Hail/Snow has been infamous for being the worst weather condition for a while. Gen 3 it had not setters, gen 4 T-tar still dominated and the only setter was weak to everything under the sun, 5 was weather wars, 6 nerfed, 7 it finally good a powerful setter with A-ninetails, but even then it was usaully just tails+veil. Gen 9 actually say it being good along with powerful ice types in general like Bax or Pao.
With sun in addition to benefitting fire types in offense you trigger a bunch of abilities lots of which are on grass types which cover fires weakenesses which in term covers grass's bug and steel resist. Solar Beam/Blade is a one turn attack under sun. Ground and Rock types also have one of their main weaknesses reduces basically turning it into a neutral hit for more bulky team members. Gen 9 past paradox pokemon get stat boost in sun and range from passable at worse and busted at best. Moonlight/Morning Sun/Synthesis all recover more HP in the sun, albeit they aren't the most common healing moves. ThundeHurricane has reduced accuracy along with freeze chances being decreased which aren't the most common ones.
Rain in addition to water moves getting boosted also reduces fire moves for steel and bug partners for example. Thunder and Hurricane never misses making them turn from gambles to reliable hard hitting special moves with decent chances of secondary effects. Multiple abilities trigger and while mostly one water types some are given to non-water type pokemon such as dry skin or swift swim.
Sand chips non-rock/steel/ground types unless they have an ability that would nullify it. Sand veil and sand rush are given to pokemon outside of those types. You have three possible types to work with and setters for rock and ground types. T-tar and Hippodown have historically been strong in general even on non-sand teams but in sand are better.
All snow does is help ice. No other types get a direct or indirect bonus and really the only move affected by hail is Blizzard which while strong it is another ice move. Auroura veil is probably the biggest draw setting up dual screens if snow/hail is present and while strong its basically the only thing you're using it for on unless you're on like an ice-spam team. Snow Veil/Snow Cloak/Slush Rush are only on ice types which limits who you can have abuse weather as it isn't like you could add some slush rush non-ice type to help you out.
I know it isn't gen 5 anymore and weather isn't going to be the centerpiece of singles but still snow has the least going for it if you were to craft a team focused on it. Even the terrainn effects have the seeds which helps a bunch of unburden pokemon activate easy and have general effects that could come up like healing 6% and reducing some ground moves for Grassy Terrain. This isn't thursday so I won't create new moves or abilities but I find it very unsymmetrical in terms of what they do

Hey! I'm Nush! I'm looking for someone to share myself with, shower them with love, and do fun stuff together!
I feel like I'm emotionally in a place where I can work towards building a relationship which hopefully would last forever, and I'm really excited to meet someone new and share experiences with!
I understand the importance of persistent effort in maintaining a relationship and I'm more than willing to go beyond whatever is expected for people I love! I'm just trying to be the best version of myself, for myself and for you. Here's a lil information about me, if I seem interesting to you, I'd love to talk to you and know you better. :D
A lil info about me!
📏- (Make a mental avatar of me) I'm 6 feet, Indian. I have dark brown eyes, short wavy black hair with brown streaks, I'm pretty athletic in my build, broad shoulders, long legs. My aesthetic constantly oscillates between nerd and stripper.
🖋 I'm an author and a poet. I like keeping things, ideas and people immortal in my work. I'd like to think of myself as a hope collector, who likes to collect abandoned hope, repurpose it, and make it into something you would want to have in your life.
🤯 The only high class meme enthusiast. This is a consequence of being on the internet for far too long. From tacky Facebook memes to Gen Z humor, you can bet I will be gasping for air.
👟 I'm really passionate about the environment, and I'm very eco-friendly. I love guerilla gardening and being a rebel against the capitalist system. I'm always open to having a healthy discussion/debate even on things I don't agree upon.
🍮 I love cooking! I'm always looking forward to learning new cuisines! I also like to grow most of my ingredients. I'd say food is one of my love languages!
⭐ I really like anime, I've had this weird generational habit of collecting different rocks (Rockhounding), I hit the gym everyday, I try to be spiritual, and read. One of my recent obsessions has been chess! I'm also fascinated by history and art.
🏳️‍🌈 I'm bisexual and an LGBT ally! I've been in the worst depression and I've made it out. Here to give away all my love. ❤️
ʕっ•ᴥ•ʔっ

Hi, I am a big fan of Gigantic. I have been playing this game for the last couple of weeks and was thoroughly enjoying every second of it. Lately, I’ve been hearing a lot of buzz around this game, specifically from people complaining about it not being free-to-play. Instead, this game has a price tag of $20 with no microtransactions.
Many people believe that this $20 price tag is hurting the game and that turning it into a F2P game with microtransactions might help the player base grow. And while I’m sure that these people have some valid points to support their case, I believe I can come up with a good enough counter-argument as to why the F2P model might not be the best way to go moving forward. After some careful consideration and a bit of research, here are my two cents on the issue:
Argument #1: Gigantic have tried going F2P before and it didn’t help them one bit.
Back when Gigantic was first released in 2017—where it was first developed by Motiga—the game was initially released as a F2P game. Despite that, at the time, it did not help the game whatsoever in terms of acquiring a sizable player base, which led to it shutting down a year later. Now, you might argue that Gigantic’s initial shutdown can also be attributed to other factors such as having to switch publishers mid-development, causing it to have a rocky launch. Another possible contributing factor is also the timing of its release, where games like Overwatch have already gained a massive following—taking most of the attention away from Gigantic.
With that said, some of you might still think that the F2P model might work for Gigantic this time around. However, I don’t believe that is very likely. Currently, Overwatch 2 still dominates the market of hero-shooter games and League of Legends is still going strong as one of the powerhouses of the MOBA genre. The current situation is more or less the same as it was back when Gigantic was first released. If nothing has changed before, do you honestly think the developers and publishers of this game would want to risk making the same mistake again? If it already didn’t work the first time, what makes you so sure that it’s going to work the second time?
Of course, there's still a chance that the F2P model might work, though it is not a guarantee. I believe many people out there are highly overestimating the effect of the F2P model on a game like Gigantic, thinking that it might miraculously turn this whole situation around when there is clearly already evidence that suggests otherwise.
Argument #2: There are examples of similar games out there that are massively popular despite not being F2P when it was first released.
I’m going to use Overwatch again, as it is the game that most people would compare Gigantic to. Remember back when Overwatch first released, it was priced at $40, and that was only the bare-bones version on PC. If you get the “Game of the Year” Edition, the price goes up to $60. If you get the “Collector’s Edition”, it goes up to a whopping $130. That didn’t stop it from being one of the most popular games at the time, now does it? Of course, Overwatch had only turned into a F2P game after it had gained its massive popularity as Overwatch 2.
And then there’s TF2—another game that is often compared to Overwatch. Back then, before it turned F2P, TF2 as a stand-alone game cost $20. If you buy it as a bundle with the Orange Box, it costs $50. Yet another game with a price tag that only got turned into a F2P game after it got popular, not before.
In both of these examples, putting a price tag on a game clearly did not deter customers from buying them. These games did not need the F2P label to be popular, so why should Gigantic be any different? Why is Gigantic so viciously hated for putting a modest price of $20 on a game when there are similar games who had done similar things and ended up becoming massive successes? When you look at it from that perspective, it simply does not seem fair.
Argument #3: The F2P model with microtransactions is shady as hell, even at the best of times.
Of course, there are also massively successful games that started out as being F2P from the get-go, the most notable ones being League of Legends. Out of all the games out there, many consider LoL to have one of the best F2P monetization models. The items that you can buy with real money are mainly cosmetic items and are not pay-to-win. You can play the game as much as you want without spending any real money. And if you do have some extra cash to spend, you are welcome to buy any of the skins to make your champion look just a bit cooler. It’s a pretty good system overall. Surely, if LoL can benefit from it, Gigantic can too, right?
That is until you realize that LoL players spend an average of $92 per year on this so-called “free-to-play” game. (Source) And that’s only an average! There are more extreme cases of people spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year on this game. When compared to that, $20 for a game like Gigantic might as well be a drop in the bucket. How is it possible that, for a supposedly “free-to-play” game, people on average are spending more money than they do with traditional games in the long run? It’s ridiculous!
Now, I’m sure that there are some of you out there who have enjoyed playing LoL for years without spending a single penny. If you are one of those people, good on you; you have more self-control than most of us. I’m sure that, from your perspective, paying $20 for Gigantic just doesn’t seem worth it to you. That is a fair and valid point and I completely understand. However, if the statistics are to be believed, most of you LoL players out there are not that type of person.
Most of you do not have that kind of self-control. Eventually, FOMO is going to hit you hard and you'll cave into that pressure. Eventually, you will be inclined to spend more money than you should and even lose track of how much you are spending. Eventually, the act of paying money itself becomes a habit and then, all of a sudden, you’re playing the equivalent of a down payment of a car on this game—a game which, may I remind you, does not require you to pay any amount of money to play in the first place! Is “free-to-play” actually free to play if you’re just going to end up paying money anyway?
Try as you might, you’re going to give into that temptation eventually. That’s how F2P games are designed. They manipulate you psychologically. Games like LoL did not get as big as they did on a gaming community that is good at self-control with their money. Sure, maybe the F2P model is a financially sustainable model if done right. That doesn’t change the fact that F2P games are shady at its core even at the best of times and are downright predatory and exploitative at the worst of times.
Sure, maybe you think that all that money you’ve spent on the game is worth it. Maybe you bought all those skins with absolutely no regrets whatsoever. If the game is good, then it totally deserves whatever amount of money you’re paying it, right? To which I ask you this: if you’re already willing to spend that much money on a F2P game like LoL, why would you be so apprehensive to spend $20 on a full game like Gigantic? Is $20 really that big of a deal when compared to all the other gaming-related purchases that you’ve made throughout your lifetime? Plus, that $20 is a one-and-done deal, after which you don’t have to pay any more money. You literally cannot toss in the down payment of a car into this game even if you wanted to!
The team behind Gigantic are probably aware of the negative reputation of microtransactions. While I don’t know for certain, I suspect that they have heated debates amongst themselves before settling with the final asking price of $20 as the best compromise in order to rid the game of any microtransactions. Even though $20 might seem a lot at first when compared to its F2P competitors, on average, playing Gigantic is going to cost you less money than playing LoL in the long run. That’s because Gigantic is designed like a real game, not a glorified Skinner box.
For a long time, people have been complaining about microtransactions in video games—so much so that not even games like LoL are completely free of criticism. Gigantic dares to take a step towards the right direction by introducing a reasonably priced game that doesn’t have any microtransactions even when it probably should. Assuming that the team did so under genuinely benevolent reasons, Gigantic should be praised for taking such a bold step, not condemned, and I just really want to get that out there to all of you guys.
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Of course, on the off-chance that Gigantic might actually go F2P in the future, all the points I’ve made so far will be rendered moot. And while I might be a bit upset at their decision to do so, if they truly think it is what’s best for the survival of the game, I have no right to stop them. At the end of the day, the point I’m trying to make here is that Gigantic’s $20 price point with no microtransactions is not without its merits. Plus, Gigantic is just a really, really good game in general that totally deserves $20. Make of that what you will.
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TL;DR
Gigantic tried going F2P before and it didn’t work
There are examples of non-F2P games of a similar genre that end up becoming successful
Seriously, fuck microtransactions!

Hiya,
I'm a geeky neurodivergent type of human, and I'm looking to find someone who I can laugh, flirt and generally share experiences and conversations with. I live in Chicago, but don't mind connecting online; I've had some very meaningful friendships and relationships virtually, and I value them a lot.
I tend to get along best with people who can talk about pretty much anything, can appreciate trashy movies/tv and who have a good deal of passion for something. Also, people who are at least a little weird.I've been polyamorous for 12 years and have been in a few different configurations of relationships...from having entirely separate relationships to being involved in multiple triads.I'm looking for something meaningful, though that can take a lot of different shapes.
That being said, I tend to like connections where I can just feel comfortable being myself, we share some interests and can talk with equal ease about deep and meaningful stuff, and really stupid silly kinds of things. I also like dynamics where we inspire each other to learn and grow, and can be equal parts sexy and ridiculous.
I'm a bit of an awkward homebody who goes out for movies and theater on occasion. I consume a ton of different kinds of media....I especially love bad horror movies but I'll watch anything from cooking shows to Marvel and everything in between. I also spend a lot of my time playing video games (or board games when there's people to play with).
When I do go out, I like trying out food, drinks and spending time + sharing experiences with the people I'm close to. Oh, and I can't say no to a good espresso martini.
Work-wise, I have a relatively laid back marketing writing job at a software company. I used to lead a marketing team, but went through really severe burn out along with a pretty bad mental health episode, so I generally shifted my priorities away from work stuff and more into building friendships and connecting more with the people in my life.
Anyway, I'd love to have someone to connect with! If you're interested, send me a message and tell me a few things about you.

As a long time lurker, I recently read the post about signs that you were raised by narcissistic parents and realized that maybe I had more of a problem than I wanted to admit. In light of this, I wanted to share/vent my recent struggle and get some outside perspective because at this point I've been in my own head for way too long.
To set the stage: my wife (29F) and I (29M) live in southern California. My parents split their time between northern California and Vegas (all 4-6+ hours away by car). My wife's mother lives close by (about 30 minutes away).
This all started when my wife and I decided we wanted to elope for our wedding. Our jobs have extremely rigid, time-consuming schedules, so finding time to do even this was hard enough. My wife wanted a June anniversary, so the only date we could make work happened to be Father's Day that year. My mom was also out of the country at the time. Despite originally not having any problem with our plan, my dad later changed his mind, invited himself to the "ceremony", and sulked the entire lunch afterward with her family to the point where everyone felt uncomfortable. He was upset that we chose to get married on Father's Day, while my mom was out of town. At the time I felt very guilty. However, our plan was just to spend literally a couple hours signing some papers. I didn't see a need to make my parents drive 8 hours round trip just to watch us sign some documents. We were even planning a celebration trip later on (that most definitely will not be happening now lol), so all the more reason we felt that they didn't need to be a part of this. Now we can't even look at the pictures from that day without feeling all the awkwardness of that day that he inserted himself into.
Then when my wife was pregnant, my mother-in-law's friend reached out and mentioned she had a ton of baby stuff that she wanted to give us, which we were more than happy to accept. This friend lived in Vegas, so I asked my parents if they could go grab the stuff. My dad immediately got upset and tried to convince me not to accept it. I didn't really understand why, but ultimately my mom ended up going to get it. Then when we requested they deliver the stuff to us a couple months before my daughter would be born, my dad again resisted and said he was busy with work and "did we really need the stuff now." I ultimately gave up my only two days off in a 30 day stretch of work to drive to and from Vegas myself to get the stuff in a timely manner. Naturally, my wife was very unhappy with this situation.
When my daughter was born, my dad decided they would visit us to meet the baby. They visited for a day around two weeks postpartum. They brought some food for us, took some pictures, but quickly left again. My wife was furious. She felt like that it had been more about them seeing the baby rather than caring about her in her vulnerable and exhausted state. I agreed, and at this point the stress of being new parents along with my inability to put my foot down against my parents was putting a strain on our relationship.
Then a couple months later, my mother flew in to live with us for a week to help with the baby. We had planned to enjoy a nice lunch and have a fun day on Sunday before she flew back to thank her for her help. We had all agreed on this being the plan, but a couple days before that Sunday, my dad called and stated that he had cancelled my mom's flight and that he'd drive over and pick her up on Saturday instead, skipping the Sunday plans altogether. We negotiated that he at least let us take her out to lunch on Sunday, which he finally agreed to, but then said he'd join us for lunch and to add him to the reservation. Now growing up I had gotten used to this kind of thing from my dad, but my wife had had it at this point. She was angry that he would try to make us change our plans last minute to accommodate him, and point blank refused to change the reservation, leaving my dad to sulk and complain that we weren't being respectful of him. At this point, we agreed that we would keep my parents at a distance and not try to ask them for any sort of help anymore. She also now refused to say hi to them whenever I called them and opted to just keep her distance.
Fast forward to about a week ago, I called my parents while I was home alone. At this point they had noticed that my wife was distant. My dad asked what was bothering us so we could talk it through. Before I could even get a full sentence out, he was already yelling: "oh my god you guys are still thinking about that? When will you let bygones be bygones? Okay fine, I'm the bad guy, are you happy now?" I have always just relented and apologized to appease my dad's feelings, but this time I became angry and pointedly stated that our needs should come first, especially during this period of time. In response, he said that we "never considered that maybe he wanted to feel the joy of buying stuff for his granddaughter", and "have I ever considered that maybe he's uncomfortable going to get hand-me-downs from someone he doesn't know." I told him I felt like what I asked for wasn't unreasonable, and even if it made him a little uncomfortable, would it be that hard to put aside his feelings to help his son. He said "well if you asked me to jump off a bridge, should I do that then?" This was the conversation that really stuck with me and ultimately put me in the headspace to want to make this post.
Now most recently, Mother's Day weekend came up, and my brother's college graduation in northern California was on the Saturday. It also happened to be a friend's wedding. Due to my work schedule, the baby, the wedding, and wanting to celebrate with my wife for her first Mother's Day, I felt it was best that I not travel and just celebrate with my brother at a later date. My brother and mom were understanding, but my dad made it a point to call me and try to convince me to blow off work and skip the wedding, and that "family always comes first." Funnily enough come Mother's Day, they never even tried to wish my wife a happy first Mother's Day. Instead when I FaceTimed them myself to wish my mom a happy Mother's Day, I could see my dad sulking again that my wife had declined to be present for the call. I don't think to this day he fully understands why we're so upset and still feels that we are the disrespectful ones.
Anyways, there's so much more I could say but this post is way too long as it is. I feel like I've thought myself into circles and now I'm not really sure what to think or how to feel anymore. I've been alternating between anger, sadness, and guilt that maybe I'm blowing things out of proportion. I guess I just wanted to put my feelings out there and see what other people thought. Thanks for reading!

Apart from having autism and ADHD, I (26F, turning 27 at the end of the month) also have what my previous psychiatrist called a “neurological feeding disorder” due to impaired interception (internal body sensations) from neonatal brain damage. This damage, caused by a hemorrhage, also caused cerebral palsy.
As a child and teen, I definitely had ARFID behaviors, which were dismissed as picky eating behaviors. It’s just that “high-level” autism, ADHD, and ARFID wasn’t diagnosed in girls in the early 2000s. I basically lived on a “beige diet” of cereal, snack cakes, pasta, pizza, and some meat, like chicken or burgers. I wouldn’t eat eggs, seafood, fruit, or vegetables.
I was somewhat underweight until high school, and I remember my mom would always offer me “chocolate milk” (Pediasure / Ensure) when I was younger. I then gained weight in high school due to depression and eating generally crappy food. At my highest weight, I was 135 pounds.
Here’s some backstory about where things started to shift. Trigger warning for numbers, skip over if needed.
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That was up until I turned 24, where I tried a keto diet for mental health and things were going really well, until I developed malnutrition from losing too much weight unintentionally. Height is 4’8” tall.
I went from 110 pounds (BMI 25) and 28% body fat to 90 pounds (BMI 20) and 20% body fat in 10 months. October 2021 to August 2022. Couldn’t get warm worth a damn from subnormal body temperatures, and lost my period at around 95 pounds.
Even so, a calorie intake of 1000-1200 per day on top of 2-3 miles of walking (daily activity and steps) would have eventually lead to relative energy deficiency (RED) at some point because I never knew about planning scheduled refeeding periods to mitigate the down-regulation in metabolism.
Especially when considering that my hunger signals are impaired due to my brain damage. My interception (internal body sensations) is about half as sensitive as normal.
I didn't know that low-calorie interventions shouldn't be done for months at a time without proper nutritional supervision to prevent deficiencies.
Then I gained 20 pounds in 14 months from October 2022 to December 2023 (93 to 113) after having my previous IUD removed, stopping keto, and hormonal eating patterns once I realized that I had PMDD when my period resumed in July 2023 once I had gained back enough weight.
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Now, I do my best to meet my keto macros and make sure that I get enough calories every day. I try not to eat under 1200 kcal and keeping a food log helps keep me accountable that I’m not under-eating due to not feeling hungry. Logging wasn’t something that I did last time.
However, my current diet is relatively… limited, to put it lightly. I eat heavy cream in coffee, heavy-cream ice cream, cream cheese, and some kind of meat every day to meet my protein requirements. This isn’t the previous “beige diet” of my youth, but rather what I call a “heavy cream diet”.
I used to be hypersensitive to flavors and textures when I was younger, for example, I never ate salads before the age of 24, but that switch “flipped” when I started having reactive eating episodes when I was underweight. I would eat sandwiches, spicy foods, and seafood, all of which were foods that I was previously very avoidant of, to the point of having anxiety attacks when seeing the shells in shellfish.
Those reactive eating episodes really showed the kind of primal need for food that malnutrition does to the brain, because the body needs a lot of calories to gain back weight while underweight.
Now, instead of being afraid of shellfish and fruit, I’m afraid of nuts/seeds, peanut butter, and any kind of carb foods. I avoid eating because the food isn’t enjoyable anymore. It’s like even when I try to focus, I can’t “taste” the food sometimes. I’m also averse to cold coffee because my mouth just says no, which may be because cold coffee is less acidic than hot coffee and tastes different?
By the way, I’m using “avoidant” to describe sensory overstimulation, and “averse” to describe choking/nausea symptoms, as that’s what I was previously taught in speech therapy when I when for a few sessions when I was 24 due to swallowing spasms.
Does this sound like ARFID behaviors? Where is the line between an eating disorder and a feeding disorder, if there is one? I wouldn’t want to say orthorexia, because I literally eat butter to up my calories, and that seems against the premise of “healthy foods” even though it’s perfectly acceptable within a keto context.
At the practice I’m currently with, the former psychiatrist left, and the practice is still waiting on a new one. But I want to bring this all to the attention of my psychologist, who knows about my longstanding feeding issues, and then the new psychiatrist, whenever they get hired.
Advice is appreciated, and my chats are open if you don’t want to publicly comment. Thanks in advance!

does anyone know where I can find a cucamelon plant in the city of Pittsburgh? I’ve been to many plant nurseries and a few home improvement shops, I’m just really craving to grow my own mexican sour gherkins…
will settle for seeds if I can’t find a seedling

I was always a social outsider and I was never able to have a group of friends like normal kids have, and it really makes me upset looking back and realizing how much fun all the other kids at school were having. I was mostly bullied and left out so I never got to go out with friends outside of school and I never had any of the coming of age experiences you're supposed to have, like having fun at summer camp, going to the mall or the movies, having pizza at each other's house, or making memories during your senior year of high school. Those kinds of friendships are special when you're a kid because you have other kids your own age figuring all this out with you and the experience isn't the same as an adult, so I think my life is ruined and I hate how everyone else talks about how they couldn't have survived high school or college without their best friends. It makes me feel like I'm outside of humanity and that I don't fit in anywhere.
To be honest I see no reason to get any older because the time in my life when you can just be young and have fun with friends is already behind me, so I think nothing matters now. I can't stand the fact that there are other people who are still young enough to have the experiences I can never have simply because they were born normal enough to be accepted by other kids. I think most humans are just hard-wired to hate and reject anyone who's a little bit different and the people who got to grow up happy might as well be a different species from me. I don't have any sense of purpose in life anymore because I didn't have anyone to help me build a sense of identity or what I'm good at so I'm not sure what to do now. I'm 33 but I feel dying would be preferable to getting any older.

Hi guys so basically I (F22) wasn’t a popular kid growing up. One day in class, I was sitting next to this one girl let’s just call her A , she was super sweet and we got along well. She became super popular and me and my friend group noticed how she would interact less and less with us - the non popular kids. She would straight up ignore us, and our presence. After we graduated school, 4 years later, me and my best friend were at the park sitting down on our picnic mat. The park was super crowded btw, and I saw A with her friend. I think she saw me, and she walked past between me and friend and said excuse me. Is that rude of her knowing that she she knew both of us at one point?

This will be long, because need to show my side and why I did it. However, I'll try to keep it as short as possible.
I am 33, but in less then a month I'll be 34. This is important because this all happened in May and so I think about it ever year. To make it worse, I saw a post that made me really think about this.
At age 20 in May, I made a decision that lying to my girlfriend. So that she leave me, was in her best interest. Since I was 16 my body started failing me. Wasn't to bad at first. I could still do most things and live normal. However, I was a complete outdoor type before this. If I wasn't working on the farm, I was in the woods. Well, I had to stay inside. Which lead me to MySpace, and then mmorpgs and then anime. Anime lead me to Crunchyroll. A website that was social media basically but with anime to.
I met a girl on here. Was friends for 3 years and then turn into more. Spent almost my entire free time talking to her.
She had big dreams of being a architect and designing a building that would never be forgotten. I wanted this for her, I wanted her to do what she dream of.
Anyway, I had seen what disable and incompetent men have done to women. They drag them down. They just hurt them. My mother, my sister among others I knew. So even at a much younger age. I swore to never drag anyone down. I swore I would be strong enough for whoever I married.
Well by 20, I was much worse. Spent half my time in bed, hurting to much to do anything really.
The relationship wasn't a I ask her out or she ask me out. Was more of a, we both loved each other and so just happened.
When it really hit me, was in January of when I was 20. When I saw how I was just going to causes her pain. So I quickly made up bullshite saying I can't actually love her because I'm autistic(I know beyond stupid and she probably knew it)(i am autistic through). So she swept it under the rug and didn't care at all. Kept the relationship going. Tried a couple more stupid ways but she never took any of it seriously.
Until May, when I told her my life was more important then hers and she ain't good enough for me. (I never let her know about my physical condition) She finally saw me as a asshole and ended it.
Which I believed her hating me, would make it much easier for her to forget me and move on.
She before this was talking about taking time off and coming to visit me and other times living with me. I saw the future of her giving up her dreams or I weighing her down. I saw her future being hurt by me. Because I couldn't even make it through college from missing to much. I would not be able to get a job. I would only hurt her, I couldn't stand the thought of me doing to her. What I saw my father do to my mother.
So getting her to break up with me and always hiding my sickness from her. Never talking on phone or camera when I was doing bad.
Should I have just been honest and broken up with her.
Last thing, I wanted to marry her. My dream growing up, was to have a happy family.

I’ve seen a lot of posts lately about people fearing they’ve angered the gods or that they’re being punished by a god, and just wanted to share a personal experience that I’m living right now in case it helps anyone allay those fears.
For a long time, I’ve been able to fairly easily connect with Lady Aphrodite and feel her energy through meditation, and I’ve often looked to her for support during hard or emotional times. Lately, though, I’ve found I can’t connect quite so easily, and sometimes I don’t feel anything at all when I reach out. I wondered why, and was a little worried, but it clicked for me tonight that so much of the work I’ve been doing both in therapy and in my spiritual practice revolves around a) finding independence/courage standing on my own two feet, and b) learning to sit with distressing feelings. If I turn to a deity whenever I’m overwhelmed by sadness or other upsetting emotions, I’m training my brain that I can’t handle those things on my own. For my own good, I can’t count on divine support always being an option, and I believe this is why I’m perceiving her stepping back a bit.
All this to say: spirituality is a beautiful thing, but the mundane matters too, and I think the gods know this. It is all too easy for the human mind to get overly wrapped up in seeking spiritual support - I think of people who get addicted to tarot readings/other forms of divination, or people (from any religion) who feel a need to pray for guidance for every minor decision. Intuition and divine guidance are wonderful, but sometimes we simply have to make our own choices, as flawed as they may be; I think sometimes the best thing the higher powers in this world can do for us is remind us of our agency.
Not being able to feel a connection with a god may have nothing to do with you at all, or it may be for your own good, but it’s very rarely because you’ve done something wrong. I fully believe Aphrodite is still part of my life and still cares about me, even if I can’t feel her presence as strongly right now. I appreciate that she recognizes I’m finally in a phase of my life where I can (and want to) reclaim my independence; I didn’t realize my support-seeking was becoming a problem, but I see now that it was beginning to teeter on unhealthy, and I’m thankful she saw it too and helped open my eyes to it. It’s not a punishment; it’s giving me space to grow in a situation where more external support and reassurance would ultimately hold me back.
I felt really drawn to write this up and share this perspective, because it saddens me to see so many people afraid that because they didn’t say a prayer or lit the wrong color of candle that they’ve invoked divine wrath, or people perceiving a disconnect or seeing a candle burn oddly and fearing that they’ve done something wrong with no idea what it might be. It’s all too easy to project our traumas or insecurities onto situations they don’t belong in, but the Theoi are not vengeful, nor do they - in my experience - suddenly abandon people. Even a year or two ago, I probably would be afraid I was being punished too… but sometimes we don’t know what we need, and sometimes what we need is to be told “it’s up to you, and you can handle it”.
We don’t have to feel the gods to know they’re still there. 💛💛

I guess the best way to start this post is to admit that I am in somewhat of a deep personal struggle (Jihad, if you will!) and, as these feelings have been cropping up during my reading of The Red Book, I figured I would reach out to some Jungians. I quite enjoy you folks and your sub. Anyway
I guess the simplest way to put it is that I have realized that I do not seem to want anything. My desire seems to be roadkilled; carelessly left dead on the way to the next vague destination. I am beginning to worry about this. I am beginning to wonder at what point asceticism becomes a rejection of life.
I am 25 and after graduating college with a profoundly unmarketable degree two years ago (sociology) I have been working as an antique clock repairman. I live in an apartment with bare walls, minimal furniture, and stacks of books. I have a few friends and a family I am very close with. It's just that it's getting to that point when people are asking me when I'm going to start a career and get a house and get health insurance and "grow up". To say that I have no interest in these things is probably underselling it; the uncomfortable reality is that these things honestly disgust me and I have absolutely desire for them.
This really is the crux of the issue here. I am not a desert father and I am not a tortured genius. I sincerely believe I am a mostly normal guy who just likes reading. I don't want to reject the world and I feel like that's what I'm doing. I can say these things are "consumerist" but the reality of the situation is that the "consumerist" world is where most people live, and in rejecting that world, I feel myself pull away from them. I like people a lot and do not want to do this.
Is there a way to live fully in the world and yet reject it? Or see it with clear eyes? I think this is question I am asking, but I am unsure. Any thoughts are welcome.

I planned on visiting her at the nursing home this Thursday. My grandma is 84 and has 3 types of cancer and had a heart attack the other day. Her brain cancer is making her forget things already but she did ask for me.
Only my sister knows I’m pregnant. I’m 16 weeks along, and I thought about giving her a baby onzie that said game day with grandma because growing up my little brother was in baseball, she took care of us and we went to all the games together.
I ran the idea by my sister and she said not to because she doesn’t want to make my grandma feel left out or like she is missing out, she said it would give her false hope.
My grandma and I don’t have the best relationship and we haven’t talked since 2021, because I moved to a different state.
I told my sister it wasn’t from a point of unkindness.
I don’t know. Is it unkind? Is it better left unsaid?

Most of the questions from agriculture are data related you need strong grip on data. Agriculture can be divided into two parts core agriculture and its economics. When it comes to core agriculture you have to do various crops the soils in which they grow rainfall etc
In agrieconomics there are two parts 1. Backward linkages i.e pre harvest 1. Land related issues pooling,reforms,collective farming,FPO, modern and old land reforms
2.Seeds: types of seeds,national seed act1969 and it's amendments,issue of farm saved seeds and seed replacement ratio.
3.fertilizers: types,NPK ratio and it's analysis,reasons for urea dominance and it's effect,fertilizer related legislation,issue of poor performance indian fertilizer units in ramagunda barauni etc,canalisation of urea,fertilizer subsidy variation over past 5 years,biofertilizers, comparison with advanced economies per hectare usage etc.
4.Pesticide: Types, issues with insecticide act,1960,reforms,Integrated pest management centres of india analysis,comparison with advanced economies
5.Irrigation: types with analysis,data on India wrt various crops,water efficiency concept,soil salinity concept etc
6.Soil: types,minerals,podzolization,soil health card scheme etc
Forward linkage i.e post harvest 1. Machinery related data and schemes like sub mechanisation scheme
2.pricing mechanism pds msp etc for various crops including sugarcanes frp,mis scheme
3.insurance: analysis and issues.pmfby
4.Storage i.e warehousing data central warehousing commission etc negotiable warehouse receipt scheme,interest subvention rtc
You need very strong hold on data from 10th agrihousehold survey by nsso and i forgot livestock and it's 20 th census so that you can eliminate options
This is just a short list.do let me know if you need a more detailed comprehensive list.will update on livestock in next post.

(Scene i wrote to illustrate how Kassandra Kurze's SO could prevent her from destroying Nostarmo and falling into betrayal by proving her visions false, also English is not my first language so im sry for any mistakes you ll find)
“Say, captain, do you believe in fate?”

Dark corridors of the Nightfall were dimly lit with stripes of pale light, so resembling their homeworld traditions. Homeworld to which they headed now, as they got the news of recent rebellion. Morgenstern stood against one of the Emperor’s Angels, however he could not think of one soul to call this particular one an angel. Or any other space marine on this ship for that matter. Cold black eyes stared iterator down, there were no animosity in them. Just a faint blink of curiosity.

“What in that for you, iterator, we’re not on your peace talks right now,” said Jago Sevatarion, first captain of the Night Lords legion.

He pushed through the man standing before him and headed through the corridor. He heard steps of the mortal trying to catch up to him, almost skipping but still trying to uphold decency. The thought of any mortal maintaining a face before him amused the Night Lord. Morgenstern caught up with the space marine. They walked in a silence for a few moments.

“Lady Kassandra is going to sentence Nostramo to Exterminatus,” said iterator. He sounded calm, but heightened senses of a space marine gave away his slightly hightened heartrate to Jago.

First captain quickly glanced at the man beside him.

“That is for Mother to decide,” he said quietly, “If she deems this planet a lost cause, so be it.”

“And what do you think, captain?” iterator asked, sounding unnaturally passionlessly, “I thought of you as a rare example of independent thinker on this whole fleet. I thought you of all people knew, that our Lady’s judgments could be… affected.”

Space marine stopped suddenly, causing Morgenstern to flinch. Iterator however held his composure, stopping himself and turning to the Night Lord, man’s cloak clicking from a quick movement as he did so.

“Are you questioning the primarch, mortal?” black flame danced dangerously in the eyes of the first captain.

“Are you not?”

Jago hated that for all that he wanted he could not refute this man.

“What do you want me to do?” if Morgenstern didn’t know who was before him, he would have thought Night Lord sounded helplessly.

“I suggest you listen to your own words, captain,” iterator began slowly, “I suggest for the first time you try to do better.”

***

Bridge airlocks closed and all that Morgenstern caught before was a flash of purple eyes. Moments later sound of titanic strike reverberated through the whole deck. Jago Sevatarion, who stood next to iterator felt hope for the first time in his life. Hope for airlocks to withstand and for this mortal to turn out right.

“What does it mean, Morgenstern?” even muffled by airlocks, Primarch’s voice felt suppressing.

“Canons are disarmed, Lady Kassandra.” Morgenstern said after a long silence.

“That is not what supposed to be,” said Night Huntress.

“It Is indeed not.”

Series of strikes shook the deck. Jago looked at the iterator. However, he flinched each time primarch’s hit landed on bridge’s gates, Morgenstern still firmly stood against them, hands behind his back.

“OPEN THE GATES AND DO WHAT YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO, COWARD!” shout from the other side of the airlocks made iterator suffer from a headache. He turned to the first captain.

“I will kindly ask you to leave, Jago,” he said firmly. First captain measured mortal with his glance for a moment.

Space marine turned away from the bridge, “It is your funeral, iterator.”

“Then I will expect flowers from you, captain,” primarch’s screams in the background became more chaotic and loud.

“You better love plastic, it is the best we have on Nostramo.” Night Lord’s words were distant.

Iterator smiled to this unexpected joke from space marine and focused his sight on the gates. Strikes still fell on their steel.

“I SWEAR, MORTAL, YOU WILL REGRET THAT DECISION AS I WILL BE MAKING MYSELF A ROBE OUT OF YOUR SKIN WITH YOU STILL BREATHING!”

Now, that is just rude, Morgenstern thought to himself trying to stay calm as Kassandra Curze’s words made a cold sweat run down his back.

Screams and threats continued, but as time went on iterator started to notice something new in Night Huntress voice. Pain started as thin threads in the fabric of her voice, growing thicker until all that was there was agony. It was so alive, so unbearable that Morgenstern felt pain in his own heart. That were screams of a broken angel, who never got to fly, sunken in the mortal sin from the start of existence.

And then there was silence.

Iterator suddenly felt that there was no threat inside the bridge. He came up to the airlocks and sat down on the floor, leaning his back on the gates.

“You should have just killed me,” Kassandra’s voice was broken, as if she was crying.

Nonsense, Morgenstern thought, crying is for mere mortals.

He closed his eyes. Iterator didn’t want to see anything right now.

So my ex and I have herpes and both have high sex drive. It’s been a week since we had sex and today we had sex again. I liked it…. I do have feelings for him but I also would like to just become friends and maybe keep hooking up here and there. There have been troubles in our relationship but I always wanted to work it out. I did this time too and that might not leave me right away but I have waves of emotions but I’m getting more set in the fact that I just want to be the best version of me and that doesn’t involve a relationship with him. At least not rn. I hope that we can be friends and hook up and I can do me and grow and when I don’t want to hook up anymore then I’ll stop. I know I probably sound a little delulu. But our sex is so good….. like I really just don’t want to have sex with just anyone and I don’t want to tell people about my situation just to be able to have sex. Even though I have the herpes under control and haven’t had to really deal with it for probably 2 years now. I kinda just want to be told that having sex with him for now is ok…. But I guess what are your thoughts people?

Chapter Two - Part One
First Half
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Outposts sprang up on Mercury and the moons of the Kuiper Belt, each a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance. The harsh landscapes of these worlds posed new challenges, but they also offered new resources and opportunities. The ability to leap across the galaxy using faster-than-light travel encapsulated the dark, relentless drive of the human spirit to explore, expand, and survive.
The network of colonies became interconnected, serving as launch pads for further exploration. The new FTL technologies transformed the galaxy into a neighborhood rather than an infinite wilderness. Each jump through space brought humanity closer to its neighbors in the cosmos, for better or worse.
The universe, once a vast, lonely place, was now a landscape of potential new homes and new challenges. As humanity spread out from the Solar System to the stars, the stage was set for new conflicts and new stories, written not in the light of the Sun but in the starlight of distant worlds.
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Humanity's march to the stars was driven by necessity and survival, stark against the backdrop of Earth's dwindling resources and rising conflicts. After World War I, the foundational theories of rocketry emerged, setting the stage for the later technological leaps that would propel humans into space. The brutal rivalry of the Cold War accelerated these advancements, pushing the Soviet Union and the United States to compete in the space race, a silent war fought with satellites and lunar landings.
The practical applications of these early missions were not just about planting flags but also about testing human limits and technologies in the harsh environment of space. The moon landings of 1969 were a global spectacle. Yet, they also underscored the sheer isolation and vulnerability of human life suspended in the cosmic void.
As the decades rolled on, the international focus shifted from competition to cooperation. The space shuttle program symbolized this new era, with nations coming together to build the International Space Station and to send joint missions to Mars. These efforts turned sci-fi dreams into reality—establishing bases on the moon and sending manned missions to Mars laid the groundwork for future colonization.
The drive to inhabit Mars and the moon grew out of a blend of fear and fascination. Habitats expanded into fully functioning colonies, tapping into local resources to create self-sustaining environments. Technologies developed for extracting water and producing air on these barren worlds were critical for long-term survival.
In the shadows of these achievements, the Alcubierre Warp drive emerged as a revolutionary breakthrough, allowing humanity to leapfrog across vast stellar distances in a blink. The UNV Pathfinder and its sister ship, the UNV Exploration, were equipped with this technology to reconnect with colony ships sent out decades earlier in the Great Exodus. These vessels carried not just new drives but also vital updates in agriculture, medicine, and communications to ensure the colonies could thrive.
Each successful mission with the warp drives was a lifeline, not only physically connecting distant colonies to Earth but also weaving a web of interstellar human culture. Resources and knowledge flowed freely, bolstering each colony's chance of success. These ships were built to endure the extremes of space. They were equipped with advanced life-support systems and autonomous navigation, and they were fortresses navigating the unknown.
Meanwhile, Earth and its solar system colonies were pushed further into space. Massive construction projects like O'Neal Cylinders and space elevators dotted the celestial landscape, marking human progress in the cosmos. Each colony, from Mars's rugged plains to the cloud tops of Venus, developed its distinct culture and identity, united by their shared heritage and mutual challenges.
Space travel was fraught with hazards. Asteroids and solar flares were just the beginning; the cosmos was a place of deep unpredictability and danger. Despite these risks, during this era, not just hundreds of thousands but hundreds of millions of people chose to leave Earth. They embarked on journeys aboard new colony ships. These immense vessels were comparable in size to or even surpassed the O'Neal Cylinder habitats in scale. These ships were behemoths, carrying the very essence of Earth and the seeds of future colonies.
The exodus reached systems like Alpha Centauri A and B, Proxima Centauri, Sirius A and B, Barnard's Star, Luyten 726-8 (BL Ceti and UV Ceti), Ross 154 (V1216 Sagittarii), and Wolf 359. These stars became the bedrock of the United Nations of Sol, the precursor to what would be known as the "Human Sphere." It was a time of unprecedented growth and prosperity for humanity, expanding further than ever before in its history.
As humans settled in these new worlds, they faced not only the physical challenges of new environments but also profound isolation and the psychological burden of being light-years away from Earth. Each colony developed its own way of life, adapting to the unique conditions of their new worlds. The challenges of establishing a foothold in these alien places were immense. Local resources were harvested, and technologies were adapted to create habitable atmospheres and viable ecosystems.
Communication between the colonies and Earth was sparse, limited by the vast distances. Each message took years to travel, even at the speed of light, making each colony effectively isolated in its own right. This isolation led to a variety of cultural evolutions and deviations from Earth's norms, which in turn led to a tapestry of diverse human experiences spread across the stars.
The technologies that allowed these pioneers to travel to and settle new worlds were monumental. Fusion drives, quantum computers, and terraforming equipment were standard on these ships. Life aboard the colony ships was a mix of awe at the cosmic vistas and the mundanity of daily life in confined spaces. Generations were born and died in transit, with only stories of Earth as their legacy.
Each new home was a gamble against the cosmos, and not all were successful. Some colonies failed tragically, and their populations were lost to space or were unable to survive in harsh new environments. But for every failure, there was a story of remarkable success and resilience. The human spirit, driven by a need to explore and expand, thrived in adversity. Humanity never gave up and, over the next century, continued to send colonists to each of these star systems and began the process of colonizing each system.
In the stark expanses of space, every new settlement humanity attempted was a stark challenge against the cosmos, and the failures were as common as the successes. Many colonies were lost—whole populations vanished into the void or succumbed to the inhospitable climes of unfamiliar planets. Despite these setbacks, for every outpost that fell, others sprang up in defiance of the odds, showcases of human resilience and determination.
This relentless push into the unknown was not powered by naïve optimism but rather a hardened will to forge a path, wherever possible, to lay claim to the stars themselves. Humanity's spirit, unbroken by repeated failures, continued to drive its expansion across galaxies. Over the decades, this resolve only hardened as each failed colony became a lesson in survival, a step towards mastering life in the cosmos.
The stark realities of space tested human resolve to its limits. Beyond the safety of the Solar System, the universe emerged not just as a vast place of exploration but as a harsh environment of extreme conditions and existential threats. The initial failures taught valuable lessons in logistics, life support, and sustainable living on alien soil, which were crucial for future endeavors.
Colonization efforts became more sophisticated over time. Humans developed technologies that could convert inhospitable terrains into somewhat livable habitats. Advanced terraforming equipment and life-support systems became standard in new colonies. These tools represented more than mere survival mechanisms; they were symbols of humanity's unyielding quest to inhabit the stars.
As colonies spread further into the galaxy, each new venture was underpinned by an increasingly detailed understanding of interstellar travel and survival. The experiences gathered from every failed settlement informed the next, creating a cumulative body of knowledge that bolstered human persistence. The drive to expand took on a rhythm of its own, a cycle of trial, error, and success that slowly but surely extended the reach of human civilization.
This cycle was reflected in the evolution of colonial policies and technologies. From the early days of rudimentary habitats to the development of massive, self-sustaining complexes that could house thousands, the growth was palpable. Each successful colony served as a proof of concept for the next. With each launch, humanity's footprint in the galaxy grew larger.
The colonies themselves varied wildly—a testament to human ingenuity and the diverse environments encountered. Some were burrowed into asteroids, others sprawled across red Martian sands or nestled in the volatile cloud tops of Venus. Each presented unique challenges and required bespoke solutions to make them habitable.
Interstellar ships, equipped with the latest in warp drive technology, ferried resources between these colonies. They were lifelines essential for maintaining the flow of essential supplies and personnel. These vessels were also carriers of culture and connection, linking distant humans across the void of space.
Despite the vast distances and slow communications, a network of human presence began to stitch together disparate points of light into a coherent tapestry of colonies. This network was more than a mere chain of outposts; it was the backbone of a burgeoning interstellar society—a network that held potential not only for survival but for a new era of human prosperity.
However, this expansion was not without its darker aspects. The harsh conditions of space required strict governance and often harsh penalties for breaches of colony protocol. Life in these new worlds was rigidly structured, a necessity to maintain order in environments where even a small mistake could be fatal.
Each new settlement was a dice roll against the vast uncertainties of space, and many did not survive. Failures were frequent; entire colonies vanished into the void or succumbed to the inhospitable conditions of their newfound planets. The loss of life was substantial, casting a shadow over the ambitious interstellar expansion efforts. However, each disaster also hardened the resolve of those who remained. The cumulative knowledge gained from these failures informed future endeavors, refining the protocols and technologies needed to endure and thrive in alien environments.
Despite the high stakes and frequent setbacks, human resolve remained unshaken. The determination to push forward, to establish a foothold in the cosmos, was fueled by necessity and the innate human drive to explore. As each failed colony became a lesson learned, the strategies for survival evolved. More robust life support systems were developed, and habitats were designed to be more adaptable to the unpredictable conditions of new worlds.
The stark reality of these endeavors was that many who left Earth would never return. They journeyed knowing the risks—trading the safety of their home planet for the promise of a new start on distant, uncharted worlds. This was the cost of progress, paid willingly by those driven by a vision of humanity's future among the stars.
With each new wave of colonists, technology and experience accumulated, reducing the risks and increasing the chances of success. Ships became more advanced, equipped with better navigation systems and life-support capabilities. Colonization techniques also improved, with genetic engineering playing a crucial role in adapting human physiology to extraterrestrial environments.
The harshness of space demanded a relentless pursuit of efficiency and sustainability. Resources were scarce, and logistical challenges were immense. The vast distances between colonies meant that each had to be largely self-sufficient. Communication lags, sometimes spanning years, forced these communities to develop a high degree of autonomy.
Over the centuries, this relentless expansion forged a new breed of human. These spacefarers were tough, adaptable, and fiercely independent. Their lives, spent on the frontier of human existence, were a testament to the species' tenacity. They cultivated their new worlds, turning barren landscapes into bustling colonies. These settlements eventually grew into hubs of culture and technology, distinct yet still connected to their ancestral home by shared history and common humanity.
Yet, the expansion was not without its darker aspects. The isolation of distant colonies often led to psychological strain and societal breakdown. In some cases, governance structures collapsed under the weight of external pressures and internal conflicts. Pirates and marauders, drawn by the wealth of fledgling colonies, became a significant threat, leading to the establishment of militarized zones and the deployment of defense forces.
As humans adapted to life in space, they also had to contend with the presence of other sentient species. Initial interactions were cautious and fraught with tension and misunderstandings. Some encounters led to conflict, others to alliances. These relationships were complex, shaped by a mix of diplomacy, trade, and, occasionally, warfare.
Humanity's venture into interstellar space fundamentally transformed its cultural and identity landscapes. As humans spread across the stars, encountering diverse environments and nurturing colonies on planets ranging from Mars to far-flung systems, the challenges of survival and the ethical dimensions of expansion pressed hard on their collective psyche.
Values long held sacred on Earth were reevaluated in the face of new realities. The discovery of life—fauna and flora—on other planets during these colonization efforts marked a pivotal shift. While no sentient alien species were encountered, the existence of alien ecosystems was profound. It highlighted not only humanity's isolation in the cosmos but also its responsibilities.
On Alpha Centauri, the first successful integration of Earth's lifeforms with alien biomes set a precedent. Genetic manipulation technologies were refined, allowing Earth's organisms to coexist with and enhance these extraterrestrial habitats. Conservation efforts were paramount; preserving the integrity and diversity of alien ecosystems became a moral imperative as much as a scientific endeavor.
Each colony, from the red dust of Mars to the lush jungles of distant exoplanets, became a testbed for these principles. They were microcosms where human ingenuity, ethical considerations, and ecological stewardship intersected. Through these experiences, humanity did not just spread through space; it grew, evolved, and redefined what it meant to be human in the vast expanse of the universe.
Through all these trials, the human spirit's resilience shone brightly. Never deterred by the enormity of their challenges, humans continued to push the boundaries of their known universe. Each colony, each ship, and each life represented a thread in the vast tapestry of human endeavor in space—a relentless march toward an uncertain but ceaselessly pursued future.
Chapter Two
Beginning of Entry…
StarDate: Redacted
Perspective: Noah Stark
Species: Human, Humanoid Mammalian Species, no tail.
Description: 5 feet 2 inches [1.6 meters] to 6 feet 9 inches [2.1 meters] average height. 185 lbs [84 kilograms] average weight.
Longevity: 70 to 500-year life expectancy with life extension medical tech.
Unique Trait: Resilience and Indomitable Will.
Vessel: ICV The Argonaut
Location: New Eden Star Cluster
Noah, his gaze locked on the viewport, watched the ancient ship float aimlessly among the asteroids. The ICV The Argonaut, under his skilled control, edged closer, enabling the deployment of EVA suits for inspection. Behind him, his mother, Gwendolyn Stark, and his sisters, Jane and Joan, prepared for the walk, their movements a blend of anticipation and professionalism. The ship, a silent relic of a bygone era, revealed no signs of life, a fact confirmed by both Shinra Hinaba and Serenity, the Argonaut's AI.
This discovery, hidden among the celestial debris, was a treasure. It wasn't just a ship; it was a gateway to unparalleled recognition for the Shinra-Stark-Daiwa Mining Group. While the Argonaut and its crew focused on this historical artifact, the rest of the fleet mined the surrounding asteroids, harvesting resources critical for the survival of distant colonies.
Hinaba's voice, laced with a mix of excitement and concern, snapped Noah back to the present. "Focus, Noah!" she said, her fist-bumping Noah's shoulder in a friendly gesture. "We've got a lot riding on bringing this ship in intact."
"I know, I know! Just relax, Hinaba! I've got this," Noah assured her, his attention riveted to the controls. His reputation as the fleet's top pilot wasn't unfounded, a fact even the skeptical private military contractors had come to acknowledge. Almost as if summoned by their conversation, the Director's face appeared on the communications screen next to Hinaba, an uncanny timing that suggested he was closely monitoring their progress.
It was then that Director Shinra Senzo's image flickered onto the communications screen, his timing almost too perfect. "What's your status, Noah?" he asked, a brief glance toward his daughter betraying his deeper concerns. Despite his reservations about Noah's closeness with Hinaba, he was willing to see where their partnership might lead, a stance influenced by discussions with Noah's father.
"We're in!" Gwendolyn's voice crackled through the comms, marking their successful approach. But their moment of triumph was shattered by a distress signal, a desperate call cutting through the static. Elaine and Beth Frost, Noah's cousins, scrambled to decipher it, their faces etched with growing alarm.
After a tense moment, Beth's face drained of color, but it was Eliane who eventually shared the grim news, which was dire: "An unknown force has attacked New Eden. Their defenses are falling…" The weight of their words hung heavy in the bridge. An unseen adversary had breached the colony's defenses, leaving them vulnerable. The realization that any hope of immediate assistance from the USSA or SFR was weeks or even a full stellar month away if at all, underscored the gravity of their situation. With the defense fleet in ruins, their only hope lay with the ICV Ishimura, and the hired PMC mercenary group onboard, initially engaged to fend off pirates, might now be their only hope against this new and formidable threat.
Silence enveloped the bridge as the magnitude of the crisis dawned on them. They were alone, far from help, facing a threat of unknown proportions. Noah felt a tightness in his jaw, anger and resolve mixing in equal measure. The prospect of what lay ahead was daunting, yet there was no room for doubt. They had to act swiftly.
Gwendolyn's voice broke the silence, her command clear. "We need to act, and quickly. Our priority is the safety of this crew and ensuring we can lend aid to New Eden. Noah, plot a course back. We have to prepare for what's to come."
Hinaba, her usual levity gone, nodded. "We have the Ishimura, and we're not defenseless. Let's make sure we're ready for whatever's out there."
As Noah adjusted the ship's course, a sense of determined urgency took hold. They were heading back, not just to confront a threat, but to defend their home, their people.
Director Senzo's voice crackled through the communication channel, his tone tinged with impatience yet seeking reassurance. "It would be great to know what the status of your progress is, Noah," he pressed, his words carrying a sense of urgency.
Noah could sense the weight of expectation in Director Senzo's inquiry. Despite the pressure, Noah remained composed, and his years of experience in the field allowed him to maintain a calm demeanor even in the face of such scrutiny. With a steady voice, he replied, "We're making steady progress, Director. I'll provide you with a detailed update shortly."

He paused as he focused on the holo-Feed in front of him and analyzed the available data in real-time thanks to his military-grade holo-NeuralSyne Implant. "We're adjusting course," Noah replied, his tone firm yet marked by an undercurrent of urgency. "Heading back to New Eden. We'll be ready." 

In the silence that followed, a collective resolve fortified them. They were facing the unknown, as the derelict ship could bring untold bounty from within its hull.
Director Senzo's command carved through the static a clear mandate that reset their priorities. "Noah, before you depart the asteroid belt, I am dispatching a Porter Tug to commandeer the derelict ship. It's our top priority... Get that ship secure before you Skip Jump back to the ICV Argos-1. That is a Prime Directive!" His voice, a blend of authority and urgency, left no room for debate.
Noah, hands steady on the controls, glanced briefly at the communications panel. The weight of the directive pressed into him, a stark reminder of the stakes involved. He turned, catching the gaze of his crew, a silent signal that it was time to adapt their plan. The crew exchanged quick, significant glances, each understanding the gravity of the order. The derelict ship, an ancient relic floating among the asteroids, was not just another find—it was a piece of history, potentially holding untold knowledge and value. The directive from Director Shinra Senzo underscored its importance, not just to their mission but to the broader ambitions of the Shinra-Stark-Daiwa Mining Group.
Noah's mind went back over the meaning of what such an order entailed. Refusing to follow the directive would most certainly spell the end of his career. On one hand, he wanted to help those in need and who were under siege by an unknown force. The New Eden Star Cluster was not just a single system but a series of star systems in close proximity to one another. Noah and the rest of the ICV Argos-1 collective fleet were mining ore around Eden-159; currently, the planets were still being colonized, but in ten years, that would change. Our job was to mine ore to return to Eden-109, one of the 1,119 star systems in the New Eden Cluster.
The directive was clear: any new discovery in the outer rims of human space takes top priority above all other mandates, and the crew of The Argonaut was ready. Despite the risks, the potential rewards were too significant to ignore. As preparations for the operation began in earnest, the sense of unity and purpose among the crew was palpable. Each member knew their role and was prepared to execute it with precision. Noah Stark, standing firm at the helm, nodded sharply. "Understood, Director. We'll secure the derelict and rendezvous with the Argos-1 as planned." His voice was calm, a stark contrast to the racing thoughts behind his composed exterior. The task was daunting, yet his confidence in his crew's abilities was unshakeable.
Shinra Hinaba, her eyes reflecting a mix of determination and concern, shifted in her search. Her fingers were already dancing across the console, setting up communication channels. Her role as the ship's specialist meant she was well-versed in the technicalities of such operations, and her confidence was discernible. "We'll need to coordinate with the tug. I can set up a direct comms link and guide their approach." Her voice, usually light and teasing in their private moments, now carried the professional edge of her role.
Gwendolyn Stark, the matriarch and seasoned explorer, nodded in agreement. "Time is of the essence. Let's secure that ship and make sure it's safe for the tug. We can't afford any delays." Her experience shone through, her demeanor calm yet commanding, rallying her children and the crew with a few choice words. "Everything is by the book. This ship could be a significant find for us," she stated, her voice firm.
Elaine, renowned for her cool demeanor under pressure, exchanged a glance of shared determination with Beth. With a nod, they moved to their stations, their movements precise and efficient, a testament to years of seamless coordination in the face of adversity.
Beth, known for her unwavering focus and quick thinking, shared a silent understanding with Elaine. Together, they pivoted to their respective stations, their synchronization seamless and instinctual. In the heart of chaos, their unity forged a stronghold of resolve, a beacon of stability amid the storm.
"We're on it, Mom," Elaine stated, her hands flying over her console, prepping the EVA suits for another walk.
Beth said decisively, "We'll be ready to assist the Tug team with anything they need." Beth nodded in agreement, both sisters moving to gather the necessary gear. Their well-honed skills in extravehicular activities made them indispensable for the task at hand.
Elaine intonated as she focused on the external sensors: "I'll keep an eye out for any debris or potential hazards for the tug. We don't want any surprises."
Grace Frost, the voice of strategy and foresight, considered the logistics. "Once the ship is secure, we'll need to plot a careful course back. The extra mass will affect our jump calculations."
Jennifer Stark, my youngest sister, a blend of youth and sharp intellect, nodded. Jennifer's hands moved to assist Shinra with the communications setup. Meanwhile, Jamie reviewed the ship's specs, ensuring they had all the data needed for a smooth operation. "Let's ensure we have all the data we need for a smooth operation," she said, her tone serious, betraying the gravity of their task.
Jamie Stark, also my youngest sister, focused on the ship's specs. Her hands moved deftly over the controls as she reviewed the data. "Absolutely," she chimed in, her voice steady as she continued her meticulous review. "We can't afford any oversights if we want this mission to succeed." Her words echoed Jennifer's sentiment, highlighting the importance of thorough preparation.
Jamie added, "I'll run a diagnostic on the derelict's structural integrity. We need to know it can withstand the jump."
Director Senzo's image flickered on the screen once more, a stern reminder of the urgency. "Even if you return now, the fleet can't make the FTL jump until all ships have returned to their hangars and docking bays. You have time to tug the derelict ship back to the ICV Argos-1."
Noah, absorbing every detail, finally responded. "Understood, Director. We'll secure the ship and ensure it's ready for the tug. Argonaut out." His voice, firm and confident, belied the racing thoughts of potential complications and the precision required for their new task.
The directive was clear, and the crew of the Argonaut was ready. Despite the risks, the potential rewards were too significant to ignore. As preparations for the operation began in earnest, the sense of unity and purpose among the crew was palpable. The bridge buzzed with activity, each member of the crew moving with purposeful speed. The Argonaut, once a silent observer among the stars, was now a hive of focused energy, ready to execute a directive that could very well shift the balance of their task. Each member knew their role and was prepared to execute it with precision. The arduous task of securing the derelict ship was directive from above; it was a challenge they were all eager to meet head-on.
"Let's get to work," Noah said, his gaze sweeping over his crew and his family. "We have a ship to secure." His statement, simple yet laden with unspoken responsibility, set them into motion, each person aware of the part they played in the intricate dance of space exploration and survival. Aboard the Argonaut, there was no room for doubt. Only action, determination, and the collective will to succeed in the face of the unknown. Then, they would make the FTL jump to Eden-109 to aid the colonists under siege.
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Day 44 of qotsa March Madness! In a tough matchup, Smooth Sailing, came out on top in yesterday's matchup. Today's matchup is If Only vs Tangled Up In Plaid. Like always, if y'all don't know the rules, read the background below!
Background:
Hey guys! As it is March, in the College Basketball world, it is March Madness, and as a Basketball fanatic and a qotsa fanatic, I thought that bringing the two together for the subreddit would be a fun time to pass the time before the band embarks on the Canada/NA Leg! For the 64 songs in the bracket, I took (for the most part) the top 64 most streamed songs on Spotify. Then I did a random generator, generating each seeding. That's why you may see that some of your favorites that didn't make it unfortunately. Every day when the polls expire, I will upload the next matchup. I will have all the brackets linked in each post updated with the scores. May the best song win!
Block A
Block B
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Block D
View Poll

Okay so I (20F) have been seeing this guy (20M) that I met in college. I saw him sitting in the library and thought he was cute so I gave him my number. I've never done that for a guy but it was Valentine's Day, it's been a year since my first break-up, and he seemed nice. We've been on 4 dates for the last 3 months and we actually get along in so many ways. I feel really comfortable talking to him and we're both into each other. I honestly didn't expect to match so much with him but now I want a RS with him.
But I don't know if I should keep dating him?? First, there is the advice about "healing yourself before a RS" or "becoming the best version of yourself". I am definitely not the best version of myself, there's a lot I want to work on. And I grew up with a traumatic childhood that I have CPTSD from. Definitely haven't healed that yet.
Also, he's Christian and he doesn't mind that I'm Muslim but honestly I'm not even fully sure of my own religious beliefs. I just know my Muslim mom and brother would freak out to know I'm dating someone who's Christian. ( I, myself, am not really sure, sometimes I lean towards islam, sometimes I don't)
I just don't want to keep dating him because I don't have all the answers yet on who I am and haven't personally healed from the things I've been through. I know I could technically heal/grow/find myself while in a RS but what if that journey leads me to not want to be with him anymore???

The Circus is back in town people! Here's what to brace for this season:
Kravis Bliss: Travis and Kourtney, consumed by their love and the new baby Rocky Thirteen, will be rare apparitions. They're too engrossed in filming "Kravis Does Kalabasas" with Travis's kids to haunt our screens much. They will tease their new show with the first sightings of the Rock to entice viewers. She will say "Like" and "I DON'T CARE" at least 14.5 times per dialogue scene.
Kim's saga thickens: Kim crafted the imperfect illusion of a soccer mom, all while weaving a clandestine romance in the shadows. A Kris Jenner masterclass in contradiction, if ever there was one. Will we find out if she's still trudging through law school, preparing for the "toddler bar?" Don't expect the ghastly spectacle of her "Pearl Necklace" Met Gala fiasco or leaving her minor child on the side of the road to haunt the screen. Some horrors are too cringeworthy even for this show. We will get at least TWO new UGLY cry Memes!!
Khloe's Love Life: Khloe is still captured in Tristan's web, and will perform the usual charade about her unparalleled joy as a single mom of three. She'll profess what a great dad, and best friend he is and that she doesn't read the comments while simultaneously going full gangster on those who criticize her (the comments she supposedly doesn't read). She will continue to push the narrative that she is singling and mingling and call herself a MILF more than once. Her lips will continue to grow and we aren't just talking camels. She's no longer involved with Good American Jeans, but Im sure that wont be discussed.
Kendall's Vanishing Act: The ghost of the Hulu era, Kendall, will materialize more frequently this year to take the heat off of Kim's pointless adventures and Kourtney's uncaring attitude. She'll complain every episode about her debilitating anxiety yet appear in sheer see-through garments at every bar, festival, and five-and-dime from California to the Hamptons, peddling her latest questionable celebrity-endorsed Tequilla brand. She will try to convince us and rave about how much fun she is while getting an IV drip with her bestie after finding the closest reserved handicapped parking spot. Benito Bunny. Devin. Sashay Away, Shontay you stay - Does anybody care about her relationships anyway?
Kylie's Rebrand: Prepare for a deluge of Kylie. She'll remain cryptic about her romantic entanglements but will drop hints about a special someone. As of a year ago when this was filmed, she was still smoking ciggies with him, shaving her jaw while Ozempicing and chasing the Parisian chic esthetic.
Kris's Waterworks: Expect Kris to shed at least one cry, drink a liter of Vodka, and say "You guys" at least twenty-five times per episode. She will continue to profess her undying (and blatantly insincere) love for Corey the Fixer, who everyone knows has a much younger girlfriend that he was caught kissin in da Club. Speaking of - He will be wearing those obnoxious D&G x Corey silks in EVERY SCENE he is in.
Lord Disick's Filler Time: Scott will fill the void, funding his naughty vices with his paycheck. With the troves of dirt he holds and no NDA to bind him, Kris ensures his coffers are well-stocked. Most of his scenes are filmed after "events" so he can "bring it up" when they stop by to visit (its all for show people. ALL for show).
Next-Gen Spotlight: The cameras will fixate on Kim's daughter and Kourtney's stepdaughter, grooming them for their presumed dominion over the Hip Hop and Fashion worlds.
Prepare yourself for a season steeped in shadows, contradictions, and the eerie familiarity of reality TV's endless charade of stupidity and lies by a bunch of over-inflated, bodies and egos.
Did I miss anyone? Not likely.