DOARS- Week 6 Day 7- Number One Fan

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-Excerpt from Hector's Diary-
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It had been a long time since I'd seen my dear old friend, Rommich. In the wee hours of the morning I heard the familiar machinery of the alien spacecraft and was fiendishly delighted to see my fellow alien in arms. Me and him were going to conquer the galaxy, or well, the predominant destructive force, together shoulder to shoulder, as brothers from differing species. I know it sounds weird and corny, but seriously, Rommich is the best friend and brother I never had all rolled up in one.

I will take a moment now to address an issue that hasn't been discussed in the recent weeks. I do have a best friend, she's always been there for me. The only thing is that no one can see her, so I don't talk about her, I don't talk to her when people are around, and I try to pretend that she doesn't exist... most of the time. But, I rely on her. She is my main co-conspirator, you see. At night we talk about wonderful schemes that I can never carry out: plundering villages, conquering foreign lands, overthrowing peaceful regimes, and the like.

Now, we all know that I've dedicated my life to helping this alien race, and to not disappointing my parents, so please don't worry that I'm going to carry any of my heart's desires to fruition. I'm not, but sometimes I just can't help but dream and it's nice to have someone dreaming with me.

Rommich understands. Actually he's in a similar boat, he has all sorts of nefarious revengeful things he'd love to do, but instead he got roped into saving his race from genocide. See how funny life is? I'm guess that this is the main reason he and I get along so well. Funnily enough, his visit was mostly social. I mean sure, yes, he did have to talk to the ambassador and he checked up on my progress, but still, mostly social. I found out that he's fairly desperate to get married, poor chap. Sadly for him the females of his race were targeted first by the malevolent influence and are thus ineligible from age, health, respectability, etc. Though I reminded him that the last one in that list really didn't need to apply to him. I love the guy, but he is evil, you know. Evil people don't really need respectable girls, after all.






















Once we had caught up with each other, Rommich's boss, aka the leader of the aliens, aka Zhiddezoe showed up. I had a special potion for her, one that I thought might help Rommich, too. Do you know what it is yet? No? (Actually, you probably, do) It was a potion of youth! I advised her to drink it sooner than later, though to be honest, she really didn't take kindly to me offering suggestions about what she ought to do. Let's just say I will not be repeating that behavior in the future.






















Impressed, and very possibly minutely grateful for my potion, she still wasn't terribly proud of my accomplishments and sent me back to the lab. Apparently the potion of youth wasn't what I was supposed to be finding. Actually that did surprise me. I kind of figured that race fighting for survival might need their citizens to live longer, but what do I know? I'm just a teenager from another planet. As Zhiddezoe so often reminds me. So it's back to the drawing board! Eternal youth isn't the objective, so what in the world is the objective?
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-End of Excerpt-
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Dear Diary,

This morning started as the majority of mornings in my life have. I woke up. I also got out of bed, that was a pretty normal thing, too. I woke up with a distinct feeling that today was going to take forever. Like everything would be in slow motion. Is this what it feels like to "hold your breath" for something? I think it may just be that. I'm not sure, but whatever it was, it wasn't terribly fun. Not that I put a lot of importance on fun, but it would make a nice change from my current high stress life.






















The stress of it all even seemed to get to Raquel! Now that little girl of mine, bless her heart, is quieter than a church mouse of late. I think that I was so focused on Hector and finding out about him that I completely ignored Raquel. She may not be technically a genius, but she is certainly burdened with something and the odds are that it's related to the gnomes and aliens.






















I guess driving gave Hector the courage to start being responsible in other ways. Let's just say that cooking is not his strong point. Now don't be too hard on the boy, he's brilliant in his own way. He is after all helping the aliens and doing all sorts of chemistry research that I'm almost completely certain you'd never be able to do. I mean, you spend all your time reading about celebs (moi) and criticizing them, so what kind of free time would you even have to learn about potion making? Yeah, that's what I thought. Lynn, 1: you, none. BAM!

Oh wow, that was a lot meaner than I usually am! Sorry about that, it's just stress, just overlook it... please.






















Anyways, moving right along, Cycl0n3 saw the poor excuse for breakfast on Hector's plate and did the smart thing, made his own. His pancakes are the tastiest around, you know.






















After breakfast it was time to put the laundry in the dryer and now for the exciting part.... wait for it.... wait for it...






















I improved the washer! It cleans soo much better now. Those gnomes will have clean laundry for weeks now! I mean, I know I'll still be washing their clothes everyday, but I still like to pretend that they'll stay clean longer and maybe, you know, some day in the far future, there won't be so much laundry for me to do. all. the. time.






















Before I knew it, it was time to leave for work. I think it's been a little while since I even talked about work. I do still work, in case you were wondering if I had quit. It's just with so much going on around the house and with the universe, I sometimes overlook talking about work! I'm actually a superstar now. It kind of snuck up on me. I mean, you know, you've been reading this, I've been trying to become ridiculously famous since I moved to this town, and now I am! I'm not quite at the top, I could make a more international name for myself, but I'm pretty close. That however, seems to have little to do with the recent drama in my life, so you'll really have to forgive me for not having talked about it more.

Long story short, I have all sorts of screaming fans that follow me around. Some have cameras.






















While I was at work, our little girl spent some time with her daddy. Let's say it together: AWWW! Looking t their faces, it's pretty clear that that's the hardest first move ever! I wonder if they're psyching each other out... or maybe themselves... Well, who knows. Chess isn't my thing. I play with Cycl0n3 from time to time, I try to be all smart and stuff, but face it: I'm a pro athlete, I'm not really known for my brains. Though I am the smartest person playing for the Llamas, just FYI.






















My husband doesn't believe in getting dressed, as you can see. Not that I have a problem with that... so much, but it's just... very cold outside. It does make me question his own genius. I mean, yes, he's smart, but... obviously something's missing there on the intelligence side, like... oh... common sense? Poor guy, I shouldn't tease him so much, he's far too intelligent to pay attention to piddly little things like staying warm or... making it to the restroom in time.






















Raquel spent a some of the day at the lab set. Something about Hector getting stuck on something he thought she could help him with. I'm foggy on the details, but isn't it nice that they seem to get along?






















Making more snowmen for her army trumped finishing the research, though. And if I wasn't going completely crazy, I'd say that new snowman looks a bit... alien? Decoy perhaps? I wonder if he'll be on the front lines or something... What am I saying? My imagination is running away with me! It's obviously a frog snowman.

Now this next bit I heard from Raquel excitedly. I'm still quite confused about what happened. But these people are related to us.. somehow. Cycl0n3's other family from another dimension? Yeah, the details really escape me. For a while I was worried that maybe he'd been married before and never told me, but Raquel was very emphatic about this being another reality. Does this have something to do with the aliens and the gnomes?























She said that's Forest her nephew. Yeah, don't ask me, I'm still confused. That's not the point. My daughter for some reason sought out relatives from another world, odd, right? She had a good time, though. She said they spent lots of time outside in the cold and that they seem like really chill and useful people. I think she may have even muttered that they'll be the key or something. Idk, I'm just happy that she has new friends.

Before you look at the rest of this, please remember: Don't blink. Hahahahahahaa! Just kidding, I mean don't freak out.

We had some visitors of our own.






















"OH my goodness you're the Lynn Winslow, aren't you?"
That was what I heard the moment I walked in the door after the game (we won 8-4,  btw), and when I looked at who it came from, I think I had a heart attack. Or stroke. Or maybe I wet myself, I'm unclear, it's a bit hazy still.
There, in the flesh, was a real, honest to goodness alien. Who was a really big fan of mine.

The conversation that ensued was one of the weirdest and most distracting conversations of my entire life. She cleared up a lot of my questions, but sadly she had only theories about what was going on, as well. I mean, yes she knew a lot more than I did, and I'm happy to hear what's going on from someone involved, but the fact that she's almost as confused as the rest of us was just really not comforting.

But here's the skinny, I know you've been DYING to find out everything you can about it.
Apparently my planet is destroying her people. I'm not sure how exactly that works, but shock and surprise, she's not either! She says that's why she's been having Hector do all the chemistry research, she's looking for a weapon that they can use against my world (Tony) without harming the people who live there (simKind). She knows it's a long shot, though. They're looking to relocate, but they're having a difficult time finding exactly where in the universe they'll be safe, which is why they are looking so desperately for a way to fight back. She assured me that she has a 'helper' or secret agent that has spent the last several weeks (which really is a long time here) just observing and seeing our worlds week points.
Now, she tried to explain this, but I'm still y'know... Idk, I mean, I've taken too many hits to the head in my career! But it's not the physical planet that's attacking them, just a consciousness that's in control of my world? Or something like that. Anyways, even if the force is destroyed, apparently all of us sims will be fine. That's where the gnomes come in. She was vague about their involvement, but she did say that they were our race's guardians. And big Llama fans.

Now I know what you're thinking, why did she tell me this today? What changed? Why am I suddenly in the loop now? I asked, really I did, and you know what she said? NOTHING! She just smirked and disappeared! Not appreciated! So, no clue there. Sorry, folks, but hey, you should just be happy to finally find out (like me) what in the world was going on!

Remember how I said that conversation was distracting?






















My daughter grew up in the middle of it! I missed it completely! I feel awful about that, I really do.






















By the time Zhiddezoe had left, Raquel was already in bed. I feel like a terrible parent! But I will make it up to her, I'm sure of that. Tomorrow morning I will definitely spend some good time with her before she goes off to school.






















After Zhiddezoe left (which before talking to me, apparently she had a long chat with my son) Hector was glued to the telescope. I'm not sure when he went to bed, if he even went to bed. I should have pushed the issue about sleep, but I didn't. I mean, there's stuff going on that is just frankly more important than being well rested for school. If they aliens don't find a suitable planet, there is a very high possibility that they'll go extinct. That's heavy stuff, and if my son wants to help them even when normal people are sleeping, then good for him. You know you'd agree with me if you were in my position. Also, I really see no need to enforce silly rules about bedtimes with my son who will probably give in to the dark side someday. Just sayin'. I'd rather keep him close and thinking fondly of me than having us fighting over little things.

Number One sports star of the Aliens,
Lynn Sw0rd







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You're shocked that we found out what's going on aren't you? Me, too! I actually expected to keep it a secret for a while longer! But, it just kind of came out here. So now we know, the aliens are actually pretty unsure of what to do, too. Everyone is just kind of giving it their best shot and fighting a losing battle. Poor little guys.

Also, in organizing my pictures and getting back into the DOARS I discovered that we are a whole week behind where I've played to, so that's pretty significant. I mean, I knew we were far behind, there's some cool stuff coming up, but I just didn't realize it was a whole week! So we'll probably have several posts in the next few days, just a heads up!

DOARS- Week 6 Day 4- Ambassador To The Stars

Welcome back readers!

Now I bet you're wondering where I'm going with this plot, right? Well, it is going somewhere! It just might take a while to get there. I know I'm getting kind of tired of worried Lynn, but my game is just taking soo long to get to the point where I want it to be with this story line, so be patient (that's mainly for me)!
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Dear Diary,

Today is a game day! I'm pumped already and I haven't even hit the treadmill, yet. I'll just take this time to pause and remember my first day on the treadmill. Do you remember it?

I was completely new to town, and new to the treadmill. I used to think it was trying to kill me. I wasn't even being funny, I seriously thought that would be the end of me. It was my first day in Sunset Valley and I already thought some unknown force was trying to kill me! You probably thought I was a whacko, didn't you? It makes me wonder what in the world made you stick around until you got this far with me...

Well, I met Cycl0n3 that day just after I got off that death trap and he told me all kinds of things that new acquaintances just shouldn't tell you. (Really Cycl0n3, WHY in the world did you trust me enough to share your favorite color?)







 To this day I wonder what in the world brought us together. Everything was working against us! Still, though, there was something oddly charming about him, even from the first time I visited his house and learned his most embarrassing secret.



When I think back to that day it puts everything into perspective for me. It wasn't love at first sight with Cycl0n3, and it wasn't easy to use the treadmill, but somehow they both became intrinsic parts of my life, and now I can't imagine living without them.

I might be scared (although desperately trying to hide it) about the future and about my family, but in a few weeks, I'll feel comfortable and at ease with everything and I'll probably laugh at myself for freaking out in the first place. Until I get there, I guess I'll just have to be brave, and really, what could happen to me with Cycl0n3 by my side? We're unconquerable.

I know you're not here to reminisce with me, so I'll just get with my day, huh?

Game days are always fun, for one they mean significantly less work hours, so more time with the family, and for two, going to a free game is a great family outing for everyone. I know it's probably narcissistic of me, but I like that my family bonds over my talents. It makes me feel like none of this could have happened without me. Well, I mean, of course it couldn't have... but... I guess I'm just saying that it's nice to know that I'm needed. 

I try to show my appreciation and love to my family, but sometimes I get too caught up in conspiracies and worry that I forget to be the loving mother and wife that I am. So today I'm going to try to stop and smell the roses and make sure that my family knows how much I appreciate them. And first on the list of things to do was upgrade my husband's nectar maker, he'd been complaining about it not crushing very well, but now I've definitely taken care of that.

Meanwhile, Cycl0n3 got up and is furthering his interest in battle tactics. Now, I'm sure you've heard that that's what chess is, a battle between the white pieces and the black pieces. I'd be lying if I said that my husband researching how to lead an army didn't bother me, especially with ... you know... everything, but it's okay. He's a really brilliant man, and there's probably no one better that they could assign to whatever it is they've assigned him to. 

Apparently our son has been doing pretty well with his assignment, too. I heard some cheers and "yippeee"s this morning, so I guess he found something exciting. Hector and I haven't had the smoothest relationship, as I'm sure you've noticed, but I'm genuinely happy that he's succeeding. 

The kids got off to school just in time today. You know some day I just know that I'll have to take one of them to school because they missed the bus. I can't really blame them, though, it seems like what they're working on is more important that school, but I'm not going to tell them that. I'm just happy they aren't skipping school and that they still do their homework.

Well, I going to start delivering the gifts to Hector. I've kept them for a while, but he really should have them. They were for him, and who knows, maybe they'll help him to do whatever it is he's supposed to be doing. I'm not sure why he needs a tiny plant, but who am I to say it's not useful?

When I think about it, I'd hate it if someone started hoarding the gnome laundry simply because they could tell it wasn't ours. That would really keep me from acquiring a gnome ambassador, which could be really important. I mean, opening a dialogue can only be a good thing. Maybe I'll actually find out what's going on! I tell you, I wish my family would just clue me in! But, I'm not going to complain about it, because they love me, and if they're not telling me, I'm sure they have a good reason.

Yet again, this load of laundry does not have a gnome in it. I know they're rare, but this is getting ridiculous. What if time is running out? What if I can't meet the ambassador in time and something terrible happens? The worst part is, I have absolutely no information. My husband is learning military tactics, my son and daughter are making weird potions and studying the stars, and me? I'm doing laundry. Endless laundry. I'm sure it's important, I'm sure it's vital to whatever is going on, but surely there's something else I could do, I mean, laundry is great, but it doesn't take that long to do it. I could be doing something else in my spare time.

I digress, today is about enjoying the simple things in life. Today I'm stopping to smell the roses, so after I did the laundry, Cycl0n3 and I spent some very nice time together. Sometimes we get distracted and don't make the time to talk, but today we did.

Now, I have an idea what you might be thinking. You're probably asking me why I don't ask Cycl0n3 about what's going on. He surely knows more than I do, what with his secretive meetings at the supermarket and his military tactics. That's a very good point. In fact, I did ask him about it today, but he couldn't tell me anything. Though he did promise to tell me everything he knew eventually, so I guess that's something, and he did tell me that the only person who really had any details about what was going on was Hector, so he'd be the real one to ask.






















Well, I put some more laundry in the wash and left for my first game as an MVP- which I'm happy to say we won. 5-4. It was a little too tight for my comfort, honestly. I prefer to cream the other team, but we still won, so my bosses were happy. They said that they'd have some exciting things to tell me on Friday, and I think both you and I know what that means. Superstar Athlete here I come!

Although I was hoping the family would come to see my game, they decided to be responsible and do their homework, so I can't be mad at them for that. It's nice that they worked on it together. I mean, I know it didn't help Hector at all, but I'm sure Raquel enjoyed having someone to help her there. I feel a little bad about Raquel and her homework, honestly. It seems like when Hector was that age, Cycl0n3 and I were always around to answer his questions and walk him through it, but we kind of leave Raquel to her own devices. Her grades are good, though (better than Hector's were) so I guess I'm probably worrying about nothing.

Hector, being useful and the only one who really knows what's going on, did the laundry for me while I was out, which I really did appreciate. Lately he's seemed to have a nervous sort of energy about him, like he's trying to be patient, but time is slipping by too quickly. Or, well, that's how he seems to me. I suppose that's where my nervousness over the time frame of everything is coming from, because if he's nervous and knows what's going on, I have double the reason to be nervous! I kind of feel like I'm meandering around in the dark trying not to trip over invisible obstacles! Back to the subject, though, I'm glad that Hector did the laundry for me, I think that was very helpful of him, and I'll have to thank him for it when I get the chance.

Hector and Raquel both went to bed before I got home, which really surprised me, since I get home pretty early on game days. I haven't officially asked if Hector is staying up at night to work on his stuff, but I don't think I really need to. As long as he goes to school and does his homework, then I'm not going to get onto him about it.






I wish Raquel wouldn't do it, too, though! Oh well, I guess the night time is the best time for star studying, which seems to be the main thing she's been investigating.

However, my children's peculiar sleeping habits did give Cycl0n3 and I a little more one on one time together, which I'm thankful for. It was a very nice way to finish off my day.


The laundry woman,

Lynn Sw0rd

"Soon now, soon..."

DOARS- Week 6 Day 3- Maybe I'm Crazy

Dear Readers,

We're several days behind where I've played, and my head is feeling slightly okay today, so we're eligible for another posting spree! Now please don't get scared off, I'm sure that soon (just like the last week or two) I won't be posting, so please read these at your own pace. Also, I don't promise a posting spree, just that the DOARS are eligible and one might occur in the next few days.
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Dear Diary,

My entries have been a lot about gnomes and nervousness and aliens and who know what else. You probably think I've lost my mind at this point, don't you?

Well today we're going to mix things up and try to have a perfectly normal entry, how about that? No gnomes, no aliens, nothing remotely related to a conspiracy.






Cycl0n3 and I promptly woke up at 5:30. He woke up in my arms which was a nice change of pace for us, though I hope that tomorrow goes back to how it usually is, you understand, I'm sure.

The family started out our morning as we were wont to do. I started some laundry, Cycl0n3 started breakfast and the kids ate some leftovers and finished up their homework. Actually I must say that I was pleased to see Raquel working on her homework this morning. After yesterday's homework swapping debacle, I just figured that Hector had finished it for her, but apparently he only did half of it. Now, I know what you're thinking, Hector still did part of her homework, so why in the world am I letting them off the hook on this one? Well, I have three answers for you: A) Why are my parenting techniques any of your business? B) Do you even know what the homework was? Maybe it was an interview with a sibling, did you think of that? and C) I really don't have any proof that it was her homework he worked on, I just get the feeling it was.

Plus,when I talked to Raquel she went on and on about how the computer could be used to compute the exact location of the alien homeworld and then we could find some way to help them. Let's ignore that for now shall we. But as a quick off topic remark- how in the world did she find out what's going on? Who in the world is talking to my family, and why aren't they telling me? Can't I know what's going on, too?

Well, the kids were sent off to school and I worked on a present for my husband. He had been bringing home all sorts of seeds, so I prepared another sprinkler so that he could expand his garden without expanding his workload too much.

Cycl0n3 has really been getting into Nectar Making, but the silly man won't let me drink any of it. Something about it aging properly. Now, now, don't think I'm being mean, I understand that it has to age and mature before it's really a drinkable and delightful nectar, but I'm just not patient. It would be nice to relax at the end of the day and have a glass of nectar and maybe a bubble bath. The good news, though, is that Cycl0n3 says his first batch should be ready before we're old, so I guess I shouldn't be too discouraged.

As soon as he started the nectar making process he got struck by lightning! I thought he was going to die! It was so scary. I told myself that for sure he would be the first casualty of war in the family. He almost was, too, but fortunately he pulled through, and he was just fine by the end of the night. I guess getting struck by lightning isn't as serious as I always thought it was. Who knew?

Now, don't get me wrong, though, I don't want anyone else to get struck again, no matter how non-deadly it might be, Cycl0n3 tells me that it's awfully painful, and I really hope that my family is more careful about being out in the rain from now on.

The kids got home after I headed off to work, and Hector got down to his homework right away. I've never had a problem with him doing his homework. He might make questionable decisions in life, he might be involved in some shady activities (that I'm trying to not mention in this entry), but if there's one thing I can count on him for, it's doing his homework. I really admire that kind of work ethic, don't you?

Raquel, though, is starting out her school years with a slightly different attitude regarding homework. She's just so focused on whatever she's working on that everything else seems to slip her mind... even homework... or food.... and probably sleep if we didn't get onto her about it. It seems she's following in her brother's footsteps when it comes to potion making. Well, I'm sure she knows what she's doing... right?

It's nice to see that my son wants to carry on the family laundry tradition. I know he'll keep his family clothed in the most well cleaned garments. That's comforting. No really, it is comforting. there's nothing worse than a family all wearing dirty clothes. Especially if that family is tiny and zips around from place to place staying out of sim view, but let's not talk about that today, huh?

Raquel and Cycl0n3 had dinner together today. I love watching them hang out, it's so sweet. They seemed worried and tense today, though, so I hope everything is okay. For as much as my family cues me in to what's going on I probably won't hear a word about what's wrong. Sometimes I wish I wasn't quite as obtuse as I am. Then I might actually learn a thing or two from observation.










For some reason that I won't theorize about here, both of the kids decided to go to bed early. I mean, I get of work at 6 and I'm home by 6:30, but the kids were already asleep before I got home today. I guess I should be glad that I don't have kids who pester me about staying up late every night. Some nights it might be fun to be pestered, though. I want to have all those normal parenting experiences that I hear about. But oh well! I just think my kids aren't normal, but that's okay! They're fantastic kids (yes, even Hector) so I can't complain about them too much, er... well... I shouldn't complain about them too much. There we go, that's a more accurate thing to say.














Well, tomorrow is a game day, so Cycl0n3 and I went to bed early as well.

Hoping tomorrow will be fantastic,

Lynn Sw0rd












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Excerpt from Hector's Diary
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I think my parents might have figured out that I'm not sleeping at night. They haven't mentioned anything about it, though so I'm not going to worry about it.



 Besides, my work is far too important to jeopardize for a few fears about my parents.



 Especially because the Aliens are taking me to their homeworld tonight. Only for a little while, now, don't freak out.

Their ship was amazing, it was the most technologically advanced thing I had ever seen! And their homeworld, aside from the war torn areas, was magnificent and beautiful. Their race is definitely worth saving. They still haven't told me their grand plan for saving the race, but they have given me a few assignments. The current one is to report back to them with the potions that I'm discovering. Apparently they need a certain chemical compound, though I'm not sure if it's going into the offensive or defensive side of this war.






A member of their Elder Council dropped me off, Zhiddezoe Polination Technician, and she gave me strict instructions to keep my mission a secret from everyone. That was new. You might recall that Rommich encouraged me to bring my mother into the equation, and since then outside sources have alerted both my sister and my father to at least part of this scheme. Now, I know I'm not the kindest guy around, but all this tiptoeing around my family is getting old. I can tell how stressed my mother is about it. She hates the unknown. I wish I had gotten up the courage to bring her in on all of this before I was given the hush order.

It's too late to change that now, so we'll have to hope for the best.
.... But Zhiddezoe also left me with a warning that ran chills down my spine, we're close to the end game of this war, and soon they'll need me more than ever.

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Factoid: Cycl0n3 and Raquel spend a lot of time together, but since he didn't teach her any of her skills as a tot, they actually aren't even friends! It's quite sad, but they act like they're two peas in a pod, so I left that tid bit out of the story.