The Langerak Lunatics, failed, move to graveyard

[MarianT]

Desperanto -- based on Esperanto, it was invented by some friends of mine who were grad students in Linguistics. Basically, you mix up French, Spanish, German, Italian, whatever languages you know. Quatra is from the French for 4, quatre. Gen 6 (if I get that far) is going to come from Farsi, but the others are less exotic.

[MarianT]

Part Four, Chapter Two

Dear Watcher,

   I just realized I haven’t said anything about my new home. Ricardo and I are living up in the crater, in the “artsy” section of Lunar Lakes. It’s very pleasant up here with lots of trees.



The house is smaller than what I was used to, but it’s easier to get around in. Our huge lot might have been more impressive, but I find that I like not having to walk a mile to get to my bedroom. We have a living room, kitchen, and large dining room/playroom downstairs.



Upstairs is our bedroom, the children’s nursery, 3 bathrooms, a small dressing-room that could be a bedroom or study, and two porches, one of which is where Ricardo has his easel.



   The house isn't a pacesetter in architectural design, but it’s perfect for a family with two toddlers. Speaking of which, they’re growing like weeds. Ricardo has been great with them, always available for cuddles…



…and lessons. We think it’s significant that Gregor has an interest in microscopes already.



But I’m a little concerned that Quatra wanted to talk about the Grim Reaper. She’s a bit eccentric, of course, and that might explain it, or she may have heard me saying I got to meet him at Patterns’s wedding.



   That brings me to some very disturbing news, Watcher. I ran into Patterns at a party last night, and she told me that Louie Berger – who I thought was my best friend – has been considering a take-over of the Orbital Distribution Center and perhaps even having me arrested for crimes against siminity.



If anyone should be arrested, it’s him. Anyway, I’m thinking of giving evidence myself, going into a witness protection program, and turning over a new leaf. To tell you the truth, I’m getting tired of being evil. Stealing candy from a baby isn’t any fun when it’s your own baby, and I don’t really want to undermine the Life Fruit for Elders Foundation – Ricardo’s an elder, and I’ll be one myself someday.
You may hear from me again, or you may not. If you do, I’ll be living somewhere else. Thanks for listening,  Drei Langerak.

[MarianT]

Chapter Three

   Louie and I reached a deal. Neither of us would do any testifying, and I would leave Lunar Lakes and the space distribution trade to him. Some people might say I am backing down – and I am – but my little ones are just too precious for me to put their lives in danger. I did a few sessions with a therapist, too. She helped me mellow out a bit, so I’m not quite the evil workaholic I used to be. I’m still a whiz with the computer, and I’m channeling my desire to rule the world into keeping the house tidy. Otherwise, I’m the same old charismatic genius who loves the outdoors.

   All of us spent most of the shuttle trip sleeping. I think Quatra and Gregor will get acclimated to planetside pretty quickly as they’re so young, but Ricardo might have a hard time. He admits that he might feel the gravity less if he lost some weight. The house we bought has a pool, so that will help.

   About the house – we had a really unpleasant surprise when we arrived in Lucky Palms. There was a fire truck parked outside.



The firefighter said our house had been struck by a meteor, but I can’t help thinking Louie had something to do with it.



   I called the local distribution center to tell them I was completely out of the business and that they had better pass the word along to Louie. They said they would.



   I really hope we can stay here. Lucky Palms is beautiful, and the neighbors seem nice and friendly. Ricardo met Omar Matlapin even before we were moved in.



   He and I worked quickly to clean up the damage. All of the space rocks scattered around have given me an idea for Quatra’s collection, assuming she wants to continue the challenge.



   Once we were able to move into the house, I took some pictures. The house reminds me of something you would find on Lunar Lakes, only more grounded, if that’s the right word. Here’s the outside:



Here’s the living room…



…the kitchen and dining area…



…and the bedrooms upstairs.



   I think we’ll all be very happy here. I already feel as if I’m back on a track that I never knew I was off of.

[MarianT]

Chapter Four

   This is the view from my window when I’m working on the computer.



It’s so gorgeous that it’s no wonder I’m having trouble solving the unsolvable. I’ve had a little luck with the knapsack problem and P=NP, but I fail quite a bit more often than I succeed.



   I noticed one thing out of the window that I didn’t like at all – one of Louie’s minions checking up on us. I’m very tempted to get a dog – a large dog.



I heard the garbage can fall over the other night, and I was sure it was the minion, but it turned out to be just a raccoon. I suppose a dog might prevent that, too.



   On a more positive note, Gregor and Quatra have been making friends with each other now that they can talk. Art seems to be the main topic of conversation – it’s so cute listening to them.



Ricardo took Gregor out for a walk in the stroller and discovered a community garden. It’s so strange having vegetables available. People could grow things in Lunar Lakes, but they always tasted artificial, as if they were grown in a patch of chemicals instead of real dirt.



   The two of them grew up very quickly. We had cake for both of them, but hardly knew anyone to invite for a party. That was probably just as well, as neither Ricardo nor I had time to get dressed before they raced to the table for cake. Quatra went first, as she’s the eldest.



Then it was Gregor’s turn.



They both wanted clothing in their favorite colors. Quatra’s is yellow, and she wanted to remind everyone that she’s been on a spaceship (even though she doesn’t remember the experience).



   Gregor likes spiceberry.



   Quatra wanted to sign up for a class in inventing, while Gregor decided to join the scouts. She said the science center was weird but interesting.



   “Hey there, kid, what’re you making?”

   “A time—who are you?”

   “The Watcher. I’m a friend of your parents, and grandparents, and great-grandparents, and great-great grandparents.”

   “You’re joking.”

   “Scouts’ honor. Usually I would have this conversation when you were much younger, but I had to take a later shuttle than your family. Anyway, you do realize that you are a young lady with a very large responsibility?”

   “Yeah, Mom said something about defeating the forces of evil, although I don’t see how she could do that when she was the Emperor of Evil herself.”

   “I think her plan was to fight from within.”

   “Yeah, well, my plan is to invent a time machine, so I can go back and get rid of that nasty Louie Berger. And I’m going to build a robot army to protect us.”

   “Sounds good to me, princess. In the meantime, you’ll work to make the honor roll, okay?”

   “Yeah, sure.”



Quatra Langerak
Traits: artistic, eccentric, friendly, loves the outdoors, ambitious
Honor roll: elementary, high school
Skill: inventing, 4/5 skill challenges, handiness maxed
Career: Inventor
Black ops: After School Employment, A Fishy Science Project, The Writing Club, Master Invention (palladium), Business Model, Best Food in Town, Networking is Key
Best friends: Joshua Gilbert, Gregor Langerak, Flora Langerak, Imogen Langerak, Patricia Langerak, Jamaal Masters, Edmond Shaw, Oscar Vasquez
NPC friends: Neal Escobar (newspaper deliverer), Alexa Scharz (paparazzi), Noel Fulton (maid), Shara Pickens (elixir consignment specialist), Jamila Davidson (tattoo artist)
Tombstone: Drei, Langerak
Building: The Solitary Novel
Property: Lakeside Retreat (3)
Collection: gnomes
Vacation = 33 days -12 = 21 days

[lvrugger]

Nice to see your updates. I hope you love Lucky Palms as much as I do. Maybe Darren and Darleen will have a child who Quatra can befriend...

[MarianT]

Chapter Five

Dear Watcher,

   It’s me again, Drei. We’re settling into Lucky Palms, although Ricardo and I have been so busy that we haven’t met many people. However, I did take time to tutor Quetra. She managed to make the honor roll twice – a first for our family.



   Gregor decided to take up scouting and was quite proud when he got his first badge.



   Our household has grown by leaps and bounds. First we went to the shelter and found a dog – a large dog, who is quiet, smart, and a good hunter. We named her Ursa because she looks like she’s part bear.



   Despite looking fierce enough to scare off Louie’s minions, Ursa is good with children, especially when they play with her.



   The other additions to the family are Patches and Fluffs (or Patricia and Flora, as they prefer to be called). Patricia is best friends with Gregor.



Flora came to Quatra.



I made the potions for them – those logic skills do come in handy sometimes! Having them join the family makes up a little for saying good-bye to Patterns and Ferdinand and my little sister Elise. I wish I knew how they’re doing, but it will be a long time before the shuttle returns with news.

   Patricia is a mooch with star quality, but she has no sense of humor.



Flora is good, with a photographer’s eye, but rebellious.



   One unfortunate side effect of having twins with imaginary friends is that you acquire four teenagers at the same time. Gregor had his birthday first, even though he’s the younger twin.



Quatra came second, and I missed getting a picture of Patricia.



We didn’t actually get a cake until it was Flora’s turn. If each of us had had a piece for every birthday, we would all have resembled beach balls.


   Anyway, here is my brood. Quatra, first, who looks very much like her grandmother Deuce.



Gregor looks more like his dad, but with my blond hair. With several girls his age in town, he’s decided to flirt with everyone.



Patricia is very much the young lady.



And Flora is adorable. She gained the “perceptive” trait and wants to be a private investigator like Gregor.

[ratchie]

Not only do you get four teenagers but as some of them are not related to one another you get the potential for romance,broken hearts and all the teen drama.
Great update Marian Lucky Palms looks great.

Rachel

[RainBeau]

Desperanto, eh? Interesting. What made you decide to move?

[MarianT]

First only the two children, Quatra and Gregor were aging; then no one was aging; then the game started crashing at 6 pm Sims time. I asked Metro for permission to move, and he gave it.

[MarianT]

Chapter Six

Dear Watcher,

   Mom asked me to write this update because she’s feeling kind of down.  Also, she says that it’s hard to know what’s going on with teenagers, and I’m probably more aware than she is. I’ll start with the easy stuff first.

   I’m trying to get a head start on my future career as an inventor. I’ve already visited the junkyard here in Lucky Palms.



I’ve also set myself on fire – luckily the shower is just inside.



I even got a job in order to acquire my first “black op.” I’m working at the mausoleum, and I’ve already been promoted to Overseer of the Dead.



    With a bunch of teens in the house, that means lots of pranks. So far the only one to suffer has been Gregor. Mom caught him setting a booby trap, and then he got caught by one himself. He thinks Patricia or I set it, because our favorite color is yellow, but I happen to know the culprit is Flora.



The other thing that’s going on is prom coming up. I’m trying to get up the courage to ask Joshua Gilbert, but I’m really more interested in seeing what happens with Gregor, Patricia, and Flora. Both of them would like Gregor to ask them to go, but I think he’s smart enough to realize that would cause a lot of grief. I think he’s planning to go stag, but who knows what will happen at the prom.

   Anyway, that was the easy stuff. Oh, and we had a little dog gnome show up.



   Louie the Wicked sent one of his henchmen sneaking into the house the other night.



He managed to get past the alarm and Ursa, but Mom was waiting for him. She told me later that she just had a feeling Louie would try something, and she said the training for her “previous career” really paid off (like I didn’t know she used to be a criminal herself).



   Anyway, the excitement was too much for Dad. A little while later, he started feeling funny when he went upstairs.



The next thing we knew, the Grim Reaper was taking him away. It’s really sad because he was so close to completing his lifetime wish of becoming an Illustrious Author. He’d finished the writing requirements and was 95% done with the painting requirements, but it was not to be. We’ll miss him.

[ratchie]

Rest in Peace Ricardo. Gregor is right it will only cause bad feelings if he chooses one girl over the other,best to stay just friends for now.

Rachel

[MarianT]

Chapter Seven

Excerpts from the Brittlebush Academy student newspaper, Happenings:

IRONY

   If Mr. Tanner’s explanation of irony in your English class didn’t make sense, maybe this story about Patricia L.’s horrendous experience will help.

   It began with someone spreading a rumor that she had been arrested. This wasn’t true, so Patricia went to City Hall to sue for slander. Unfortunately, she went at 9 p.m., and her case wasn’t heard until after curfew. The result? Patricia L. was arrested.



   Naturally, she got in trouble at home, and was grounded.



Because she was grounded, she wasn’t allowed to go to school. This would have gotten her in more trouble for bad grades, so she snuck out of the house.



This got her in even more trouble. But Patricia L.’s story has a happy ending. By helping with the laundry and cleaning the bathroom, she was able to get her mom to let her off the hook.



Teens, don’t make the same mistake that Patricia L. made. Before you leave the house, look at the time.

PROM REVIEW

   “Totally awesome,” said Flora L. “The decorations were so cool, I felt like I was at the bottom of the sea, and the music was fantastic. Everything they played was one of my favorite songs.”



   “It was okay, I guess. Of course, I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who voted me prom queen, but I wish more guys had shown up. I’m looking at you, Edmond S.” That was Patricia L.’s reaction.

   Happenings tried to get a response from Joshua G. and Quatra L., but they were too busy preparing for a meteorite attack by experiencing their first kiss before it happened.



   Prom king Gregor L. wanted to thank all the people who voted for him. Happenings suspects he might have gotten fewer votes if people had known he was going to develop a romantic interest in Flora L.



REMINDER -- Don't forget to pick up your prom pix!

[MarianT]

Chapter Eight

   Teens will be teens, especially after prom.





   Patricia:  “I can’t believe you’d booby-trap the shower!”

   Gregor:  “I didn’t. Why would I even want to? I’m blissfully happy.”

   Patricia: “Arrrgh!”



   Flora:  “Whatcha thinking about?”

   Gregor:  “Wondering what you’re thinking about.”

   Flora:  “Giggle.”



   We all know what they’re both thinking about.



   Lately I’ve been using the miner that Ricardo brought home. I keep hoping to find some really large, gigantic rocks for Quatra’s collection.



   I even went on an adventure in one of the tunnels.



   So far, all I’ve turned up are some cheap gems, scrap, and a couple of gnomes.

   Gnome toddler: “I see London, I see France,
   I see—“

   Adult gnome:  “Hate to break it to you, kid, but those underpants are yours.”



   The children threw a birthday party for me the other day.



Quite a few people came, and were kind enough to say that it was awesome.



I have one piece of advice for future generations:  even if you have a pool, do not host a pool party for your elder birthday.



I’ve decided to go for the dignified but smart look. I’m keeping the bun and much of my blonde hair. It’s not everyone who can wear a bun, but I think I can carry it off.

[MarianT]

Chapter Nine

Dear Watcher,

   Mom asked me to write to you because she’s been having a rough day. First, she ran into the booby-trap that Flora intended for Patricia.



See, Flora was mad at Patricia because she was flirting with Gregor. Personally, I think it was more Gregor’s fault because he’ll flirt with anything that moves.



Then Mom ran into the booby-trap that Patricia set for Gregor in revenge for the one that she got.



So Mom claims she’s not going to leave her room until we’ve all developed some maturity.

   I called Joshua the other night and invited him over, so I could explain about the project and why we would have to delay our wedding. While I was waiting for him to show up, I noticed that a bunch of gnomes were in conclave. I hope they’re plotting against Louie’s henchmen rather than us.



   Joshua and I had quite a serious talk about our future. He said he supported me 100% in whatever I wanted to do. I told him it wasn’t a matter of wanting, but of my family’s destiny. He was okay with that, too.



   We were just settling into the fun part of the evening, when Patricia showed up, claiming she had to do her homework. Wouldn’t it be better to find some place where there was a light?



Joshua and I managed to have a little fun after all.



   And now – let the birthdays begin!  Ursa was first, chasing her sparkles.



Gregor and I decided we’d rather not have a party, but instead forego the last day of school. Unfortunately, there wasn’t time for Patricia to have her birthday, too. (Note: the previous sentence is dripping with sarcasm.) But the tables were turned on me, because I aged up into the worst combination ever – the Nancy Landgraab updo with some clothes rejected by Goodwill.



   Luckily, Mom had a bunch of boxes up in her room – my birthday present was a whole new wardrobe.

Everyday


Formal


Nightwear


Athletic 


Swimsuit

[JudesSims]

Nice update! Don't you just love those booby traps?