Are you tired of capturing average photos of your cherished car? Struggling to convey its true magnificence and might in just one snap?
Say goodbye to lackluster car photos with Autobg! As a leading car background enhancer, its AI car image processing technology ensures your dealership stands out in the market, making an indelible impression on buyers.
Utilizing advanced AI tools, Autobg effortlessly eliminates distracting backgrounds and accentuates every detail of your car’s aesthetics. Let’s explore the benefits of AutoBg.ai for car photography and branding to boost your dealership’s sales.
The Challenge with Traditional Car Photography
Capturing the perfect image of a car is no easy feat, as traditional car photography presents a unique set of obstacles that can prevent you from showcasing the vehicle in its optimal form. The primary hindrances include:
- Distracting backgrounds that overshadow the car’s features
- Inconsistent lighting conditions that obscure car details
- The need for snapping car photos in different backgrounds for listings
- The requirement of extensive post-processing skills to correct imperfections
Various elements can contribute to producing car images that do not effectively capture the vehicle’s essence and aesthetic allure, creating challenges for car enthusiasts and dealerships seeking to present their cars compellingly.
Introducing AutoBg – The AI Revolution in Car Photography
AutoBg is a groundbreaking tool in the AI car image processing industry, reducing car photography and editing efforts through automated retouching and background enhancement. Powered by AI, AutoBg allows users to enhance their car photos with custom backgrounds automatically, resulting in stunning images that leave a lasting impression. These car images are perfect for boosting dealerships’ sales. AutoBg also offers batch image processing, streamlining the editing process for multiple photos at once.
AutoBg’s innovative technology merges with artistic expression, ushering in a new era in car photography that removes the complexity of traditional methods.
How to Use AutoBg for Optimal Results
To fully utilize this AI car background enhancer tool and achieve flawlessly enhanced car photos, follow these simple steps:
1. Login to AutoBg: Access the AutoBg platform by logging in. If you don’t have an account, setting one up is quick and easy.
2. Batch Image Upload: Use the batch upload feature to quickly edit multiple car photos with ease, saving valuable time and ensuring consistency across your portfolio.
3. Select Custom Settings: Adjust the custom settings to tailor the AI car image processing to your needs, including background removal, enhancement levels, license plate inlay, branding, and other preferences. Align the AI’s capabilities with your specific vision and requirements.
4. Process & Download: Once the desired settings are applied, let Autobg work its magic. Within a short time, you will have access to processed images that highlight your car most favorably. These transformed images will be ready for download shortly.
By following these steps, you will easily enhance the quality of your car images with the incredible capabilities of AI image processing at your disposal.
Car Photos with Autobg – Before and After
AutoBg has achieved a remarkable transformation. Before its use, car photos were often burdened with cluttered backgrounds, which overshadowed the vehicle’s features. With Autobg’s AI car image processing, every photo now reveals a new narrative. Distracting backgrounds are removed, colors are amplified, and the car becomes the unequivocal focus. This striking contrast highlights the vehicle’s aesthetics and unique character, making each image captivating and visually stunning.
The power of AutoBg’s technology in car photography is undeniable. So, what are you waiting for? Leverage this next-gen car background enhancer now to boost your dealership’s sales and ROI.

In today's digital age, maintaining a strong online presence is crucial for businesses, especially those in the automotive sector. For car dealerships, AI car image processing is significantly impacting sales in 2024. This innovative technology enhances your online branding, attracting potential customers and setting you apart from competitors. High-quality vehicle images are vital for online branding, and Autobg's AI car image processing technology is transforming how you present your inventory on the internet. Let's explore its impact and capabilities.

Understanding the Power of AI in Car Image Processing

AI technology has revolutionized various industries, including automotive. AutoBg leverages advanced AI concepts like computer vision, deep learning, and convolutional neural networks to automate car retouching and enhancement. This results in remarkable precision and efficiency in car branding and online listings.

What is AutoBg.ai?

AutoBg.ai is an online dealership branding solution that uses sophisticated AI algorithms to identify and correct imperfections in car images, such as minor blemishes and inconsistent lighting. The technology adapts images to ideal aesthetic standards for online viewing with intelligent exposure, contrast, and saturation adjustments. This automated retouching elevates the visual quality of online car listings and simplifies digital inventory management, enhancing your dealership's competitive online presence.

How AutoBg Maximizes Dealerships’ Online Visibility

AutoBg reduces image editing and retouching efforts by up to 90%, helping you present visually stunning vehicle images that distinguish your brand.

Automation for Consistency

AutoBg ensures the highest quality photos with a professional sheen, reflecting your dealership’s dedication to excellence. AI car image retouching captures the essence of each vehicle with remarkable accuracy and detail. Seamless integration across all online platforms promotes brand consistency and visibility, creating a dynamic and engaging online car branding strategy.

Less Time to Market

AutoBg’s AI car image processing algorithms significantly shorten the time to market for new listings. Batch image retouching saves time and resources, allowing entire inventories to be updated and optimized simultaneously. This enhances the efficiency and consistency of your vehicle listings, enabling quick population of online platforms with visually compelling images that stand out.

Seamless Omnichannel Promotion

In a rapidly evolving digital world, maintaining a robust online presence is challenging for car dealerships. AutoBg’s AI car image processing technology automates complex image retouching and optimization, minimizing laborious tasks. Dealerships can seamlessly update online listings, websites, and social media platforms with exceptional-quality images that capture potential customers' attention.

Enhancing Sales and Customer Experience

AI-driven image processing makes inventory updates seamless and consistent, allowing dealership staff to focus on customer service and sales strategy. AutoBg’s solution streamlines workflow and enhances online visibility, drawing more buyers to your dealership by showcasing each vehicle in its best form. This strategic advantage helps dealerships meet evolving customer expectations, presenting a compelling digital showroom that matches their physical inventory.

Wrapping Up

AI car image processingnot only improves the visual aesthetics of online car listings but also transforms the automotive online branding landscape. Incorporating AutoBg’s features allows dealerships to showcase their inventory in a way that resonates with today’s digital-savvy consumers, ensuring each vehicle is presented in the best possible light. Achieving a compelling digital showroom that engages and converts prospective buyers is now within reach, marking a significant milestone in online automotive marketing.

Welcome back to [WTB] Wednesday!

This thread will be the way this sub handles [WTB] requests. The thread will be refreshed every Wednesday morning and pinned at the top of the sub.
[WTB] posts outside this thread will be removed.
Keep in mind all activity in the [WTB] thread must be adhere to the sub's rules.

I want to buy something.

Step 1 - Reply directly to this post.
If you want to buy multiple things, please put them all into a single comment.
Off-topic comments will be removed.
Step 2 - Make your comment as descriptive as possible.
The mods may remove comments that are vague or low-effort.
Step 3 - If a possible seller contacts you, exercise care and caution before sending payment.
Mods cannot protect against fraud and ineptitude. Some steps you can take to increase chances of a successful experience include:

• Do not buy from a seller who has not replied to you comment before reaching out privately. If they cannot reply to your comment, it is possible they do not meet the requirements of participation here or are banned. We strongly recommend you only deal with individuals who can reply to your comment.
  
• Do not buy before you have checked a potential seller's feedback on PMsFeedback. You can also check the Universal Scammer List, but users banned by the USL are precluded from commenting here. (See above).
  
• Always be sure that you are dealing with the user who commented on your post and not someone impersonating them. If someone reaches out to you and their username begins with /, proceed with extreme caution.
  
• Do not buy if the seller has not provided a verification photo equivalent to what is required for [WTS] ads.
  
• If you are unsure about a seller, ask if they will ship first, use a middleman, or accept a payment method that offers protection to the buyer.
  
• If something seems amiss, you aren't obligated to purchase anything. If you're looking for something that isn't very unusual, be patient and see if another seller with a more solid reputation can offer it to you.
  

Step 4 - Edit your comment if your [WTB] is fulfilled.
If a seller fulfills your [WTB], go back and edit your post to indicate that. The best thing to do is to add [FULFILLED] to the comment or strikethrough the items. Do not delete your comment if it has been fulfilled.
Step 5 - Serious buyers only.
Do not post on this thread if you don't intend to actually buy anything. Using this as a gauge to see what's available or as a price check mechanism is not allowed. If you aren't ready to pay for an item in the near term, do not post in the thread until your funds are ready. In short, don't waste potential sellers' time.

I have something that someone is looking to buy.

Step 1 - Reply to the appropriate comment.
You can reply with "PM sent" or "I have x. Is that of interest?" or anything to get yourself started. The most important thing is that you reply to the buyer's initial comment to prove you are not banned and meet the sub's participation requirements.
Step 2 - Transact with the buyer privately.
This is the step where you should provide a verification photo to your possible buyer. Do not be offended if a buyer wants you to prove you are a trustworthy seller.
Step 3 - Don't waste buyers' time.
Try to stick to what the potential buyer is looking for as best as you are able.

Good luck to all buyers and sellers!

Update - As of 8/2/23, [WTT] comments will not be allowed in this thread. Please create a standalone post.

The Revival is a PC server that provides an organic DayZ experience. Our rules are designed to discourage KOS and toxicity. Our mission is to provide an immersive experience that stays true to what makes DayZ a great game.
Please check out our trailer. It's worth a watch even if you don't plan on playing our server.

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• Deer Isle Police Department - Active Police Force
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• Dexter's Munchies - Providing what we can to increase the quality of your survival on Deer-isle! We do our best to keep our food crates filled up for the public so you can sit back and relax for a bit!
• The Fish and Game Specialists - A group of friendly hunters, survivalists, and scavengers with a love for diplomacy and emphasis on teamwork.
• Or start your own

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https://discord.gg/therevival

The mobile payment market is rapidly expanding, driven by increasing smartphone penetration and a shift towards digital transactions. This market enables users to make payments using mobile devices, often through apps or mobile banking. It encompasses various methods, including NFC (Near Field Communication), QR codes, and SMS-based payments. Key growth factors include convenience, improved security features, and the rise of e-commerce. Major players include tech giants like Apple, Google, and Paytm. The market is also seeing significant innovations in fintech and regulatory support for cashless transactions, catering to a tech-savvy, convenience-seeking global consumer base.
Mobile Payment Market Size and Growth
The mobile payment market has exhibited significant growth, with the global market size valued at nearly USD 2,986.00 billion in 2023. This surge is propelled by the widespread adoption of smartphones and the increasing acceptance of digital transactions across various sectors. Consumers and businesses alike are leveraging mobile payment technologies for their convenience, speed, and enhanced security features. This market includes a range of payment methods such as NFC, QR codes, and mobile wallets, which have become integral to the daily financial interactions of millions globally.
Looking ahead, the market is poised for continued expansion. It is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.8% from 2024 to 2032. By the end of this period, the market size is expected to reach approximately USD 14,422.00 billion. This growth trajectory is supported by technological advancements, increasing financial inclusivity, and evolving consumer behaviors that favor contactless and cashless payment options. Additionally, regulatory changes and the introduction of more sophisticated payment solutions are set to further boost market growth, reflecting an increasing dependency on digital payment platforms in the global economy.
Mobile Payment Market Trends
The mobile payment market is characterized by several key trends that are shaping its evolution and growth:
Request Sample: https://www.expertmarketresearch.com/reports/mobile-payment-market/requestsample

1. Increased Adoption of Contactless Payments: The trend towards contactless payments has accelerated, particularly due to health concerns raised by the COVID-19 pandemic. Consumers prefer tapping their phones or smartwatches over traditional cash or card transactions, driving the widespread adoption of NFC (Near Field Communication) technology.
   
2. Growth in E-commerce: As online shopping continues to grow, so does the use of mobile payments for digital transactions. Consumers find it convenient to pay directly through mobile apps or websites, which has fostered tighter integration of payment systems into e-commerce platforms.
   
3. Rise of Mobile Wallets: Mobile wallets like Apple Pay, Google Wallet, and Samsung Pay are becoming increasingly popular. These platforms not only allow users to store multiple payment methods securely but also offer rewards and the ability to manage financial transactions from a single interface.
   
4. Financial Inclusion: Mobile payments are playing a crucial role in enhancing financial inclusion, especially in developing countries where traditional banking infrastructure is limited. Mobile money solutions provide a gateway for unbanked and underbanked populations to participate in the financial system.
   
5. Regulatory and Security Enhancements: As the volume of mobile payments increases, so does the focus on security. Advanced authentication technologies, including biometrics and blockchain, are being implemented to ensure transaction security. Additionally, regulations are being updated to protect consumers and ensure fair practices within the mobile payments ecosystem.
   
6. Integration with IoT: The Internet of Things (IoT) is increasingly intersecting with mobile payments, enabling transactions through connected devices. Examples include smart appliances that can reorder supplies automatically and cars that can pay for fuel or tolls.
   

Market Opportunities and Challenges
The mobile payment market presents a range of opportunities and challenges that influence its development and scalability:
Opportunities

1. Expansion into New Markets: With mobile penetration increasing globally, there's significant opportunity for mobile payment solutions to expand into emerging markets, particularly in regions like Africa, Asia, and Latin America, where traditional banking infrastructure is less developed.
   
2. Technological Innovation: Innovations such as blockchain and cryptocurrencies offer new ways to conduct secure, transparent transactions. These technologies can reduce fraud and enhance the efficiency of payments, presenting a substantial growth opportunity for the industry.
   
3. Partnerships with Financial Institutions: By partnering with banks and other financial institutions, mobile payment providers can tap into existing customer bases while offering enhanced services, such as improved security features and loyalty programs.
   
4. Integration with Other Services: Mobile payments can be integrated with other services like public transport systems, healthcare, and retail, providing seamless payment experiences and increasing user engagement and satisfaction.
   

Challenges

1. Security Concerns: Despite advancements, security remains a significant concern. The risk of data breaches and fraud can deter users from adopting mobile payment solutions, necessitating continuous improvements in security measures.
   
2. Regulatory Compliance: The mobile payment sector faces complex and varied regulations across different regions, which can complicate expansion efforts and increase operational costs. Compliance with these regulations is crucial but challenging, especially for new entrants.
   
3. Fragmentation and Interoperability: The market is fragmented with numerous platforms and standards, making interoperability a significant challenge. Consumers and merchants may find it difficult to navigate these varied systems, which can hinder the adoption and scalability of mobile payment solutions.
   
4. Consumer Trust and Adoption: Building consumer trust is essential, especially in regions where cash has been the predominant mode of transaction. Changing consumer habits and convincing them of the benefits and reliability of mobile payments is a gradual and ongoing challenge.
   

Market Dynamics
The mobile payment market is driven by a complex interplay of dynamics that include technological advancements, consumer behavior, regulatory frameworks, and economic factors. Here are some of the key dynamics shaping this market:

1. Technological Advancements: Technology is at the core of the mobile payment market's expansion. Innovations such as near-field communication (NFC), blockchain, and biometric authentication are enhancing the security and efficiency of mobile payments. These advancements not only improve user experience but also expand the scope of mobile payments in terms of capabilities and reach.
   
2. Consumer Adoption and Behavior: Consumer preferences are shifting towards convenience and speed in transactions, which mobile payments can offer. The widespread use of smartphones has facilitated this shift, making mobile payments more accessible to a broader audience. However, consumer behavior can vary significantly across different regions and demographics, influencing the pace and pattern of adoption.
   
3. Regulatory Environment: The regulatory landscape for mobile payments is evolving as governments worldwide recognize the importance of regulating digital transactions to ensure security and prevent fraud. Regulations affect how companies operate, the level of security required, and the introduction of new features or services. Compliance with these regulations can be both a challenge and a driving force for innovation within the market.
   
4. Economic Impact: Economic factors, including disposable income levels and the overall economic environment, play a crucial role in the adoption of mobile payments. In thriving economies, consumers are more likely to engage with new technologies, including mobile payments. Conversely, in regions with less economic stability, the adoption might be driven by necessity, such as for financial inclusion of the unbanked.
   
5. Competitive Landscape: The mobile payment market is highly competitive, with major tech companies, traditional banks, and fintech startups vying for market share. This competition fosters innovation and drives improvements in service offerings, but it also creates a fragmented market landscape that can confuse consumers and complicate interoperability between different payment systems.
   
6. Integration with Other Industries: Mobile payments are increasingly integrated with other sectors such as retail, transportation, and healthcare, which opens new avenues for growth but also requires complex collaborations and partnerships. These integrations often lead to improved customer service and operational efficiencies.
   

Competitive Landscape
The key players in the industry includes:

• American Express Company
• Apple, Inc.
• Google LLC
• JPMorgan Chase & Co.
• Mastercard Incorporated
• Paytm (One 97 Communications Limited)
• Paypal Holdings, Inc.
• Others

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Hello all, I was hoping I could get some advice on if the small claims court is the right place to recover money from another person after they sold my car without my permission and kept the proceeds of the sale. I will try to keep as concise as possible in the bullets below, usual apologies for format as on mobile:

1. I bought a car with cash last year for my then partner as their first vehicle to learn to drive in.
   
2. The money used was solely mine and I have bank evidence showing it came from my account.
   
3. I put their name on the V5 as the registered keeper (not owner) for insurance, tax and MoT purposes.
   
4. I never stated that it was a gift to them.
   
5. We subsequently split up and they sold the car, despite me putting in writing that I would collect it and did not give them permission to sell it.
   
6. I have received no money from the sale and they refuse to hand over any proceeds.
   
7. The claim would be for no more than £5k.
   

Any advice would be appreciated.

Do you have questions about the value of a car you want to buy? Looking for a buyers guide? Not sure about the mechanical condition of a car you're looking at? Maybe you want to sell yours and don't know how to price it, or why it's not sold yet? Use this weekly thread to discuss the cars you're interested in buying/selling to get advice from the peanut gallery.
Posts that fall under the above topics will be removed.
Here are some useful tools to help decide if a particular Miata is worth buying. Miata Garage Buying a Miata The Definitive Post: "What Miata Should I Buy?" : Miata (reddit.com)
- The Mod Team

I'm building SaaS for car sales and want to build real time dashboard that reflects data from the database (Ex. How many request for specific car? How many request per hour? Prices) . Any advise for the software and apps to be used for that?
Thank you

I'm building SaaS for car sales and want to build real time dashboard that reflects data from the database (Ex. How many request for specific car? How many request per hour? Prices) . Any advise for the software and apps to be used for that?
Thank you

My boyfriend's sister is staying with us for three weeks, as she's over here to visit his family and they don't have much room. Ages ago, she asked to bring her dogs with her (a great dane and a chocolate lab). This was a point of contention, as my boyfriend doesn't mind dogs (he grew up with them) but I don't really like dogs. We have a nice house and poorly-trained dogs aren't gonna keep it that way. I gave in eventually, and said she could bring the dogs.
She arrived with the dogs this morning, and as soon as she let them out of the car they started racing around the front yard, peeing on everything. It was actually disgusting to watch. They were peeing in the bushes, flowers, and the dane even peed on the wall of the house, which is honestly just gross. What's worse, was that she didn't even think anything of it, and continued talking to me despite her dogs wreaking havoc. The lab then did a poop, which she picked up (at least she did something right).
I tried to be reasonable, and held my tongue, but basically asked if she could not let them trash our yard. I asked if she could walk them instead, rather than letting them use our yard as a toilet. She said that she normally walks them twice a day, but that it is a bit unreasonable to expect them to live here and not use the yard at all, especially since they have quite big bladders and are gonna naturally want to mark. She said she'd try and make sure that they didn't pee on the wall but didn't see how the bushes and garden was a big issue.
I feel as though she was just being really dismissive of me, and she gave me a look that suggested I was in the wrong. I don't think I am; it's my house, right, surely she should respect my rules?
I'm not going to be home during the day, unfortunately, so I'm not really sure how I'm gonna enforce this rule either, but surely she should understand that I don't want my house being trashed by her dogs.

I'm building SaaS for car sales and want to build real time dashboard that reflects data from the database (Ex. How many request for specific car? How many request per hour? Prices) . Any advise for the software and apps to be used for that?
Thank you

My MPI has a four way fuse box in the engine bay, YQX100040, which is all cracked and broken. Particularly the right most (looking from the front) connector which has been cracked off completely.
I’m fairly sure this connector has always been like this so I’m not sure what it’s used for as the car did run fine before disassembly so maybe just a spare slot?
I can find a few for sale but they’re pretty expensive so I thought it check if it’s needed before buying a new one. Also if anyone knows of any 3D print models of it I might give that a go.
It also currently only has the one large red cable going to it and nothing else, that cable goes to the starter motor if I remember rightly and I assume there are some cables from the main loom that connect to it? But I can’t find and loose spade connectors on any of the other bits of loom I’ve got. Anyone know what is on the other side of the fuses?

This news fueled a surge in VFS's stock price on Monday, with more than 11 million shares already traded in the session.
The car industry is shifting gears faster. We're talking software, internet connections, and electric vehicles everywhere. McKinsey says nearly all new cars will be online by 2030, some even driving themselves.
In McKinsey’s 2023 survey, 55 percent of auto executives ranked connected cars as one of the top two trends shaping the future of mobility (second only to electrification). Customers, too, are increasingly excited.

“The entire automotive world is undergoing a huge transformation. Improved autonomous driving capabilities could see the car becoming a second living room. And just like your first living room, you’ll want to listen to your favorite music or watch your favorite videos.”

- Benjamin Bastians, IoT Sales Leader for Automotive & International at Deutsche Telekom

“What we’ve seen is the consumerization of the vehicle. Consumers are increasingly looking at vehicles like their smartphones. They expect their vehicles to keep up with their lifestyles, get regular updates, support the apps they use, and give them the same entertainment options.”

- A Director of Engineering and Director of Software Product Line at a multinational audio manufacturer cited in a report by Dolby
Getting this to work requires teamwork between different companies. That's why VinFast is making waves by being the first to offer Sony Pictures' new streaming service, RIDEVU, in their VF 8 electric car in the US.
RIDEVU will be included as a complimentary service in the VF Connect Prime package. US owners of the VF 8 who register for the service will receive access to RIDEVU with the over-the-air (OTA) software update version 9.6.1.11.
Developed by Sony Pictures, RIDEVU provides customers with access to a selection of over 2,000 movies. For 12 months, users can enjoy RIDEVU's library of regularly updated titles, with unlimited replays of up to 100 movies. Customers can also access premium titles by redeeming credits, purchasing, or renting directly through the app.
It highlights a two-way exchange of benefits:

"Sony Pictures is excited to be working with VinFast for the debut of the RIDEVU service. We are confident that RIDEVU will redefine video entertainment for the automotive industry, beginning with a best-in-class experience for VinFast drivers and passengers."

- Mr. Pete Wood, SVP, Digital Sales, Distribution, SPE

CHAPTER 9 – ENTROPY
DATE: MARCH 10th, 7 A.U. (AFTER UNIFICATION) LOCATION: SOL SYSTEM, ABOARD UTRN INDOMITABLE WILL
CAPTAIN HENRY O’TOOLE
"Ah, there you are Commander. Your message said there was something you wanted to talk with me about?" Henry asked as his executive officer approached the system map.
“Aye Captain, now's a good a time as any. As you know, the rate of disciplinary incidents has more than tripled in the last two weeks. We've had six fistfights, one near strangling, a few dozen counts of sexual harassment amongst different parties, and a few more incidents of a nature that I would rather not get into for fear of derailing the point of this conversation. I need additional resources to allocate towards ship internal security. With your permission, I'd like to borrow some of our more trusted marines to help the MA's out on their off shifts.” Commander Alvarez asked.
“Yeah, of course, take what you need to nip this in the bud. I can't say I'm entirely surprised; we expected a certain amount of this with the stresses of FTL travel. With everyone cooped up like this, maybe we should brainstorm some new outlets for the crew. Were there any specific incidents I need to get involved with?” Henry replied as he looked up from the list of updates and reports on his own console.
“No, I have it covered. It's just the regs state I need to ask permission to use marines for internal security matters.” The Commander waved it off.
“Excellent, continue to keep me in the loop then. Can I ask you a question?” Henry took the opportunity to ask something that had been bothering him.
“You just did. Hah! Just kidding, put the axe away boy! Now what would you like to know?” He said with a twinkle in his eye.
“I've seen your file, well, the parts that weren’t redacted anyway. If anything, I should be taking your orders! I mean, you're the Space Wolf! Nobody came even close to the number of ships captured or destroyed than you in the early days of the battle for the belt. Why would they want me to be captain when they had someone like you coming along the whole time? Why aren't you a captain anymore? By all right this should be your command, not mine.” Henry asked, after taking one last look around to verify they were still alone around the system map.
Commander Alvarez seemed stunned for a moment before he settled into a more pensive look.
“Listen, son, you're all full of the vigor and high passions of youth. By that I mean you've got a certain fire and aggression in you, yet I've seen you generally keep it balanced by wit and wisdom. You are a perfect match for the job, even if you could use some more real world experience. With some guidance, you'll do just fine, if you can keep strict standards for yourself and crew and a cool head when things get tough."
"I appreciate that, and I will definitely lean on your experience whenever possible. However, you didn't really answer my question... Why aren't you a captain anymore?"
"I... got a lot of damn good men and women killed in an impossible situation when we lost the Michigan-II, and I never truly got over it. No amount of medals, captured enemy ships, or the fact that I've saved many more lives than I lost can make up for that. I finally found peace with that, but that peace required that I relieve myself of any chance of future command. My legacy, for better or worse, is set in stone. Joining this expedition gives me another chance at adjusting the scales without breaking my former vows, even if the only people who will ever know it are here on the voyage with us.”
“So, you claim you have no aims or desires for leadership, but here you are a mere heartbeat away from it.” Henry said, carefully studying his executive officer's every reaction.
“My time for glory is mostly gone, yours is at your feet before you. To the world, I am retired in comfort and isolation. In reality you have me here to help make your will law. You can relax. I already turned down command of this expedition. I was plan A, why do you think they had to scramble to find you? I will take command of this mission only if you are incapable of doing so yourself, Sir. In the meantime, let my experience and whatever wisdom I can offer guide you.”
An emergency alert snapped both of their attention out of their conversation. "There's a fire in one of the officer's cabins?!" Henry’s pulse quickened as he referenced the map to find which one.
“Fuck, it started in Chantal’s room!” Henry said, horrified.
“I've got the CIC under control. Go on and get her out of there, I'll send the cavalry."
“Thank you, Commander.” Henry called back over his shoulder as he rushed for the quick lift.
The officer cabins were the in the very next deck overhead, so he was able to arrive quickly and break into a sprint. The ship shifted as it dodged some antimatter, causing Henry to slip and scramble back to his feet. As he rounded the corner he saw her door was closed and the keypad powered was off. He could hear thumps and muffled screaming from within the room.
"HANG ON CHANTAL, I'M COMING!" Henry shouted in the hope that she could hear him as he pried at the manual override panel.
Two modified Paladin exo-combat armor suits rounded the corner seconds later with a hospitalman trailing behind pushing a medical cart.
"WE'LL TAKE IT FROM HERE, SIR." A speaker-amplified voice spoke from behind him.
One of the Paladin suits accessed the manual control override and forced the door open enough for the other suit to reach in and pry it the rest of the way open as smoke plumed into the corridor. The second suit charged into the room with its flood lights on as a water cannon mounted on the right wrist sprayed flame retardant from a pack on its back. The first suit abandoned the door control and entered, emerging moments later with Chantal awake and coughing from inside the darkened door frame. She was quickly ushered into cleaner air, set gently down, wrapped in a blanket, and was quickly attended to by a hospitalman who began to check her vitals.
Relief flooded Henry’s mind as his adrenaline surge broke against the wall of worry he had built up during his mad dash from the CIC.
“Baby you came for me! I thought I was going to die in there." She pulled him into a tight embrace as she wept in cathartic release.
"Of course I did! I couldn't stand to lose you, especially not over something like this. So, what the hell happened in there?"
"Well you know me, I was all burning the midnight oil and then I smelled smoke! Then there were some sparks, the outlet pops then whoosh! My computer station and my desk are all ablaze along with half my notes, then the damned door wouldn't work! I had to drop to the floor under the smoke and pound on the door in hopes that someone would hear me. God, it was horrible... I don't think I've ever been so scared in my life." She replied with a deep shudder.
"You're safe now, it's going to be alright."
"I know, but what about my work?" She replied with a forlorn look back at her smoke damaged room.
"What about your work?"
"As you know, I lost a ton of it just now, but what’s worse is I don't even have the ability to recover them! Remember how I lost my backup drive last week? Like, I know I packed it and it is not here anywhere! It’s like some sick cosmic joke on me or something. Sorry! Gotta keep it positive, girl! I get to rethink my last few weeks’ worth of work from scratch... that was almost positive! I probably have most of this recoverable from email sent box backups. Fuck, what do you do if there's no good silver lining?” Chantal bemoaned.
Henry couldn’t help himself but laugh for a second, while his girlfriend stared at him, waiting for a response.
“I’m sorry, is this funny to you or something?”
“No, no of course not. This might be one of those times where the only silver lining is that you're alive. Plus, if anyone can remember and rebuild their notes, you can." Henry smiled down at her.
“Fine, fine, at least I am alive. I was only breathing smoke for a few seconds after all.” She said, rolling her eyes. “Thank you for rushing down here right away anyway, it means a lot. You're amazing, you know.”
Henry smiled, slightly uncomfortable for a moment, so he changed the subject.
“I do my best... Anyway, it seems like these electrical issues seem to be getting worse instead of better. Whatever patch these clowns have slapped on my ship to get her to pass inspection is clearly coming undone. What do you think is going on here?” Henry asked in mild exasperation.
“Honestly, I can’t tell you without digging into the systems myself, which I would rather avoid. My plate is full enough as it is right now, especially having to reproduce so much of my own work now. This ship has kilometers of power cables running throughout it, after all, and you have an entire loyal, capable team down there in electrical, so it should only be a matter of time before they sort it out for you. Let them do their jobs without harassing them too much, please?”
Henry felt a little irked at her for not giving him credit to know not to go overboard, but he stowed it, seeing as she ultimately was right.
“The crew has been under a lot of stress, too, between the technical issues with the lights going out, losing power to workstations, or the constant antimatter threat. More than a few people have tried to convince me to turn us around and return to S33 for a more in-depth refit and repair cycle before we try the mission again. So far, everyone has accepted the fact that we are continuing the mission without much argument, but I fear what may happen if these issues are seen as getting worse. Our orders are clear, though, we must continue the journey.” Henry said, uncomfortable with the implications, even if he didn't dare voice it.
“You should get on the Q-Comm to report the fire to S33. Maybe they will order us back to base after this.” She offered, looking for a solution to an impossible problem.
“Good idea, at least the Q-Comm is still working. It’s incredible to me those particles maintained their entanglement once we passed through the baryonic barrier. That alone has been a huge morale boost, being able to contact home base with no time lag.” Henry replied.
“It’s incredible to you because you only have a basic grasp of the science, hon. But that’s alright, very few people truly understand it. That’s in part what you have me here for anyway. Einstein called the effect spooky action from a distance; I always liked that line.”
Henry ran his fingers through his hair and looked at Chantal, with a shake of his head and a smile.
“Listen, Henry, I just had a crazy stressful experience and I need to unwind. Plus, I haven’t slept in almost a day, so I am bone tired. Let’s go to bed, huh? What do you say doc, am I clear to go?” Chantal asked.
The hospitalman closed her eyes and shook her head before responding. "Yes, you are cleared to rest, and only to rest, do you understand me?"
Chantal mouthed a thank you before she took Henry by the hand and led him off to the captain’s quarters. Henry felt no desire to fight it, nor flaw with her reasoning. Sleep sounded good, really good. Plus, he was about an hour from the start of his sleep shift anyway, and Alvarez had the CIC well covered. The lights flickered again, but Henry very purposefully ignored it.
“Hey, since we have a little time and we are both a little wound up, Why don’t we take a shower together real quick?” She said with genuine enthusiasm and a wink.
“Madam, I like the way you think.” The couple raced just a bit faster than regulations would have liked, and arrived at his door in record speed.
Inside the room they fell upon each other in great passion and need, stripping each other out of their BDU’s and underclothes. Henry tossed a giggling Chantal onto the bed, and proceeded to kiss her neck and nibble on her ear causing her to purr in anticipation before he moved down her chest, past her navel, and then eagerly began to move his kisses in between her thighs.
“Hah…. I haven’t showered. Are you sure? Oooookay! I think…. Hah…. Okay.” She said breathlessly as Henry began to work his tongue until she began to shiver and squirm before she cried out as she melted in his mouth.
“Enough, please, I can’t take it anymore! Just fuck me already!” Chantal pulled herself together enough to beg for it. Henry stood rigid and ready and set himself to granting her request, first slowly, and then with a growing intensity. She once more began to squirm as he paid close attention to her hip’s cues, knowing very well by now what she liked.
As she climaxed again, Henry lifted her from the bed and pushed her up against the wall, and then bent her over his desk for a bit before he could take it no longer and they finished together.
“Holy shit… my legs aren’t gonna work for a bit after that one. Help me up?” Chantal said in between shallow breaths.
“Yes, ma’am. It would be my pleasure.” Henry said as he helped her to her feet and into the shower, staying in longer than was strictly necessary.
Henry left the steam first, once more thankful that his cabin included its own small bathroom, rather than a communal one. Being captain had its perks, after all. He grabbed a towel and wrapped it around his waist, then handed another to Chantal who gratefully accepted it before it dropped to the ground as she stared straight past him.
“Henry!" She squeaked as she pointed past him.
"What?" Henry asked, confused.
"Henry, someone was in here!”
On their bathroom mirror, wiped from the steam were the words TURN BACK.
Henry's blood ran cold and his adrenaline spiked him into overdrive. He waved Chantal back into the shower and put his finger to his lips. She nodded then wrapped herself in her retrieved towel and dropped to the shower floor with her arms wrapped around her knees, whimpering slightly. Henry moved silently along the wall, watching the visible half of his room for any movement. He then burst round the door frame, only to find everything perfectly, precisely as they had left it. The shock of finding nothing collided with the spike of his adrenaline surge, which only fed his growing unease.
“There’s nobody here!” Henry called out after checking the closet, the only other place someone could have hidden.
“Did you lock the door?” Chantal asked, her mind already working on the mystery.
“I set the security protocol to auto lock every time it closes.”
“Paul. We need to talk to Paul.” Chantal said, squeezing her BDU’s up over her hips with a few hops. Henry pulled on his undershirt before tossing over her bra.
“Why would we want to bring that weasel into this?” Henry asked, incredulous at to how he could possibly help.
“Because he has access to the surveillance tapes, why else?”
Henry stared at Chantal, brimming with rage, trying his hardest to keep it isolated to Paul over the invasion of his privacy.
“Did you just say surveillance tapes!?!” Henry asked in an icy tone. “That does it, I’m going to strangle him.” Henry said, moving with a purpose toward the door.
“Stop. Turn around and give me a kiss. I already disabled the video cameras, at least all the ones I could find. He has audio at best, even that I doubt. What he does have that I want is the data from the motion sensor that he had installed just in case you found the more obvious bugs. Unfortunately, I sabotaged its effectiveness by blocking the sensor with dense foam, but there might be enough of something to give us a clue."
“How in the hell do you know about all of this anyway, and why the hell didn’t you tell me?!” Henry roared.
“This entire enterprise is run by an intelligence agency; how can you not have seen that one coming a mile away? I have gotten very good at catching bugs over the years. Just because I expect the invasion of privacy to be happening, doesn’t mean I have to make it easy on them. Just be happy I already took care of the issue, alright?” She replied firmly while staring him in the eyes with raised eyebrows.
“You’re incredible, I love you.” Henry blurted out before he could catch himself. Chantal beamed and tackled him to the bed sitting on his lap.
“What took you so long? Never mind, don’t answer that. I love you too, man have I wanted to say that one for a while now.”
“You know these things aren’t easy for me. I had to be sure, I also didn’t want to mess anything up. We need to be able to work together even if we had turned out to be a bad couple.” Henry admitted, Chantal made an show as she thought it over, but she then smiled and helped Henry to his feet.
“Alright, my captain. You speak great wisdom. While I have certainly felt, and thoroughly enjoyed, the depths of your passion, it is really nice to hear about it too. I do think it makes it all the better that you rule said passion with reason. It’s just one of the many things I love about you.” She said, laying her hand over his heart.
Henry took her other hand and kissed it before replying. “I think above all, I wanted to make sure that I didn’t take you for granted, nor suffer the same in reverse. A wise woman once gave me some great advice there that I have taken to heart.”
“Okay, Romeo, maybe you have a better handle on these things than you think. Now… Let’s go interrogate Paul.” Chantal had a fire in her eyes that Henry was loving very much at that moment.
“I have wanted to turn the screws on that spook for a while now.” Henry smiled as he spoke, and he opened up the connection to the ship’s intranet through his neural implant to send a message.
MEET ME IN YOUR QUARTERS IN 5 MINUTES FOR A DISCUSSION OF CRITICAL IMPORTANCE – CPT. O'TOOLE
“That ought to get him there and alone.” Henry smirked. “Let’s go.”
Together, they made their way to Paul’s equivalent-sized quarters, which he had somehow secured for himself in the ship design to help facilitate his role as the official thorn in Henry’s paw. I guess being the captain’s handler has its perks as well. Henry’s eye twitched at the corner.
After making them wait far too long, Paul opened the door and gesturing them inside. The door closed and Paul turned towards them, narrowing his eyes, studying them both.
“Is this about the fire?” Paul asked before Henry punched the weasel right in the diaphragm, forcing him to gasp for air. The look of shock on his face as he bent forwards was priceless.
“What the fuck, Henry!?” Paul managed to choke out after a minute between gasps.
“Relax, I didn’t do any permanent damage, yet.” Henry said, Paul for just a second showed actual fear in his eyes before he sneered in defiance. “Oh? That got your attention, did it? Why were you spying on me?” Henry growled.
Paul closed his eyes, dropped his head, and began to laugh before Henry grabbed him by the throat and slammed him into the wall. Foolishly, Paul even then kept laughing amidst the gasping. So Henry squeezed until Paul started slapping his arm, looking genuine fear once more growing across his face.
“Orders… I was following orders!” Paul managed to say amidst gasps and coughs.
“I thought it might be something like that. You're going to open up those files, now, and you're going to show me everything.” Henry said, dropping him to his feet at last.
“Fucking hell, Henry, I thought you of all people would have anticipated this was going to be the case. Do you think the people who made this all possible would simply let you fly around the most dangerous, advanced warship in human history without some insurance?”
“Don’t try and weasel out of your own personal culpability here. You may also want to think back to other people who were “only following orders” while performing acts they knew were wrong before you wave that line around like some get out of jail free card.” The fact that he had nothing to say spoke volumes.
“You should have told me, Paul.” Henry growled.
“That defeats the purpose! Plus, your girlfriend sabotaged them all before we ever left S33 anyway, and once more after! That type of tech doesn’t just grow on trees you know, and I don’t have an unlimited supply. You should be thanking me for covering for her and reporting back like things are normal!” Paul shouted in indignation.
“This is pointless, show me the files from around fifteen minutes ago, motion trackers, thermals, anything you have that's not blocked or sabotaged.” Henry commanded. Paul’s eyes narrowed, but after a long moment he huffed and closed his eyes.
Paul then sat down at his station and fired it up.
“Like I said, I've got practically nothing. No video, muffled audio and readings from what I assume to be a faulty motion sensor, that’s it. What are we looking for?”
“Chantal and I were, well, together. After we got out of the shower we saw that someone had written turn back in the condensation on the bathroom mirror. Only problem? My door auto locks when closed and only opens for my biometrics. That is why all of this even came up in the first place.”
“Motherfucker. That's a whole heap of bad news.” Paul said. Henry merely nodded, paying rather more attention to the screen to see if he could catch Paul in a lie about the extent of the spying.
“There’s nothing. No disturbances in the air that would even remotely resemble human movement between you two getting in the shower and you charging into your bedroom. With the noise of the shower and the distance to the microphone, there is nothing I can discern that is anomalous. You can see it all right here for yourself.”
Henry found himself even more confused and alarmed than before.
“How is that possible? Look again, run through some filters or something. There must be some evidence somewhere!”
“Alright, relax, I will get to work on this and get you a report by the end of C shift. In the meantime, you look like a mess. Get some sleep man! I can take care of it from here. Oh, and I want you to remember that I forgave you quite magnanimously for that little episode back there where you attacked me.” Henry and Chantal gave each other a look as Paul spoke.
“Wasn’t gonna apologize anyway, you had it coming. I’m going to hit the rack. I expect that report to be detailed and ready when I get up.” Henry took Chantal by the hand, and they left together, not waiting for a response.
“What a snake. Did you see him in there? Zero guilt or recognition whatsoever about spying like that. It just makes my skin crawl. Gives me bad memories.” Chantal said, turning pensive and quiet.
“Do you want to talk about it?” Henry asked, seeing that there was something clearly bothering her.
“I… had an uncle that lived with us from time to time and he would spy on me when I was dressing, try and sneak looks in the shower, stuff like that. Never touched me or anyone else that I know of, thank god, but man did it screw me up a bit still. Played havoc with my sense of security and even my sanity, never being quite sure it was real or all in my head. I wish I had said something, but I was afraid everyone would think I was overreacting or imagining it. I saw it in his eyes though, that look of... predatory lust. At least I didn't see anything like that in Paul's eyes. To this day it makes my skin crawl.”
“Good God, I can see how alone you must have felt in the middle of all that.” He squeezed her hand, she smiled up at him.
“Yeah, that was one of the hardest parts. I don’t think Paul is some raging pervert or anything, but it concerns me how normalized it was to him. Even if he isn’t being a creep with it, as if we can take his claims to be covering for me at face value. There is still no way I am going to let him have easy access to intimate videos of us, if I can possibly help it.” Chantal said before adding, “I’ll be all right, don’t worry about me. Let’s just get some sleep.”
Henry put his palm against the biometric scanner outside his room and the door slid open for them. They definitely needed some sleep after the emotional roller coaster of the past few hours, and the irresistible warm embrace of his bed called for him. The Q-Comm report could wait until he woke, he decided.
Better to have the electrical inspection ordered up, too.
I WANT A FULL REPORT AND INSPECTION PERFORMED ON THE ELECTRICAL FIRE IN CHANTAL’S ROOM BY THE START OF A SHIFT. – CAPT. O'TOOLE
Good enough. Henry thought as he sent the message. Now he could sleep. The chief could handle it from there.
MEANWHILE…
DATE : MARCH 10th, 7 A.U. LOCATION: SOL SYSTEM, ABOARD UTRN INDOMITABLE WILL
FIREMAN APPRENTICE SARAH CALLAHAN
It'll be back again tonight...
Sarah’s haunted thoughts repeated like a mantra. She had to be ready, but how? Her skin crawled and itched, the long sleeves of her BDU’s prevented her from being able to do anything about the painful sensation from the inflamed scratches they hid. She blearily rubbed at her sunken eyes, and she drained the rest of her coffee. All the numbers on the screen had started bleeding in together and her eyes hurt horribly, with the throbbing pain in her abdomen only compounding her misery.
“My god, Sarah, you look a wreck, hon. How have you been sleeping?” Yvonne, her shift partner asked, with concern in her voice.
“I have a monster tension headache, I just hope the meds kick in soon. Can you check my math? I need to get out of these white lights for a few minutes. Close my eyes for a bit, something, anything. I've been having nightmares again.” Sarah felt good, being able to admit it, and Yvonne had long since proven her friendship, so it was easier to actually speak.
“Yeah, no prob. As soon as I am done here I will check your readings and we can get out of here. Do you mean nightmares from the invasion?” Yvonne asked, carefully picking her words and tone.
“Kind of the same general themes, but different. Everything is going wrong, like the worst possible outcomes of my worst nightmares are all combining together. Like, it feels actively malicious, I don't know, its hard to explain...” Sarah said, bleakly.
“That’s hard, I am sorry. You need a shower, and an uninterrupted nap. Sleep deprivation plays all kinds of hell on the body and mind. I had a friend who went through an insomniac phase so extreme he would go days without sleeping. Wound up in the hospital after trying to drive to work while hallucinating his dead fiancée was sitting in the passenger seat screaming at him to watch out. Wound up rear-ending the car in front of him. Thank God he lived to tell the tale, but that is why it worries me to see you like this.” Yvonne planted her hand on Sarah’s shoulder as she told the story.
“Yikes, I think I slept like two hours into my sleep shift before I started having the nightmares again, woke up, and passed in and out of some restless sleep. It got really bad around oh three hundred. There were sounds... noises like scratching and a loud bang, and the shadows were moving. I just kept feeling like I was being watched, but everyone else seemed to be having disturbed sleep in their bunks. God, it was a creepy feeling.” Sarah took a moment to compose herself.
“I know how crazy this will sound, maybe that I am sleep deprived and likely hallucinating like your friend, but just hear me out. There was something there Yvonne, in the dark at the edge of perception, I could feel it. I also know I wasn’t the only one tossing and turning either. I could also hear scratchy whispering, too. I just hid, strapped in under the weighted blanket. At some point I slept some more, I must have, but not for what felt like a few stressful and draining hours. I'm just making a total mess of explaining this, aren’t I?”
“No, you're fine, girl! I am sorry that happened, my dorm has been pretty quiet, but I have always slept like a rock. Is there anything I can do?”
“I could use a hug.” Sarah said, which caused Yvonne to laugh, breaking some of the tension. They embraced warmly for a good minute, which did wonders for relieving some of the headache and her black mood.
“Thanks, Yvonne, I know it’s all in my head and it’s a vicious feedback cycle due to lack of quality sleep. Thanks for listening without calling me crazy.“ Sarah said, shying away from the last thing she hadn’t the courage to say.
She didn’t dare mention how she had hidden under the covers as she felt it get near. How she had felt something pushing on the mattress. How as her fear peaked, she herself peeked over the covers to find nothing there just to have the oppressive feeling evaporate along with the sensation of pressure by her feet. Her dorm mates all seemed to stop stirring after that, and only then did the nightmares stop for her that night. By then she was left with barely enough time for one last short sleep cycle before the start of A shift that very morning. This was a secret she would have to keep to herself, nobody would believe her anyway.
“I think I'll ask the Chief for a break from my duties today to rest and to visit med bay. Maybe they can give me something to help catch back up on my sleep.” Sarah said.
“Good idea, can I come with? I’ll back you up.” Yvonne said. Sarah smiled at her friend before she nodded at her before they checked off the last of their duties on site and headed away to find the Chief.

I've been smoking a lot of hopium since the release of CoH3 and I'm really happy with what they've done so far. Leavers penalties (and surrender) are *huge* game changers and something that, imo, killed team games in CoH2.
Player count has gone up a bit since the free week and sale, but we're still going to have imbalanced matches. Allowing players to queue for either faction will, in theory, allow the matchmaking system to more evenly distribute players.
This was possible in CoH1, so it's a bit silly that it's not a feature here.
Other notable, small QOL changes I would love to see that aren't entirely related to this thread, but worth mentioning:

1. Reduce the VP Ticket Drain speed back to CoH2 speeds in 3v3 and 4v4. The community is very divided on this topic, and i think it's simply a disagreement that arises from the difference of 1v1/2v2 vs team games. The new speed is fine for 1v1 and 2v2, but 3v3 and 4v4 are kinda meant to be longer and more intense, establishing front-lines and using artillery, with multi-player pushes through no man's land just to grab the VP for a few more crucial seconds. The faster VP drain makes comebacks more difficult.
2. Allow players to choose their starting position or at least put partied up friends next to each other. It's kinda lame that you and a friend might not be next to each other and don't get the opportunity to work together.
3. Allow players to complete dailies and weeklies on custom mods/maps. This is pretty self explanatory, and it seems like it's something they might be planning on doing anyway, given that one of the weeklies I saw was to play 5 matches with a Steam Workshop mod. A bit silly that I have to play a mod, but can't progress other challenges at the same time.

Overall, I have a lot of hope that CoH3 can continue to grow and improve and hopefully be better than CoH2 in the long run. The release was abysmal, but we are getting there, and I'd love these small QOL changes to help create a more fair and balanced competitive experience.

Hey everyone,
The details for the upcoming Goodwood Revival event in 2024 are as follows:
The event will take place from Friday 6th to Sunday 8th of September.

• Tickets go on sale to the general public on Monday 6 November.
• Customers can get early access from Monday 30th October by joining the Goodwood Road Racing Club Fellowship.

During this event, the Goodwood Revival celebrated its 25th anniversary in grand fashion, honouring Carroll Shelby’s Centenary and 75 years of Lotus. The event also featured the largest collection of motorcycles ever assembled for the daily track opening parade. The 2023 Revival boasted the most extensive entry list in Goodwood motorsport history and marked the debut of the first-ever all-sustainable fuel race at the historic circuit.
As the immersive celebration of classic cars, vintage lifestyle, and fashion returns to West Sussex in 2024, fans can look forward to thrilling wheel-to-wheel racing and the glamorous, theatrical experience that Revival regulars have come to cherish.
Make sure to be prepared with a stylish dress or exquisite attire, but make sure you stay hydrated and well-shaded for the potential heatwave!
When do tickets go on sale? Tickets for the Goodwood Revival go on sale at goodwood.com on the following dates:

• Saturday 28 October - Goodwood Road Racing Club Members
• Monday 30 October - Goodwood Road Racing Club Fellows
• Monday 6 November - General Public

As in previous years, children aged 12 and under go free and a half-price Young Person ticket will be available for those ages between 13 and 21.

I've always had a crush on Grethel, ever since we met in freshman year. He was smart, funny, kind, and handsome. He was also the half-brother of """Josh Gogh""(not his real name)"", the famous actor. Grethel never bragged about it, though. He was humble and down-to-earth, unlike his celebrity sibling.
We became good friends over the years, sharing classes, hobbies, and secrets. We also worked part-time at the same bookstore, where we would chat and joke around during our shifts. Sometimes, I would catch him looking at me with a soft smile, and I would feel my heart skip a beat.
But I never told him how I felt. I was too afraid to ruin our friendship, or to be rejected. I didn't think he would ever see me as more than a friend. After all, he was the half-brother of an actor. He could have any girl he wanted.
Grethel lived with his mom and his younger brother in a modest house near our school and workplace, while I lived in a distant suburb. Whenever we had a long break between classes or shifts, he would invite me to his place to hang out. He said it was more convenient and comfortable than staying at the library or the cafeteria.
I always accepted his invitation, secretly hoping to spend more time with him. His house was cozy and warm, with family photos and souvenirs on the walls. He had a couch, a TV, a fridge, and a microwave in the living room, and a bunk bed, a desk, and a closet in his bedroom. He also had a spare room, where his brother Josh would stay whenever he visited.
Grethel and I had an awkward friendship at first, but we soon became closer. He would tease me, make me laugh, and share his thoughts and feelings with me. He would also play video games with me, or watch movies with me, or cook for me. He was the best friend I ever had, and I wished he was more.
One day, he asked me if I wanted to go to his brother's movie premiere with him. He said he had two tickets, and he didn't want to go alone. He said it would be fun, and we could hang out afterwards. I agreed, feeling a surge of excitement and nervousness.
I spent hours getting ready, trying to look my best. I wore a simple but elegant dress, and did my hair and makeup. I hoped he would notice me, and maybe feel something for me.
He picked me up in his car, and he looked stunning. He wore a black suit and a tie, and his hair was styled. He smiled when he saw me, and complimented me on my appearance. He said I looked beautiful. I felt my cheeks flush, and thanked him.
We drove to the theater, where we were greeted by a crowd of fans and paparazzi. Grethel held my hand as we walked through the chaos, and I felt a thrill of being with him. He led me to the red carpet, where his brother was waiting.
Josh Gogh looked just like he did on the screen, only more handsome. He had a charming smile and a confident posture. He hugged Grethel, and then turned to me. He looked me over, and raised his eyebrows.
"Who's this?" he asked Grethel, with a hint of curiosity.
"This is my friend, Marie," Grethel introduced me. "She's my classmate and co-worker. We came here together."
"Friend, huh?" Josh said, looking at our intertwined hands. "Well, nice to meet you, Marie. You're very pretty. Are you a fan of my movies?"
I nodded, feeling a bit starstruck. "Yes, I am. I've seen all of them. You're a great actor."
"Thank you. That's very kind of you to say. You have good taste," he said, flashing a smile. "Well, I hope you enjoy the show. Come on, Grethel. Let's go inside. The movie is about to start."
He pulled Grethel away, leaving me behind. I followed them, feeling a bit awkward. I wondered what Josh meant by his words. Was he flirting with me? Did he like me? Did he know about my feelings for Grethel?
We entered the theater, where we were seated in the front row. Grethel sat next to me, and Josh sat next to him. The lights dimmed, and the movie began. It was a thriller, and it was intense. Josh was the star, and he stole every scene. The audience gasped and clapped, and I joined them.
But I couldn't help but glance at Grethel, who was watching the movie with a serious expression. He didn't gasp or clap, even at the most shocking moments. He seemed distant and distracted, as if he was thinking about something else.
I wanted to ask him what was wrong, but I didn't want to disturb him. I decided to wait until the movie was over, and then talk to him. Maybe he would open up to me, and maybe I would find the courage to confess my feelings.
But as the movie ended, and the credits rolled, Josh stood up and grabbed Grethel's arm. He said he had to go to the after-party, and he wanted Grethel to come with him. He said he had something important to tell him, something that would change his life.
He didn't even look at me, or say goodbye. He just dragged Grethel out of the theater, leaving me alone. I felt a pang of hurt and confusion, wondering what Josh had to say to Grethel, and why he didn't care about me.
I got up, and walked out of the theater. I looked for Grethel's car, but I couldn't find it. I realized he had left with Josh, and he had forgotten about me. I felt tears sting my eyes, and I cursed myself for being so stupid.
I hailed a taxi, and gave the driver my address. I sat in the back seat, feeling miserable and hopeless. I wondered if Grethel would ever call me, or text me, or apologize. I wondered if he would ever know how I felt, or if he felt the same.
I wondered if I would ever see him again.
I remembered the last time I saw him, before the premiere. It was the day before, and we had a long break between our classes. He invited me to his place, as usual. I agreed, as usual.
We went to his house, and he made us some sandwiches. We ate them in the living room, while watching a sitcom on TV. We laughed at the jokes, and commented on the characters. We were having a good time, as usual.
Then he suggested we play some video games. He said he had a new game that he wanted to try. I agreed, as usual. We went to his bedroom, where he had his console and his TV. He turned on the game, and handed me a controller.
We played for a while, and it was fun. The game was a racing game, and we competed against each other. He was better than me, but I didn't mind. I enjoyed his company, as usual.
Then I felt tired, and I yawned. He noticed, and asked me if I wanted to take a nap. He said I could use his bed, and he would use the couch. I agreed, as usual.
He gave me a pillow and a blanket, and told me to make myself comfortable. He said he would wake me up when it was time to go. I thanked him, and lay down on his bed. He left the room, and closed the door.
I closed my eyes, and breathed in his scent. His bed smelled like him, and it made me feel warm and cozy. I cuddled with his pillow, and imagined it was him. I fell asleep, as usual.
I woke up, and opened my eyes. I saw him, and I smiled. He was lying on the lower bunk, playing video games. He didn't notice me, and he was focused on the screen. He looked cute, and I felt happy.
I got up, and climbed down from the upper bunk. I walked over to him, and tapped his shoulder. He turned around, and saw me. He smiled, and paused the game.
"Hey, sleepyhead. How was your nap?" he asked me.
"It was good. Thanks for letting me use your bed," I said.
"No problem. You looked tired. Did you have a good dream?" he asked.
I nodded, and lied. "Yeah, I did."
I didn't tell him that I dreamed of him. I didn't tell him that I loved him. I didn't tell him that I wanted to be more than friends.
I didn't tell him, as usual. ```