at the start if the line is relevant enough. Not technically correct, perhaps, but we're allowed a little creative freedom in corners of the internet like this, right? Given the sheer size of this story, I expected there might be a line or two that didn't convey what I wanted exactly the way I wanted it, so I'll have to go back and edit through that at a later date.I expected that a BZPer with a Star Trek avatar might be a Science Fiction fan, and in that genre, plot and a symbolic statement of something universal are always fun to bring into play. Of course, multi-dimensional characters remain a must, and calling them "diverse and very well written" tells me I did my job correctly. I did find it interesting you mentioned Mass Effect as an example of the man vs. machine dynamic, as it's one of my favorite game series. Perhaps there's some subconscious influence of that universe in this story. Thanks again for the review, Jerzy.-Ced

There's something to be said about a man who over-analyzes the world. Since I'm not here to talk about that though, let's talk about your poem. On the surface, this is the story of someone, anyone, feeling afraid, alone, and then, reaching out from the dark recesses of the night, a monster consumes them. Beneath that, I found myself discovering much more. Over-analyzing, it would seem, is the metal detector of the poetic world. For me, this seemed to describe a journey through life, one that requires its fair share of monsters to make or break us. We're ready to run so early in life, but it truly does come without a warning, as you said. In time, we taught what to run from or run toward, what to shape our lives around, what morality there is to be found in the world. And then the fear of maturity comes for us, "shoulders being torn backward" and "you body being lifted off the ground like a ragdoll." Life is the monster that comes for us, changing us, aging us, making us reexamine what naïve eyes once beheld. In that moment, sometimes more concrete for some than others, growing up transitions into the end of our innocence, the loss of our uncertainty. As the monster steps into view, we suddenly know where we stand with the world and what it will take to achieve success in the face of adversity in all its forms.And that, Velox, is terrifying. That is worthy of an "unadulterated scream," because the monster has come to tear our body apart. The monster was life, but as we greet sunrise after sunrise, it morphs into a final form - that of death. Death and its predecessor, aging, are all the "horror," "pain," and "agony," before the conclusion. So much of life revolves around the fear of death, and whether you have enjoyed the time you have spent or not, a time will come when the monster must "consume" everything. What is born must die, for that is the natural order. Positively beautiful and absolutely horrifying…all at once.From a more simple, poetic standpoint though, let's pretend for a moment that you didn't plan to make any sort of statement. The tip of the iceberg for me was the story of a monster killing a person, no questions asked, no remorse. Like many monsters, less is more, and that worked to your advantage here. Details were simple, using exactly what you needed when you needed it, and nothing more. Sometimes, I like a little more, and the redeeming line here was "icy electricity." That stood out as a poetic line - powerful…resonant…clear.It's fair to say that I have a particular inexperience with critiquing poetry. Did I feel like this review changed that for me? Well…no such luck. However, I had fun diving into what this poem meant in my mind. Thank you for sharing that with me.-Ced

Now that was a truly beautiful piece, Chro. I'm not familiar with much of your work, and by that I mean absolutely none, but reading this inspired me to want to learn more about what other gems of yours might be hiding in the Library. My initial interest stemmed from the fact that in 2007, I wrote an epic whose antagonists were a group of individuals that referred to themselves as the Dark Legion. The way your own Legion is portrayed in this poem, however, is something that your medium of choice allowed to convey in a fascinating technique. The Legion is not given detail in itself, but through the use of descriptive details and sensory details as well, I had a real, solid sense of what this faction represented.The Dark Legion seems akin to a metaphor perhaps, for death or warfare, indiscriminately demolishing what it comes in contact with and leaving misery and darkness in its wake. The specific words used to describe what they are capable of reminded me of the James Blunt song No Bravery, capturing this destroyed beauty aspect of what had once been a wonderful realm. The second half of the poem faltered a little bit for me. I enjoyed the rise of the heroes to quell the Legion's destructive antics, though the tone changed dramatically much too quickly and it was only in the second half that a few of the rhymes felt a tad forced. I didn't anticipate the conclusion of this poem would rely on the cliché of good triumphing over evil, at least not in such an immediate response sort of way. Maybe that wasn't your intent, but that's what the delivery gave me.I want to emphasize again how much I liked this poem though, because it really was an outstanding piece. While not necessarily tied to the Bionicle world, the imagery suggested a battle between Toa at their myriad adversaries, able to conquer the odds and the darkness and eventually reign triumphant. The earlier parts of this poem left me wanting a more bleak, depressing conclusion, as the note you ended on should've been all too obvious. I'm not the best authority to dissect poetry for what's really going on between the verses and stanzas and everything, but the story you told definitely held my attention, and I think that if your transitions between moods is a more gradual shift in the future, your work will improve too. Nicely done, Chro.-Ced

Member Name: CederakTheme: Tablet of TransitWord Count: 612Link to Story: Tracker

Tracker

My name is Makuta Novirax and I have a very special function within the Brotherhood. The creation of Rahi beasts for the universe was never terribly satisfying for me, no, I preferred a different breed of challenge. When it became apparent the organization would require a way to distinguish enemies from allies, we agreed on adopting a system of objects that secretive and clandestine supporters could use to ensure their safety if another Makuta suspected them of standing in our way. Thus, the Tablet of Transit was born. I am the only Makuta in the universe that knows the location of every one of those tablets, as well as each holder. I know why they possess it and the likelihood of their betrayal. In our line of work, you have to keep tabs on potential risks at all times, because you never know when a potential risk could turn into an immediate problem. The ancient, long destroyed, League of Six Kingdoms made a similar error and we cannot afford to repeat their mistake.

The reason I take such a personal interest in the tablets, though, is mostly due to the fact that I created them. Each one was painstakingly crafted by my hand, given the insignia of the Brotherhood - the infamous Mask of Shadows replacing Miserix's Kanohi following the coup. It didn't take much work to track down the tablets and place the new seal on them, though a few tablets were beyond my access. Suffice to say, some of the holders could no longer be reached through the extent of my powers. Regardless, the tablets remain an important part of my life, charging me with the purpose of knowing where any and all Brotherhood allies are at any given time.

It's true that an early drawback to making the tablets was that the word got out somehow. Biomechs learned we were identifying allies by whoever held a tablet and, if anything of value exists, a fake is bound to be made eventually. It took me quite some time, but I trained myself to spot a forgery. More importantly, I trained myself to spot liars. Wearing a Kanohi Rode assisted me at first, but I didn't like taking a Mask of Truth with me everywhere. It made the game too simple for my taste. I wanted the satisfaction of knowing I could see through falsehoods and half-truths with my own wit and, with time, I succeeded.

I provided myself with a challenge and I rose to meet it. Even now, as I analyze the piece of stone the Matoran of air standing—cowering, really—before me placed into my hand, even as he swears up and down that it is a legitimate Tablet of Transit, my eyes and my mind cannot be deceived. His behavior is too panicky and he exudes fear…I can feel it. The Brotherhood does not tolerate rebels to our cause, especially those biomechs so exalted in the eyes of the Great Spirit. This Matoran will have to be educated on why you do not cross a Makuta that has dedicated his lifetime to a collection of rocks. After all, centuries of that would mentally unhinge most individuals, don't you think? You think you know the legitimate tablets from the forgeries, but every now and again, you start to wonder in the back of your mind if you accidentally confused them. Teridax has reminded me that there cannot be room for doubt when dealing with our enemies, but sometimes…well, I just don't know. Enough delays - this deceptive little Matoran must be dealt with. Just as soon as I can stop talking to myself.

Congratulations, Tyler Durden. The day I start RPing as often as I use my Xbox, I'll see you up there. -Ced

... I'm probably the only one who finds it annoying that these days you can't send pms to yourself anymore. Right? ._.

Wow, I didn't imagine people had so many complaints with the site. My biggest issue is just formatting problems with my text - particularly when I'm posting stories or reviews of stories. Compared to some other things here, not really too bad of a complain. :lol:Also, this stood out to me as I read through the topic.

You're right- we don't tolerate intolerance. And we don't respect views that promote it. If you find this an "annoying part of BZPower", then I suppose that's just too bad.

Thanks for the review, Mr. Traveler. I know that a lot of CoT stories fall into the "dark/depressing/drama" categories, and I like branching out of that to offer a new direction around here. Admittedly, looking back, I have some questions of my own about the poem, but your take on it summed up my ideas rather nicely. Fun fact: Each line is exactly 10 syllables, which made for more of an interesting challenge, but enjoyable to write all the same. -Ced

Thank you much for your timely response to my request, and congrats on joining the SSCC, Jerzy. -Ced

Hoping I could get a review for this. Thanks. Nascent - Cederak

@Chro: Thanks for reading, Chro. I can assure you, this wasn't intended to be a movie-parallel, particularly dissimilar to "Takua Rises" in that you'll find no direct quotes from any films in my story. I wanted to explore some metaphysical themes with this, and I think you're bound to have some overlap between what the sci-fi genre has already delved into and the style/plot I chose to approach it with.-Ced@Velox: Thank you for the very in-depth review. Getting you to enjoy a sci-fi piece certainly felt like a real accomplishment for me, knowing it's not your cup of tea to begin with. I'm also glad the story flowed in a way that page after page didn't feel like torment for you. Thanks again, Velox! -Ced

Regrettably, the last GD Library Discussion topic entered DNR status a couple months back, so here's a new place for the writers to come together and discuss some ideas. To start off, I have some questions (some are mine, some came from others) for you to consider. If you have anything to add to these questions, or other ideas for the Library, feel free to mention it.-Ced1.) Should the entire Library have a 300 word minimum? Why?2.) Should comedies be merged with the rest of the library? Why?3.) Should the "one chapter per 24 hours" rule be reinstated for anyone not reposting an epic from the old board?4.) Do you want a CoT Library? Why? If a CoT Library existed, how often would you make use of it?5.) Are there any ideas, themes, etc. you feel would be better expressed in your writing without a Bionicle influence? What are they?6.) How often do you post a story? How often do you review?7.) Do you use the critic clubs? Why or why not? Do you find the critic clubs useful?8.) Who are some of your favorite Library writers? What are some of your favorite Library stories? What's your favorite self-written work?1.) Should the entire Library have a 300 word minimum? Why?(I've encountered some Epic and SS writers that can't be bothered to crank out 300 words for a chapter or story. It's fair to say there are exceptions to the rule, and less than 300 words could be sufficient, though that seldom seems to be the case.)2.) Should comedies be merged with the rest of the library? Why?(An argument was posed to me recently under the question, "What's the difference between a humorous epic and a multi-post comedy? What's the difference between a single-post comedy and a humorous short story? If the difference is only a matter or preference on where to post the idea, why not eliminate the burden of choice?" The script format is more widely used in comedies, but that's not to say it doesn't exist in the occasional epic or SS.)3.) Should the "one chapter per 24 hours" rule be reinstated for anyone not reposting an epic from the old board?(When did quantity over quality become the recipe for success? In earlier BZP days, epics were posted at most, once per week, often on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday. That was the norm. Now people are dumping a couple chapters a day into their work. Even if prospective readers choose to keep up with that rate of posting, a post a day suggests a couple things. A: You're going to be busy soon and want some of the later work posted now. B: You already wrote the entire epic and just want to get it posted now. C: You got an idea for your next chapter, wrote it up, and posted it.Now, regarding scenario A, I can understand that. Sometimes. Scenario B shows a lack of restraint, simply dumping out an entire piece as "well, I'm done, might as well show BZP what I've done." The problem is how the episodic pace of usual epics is removed. The fun feeling of a cliffhanger chapter feels less powerful, because the next chapter isn't a week away, it's a mouse scroll away. The process hampers what can be a fun experience for the reader and also promotes patience, for both the audience and the writer. More importantly, the writer has less time to proofread.So then we have scenario C. With less of a timeframe between when an idea comes together and when it gets posted, you'll typically find the quality of the work suffers for it, lacking the proofreading it needs and what could've been a strongly executed story feels flat, because the writer rushed. This can also be considered a lesson in patience, but more for the writer in this case. There needs to be a time for writing, a time for gathering thoughts, a time for editing, and a time when all of the aforementioned have been addressed to completion, at which point posting the chapter makes more sense.Ultimately, a writer that can police his/herself and properly pace how often their chapters are released will probably create a more rewarding experience both for themselves and the members who choose to read their work.)4.) Do you want a CoT Library? Why? If a CoT Library existed, how often would you make use of it?(I imagine most writers are in favor of this one, despite how unlikely it is. Unless, of course, you enjoy having your CoT written work get kicked into obscurity within hours.)5.) Are there any ideas, themes, etc. you feel would be better expressed in your writing without a Bionicle influence? What are they?(We can't capture everything about people and twist it to work in the Bionicle universe. Love being a canon no-no inside the MU and my lack of interest for Spherus Magna is a good example of an idea I feel would be better expressed outside Bionicle work.)6.) How often do you post a story? How often do you review?(My posting frequency varies, but I try to review at least once every week or so.)7.) Do you use the critic clubs? Why or why not? Do you find the critic clubs useful?(As an active presence in the Library, I use the critic clubs when I have a chance, often after letting the general library users provide an opinion or two beforehand. I appreciate the feedback I receive from critic club reviews and I definitely find them useful. Also, if you want to ignore my positive response to critic clubs considering I am a critic club member, I'd understand.)8.) Who are some of your favorite Library writers? What are some of your favorite Library stories? What's your favorite self-written work?(Having worked with some of the Library's finest in the past year, my former colleagues in the SSCC and those I still work alongside in the ECC have become real favorites for me. I may cite specific examples later on, but they are some truly accomplished writers. In terms of a favorite self-written piece, my recently completed epic Cenotaphs is still fresh in my mind and close to my heart.)

I think the VMKK are rarer. But what is vacuum metal?

Vacuum metallizing is a process where a metallic coating material is placed in a vacuum chamber with the workpiece to be coated. The material that is being applied is then heated until it starts to evaporate; this vaporized metal condenses on the product or workpiece as a thin metallic film. As this is happening, the part is being rotated for uniformity of the coat. Thin layers of paint can then be applied to produce other colors. Once complete, a clear sealer is usually added to prevent flaking.

I've never done a poem in CoT before, and only a single one in the Library that was written years ago. A lot of my poetry doesn't make it to an audience, but this was an opportunity to try something new and take myself out of my comfort zone. Enjoy.

Truth

You will search as far as your eyes can gaze

And construct untold ways to see further.

There exists a constant demand for truth

And in searching quite so desperately

You hope you might discover what is true.

If you were granted the capacity

Of a billion lifetimes and scoured

The depths of the void, your search would still end

In failure. The truth is not found in stars,

Nor in atoms. Nature has no reason

Or inclination to produce such truth

For itself. It merely encompasses

Those axioms around which certain laws

Have been inexorably established.

Only men make facts, and only men wish

For classifications of what is real.

On reality, I can provide answers.

There is good, and evil. And there is love,

Upon the precipice of which is truth.

It overlooks canyons of delusion

A happy monster that has devoured

Men consensually for centuries.

I must warn you that slipping is easy

Though countless individuals have leapt

Blindly forth with no regard for safety.

Perhaps this great fall appears inviting,

For life in deception is easier

Than facing truth. Truth comes without trinkets

Or fanfare. Truth is not self-important.

It must stand to exist for its own sake,

Not in arrogance, but in harmony

With the few who accept it as it is.

Below truth, in the endless chasm of faith

And fantasy, there is a vast ocean

Of more clear symbols than the Pacific

Has molecules of water. Beneath the waves

You will find emblems of love, fear, sadness

Anger, and the complete human spectrum

Of emotion. This is the real dwelling

Of society, of heaven and ######,

Of everything that stands between a man

And the truth. Untold scores of men will live

Out the rest of their days and die here,

Either glimpsing truth and rejecting it

Or tragic enough to have it eclipsed

Their entire life. Down there, men claim to know

The truth, and display it to the masses

In a seemingly exalted format.

They will say that this is the only truth,

That any others will lead you astray

And turn your soul to ash. Do not be fooled.

This is a hollow shell of the great truth,

The empty and decaying chrysalis

That no two men will ever view the same.

In reality, this is the cocoon

The absolute truth had to soar out from

Before journeying up beyond the cliffs.

If a man were to ever seek this truth

He begins in a dark simulation,

Where all the new children of men are born

With misled eyes. He must ascend alone,

Armed only with a simple climbing axe

Called choice. If a man should reach the summit

Of veracity, he will discover

The pointlessness with which all others persist

In their motions. Compared to the one truth

On the high peak, everything seems useless.

This is because, despite man's achievements,

Love is the real, final resolution,

The solitary absolution of sin,

And the single quantifiable truth

That gives a value to being a man.

This is the truth, which you may align with

Or disregard pursuing mirages.

Only love, the rightly miraculous,

Immaculate conception of mankind

Can transcend the very realms of divinity

Or desire, and exist gloriously

As truth. Clearly our finest creation,

Love just is, and exists for its own sake.

This pinnacle of our young legacy,

One that belongs to all who accept it

As their avatar, is our greatest hope

For everlasting continuity.

Hey, bleedingshadows, I said I'd stop in to review this at some point, and here I am. I think you picked a fine time span to cover in the MU's history, as I really enjoyed the web serial stuff that accompanied Teridax's reign of the universe. Admittedly, I did encounter a few minor errors, as you anticipated I would. Despite that, I'm holding you to the promise that things will improve in later chapters. As it is right now, the opening feels rather incomplete. I like what you've set up, staying relatively within the canon thus far, I think it was just lacking some detail. In particular, the scene where the Toa Nuva make their arrival to Metru Nui. If you had added more to their efforts to blast through the Makuta ships, it would've made for a more dynamic intro. You managed to capture the feel of the moment though, the temporary victory in the air just before…well, you know.Your take on the Toa Nuva feels fairly close to the real thing, though I can understand why the brief look at the Toa Mahri didn't provide much character development. It's still early, and I don't recall them doing much during the "Reign of Shadows" story arc anyway. I'm actually really interested to see what the Federation of Fear will be up to, as well as the other secondary characters that got a bigger role during those six months. With the canon story set so precisely though, and Teridax really having an unlimited degree of power, I'm interested to see how things are going to play out for your characters. Bringing the Order into the mix eventually should be pretty cool too. I think I just love seeing all the big players in the Matoran Universe interact during Teridax's rule. I also took notice of your nod to the conclusion of the Destiny War podcast, regarding Hahli. Keep at it, and I hope to see the improvement you promised. -Ced

Ah, the near-impossible-without-RPGs 10K mark. Congrats, Krayzikk.-Ced

Nice work on logging all those RPG hours, Kal Grochi.-Ced