Toni

Absolutely, terrific work, everyone. It all just keeps getting better and so many entering really is nice. Good luck to you all. Well done.

Don't know what to tell you. I am on EST so it would come earlier for me than you. *lol*

Well, one thing about having until tomorrow for a deadline. We still have today to make changes or corrections, and after I re-read mine, that's exactly what I had to do for correctness. *duh* A silly mistake at that.

CORRECTED VERSION A Viper's Bite By Lieutenant Toni Turner Lieutenant Lori Striker’s speech pattern had a certain charm. The Southern drawl intrigued, tantalized, and enthralled the listener in a most disarming fashion, but under the guise of an airheaded, wimpy woman, lurked a strong-willed, quick witted put-down artist who could not only put the enemy down, but lay him out as well. Words emitting the scent of Magnolia blossoms were her most valuable and effective weapons. No blade could compare to the castrating power of her beguiling smile and sugary tone, and no bullet could pierce armor more deeply than her acid recoil. Romulan Lieutenant Tal Zeetra, was not without charms of his own. He held a certain notoriety for brilliance and cunning. His skill was in deception - always quick with a slick, but evasive, answer. Manipulation was his scheme, and he cleverly enveloped unwary foes within his web of antagonism. This silver-tongued orator was articulate, polished and sophisticated, and coupled with his sarcastic nature, his words were impregnated with a baneful influence, often paralyzing foes before a debate could begin. Both preferred a good sparring match over haphazard challenges, finding the competition a liberating experience, and a heartfelt expression of contempt. They contain the essentials of survival, indicative of their respective racial traditions, and they were loyal to their style, undeniably illustrated by strength, courage, and of course, brass. As each considered each other, they planned their strategy, and by the time the momentous occasion began they knew their tactics. Federation Commander Weeks began the deliberations with a welcome, that was quickly answered with a wry tone from Romulan Commander Omar. Striker took aim. Although her words were charming and purely a confection, their barbed wire delivery sliced poignantly, leaving their target frustrated, exasperated, and sputtering lamely. Zeetra retaliated with his clever mystique, showing that he had mastered the art of being direct, making him a substantial adversary. Choosing a blunt, but tactful, confrontation put Striker back in control, taking the Romulan by surprise. Giving her an admiring gaze, Zeetra disarmed her defenses, using words coated with a substance that would normally inhibit action, but Striker stood her ground next to him, delivering an equally blistering nibble. The two Commanders smiled inwardly, while each of the Lieutenants took their best shot. Although their feelings went unspoken, they were in agreement that pairing the two had been an excellent choice. As the words past between them like poison arrows aim at their hearts, Zeetra and Striker produced an irritating catalyst that intensified the toxin threatening to rendered them helpless. They rethought their tactics, continuing to indulged in the verbal battle until the ceremony was complete. Commanders Weeks and Omar announced the winners of the debate simultaneously. “By the powers vested in us by the Federation and Romulan Governments, we pronounce you husband and wife." The couple embraced, their lips silenced momentarily by a kiss as venomous as a viper's bite, then Zeetra whispered softly, “We’ll have to do that again on our anniversary.” Striker, smiling sweetly, returned the whisper, "Why honey, you'll just lose."

*phew* Got one in under the wire. Started it a month ago, and forgot about it. *duh* Anyway, good luck everyone. Again you all have really put some great writing into the competition.

A Viper's Bite By Lieutenant Toni Turner Lieutenant Lori Striker’s speech pattern had a certain charm. The Southern drawl intrigued, tantalized, and enthralled the listener in a most disarming fashion, but under the guise of an airheaded, wimpy woman, lurked a strong-willed, quick witted put-down artist who could not only put the enemy down, but lay him out as well. Words emitting the scent of Magnolia blossoms were her most valuable and effective weapons. No blade could compare to the castrating power of her beguiling smile and sugary tone, and no bullet could pierce armor more deeply than her acid recoil. Romulan Lieutenant Tal Zeetra, was not without charms of his own. He held a certain notoriety for brilliance and cunning. His skill was in deception - always quick with a slick, but evasive, answer. Manipulation was his scheme, and he cleverly enveloped unwary foes within his web of antagonism. This silver-tongued orator was articulate, polished and sophisticated, and coupled with his sarcastic nature, his words were impregnated with a baneful influence, often paralyzing foes before a debate could begin. Both preferred a good sparring match over haphazard challenges, finding the competition a liberating experience, and a heartfelt expression of contempt. They contain the essentials of survival, indicative of their respective racial traditions, and they were loyal to their style, undeniably illustrated by strength, courage, and of course, brass. As each considered each other, they planned their strategy, and by the time the momentous occasion began they knew their tactics. Federation Commander Weeks began the deliberations with a welcome, that was quickly answered with a wry tone from Romulan Commander Omar. Striker took aim. Although her words were charming and purely a confection, their barbed wire delivery sliced poignantly, leaving their target frustrated, exasperated, and sputtering lamely. Zeetra retaliated with his clever mystique, showing that he had mastered the art of being direct, making him a substantial adversary. Choosing a blunt, but tactful, confrontation put Striker back in control, taking the Romulan by surprise. Giving her an admiring gaze, Zeetra disarmed her defenses, using words coated with a substance that would normally inhibit action, but Striker stood her ground next to him, delivering an equally blistering nibble. The two Commanders smiled inwardly, while each of the Lieutenants took their best shot. Although their feelings went unspoken, they were in agreement that pairing the two had been an excellent choice. As the words past between them like poison arrows aim at their hearts, Zeetra and Striker produced an irritating catalyst that intensified the toxin threatening to rendered them helpless. They rethought their tactics, continuing to indulged in the verbal battle until the ceremony was complete. Commanders Weeks and Omar announced the winners of the debate simultaneously. “By the powers invested in us by the Federation and Romulan Governments, we pronounce you husband and wife." The couple embraced, their lips silenced momentarily by a kiss as venomous as a viper's bite, then Zeetra whispered softly, “We’ll have to do that again on our anniversary.” Striker, smiling sweetly, returned the whisper, "Why honey, you'll just lose."

To put your award on your signature, go to your "My Controls," then look on the left side for "Personal Profile," and click on "Edit Signature." In the box put the add the URL of your graphic. (You will have upload your banner to the net somewhere.) Higlight the address, then hit the "IMG" above the box and you are done. By the way, you are absolutely right ... and As for the part. ... I was frequently asking myself, "Oh jeez, what have I got myself in to?"

Congratulations to everyone, especially the winners. I have to tell you all, that you didn't make our decisions easy. Each one of you did an amazing job, and gave us many pleasurable hours of reading. Hope to read more of your writing in the next challenge.

You are very welcome Also... to everyone who has submitted a story for Jan/Feb ... It's great to see so many entries and we appreciate you all very much for supporting the Writing Challenges. Good Luck, All!

Okay, The Thought of Returning By Ensign Malcolm Wash is set up for you. Good luck

Here ya go.

No, you are fine. The Challenge ends on Tues., February 28. We are glad to see you enter. Good Luck!

No, you owe me nothing I was glad to help. Maybe one day you will help someone too, and that will be repayment enough

This was made for Nemitor's story. Note to Nemitor: Be sure to click on the Arrow smiley below when you have finished.

will do it now give me a few

*lol* I know that feeling well.

*lol* just happened to be up writing a sim. Whenever you are ready someone will help you. Good luck with your story.

Usually 100, but we can open one for you if you like. What is the name of your submission? I will be happy to do it for you now.

Huh?

Wonderful. It's great to see so many participating.

*tapping fingertips on desk* Okay, Ajescent, get a move on. *lol*

Wow! Looks like 2006 has those creative juices flowing around here.

Good Luck, Everyone!

Ah, a long list of Solan Alumni. *lol*

Solan wrote: Why funny? I meant it sincerely. You both have helped me a lot.