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!

Going through a high conflict separation. I noticed our 12 year old had a new Canadian passport I had no part in applying for. Now the ex is behaving weirdly about getting me to sign the passport application of our 4 year old. We have 2 applicable court orders that need to be included as well as other docs and the ex will not provide the full application, and is pressuring me to sign without these. Sent me a lawyer letter saying I'm delaying the process and will get a court order to remove the requirement for my signature. He is going to his homeland of Mexico in the summer and I have given consent for the kids to go for 2 weeks. I have grave concerns about him keeping the kids there. He has alienated me from them during this conflict, he was charged with assaulting me, did the PAR program, and continues to sneak around within the conflict, trying to poison my reputation and relationships in my family. My kids love Mexico and want to go. My lawyer said I can't withhold consent. What would happen if I called passport Canada to ask about my signature on the 12 year olds passport?

So I'm new to the gym. Well I was in the army for 4 years got out and have been a civilian for a couple years. Just recently started going back to the gym. I have been going roughly 2-3 months now and I quit smoking all together for the same time with no want to go back. I'm highly determined and highly disciplined. My thing is I am improving and moving weights and up weights fast. In this short time period I have been able to bulk up from 152 lbs. To 176 lbs.! My question is I go-to the gym every other day for 5-6 hours and train full body. Granted I do cardio and stretching before and after but majority of the time it's mostly weight training. I feel like I'm doing good but I feel like I could be doing better! I work every muscle group to failure or that floaty feeling where I can't rep anything more. I also do a reverse pyramid where I start with my max or pr weight do my sets and then lower it until burn out. I heard going until float is best for tearing and building. Is that the wrong way? I flat bench more then my body weight and I'm working on getting back up to the 225 I used to lift I lift 190 rn. What can I do to improve? I don't take roids and I'm not going to so refrain from those comments. I am on a regimen. I just heard that training this hard is bad for you and growth. But all I see is growth if I eat adicqietly should I be good or am I actually hurting my gains by doing this? Also before you say anything I don't talk in the gym and yes I have this much free time this is my hobby. If you have any questions or want to know my full routine so you can better help me be sure to ask or pm me! 🙏

TLDR: I need to lose a lot of weight. I am successful when in a consistent calorie deficit, but I feel so hungry and irritable when doing so. Does it get better or are people just hungry all the time when losing a lot of weight and maintaining?
I (32F; HW 240 CW 225 GW 165) nailed a healthy diet in January and lost a good bit of weight, but I struggled with feeling so very hungry and deprived during that time.
I was aiming for a 1,800 calories a day goal after working with my doctor, and usually found myself between 1,400 and 1,800 cals. I had a higher calorie day about 1-2 times a week. I had fewer processed carbs, a protein goal (80-100mg) and water intake goal (130oz). I was also getting 10,000 + steps a day, even if it meant walking around my house for 45 mins at the end of the day lol. It was working! I was a bit less consistent in February/March, and then almost completely fell off in April/May.
I have a prescription for Wegovy and I'm on week 2 and have decided I don't want to continue. Side effects are honestly ok, and it really does affect my appetite and make eating fewer calories so much easier. I see why it works so well - if I always felt like this I would rarely ever even reach 1,400 cals a day. I really am anxious however to be on a medication forever, and the long term side effects and stigma around it just freak me out. Plus, I've kind of proven to myself that if I'm consistent, I can lose and maintain for a while. I really want to be able to do this.
I gained 60+ lbs in two years after taking Lexapro for postpartum anxiety and depression and I was relieved to finally be off the meds last year. Unlucky for me the weight wouldn't budge after simply stopping. I'm mostly healthy but at high risk for type 2 diabetes and have developed high cholesterol and back pain.
Anyways, I want to get back into what I was doing earlier this year and make it a lifestyle, but I have a hard time imagining spending most of my time feeling very hungry and unsatisfied.
Do you eventually feel more full from less? Please tell me that if I can push through for longer than before and I can maintain a deficit without feeling hungry, tired, and irritable.

I have been struggling with health problems like high blood pressure. It gets pretty scary high actually especially for me being only newly 25. Well anyways, my fp and I had a big argument today and I quite literally had a meltdown like full on hyperventilating, falling to the floor cant get up type stuff. After 2 hrs of more arguing and coming down I checked my bp because I have been really curious to see what its like after these situations and its been the most normal its been in AWHILE. I actually dont know how to feel. In the moment I legit fear ill have a stroke. Part of me was like “huh is this a sign” in an ironic way. Maybe the universe is telling me after these fights im calmer bc its time to let go…idk Just felt like sharing that bc it was interesting to me.

For context, I post cool teams that I made using some underplayed path or tactic, and on the last one, Unorthodox Gameplay 3 : Monarchnesis, a fellow user u/Alexandergus (COME, SAY HI TO EVERYONE) asked me to build a team with not only Anamnesis, but Berserker Helion as well... And as the title says : ASK AND THOU SHALL RECEIVE
Sidenote: If there's too much text for your liking, dear reader, feel free to skip to the summary part down bellow ;)
So, with that out of the way, let's get to strats!

Occultist

I took inspiration on a setup that ShuffleFM (Darkest Dungeon youtuber,twitch streamer and really good reference) showcased on one of his teams. The concept is that you have a Virtuoso Jester using Encore on Occultist, which proceeds to Chaotic Offering on his bonus turn, generating an Unlimited Power Token(UP). After that, when the regular Occ turn rolls in, he gets the second UP because of the turn start effect, which he originally used to nuke someone with Warlock's Burning Stars turn 1; on my case is to perform Aspirant Anamnesis and open the first turn with a really strong cleave, I also run Burning Stars as an option for larger enemies like size 2s or bosses.

Jester

As for the Jester, since I'm basing my entire schtick on Encore, I'm also running Solo and Finale. That's because you can actually use the dazed in your favor and the cooldowns sync. EG: Encore turn 1 > gets dazed and pushed to last turn 2 action order > Solo > Forward 3> gets Speed token and Jester, specially Virtuoso is really fast > goes first on turn 3 > uses Finale > Back 3 and dazed >If encounter's still going, Encore and Repeat. I topped him with Inspiring Tune for Stress heal (literally the best in the game) and Razor's Wit for poke.

Helion

Now let's talk about Helion. She likes the cleave since it helps her kill rank 4 in 1 turn with Iron Swan, specially ordained and modified enemies like elite and sturdy, not only that but as she's Berserk and is at Rank 1, I run Bleed Out as a strong option after I dealed with the backline; Bleed Out doesn't even have a cooldown, it "just" grants you winded tokens, which means you can spam it to stack monstrous bleeds. I just did act 3 and had 18 bleeds on the last phase for 5 turns (I crited). Another synergy is that after you cast Burning Stars at a chonky target, it gets combo; Bleed Out on Berserker on a combo tarket has 63% BLEED PIERCING. It's basically guaranteed (unless you're using this on Warlord, this bastard has 100 base... He's a VERY good reason to not go overboard on bleeds; not only that but if your whole team wants to bleed someone, you'll end up fighting for the same trinkets). For the rest of her kit, I had Toe to Toe for Taunt, Rooted and movement, Adrenaline Rush for heals and Bloodlust for really long fights and as an alternative to remove Winded tokens that isn't dependent on Adrenaline Rush's health threshold AND grants 30% more damage against bleeding targets. With Jester Encore, you can mix a ton of good sequences, specially in later stages of the fight, granting Helion bonus actions, for example stacking Bleed Out faster, or clearing winded with Bloodlust/ Adrenaline Rush/Toe to Toe+ and then hitting again with Bleed Out.

Plague Doctor

And to stitch the team together, I chose Plague Doctor as the Rank 4 hero, but not any Plague Doctor; Physician. I managed to weld together Physician, Anamnesis and Bleed Out and it's ...GOOD? The thing with Physician is that, except for Magnesium Rain that has a cooldown of 3 turns, she doesn't have a damaging skill to use. Instead, her supportive capabilities are enhanced, and they're great with this team because she provides much needed utility with crowd control, corpse clearing, heals and offensive tokens.
Usefulness Utility listed bellow!

• Turn 1 she can use Emboldening Vapors on Occ to boost Anamnesis and Burning Stars, not only that but on this path this skill grants 2 Strenght Tokens instead of 1, with a cooldown of 1 turn or 0 when upgraded.
  
  • She can blind and daze the two backrow enemies wit Blinding Gas+ to delay their actions long enough so Helion and Occ can make quick work of Rank 4 before the target does something WHILE Rank 3 is Blinded!
  • Magnesium Rain is good for chip damage, dodge clearing and corpse removal(therefore, Bleed Out setup)
  • Heals are as great as ever!
  • Even Ounce of Prevention gets an honorable mention for better handling heavy DOT enemy comps and diseases, like creature dens and the Sprawl; and at this path even grants Stress Damage RES
  But one of the reasons I really liked Phys here is because the team can make full use of her Disorienting Blast, which not only has +20% Stun Piercing on upgrade with combo, but grants Vulnerable as well. A problem I had is that some key heavy hitting skills from the rest of the cast are heavelly reliant on position, like Leper's Chop hitting Ranks 1 and 2, PBS hitting 1, Pistol Shot not hitting 1; so it was kinda like a gamble most of the time. But Finale and Burning Stars hit ALL ranks REALLY HARD ; which means that it doesn't really matter where the enemy ends up, it's going to get CLAPPED. Helion also makes good use of it in later stages of the fight, where your Magnesium Rain is on cooldown and the enemy is standing at rank 2, where rank 1 is a corpse and rank 3 and 4 are cleared. You can try to fish it and grant vulnerable at the same time; it's good!
  

Maps

For regions, try to prioritize the Shroud, for the bleed trinkets for Helion and Ocultist and other trinkets for the Jester, like Seamen's Boots and Compass.
Defensive trinkets on Helion aren't bad either, since she's gonna eat 80% of the hits thrown at her, so Tangle isn't a bad choice. Burning Stars ignores Block and Blinding Gas can help by "dodging" some heavy hitting moves.
Sprawl can be okay because of burn trinkets that can up the usefulness of Mag. Rain and speedy trinkets for Jester
Foetor is the lowest priority map to go, literally no one wants blight buffing trinkets and you even risk getting your heroes sick; I'd go if the map mission grants a good reward but that's about it.

Lair Boss matchups

• You can wreck Levi, specially with a bit of scaling since Bleed Out+ gives good damage with 6 points of bleed; the hand has 24 hp and the bleed by itself deals 18. Burning Stars is a Nuke as well as Finale. BTW he has a trophy that DOUBLES BLEED CAUSED. Just saying
  
• Dababy can be dealt with by Helion using Toe to Toe to lock her on Rank 1, which halts the hungering shenanigans from others behind her; try to get Holy Water to get rid of hunger tokens on Helly so you can Toe to Toe again. Other than that just play as normal with the Encore > Chaotic Offering > Emboldening Vapors > Burning Stars setup, use D. Blast as well to try and get Dababy out of Rank 1.
  
• Librarian is okay, try to have a few throwable items on Jester to spend his dodge tokens and try to Encore > Solo > Finale him. Helion can eat the Blinds thanks to Toe to Toe.
  
• The General is the one I worry the most, he has a huge healthpool and only takes 1 action per turn, which makes DOT tick slowly and gives him plenty of time to stall and disrupt you with his stress inducing attacks, Waking Dead and, if you don't deal with the root, Nightmare. I'd avoid fighting him if my team didn't scale enough and I'd bring Cause of Death+ to speed things up.
  

Pets

They are pretty flexible on this team. I like the Rabbit here since everyone has trouble tanking hits, so the bonus HP goes a long way if you get it rolling(HMMM FLAPJACKS). Some good optins are: - The Tick to get the blood for guaranteed crit tokens and huge damage and bleeds - The Owl helps the debuffs from PD to stick and can provide good flow of Combat Items - The Pliskin can be good since the team is squishy and can use more sustain between fights - The Slime if you like running over debris and don't want to deal with negative tokens - This last one is highly experimental and I still have to test it, but it got to my attention that Larval Carrion Eater can be good as a Crit token Generator, specially since Anamnesis cleaves the whole party. On turn 2 you'd have only 1 UP at your turn which means you can either heal or Sac Stab something. If you have Stab+, you can use it on a corpse, kill it, generate another UP, heal 30%, gain a Block Token and a Crit token for next round, and on that round you'll have 3 UPs at your disposal to spend. This translates to 2 Anamnesis / Burning Stars casted on sequence, since you would spend 2 on this turn, and you would generate another one at the beginning of your next turn. Try this at your own courage and peril (and tell me the results later!)

Summary of the team:

Rank 4: Physician Plague Doctor
Emboldening Vapors Disorienting Blast Battlefield Medicine Blinding Gas* Magnesium Rain*
You can swap these with: Indiscriminate Science+ (heals without limited uses, good for Act 5), Ounce of Prevention for DOTS and disease prevention, Cause of Death+ if you want to nuke some large target that has a ton of bleed stacked into it, after Jester's Finale, you can use since he moves you into rank 3
Rank 3: Virtuoso Jester
Encore Solo Finale Inspiring Tune Razor's Wit
Rank 2: Aspirant Ocultist
Chaotic Offering Anamnesis Burning Stars Sacrificial Stab* Wyrd Reconstruction*
You can swap one of these with Binding Shadows if you're worried about shuffles, on Aspirant it moves you Forward 1 and can generate you a stack of UP
Rank 1 : Berserker* Helion
Iron Swan Toe to Toe Bleed Out Adrenaline Rush Bloodlust*
You can swap Bloodlust with: Raucous Revelry for a heal not dependant on limited uses, stress heal, and on upgrade, DBR Wicked Hack for better damage at rank 2 Breakthrough for Shuffles
As for the * on Berserker, is just that maybe it's a good idea changing the path depending on which act boss you're going against; the ones that came to mind are act 2 and 3. Vs act 2, Bleed Out gets absolutely no value so there's no reason to run Berserker, I'd recomend changing to Ravager for easier management of the lungs. You can also change to Carcass to better deal with high damage since apart from this path she doesn't generate blocks; I had her take every inn item I could buy to give her a better chance at survivability against the Focused Fault, but even then I got a few Deathblow checks; would recommend either running Cause of Death on PD with Berserker, or changing to Carcass to tank with Yawp. I'd also recommend not running Bloodlust if you're running Cause of Death on PD, since it clears all DOT for instant damage, making your turn go to waste, in this case just use Toe to Toe+ to get rid of Winded.
phew... this took a WHILE. Feel free to ask any questions about the team and tell me if you'd want some help with a specific path you'd like to play. ASK AND THOU SHALL RECEIVE
Heheh, have a good one! PS: I'm going straight to bed, but I'll try to answer you guys tomorrow. Good night!

The Architectural Wonders of the Vorlon Homeworld:
The Vorlon homeworld in Babylon 5 is shrouded in mystery and intrigue, with its architectural wonders hidden from human eyes until a million years into the future after the Vorlons have departed. The Vorlons are an ancient and enigmatic race known for their advanced technology and profound understanding of the universe. Their homeworld reflects their highly evolved civilization and serves as a testament to their architectural prowess.

1. Crystaline Structures: One of the most striking features of the Vorlon homeworld is its crystalline structures that seem to shimmer and glow with an otherworldly light. These structures are not only visually stunning but also serve functional purposes, housing various facilities and living quarters for the Vorlons. The crystals are said to be imbued with energy from the very fabric of the universe, giving them a unique and ethereal quality.
   
2. Floating Gardens: The Vorlon homeworld is adorned with breathtaking floating gardens that defy gravity and logic. These gardens hover in mid-air, showcasing a mesmerizing array of alien flora that seems to thrive in this surreal environment. The plants on these floating gardens are said to possess extraordinary properties, some rumored to have healing abilities or even psychic powers.
   
3. Telepathic Architecture: The architecture of the Vorlon homeworld is intricately linked to their telepathic abilities, creating spaces that resonate with psychic energy. Buildings are designed to enhance mental connections and facilitate communication on a subconscious level. The very structure of their cities is said to be alive with psychic vibrations, creating an immersive and transcendent experience for those attuned to such frequencies.
   
4. Temporal Anomalies: Visitors who dare to explore the Vorlon homeworld may encounter temporal anomalies that distort time and space, making it a challenge to navigate their enigmatic cities. Buildings may shift in form or disappear altogether, only to reappear in a different location moments later. These temporal disturbances add an element of unpredictability and wonder to the already surreal landscape of the Vorlon homeworld.
   
5. Harmonic Resonance Chambers: Deep within the heart of the Vorlon homeworld lie harmonic resonance chambers where sound is transformed into tangible manifestations of energy. These chambers serve as both artistic expressions and scientific marvels, harnessing the power of sound waves to create intricate patterns that dance across surfaces in a symphony of light and color.
   
6. Celestial Observatories: The Vorlons have constructed celestial observatories that allow them to study distant galaxies and cosmic phenomena with unparalleled precision. These observatories are equipped with advanced telescopes and sensors capable of peering into the depths of space, revealing secrets about the universe that remain hidden from lesser civilizations.
   
7. Quantum Architecture: At the forefront of technological innovation, the Vorlons have mastered quantum architecture, creating structures that exist simultaneously in multiple dimensions. Buildings may appear solid from one angle but transparent from another, blurring the boundaries between physical reality and metaphysical realms.
   
8. Energy Nexus Points: Throughout the Vorlon homeworld are energy nexus points where ley lines converge, channeling vast amounts of cosmic energy into concentrated nodes of power. These nexus points serve as sources of energy for their civilization, powering their advanced technology and sustaining their way of life.
   
9. Transcendent Libraries: Hidden within labyrinthine libraries are repositories of knowledge beyond human comprehension, containing texts written in languages older than time itself. These transcendent libraries hold secrets about the origins of the universe, esoteric wisdom passed down through generations, and insights into higher states of consciousness.
   
10. Temples of Light: Sacred temples dedicated to worshiping cosmic forces radiate with an inner light that seems to emanate from within each stone block. These temples serve as spiritual sanctuaries where Vorlons commune with higher beings and tap into universal energies that transcend mortal understanding.
    

In conclusion, the architectural wonders of the Vorlon homeworld are a testament to their advanced civilization’s ingenuity, creativity, and connection to cosmic forces beyond human comprehension.
The Vorlon Homeworld in Babylon 5 is a mystical and enigmatic planet, shrouded in secrecy and unattainable to human exploration until after a million years in the future. The organic architecture of their structures is a testament to the advanced and harmonious relationship between the Vorlons and their environment. These buildings are not only visually stunning but also serve as a symbol of the Vorlons’ profound connection to nature and their unique technological capabilities.
The organic structures on the Vorlon Homeworld are unlike anything humans have ever encountered. They seem to grow from the very ground itself, merging seamlessly with the landscape. The buildings appear to be alive, pulsating with an ethereal glow that seems to emanate from within. Their forms are fluid and dynamic, constantly shifting and adapting to their surroundings.
One of the most striking features of these structures is their bioluminescence. The buildings emit a soft, otherworldly light that illuminates the night sky, creating a surreal and breathtaking scene. This light is not just for aesthetics; it serves a practical purpose as well. The Vorlons use this bioluminescence as a source of energy, harnessing its power to fuel their advanced technology.
Another intriguing aspect of the Vorlon architecture is its adaptability. The structures appear to be able to change shape and form based on the needs of their inhabitants. For example, a building might transform from a residential complex into a place of worship or a laboratory, depending on what is required at any given moment.
So why are humans not allowed to visit or see these incredible structures until after a million years in the future? The answer lies in the nature of the Vorlons themselves. They are an enigmatic race, known for their cryptic behavior and deep connection to time. They believe that humans are not yet ready to understand or appreciate their technology and way of life.
Furthermore, there is evidence that the Vorlon Homeworld holds secrets that could be dangerous in human hands. For instance, there have been rumors of advanced weapons or technologies hidden within these structures. To prevent these discoveries from falling into the wrong hands, the Vorlons have chosen to keep their world hidden from human view.
In conclusion, the organic architecture of the Vorlon Homeworld is a marvel of design and engineering that reflects their deep connection to nature and advanced technological capabilities. Humans will have to wait until after a million years in the future before they can witness these incredible structures for themselves.
Architecture of Vorlon Buildings on their Homeworld
The architecture of the Vorlon buildings on their homeworld is a subject shrouded in mystery and intrigue due to the strict prohibition imposed by the Vorlons themselves on allowing humans or any other non-Vorlon species to visit or see their structures until a million years into the future after the Vorlons have departed. This enigmatic directive has fueled speculation and curiosity among those familiar with the Vorlons and their advanced civilization.
The few glimpses that have been provided through various encounters with the Vorlons suggest that their architecture is highly advanced, reflecting their profound understanding of technology, energy manipulation, and aesthetics. Vorlon structures are described as ethereal and almost otherworldly in appearance, often blending seamlessly with their surroundings while exuding an aura of power and mystique.
The buildings are said to be constructed using materials and techniques far beyond current human comprehension, incorporating elements such as energy fields, crystalline formations, and intricate geometric patterns that serve both functional and symbolic purposes. The scale of Vorlon architecture is also reputed to be awe-inspiring, with towering spires, vast domed chambers, and labyrinthine corridors hinting at the grandeur of their civilization.
Each structure is believed to be meticulously designed to harmonize with the natural environment of the Vorlon homeworld, creating a sense of unity between artifice and nature that reflects the Vorlons’ reverence for cosmic balance and order. The interplay of light, sound, and energy within these buildings is said to evoke a profound sense of transcendence and enlightenment in those fortunate enough to experience it.
Despite the allure of these enigmatic edifices, the Vorlons’ adamant refusal to allow outsiders access to their homeworld or its architectural wonders remains a steadfast barrier for all but the most patient and persistent seekers of knowledge. The reasons behind this restriction are deeply rooted in the Vorlons’ inscrutable motives and long-term plans for galactic evolution, hinting at secrets that may only be revealed in due time.
Reasons for Prohibition on Human Visits
The prohibition on human visits to the Vorlon homeworld stems from a combination of factors that reflect the Vorlons’ enigmatic nature and long-term perspective on interspecies relations within the galaxy. One key reason for this restriction is the Vorlons’ desire to maintain a veil of secrecy around their advanced technology, culture, and societal structures, which they perceive as vital components of their identity as a species.
By withholding access to their homeworld and its architectural marvels, the Vorlons effectively control the flow of information about themselves and prevent potentially disruptive interactions with less developed civilizations such as humanity. This strategy aligns with their overarching goal of guiding younger races towards spiritual enlightenment and self-discovery at a pace dictated by cosmic forces beyond mortal comprehension.
Furthermore, the Vorlons’ decision to impose a temporal barrier on human visits serves as a test of patience, wisdom, and respect for boundaries – qualities they value highly in potential allies or proteges. By setting such a distant timeframe for potential exploration of their homeworld, they challenge curious individuals to consider whether immediate gratification is worth sacrificing long-term understanding and cooperation with beings of vastly superior knowledge.
In essence, the prohibition on human visits to the Vorlon homeworld represents a multifaceted strategy aimed at preserving the integrity of Vorlon society, safeguarding valuable technological secrets, fostering mutual respect between species, and upholding a cosmic order that transcends individual desires or ambitions. Only by demonstrating genuine humility, perseverance, and reverence for higher principles can outsiders hope to earn the privilege of witnessing firsthand the wonders hidden within those forbidden walls.
Architecture of Vorlon Buildings on their Homeworld:
The architecture of the Vorlon buildings on their homeworld is a fascinating and enigmatic sight. The structures are characterized by their ethereal and otherworldly design, reflecting the advanced technology and ancient wisdom of the Vorlon race. The buildings appear to be seamlessly integrated with the natural landscape, almost as if they were grown rather than constructed.
Vorlon architecture is known for its intricate patterns, flowing lines, and shimmering surfaces that seem to shift and change in response to light and movement. The buildings are often described as organic in nature, with a sense of harmony and unity that transcends traditional human concepts of architecture.
One of the most striking features of Vorlon buildings is their use of light. The structures emit a soft, iridescent glow that illuminates the surrounding area with a mesmerizing radiance. It is said that the light emanating from Vorlon buildings carries with it a sense of profound peace and serenity, instilling a feeling of awe and reverence in those who behold it.
The interiors of Vorlon buildings are equally awe-inspiring, with vast halls, intricate corridors, and chambers filled with mysterious artifacts and symbols. The architecture seems to defy conventional notions of space and time, creating an otherworldly atmosphere that transcends earthly limitations.
Reason for Humans not being allowed to visit until a million years in the future:
The Vorlons have imposed strict restrictions on access to their homeworld for humans, prohibiting any visits until a million years into the future after their departure from known space. This decision is rooted in the Vorlons’ deep sense of secrecy, mystique, and reverence for their ancient heritage.
The Vorlons view their homeworld as a sacred place imbued with immense spiritual significance and cosmic energy. They believe that allowing outsiders, especially humans with their limited understanding and evolving consciousness, to visit their homeworld prematurely could disrupt the delicate balance of energies present there.
Furthermore, the advanced technology and knowledge preserved on the Vorlon homeworld are considered too potent and potentially dangerous for less evolved species like humans to comprehend or wield responsibly. By restricting access until far into the future, the Vorlons aim to protect both themselves and other races from unintended consequences that may arise from premature exposure to their civilization’s legacy.
In essence, the prohibition against human visitation serves as a safeguard against potential misuse or misinterpretation of the profound wisdom and power contained within Vorlon architecture and artifacts. It underscores the Vorlons’ commitment to preserving their heritage while respecting the boundaries between different species’ levels of development.
Vorlon Homeworld Architectural Wonders
The Vorlon homeworld in Babylon 5 is shrouded in mystery and intrigue, with its architectural wonders being a subject of fascination for many. Humans are not allowed to visit or see these wonders until after a million years in the future, long after the Vorlons have departed. The reason behind this restriction lies in the advanced nature of Vorlon architecture and technology, which surpasses human understanding and poses potential risks if revealed prematurely.
Advanced Technology Integration
The architectural wonders of the Vorlon homeworld are said to seamlessly integrate advanced technology with artistic design. Structures are believed to be alive in a sense, responding to the environment and inhabitants in ways that defy conventional understanding. The use of organic materials combined with intricate energy systems creates a harmonious blend of form and function that is beyond anything humans have ever encountered.
Dimensional Manipulation
One of the most intriguing aspects of Vorlon architecture is its rumored ability to manipulate dimensions. It is said that certain structures on their homeworld exist simultaneously in multiple dimensions, allowing for a unique spatial experience that transcends traditional concepts of space and time. This level of dimensional manipulation is far beyond human comprehension and could have unforeseen consequences if exposed prematurely.
Energy Sources and Sustainability
Another aspect that sets Vorlon architectural wonders apart is their utilization of advanced energy sources and sustainable practices. It is believed that their structures harness energy from exotic sources, tapping into the very fabric of the universe for power. This level of sustainability and efficiency is something humans can only dream of achieving, making it a closely guarded secret until the time is deemed right for disclosure.
Protecting Human Development
The decision to restrict access to the Vorlon architectural wonders until far into the future stems from a desire to protect human development. The knowledge and technologies embodied in these structures are so advanced that premature exposure could disrupt societal progress or even pose existential threats. By keeping these wonders hidden, the Vorlons aim to ensure that humanity evolves at its own pace without undue interference.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the architectural wonders of the Vorlon homeworld represent a pinnacle of technological achievement and artistic expression that remains off-limits to humans for now. The integration of advanced technology, dimensional manipulation, energy sustainability, and the need to protect human development all contribute to this restriction. Only time will tell what marvels await humanity when they finally gain access to these enigmatic creations.
Vorlon Organic Technology
The Vorlons, an ancient and enigmatic race in the Babylon 5 universe, are known for their advanced organic technology that surpasses the understanding of most other species. Their technology is a seamless blend of biological and mechanical components, creating systems that are alive in ways that defy human comprehension.
One of the key aspects of Vorlon organic technology is their ability to create living ships. These ships are not just vessels but sentient beings in their own right, capable of thought, emotion, and independent action. The Vorlons have mastered the art of merging living organisms with technological elements to create powerful and versatile spacecraft that can operate on a level far beyond what conventional technology allows.
In addition to living ships, Vorlon technology also includes bio-engineered weapons and defenses. These weapons are not simply tools but extensions of the Vorlon will, responding instinctively to threats and adapting in real-time to changing circumstances. This level of integration between biology and technology gives the Vorlons a significant advantage in combat situations, as their weapons can anticipate enemy movements and counter them with uncanny precision.
Furthermore, Vorlon organic technology extends to their infrastructure and everyday devices. Even simple objects like communication devices or environmental controls are imbued with a level of intelligence and adaptability that is unheard of in human technology. The entire Vorlon society is built around this seamless fusion of biology and machinery, creating a civilization that operates as a single interconnected organism.
Secrecy Surrounding Vorlon Technology
The reason why humans are not allowed to visit the Vorlon homeworld or learn about their organic technology until far into the future lies in the profound implications of such knowledge. The Vorlon technology represents a paradigm shift in how we understand the relationship between life and machines. Revealing this information prematurely could disrupt the delicate balance of power in the galaxy and potentially lead to catastrophic consequences.
The Vorlons themselves have chosen to keep their technology hidden from other races for a variety of reasons. One major concern is that less advanced civilizations may not be able to handle the ethical dilemmas posed by bio-engineering on such a scale. The ability to create sentient beings as tools or weapons raises complex moral questions that could destabilize societies unprepared for such challenges.
Additionally, the sheer power of Vorlon organic technology poses a threat to those who do not understand its intricacies. Allowing unrestricted access to this knowledge could lead to misuse or unintended consequences that might endanger not only individual civilizations but the fabric of galactic society as a whole.
By restricting access to their homeworld and advanced technologies, the Vorlons are acting out of a sense of responsibility towards preserving order and preventing chaos. Only when humanity has evolved sufficiently both technologically and ethically will they be ready to confront the mysteries of Vorlon organic technology without risking self-destruction.

Hello. I'm Zach, and I'd love to share a bit of my world with you in the hope of finding someone who resonates with me. I do want to firstly say I am looking for a long term relationship, someone I might want to settle down with. Physical attraction is part of the equation, so let’s be open from the start. If you’re comfortable, a photo would be great. Here are a few from me. Most Recent. 2. 3. If I still have your attention then I would love to tell you more about me.

• 5ft 11in, a burly 230lbs. Working on being active at the gym, I would love it if you could help keep me motivated.
• I work full-time as a rural mailman, climbing mountains of Amazon and swapping tires like its F1. Hours are long but I make a comfortable middle class living. 6 figures.
• I live in a small rural town in TX, considering I lean blue and the voting block here is 97% red, it makes it hard to form lasting connections. I'm open to relocating if we click.
• I'm a huge PC gamer. As far back as I can remember I've had a SNES controller in my hands. I love looking for co-op games and would love to see your face light up every time I share one because you know that every co-op game is a confession that I want to spend more time with you.
• I love to read and write. I'm working on a book that will never see the light of day, because it's never good enough kinda vibes. I'm big into Sci-fi and Fantasy and always have my head stuck in a world that is not our own.
• I DM for D&D, have been for almost 10 years now. D&D is not just a game for me; it's a canvas for creativity and a forge for friendships. If you're also an enthusiast, we'll have endless tales to share.
• I change my bed sheets once a week.

I hope this snippet into who I am catches your eye, its only a small piece of me and I don't want this post to get too long. We didn't even talk about cooking!
Who are you? My only preferences are someone who is roughly 24-33 in age, a few years outside of that would be okay if we really connected. Someone who might be okay with distance but wants to eventually meet. Someone who is patient, kind and humble. Someone who always tries to see things in a perspective other than their own, but holds their own morals highly. Someone who doesn't mind me texting them at like 3am to go look at the stars cause then we'd both be doing it and looking at the same stars together even if were apart. Someone who lives life with enthusiasm and passion.
If you're passionate about something I really want to be a part of it in some way, If it's listening to you ramble for hours about that obscure album you just found or the new succulent you just bought or this wild spice blend you've been trying out. Whatever makes you smile, I want to understand it.
Hopefully I've created a spark and we can find warmth. I look forward to hearing from you.

Hello. I'm Zach, and I'd love to share a bit of my world with you in the hope of finding someone who resonates with me. I do want to firstly say I am looking for a long term relationship, someone I might want to settle down with. Physical attraction is part of the equation, so let’s be open from the start. If you’re comfortable, a photo would be great. Here are a few from me. Most Recent. 2. 3. If I still have your attention then I would love to tell you more about me.

• 5ft 11in, a burly 230lbs. Working on being active at the gym, I would love it if you could help keep me motivated.
• I live in a small rural town in TX, considering I lean blue and the voting block here is 97% red, it makes it hard to form lasting connections. I'm open to relocating if we click.
• I work full-time as a rural mailman, climbing mountains of Amazon and swapping tires like its F1. Hours are long but I make a comfortable middle class living. 6 figures.
• I'm a huge PC gamer. As far back as I can remember I've had a SNES controller in my hands. I love looking for co-op games and would love to see your face light up every time I share one because you know that every co-op game is a confession that I want to spend more time with you.
• I love to read and write. I'm working on a book that will never see the light of day, because it's never good enough kinda vibes. I'm big into Sci-fi and Fantasy and always have my head stuck in a world that is not our own.
• I DM for D&D, have been for almost 10 years now. D&D is not just a game for me; it's a canvas for creativity and a forge for friendships. If you're also an enthusiast, we'll have endless tales to share.
• I change my bed sheets once a week.

I hope this snippet into who I am catches your eye, its only a small piece of me and I don't want this post to get too long. We didn't even talk about cooking!
Who are you? My only preferences are someone who is roughly 24-33 in age, a few years outside of that would be okay if we really connected. Someone who might be okay with distance but wants to eventually meet. Someone who is patient, kind and humble. Someone who always tries to see things in a perspective other than their own, but holds their own morals highly. Someone who doesn't mind me texting them at like 3am to go look at the stars cause then we'd both be doing it and looking at the same stars together even if were apart. Someone who lives life with enthusiasm and passion.
If you're passionate about something I really want to be a part of it in some way, If it's listening to you ramble for hours about that obscure album you just found or the new succulent you just bought or this wild spice blend you've been trying out. Whatever makes you smile, I want to understand it.
Hopefully I've created a spark and we can find warmth. I look forward to hearing from you.

So I made this comment to another person's post recently about her feeling annoyed at the teachestudent relationship in Maxton Hall and that it wasn't being properly addressed as toxic. I agree. But that's hardly my only issue with the show. Because a lot of really young people are into these genres, I feel the need to address these points as someone who's actually lived the Ruby/James storyline, different ways and multiple times. A veteran, one might say. You can take my statements as a grain of salt, or whatever you like, but may those who have ears listen:
Spoilers throughout if someone hasn't finished the season:
This is the thing...I actually find the lead actors cute and super talented even despite this being a genre that I find deplorably predictable and drab. I actually only got invested to improve my German, sadly now I'm actually invested in the characters at this point despite me seeing everything that's going to happen a mile away, because a lot of these writers who may actually be creative but stifle it for the sake of hashing out another "proven to make money" storyline that has been recreated time and time again. Yes, the teachestudent situation is problematic not because they're both consenting individuals who or of age, but because apparently they knew each long before which hints that she would've most likely have been a minor when the relationship took form. Maybe people who have read the books can shed better light on the matter.
Beyond that, my biggest issue with these common bad boy meets good girl trope shows beyond how oversaturated the romance world is with these stories (damn, not even a reversal like good boy meets bad girl), is the very negative expectations they put on real girls out there. These stories fuel the idea that they "can fix him" and even those overly toxic traits he possesses should be downplayed in some way, and even the slightest redeemable qualities he shows should be made out as holy. This is one of the large reasons I hate this genre. For example, despite James's slight transition in S1 (and yes, I'm fully aware that he will most likely continue to change for the better in some ways), to say I think Ruby deserves better is an understatement. Women/girls keep fawning over the swimming pool scene where he saves Ruby, but I was honestly pissed at him for this whole catastrophic scenario and how it unfolded. Firstly, he invited her to this godforsaken hive of scum and villainy of a party despite him knowing full well this is not normally her scene, ignores Ruby's actualized fears of pupils teasing hedisliking her for being with James, and gives her an invitation into the lion's den thinking she'll come out unscathed? For someone who hints at himself having an impressive GPA, I'm not impressed by his lack of logical deduction. When viewed from this perspective, the blame of Ruby getting pushed into the pool and being triggered into a panic attack that nearly got her drowned largely rests on James's shoulders, especially as one of the sole people at that party claiming to "care" about her. Despite this, no open moment from James of reflection of responsibility for what took place there and nothing even remotely resembling an apology not even the following morning of the incident, but rather even gave off the impression that it wasn't even that big of a deal. He sent a text asking if she was doing better (not even the first text the following morning, mind you), and that was the end of that. Not a question or care more before a slew of flirting between the two. Of course, at that point Ruby is already infatuated with him, so it makes little difference. But to someone from the outside looking in, the selfishness and ambivalence is glaringly obvious.
It's an ongoing theme in S1 that apparently getting apologies out of James is like pulling teeth (another highly toxic masculinity trait that we need to stop treating with humor or something "enduring" when interest is involved). I believe I counted him saying it only twice in the last episodes and it was always backed by some sort of excuse "but I did it because I was embarrassed by my parents...sorry, but I can't...my father...etc." In reality he's been needing to give proper apologies since the show began, but the moment he finally formulates the words, it's always accompanied by some excuse? Immaturity. What was the topper on the cake for me and an ultimate red flag (yes, yes...it's fantasy, a show...but in real life, run for the hills), he continues to take decisions that should normally involve both of them, into his own hands and gravely gauging her whims wrongly in these situations. First with the poster of them, then again ending the relationship in order to "protect" her. He's very creative at finding solutions when it's getting back at Ruby for things in the beginning, but now he's just willing to throw in the towel anytime he has to fight for their relationship? Again questioning his logical capabilities and even his intentions at this point. Perhaps it's actually just rooted in him being afraid of commitment after a life of whoring himself out to hush people up or a slew of one night stands which has left him detached? If not, as I suspect it isn't, a form of self-sabotage due to his father's hold on him. I know it's most likely the latter, and as relatable and sad as that may be, this is catastrophic and needs therapy to get resolved. Rose-tinted romance isn't going to fix that (trust me, speaking from experience, girlies). And to make matters worse, I can read the handwriting on the wall from the last episode ending, that James is liable to take matters into his own hands again and hurt Ruby because he keeps trying to decide what HE thinks is best for HER life. I'm not a teen or in my early twenties watching this show, so I tend to view these from a mother hen type of perspective. If you see a guy like James Beaufort, it might be entertaining on TV or film, but in REAL life, run for the hills unless you have written proof he's attending therapy and counselling for his issues and start seeing a difference. My interest in the show is starting to wane after already guessing (like most things in this show and others of its genre) what's coming next season...such as James getting cold feet, taking executive control of their relationship again and bailing...very sure. I don't even need to read the books for that. I've lived this, girlies.
Hopefully, the writers exceed my expectations and do something unexpected. As I said in another post, it wouldn't be the most drastic of plot twists, but make the chauffeur the old flame James's mother was alluded to and have James secretly be his kid, which would give light on why he acts like a father figure (or at least the closest positive one James has) and his passionate defense of James. That would maybe keep me invested and one my toes knowing there are actually all these secrets being unraveled. Okay, anyway, that's my rant on this. That was waaay too long. Bye.

Chapter Two - Part One
Second Half
__________________
Beginning of Entry…
StarDate: Redacted
Perspective: Major Commander Michael Irons
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.
Place: New Paris (Capital City)
Location: New Eden Prime
In the early hours, as the dawn cast a pallid light over New Eden Prime, the situation unfolded with urgent clarity. Major Commander Michael Irons, alongside Captain Adam Richter, adjusted his Raider armor, his eyes scanning the horizon where the silhouettes of enemy ships began to materialize. Both men were seasoned veterans, their faces etched with the lines of many battles, their demeanor calm yet alert. They awaited instructions as they stood amid the bustling rally point filled with soldiers and militia.
Their focus shifted as Colonel Nick Estrada approached, his imposing figure cutting through the morning mist, the tension palpable in the air. The urgency of the situation had drawn commanders and soldiers alike, all responding to the blare of alarms that had roused the colony from sleep and into action. Colonel Nick Estrada approached, his presence commanding immediate attention. His frame was not just physically imposing but carried the authority of a man who had seen countless skirmishes and emerged victorious. The commanders snapped to attention, though the informality of the crisis allowed for a quicker exchange.
Colonel Estrada, known for his strategic acumen, surveyed the gathered officers before speaking. "Gentlemen," he began, his voice carrying over the crowd. "Major Commander Irons, Captain Richter, the enemy fleet is now visible. We're seeing a full spectrum—we're up against a formidable enemy. Reconnaissance has identified a significant fleet composition—strike craft, corvettes, frigates, and troop transports. They're not just probing our defenses; they're here for a full-scale invasion."
Major Commander Irons nodded solemnly, absorbing the gravity of the situation. The enemy's intentions were clear: to overwhelm and conquer. "Do we have any intel on their motivations, sir?" he asked, his mind racing through potential strategies.
Estrada's eyes narrowed as he reviewed the latest data on his tactical pad. "Current assessments suggest their primary objective could be resource acquisition or territory expansion. Given the organized nature of their fleet, we can't rule out the possibility of them establishing a forward operating base," he explained, his finger tracing possible invasion routes on the holographic display before them.
Irons' jaw tightened at the assessment. "Have we identified their point of origin or any specific markings that could tell us who we're dealing with?" he asked, his mind racing through the catalog of known hostile factions and their usual tactics.
Captain Richter, ever the tactician, chimed in, "If we can disrupt their landing operations and take out their troop transports, we might slow their advance and buy us some time to fortify positions."
"Not yet," Estrada replied, turning to gaze at the display screen that showed the advancing ships. "Their configurations are unfamiliar, which suggests they're not from any known hostile group within our usual conflict zones. This could be a new player or a proxy force from a rival colony. But it's clear they want New Eden, as the orbital forces were obliterated in minutes."
Estrada, after careful consideration, turned to face the digital map highlighting strategic points around the colony. 'That's a start, but we need a comprehensive plan,' he declared. 'Irons, your units will be crucial in the eastern sector, where their fleet appears most concentrated. Richter, your teams will be our shield in the orbital defenses; we cannot allow them to establish a foothold there."
Richter chimed in, his voice steady despite the escalating tension. "We need to assess their capabilities and intentions quickly. Are they aiming for strategic locations, or is this an outright attempt to overwhelm and occupy?"
Estrada nodded, his eyes narrowing as he processed the information. "Our immediate objective is to hold them at bay and protect civilian areas. I've already ordered evacuations where necessary. Irons, I need your units to fortify the eastern sector. It's closest to their projected landing sites."
"And I'll take the western approach," Richter added quickly. "It has fewer natural barriers, so I'll set up mobile defenses there."
Estrada approved with a brisk nod. "Good. I'll coordinate the orbital defenses to cover your flanks. We can't let them gain a foothold. Whatever their motive, it ends here."
The officers acknowledged their orders, understanding the critical nature of their tasks. Estrada continued. "We'll use the tram system for rapid redeployment. Keep your communications lines open, and expect dynamic orders. We need to be as adaptable as they are aggressive."
As the meeting drew to a close, Major Commander Irons felt the weight of responsibility settling on his shoulders. The survival of New Eden Prime hinged not only on their military prowess but also on their ability to outmaneuver an enemy whose capabilities remained largely shrouded in mystery.
With a final nod from Estrada, Irons and Richter dispersed to relay orders to execute their assignments; Irons felt the weight of the imminent conflict pressing down. Each step they took was heavy with the resolve to protect their home, knowing the enemy loomed just beyond the horizon, ready to test the mettle of New Eden's defenders. This wasn't just another border skirmish or a pirate raid. The scale of the invasion suggested a well-planned offensive by a formidable enemy.
Returning to his command post, Irons pulled up the tactical displays, which showed live feeds from drones and satellites tracking the enemy's advance. Each ship was marked in red and moved steadily towards New Eden's defensive perimeter.
"Let's show them what New Eden is made of," he muttered to himself, a mix of resolve and anticipation coursing through his veins.
This was his colony, his home, where his family and millions of others lived and dreamed of a peaceful future among the stars. Today, the peace and survival of the colony depended on his actions and those of his comrades.
As the first enemy ships entered range, Irons gave the order. "All units, engage at will. Prioritize frigates and anything making landfall. We hold the line, no matter what."
Back at the rally point, as shells began to crisscross the morning sky and the first explosions blossomed in the distance, Estrada and Richter coordinated their sectors' defenses, adjusting to the flow of battle. Each report, each burst of static on the comms, added to the day's growing chorus—a chorus filled with the sounds of a colony defending its very existence.
Above them, the sky turned from morning gray to the dark of smoke and fire, the battle for New Eden truly underway. As the alien forces made their ground assault on New Paris, Major Commander Michael Irons quickly marshaled his defensive strategies. The invaders had exploited a slight weakness at the equator of the planet's shield, where the northern and southern fields met, allowing a fraction of their invasion force to penetrate. This strategic breach had permitted several enemy corvettes and frigates to support the ground troops as they marched toward the city.
The morning sky, once clear and promising, was now darkened by the presence of enemy ships. Their shadows cast an ominous pall over the city as their engines roared menacingly overhead. Irons, stationed at the command post just on the outskirts of New Paris, observed the advancing enemy through his binoculars, his heart racing with adrenaline and cold determination.
Despite the thinning of their numbers due to the shield's resistance, the invaders pushed forward with relentless determination. Their landing crafts, equipped to penetrate the weakened shield points by slowing their descent, deployed troops directly into the fray. This strategic insertion allowed them to bypass the stronger defenses and land a significant force just outside the protective barrier of New Paris.
Irons, stationed at the command post, monitored the unfolding chaos through live drone feeds. The images displayed a grim tableau: columns of alien soldiers advancing toward the city, their movements methodical and unhurried, supported by the ominous silhouettes of their air support. The enemy's tactical acumen was evident in every maneuver, challenging the defenders of New Eden to adapt swiftly.
"Prepare all air defense units and activate the aerial defense batteries," Irons commanded into the comm, his voice steady despite the escalating threat. The air around him buzzed with the hurried movements of soldiers and the crackling of radio communications. The colony's air defense force, though robust, was significantly outnumbered without the support of their orbital fleet, which had been decimated in earlier skirmishes. "Target their air support first. We cut off the head, and the body will falter."
Acknowledgments crackled through his earpiece as his orders were relayed down the chain of command. New Eden's air defense force, though robust, was not designed for such a multifaceted assault. The absence of fleet support from orbit, a disadvantage painfully felt by every soldier on the ground, meant that each shot from the aerial defense batteries had to count.
On the battlefield, the sounds of warfare escalated. Explosions rippled across the early morning sky, painting it with streaks of fire as the colony's defenses engaged the invading air units. Irons watched as each successful strike brought down an enemy craft, each plummeting vessel a small victory in the shadow of an overwhelming threat.
Yet, even as they held the line against the aerial assault, the ground forces braced for the inevitable confrontation. The alien troops, undeterred by the resistance from above, continued their steady march towards New Paris. Their ranks, though reduced, remained formidable—a sea of figures clad in armor that glinted under the rising sun, their weapons poised for battle.
"The shields are holding, but we can't let them gain any more ground," Irons muttered, analyzing the tactical map that glowed with indicators of enemy movement. The slight gap in the shield at the equator was a glaring risk, one that could not be ignored. "Reroute additional units to the southern sector," he instructed, pointing to the area where the shield's weakness was most pronounced. "Fortify our positions there. I don't want a single invader breaking through."
His focus then shifted to the city's defenses. New Paris, a symbol of human resilience and ingenuity on the frontier, was fortified with multiple layers of defenses designed to repel invaders and protect its citizens. But today, those defenses would face their greatest test.
"We're on our own," Irons acknowledged, his gaze sweeping across the room filled with operators and strategists. "Every soldier, every pilot—we're what stands between them and the city. We hold them here, at the edge, before they can reach the heart of our home."
As the enemy's ground forces drew closer, the clash became imminent. Irons could see the front lines through the drones—human soldiers taking positions, their bodies tense with anticipation, their weapons trained on the approaching threat. The air crackled with the energy of impending combat, a mixture of fear, determination, and the indomitable will to protect their planet.
"Engage at maximum range," Irons commanded. "Use the terrain to our advantage. Make them come to us through the kill zones."
The enemy's corvettes and frigates hovered menacingly, coordinating the ground troops as they continued their relentless march toward the city's defenses. Irons could see the troops adjusting their formations and a tactical maneuver meant to optimize their approach under cover of their aerial support.
"Focus fire on those corvettes flanking to the east," Irons directed, pointing to the screens displaying satellite imagery. The operators quickly relayed his commands, adjusting the colony's firepower towards the threatening vessels.
Despite the heavy onslaught, the morale among Irons' men was resolute. They were well-trained and prepared to defend their home against all odds. The sound of anti-aircraft fire filled the air, a relentless symphony of defiance against the invading forces. Explosions lit up the morning sky as some of the enemy crafts took hits, their debris raining down and igniting small fires upon the rugged terrain of New Eden Prime.
Irons turned his attention back to the ground troops, noting the enemy's attempt to regroup after each barrage. "They're testing our defenses, looking for weak points. Make sure all sectors are covered and reinforce any undermanned positions," he instructed his lieutenants.
The battle was fierce, with every moment critical. The enemy's numerical advantage was evident, but the defenders of New Paris were determined to make every shot count. The city's aerial defense batteries worked in overdrive, targeting the enemy's air support in an attempt to level the playing field. The city's shield generators protected the city from any aerial bombardment from the frigates. Only the ground forces were a threat as long as the city's shield generators held, but with every strike from those frigates, the shield became weaker.
As the enemy advanced, a sudden and intense firefight erupted at the southern barricade. Irons watched through surveillance feeds as his troops engaged the enemy, their laser rifles cutting through the morning mist. The ground shook with the impact of heavy artillery, a relentless exchange that tested the resolve of every soldier under his command.
"Keep the pressure on! Push them back!" Irons shouted over the radio, his voice a beacon of command amidst the chaos. The troops responded with renewed vigor, their shouts and gunfire merging into the cacophony of battle.
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***I posted this originally in but think this might be a better place for it
TLDR: I'm struggling to understand if my relationship issues are genuine concerns or my past influencing my perception. My boyfriend (29M) and I (25F) have been dating long-distance for 10 months. He initially talked a lot about our future, including plans to get a place together, but has since become non-committal and distant. Given my history with a narcissistic parent, I'm unsure if these are red flags or typical relationship hurdles. I'm worried he's "future faking" me. Any advice on discerning these issues would be appreciated. ___________________________
Sorry this is so long - It's clearly weighing heavy on my mind and I also have a habit of overexplaining myself due to my past. Believe it or not, this was my attempt to keep it short.
As someone raised by a single narcissistic parent, I (25F) have a lot of difficulty in figuring out if my perception is accurate or if I'm misinterpreting things. I've spent years working on this in therapy and have made progress in figuring out when I'm being treated poorly, specifically in platonic relationships, but have still a ways to go.
Recently, I've gotten into a relationship with my bf (29M) after having been single for 5 years. The person I've started dating proactively chased me during this time and I was clear that I wanted to be just friends due to concerns about long-distance, feeling overwhelmed with the interest they had in me without knowing me super well, and feeling like my boundaries weren't being respected. Over those 5 years, we developed a strong friendship/relationship and these issues resolved (except for the long-distance). I had a major life event happen in 2023 that had me questioning how much of my life I had lived in fear and avoidance. Simultaneously, this person was a huge support to me while I went through this difficult moment. I decided I was ready to pursue a romance with him and he agreed he wanted to too. So we started officially dating roughly 10 months ago.
In the beginning of our relationship, he would make tons of comments about our future together, talking about our kids, what life would be like when we're married, trips that we would take, etc. I was hesitant in the beginning to believe this, but slowly started to imagine this future too and would join in these conversations. I had never dated someone who so openly talked about a future with me and while it felt scary in the beginning, I started to feel like it was a beautiful thing and I was experiencing healthy love.
Back in January, he started to talking to me about getting a place in my city. Although we're long distance, he has to come to my city fairly often for business reasons and likes to extend his stays to spend time with me. I initially thought he just meant something for himself that he would stay in when he was in my city. This wasn't super surprising since he has an apartment in another city sitting completely empty and he was talking about getting a place in another city for when he'd visit before we started dating. To be clear, he has vast financial resources. Like hundreds of millions.
I was excited that he was going to get a place in my city, because I knew it would make him more comfortable when he'd visit and therefore make his visits more likely. However, he clarified to me a week later that he actually wanted to get a place for the both of us - where I would stay full time and he would stay when he was visiting. He was surprised that I thought this would just be his place. I thought about it and got excited at the idea (although I had some concerns about living alone for those periods he wasn't there - I've always had roommates and have loved it honestly).
Once I agreed, he said he wanted to start looking at places when he was visiting my city for a few weeks that February. I started to look at places online and have conversations with him about what we'd both want. February came, he didn't make any effort or mention of seeing places in person. My roommates started to ask me if I'd be renewing the lease with them or not and I told them I wasn't sure. I'd periodically bring it up to him and emphasize that we probably need to start looking and make serious progress on it. He would agree, but I wouldn't hear anything more about it. Finally, I told him I needed to give my roommates a final answer about it. He said that I should renew the lease with them so that we're not rushed into finding something and can find the perfect place. He said it was okay if the leases overlapped, assuring me that it wouldn't be a problem and he'd cover it financially. I was hesitant, but given his vast wealth, I figured this was just one of those rich people things where comfort is prioritized over wastefulness.
He has not brought it up since. Recently, I had felt some distance from him. He wasn't as communicative. He flaked on a vacation we were supposed to go on during my spring break at the last minute due to a conference he wanted to attend. He was vague about when he would be able to visit next, saying that I could visit him whenever even though he knew I was in school until May. He invited me to go to a friend's wedding in a far away state in late April, but said he figured I wouldn't be able to go because he knew I had finals. I decided to make it work by flying in for 48 hours despite having finals. While we were together in person, it didn't seem like anything was wrong at all. I decided to talk to him about some of these concerns and mentioned the apartment. He said that he wanted to find the perfect place for us and not stress about it. I told him that I get that, but we need to take action in order to find the perfect place. He said that there's no rush. I pointed out he said he wanted to start looking at places in February, so it seemed like he wanted to get a place fairly soon, but I was feeling confused because since those early talks, I've been the only one to talk to him about it. I told him that it felt like he didn't want to get a place with me anymore. He said that he does want to still but when he brought it up to me, he meant he wanted to get a place in the future and there's no timeline. In his head, it will happen eventually and I shouldn't be worried (????? WTF). Anyways, I decided to drop it and give him the benefit of the doubt.
He also early on told me how excited he was for when we go to his home country, how we'll go in the next year, how he needs to take me there. A week or two ago, an opportunity came up where he would be in a nearby country for business and I would be on a break from school. We talked about me going with him and then going to his home country after for a bit. Yesterday, I asked him about it and he started to express doubts, saying he's never taken a girl home before... Keep in mind: 1) I have already met his parents and brothers more than once. 2) This man has only dated one other person, and it was in high school. 3) This man has been talking about taking me there as soon as its convenient since we started dating.
I'm worried given my past with parental narcissistic abuse and having my perception constantly questioned/invalidated that I'm not able to identify red flags unless they're really severe or different from what I experienced growing up. Prior to this relationship, I always pursued men that were emotionally distant and whose love I had to earn because it felt safer (and mirrored my relationship with my absent parent). This is the first time I've dated someone who consistently showed interest in me. I thought this was healthier and that I was recalibrating my dating patterns, but now I'm starting to have doubts. I'm feeling like I can't trust his word anymore. I'm starting to wonder if he's been future faking me.
What do you guys think? Any tips on what I should be looking out for in the future? Or how you can know with certainty that there might be love bombing/future faking before things get worse? I don't want to find myself in a position years down the line in an abusive or toxic relationship and realize that there were signs I missed/ignored earlier on. I also don't want to ruin a happy and healthy relationship because I'm making mountains out of mole hills.

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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In modern cities, the medical rescue system is crucial for urban safety. Emergency centers command rescue operations, essential for saving lives. With the advancement of IoT technology, many cutting-edge technologies are gradually integrated into the medical emergency system, enabling ambulances to be networked, digitized, and intelligent. Thus, 5G smart ambulances emerge. 5G-enhanced ambulances look similar to regular ones in appearance. However, by integrating 5G networks into the vehicle, developers instantly endowed it with additional "superpowers".
https://preview.redd.it/1q3sbti4xh0d1.png?width=640&format=png&auto=webp&s=5b9c2a877f14c1bb6addb5d8b4286b745c7433f9
For instance, 5G-enhanced ambulances can achieve synchronized transmission of multiple high-definition live videos, leveraging 5G's high bandwidth, low latency, and reliability. Based on this, it can synchronously return the medical images, patient signs, illness records and other information of emergency patients to the hospital emergency center without damage, which is convenient for the emergency center to grasp the patient's condition in advance and give professional guidance to the rescuers on the bus.
Forlinx's 5G Smart Gateway FCU2303 provides reliable support for medical ambulance.
https://preview.redd.it/dnrtu3j5xh0d1.png?width=1600&format=png&auto=webp&s=f4eabd6094b58d14a250cc48978b478af53f3258

Rapid transmission of information

Bridge the gap for medical device information transmission.
Modern ambulances are equipped with advanced medical equipment such as electrocardiogram monitors, ventilators, and defibrillators to enhance rescue efficiency. Various types of diagnostic and therapeutic equipment can efficiently transmit physiological data to the Hospital Information System (HIS) through the multiple Ethernet ports, serial ports, and DI/DO of the FCU2303 industrial-grade smart gateway. This meets the data collection and transmission requirements of ambulances.
https://preview.redd.it/33bzmqc6xh0d1.png?width=594&format=png&auto=webp&s=25272f2193b6653cd579a3aa0fb819190dfaa279

Enabling high-definition audio and video consultations

Medical imaging equipment such as cameras, microphones, displays, and ultrasound machines are deployed on the ambulance. Through the FCU2303 industrial-grade smart gateway, information is transmitted, providing real-time, lossless transmission of audio-visual images from the ambulance to the hospital emergency center. This setup offers a high-bandwidth, low-latency, and highly connected secure network, meeting the remote video consultation needs of the ambulance. It aims to secure more time for patients by implementing a rapid rescue and treatment mode where patients essentially “Be in the hospital” upon boarding the ambulance.
https://preview.redd.it/j5sqm0i7xh0d1.png?width=1239&format=png&auto=webp&s=d15f3622249b85b176955ab7cfd9d713e91fc195

Enabling reliable integration of multiple technologies

• FCU2303 Smart Gateway, designed based on the NXP LS1046A processor, features a quad-core CPU with a high clock frequency of 1.8GHz. With a fanless design, it ensures stable operation of medical rescue systems for extended periods in environments ranging from -40°C to +85°C;
• It supports 5G and 4G modules, which can be easily switched with a single DIP switch. It provides users with high bandwidth, low latency, and large connectivity services. It also supports dual-band Wi-Fi, enabling both STA and AP modes;
• FCU2303 supports expandable device storage with PCIe 3.0 high-speed interface, enabling support for solid-state drives (SSDs) using the NVMe protocol (M.2 interface). This meets the requirements for small size, large capacity, and fast speed;
• It comes standard with 8 x Gigabit Ethernet ports (flexible configuration of 2/4/6/8 ports, all with independent MAC addresses), 4 RS485 ports, 4 RS485/RS232 multiplexing interfaces, 2 DI (Digital Input), 2 DO (Digital Output), and 1 USB HOST 3.0 port. This ensures the connectivity of various medical devices, enabling full vehicle networking for ambulances;
• The software integrates a variety of third-party components including Samba, Lighttpd, Docker, IPSEC, OpenSSL, and Python 3 or higher versions. It supports protocols such as TCP/IP, UDP, DHCP, TFTP, FTP, Telnet, SSH, Web, HTTP, IPtables, and provides an open system API for easy user customization and development.

https://preview.redd.it/z072qu88xh0d1.png?width=1043&format=png&auto=webp&s=d959dea6d7a91a1f76659e3152f7955184aae682
In the future, smart ambulances based on 5G technology will undoubtedly provide better full-process services for patients, including pre-diagnosis, during diagnosis, and post-diagnosis.
Forlinx Embedded FCU2303 Smart Gateway, which supports the 5G smart ambulance system, fully leverages the leading advantages of 5G technology, including high bandwidth, low latency, and large connectivity. It will undoubtedly effectively and efficiently guarantee the transmission of information for various medical devices. This will assist medical emergency centers in further improving the efficiency and service level of emergency rescue work, enhancing service quality, optimizing service processes and modes, and winning time for rescuing patients’ lives, thereby better-safeguarding health and life.
Originally published at www.forlinx.net.

What even is EU ez server , indian ez server and SEA is the god.
Yes, average EU might be less skilled compared to average SEA. But this is only when it satisfies this two points -

1. You play 5 party
2. You play in low rank

The possibility of getting pro amateur teams, pro teams or squads planning to go pro are much higher in sea. But this is only when you play full party in high rank 100+.
In solo queue your server doesn’t even matter. I have honestly played in almost all servers and there isn’t any difference in player tactics and skills.
We have to know that in immortal+ only the top 1% of the players in that server are playing it. And they aren’t noobs. There are people who believe indian or EU immortal is less skilled than SEA epic or legend lol. Please, Indian or EU immortal would stomp PH honor or even low glory matches .
We believe that we are the best. But let me remind the gen z kids here that SEA was never top in competitive MOBA. That would go to East Asian countries. We thought NA was low skill until mobazane and squad appeared. Maybe an indian team can change our minds as well if the ban is lifted in India and indian esports progresses.
In the popular PS game tekken. Koreans and Japanese were ruling the game and they were kings until a random Pakistani player appeared out of nowhere and stomped them and won the championship. You know who I’m referring to.
Just like the tekken scenario where the kings of tekken could not counter the Pakistani playstyle. Each server has their own play style and meta. Mm jungler was introduced in pro play by NA. Just like that, other servers may have a meta that could stomp SEA meta.

I relate most to E6’s core desire and fear. But the integration/disintegration lines are a bit tricky. In growth, I’d say I either go to a 3 or 8 (becoming more confident, sociable, assertive, more of a leader, even though I hate leading) and I’m stress, probably a 9 (avoidant, slothful, lazy, dissociating). Although I do have some traits of a 3 when in stress like becoming competitive, wanting to be the best at something, self-critical, and comparing myself to others. And same with 9. Maybe I should just stick with the core desires/fears and not look at the int/dis integration lines too much.
I currently type myself as a SP 6w5 INTJ. I used to think I was a 5w4 or 5w6 but saw a post on here about being unsure probably means you’re a 6 (not trusting yourself). My main core desire in life is to be safe and secure. Basically physically (from threats or criminals), emotionally (being take to handle bad things, having good supportive people around me), and financially (having a career which makes me good money and one I’m satisfied with). Now of course I desire more things, but I think with all 3 of these met, I’ll be happy.
Also I’ve looked into the head, heart, gut triads. 5,6,7 / 2,3,4 / 8,9,1. Of course everyone experiences those emotions (fear, shame, and anger) but I feel fear is strongest for me. This could be useful if I was torn between like 4 or 5 but I’m not lol. But I use it as an argument why I’m not a 9. As for anger, I don’t experience full blown anger often, more so irritability, it’s something that comes and goes quickly. As for shame, I have a couple insecurities, but don’t we all. Fear has held me back most in life, missed opportunities (like making friends)
Just some things about myself: 1. I don’t think I’m very assertive, but I’m kind of defiant to social norms 2. I’m protective and loyal to those I love and like 3. I hate being told what to do, manipulated, or given unsolicited advice 4. If I don’t like you, I won’t bluntly tell you. I might pretend to like you but if I’ve really had enough, my actions will show I don’t care lol. If I like you, I’m loyal but I often times question it (not expressing it to the person) 5. I highly value academic success which sounds 3-ish but it’s rooted in security. Good grades land me a successful career which makes money. But I could 3 in my tri type

Background: I'm a single Mom with an almost 9 year old son. He's currently finishing up second grade in our local public school and I'm torn between staying in public school for third grade, which is a different building with only 3rd and 4th grade in it, or going back to his private school which he attended for kindergarten and first grade. My son has an IEP due to his Autism, but is considered high functioning in comparison to others.
My son did an assessment through is previous private school which is a school designed for special needs children on the spectrum, and was officially accepted today. The Pros of this school is that he's already been there previously and knows the layout and what's expected. The classroom he would be in would have the same children as before, with the exception of maybe 2-ish kids that had left the school the same time we did. The classroom is a max of 16 children on the spectrum/ learning challenges, but does have two intervention specialists. The cons would be that the scholarship doesn't cover the full amount and I would be required to pay $2,200 for the school year, which as a single Mom in nursing school is a lot for me to be able to do each month, if they even accept payment plans. His Dad wouldn't be helping foot the cost (he already told me no). The school also requires uniforms which is both a pro and a con. I found that uniforms seem to be easier to deal with than everyday clothing, but the shirts alone are like $30 each since it has to come from a particular store and needs to be engraved with the school's name. There's no busing available so I would be required to drive him to school which is about 15 minutes away. The district would reimburse me $500 at the end of the school year since they don't offer transportation to the school since it's out of district.
As far as the public school goes, I live in a top 10 school district in my area. The Pros is that he would be going to a different building that's actually closer to home (less than 8 minutes away). The classroom size is larger than the private school with about 24 kids a class, but luckily he would have a second teacher in the class that's an intervention specialist. He would still get his speech therapy, be pulled into smaller groups during some activities, have the opportunity to go for a walk in the hallway if he needed a moment, etc. Pros here is that he would be in a mainstream classroom, which he's done well with, but I'll be honest, these public school kids have been mean this year. They've told my son that he isn't stylish (whatever that means to a bunch of 8 year olds), that he's weird, and has had some classroom disputes with two boys that he used to be friends with at the beginning of the school year which he isn't anymore. Along with that, one of the girls in his classroom has been an issue all year which i had brought up numerous times so I don't think they'll be in the same class next year (she literally hit him in the face with her lunch box).
The school recommended him stay in the district since his biggest issue is socialization and he would have a better opportunity to learn to better interact with people of all backgrounds instead of just children on the spectrum, which i agree, but I'm also aware that with the scholarship, the cost comes out of the district's budget so I could understand them trying to sway me one way so they don't lose the $40k.
The private school is also not in session 34 days out of the school year which is a bit more than the public school at 26. I'm only somewhat concerned by this because I'm his main caregiver and would struggle to find childcare on the days the private school isn't in session since they don't have any programs. They do have aftercare which is $10 an hour in the gym. The public school has a YMCA program, but we wouldn't be doing it again next year since we didn't have a great experience. The intermediate school has after school clubs, but another childcare center would be an option as long as i sign up early. The $10 hr charge is more expensive than the daycare center would be.

Hey y'all, I'm not sure if I'm looking for advice on how to survive the summer or if I need motivation to keep going, or any thoughts on what might be ahead if anyone has any similar experience
I thought I was getting close to figuring it out with my dose in March but at the end of April as it got warmer what I'd been figuring out went out the window. My last crisis and ER visit were in February and since it's been so long some of the symptoms that eased up I'm having again full force and I recognize them as a warning sign
I'm not sure if I should go to the ER yet since I'm not in a crisis right now, but I'm in what I remember the days/week leading up to one feeling like. And it's an awful game of chicken that I can't win either way by having a crisis or not
Brain fog and feeling detached mentally and emotionally, severe fatigue and feeling tired all the time, dull temple headaches, freezing and can't control my body temperature, huge joint and bone pains (my lower right ribs are absolutely screaming as I type this lol) massive shouldeback pain, muscle weakness, insane insomnia despite being worn down or after sleeping 14+ hours, can't eat and haven't felt hungry to even try for days... the usual I think, for what most severe lows in cortisol feel like here (maybe?)
Not sure what changed but here's my dosing; 0.1mg fludrocortisone 6:30am 2.5mg prednisone 6:30am 1.5mg prednisone 2pm 2mg Rayos (delay release pred) 9pm
My endocrinologist wants me to try to stay around 6mg total prednisone including Rayos as best I can to avoid going too over, and said not to double the fludrocortisone for now because we are working out what my labwork is doing
My last labs showed my TSH was extremely low at 0.301 but my T3, T4 and the reverses were normal. He did a Thyroid antibody and it came back normal/negative, so it's impacted by something but unclear why only the TSH ACTH level was 14.2 (normal range said 7.6-64.2) Vitamin E Gamma, K1 and K2 were all low Food allergy panels showed nothing, negative for celiacs
Despite having Primary AI I had a second very high IGF-1 level in a row. First one was 320, this one was 350 (normal range is labeled as 91-300) so he will be doing a second MRI to scan for a pituitary tumor the first one might have missed. If anyone has any familiarity with that labwork or maybe growth hormone issues too?
But... yeah. I did double my pred doses today or I would have been nonfunctional like the last day or two. I feel like I'm barely scraping by on replacing cortisol and the summer isn't helping, fludro had the salt wasting and night sweating under control until this month. Without much else I can do but wait and see both on a crisis and MRI does anyone have any tips on how I might be able to tip it back away from a potential crisis? Or how to survive summer?
Thoughts on anything above always welcome, especially if you had similar experiences before treating something more. Or just how you got through, because 13 months later I'm losing my endurance on surviving this all. especially if what I thought I figured out in March was really that fragile

Known him for 20 years. We were close friends high school. He was always into drugs, I wasn’t. Fast forward to our mid 30s, he needs a place to love when getting out of Federal Prison for manufacturing ice. We’ve kept in touch over the years, I would visit his mom while he was locked up, etc. He moves in with me. Long story short I get addicted to fentanyl. While I take responsibility for my part in it, I also know that with him NOT in the picture, this would have never happened. 2 years into that, he goes back to jail for violating his federal supervised release, and I go to rehab in Texas where my mom lives and get sober.
4 months later he gets out, we’ve stayed in touch and he comes down here so we can start over and build a life together the right way. (I know) His mother passed away while we were in full blown addiction and I think that fucked him up. He has no one, his brothers and him were never close, and the only brother he WAS close with killed himself at 18 and my bf had to cut him down from a closet when he was 17. He’s had a traumatic life and he’s also been diagnosed with BPD and major depressive disorder.
Unfortunately things did not go well down here in TX. He continued to get high, stole from stores to make money, always needing to know where I am and extremely controlling. I went to stay at my moms after a bad fight between us and he destroyed the apartment we rent saying he was going to “put me in debt” he ripped drywall out and put holes in almost every room. I have bailed him out of jail 3 times in a year since he’s been down here for stealing. He’s now back in jail, demanding and threatening me to bail him out. I have told him I needed space in the past and he refused to leave because he has nowhere to go. He says because he supported me for the two years while we were addicts, that I owe him this. He did go out every day and make money for us to get high and I never had to resort to certain things that a lot of girl addicts have to resort to. And I’m thankful for that. But I can’t continue to live with him the way he is acting. I can’t afford financially to keep supporting him. He is constantly asking for money while he’s in jail now and I feel bad that he’s there so I send it. I wish I could have gotten space without him being locked up but I don’t know what to do. Thanks.

A few months ago I came out of a year-long relationship were we "had" (not really) sex a total of 2 times, which I initiated. Before this I went months without sex and I've remained that way ever since.
I used to have sex whenever I wanted when I was 20-21. I was much thinner and men paid attention to me in real life. Now I do have random men that flirt with me, but it's only online and you can tell that they are creeps that send the same message to thousands of women in hopes one will reply.
I have a high sex drive and I'm blunt about it, making it clear I don't want anything serious. But I get rejected a lot and it has made me lose confidence and hope.
My face isn't that bad, it's my body. My skin. I hate my skin. I'm full of scars and bruises because I'm extremely clumsy, I'm hairy although I shave (I have PCOS) and I have red stretch marks all over. I have big ankles, big wrists and chubby hands. It's not like I can solve those issues by eating healthier and working out, it's unfixable.
I do take care of myself. I shower everyday and exfoliate my whole body every 3 days. I always keep my hair clean and I put on an hydrating mask on it once a week. I moisturize and wear sunscreen everyday. I wear clean clothes and perfume. I always have my nails done. I wear makeup everyday (nothing too bright or heavy but enough to look fresh and awake).
But I'm still invisible.
I've been told I'm not ugly but I don't believe them. If I were not I would be able to have casual sex. I'm still young enough for it.
All of this has me resenting men. I catch myself actively saying "I hate men" in my head multiple times a day. I'm literally becoming a female incel.
Whoever said women can have sex whenever they want is absolutely delusional or I'm somehow the only one that can't.
I think about this all day, it frustrates and upsets me. What am I doing wrong? I literally don't know what else to do. I hate myself.

Hey y'all,
Long time lurker here, but I wanted to make a post of my experience because I found a lot of reassurance from many folks here before I got my surgery.
I'm exactly seven weeks post-op today; I had a total laparoscopic hysto, including ovaries. For some background, I'm 34, 5'3 and 134lbs; been on T for 9 years now.
Surgery day: Nervous as hell, but medical team was amazing. Surgery took about 2.5 hours and I was able to go home the same day. I had a bit of trouble fully coming to afterwards, but after a nap, I was good to get up on my own and make my way to the washroom for the highly anticipated pee (can't leave without peeing). It did take me a long time to pee, but I managed a little something. There will be blood immediately after surgery, so it certainly can be startling if you've been without a period for years. Didn't eat much that day, as anaesthetic kinda ruined my appetite. Pain was tolerable, but getting up from the couch/bed was tough - you'll kinda have to roll out. I peed A LOT that evening (it did subside a bit the next day). Nurses said nothing over 5lb (I 100% did not abide by this because 5lbs is very light to me and I felt it silly) and no sex for 6 weeks.
First week: Pain was very manageable, just similar to sore abs. I continued my prescribed painkillers for a couple days and made the switch to Tylenol, which I took for another couple days and then I didn't feel like I needed anything. Bleeding was pretty mild throughout the first week. I think after about 4-5 days post-op, I was walking quite a bit (couple 10-15 min walks a day and general tidying around the house). I did get a little tired, but nothing bad. Drove my car around 4 days in. Was also drinking a dissolvable stool softener - you're really gonna want this. I never took it with top surgery, but hystos are so connected to your bowels, its just a must-have.
Second week: Went back to work after 12 days - I work in service and was on my feet 6-8 hours a day. I felt fine and didn't really overdo it. I didn't lift much over 10-15lbs, but was able to hustle. Bleeding continued to be quite light. I was pretty much cleaning my house as normal at this point, as well as walking my dog (though he is super young and a puller, so I was very cautious during our walks). Continued drinking the stool softener because I still felt a little discomfort when trying to go to the bathroom.
Third and Fourth weeks: Third week I just increased my walking, working and started to ease back into my routine. I will say my gas pains/bowel discomfort got pretty bad around this point - I've never experienced anything like it. It was obvious it was related to my intestines and bowels settling into a new place inside me, but it was so uncomfortable. I continued the softener every other day until the fourth week. Once I reached week four, I went back to the gym to do some stretching and isolation work on machines (leg extentions and curls, shoulder presses, rows, light curls and tricep work). I only went two days, that week, but it felt amazing to get back in there and move my body. I had no more bleeding at all after that week and had no adverse effects from going to the gym.
Fifth and Sixth weeks: Pretty much a full return to normal for me. Fifth week, I started increasing the weights (half my usual) at the gym and hit the exercise bike as well. Sixth week, I started my compound body work like squats, bench presses, light deadlifts, etc. Again, had no adverse effects. I'm now at week seven and I'm back fully to normal, in my opinion. My doctor has cleared me for all regular activities and I'm feeling great. This will be my first full week back in the gym and though things are feeling heavy as hell after all this time, it will come back in no time.
Some other things that I was worried about before my surgery: Muscle loss/Weightlifting - If you're in good shape beforehand and are a seasoned lifter, you're gonna be just fine. I was so freaked out about losing my muscle and physique, but it wasn't so bad. Just don't eat like shit and stay as active as you can. Things are gonna feel really heavy when you get back, but just go slow and focus on form.
Sex/Masturbation - I got myself off probably 2 weeks after and had some light bleeding, but nothing else. I waited again for another few days and it was fine after that. I continued to get off regularly after this with no adverse effects. Myself and my partner obviously didn't have penetrative sex during these 6 weeks, but we did manage to get by with some hands-on fun. I've yet to have the more "aggressive" penetrative sex I'm used to, but light penetration this past week has not bothered me - just go slow and make sure it feels ok.
Scarring - SO TINY. Seriously, just don't pick at them and keep them moisturized and they will heal great.
That's mostly all I can recall right now, but I'm happy to answer any questions. Sorry if this was long-winded, but I figured maybe it would help someone out!