aldara6166

http://www.imgcity.net/server/primary/Update_12--BritIslands.gif align=baseline> It seems like such a long time ago, but in reality it has only been a few years. said Wynston. He continued, I was content in my teachings at the university. What did you teach there? asked Allison as she interrupted his train of thought. Wynston suddenly appeared annoyed. He quickly looked at the professor and quipped Is she always this impolite? At times. the professor replied with a simple nod of his head. This won him an incensed look by Allison. With a dismissing glance at Allison, Wynston continued his story. Where was I? Ah yes, I was content in my teachings at the university. I had my family, my students, my teachings. My life seemed, well, normal. That was until I met Erich Von D

Wow. Like dhoppeii said, you are a hard man to keep up with. All of the pics look great. The entire region is coming along great. As for the config file, if you aren't comfortable with it, there was a program on the STEX a few days ago in the All Files section that is a map generator. It will generate config files too, just point and click style. You may want to look in to that also. And one question for you or anyone that can answer...if this question was already answered I missed it, so sorry. I too have been looking for the highway asphalt mod for a week or so now and can't find it. Anyone have a link for it? Great update(s)... keep em coming...

http://www.imgcity.net/server/primary/Update_11--BritIslands.gif align=baseline> The room in which everyone was standing was around the corner from the front door. So, when the man went to answer it Professor Cricks and Allison could not see him any longer. They first heard him conversing in the Somasito language. Then, Allison thought she heard the man say Please come in., but as quickly as he began speaking English he again began speaking Somasitan again. The professor was too busy looking around to hear what the man said. He was still trying to plan their escape. Allison knew that even if she told him what she had heard, he would never believe her. So, intently she tried to continue listening to the conversation that was happening in the front room of the home. After five agonizingly long minutes, the man reentered the room and said It seems as if our other guest is not feeling up to dinner, so we shall dine just the three of us. After a few moments, the man began to speak again. Please, take your seats. he said as he gestured towards a small dinning room table. Allison noticed that there were place settings for four people. As she was looking over the table though, the man uttered a few clicks and a small girl entered the room. She appeared to be no more than 12 or 13 years old. With the same quickness that she had appeared in the room, she cleared the table of the fourth place setting and disappeared again. The man sat at the head of the table. He gazed upon Allison and Professor Cricks who were looking over the table with apprehension. Again he gestured towards the table and said Please, sit. It has been a long time since I have dined with someone and I would very much like to do so now. The professor looked at Allison, and with a shrug she took a seat at the table on the side closest to the outside wall of the home. The professor took a seat opposite of her. Seeing that his guests were seated, he smiled and uttered a few clicks. Picture BI11-1 (Floor plan of the man's home) http://www.imgcity.net/server/primary/BIslands--Blueprints.gif align=baseline> A. Foyer B. Dining Room C. Kitchen D. Living Room E. Children's Quarters F. Master Bedroom G. Guest Bedroom As suddenly as the first child had appeared, two more children appeared. This time it was a boy and a girl, and they appeared to be the same age as the first child. The man nodded, and as quickly as they had appeared they disappeared again.

D, And another fine update. I like what you did with the mayors house...especially the fountain (which one is it, I want it! ) The train station looks great too. Jeronij's tarmac set definitely adds some spice to the pic. Great job!! Keep em coming...

Leo's death cry lasted for only a few brief moments. Blackness shrouded Leo's being as the man butchered him. Allison knew it was Leo whom she had heard cry out, and she soon realized that she too had screamed. As her screams died down, she curled into a ball in one corner of the cabin and began to sob uncontrollably. Leo's dead, I just know it. We are next, I just know it. They are gonna come for us and kill us too. she wailed. The professor was unemotional. He set his hard gaze upon the door as he spoke to Allison behind him, We must not loose our sanity. We must stay focused. Now is not the time to grieve. We must concentrate on how we are going to escape and survive this ordeal. Even though his words were harsh and lacking compassion, he was right and Allison realized it. It took her a few moments, but she did eventually regain her composure. She slowly crawled over to the professor and sat down beside of him. What are we going to do professor? questioned Allison. I'm not exactly sure just yet. The few times that we've been out of this cell haven't been enough for me to get a good look at the village. I haven't been able to find their weakness yet, so I'm not sure what we are going to do. replied the professor. They then heard footsteps approaching the cabin. It had only a short time since Leo had been executed, however it felt as if it had been an eternity. Time seemed to have stood still during those few brief moments before the warrior guards returned to the door of the cabin. Professor Cricks and Allison knew that they had to be stout in the resolution and remain unwaivered by what had happened to Leo. The guards came to the door but stopped. The two prisoners within the confines of the cabin could hear them conversing slowly and quietly in their native tongue. They remained there for some time without entering. Soon, they heard more footsteps approaching the cabin. The professor could tell by the gait and the sound of the footsteps that it was the man that spoke english, the man that had dispatched with Leo. The man stopped in front of the cabin and proceeded to speak with the warrior guards. After a few exchanges, the heavy footsteps returned in the direction from whence they came. The professor and Allison exchanged confused glances. Both had thought in the instant that the man had stopped at the cabin that they were both about to be terminated for trespassing on these people's sacred land. Several hours passed in silence. Neither the professor nor Allison wanted to speak, for fear that it would trigger the anger burried within these guards. They had obviously been given instructions of some sort by this strange man. They knew this to be true, they just couldn't fathom what these instructions may have been. The day passed like the others before it, with the same small woman coming into the cabin ever so briefly to replenish the captives with fresh food and water and to empty their makeshift toilet. Soon, the sun set on the horizon and the cabin was bathed in pure darkness. The professor tried to peer out through one of the larger cracks in the cabin walls. He could not see any stars in the sky, and he could feel a salty breeze coming in off of the ocean. He had seen these conditions before, and knew them well. He had grown up on the shores of the Mississippi River, just north of the delta. He knew that these conditions meant that a storm was brewing out on the ocean, and it would be only a few hours before it would be upon them. What it is? asked Allison. A storm is coming. It will be here in a few hours. We best get some sleep now while we still can, because the thunder and lightning is likely to keep us awake. said the professor. Soon enough though, the storm began. The thunder was very loud, and the lightning lit up the night sky and the cabin interior. The waves began to come in on the beach, and they could hear them lapping at the bottom of the cabin. Several spot in the roof began to leak as the rain poured down. The pair of prisoners had to huddle together in one corner to stay dry. Through it all, the guards outside of the cabin cell remained steadfast and did not leave their post. After the storm passed, there was a strange chill in the air. Allison and the professor could smell sea salt in the air. They also began to smell the kelp and other sea grasses that had been washed up on the beaches. The smell was very pungent, and Allison found it almost nauseating. The professor knew that it was not the normal smell of sea grasses. He knew that it was the smell of dead, decaying sea grasess. At that moment, he realized that despite their remoteness of this tiny village there must be heavy pollution somewhere nearby. Heavy pollution is the only reason that the sea grasses would die off and decay in such large numbers. It was then that the professor came to the conclussion that they must be near to some coastal city and he began to formulate their plan for escape. As the sun crept over the horizon, the heavy footsteps returned. After speaking to the guards for a few moments, the door opened. The sun blinded the pair, and bleached the room almost totally white. Please follow me. Come quietly and you will be sent to be with your friend Leo with speed and relative ease. said the man. Allison's face turned stone cold, and as she opened her mouth to curse the man the professor cut her off with a gesture. As you wish, we shall come quietly. said the professor. Allison was mad. She was infuriated. Professor Cricks always seemed to be cutting her to the chase and she was an inch from the edge. He must have somehow sensed this, because he turned to her and said Patience. I know where he is taking us and why. Just be patient. Allison just stared at him for a moment and then nodded. As they walked along the docks, the man began to speak as he pointed towards the rising sun. It is very beautiful, isn't it. The rising sun I mean. The way it's rays trickle through the forest until suddenly in all of it's glory the sun is above the horizon basking everything in it's warmth. I used to marvel at that as a child. If only it were possible to regain the youth and innocence of childhood, civilization would probably be better off. Picture BI10-1 (retrieved from http://www.henricksoutdoors.com/wallpaper/nature/sunrise_sunset.html ) Soon, they approached the intersection of another dock section. The professor recognized it as the section of dock where the leader's home was. Only this time, they turned and did not proceed towards the leader's home. The professor realized that Leo must have been moved somewhere else in the village before they heard his shrill scream. The village was small enough, that if you were at one end of the village and screamed it would be heard at the opposite end as if you were standing only a few feet away. After making a few more turns, the group came to a stop in front of a large home that was at the end of this section of the dock. This home was slightly larger than all of the others. It was also built in a slightly different style than the rest of the buildings as well. Again, the man spoke, This is a replica of the home where I grew up. The people of this village so graciously built it for me when they realized that I was too tall to live in one of their cabins for an extended period of time. Allison's face grew hard again. The anger welled up within her and she could suddenly contain herself no longer. With a ferosity unmatched by any redhear, she spat You killed Leo in your own home? You son of a- But again, she was cut off by a wave of the professor's hand and the charge of several spear toting warriors. Leo is not dead my dear. the professor said calmly. He's not? But we heard him scream last night. We heard them kill him. Allison said. Kill him, we have not killed anyone in quite some time. the man said, as he began to laugh heartily. With his laugh, the warrior realized that no harm was to come to the man and they backed off. Confused, Allison questioned If he isn't dead, then what did I hear? Who did I hear? Where is he? He is in a cabin a few paces from here. He is just around the corner. the man replied. They why did you bring us here to your home? Allison further asked. Why, I'm simply being a gracious host. I felt that you had eaten enough bread and fish, so I decided that a proper meal was in order. I have brought you to my home so that you may dine with me. the man replied. But what about Leo? Where is he? questioned Allison. The man looked at Allison and said Ah yes. Your friend Leo. You see, when- He was interupted by a knock at the door. Excuse me said the man as he opened the door. **************************************** Personal Messages: dhoppeii - Aldara sets and delivers the pitch. A curve ball, strike one. He sets and delivers the next pitch. Another curve ball, strike two! Good writers do through curve balls to mix things up. Even better writers add in suspense. And writers with even better skill than that throw you a curbe ball, and then throw you another one to bounce you back in another direction. Hopefully, I fall into one of these categories. Thanks for stopping by as always. Hope this read met with your standards... Darmok - Topiltzin? Not sure if I would go there just yet...but you never know I have thrown two curve balls now...will there be a third? Guess you'll just have to read on! I am glad everyone seems to like the story line though. Thanks for the visit. To All - Thanks for all the concern about my wife. All is well. And thanks for all the compliments I've received over the last 11 pages and 5,700+ views. Just this morning, I think I have figured out how I'm gonna tie this story line in with the game play that I've gotten in on the islands. Hopefully, it will live up to the adventures that everyone is having over in Stranded by MrCinatit (see my signature.) Thanks to everyone for dropping by. For those of you out there lurking, feel free to come on out and leave your comments. For all my loyal followers, well, here is another update for you to chew on. Stop in again soon. And as always, each visit is appreciated and each comment is treasured. Keep em coming... Copyright

D, Another outstanding update in the Anduin Valley. The Library looks great...shame you have to toss it. And I like the update with Dhop's bus stop that connects to the tarmac set by jeronij...shame more people don't modify lots to connect to this set. And the hospital. It too looks great. I like the park and the parking. It all looks very peaceful...which is what a hospital needs, right? Great job man... keep em coming...

AK, All of your pics look great. The downtown area looks great...and you didn't make the whole place a skyscrapper jungle which is great. The transportation looks good. And the new islands are a good touch too. Keep up the great work... keep em coming...

As they sat in their solitude and pondered their fate, they could here people busling about the docks. Some people spoke in the language that they had heard in the forest, while others simply went about their chores and duties. Allison tried to sleep, but only managed to toss and turn. Professor, what do you think they are going to do with us? asked Allison. I'm not really sure. If I could understand their language, I might get a better feel for what is going on. replied the professor. I got the feeling that they thought we were some sort of temple robbers, here to make off with all of their valuables. That is entirely possible, said Professor Cricks, they were awfully agressive towards us even though we are substatially bigger than they are. Do you think they are going to kill us? asked Allison in a wavering voice. The professor sighed. I don't know my dear. I don't know. They sat therethere in the dark for a few hours. Then, in the dawn's light, a great horde of people approached the cabin doors. It sounded as if several of the warriors along with a few other villagers were all speaking very rapidly in excited tones. They thought the group was coming into the cabin, but they soon passed by the entrance to their cabin. As soon as they passed though, the group stopped. Suddenly, they heard the man from the prince's house begin to speak. In here, you will be safe. In here, you can rest. Leo? questioned Allison in a quiet, restrained voice. ------------------------------------------------ Ok, now then my son where were we. said the tall man standing next to Leo. He began eyeing the tools lying on a small table next to Leo. He continued speaking, as he examined the tools. The people here call this tool a smalger. the man said as he held up a small dagger like object made of stone. They use it to incapacitate their enemies. It is just long enough that when plunged into the side or stomach of their intended victim, they loose a fair amount of blood but do not bleed to death. That is what happened to you, you were stabbed with one of these. They also use it as a hunting knife; they shove it hilt deep behind their prey's windpipe and quicklydraw it forward. It is quite messy, but a very efficient means of killing their prey. They are quite skilled hunters, you know. The man put down the dagger and looked out the window as the rising sun. You know, he said to Leo, the sunrise is quite beautiful from here on the beach. Some of the most beautiful sunrises I've ever seen have been on this beach. The view here though doesn't compare with the view of the sunrise that I had several years before I came to be here. Wh-, where were you bef-, before here? Leo asked weakly. The man replied I was on a small island in the Mediterranean Sea. That was a very beautiful place. You have beautiful women as far as the eye could see. You had delicious food aplenty. The whole island was a very relaxed place to live. And to top it all off, the women there had a very different view on relationships than the women here in this country. Strange how a man can possess only one woman in this country. Most men possessed at least three on the island. Ahh, how I do miss the sunrise on those beaches. Why did you leave? Leo questioned. Too many tourists. he said. The island, for a very long time, was know only to the people indiginous to that area. It remained that way for over 250 years. It took almost two days to get there by boat from the nearest coast. That was before a few businessmen decided that the island would make a good vacation retreat. It started off innocently enough. One hotel, a large resort and a few restaurants. But, within a few years many more went up and the peaceful island that I loved had become a busy metropolis. It was then that I decided to leave. How did you come to be here? inquired Leo. That is a story for another time. Now, we must get back to the task at hand. The prince is a very patient man, but his patience is wearing extremely thin. answered the man. With that, he picked up another tool. This tool had a very sharp, curved blade. It had a very sharp point on the end. He looked at the prince who was still sitting on his perch and said This tool is called an estilond. Once a victim is incapacitated by a smalger, they usually brought him back to the village and placed him on the ceremonial table. The table is used for sacrifices to the prince. Once the lifeless body of their intended sacrifice was laid upon the table, they used this tool to cut out his heart. They would plunge the curved blade between two of the victim's ribs and turn. They would then pull it upwards with all of their might to create a great, gapping hole in their side. Then, they would swirl the tool around in a circle to sever all of the blood vessels of the heart and pull out the heart. All while the person was still alive? That must have been a terrible death. Leo said weakly. Yes. It was. And you are about to experience that terrible death. the man said in a sinister voice. Suddenly, Leo was blinded with the must excruciating pain he had ever experienced in his life as the man plunged the estilond beneath his fourth rib. With all the strength he could muster from his traumatized body, he grabbed at the man's wrists. He let out a blood curdling scream as he felt the blade tearing at his insides. ------------------------------------------------ A few minutes had passed since the man had spoke. The professor and Allison could hear the group as they bussled about the dock just outside their prison. Soon though, just a quickly as the noise began, it died off. There were a few minutes of silence when suddenly, a shrill death cry cut through the early morning light that drifted in through the cracks in the cabin walls. No! screamed Allison as she charged towards the door. ------------------------------------------------ Here are some pictures of the two tools that the strange man was describing to Leo. Picture BI9-1 Picture BI9-2 (retreived from http://www.motion-picture-props.com/four%20feathers%20large%20curved%20sword1.JPG ) *********************************** Personal Messages: Normally, i start with messages to a select few individuals who have commented on the most recent update. Today though, before I address those comments, I would like to start by saying thank you to everyone who sent get well wishes to our family, and for those that thought about our family even if you didn't leave a comment. All is well, for now, and my wife didn't need to go to the hospital. Again, we thank you. Now, for my personal messages. jacqulina - Thanks for stopping by. I have noticed that for several of my updates, you seem to be the first or one of the first to comment. Thanks, it is appreciated. dhoppeii - Well, your patience paid off because you didn't have to wait too long for this update. As for writing style, I guess after reading back through some of my updates I have been trying to emulate Cussler's writing style without even realizing it. Amazing how your favorite author can influence your writing style so much. So, you thought the stranger was trying to help Leo huh. Guess this update goes a different direction huh... Darmok - As always, thanks for stopping by. My loyal readers have been entombed within this CJ already, but I am taking on the idea of some other CJ's and creating some manors in upcoming updates. You'll just have to wait and see if you are on that list. DragonAnime - Glad to see you back my friend. Thank you very much for the kind words. I too like how the CJ is growing. I certainly never expected it to grow like this, but now with over 5,600 views and rapidly approaching 5,700 I know we will reach 10,000 very quickly. And with going on 350 comments, we'll be at 500 in no time as well. I couldn't have done it without loyal readers like yourself. Thanks. To All - You, my loyal readers, are truely what make this CJ such a success. As long as you continue to follow and comment, I'll continue to post. Sorry to leave everyone hanging in suspence, again, but you know how this part of the CJ has been going. Until the next update... And as always, each visit is appreciated and each comment is treasured. Keep em coming... Copyright

D, May not be big, but it is still good. I like the airport tram. I haven't gotten to use it in any of my cities, but I plan on it soon. Gotta find the right spot for it. The whole area looks great. I like the development that is happening around the tram. Can't wait to see what you do for the airport. Awesome work... keep em coming...

KOSC, Sorry, RLS causing 3 updates for comments. Great job. I definitely like the change that the CD mod gives to the look of the game. Simply awesome! Next, the entire port looks great. I like the industrial and commercial development nearby. Great Job. As for my vote. I like the look it gives, and I need to download it myself. Most of the interstates in my area are asphalt (except for Pennsylvania, they are wierd and always use concrete ) So, I vote keep it. There is bound to be an update to it eventually that will make the overpasses and such look better. Great job. I love it all... keep em coming...

AK, Sorry, RLS causing 3 updates to be commented on! Anyway...first, the diagonal walkway between all the townhouses looks great. I used to live in a townhouse development, and the developer is just now starting to put similar walkways in all throughout the development. Figures the *%&@$ would put them in after I moved out. The whole are looks great. I especially like the new pedestrian overpasses you started using. And I certainly like your green spaces along the coast. And your integration of the Japanese lots and wall sets looks great. I also like your sunken highway system, and how you did the interchanges for it by switching to a piece of avenue for a short distance and then switching back. Great job... keep em coming...

Personal Messages: Jacqulina - Thanks for stopping by...as usual. Glad to see you enjoying the story. Darmok - As for the weekend... ...yeah, I know what ya mean. My weekend sucked as well...long honey do list, which included the grass (got a little burnt doing it.) I know RLS hit alot of people this weekend, which is why only you two have commented. As for doing a novel, well, I have actually been thinking more and more about that. If I do, I may do it in the same style as Cussler. Start with a small story...then move on to the main story. I might make the small story at the beginning a story about the beginning of the forest people...and end that story with how they got wiped out. Not sure yet...but I have been considering it. Thanks for the encouragement. To All - RLS is bad today. My wife is sick, and may need to visit the ER but we aren't sure yet. She has a doctor's appointment soon. So, unfortunately no update today unless RLS disappears. We are now at almost 5600 views and this response will be 313 replies. I could not have made this CJ a success by myself...it takes all of my loyal readers too. I will get an update in as soon as possible. I already have the basic plot line of this story in my head...and it is pretty good if I do say so myself!! Until then... And as always, each visit is appreciated and each comment is treasured. Keep em coming... Copyright

As the man lifted the sharp object above his head, Allison let out a blood-curdling scream. All of the warriors in the building immediately rushed towards Allison, with their spears leading the way. The man standing over Leo looked at the little man against the wall, the leader of these peoples. He nodded, as if giving the man permission for something. He looked towards the rushing warriors and uttered a few clicking noises. The warriors immediately came to a halt, just feet from where Allison and the professor stood. They all dropped their spears to their sides and retreated. The man that was hovering over Leo slowly turned his gaze upon Allison. She saw an icy look in his eyes and a chill went down her spine. He turned and slowly walked over to her. He gazed upon her for a few moments before speaking. My dear child. said the man. He then began looking at her with a strange look on his face. It frightened Allison. Wh-, why are you looking at me like that? she asked with a trembling voice. You remind me of someone. You remind me very much of my daughter. I haven't seen her in years, but I can still see her face as if she were standing beside of me. She is very pretty, like yourself. It is not often that you see that kind of beauty outside of civilization. he said as his eyes softened. With that, the man returned to Leo's side. Again, he picked up the sharp object and raised it above his head. Allison began to scream, but remembered the oncoming onslaught that occurred the last time she did. This time with a very meek and trembling voice she begged Please don't kill him. He is our friend. We meant you no harm; we are only trying to crea- Silence dear child. said the man. He held up his hand to silence to tirade he saw was about to begin and continued, My dear child, I am merely trying to treat your friend's wounds. Allison glanced at the professor with a confused look on her face. The man could see the look of skepticism in their eyes and spoke in a calming voice, These objects, these tools that you see before me have been used by these people for generations. He continued, This tool is used for mending, for stitching deep wounds. I am merely trying to use the lantern above my head to sterilize the tip so that it does not cause an infection. It was then that the professor noticed a small, thin string of animal gut lying on the table beside of Leo. He looked up to the lantern that the man had pointed out and slowly, ever so gently nudged Allison. He resolve softened and her nerves calmed when she realized that the man was telling the truth. Again the man spoke, I am only trying to help your friend. He had been asking for the two of you during his state of unconsciousness. For his sake and your own, I felt that it would benefit everyone if you were to see him and he was to see you. We thank you, said the professor, but where did you learn to speak English. And who are you? And how did you come to be her- Again the man held up a hand to silence them. All questions will be answered in due time. For now, please visit with your friend for a few moments before you are returned to your quarters. Quarters? Is that what you call the hole you have us locked up in? spat Allison in a fit of rage? We come here tryi- Silence! the man shouted. The warriors sensed his anger and immediately began to close in on the pair. Again, the man made a few clicking noises and the warriors retreated. Please, do not take advantage of my generosity. Would you care to visit with your friend or not? There was a long, naked pause as the pair looked at the man standing before their friend. The professor was the first to speak. Yes. We shall visit with him. We do thank you for your kindness sir. Professor Cricks then began to take a step forward and nudged Allison. Slowly, she began to follow. Again the professor nudged her and she spoke Yes sir, thank you for your generosity. As they approached Leo, they noticed that he was conscious yet not fully alert. As they reached his side, the man began to speak again. He is somewhat drugged. I gave him something to ease the pain that this crude instrument will cause him as I repair this gash in his side. It is a topical anestetic, but because of how deep his wound is it seems to have gotten into his system. It will wear off in a few hours and he will be fine. Now please, make your visit brief so that I may continue my work. With that, he put down the tool and stepped back into the shadows. As the pair stepped up to the table, Leo finally recognized them. Heyyyyyyyy guys. I knew you'd be here too. Where ya been. I've been looking allllllllll over for yaaaaa. They could tell that he was alright. He sounded like his was in a drunken stupor. Allison recalled that he often sounded like this at some of the various parties she had seen him at off campus. The professor spoke, Take it easy Leo. This man will take good care of you. He is going to fix you right up. Please, don't do anything stupid Leo. said Allison. I wouldn't be able to stand it if they did something to you. Hey. Don't worry about meeeeeee. Leo replied. I'm doing fine. Just grrrrrrrrreat. The man soon returned from the shadows. It is time. Please, return to your cabin with the guards. If you show them no aggression, they will not harm you. With that, the pair were led from Leo's side. As they were being led away, the professor turned his head and asked But sir, what is your name. The man replied In due time, in due time. As they were ushered out the door and towards their cabin, the man called from after them And please, take a look around you. This really is a very beautiful area. The village has been so finely crafted. It really is a beautiful site to see, considering. Soon, they were back in their cabin to await another day, to await their fate. ------------------------------------- Since I did not include a picture with the story itself this time, I wanted to give everyone an idea as to where they were and where they were going. Below is a picture with a few landmarks pointed out. Picture BI8-1 A. The home of the village leader. This is the building where Allison and Professor Cricks saw Leo. B. The cabin on the docks where Professor Cricks and Allison are being held. C. The path that the professor and Allison were led into the village on. D. This path is a more direct path to the temple. It takes about an hour less to get there than path C. ************************ Personal Messages: newyorkrunaway1 - Thanks for the compliments. Glad to see you like the story line and my cities. I believe you stopped in a few days ago, but I'll say it again anyway. Welcome to the TRV. Please, feel free to make yourself at home, I always like to hear from my dedicated followers. dhoppeii - First my wife, and now you calling it a book. I actually am thinking of doing just that...submitting all of it to a publisher as a book one it is finished. I just worry that I won't be able to come up with 200+ pages for a novel. We'll see. If not, at least I know I've entertained my loyal followers. Thanks as always Dhop. mayormommy - Welcome to the TRV. RLS hits us all hard at times, so don't worry about not commenting before now. The important thing is you are here now. I'm actually not worried about the amount of text to be honest. I am liking this process very much. It gives me a creative outlet. Who know's, if it does become a book some day I won't have much text to add to it. Again, welcome and thanks for the compliments. Hope to see you back here again soon. Joaquin - If I haven't said it already, welcome to the TRV and welcome to SimTrop. Thanks for the compliments. And as for browsing the lots...I know what you mean about getting a headache from browsing all of them. Oh yeah, the fishing village lot you asked about. It is the Harbor Village by Cobb ver. 2 by cobb32118. You can find it here https://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?mode=files&filetype=all&category=default&sortby=DatePosted&show=12&Str=harbor%20village . Thanks for stopping by. jacqulina - As always thanks for the compliments. My wife thought it was rather funny that she has been telling me to make a book out of this story and now you guys are all doing it too! To All - Well, we are moving right along with the story line. I hope to be able to get to the next stage of the story line soon where the first island is actually discovered. RLS is gonna hit hard this weekend, so I'm not sure if I'll be able to respond back to anyone by Monday or not. I will try, and if I don't, I will definitely reply with my next update as I always do. Have a great weekend everyone... And as always, each visit is appreciated and each comment is treasured. Keep em coming... Copyright

Thanks to everyone for such awesome comments. I will try to find some time this weekend to answer and/or update, but RLS bad this weekend. Just wanted to drop in to say... keep em coming...

Leo looked up from his convalescence with clouded eyes. His pain still blinded him, but he could have sworn he saw someone approaching him and speaking English. He blinked several times to clear his head. But after each time, the figure only got closer. Soon, the man was hovering above him holding a very sharp looking object. Wh-, who a-, who are you? questioned Leo groggily. My name is Wynston Gilletz. answered the man. Whe-, where am I? asked Leo. Shh. Relax young man. You are still a little weak and need to save your strength for what is to come. said Gilletz. What's to come? questioned Leo with much apprehension as the man raised the sharp object high over Leo's head as if to strike him down. --------------------------------------- Several hours had passed since the woman had entered the cabin. On the docks outside, as the sun began to descend in the western sky, torches were let every few feet along the docks. Because of the lack of light in the cabin and the little bit of light that was coming through the cracks in the walls, Professor Cricks and Allison were no longer able to tell time. Both were beginning to tire of hunger, and Allison's fortitude was beginning to wane. She was now weeping almost constantly. My dear girl you need to eat. Professor Cricks said as he picked up the bread and broke off a small piece. He handed the bread to her and she took it timidly. We need to keep up our strength. We don't know what these people have in store for us, so we need to be able to fight for our lives if need be. We also need to keep our sanity; being locked in a cage can do strange things to a person. Slowly, Allison began to nibble on the bread. The professor slowly began to sip on the water and eat some of the fish. The fish was a smoke-cured brook trout, something that the professor had not had in some time. He ate slowly, as to not upset his stomach. Soon, both began to sleep. Sleep had not come easy since they had been there. Nightmares invaded their unconsciousness whenever they closed their eyes. Premonitions of a painful death were a constant threat as they slept. They tried to remain awake as long as possible, but their constitution failed them and they began to drift into sleep. They had only been asleep for what seemed like an eternity, but in actuality it had only been about two hours. They were awakened by the sound of the door being opened. The same four men that they had seen earlier in the doorway appeared in the doorway again. Again, they were armed with spears. Two of them had knives made from hand carved stone strapped to their legs. They also wore stone breast plates that hung from their necks. These men were obviously warriors of some sort. The warriors made some crude motions with their spears and made loud clicking noises. They looked quite angry, with hard scowls on their faces. I'm sorry, but we don't understand you. said the professor. This only seemed to anger the men further. They began advancing into the cabin with their spears aimed at the pair. They slowly circled them and began leading them out of the cabin. Once out into the open air, they got their first look around. They could see the fishing village extending along the shore line. They could also see the forest a short distance to the north. Picture BI7-1 (You can see the entire area in this picture -- the village, the forest, the trail and the ruins, columns, temple & monument. You can even see the wall that surrounded the old village in the forest.) Where do you think they are taking us? asked Allison. I'm not sure, but by the looks of things, nobody is happy that we are here. I'm sure we'll find out soon enough. replied the professor. As they looked about, they saw many faces peering out from their homes. Each one of the faces held the same hard, angry stare as the next. By now, word of their trespass and capture must have circulated throughout the village like wild fire. Soon, the warriors led the pair into a house at the end of the dock. This house seemed to be the eastern most point of the village. The home looked similar to all the others, with one glaring exception. This house was decorated with multicolored fabric, and silver and gold ornaments. Both knew immediately that this building was home to whoever was considered the village's leader. As they were led into the home, they were temporarily blinded by the bright lights from within. As their eyes adjusted to the light, they saw Leo lying on his back on a large, hand carved stone slab. There was a man hovering over Leo holding a very sharp object. The man was saying something in a low voice to Leo, but they couldn't tell what he was saying. Allison immediately thought the worst and was overcome by a terror that gripped at her very core. As the man lifted the sharp object above his head, Allison let out a blood-curdling scream. ********************************* Personal Messages: dhoppeii - My wife keeps saying the same thing as you, keep what I'm writing. It is kind of iersonName>ronersonName>ic, on one hand she wants me on the computer less. On the other hand, she thinks I am clever and creative enough to write a book. She thinks I should turn this story into a book. And yes, Darmok is right. I modified my Personal Messages in Update 6 to reflect this yesterday. Yes, all of the Cussler books are awesome, and no, I haven't seen <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 />Sahara in theatres yet but I want to. As always, love the comments and thanks for stopping by. Come again soon dear friend. KOSC - Thanks again for stopping by. And thanks for the compliments. As for using the Cobb set with the PEG ponds, unfortunately it won't work. The Cobb set is an entirely water-bound set. None of the lots can be used on land. The entry way can be partially placed on land, but only by a block or two. Thanks for the kind thoughts though. Hope to see you back here soon... Darmok - Ya know, now that I know all that is wersonName>ronersonName>g with the movie, I definitely want to go see it just so I can see for myself! As always, thanks for dropping by. jacqulina - As always, thanks for your visit to the TRV. Your patersonName>ronersonName>age is certainly greatly appreciated. By the way, how goes the oil business? To All - Well, here is yet another update for ya. I'm trying to think of ways to tie all the islands into my story line. I'm really having fun creating the new islands using different terraforming methods. I can't wait until I get to the islands. Sorry that this update isn't as long as previous updates (or maybe that is a good thing. ) If I went any farther, I wouldn't have had a good place to stop the update, and there would have been no clear starting point for the next update. We wouldn't want that now would we? Thanks to everyone for making this CJ such a success. We are now over 300 posts, thanks to KOSC!! We are also now on page 11, thanks to Darmok!! Thanks to everyone, I certainly appreciate it! And as always, each visit is appreciated and each comment is treasured. Keep em coming... Copyright

AK, I really like what you are doing here with your transportation...building it before the rest of the area. I want to try that with one or two of my major cities (which are coming soon... ) I like the way you integrated parking and a small park area with the train station in the first pic. Gives people a place to park when they get to the station, and if their train is late or they have a lay-over they have a peaceful place to pass the time. And your transportation network...especially your sunken highway with it's over pass and underpasses looks great. Must have taken a long time to get the concrete walls in place they way you wanted them. The high-wealth residential overlooking the water is a good idea. I wish I could live overlooking the water. I really like how this city is turning out, especially since you try to mix green (park) space with trees and development. It really looks good. Keep em coming...

Wow...sorry it took so long to reply to this update...a bad case of RLS (still ahve 4 other CJ's to respond to from the last few days as well as answer the comments in my CJ ) This is another great update. I really like the development that's happening here. The idea of the parking lot right at the one entrance to the rail station is a great idea. And as always, I like the use of jeronij's trails. The residential area really looks good with the trees and trails in place. The commercial area also looks nice, with the trails and the trees. I like the concept of the twin hotels...did they grow or did you plop them? And of course, mayor's park looks great. Hmmm...wonder if you had any influence on the creation and building of your parks... *hint hint* As always, another superb update. The area really looks great! Keep em coming...

Oh, now I see the cargo shipping area. Great job on adding the extra cargo lots for realism.

Professor Cricks and Allison sat down, as their eyes began to adjust to the darkness of their prison. As their eyes became used to the dark, they saw several objects in the room. In one corner sat a small jug of water, a very small loaf of bread and a few fish. There were several cracks in the side boards where a small slit of light filtered in. Periodically they could hear footsteps approach and leave the area immediately outside of their reformatory. Once, as the footsteps approached, Allison thought she heard someone speaking in English. Just as soon as she had heard the voice, it was gone and she put it out of her mind. Well professor, she said fine mess we are in here. Yes it is, replied the professor and we have no hope that anyone will come looking for us because we aren't expected back for several months. Dejectedly, Allison slumped against the back wall of the cabin. Thoughts of the family she left behind to come to college began to float through her mind. Soon, she began to sob quietly into her hands. While she was in her own solitude, so was the professor in his. He was thinking of many things at once; who were these people, why did nobody know of their existance, was there any chance for an escape, was Leo ok, and so on. --------------------------------- The Somasito people were normally a very peaceful group. They lived in solitude along the beach. This section of beach was very much isolated from the outside world. On three sides of the beach, was a massive forest. On the other side, was the ocean. Not too far from the beach, a journey of only a few miles by boat, was a chain of islands. No ships ever ventured in the channel between the islands and the main land because the water was very shallow, only about 10 to 12 feet deep at it's deepest. For the most part though, the channel averaged about 5 feet deep. Only the smallest of boats could travel in waters so shallow, and the only ships in this area were freighters and tankers. These people had once lived in solitude, in commune with nature amongst the trees of the massive forest. They had seen the forest as their protector. Until a few hundred years ago, they lived apart from society. No technology to speak of; no modern conveniences to be had. It was just the forest, Mother Nature and the Soman people. That all changed when their population was virtually erradicated by a mysterious flu-like plague. Picture BI6-1 (Retrieved from http://history.smsu.edu/jchuchiak/HST%20101--Lecture%2022--Black_death_and_medieval_art.htm ) Only a handful of people survived, charged with continuing their race. These few people only survived because they were afraid and had fled into the woods upon the first sign of illness. They ran for days, fearing the great plague that the gods had sent down upon them. They only stopped when they reached the ocean. They had set up a small camp on the beach, very near to the present day site of the fishing village. Picture BI6-2 There they stayed for over a hundred years. Over time, as the population grew, they learned a new way of life fishing amongst the shallows of the channel. The original few were deemed elders, and they continued to live in relative solitude. As the elders began to die off, so their plight they began to tell. As the adults learned of the great plague and their fight to survive, they wrote it off as the rantings of those stricken by old age and failing health. The children however, hung on their every word as children do. They loved the stories, and would ask the elders to tell them time and time again. Several of the older children wanted more though. They had heard told countless times of a great temple in the woods and of other such monuments. Soon, several of the older teenage children set off into the woods. It was several days before they returned, however they returned with tales of great findings. They had indeed, found the temple, the columns and everything else told to them by the elders. They even told of a faint, worn animal trail through the forest, leading them right to the temple. As several of the adults grew to the realization that the elder's story might be true, they vowed to uncover and protect the ruins, to protect a dying legacy. --------------------------------- Their solitude was soon broken by the sound of the door being unlatched. As the cabin was flooded with outside light, a small woman entered the cabin. Any hope that the pair had of escape was dashed by the four spear toating men standing in the entrance to the cabin. The woman carried with her fresh water and food. She placed them in a corner and removed the uneaten food from the other corner. She took them out to the edge of the dock and tossed them into the sea. She then returned to the cabin and picked up a small urn and emptied it into the sea in a similar fashion. She then returned the urn to the corner of the cabin, at which point Professor Cricks realized that this urn was to be their crude toilet for the remainder of their captivity. Just as quickly as the woman had entered the cabin she departed and the cabin was plunged into total darkness again. On the other side of the village, Leo was slowly waking from his comatose state. He slowly returned from the fog that clouded his brain. As he remembered the scene on the temple grounds, he thought of the searing pain in his side and a burning pain immediately flooded his brain. The pain was shear agony, but it was not quite as bad as the pain that made him sag into unconsciousness in the forest. The pain only served to awaken him fully. He tried to reach for his side, but his hands were restrained. He realized he was inside of some sort of chamber, restrained to a small, carved stone slab. He frantically looked about the room for the slightest hint of where he might be or who his captors were. He had remembered the little man that had stabbed him in the side and saw him sitting on a small chair in the center of one wall. His chair and the surrounding wall were covered with ornate gold ornaments and the same colored robes that his clothes had been made of. As the man realized that Leo was now conscious, he made a few clicking noises and motioned to someone who had been crouched in a dark corner of the chamber. As the subject rose, he realized that this was a man of average height. He was almost as tall as Leo, we stood at 6' even. The man approached Leo, and he could see the man pick up a crude tool from a table to Leo's right. The tool appeared to be made from bamboo and had a very sharp point. Ah, you are finally awake my dear boy. spoke the man in a heavy accent. I can see it in your eyes that the pain is excruciating. Soon, you shall be out of your misery. the man said in a sinister voice. ************************** Personal Messages: dhoppeii - Two words to answer your question...think Star Wars MrCinatit - Again, you grace me with your words. I am ever so lucky to have a fellow CJ writer of your calliber following along and really enjoying my work. I too follow Stranded in this manner, and I am thankful to have such a following here. As for pushing Cancel instead of Submit, well, no offense but I feel better knowing that my daughter did it and not me!! As always, thanks for stopping by. Please, do not hesitate to stay out of lurking. Darmok - First, the movie line. Yes, you are right. Several charecters in the entire Star Wars series (I - VI) use this line. So, I guess you win the prize. Go see Bob over there in the corner to see what you've won. (Psst, Bob, quick, hide all the good stuff! ) As for Cussler, I would do that but I think my loyal followers here would banish me forever if I stopped writing at least one update per day! Just look at you, trying to get me to type faster... I rest my case. Thanks for the compliments as well. I hope to be able to keep the CJ going and keep everyone reading for a while. Hopefully everyone's inspiration will help that. To All - Well, yet another update has passed. Hopefully, the suspense is killing everyone! I know it is with some of my loyal followers. As for the area's I'm actually getting a chance to play (when I'm not writing), I have completed the first island that will be in the chain and I'm working on the second. I am trying to get as many pictures as I can get as I go so that I can use what I can in the story line. Hopefully, once I get off the main land and on to the islands I'll be able to come up with stuff to keep the story going. If not, I'll just have to stea...err, borrow ideas from some of the CJ's I follow. So for now, enjoy your reading, as it is off to work for me. And as always, each visit is appreciated and each comment is treasured. Keep em coming... Copyright

Personal Messages: sloppet - As always thanks for dropping by. Glad you like the pictures, I thought they really added something to the story line. MrCinatit - Ahh, MrC. Always a pleasure when you come out of lurking and leave us a message. Your CJ Stranded is what gave me the inspiration and motivation to write out a longer story line as I'm doing. And the idea of a little suspense added in, well that was inspired by your CJ as well. With that said, to have the person who is one of my main inspirations drop in and tell me that he couldn't watch his favority movie, which normally takes presidence over everything...well, I'm simply at a loss for words. I always love the comments which are left by everyone. But, your's are especially touching. I am grateful for your approval...and I will continue this story line as long as I can muster a story line. Thank You. dhoppeii - Ahh, D my friend. Again, another person whom I wait with baited breath to read their comments. Once again, you have complimented me in the highest order. For that, I thank you. And yes, more will come...with time. Patience my dear boy, patience. ( Ok, I just had to digress back to the movie/music trivia - what movie is that from and who said it? ) newyorkrunaway1 - Thanks for stopping by. As I always say, all comments are certainly appreciated. Glad to see that you liked the story line enough to come back. As I've said before...I saw those lots and wanted to use them. When I put them with the story, it was just a natural fit that added a lot to the story line. Stop back in soon. Darmok - Ahhh...another one of my faithful followers. As always, thanks for the compliments...they add fuel to my creative fire. As for becoming addicted...you are? You mean, you can't wait for another? I certainly never meant to get you addicted... *thinks to himself Maybe I should have worked for a tobacco company! [:evil laugh:]* What, huh, oh you heard that? Sorry, I guess I got a little carried away! Oh, and as for a life...I have none. If it were up to my wife, I wouldn't look at the computer when I was off the clock. If it were up to her, I would spend every waking moment plastered to her side! As for the next update...like I daid to dhop Patience my dear boy, patience. ( Can you guess it? ) Oh yeah, the fishing village lot you asked about. It is the Harbor Village by Cobb ver. 2 by cobb32118. You can find it here https://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?mode=files&filetype=all&category=default&sortby=DatePosted&show=12&Str=harbor%20village . Thanks for stopping by. Until the next update... To All - The next update will be posted sometime tomorrow, time permitting. If not tomorrow, definitely on Friday. I have gotten many great comments about this story line and I am grateful. I have to get ready for work in about 30 minutes. I probably could put out a small update in that time, but I don't want to rush things. I want the story to flow freely, and not be choppy...so, you will all just have to subscribe to this thread so that when I do update you will be notified via email!! So, since I can't give you an update, here are two more pictures of the little fishing village to quell your thirst. http://www.imgcity.net/server/primary/Bisland--10--Fishing_Village2.jpg align=baseline> http://www.imgcity.net/server/primary/Bisland--12--Fishing_Village.jpg align=baseline> And as always, each visit is appreciated and each comment is treasured. Keep em coming... Copyright

As Leo crumpled into a lifeless heap on the ground, Allison began to weep quietly. Just a few minutes ago they had been on the verge of the discovery of their lives. Now, they were fighting for them. She began to see visions of their funerals, large and ornate ceremonies they were. Just then, the pain in her neck intensified and brought her back to reality. What should we do? she asked the professor. I'm not sure at this point. We certainly don't want to anger them anymore, or else we will all be goners. And any hope that we have of Leo surviving will be gone. he said. The man in the colorful robes was of obvious importance. He began making various clicking noises and pointing in the direction of the men that had encircled Allison and the professor. Who are they professor? asked Allison in reply. I'm not sure. I've never seen them in any text before. And I certainly don't recognize their language. I wonder if this is one of the languages Leo can speak? the professor wondered. No, it isn't. stated Allison dejectedly. How do you know that? Well, remember how Leo and I thought we were hearing things in the forest? Well, the clicking noises they are using to communicate is exactly what we heard. We both thought we were being watched and we were right. Oh dear, said the professor they must think that we have desecrated some private, religious sanctuary or another building of similar importance. said the professor. That must be why they attacked Leo and not us, he was the closest to the temple. It looked like he was about to enter it. Oh professor, what are we going to do? For now, we wait. It is best not to anger them. Maybe they will take us to somewhere we can get help for Leo. With a jab of their spears, the professor and Allison's conversation was cut short. The little men began pushing them in the direction of the southern entrance to the temple grounds. Leo had been placed on a stretcher made from some of the vines that covered the entrance and branches from some of the outlying trees. Once through, they began walking south on the trail. A very short distance after they left the temple grounds, the trail was completely uncovered and easily followed. They walked south for approximately 45 minutes before they came to an area that had once been a wall. The wall lined up on either side of the trail. Picture BI5-1 It appears as if there used to be a gate of some sort here. It looks like the gate is gone, but the wall still remains. I wonder if the wall goes the whole way around all of the ruins we have found? whispered the professor. After a short distance, the trail began diverging in different directions. Several times the little men steered the group down one path and then another. After several hours of walking, they came to the end of the forest. As they peered out ahead of them, they saw the beach and what appeared to be the ocean. The trail passed through several of the stone columns they had seen before as it continued towards the ocean. Picture BI5-2 They saw several buildings out in front of them, but they appeared to be floating in the ocean. Impossible. Allison thought to herself. The professor was thinking similar thoughts. They looked at each other and shared a knowing look. We must be hallucinating. We are both severely dehydrated. the professor said. Soon, they were walking across the beach. As they neared the ocean, they saw that the houses were indeed real. They appeared to be rising out of the ocean on large stilts. The entire system of houses was connected by a large system of docks. It appeared to be a small fishing village. Picture BI5-3 Picture BI5-4 As they walked out onto the docks, they saw several groups of people begin to congregate on the docks. All of these people were making the same strange clicking noises as their captors. All of the people were of very small stature; the tallest among them was probably only 5' 3 tall. Some of the shorter ones were only about 4' tall, and the children were slightly over 3'. It was then that they noticed the houses were all about half of the size of an ordinary house. The size of these people made the size of their ruins even more majestic. They soon came to a very small cabin at a bend in the dock (Picture BI5-4, at the lower right corner at the bend in the dock beside the boats.) Their captors unlocked a crude looking mechanism on the door and shoved Allison and the professor in. The last thing they saw was Leo's lifeless body being carried past the door before it was slammed shut and they were plunged into near darkness. ************************************* Personal Messages: Darmok - Glad to see you like it. Almost as addictive as Stranded by MrCinatit. At least I can say I've done something in a CJ nobody else had done! Oh Yeah! As always, thanks and stop back in soon! dhoppeii - I really like the story line too. As for creating which first...well, I came up with the idea of having an area in my region where the basics were there, but as the area was explored new land/people would be found. That was the basic idea. I've also been wanted to use those Nexis ruins in a city for some time. I was just looking for the right circumstances to use them. I just so happened to be playing around with placement of the ruins a few days before I said I had a surprise in store for my readers. I was initially trying to create some sort of national park that focused on the ruins as a tourist attraction, like some of the national parks out west. I just so happened to be thinking about my story line idea while looking at the ruins and it just hit me. So, I guess initially it was an idea. Once I started, my story line is partially in my head, and partially wrapped around the pictures. Is my answer confusing enough? Thanks for your undying support. Drop back by soon... kingofsimcity - Thanks for your support as well KOSC. I'm trying to get my CJ into the category of the great CJ's like the ones that belong to you, Darmok, Dhoppeii and many others. Your support certainly helps for that. As for my time...sometimes it takes more time than other days. Especially if I have my one year old daughter sitting on my lap while I type. She likes to press buttons and play with the mouse. I've gotten into the habit of copy and past into Word every couple of paragraphs to avoid losing everything when she hits the wrong button. Thanks for stopping by... come again soon. To All - Well all, we are definitely gathering steam with my CJ. Over 5100 views and almost 300 replies. It is also marked as a Hot Topic. Who knows, maybe one day it will be considered one of the great CJ's! Thanks for all of your support and comments. And as always, each visit is appreciated and each comment is treasured. Keep em coming... Copyright

Ahhh...very nice. Definitely looks better. Oh, and thanks for the business! AFFS...awesome! Now, I can compete with jacqulina and her family owned oil business that has peppered the TRV! Yee-Haw! I'm rich! Now I can afford to live in my many manors! Great job... keep em coming...

As always KOSC, nice job. You say that my niche is my parks...well, I have to say your terraforming and ports are yours. The mixture of some commercial in the port is a nice touch. Lends realism to the area. It also looks like your industry sprung up as high-tech as well. At least you will have that much less pollution in the area!! Great job. Oh, and as Darmok told me in my CJ...get those fingers typing now...faster, Faster, FASTER!! Where is that update...why ain't it here yet!! Keep em coming...