Chapter 03: Connections
August 21st, 2007
Waiting for Rann to finish his search, Alec paced back and forth over the decomposing leaves and fir needles that littered the forest floor. The night was getting colder and Alec was wishing he was back in the bar he'd been at earlier in the evening—an open pit fire warming his backside while he looked out over the blazing lights of the city spread out below.
It still amazed him how similar that world was to his world. There were some major differences though. For one, if he lived in that world—and most likely a version of him did somewhere—he wouldn't be working for Ravencrest. Hell, Ravencrest wouldn't even exist over there. He sure hoped that whoever the other Alec worked for had a better sense of humor. Of course the other Alec would also be pushing fifty by now. Not to say he wasn't also, but at least he didn't look like it. So, he supposed Ravencrest's lack of levity was something he could put up with if it meant a longer life.
Rann's grunt caught his attention and he stopped his pacing.
"You are right," came his boss' curt voice.
"After all these years, I can't believe you still doubt me. I'm hurt."
Ignoring Alec's gibe, Rann continued, "There was a contract put out for a Brandee Taylor, suspected head of a pirate band that has been hounding Mars spaceways for the past year, by a Calvin Kimbrough, CEO of CK Shipping."
"Never heard of it."
"Neither have I. Anyway, the contract was picked up by Brothers Grimm."
Alec barked in laughter. "Jesus. Are you serious?"
Silence was his only answer.
"Of course you are. Silly me." He shook his head thinking of the two goons he'd seen earlier tonight. They really had a problem with delusions of grandeur. The little games they were playing with their contract were stupid. And that stupidity meant they were dangerous. Of course, the people they were most dangerous to were themselves. He just hoped they could hold off totally fucking up until after he had a chance to reclaim the Taylor woman.
"So, it was the pirate woman that they killed, and then they apprehended the woman you were supposed to be watching."
Alec grimaced. "Yeah, I guess that's about the gist of it."
24 Responses to “Chapter 03: Connections”
August 21st, 2007 at 1:39 pm
Yay! I'm glad it didn't take too long before this chapter. I think this chapter in particular is leaving me with more questions than answers but I won't ask them because I'm sure they await in the next chapter and more.
Great photos and story as usual and I think what were particularly convincing were all the expressions you were able to capture of your characters- very telling of their personalities.
August 21st, 2007 at 4:50 pm
Well, there's mystery literally dripping off this thing. Wonderful job yet again, I'm enjoying this unravelling immensely. π
Love this Ravencrest character – he seems to be, whoever he is, a very dedicated, serious, iron-grip sort of fellow, eh? And Alec – yes, he's a dream, for sure. I like him already. A lot. Too much. He's a Sim, after all. (LOL)
I am definitely anxious to see what the heck happened to Brandee, but I actually also enjoy the waiting. Then when I'm not thinking about it, POP! there's an e-mail telling me I have a huge treat waiting for me as soon as I can go read! Very fun. Looking forward to the next chapter. π
August 21st, 2007 at 6:38 pm
Wow. Just, wow. I cannot remember a time when I have not been to your website, starting back with Panni's Image Design page. Then I came across the SWG film. I have it saved to my desktop and have seen it numerous times. And now you have started another addiction. Well, two. I am in love with your bjds and am about to start another side job to buy one of my own. Think you could post some more pictures of them?
August 21st, 2007 at 7:29 pm
YAY! I know that Brandee is not going to die. I mean..come on, the whole point of the story is about her…I think. So I have a question? In the different realms, one is human and one is elvish? But that doesn't make sense because Brandee is only human. But maybe her contact with elves as a child gave her some sorta special characterstics. Alec looks mighty nice..better than I remember, but that's probably just because it has been so long. I wonder what I will think when I see Tahlvin…mmm. Rann is also very lovely. He looks mighty young to have had the girl that Alec loves to..urmm…. invite to his room. Anyway, can't wait for the next update.
August 21st, 2007 at 11:58 pm
Rann looks a bit like Tahlvin to me, except with different custom content–coincidence or my imagination? The image of Brandy's file on the computer is very creative, by the way. I adore the amount of detail you seem to have an eye for. Also, going by these last two chapters, I can appreciate the title "Worlds Apart" a bit more – it almost has double meaning, which is something I have a certain attraction to.
Alec seems like he'd be fun to work with. π Thanks for the update and not giving up on the story, despite the hard times you have had with Simming! Amazing as always.
August 22nd, 2007 at 4:36 am
I can't believe your attention to detail and how amazing you can make a simple office setting appear! It's like you have a knack for making things look really impressive – the Brandy webpage, the glass of wine, the moving fan in the background. I really like looking at your pictures. In fact I went back to look at them some more. π
I knew I had heard the name Wraith Warriors before, so I looked back at the tour of Mission Bay you posted ages ago and then it all made sense! Well, no it didn't actually. It made me wonder even more about these two big old organisations. So does this mean that Alec and Tahlvin are enemies? I wonder what those two big thugs wanted with Brandee? Heck, I wonder what Ravencrest wants with Brandee? Ahh, Alec. There was so much of him in this chapter that my keyboard is sparking from excessive exposure to my drool. No wonder Mae lurves him! π Now I'm all riled up and I can't wait for next chapter! This one was awesome!
August 22nd, 2007 at 5:27 am
Hi. cool update. ok so this has raised more questions then answers but that's a good thing since it will keep me coming back for more. *grins*
How do you get your pictures to look so good?. As mine usually look terrible compared to yours.
Keep Simming!.
See ya.
August 22nd, 2007 at 5:53 am
*fan girl squeal* SQUEE!!!!
Ok, seriously, your sets are fantastic! Superb! Very well done. I can't say enough good things about your attention to detail and your awesome photo skills.
*drool* Alec is super HAWT! I can't wait to see Tahlvin. *drools some more*
August 22nd, 2007 at 6:56 am
Nice thing, waking up to a new update! It must take you ages to get all those shots, they are beautifully chosen, each one with the exact right facial expression! Not that the update gave me any more of a clue of what's going on, it's given me a ton of questions on top of the other ones that were allready waiting in my head. I'm hooked!
August 22nd, 2007 at 11:46 am
Great story, it's so nice to come to my dorm after Japanese 101 and read a great story that obeys the rules of grammar. I love the snapshots and how you set up the scenes. I just love the office, looks like I walk into a real one (well except some people's desk are a bit messy LOL). Keep up the great work, I can't wait for the next chapter to arrive.
August 23rd, 2007 at 6:28 pm
"I'm currently working on putting a site together for my BJDs so that I can post as many pictures as I want. It feels wrong to post them here especially since some people who may be interested in my story might not want to be bothered by pictures of dolls. I'll make a post at this site though to let you know when the BJD site goes live. Do you know what doll you want to get first?"
Well, I have to admit that your Hound is impressive, but I am leaning towards the Dollzone 60cm Cherry. Ever have that feeling of instant attraction when you see something you want? I would put a link to her here, but http://www.doll-zone.com is so slow I have given up.
August 26th, 2007 at 11:52 pm
Another marvelous update, Kara! The plot is getting delightfully thick and delicious. *claps*
August 27th, 2007 at 10:50 pm
I love this story! Well, actually, I love all of your stories having to do with Brandee, Alec, Saena, Tahlvin and all those other people. By the way, do you happen to make sims downloadable. Because if you do could you make Alec and Mae please! Or if not could you tell me where you got Mae's hair?
February 6th, 2008 at 1:48 am
I can't say enough how much I am into this story. My only regret was not being able to get to it earlier than now. I've been missing out.
Alec and Raan huh? I wonder what's going on there and Brandee seems to be the key point of it all.
Excellent update!
March 22nd, 2008 at 12:38 pm
Between laughing with delight and gasping at the shots….fantastic, wonderful dialogue!
Pure 100 proof fantastic!
September 2nd, 2008 at 6:33 am
Kara! I really love your story and characters!! :up:
I think that I'm developing an obssesion π I've been browsing about and re-reading your stories everyday. I'm just really confused about something;
Is this an alternate word thing, like the world in which Brandee comes from and the world in which Alec lives is different? If so what happened to the child!Brandee who got lost in the ruins…is she the Pirate!Brandee or the other girl?
meh. Sorry if it sounds retarded! My brainz is ded because of Uni π
If it is an alternate world…then it strongly reminds me of the Spellbinder series hehe!
September 2nd, 2008 at 11:51 am
September 3rd, 2008 at 10:45 am
ah! I see, I see!! I initially thought that it was only a one-world thing. I feel like asking more questions…but then I guess that you'll get to them in future chapters (I can't wait π ).
(but then…Child!Brandee was found by mum and dad, I suppose)
September 4th, 2008 at 7:47 am
September 4th, 2008 at 8:44 am
8) hehe. I will wait then (no choice! lol)
I also forgot (very sorry about that)! The Spellbinder series I mentioned are not books but an australian tv series. It was a long, long time ago and I was really small at the time. The plot was about a boy who got through a sort of veil and found himself in a medieval-y/fantasy place (later he went to another place resembling ancient china).
The 'Veil' thing reminded me of Spellbinder π
April 11th, 2009 at 11:50 pm
Is it just me, or did I notice a few similarities between some names in this story and Halo? Tehe. π
April 12th, 2009 at 7:14 am
June 22nd, 2009 at 1:07 am
*In awe*
I have to stop reading here and leave a short note. I'm new to reading Sims-based stories, but I have to say so far yours tops them all! Your screenshots are amazing…the looks on their faces in this chapter fit perfectly with the dialogue.
Of course, your writing is engaging even without the pictures, but the combination is flawless. I laughed my way through this part and am loving the story. Wonderful work!
September 23rd, 2009 at 8:29 pm
geez, im all sorts of confused, its difficult stopping between chapters and coming back to read. im tempted to just sit down & read all of the chapters haha. but, i have to force myself to wait; surprise is half the fun. anyhoot, your screenshots are amazing. i aim to be as talented as you!!!! i'll check out the next chapter tomorrow, cannot wait! ttys!