John 1:1 - was the Word God?
John 1:1 is hardly a Trinitarian proof text.
Various translation have the c part as “and the Word was a god.” Other translations have “and the Word was divine.”
A Contemporary English Translation of the Coptic Text. The Gospel of John, Chapter One (From 2nd/3rd century):

1In the beginning the Word existed. The Word existed in the presence of God, and the Word was a divine being. 2This one existed in the beginning with God.

Diaglot NT, 1865:

“In a beginning was the Word, and the Word was with the God, and a god was the Word.”

Harwood, 1768:

"and was himself a divine person"

Newcome, 1808:

"and the word was a god"

Thompson, 1829:

"the Logos was a god”

Robert Harvey, D.D., 1931:

"and the Logos was divine (a divine being)”

Greek Orthodox /Arabic translation, 1983:

"the word was with Allah [God] and the word was a god"

John J. McKenzie, S.J., in his Dictionary of the Bible, says: “John 1:1 should rigorously be translated ‘the word was with the God [= the Father], and the word was a divine being.’”—(Brackets are his.) New York, 1965), p. 317
“In John 1:1c, the Word is not the one-and-only God, but is a god, or divine being.”—Truth in Translation: Accuracy and Bias in English Translations of the New Testament, pages 115, 122, and 123.
Joseph Henry Thayer, a Unitarian scholar who worked on the American Standard Version says of John 1:1: “The Logos [or, Word] was divine, not the divine Being himself.”
Even Vine in his dictionary admits 'the literal translation is, 'a god was the Word'.
The Word, was in the presence of God. The Word was alongside of God, near to, in front of. John tells us, this divine being, came to the earth, this divine being, became flesh, for prior to this he was a spirit being. The Word, is a title, given to a specific being, and not God's speech or expressions… Jesus, the Word, the Logos, is not God.
However, even without arguing grammar, we can read from the same letter and see the frame of mind John had Jesus, the Word, in.
Notably John 1:18 says that “no man has seen God at any time.” This occurs many times and isn’t a one off idea. (Ex 33:20; John 6:46; 1 John 4:12)
If we read previously at John 1:14, we see that the Word became flesh. Jesus was clearly seen by many thousands of people. That easily concludes that Jesus is not God.
John 1:23, “I am a voice of someone crying out in the wilderness.” Jesus is quoting Isaiah 40:3. This isn’t a new idea, Malachi 3:1:

1Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith [YHWH] of hosts.

There is the temple again, not Jesus physical body. But! Lord, whom ye seek. We see this distinction between God and Lord at 1 Cor 8:5-6:

5 For even though there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth, just as there are many “gods” and many “lords,” 6 there is actually to us one God, the Father, from whom all things are and we for him; and there is one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things are and we through him. (KJV says the same)

So, John had the same mindset that Paul wrote about here. The Word was certainly not God, because we have seen Jesus. Jesus claims to be the messenger, the answerer of the ones crying out in the wilderness. John, nor Paul, thought Jesus was Almighty God, YHWH.

I know it was your first relationship. At 28, you had already been through so much, having been on your own for 13 years. You were forced to grow up too fast, and had to prioritize yourself, building a life from nothing. I get it. It was your fierce independence that made me fall for you in the first place.
I always knew that trying to build a life with you was going to be a struggle. I thought it would be worth it, for both of us. You deserve to have someone in your corner, that always has your back. You shouldn’t have to be alone. I don’t know if you believed the same.
I think I gave up too much of myself for you. Was that my mistake or yours? Did you really ask for too much, or did I give too freely without expectation for anything in return? Maybe both. Probably more on me. I’m not perfect by a long shot.
Compromise. It really does all come down to that. I tried to show you its importance, but in the process I ended up being the only one willing to do it. Me getting to pick what movie we watched or getting to plan a date became something I only got to do on special occasions. You said you felt like you didn’t know me, but so many times in so many ways I offered up little pieces of me to you. I share myself by sharing the things I love with the people I love. But more and more towards the end, all you’d say was “no”. Ignoring any context. Ignoring those pieces of me.
I know you don’t like movies about kids. I know asking to watch Home Alone during Christmas was a big ask. But it was a tradition that I shared with my dad, who I lost just over a year before. I know you think that traditions are pointless, but it was important to me. My earliest memories are of that. I needed to continue on, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it alone. I needed you there, your support. It was such a small gesture I was asking of you, but all I got was “no”. Instead we watched a movie you picked: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. A movie made by the exact same people that made Home Alone, and with even more kids.
We wanted to go to Ireland. Personally I’ve been wanting to go for years, but couldn’t because of my dad’s illness along with everything else going on. You knew that in the last 3 years I lost all of my grandparents, two uncles, my dad. I couldn’t risk going so far away for so long while everyone was sick. My mom saw me giving up the latter half of my 20s for my family, when she was hoping I would be enjoying life and seeing the world. That’s why she was happy to give us the money to have the trip of our dreams. I explained all of this to you while you were struggling to find a way to save for the trip. All my mom wanted in return was a single nice photo of us. That wasn’t even a requirement for the money. She just wanted to see me with the person that I love making our dreams come true. I know you hate having your picture taken. The only attention your dad ever gave you was when he wanted to test a new camera. It’s a trauma trigger. But I was only asking for one picture. You’d compromise for your friends, you’d compromise for your sister. You’d take pictures with them. Why wouldn’t you compromise for your partner, and the other most important person in your partners life? After a year, we have 3 pictures together, none of which are very good. I know that I was asking for a lot, but I felt so less important than everyone else in your life. Maybe you felt that as your partner, I was to be held to a higher standard? I honestly don’t know. All you said was “no”.
You admitted yourself I was so supportive. I always prioritized you. From always making your tea before mine, to giving you the better looking plate at dinner, to planting all of your favorite flowers in my garden. I always complemented you, how smart you are, how beautiful you are, how driven and independent you are. Your friend needed a ride to a 5k and someone to cheer them on? I was there. You needed someone to drive you around while your car was in the shop for 2 months? No problem. Accidentally overdrew your account again, and you couldn’t afford the late fees? Here’s $50. Need to move on short notice? I’m the guy tearing apart and moving your furniture. You have a migraine so bad you can’t eat? I’m bringing you pedialyte and sleeping on your couch, even though I didn’t actually get any sleep. I learned all your rituals so not to trigger your OCD. There are countless other examples. I never said no. I never complained. You rarely said so much as “thank you”.
The big one. The thing that ended us. You’re right, we did sit down like adults time and time again and talked things out. You said you needed me to anticipate your needs. You’d get overwhelmed, and couldn’t articulate what you needed from me. You couldn’t stand being asked what you needed. You just needed me to start helping. “Mental loads” and all that. I took that to heart. But I’m not perfect. Sometimes I’d miss the mark. Tried to support you, but in the wrong way. Even in my failures I showed effort, but you never seemed to see that. You only focused on how I failed.
We recognized that this was a problem caused by both of us. The communication wasn’t getting through. But I had already adapted to your communication style as much as I could. My exited, rambling, almost impulsive way of generating ideas became slow, methodical, thoughtful. I put intention behind everything so not to overwhelm you. I learned not to jump at the obvious solution.
Yes, we sat down like adults and talked things over time and time again. You told me what you needed from me, but I also told you what I needed from you. If I was missing the mark, please just guide me to what you needed. I’m not a mind reader. I did it for you all the time. You were honestly awful at anticipating my needs too. If I was venting, had a bad day, all you’d say was “I’m sorry”, and pat me on the back like a puppy. No effort to dig deeper. No words of support or encouragement. So I had to show you how I needed support. I just needed you to do the same for me. “No”. Again.
One final time, I sent you words of support when you were having a bad day. It wasn’t enough, you wanted more. A phone call? For me to come over so you could vent in person? Did you actually want me to directly help for once? I don’t know. You never told me. Instead of guiding me to what you needed, you immediately shut down. Full silent treatment. I’ve been in abusive relationships where the silent treatment was welded as a weapon. I know you didn’t mean it in an abusive way, you were just overwhelmed again. But I never expected it from you. I didn’t see it for what it was. I only ever asked one thing from you to save us. I put in the work, got us 80% of the way there. I knew I couldn’t bridge the gap on my own. I wasn’t even asking you to put in effort on my behalf, it was for your benefit. I begged you time and time again for help. To communicate. Not to put it all on me, because I couldn’t do it on my own. But instead, you did the opposite.
You said that you felt like you were putting more effort into the relationship than I was. I’m sorry, but I can’t see that effort. I’m trying to give you the benefit of the doubt, but I can’t. Maybe you mean you put effort into forgiving me every time I messed up? Maybe you mean that you were always planning dates, always picking what we watched, where we went, what we ate, what we drank? Again, mental loads and such. But I had things that I wanted to do and share with you that you always turned down. You only had to plan everything after my plans were rejected. It would have been more efficient for you to show love, patience, and compromise. Maybe we would have worked out then.
But then you left.
​
​
​

• QMK/VIA keyboards - Firmware must be updated on both the source tree and the downloadable file with a change log
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• NuPhy must provide a list of compatible switches, especially when listing low profile keyboards
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Obviously, I'll be vague about the more sensitive or identifiable details, but here is a rundown of what has happened.
Recently moved back from overseas and looking for employment. This is in England.
Nov '23 - Interviewed for a role. I was told I was the last person to be interviewed on the way out, but an interviewer corrected that as an Executive was wondering whether to approach someone else about the role. A couple of days later I was told that I wasn't successful, but that they're putting me forward for another role that I might be suitable for.
Dec '23 - Meeting about the other role. It sounded great, and it was strongly suggested that I was the only candidate for the role. I got positive feedback and was told by the person in Talent (let's call them TK) that there needed to be a meeting to confirm the specifics of the role. This got pushed back a few times and I was told that it was definitely going ahead in the new year. As I had been living with family whilst I found my feet, I asked for a firm assurance that it would as I needed to move for the role, and my living arrangements were increasingly unstable and I'd need to move to a different city. I got firm assurance, and so my girlfriend and I moved into a flat closeby with a year's lease.
Jan - Feb '24 - The meeting kept being pushed back, or was vague. TK didn't keep me up to date and wouldn't always reply to texts/emails within a reasonable time. I got repeated assurance that the job was going ahead shortly. I was eventually told the job description had been finalised and I was sent a copy to review. I read it and said I was happy to move forward. I was emailed a conditional offer of employment document that was referred to as a contract. The conditions were;

1. Evidence I am eligible to work in the UK
2. Successful medical
3. Satisfactory references
4. Evidence of qualifications
5. Security clearances (incl overseas checks for the 2 countries I'd lived in outside of UK)
6. Successful 12 week probation
7. Agreement that employer can deduct any liabilities from salary
8. Acceptance of T&Cs in job offer letter

I signed the document and returned it. The week afterwards, I attended my medical and provided my ID documents for the checks to be carried out. The week after that, TK called to say that a new Executive had decided to take a different strategic direction and that the team I would be a part of had been pulled. For this reason, my job offer was withdrawn. I asked about the contract that I'd signed and TK said that they'd check. They called back the next day to explain that my overseas checks hadn't come back yet so they didn't owe me anything.
March - May '24 - I wanted to see if my checks would eventually come back, as that would satisfy another of the 8 conditions. My UK and one of the overseas ones came back clear, but the second overseas one was cancelled by the employer. I had independently had one carried out in this process and that came back clear, so I know I wouldn't have failed it. Following ACAS rules, I had already informally raised my concern over the phone, and so a formal grievance was the next step. The job offer had been withdrawn, but there had been no conversation around the document that was referred to as a contract, not even verbally. In that document, there are two sentences next to each other that are a little unclear:

Your notice period to \employer* will be 3 months from either side.*
\employer* will give you 1 month's notice for the first 4 years of employment and an additional 1 week for each additional full year of service up to a maximum of 12.*

These are right next to each other, but seem to contradict. I've also never seen the phrase "from either side" before.
In my grievance, I explained the negative effect this has had on my financial stability and mental health, and pointed out the notice period above. I also mentioned that I was now locked into living in an unfamiliar city, and that my future job search was now very limited to the area. I didn't ask for a specific outcome, just that I'd like to start a constructive dialogue and that I'd like to see their grievance policy. They've replied and reinforced their position that they don't contractually owe me anything as I didn't satisfy condition 6 - the probation. They also said that they'd offer 4 weeks' wages as an ex gratia. I haven't replied, as I'd like to properly understand my options.
Questions

1. How do you interpret the notice period?
2. Can a company withdraw a job offer and a contract without honouring a notice period for the reasons they've given (change of strategic direction / haven't completed probation). I haven't been given a chance to complete the probation and so it's not like I've underperformed or been frequently absent.
3. Is there a difference between a job offer and a contract, and do both have to be formally withdrawn?
4. Am I right in saying that because they haven't followed the ACAS Code of Practice for Grievances?
5. Do you think I have a case that is worth pursuing in ACAS' Early Conciliation / Tribunal?
6. Is there anything else I've missed?

Thanks so much, this has been a huge headache over the last 6 months.

I keep getting an error - “your account does not meet the requirements valorant tpm 2.0”, I tried to reinstall on a different windows started to get that you need to enable Secure Boot and update the windows to a new version - then I decided to reinstall the windows, and the error did not go away, and remained only the error to enable tpm 2.0 BUT MY COMPUTER DOES NOT HAVE TPM 2.0 HOW DO I INCLUDE IT IF IT ISN'T? I have TPM 1.2 ON BUT I HAVE NO TPM 2.0 - my computer mahobay lenovo m82....
I had a not bad fps on this iron, but now I am simply not allowed in the game, before it was solved by creating a new account, but now even so does not work.

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Hey there! I'm a 28 year old man (technically nonbinary (AMAB) but I present as very masculine and have a beard but use whatever pronouns), 275lbs, 6ft tall. I'm looking to join a closed poly relationship as your third partner!
I'm bi/pansexual - we can make whatever parts you've got work. I should note that all of my dating history has been with women though, so men may need to hold my hand as I learn the intricacies of a same-sex relationship.
My hobbies:
Video games, specifically I'm mostly into strategy games like Civ (Civ V to be specific) and an old school MMO.
Fishkeeping - I keep both fresh and saltwater fishtanks! I love aquariums as well, might be a good date idea. Can talk your ear off about fish nerd stuff.
Anime - I watch way too much anime, more than I watch American TV at this point. My favorites are Ouran Highschool Host Club, Overlord, and Log Horizon.
Reading - I like to read or listen to audiobooks depending on the day, mostly Fantasy novels like Brandon Sanderson books and even some lit-RPGs.
What I'm looking for - Ideally I'd join a closed poly relationship, meaning that we all date each other at the same time - and that if any other partners get added in the future, we'd all have to agree and date them as well. I'm not really particular about age, you can be older than me or younger (I guess just be over 21?), and I'm not particular about your gender either - whether you be men, women, enby, or anything else - what really matters to me is that we have shared interests that we can bond over! And I suppose it helps if you're cool people!
I know that it can be difficult to add a whole new person into your relationship, figuring out where we all stand, what roles we fill, and how our personalities mesh - so it's important to me that you're emotionally intelligent, mature, and willing to talk things out! Oh and I'd appreciate it if at least one of you is a bit of a yapper! I tend to yap on about anything even slightly interesting so it'd be cool to have someone to talk too about random stuff! Anyway, thank you for taking the time to read this whole thing! If you did and you're going to send me a message, add the word "dolphin" to your message so I can tell that you did!
Thanks <3

Hi everyone, I am looking for advice on purchasing a new laptop to replace my old HP OMEN - 15-ax000nl. My budget is £1000, but I can stretch to £1300 if it's worth it. I will mostly use this laptop for work.
I have a PS5 at home, but I still enjoy playing some games on Steam in my spare time. Is it worth buying a gaming laptop? I am asking this question because it is a my future desire owning a proper PC.
Thank you for you help! Cya!

Have:
All of May 2024 humble exc Loddlenaut
Wolfenstein 2 New Colossus
Valfaris Mecha Therion
Call of Juarez
Trifox
Pixplode
Dagon - The Eldritch Box DLC
Post Void
Hexologic
Supraland
Wandersong
We are alright (Wszystko z nami w porządku)
Yoku's Island Express
Chicken Police
Pikuniku
Descenders
Everhood
Brothers - A Tale of Two Sons
Human Fall Flat
Super Panda Adventures
The Excavation of Hob's Barrow
Destroy All Humans!
Suzerain
EarthX
Go Home Dinosaurs!
Going Under
Rollerdrome
Black Book
Monaco
Pawnbarian
Ring of Pain
Book of Demons
Drawful 2
INMOST
Say No! More
ToeJam & Earl: Back in the Groove
The Life and Suffering of Sir Brante
SUPERHOT
Edna & Harvey: The Breakout - Anniversary Edition
Worms Rumble - Legends Pack
Calico
Nex Machina
Fury Unleashed
Nomad Survival
Coromon
Crying Suns
Crown Trick
DOOMBLADE
NARUTO TO BORUTO: SHINOBI STRIKER
Slinger VR
Forgive Me Father
ENDLESS™ Space 2
PGA TOUR 2K21
Wargroove
Revita
Just Die Already
Expeditions: Viking
Broken Age
Corridor Z
RPG Maker VX
Tooth and Tail
Founders' Fortune
Dead Island Definitive Edition
Super Star Path
Moon Hunters
Popup Dungeon
Rustler
Dear Esther: Landmark Edition
Neverout
Before We Leave
Rogue Heroes: Ruins of Tasos
Amnesia: Rebirth
Shing!
West of Dead
Iron Danger
Pathway
Draw Slasher
Driftland: The Magic Revival
INDUSTRIA
GameGuru Classic
Killsquad
NecroWorm
Lust from Beyond: M Edition
Lust for Darkness
Paradise Lost
Garbage
Liberté
Telefrag VR
From Space
Orbital Racer
Roarr! Jurassic Edition
Oddworld: Soulstorm Enhanced Edition
Worms Rumble
WARSAW
The Amazing American Circus
Treasure Hunter Simulator
Out of Reach: Treasure Royale
The USB Stick Found in the Grass
Soulblight
HUMANKIND™ Definitive Edition
X-Morph: Defense Complete Pack
Life is Strange 2 Complete Season (incl. Mascot Bundle DLC)
Want: ** = Priority Wishlist on my barter.vg too
Ticket to Ride DLCs
Pandemic the board game
Scythe
The Lord of the Rings Adventure Card Game
V Rising
Hades 2
Foundry
Crab Champions **
Fights in Tight Spaces
Midnight Suns
Digimon Survive**
https://www.steamtrades.com/use76561198056383473
https://barter.vga27d/t/

This post is way longer than originally intended. Having some issues getting klipper to maintain a stable connection to mcu.
Printer: CR-10 Smart Pro 2022
Pi: 4b
Services: Klipper + Octoprint 1.10.0

FIRMWARE_VERSION:v0.12.0-180-g79930ed9 FIRMWARE_NAME:KlipperFIRMWARE_VERSION:v0.12.0-180-g79930ed9 FIRMWARE_NAME:Klipper 

After initial install everything was working. I was having issues with "ls /dev/serial/by-id/*". Received "ls: cannot access '/dev/serial/by-id/*': No such file or directory" but magically cleared up after diag commands "lsusb" and "dmesg". Not sure what did it but I did nothing special that I can remember.
"/dev/serial/by-id/usb-1a86_USB_Serial-if00-port0"
After I updated the config with the "by-id" I had complete control over the printer and no problems.
Something I always do with a fresh install of a linux distro is "sudo apt update" & "sudo apt upgrade". (May of been a bad idea)
After upgrade completed I "restart system" from octoprint webpage and still had no issues.
Continuing I installed some plugins() and the moved on to getting the creality cam that the printer came with working assuming that it may be a fools errand.
After plugging in the camera and checking the octoprint "webcam stream". The webcam was still not working.
I restarted the pi from octoprint screen and from there I received errors connecting to mcu. Shows "standby" and attempting to press connect returned error.
"ls /dev/serial/by-id/*" no longer returns the id and gives me the same error "ls: cannot access '/dev/serial/by-id/*': No such file or directory"
Checked lsusb and dmesg. Everything looks good.
"ls /dev/serial/by-path/*" gives me a good output.
"/dev/serial/by-path/platform-fd500000.pcie-pci-0000:01:00.0-usb-0:1.1:1.0-port0"
Klipper faq - "Wheres my serial port" states "If you are using multiple micro-controllers and they do not have unique ids (common on boards with a CH340 USB chip) then follow the directions above using the command ls /dev/serial/by-path/* instead."
dmesg command returns
[ 6.129402] usbcore: registered new interface driver ch341
[ 6.129485] usbserial: USB Serial support registered for ch341-uart
[ 6.129561] ch341 1-1.1:1.0: ch341-uart converter detected
[ 6.144044] bcm2835-codec bcm2835-codec: Device registered as /dev/video11
[ 6.144085] bcm2835-codec bcm2835-codec: Loaded V4L2 encode
Obviously related to the camera.
Updating the config with the "by-path" output allows me to connect to the printer but any sent command other than the constant m105 will give me an error.
Printer is shutdown Recv: !! Shutdown due to M112 command Changing monitoring state from "Operational" to "Error"Recv: // Shutdown due to M112 commandRecv: // Shutdown due to M112 command Recv: // Once the underlying issue is corrected, use the Recv: // "FIRMWARE_RESTART" command to reset the firmware, reload the Recv: // config, and restart the host software. Recv: // Printer is shutdown
Printer does not shutdown in reality and at one point after restarting everything pressing the home button on octoprint. turned the fan on but also issued the same m112 command and error.
Was it sudo apt upgrade?
Was it plugging in the camera?
Notes about sudo apt upgrade:
I found an old post (https://www.reddit.com/klippers/comments/11gf40c/not\_able\_to\_run\_ls\_devserialbyid\_advice\_greatly/) about someone using linux mint who was running into the same issue. someone had commented "
Mint also includes a braille reader that blocks access to the serial port by default. Try these commands to uninstall one program that for sure will block it, and the second will show the status if ModemManager is installed, and if so, it may need to be removed as well
Mint also includes a braille reader that blocks access to the serial port by default. Try these commands to uninstall one program that for sure will block it, and the second will show the status if ModemManager is installed, and if so, it may need to be removed as well
sudo apt remove brltty sudo service ModemManager status
I attempted the first command but it returned not installed
The second command returned an active service.
"sudo apt list" returns these 5 related to brltty:
brltty-espeak/oldstable 6.3+dfsg-1+deb11u1 armhf
brltty-flite/oldstable 6.3+dfsg-1+deb11u1 armhf
brltty-speechd/oldstable 6.3+dfsg-1+deb11u1 armhf
brltty-x11/oldstable 6.3+dfsg-1+deb11u1 armhf
brltty/oldstable 6.3+dfsg-1+deb11u1 armhf
and also these related to ModemManager:
gir1.2-modemmanager-1.0/oldstable 1.14.12-0.2 armhf
libkf5modemmanagerqt-doc/oldstable 5.78.0-2 all
libkf5modemmanagerqt6/oldstable 5.78.0-2 armhf
modem-manager-gui-help/oldstable 0.0.20-2 all
modem-manager-gui/oldstable 0.0.20-2 armhf
modemmanager-dev/oldstable 1.14.12-0.2 armhf
modemmanager-doc/oldstable 1.14.12-0.2 all
modemmanager-qt-dev/oldstable 5.78.0-2 armhf
modemmanageoldstable,now 1.14.12-0.2 armhf [installed,automatic]
modem manager is now uninstalled.
brltty still shows not installed.
Notes about the camera and printer.
Camera was plugged into a usb 2.0 port while the serial connection is a usb 3.0.
I've never seen this thing work. The printer has both a usb-c connection and a usb-a.
usb-a is strictly for the webcam because it connects to the wifi box not the mcu.
The wifi box is 100% defective out of the box. I could go into details but this post is long enough. I have been using the printer reliably using only the sd card and the physical screen on the printer.
Sorry this is so long. I'm obviously losing it. I'm attempting to show that I have been through all of the usual fixes. My plan from here is to reflash the pi and go back to the beginning of the klipper installation for the 3rd time. This time no "sudo apt upgrade" and no camera.
Eventually I'd like to plug in a camera but I need to know whats going on because the camera just seems to break everything.
Attempt #1 - Camera was already plugged in. "sudo apt upgrade" was ran. Never managed to get the printer to respond. Made it to a "operational" state but like stated before any attempt to send a command other than m105 errors out.
Attempt #2 - Fuctional. Responds to commands moving axises, heating up nozzle/bed, reports temps. Then broke after either apt upgrade or plugging in camera.
Attempt #3 - (Will update this when completed.)
I'm giving up for now and going fishing later. I will be checking on this until I come back from fishing (7/8p est). If you want more info about its current state post a comment I can run some more commands. Any help is appreciated!

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[PAID] (u/Content-Western-4505) - (120 GBP) - (paid a few days early)

Post contents

Great working with this borrower again, another successful loan :)

Hey guys, I'm writing this because I am in a dilemma right now.
I'm 23 and I am not averse to settling down abroad. I know life in India is tough, there's severe competition for everything.
Right now, my father is pressuring me into getting (just any) degree from Australia, because in his opinion Australia is better than US and UK for settling down. Lately he's been recommending degrees like Masters in Economics Resource Management from Australian Universities I haven't heard before. I have studied Economics in UG and I know enough that this degree would not set me up for a good bank good or a PHD. I want to keep both options open for me. However, there's no making him understand that.
For me personally:

• Giving the global economy, and how emotionally painful and expensive it is to move to a new country, I don't see the point of half-assing a Master's Degree. I have told my father that and he says that it's ok, get a double masters (???). And I have even expressed that nothing about Australia actually excites me, and he goes it's ok just shift to USA after a few years (???).
  
• I am 23 and I'm hella unsure if my thinking of decision making skills are good. My father keeps saying "make a decision fast, time is running out". I want to listen to my father, but I also do not want to hate my life and blame him for it. At the same time I don't want him to think I am a failure and wasting my life.
  
• I am an intelligent, opiniated and hard-working individual. I am by no means placing myself at the top 1% of the competition but I do sincerely believe I have a lot to offer. I am good at academics and I am a good worker. I feel that in a few years, putting my head down and working hard would get closer to where I would want to be. I want to give myself a chance. I have goals and ambitions (of being an Economist one day), and it's a big and audacious ambition for me because I consider myself very lacking in many ways. But I also think I owe it to myself to try. My father asked me what my biggest ambition in life is and I told him to work in development in World Bank (Goals change and ambitions change, but this is the only thing that came to my mind at that time). My father made a disappointed face and says "That's it? People dream for much bigger goals". I think he wants me to get a prestigious corporate job.
  

I don't know what to do/how to think. I cannot trust my decision making and instincts too much because in lots of ways my father is right, making good decisions when you're young is important.
Leave your comments but PLEASE BE KIND and CONSIDERATE, I'm emotionally fragile right now.

Looking to apply to 5 DOs, 25 target MDs, and 5 reach MDs. Please give any advice on what schools to add/remove! Or if I should have a different split between DOs/MDs! Thank you in advance if you reply!
Male; ORM
IL resident; FL undergrad.
cGPA: 3.78 (4.0 past two semesters)
sGPA: 3.75
500 hours clinical paid - pediatric scribing
150 hours clinical volunteering - cancer center
200 hours shadowing - internal med. + orthopedic surgery
50 hours international shadowing - pediatrics + opthamology
250 hours nonclinical volunteering - working with Down syndrome
200 hours nonclinical volunteering - church stuff
200 hours social justice/advocacy - foundepres. of diabetes awareness club
100 hours social justice/advocacy - leadership in mental health awareness club
other miscellaneous leadership/hours
300 hours literature review research on colorectal cancer and gut microbiome
100 hours clinical research assistant, basic vital taking really
strong LORs
DO List (4 but want 5):
Nova Southeastern
Michigan State
Midwestern
Rowan
MD Target List (27 but want 20):
Rosalind Franklin
Uni. Illinois Chicago
Loyola Chicago
Rush
Southern Illinois
Nova Southeastern KPCOM
FIU
GWU
Quinnipiac
Tulane
Wayne State
Western Michigan
Indiana
Northeast Ohio
Albany
New York Medical College
Wake Forest
Drexel
Penn State
Temple
Geisinger
Vermont
Virginia Commonwealth
Eastern Virginia
Medical College of Wisconsin
UWisconsin
Reach MD List (4 but want 5):
UMiami
Georgetown
Dartmouth
Albert Einstein

timestamp: https://imgur.com/a/7L7HJtO
additional photos from previous listing: https://imgur.com/a/urwLv0k
paypal FF, zelle, venmo. More pics upon request. Not looking for trades unless TV is skewed in my favor!!! Please be patient with shipping as I work 12's so need to hit USPS on an off day. All items include complimentary golden retriever fur

• Kac skyscraper mount - shows some signs of use but in good shape overall $230
  
• MK12 MOD H URX4 upper - "cloneish" build of this - will probably regret getting rid of this but don't see myself buying a can for it in the near future. Received in trade, previous owner said the barrel has ~200 rounds through, all other parts were either new or low salt. I never put rounds through it, details are as follows
  
  • Cerro Forge Keyhole upper
  • KAC URX 4 13”
  • Bison Armory 16” SPR, bead blasted, bedded/shimmed by D.Wilson
  • MK12 gas block, Allen Engineering CollaBrake
  • Work done by D.Wilson: assembly and URX install, brake timed and installed with Rocksett, added knurled gas block screws, receiver face lapped, barrel feedramps polished, barrel shimmed and bedded to receiver, totaling ~$180 (not to mention the time/hassle spent hunting down parts). Asking what it was originally listed for - $945
• looking to sell locally in the south FL Palm Beach County area.
  
  • LBT wheeled load-out bag. Really sick bomb-proof bag, it is BIG, measures approx 31x23x14. NSW issued, older model (back from LBT's golden era). Easily fits several rifles, helmets, plate carriers, etc. Similar newest revision from LBT retails for around $500-600. Shows some signs of use and has dog hair etc but good shape overall. $70, $50 if you are willing to meet within 10 mins of me because I'm lazy. I've gotten a few quotes for users from the previous listing and they were all $60-110 - if you are willing to cover fees and have this shipped wrapped in heavy duty trashbags we can work something out
• magpul stock (i think this is the sl-k please see pics) - takeoff, never used $35
  

Will sell anything on the list as well. Just ask for a price! Will accept any reasonable offer
Woodrow has box and everything
Don’t have a box for the DOD Boost, Qtron, or wah
Qtron is micro version
Musikraft Stratocaster neck is honestly the best neck I’ve ever played, just a work of art, 25.5” scale, vintage meets modern features: setup with Floyd locking nut, about $1050 in options including beautiful quartersawn 5A flame maple, rosewood fretboard, super jumbo stainless steel frets, luminlay side markers, clay fret dots, split shaft tuners, heavily rolled edges, nice chunky profile, this thing is a beast! I’m just in a smaller space now and have to get rid of all but a couple guitars :/ I never got a chance to really break this thing in unfortunately before moving and it looks and feels brand new. Selling for $800
WTTF
only things I’m currently lusting after are:

• KMA Endgame and Mandrake
  
• Caroline Hawaiian Pizza
  

-loud button electronics WTF

• Strymon ultraviolet
  
• Strymon Ojai R30
  
• O)))K doomer
  
• mics for guitar cabs
  

What is deception? According to the Cambridge dictionary deception is "the act of hiding the truth, especially to gain an advantage". In the world we live in, where we are kept ignorant by the established control structures we are deceived all the time in order to place our trust in them. They find and use new ways to deceive us all the time. Their aim, of course, is to keep us ignorant in order to manipulate us without our knowledge to achieve their agenda - whatever that may be. The greatest deception was carried out by the master of deception - Satan himself. "The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was to convince the world that he doesn't exist."
Ignorance is bliss. Knowledge is power.
If a person has cancer and does not know it then the cancer will eventually result in definite death. If that same person became aware of the cancer then at least there is a fighting chance that the cancer will be defeated. The world today is suffering. So many issues are running unabated due to our ignorance. The wars are a significant cause for the climate change we see and we are distracted with replacing gas gazzling vehicles. The political class is empowered simply to keep us distracted by whatever means possible. Democracy is a system which gives the illusion of self determination and control while in reality we see that it does nothing for the people who are duped by elections. The status quo carries on or becomes much worse and the cycle continues.
Who benefits?
Just as Satan has greater power when he is believed to be imaginary, the servants of Satan also use deception to empower themselves for the sole purpose elevating themselves above the rest. How they benefit depends on what their objective is. The war mongers get more war. The power hungry get more power. The greedy take more. The system they have worked tirelessly to impose on us in secret over centuries had reached the pinnacle of operation. Humanity is enslaved by invisible shackles and kept distracted so that true freedom is always out of reach. Like a hamster in a wheel, humanity is kept in this situation of subservience.
Why?
True freedom would mean that humanity would become much greater than it currently is. Our limits would extend beyond this planet all problems would be solved. There would be no hunger. There would be no suffering. There would be no inequality. No illness. No conflict.
How?
Throughout time, since the dawn of creation, there has been a battle. A struggle. Light vs darkness. The prince of darkness had always had an agenda to prove to The Source of Light - God. It relates to the real story of creation and Adam pbuh. When God had placed the soul within the physical body of Adam and commanded the Angels to prostrate to him, one stood tall a refused. Since then he, Satan, has been on a mission to prove that his creation - mankind - was unworthy of being submitted to despite there being a soul within from God.
God is the finest of planners.
It was always God's plan to overcome the Satanic agenda. Light was always going to defeat darkness. This plan always revolved around the very same concept. God always blew His spirit in to one man. A man who represents God in every day and age. All creation would submit to this man who carried the will of God. Today, that man is calling the world to support him against the Satanic agenda. He had come with the will of God. He is empowered by it. It has been ordained that this man will be victorious where no man had before. Darkness will fall at his feet.
Deception will end.
When this man, the Riser of the family of Muhammad, establishes the kingdom of heaven on Earth, justice and peace will be implemented. All problems will be solved. No human will go hungry. No animals will suffer. The climate will return to good health. All illnesses will be cured. Development will accelerate beyond imagination. Space will be attainable to the masses not just the privileged.
The only requirement is acceptance and support.
Will you accept the leadership of Truth? Will you support he who is empowered by God to guide? What would you give to see the world fixed on every level?

Pinanood ko yung Stardoom ni Lino Brocka (available sa Cinema One Youtube page as 11 parter). Tungkol siya sa mabilis na pagtaas at pagbulusok ng isang newbie star - starring Walter Navarro, and Charito Solis. Na-obsess lang ako sa kay Walter Navarro kasi weirdly modern siyang tingnan. Nandun din si Hilda Koronel (parang teenager pa ata siya nun) at si Lotis Key, na mas kilala na as foster parent ni Wesley So(Filipino Chess Player).
Almost wala akong mabasa tungkol kay Walter Navarro except sikat daw siyang matinee star na biglang nawalan ng career mid-Seventies until nakito ko tong comment na to: <source>

Walter Navarro was around in the 1970s when I was involved in Television. When both of us were present in the studio, a lot of people mistook us for brothers. Maybe because we both speak Bicolano and both Eurasian as well.
Before he became an actor (it was Orlando Nadres and Tony Tenorio who put his photo at the cover of 16 Magazine) and later they introduced him to Mrs. Emilia Blas, producer of Lea Productions.
While he was busy in films, he was also doing the rounds of TV dramas and that's where we've worked together.
From what he had told me, he came from a very dysfunctional family. His mother who was from Bicol was never an inspiration for the young Walter. When he was young lad in Tondo, he was working as a factory worker, making holes for shoelaces. And when Nadres spotted him, he asked him if he wants his photo be placed on the cover of the komiks/magazine to which he acquiesed.
Without the guidance of his family, Walter became lost. He started drinking, despite the fact that he had a heart condition. He became an alcoholic. I even went to his rented house in New Manila a few times and his friends were there (mostly Tondo boys - his old stumping ground), playing mahjong and... you guess it, drinking.
Mrs. Blas lost all her patience and finally let him go. Once, he took his medication and accidentally OD'd. It paralyzed him partially and it took a while before he recovered. Then his heart ailment became serious. He ended up in the hospital and when I went to visit his house, he and the old couple who took care of him were no longer there. I had several roles written for him for TV dramas, but no one seemed to know where he was. I was already in north America when I heard that he had died.
Walter was a good person. Dysfunctional, indeed, but nevertheless a beautiful person. He gave me some of the records he cut under Vicor Music Corp. His voice was really excellent. I ripped them into DVD so I could listen to them whenever I go long driving. When I listen to his voice, I am always reminded of the generous Bicolano who once lived and made a lot of the Filipino public happy.
STARDOOM was almost prophetic. Like Joey in Orlando Nadres' story, his career and life were cut short by unfortunate circumstances. The psychological impact of his dysfunctional childhood was just too deeply embedded in his psyche and it took him to an early grave.
Unfortunately, the MAALAALA MO KAYA episode about his life (played by Alberta(sic) Martinez), didn't delve deeper into the reasons why Walter became what he was later (an alcoholic). The episode tells us what happens to a popular actor who didn't take care of his career and ended up tragically. That's all we saw in that episode.
Meanwhile, they have forgotten WALTER NAVARRO the person. Despite his weaknesses, he was a wonderful person and this side of the man was never told to us by the TV drama.

Meron ba kaung kilalang obscure star (na hindi na masyado kilala) at mga kwento about them?

Hey people,
sorry for the dramatic title but it is just the truth. This will be a little bit personal and maybe get longer then I want, but I have the little hope that sharing it in detail will help me find the right answers.
I produce music since 6 years now. I live music since 6 years. On good days music made me finally want to live life and have a passion. On bad days I would say I inject myself with music since 6 years. And I don't build up a tolerance as you can make a new drug (different beat, style) every day. This results in like 150 almost finished tracks, because it's more fun to mix a new drug then consume the rest of the day before.

This situation on itself is hard on me already as it hurts really bad that I don't have all those tracks ready to go (even if its just on my soundcloud). The bigger mindfuck is another thing tho. Every single one of those tracks gets high praise by my friends and random encounters at afterhours or similar events. I am not obnoxiously pushing my music in those situations, but when people come to after at my place and see all my equipment they're curious. And all the music I made is made for this moment to be honest. Empy mind sinking in the couch after a rave, just flying with the music. I've literally showed some randoms some tracks and they hugged me afterwards and thanked me for that experience.
And that is why it is a problem for me to ask for feedback and stuff in a sober, normal situation. You can't feel that music like its supposed to when you listen to it on 6 pm just coming from work and being all aware^{^} You know what I mean? But I can't ask everyone to please give me feedback after listening to it after a rave. But on the other hand I can't really accept feedback if the person didn't hear it in the right setting...

So why do I write this post? I dj'd quite a few times before. Always small birthday partys or really small outdoors. Now this friday a friend of mine is celebrating his birthday and booked a real venue, with real club speakers and estimates a 150-200 people. He know my music, he ( like almost all of my friends) praises my music and wants me to do whatever I want from 4:30-6:00 am. Now I am sitting here, with my tracks that are shoddily mastered (you instantly see it in rekordbox), have weird low end sometimes and are just a wild mix of techno. How do I proceed? I am expected to play many tracks of myself, and I played on rather big speakers before. The sound is not horrible but it is not quite stellar too. But even when I played the most muddy stuff nobody stopped dancing and every set I've played yet was praised by the dancers (and not only my friends). Do I just "master" them even more, so they're atleast loud and I don't have to abuse the eq and trim and just yolo? Do I just play the few tracks I am sure will sound really good mixing wise? It's is so hard for me to accept mixing feedback, as when I wake up from the trance after making a track, it is this eternal thing that made it and I am not eliglible to interfer with that.. damn, am I just crazy?

On one hand I think all my tracks are really, really good for the right context. I payed multiple semi-professionals to listen to them and they all said it's good work and ready for the world. On the other hand I think they're metaphorical drugs, and only good if you're up for taking drugs (like in the after). Not everyone at this party will be up for a deep dream. Not every track is 1A standard which scares me. Having this huge, huge library of tracks where in one second I think they're all masterpieces ( which gets fed by the great feedback I get all the time.. but theyre just being nice ;-)....) and in the next second criticize them so hard at the same time fucks me up. Maybe someone is willing to listen to 4 tracks of mine which show the whole spectrum and how different is? The kicks punch so differently because the songs differ so much, it's not like just 100 hard tech tracks or anything... even if they're the same loudness, can I even play those tracks in one set ?? I already did and it worked but it's a conspiracy haha x.x

Can anybody help? Not just about the party, but the whole problem. How can I get out of this? My tracks from a few years ago are haunting me because they're so full of emotion but not finished and ready to play. Everything haunts me expect a new beat lol. Sorry for the probably very confusing and chaotic text, but it is a good reflection of my mind :7 Thanks to everyone who reads through that. I read it 3 times now and always want to change things just making it worse, like when I try to go back into a old track lol.

PLEASE READ! Reddit chat is being super weird for a lot of users on not being able to send / receive my messages. You can add me on DISCORD if you don’t receive a response (user: starrykayx)
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Live chats are 15 min - 1 hour! I welcome unlimited questions and topics in the given timeframe. No judgement, it's a safe space for any of my querents both return and new. Love and alignment, career, self-work, healing, and more!
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🐞🍄🤍 A Little About Me:
I'm Kay, I am an experienced intuitive & clairaudient reader. I've been practicing professionally for a couple of years now and am eternally grateful for each and every connection!
If you prefer a different style of reading, I also offer voice recorded readings (10-15 mins) or written readings.
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Reviews Pt. 1
Reviews Pt. 2
Love,
Kay

My car's transmission is on the fritz, so it's in the shop and I'm working from home for at least today. Thank goodness I can even work from home, or things would be a lot more complicated. Anyways, that's just a bit of a vent. I've also decided that I might do little lore-esque prechapter bits for some extra flavor. Hope you guys enjoy them! I find them to be fun little thought experiments on how people might perceive the world I've created from within vs from my own perspective. Enjoy some crafting and some romance!
First Previous Next
We know that the spots that are caused by looking at a source of light are, in fact, damage of some sort to the eye. This is confirmed by the spots rapidly disappearing should someone be healed whilst experiencing them. But why? Is there a divinity within light, beyond what our mortal eyes can withstand? Is there some sort of invisible emanation that comes alongside the light that damages us in some way? The discovery of light damaging the eye has opened more questions for me than it has closed.
-Musings on the Relations of Light and Fire, by Jarwic Leftun
\***
Xander carefully opened the door, finding Gabrelle already asleep, and sat down on a chair. Maybe he could get that adaptive camouflage to work right on bright colors. Surely he had some colorful things in his inventory.
He did in fact have a few colorful things in his inventory, and he whiled the rest of the night away making small adjustments to the runic array that was embroidered into the cloth. He was satisfied before dawn, the cloth now performing as well with light colors as it had with darker colors. Now he just needed to make a cloak out of it. He briefly considered coating his armor with the array, but discarded it. There might be times where he’d want to be seen. Besides, a hooded cloak would better break up the outline of his figure, the ripples of fabric, especially if he were to crouch or lay prone, obscuring his outline even more. In little time at all, he had a long, deep hooded cloak of the color shifting, runed cloth in his hands. He stashed it in his inventory for now, as he had no particular need to sneak up on something right now. The rest of the time before dawn he spent silently sitting in the chair he’d chosen, trying to keep his thoughts to a minimum, just daydreaming. Night dreaming? He couldn’t sleep anymore, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t try to let his mind wander.
As the dawn came and the sun began to shine through the window of the room, Gabrelle slowly awoke, once more finding Xander sitting in a chair rather than in bed.
“Mmf,” She grunted as she stretched. “Morning, Xander. You got back late.”
“Morning, yourself,” Xander said, turning his head to look at Gabrelle. “Yeah... Yeah, I guess I did.”
“What were you doing, anyway?” She asked, curious. “You didn’t mention that you’d be out late, just that you were going to go to see Valteria at her shop.”
“I uh... went on a date.”
“I knew it! ‘Comparing notes’ was a date!” Gabrelle exclaimed triumphantly.
“It was not!” Xander complained. “But we went to a tavern in the evening and it sort of... turned into a date on the way there.”
“Awhh, that’s so cute,” Gabrelle said. “Did it go well? Is she nice? Did you kiss?”
“I think it went well. We talked a lot about different projects and ideas we had. I also got to meet another [Godsmarked] - he owns the tavern we went to. I think she’s nice. Maybe a little shy. I think she’s gotten used to being treated differently by people. I don’t think she really believed that I wanted to go on a date with her, at first. ...And yes. We kissed.”
“Ooooh, look at you! You’re growing up so fast!” Gabrelle teased.
“Oh hush. I’m older than you!” Xander huffed, then returned to seriousness. “But ah, if I’m going to be dating someone... we need to have a conversation, Gabrelle.”
“We need to stop sleeping together?” Gabrelle quickly deduced before Xander could say it himself.
“Yeah... It doesn’t feel right, even though it’s just platonic between us. I don’t think I would appreciate being in Valteria’s situation and knowing that the person I was seeing was sleeping with someone else at night.”
“Well, I figured this would happen eventually,” Gabrelle said. “Either you or I were bound to find someone eventually. Don’t worry, I’m not upset. Don’t get me wrong, the snuggles were nice, but like I told you a while ago, I don’t have nearly as much trouble sleeping when I’m with the team.”
“Thanks for not being upset, Gabrelle.”
“You know this means you have to start paying for your own room, though, right?”
“Ah, shit, you’re right. I forgot.”
Xander left the room to allow Gabrelle some privacy to get dressed and meandered back down the stairs to see if any other members of the team were already up. Looking around, he spied Graffus eating breakfast at at table and moved to sit with the dwarf.
“Mornin’” Graffus greeted Xander through a mouthful of bread.
“Morning,” Xander greeted back.
“Glad to see you made it back, we were wondering if you’d be out all night,” Graffus told him, after swallowing his bread.
“I was out a bit late, I suppose. I let the time get away from me.” Xander said, not really wanted to be teased again about going out on a date. “So what are you planning to do today?”
“Bah, Frazay has roped me into helping her do research for the drakeling. So reading is what’s in store for me.” Graffus tore himself off another piece of bread from his plate and slathered it with jam. “You going to be going back to that [Tinker] you’ve been spending time with lately?”
“Yeah, that’s the plan. I’m supposed to learn more about converting mana types today, and also help her fix the suit of armor that I wrecked.”
“Welp,” Graffus said, now on his last piece of bread, “I hope ya learn something new. Never had much to do with [Tinker]s – not saying I dislike them, just that I haven’t had much experience with them – so it don’t make much sense to me. Using a hammer is about the only overlap in our professions.”
“I think your hammer is significantly larger than the one most [Tinker]s would use,” Xander chuckled. Thinking about what he should be doing before he headed to Valteria’s, he asked Graffus, “Hey, I might need to buy some monster parts or elemental cores, something like that, for practice. You know where I would go to find stuff like that?”
Graffus shrugged. “Dunno. My guess would be an alchemy and reagents shop. That’s generally what we’ve sold monster parts to that didn’t go to a smith or leatherworker.”
“Thanks, Graffus.”
The two of them chatted for a while longer, catching up on what each other had been doing. Graffus excused himself to finish getting ready for the day, saying he needed to tend to his beard, leaving Xander downstairs. Deciding to be productive and proactive, Xander stood as well and headed out of the inn to find an alchemy shop.
It wasn’t long before he found one, a familiar scene of an eclectic collection of powders, liquids, crystals, and strange organic things floating in jars inside the building. The proprietor was a dwarf, seated at a workbench. They were grinding something into a powder as Xander entered. He received a distracted greeting before the dwarf returned to his work.
Xander wandered about the shop for a few minutes, looking at the various materials throughout the shop. He identified what he thought might be an elemental core, a jagged piece of crystal looking material that seemed to have an inner flame. As for the monster parts in jars, Xander had no idea what was what. He finally felt he’d waited long enough and moved closer to the worktable that the dwarf was still sitting at, working away at the mortar and pestle.
“Excuse me,” Xander said, grabbing the shopkeep’s attention.
“Mm?” The dwarf said questioningly. “Can I help you find something?”
“I was wondering if you had any elemental cores. Something small, I just need one to practice with.”
“Aye, I’ve a few of them around the shop. You want something to practice with? So a relatively weak core, then – not all the small ones are weak. Do you need any particular type?” The dwarf stood up and stretched, moving to one of the shelves.
“Uhm no, just whatever is cost effective, I suppose.”
The alchemist rifled through the various bits and bobs on one of the shelves nearby before producing a small chip of what looked to be a semi-translucent stone. It was tinged slightly yellow with streaks of white. “This here is a chip off a lightning attuned core. Pretty weak, but it does still produce mana.”
Xander could see the dwarf’s arm hair standing up as if from static electicity as he held up the stone. “How much?” He asked.
“Twenty gold.”
Xander shrugged. Twenty gold wasn’t an issue for him anymore, and he didn’t feel like haggling. He always hated haggling. “Sure.” He fished out the coin and handed it over to the dwarf.
The dwarf handed over the stone to Xander and the pop of a static electric shock could be heard as a tiny arc passed between the two of them. The dwarf grunted and shook his hand. “Thanks for the business,” he told Xander. “Anything else you find yourself in need of?”
“Not at the moment, but thanks for asking.” Xander waved goodbye to the dwarf and pocketed the tiny elemental core. He continued down the street in the direction of Valteria’s shop, thinking about how he was going to undo the welding job he’d done on Valteria’s armor. He’d need her to guide his repair efforts.
Xander returned to the inn momentarily to grab one of his golems. He settled on Atlas for now, as it was the most basic of the humanoid forms he’d created. No extra arms or weird feet on him, no sir.
Arriving at the building that contained Valteria’s home and shop, Xander knocked before opening the door. “Morning,” he called out.
“Xander! Hello!” Valteria called out. She was at the same work bench she’d been at yesterday. Jarrett didn’t seem to be in the shop at the moment, as Xander wasn’t able to spot the man.
Commanding Atlas to follow him in and closing the door behind him, Xander started walking towards Valteria. “How’s it going?” He asked.
“Good, it’s going good,” Valteria responded as Xander brought a stool over to her workbench. “How about yourself?”
“Not bad. The upside of not sleeping is that I never struggle in the mornings now. I used to hate waking up.” Xander laughed. “I even ran an errand before I came here! Picked up this.” Xander fished around in his pocket until he found the small chip of elemental core and held it up for Valteria to see.
“Core?” She asked distractedly, staring at Atlas. She tore her eyes away and looked closely at the small crystalline stone. “Lightning attuned?”
“That’s what the [Alchemist] at the shop said,” Xander affirmed. “Said it was a very weak one, but that it did still produce mana.”
“Mmm, a good practice piece, then.”
“I thought it would be, too. Not that I know what to do with it, yet.”
“Well, how about this: I teach you to set the stone and make some conduit, and then you can help me fix my armor. All the glue has turned to dust by now, thank the gods.”
“Sounds fair enough. So, how do mana conduits work?”
“Well, the concept is simple enough. It’s a tube which conducts mana,” Valteria began to explain.
“Mmhm.” Xander nodded along.
“What you need is a setting – usually of silver, as it has good mana conductivity – which will be the first step of conduction, taking the mana from the stone. Simply wrapping the core in silver wire can work well enough, drawing in the mana that the core puts out through its surface, but for a more effecient setting, small holes are usually drilled into the core to set the wire into as well, giving more surface area to draw from.”
“So we care about the mana conductivity of the material, then? That makes sense, I just hadn’t thought about it. I actually did a little experiment with my rune work to test which fillings were the most conductive.”
“Oh really?” Valteria said, interested. “What were your results?”
“Well, gold and silver were high up there in conductivity, and probably make the most sense for someone who has to physically manipulate material without use of a skill – both for a core setting and for inlaying a rune – but I did find that sapphires and rubies were even more efficient at transferring mana than gold and silver.”
“Mmm... interesting. I’ve heard of gemstones being used in very high-grade settings, as well as various other exotic materials. I read an account of one [Mechanist] who used tubes of mercury to conduct mana, though the relative effectiveness compared to silver wasn’t mentioned.” Valteria cleared her throat. “Uhm, now, where was I? Right, basic settings. Once you have your core – or monster organ, if you’re going that route – you connect it to the conduit. Usually, this is also silver wiring. I like to braid several smaller wires together, personally. I find it to be sturdier and hold up to flexing better. From there, it needs to be tied into a device. Which is a topic for tomorrow.” Looking around the shop, Valteria seemed to identify something on one of the shelves nearby. “I have a core that you could watch me set, and then you could try setting your own, if you’d like.”
“That sounds good to me,” Xander said. “I always love to see a master as work,” he added, opting for a little flattery.
“Follow me, then.” Valteria said, standing up from her stool and waving for Xander to follow.
Xander followed Valteria as she walked over to the shelf she’d been looking at earlier and took a palm sized, bright green stone from it. “Nature attuned core,” She explained, holding it for Xander to see. “I’m told it was taken from some kind of moving tree.” Valteria then moved to another worktable, on which were several of what looked to be drill bits to Xander. There was also an apparatus that look like it was designed to hold the bits, which was confirmed for him when Valteria slotted one of the small drill heads into the device. “This thing,” Valteria said, waving the drill a little bit, “is a life saver. I used to have to drill holes with a hand cranked one. Worth every single coin I paid for it to get an enchanted one.” She turned a dial on one side of the handheld device, which Xander was coming to think of as a magic dremel tool, and it began to come to life, the drill bit beginning to spin with a quiet whirring sound.
“Neat.” Xander commented. He watched patiently as Valteria drilled a series of shallow holes in the stone, the distinct screeching of metal on stone echoing through the shop floor. “So where’s Jarrett today?” He asked.
“Oh, he has the day off today. He asked for it about a week ago, not sure what for, though,” Valteria said distractedly. Soon she was finished with the holes she was drilling into the core, and moved to another workbench. “Now we create a setting for the core. This is a fairly simple way of doing it, mind you, but it is effective.”
Xander watched as she took sections of pre-braided silver wire and fitted the ends into the holes she had drilled. Once each hole was filled with a section of wire, Valteria began to pull wire from a spool, wrapping the stone until it was completely covered with silver wire and binding the braided sections to the stone in the process. “There,” she said, setting the stone down on the workbench. “A perfectly serviceable setting."
“So, if I understand correctly, you coat the core in a mana conductive material – the more surface area, the better, hence the holes – to create a setting?”
“Mmhmm,” Valteria said, nodding.
“Seems fairly straighforward. And then you connect the silver wiring that’s wrapped around it to more wiring, and attach that to your device? Why the distance? Why not just connect the setting directly to the device?”
“You absolutely can, if space isn’t an issue. Technically, the connection between the mana battery and the device, even if it’s just a single point with no distance, is still referred to as a conduit, though, so it’s considered a three part creation.”
“Oh, I see.”
“Do you want to try making your own, now? I don’t mind lending you a little wire.”
“Sure, but I should be good on material, I can produce it with my skills. Doesn’t last without a source of mana, but I guess the core itself might provide enough. Think this little chip is a bit small to put holes in, though.”
Xander looked at the small piece of crystal in his hand. If he just need as much contact as possible with a mana conductive material, his best bet would be to embed it into a sapphire or ruby. He decided on ruby, for no particular reason. Still holding the chip of core in his hand, he concentrated on his [Creation] ability. Valteria watched, amazed, as a ruby began to take form and grow around the piece of core until it was completely coated in a thin layer of gemstone.
“So, you can just... make things?” Valteria asked, sounding jealous.
“Well, it costs mana, and anything I make that isn’t provided a source of mana that leaves my person disintegrates in a day, but, yes. I can just make things with my skills. But,” he added, cutting off Valteria’s complaint of unfairness, “I have never received a skill that actually lets me improve a material. Sure, I have runes, which generally makes up the difference, but I don’t have any skills that improve the things I make. So, if you made a mana battery, and I made a mana battery the same way with identical materials, yours is going to be better, I assume, because you have skills that passively improve the things that you make, am I right?”
“Okayyy,” Valteria huffed. “I guess that does make it a little less unfair. But ugh! It would be so nice not having to source materials.” She looked at the ruby with a piece of core set inside it that Xander had made. “Well, I guess that about does it for making a setting... I thought it might have taken you longer to make one. I guess we can move on to fixing my armor even sooner! It’ll be nice to have it up and moving again.”
“Sure, sure, we can do that. Where is it, anyway?” Xander asked, looking around the shop again like he somehow would have missed the eight foot tall suit of armor.
“It’s in a shed behind the house,” Valteria explained. “I have it on a hoist so I can work on it.”
“Ah, that would explain why I haven’t seen it around.”
Exiting the shop, stopping for Valteria to put a small ‘closed’ sign on the door, the two of them made their way around the building, where Xander saw the small shed that presumably held Valteria’s armor. It looked like it could just barely hold the armor and one person – two, if they were comfortable with each other – inside it.
“So this is where the magic happens?” Xander asked.
“If by ‘magic’ you mean maintenance and upgrades, then yes,” Valteria agreed. She opened the door of the shed, which comprised most of the front of the tiny little building, revealing her suit of armor, which was currently hanging from several chains attached to pulleys on the ceiling. Plates of armor were laying strewn about the suite, leaving the joints and inner workings more exposed.
Xander whistled, looking at the inner workings of the suit. He could see gears, cogs, and joints, and throughout the entirety of the armor were running filaments of silver wire, which he assumed were mana conduits running to and from elemental cores and the various mana powered aspects of the suit. “This thing really is impressive. Almost as impressive as the woman who made it,” he said.
Valteria giggled, “Stop it! You’re supposed to be fixing this mess, not flirting with me!”
“Awh, can’t I do both?” Xander asked, trying to sound as saccharine as possible.
“Mmm, I suppose that if you are sufficiently skilled at multitasking, I might allow it,” Valteria said in a mockingly thoughtful tone.
“Well, I just so happen to be an expert, so flirt away I shall,” Xander replied. “Now, how about the beauty in front of me shows me exactly where the other beauty in front of me needs some repairs?”
Valteria sighed at Xander’s antics, but he could see the slight flush in her face. “Well, you welded the wrist joints, elbows, and knees. They aren’t welded all the way round, it’s more like you smoothed over a portion of it like it was wet clay. So if you could just... put it back? Shape it back to how it was, that’s should be all that’s needed.”
“Pretty straightforward,” Xander said, standing behind Valteria as she pointed out each joint. He could see the misshapen parts where he’d slapped a weld onto the metal. He leaned over her and put his hands on the elbow joint that they were closest to and began to shape the metal back to its original form.
“You’re... very close,” Valteria murmured to him as he formed the metal.
“Would you like me not to be?” He asked, carefully.
Valteria was silent for a moment before answering, “No...” quietly.
Xander carefully shifted to be a little closer, but still not quite touching, as he moved on to the wrist joint of the same arm. The process itself was simple, but he was enjoying taking his time. As he finished the wrist, he turned to look at Valteria. He found himself looking right into her eyes, as she was staring back at him. Unable to resist the temptation he leaned in a little closer, gauging Valteria’s reaction. When she, too, leaned towards him, he closed the small gap between them, drawing her into another kiss. Valteria pressed herself against him, the shed hiding them from any prying eyes on the street, and let out a small noise as Xander squeezed her tight. She was breathing a little bit harder than before the kiss as they separated again.
Valteria let out a breath. “You’re… a really good kisser.”
“Yeah?” Xander said, pleased with himself. “You’re not so bad yourself.”
“And you’re a tease, looming over me like that in this tiny little shed,” Valteria continued. “Now you’ve got me all flustered, how am I supposed to work now?” She mock complained.
Xander was glad to see that Valteria was comfortable enough with him to joke like that. “Forgive me,” he said formally, making a deep bow, “How ever can I make it up to the lady?”
“Oh stop it, I will tolerate no bowing and scraping, even in jest,” Valteria said, slapping him lightly on the shoulder, as he was still holding the bow. “You can make it up to me by fixing the rest of these joints! And by taking me out to dinner?” She added, hopefully.
“I think that can be arranged,” Xander said. “Is there anywhere you have in mind? I will admit, I haven’t become very familiar with the local restaurant scene, what with my… dietary restrictions.”
“It doesn’t… make you feel bad to go out to a restaurant, does it?” Valteria asked softly, watching his face for a reaction.
“Nah, don’t worry,” Xander said, waving off the question with one hand. “It doesn’t bother me too much. Sure, I miss the taste of a good cut of steak, but I was never that into food. Eating was more of a thing I did because I had to, so I’m not completely devastated by the loss. And I can still get some vicarious enjoyment out of watching someone else enjoy their food. Really the worst part is awkwardly having to refuse ordering anything,” he said with a laugh.
“Alright, if you say so,” Valteria said, letting out a slight breath of relief. “I was just worried that it might be upsetting to you, is all. I know I would miss eating.” She paused for a moment, something clearly on her mind. “What do you miss? If you don’t mind my asking. I just… well, I’m curious what it’s like for you.”
“Mmm, in a lot of ways, life is still the same, and in other ways, I’m technically doing better than I was before. I’m incredibly resistant to damage now, even without my armor. I do miss sleeping, though. I try to give my mind a rest and just sort of daydream and let my thoughts wander or do some meditation during the nights, but it’s just not the same. Also means I’m the one that pulls guard duty through the night,” he grumbled. “Let’s see, what else, what else. Ah, right. I can’t smell anything. Or taste. I haven’t worked out how to recreate those senses, yet. Though no sense of smell can be handy sometimes, I suppose. I don’t know if you’ve done much merc work – you mentioned being surprised that I’m not just moonlighting – but uh… the smells that you encounter on a battlefield are… unpleasant. To say the least. It was weird not having a sense of touch either, but I’ve resolved that. It’s a little bit different than my previous, natural sense of touch, but I’ve become accustomed to it to the point that I don’t much think about the difference anymore. I think I’ve even got the density of receptors down in certain areas compared to others, so I'm more sensitive in some areas than others now, just like I used to be. I’m still immune to being tickled though, so don’t even think about it – that’s a fight you’ll lose.” Growing a bit more somber, Xander continued on. “I think… the biggest thing I miss is just the feeling that I fit in more. Now I always worry about being different, there’s that nagging fear that anyone I get to know well is going to reject me once they find out what I am. Like I’m secretly lying to everyone around me with this façade I have going on.”
Valteria nodded sadly. “I get that. I’ve been… rejected before, too. At least it happens or not right from the beginning for me. I get to know if they look down on me for being different immediately instead of fearing they might later down the road.”
“Yeah,” Xander said. “People can really suck sometimes. But at least I can just, like, not tell people what I am if I so chose. You, my teammates, and the guild, since it’s on my status sheet, are really the only people who know. I keep it pretty private. You can’t do that, so I think you probably have to deal with a lot worse than I do. Not that I’d want you to hide what or who you are,” he added. “I happen to be quite enamored with who you are,” he said, teasing a smile from Valteria’s sad face.
“Sorry to bring up such a dour topic,” Valteria apologized. “I didn’t think much on it before I asked.”
“No worries,” Xander told her. “Honestly, I think it’s good to be able to talk about it with someone. It’s healthy to be able to get you feelings out there. And it helps that I feel like you understand where I’m coming from with it, though from a slightly different perspective.”
“You’re surprisingly thoughtful sometimes,” Valteria said, only half teasing.
“Only sometimes?” Xander asked with a faux expression of hurt on his face. “By the way, you didn’t react much to my comment about moonlighting as a merc. Do you ever go on contracts?”
Valteria shrugged. “I certainly wouldn’t describe myself as a professional mercenary. Moonlighter is an apt descriptor, for me, I think. I have gone on a couple, here and there, mostly on kill contracts that would net me a core or organ that would be useful for my work.”
“Mm, that makes sense. I suppose it could be handy having access to the ability to take contracts that would give you access to specialty materials,” Xander said.
“It’s also good for business,” Valteria explained. “Mercs tend to like to buy from someone who has at least been out on a contract or two before.”
“Ah, that makes sense. What kind of things do you sell to mercenaries, anyways? I saw Jarrett with a crossbow yesterday, but I imagine you make other things, too.”
“Oh all kinds of little things. Portable, flameless heaters for cooking. Water purification sieves. Mm, let’s see… I’ve made a few custom order devices, too. One customer wanted to be able to shoot a jet of flame from their gauntlet, that was a fun one.”
“Ooh, that does sound fun… reminds me of my flamethrower.”
“Your flamethrower?”
“Yeah, it’s basically a big tank with a hose attached to it. At the end of the hose is a pump that causes the flammable liquid – I use dragon’s tar – to shoot out. Add a flame that the tar passes over and bam! You’ve got a giant stream of flame that will coat anything it hits with sticky, flammable tar,” Xander said, excitedly describing the device.
“That’s… impressive. And kind of horrifying,” Valteria responded.
“Mm… I guess you’re right. I mostly use it on giant spiders. Blugh,” Xander shuddered. “But yeah, I suppose it’s not the nicest of ways to go. Very effective for area denial, though. Ah, actually I have an idea for crossbow bolt head that would ignite when it shatters! We should make that sometime and see if it sells.”
“Hmm, I think that would draw some buyers. A flaming bolt head you didn’t have to light first could be desirable to certain buyers.”
“Put that on the list and we’ll get around to it sometime.”
“We have a list?” Valteria said confusedly.
“We should!” Xander said with a laugh. “Now let’s get the rest of these joints done.”
The repair of the other arm and the leg joints that Xander had locked into position during the tournament was a short affair. Looking over the bare metal frame of the armor still hanging from the ceiling, Xander clapped his hands together, mimicking dusting them off. “Good as new!” He exclaimed. Looking over to Valteria he asked concernedly, “It is good as new, right?”
Valteria had been staring at the armor as well, lost in thought about how she was going to improve it next. “Hmm? Oh, yes. It’s right as rain again, ready for use. Thank you, by the way. For fixing it,” She said awkwardly.
“Well I’m the one who broke it, so it’s only fair that I fix it. So what do you want to work on next?” Xander asked. “I could do some rune work for you. Orrr… we could kiss some more?”
Valteria flushed at the question, but didn’t immediately say no.
A few minutes later, she found herself on her tip toes and lightly pressed against the interior wall of the shed, her lips pressed against Xanders.
Once the two of them were done acting like teenagers parked in a secluded parking lot, they made their way back into the shop. Stepping inside and closing the door behind them, Valteria let out a breath. “I think… you are going to have to do a lot of rune work to make up for how much you just kissed me, Xander.”
“What, you didn’t like it?” He said with a raised eyebrow.
“I didn’t say that,” Valteria said with a smirk.