Blue eyes esurance girl
Girls with Blue Eyes
2017.04.24 10:58 404randomnamehere Girls with Blue Eyes
Subreddit for only girls with blue eyes.
2019.10.05 16:21 fapenabler DSLE: For girls with light eyes who are not Caucasian, or not completely
too low traffic to be worth it. v6, vav
2012.11.28 00:10 Thylane Blondeau
Thylane Blondeau
2024.05.17 00:01 jam_ham35 Fictional book series about older sister in boarding school and younger sister elsewhere
This was a contemporary YA or middle school novel about a girl in boarding school and what may have been her sister at home. Not fantasy or paranormal or historical - just a relatively modern day book that could've had some romance. It's written from 2 perspectives (one from each of the girls). At the end of the first book, I the secret/twist was revealed that the teen older sister at the boarding school was pregnant.
I think the cover was blue and had some sort of silhouette of a girl or a tree.
submitted by jam_ham35 to whatsthatbook [link] [comments]
I think the cover was blue and had some sort of silhouette of a girl or a tree.
2024.05.16 23:56 Remarkable_Thing6643 [TOMT][1990s][Book] Depressed girl paints her room almost black, has a weird friend
This is a YA or children's book published before 2000, The characters are maybe middle school age. The main character is a chubby girl who had an ex best friend who no longer hangs out with her and is popular now. The main character is extremely depressed and gets dark blue paint for her bedroom. When she's done painting, it pretty much looks black. The only person who will hang out with her is this quirky girl who is implied to be homeless and wears a key she found around her neck, because she imagines it will unlock a house for her one day. She washes her hair with hand soap in the bathroom and takes the main character hiking and it makes the main character feel accomplished because they hiked a mountain.
submitted by Remarkable_Thing6643 to tipofmytongue [link] [comments]
2024.05.16 23:54 ConsiderTheWookie 20 [M4R] #Maryland or #Online Why am I here? It makes no sense for me to be here. Perhaps you can be the reason I’m here?
Pardon the new account, my accounts here have a habit of being deleted by me after I get creeped out on here. That being said I’m trying to change that and actually commit to an account. Still it makes no sense for me to be on reddit. It’s rarely worked in the past for meeting people and finding relationships, so why wouldn’t work now? Perhaps I’m just being stupid and trying the same thing over again. Either way my social circles will remain almost non existent and I shall remain single unless I size the initiative and attempt to change that. If this right now is enough to convince you to message me…. by all means, go right ahead. However it would be silly of me to not put some information about myself on here for you to make a more informed decision. I’m a 20 year old college guy from Maryland USA. I work part time in tech support at my college as well. I frequently enjoy gaming (mostly rpgs), reading (anything with a gripping story), hiking, most animals, walking my dog, tabletop role playing games, and attempting (and mostly failing) to meet people. I’m 6 foot even with short brown hair, blue eyes, and a dad bod. I am straight so those looking for a relationship are limited so women (I know it must be heartbreaking for some guys out there but that’s the way it is). Friends can be anyone on the other hand however. I’m pretty easy going so feel free to talk with me about almost anything. My in my real requirement for messing me is actually more of a preference and it’s that you are around my age (20). And now that I’ve rambled on for a while and probably put way to much effort into a post that probably my won’t go anywhere, I bid thee farewell and hope that you shall message me in my DMs!
submitted by ConsiderTheWookie to r4r [link] [comments]
2024.05.16 23:54 dxrpyy_benis YMAE cover concept
 | A quick cover concept made by me with the help of Picsart 😭 submitted by dxrpyy_benis to timothyheller [link] [comments] |
2024.05.16 23:52 Coyote_Havoc Gallóglaigh: Fáilte Abhaile
First Previous
"Arran of many stags, the sea strikes at her shoulders, companies of men can feed there, blue spears are reddend amongst her boulders. Merry hinds are on her hills, juicy berries are there for food, refreshing water in her streams, nuts in plenty in the wood."
-Agalllamh na senorach-
"Don't say goodbye, wish me luck and a swift return."
Sorcha's words echoed in Robert's head as he watched the transports race the local star into the sky. Robert was the last to leave the cargo bay, wanting to remain in her presence for as long as possible. It was childish now that he thought of it, but it had earned him a long, deep kiss and a promise she would come back to him soon.
The port where they had been dropped off was located on a cliff overlooking the sea, and the golden light of dawn was echoed on the incoming waves. Beyond the tarmac, grass and bushes grew unhindered and thin trees towered over the terminal. Robert led the 449th toward the building which was built to resemble something out of a story book. A faux thatch roof hung over white walls resembling rough hewn stone while a clocktower with a black slate roof rose from behind. It was a beautiful example of deceptive architecture to give a weary traveler a sense of tranquility. The main concourse radiated the same fairy tale charm with shops lining the interior between cobblestone walkways and a grassy area with long wooden benches under manicured alder trees.
To the casual observer it was a welcome distraction from the busy day to day worries of modern life, to the former convicts who were used to concrete, reinforced walls and armed guards it was heaven on earth. Robert's troops ignored the benches to lay in the soft grass, a luxury unaffordable to the soldier and the convict alike, drawing looks of curiosity from travelers and shop workers alike and Robert had to fight the urge to join his men in this simple pleasure. Finding a seat on a bench, he sufficed himself by running his left hand through the soft blades where the unit colors had been planted.
"How long have you all been fighting?" A stranger asked.
"Feels like forever." Robert replied feeling a pang of guilt at not telling the whole truth.
"Just passing through?" The stranger inquired.
"Here to stay, at least for a while I hope." Robert said.
The strangers face brightened and his eyes reflected the smile that he wore.
"Fáilte Abhaile Óglaigh," He said before continuing to his gate.
Gallóglaigh was the only word Robert knew in Gaelic, and it quickly became apparent that he would have to learn quickly as other people took notice of the rag-tag unit relaxing in the grass. Gallóglaigh meant young soldier he surmised, so óglaigh probably meant soldier, but 'saighdiúir' as well as 'laoch' was also directed at him and his men. Laoch sounded bad, but the people who said it smiled and shook hands with him. 'Saighdear' sounded like 'saighdiúir' and he had no idea what 'ghaisgich' meant, but every face told them how happy they were to meet them. 'Tha gaol again ort' and 'Is Breà liom tú' found their way to his troops, mostly from women and a number of them tried to pronounce the words themselves which caused more confusion and a few impromptu lessons on pronouncing the words followed by a kiss on the cheek or forehead.
Robert was seriously considering reigning in his troops when he heard a more familiar language from a weathered older man with an amused smile.
"May I assume you're Colonel Grant of the 449th?"
"Yes sir." Robert replied.
"Perfect, I'm your escort, Brian McMurray," he said, "whenever you're ready please follow me."
Robert was able to contain the enthusiasm of his rowdy batch of heathens before they could caused any trouble, to the further amusement of their escort, and they wove their way through the port with the expert guidance of Brian McMurray who led them to several busses waiting just outside the passenger entrance. Troops were filed onto four of the vehicles and Robert was guided to an open deck with his officers while the lower deck of the front vehicle would carry the remaining troops. Brian sat in the front and swiveled his seat around to address them.
"I do apologizefor not having an air transport to meet you, but the MacSweeney family was able to charter these coaches at the last minute." Brian said as the coaches began to move.
"MacSweeney?" Hobbs said under his breath.
"Shut up Cyrano." Robert ordered.
"It's alright Colonel," Brian said, "Yes Captain, Laird Collin MacSweeney, Governor of Arran. Have you heard about him before?"
Hobbs eyes grew wide and he shook his head to indicate he hadn't. Robert turned a shade of red, Jacob and Derrick had the common sense to hold their tounges. Thomas on the other hand...
"Collin MacSweeney, son of Aaron MacSweeney, current lord of the MacSweeney family. Descending from Suibhne O'Niall, chieftain of Argyll. Aaron MacSweeney, settled Arran with the last Gaelic speaking people from Ireland and Scotland in order to preserve their heritage."
"Thank you,Captain Reed." Robert said, half relieved Hobbs had been bailed out, and half curious how Thomas knew so damn much.
"Rather impressive summary I must say," Brian replied, "anywho, the languages you were having trouble with and the history of this world will be made available to your troops, please do study it to prevent any unfortunate misunderstandings. We should be arriving in Brodick Castle shortly."
"If I may," Robert asked, "What is the history and population of Arran?"
"Certainly," Brian replied, "Arran Colony was started with the last 1000 Irish and Scots Gaelic people on Earth. With a bit of hard work and luck we settled the planet as an agriculture world, primarily ranching but expanding into other crops and fishing as well as natural textiles and some light mining and mineral refinement. Today Arran has a population of just over four million."
4 million, from the look of the small port town which hugged the harbor you wouldn't know it.
"And the port city?" Robert inquired.
"Brodick." Brian explained. "The harbor on this island is almost an exact match of Brodick on Earth, so the island was named Brodick as well as the city we just passed through and the MacSweeney family have called it home ever since."
"Brod..."
Robert shot Hobbs a murderous glance before he could finish and the rest of the trip was conducted in silence.
The chartered coaches pulled onto a gravel driveway in front of an amazing castle, built stone by stone into an exact replica of the one on Earth. Troops were ordered to disembark and form ranks below a massive tower that loomed regally over them. An equally impressive man exited to greet the arrived troops, wearing a fine wool suit and a red and black kilt shot through with yellow covered slightly by a leather sporran with polished silver trim. Robert waited for Hobbs to call it a skirt, and was thankful that he remained silent.
"Fáilte Abhaile." Laird MacSweeney said in a neutral tone.
"Apologies sir," Robert replied nervously, "but the men don't speak much Gaelic yet."
"No worries," Laird MacSweeney said, "but 500 does not a regiment make."
"No sir." Robert replied. "We are what's left from Diani unfortunately."
Laird MacSweeney nodded quietly. "We shall have to remedy that. Carry on."
Robert rendered a salute "On the orders of the Terran Military, The 449th Infantry Regiment has been reassigned to Arran SIR!"
Laird MacSweeney returned the salute and began to speak.
"I know who you are and where you came from. I expect all of you to act like civilized people, not the convicts you were previously. Think carefully how you conduct yourselves here on Arran. Housing accommodations for the command staff will be here at the castle, company commanders and enlisted will be housed temporarily in a hotel in the city. This is your second chance gentlemen, you will not recieve leniency from me or my people."
Laird MacSweeney paused momentarily to let the warning sink in.
"With that being said, you are owed three months of pay, which has already been taken care of, and I believe a week furlough is in order to acclimatize you to Arran. Be responsible and respectful, but please enjoy yourselves. Colonel Grant."
Robert nodded and rendered salute again before turning and shouting "DISMISSED!"
The unit cheered at their freedom, but returned the the coaches in a somewhat orderly fashion. Robert tensed slightly at the thought of what they might do if not under watch, and the hand placed lightly on his shoulder made him flinch inside.
"Calm yourself Colonel," Laird MacSweeney said in a gentle tone, "You have a lot of work ahead of you yo get your unit properly organized, but you've done an excellent job considering."
"Thank you sir." Robert replied. "If I might ask, what does Fáilte Abhaile mean?"
Laird MacSweeney chuckled as Robert turned to face him.
"We shall have to remedy that as well." Laird MacSweeney replied.
"Fáilte Abhaile means Welcome home."
submitted by Coyote_Havoc to HFY [link] [comments]
"Arran of many stags, the sea strikes at her shoulders, companies of men can feed there, blue spears are reddend amongst her boulders. Merry hinds are on her hills, juicy berries are there for food, refreshing water in her streams, nuts in plenty in the wood."
-Agalllamh na senorach-
"Don't say goodbye, wish me luck and a swift return."
Sorcha's words echoed in Robert's head as he watched the transports race the local star into the sky. Robert was the last to leave the cargo bay, wanting to remain in her presence for as long as possible. It was childish now that he thought of it, but it had earned him a long, deep kiss and a promise she would come back to him soon.
The port where they had been dropped off was located on a cliff overlooking the sea, and the golden light of dawn was echoed on the incoming waves. Beyond the tarmac, grass and bushes grew unhindered and thin trees towered over the terminal. Robert led the 449th toward the building which was built to resemble something out of a story book. A faux thatch roof hung over white walls resembling rough hewn stone while a clocktower with a black slate roof rose from behind. It was a beautiful example of deceptive architecture to give a weary traveler a sense of tranquility. The main concourse radiated the same fairy tale charm with shops lining the interior between cobblestone walkways and a grassy area with long wooden benches under manicured alder trees.
To the casual observer it was a welcome distraction from the busy day to day worries of modern life, to the former convicts who were used to concrete, reinforced walls and armed guards it was heaven on earth. Robert's troops ignored the benches to lay in the soft grass, a luxury unaffordable to the soldier and the convict alike, drawing looks of curiosity from travelers and shop workers alike and Robert had to fight the urge to join his men in this simple pleasure. Finding a seat on a bench, he sufficed himself by running his left hand through the soft blades where the unit colors had been planted.
"How long have you all been fighting?" A stranger asked.
"Feels like forever." Robert replied feeling a pang of guilt at not telling the whole truth.
"Just passing through?" The stranger inquired.
"Here to stay, at least for a while I hope." Robert said.
The strangers face brightened and his eyes reflected the smile that he wore.
"Fáilte Abhaile Óglaigh," He said before continuing to his gate.
Gallóglaigh was the only word Robert knew in Gaelic, and it quickly became apparent that he would have to learn quickly as other people took notice of the rag-tag unit relaxing in the grass. Gallóglaigh meant young soldier he surmised, so óglaigh probably meant soldier, but 'saighdiúir' as well as 'laoch' was also directed at him and his men. Laoch sounded bad, but the people who said it smiled and shook hands with him. 'Saighdear' sounded like 'saighdiúir' and he had no idea what 'ghaisgich' meant, but every face told them how happy they were to meet them. 'Tha gaol again ort' and 'Is Breà liom tú' found their way to his troops, mostly from women and a number of them tried to pronounce the words themselves which caused more confusion and a few impromptu lessons on pronouncing the words followed by a kiss on the cheek or forehead.
Robert was seriously considering reigning in his troops when he heard a more familiar language from a weathered older man with an amused smile.
"May I assume you're Colonel Grant of the 449th?"
"Yes sir." Robert replied.
"Perfect, I'm your escort, Brian McMurray," he said, "whenever you're ready please follow me."
Robert was able to contain the enthusiasm of his rowdy batch of heathens before they could caused any trouble, to the further amusement of their escort, and they wove their way through the port with the expert guidance of Brian McMurray who led them to several busses waiting just outside the passenger entrance. Troops were filed onto four of the vehicles and Robert was guided to an open deck with his officers while the lower deck of the front vehicle would carry the remaining troops. Brian sat in the front and swiveled his seat around to address them.
"I do apologizefor not having an air transport to meet you, but the MacSweeney family was able to charter these coaches at the last minute." Brian said as the coaches began to move.
"MacSweeney?" Hobbs said under his breath.
"Shut up Cyrano." Robert ordered.
"It's alright Colonel," Brian said, "Yes Captain, Laird Collin MacSweeney, Governor of Arran. Have you heard about him before?"
Hobbs eyes grew wide and he shook his head to indicate he hadn't. Robert turned a shade of red, Jacob and Derrick had the common sense to hold their tounges. Thomas on the other hand...
"Collin MacSweeney, son of Aaron MacSweeney, current lord of the MacSweeney family. Descending from Suibhne O'Niall, chieftain of Argyll. Aaron MacSweeney, settled Arran with the last Gaelic speaking people from Ireland and Scotland in order to preserve their heritage."
"Thank you,Captain Reed." Robert said, half relieved Hobbs had been bailed out, and half curious how Thomas knew so damn much.
"Rather impressive summary I must say," Brian replied, "anywho, the languages you were having trouble with and the history of this world will be made available to your troops, please do study it to prevent any unfortunate misunderstandings. We should be arriving in Brodick Castle shortly."
"If I may," Robert asked, "What is the history and population of Arran?"
"Certainly," Brian replied, "Arran Colony was started with the last 1000 Irish and Scots Gaelic people on Earth. With a bit of hard work and luck we settled the planet as an agriculture world, primarily ranching but expanding into other crops and fishing as well as natural textiles and some light mining and mineral refinement. Today Arran has a population of just over four million."
4 million, from the look of the small port town which hugged the harbor you wouldn't know it.
"And the port city?" Robert inquired.
"Brodick." Brian explained. "The harbor on this island is almost an exact match of Brodick on Earth, so the island was named Brodick as well as the city we just passed through and the MacSweeney family have called it home ever since."
"Brod..."
Robert shot Hobbs a murderous glance before he could finish and the rest of the trip was conducted in silence.
The chartered coaches pulled onto a gravel driveway in front of an amazing castle, built stone by stone into an exact replica of the one on Earth. Troops were ordered to disembark and form ranks below a massive tower that loomed regally over them. An equally impressive man exited to greet the arrived troops, wearing a fine wool suit and a red and black kilt shot through with yellow covered slightly by a leather sporran with polished silver trim. Robert waited for Hobbs to call it a skirt, and was thankful that he remained silent.
"Fáilte Abhaile." Laird MacSweeney said in a neutral tone.
"Apologies sir," Robert replied nervously, "but the men don't speak much Gaelic yet."
"No worries," Laird MacSweeney said, "but 500 does not a regiment make."
"No sir." Robert replied. "We are what's left from Diani unfortunately."
Laird MacSweeney nodded quietly. "We shall have to remedy that. Carry on."
Robert rendered a salute "On the orders of the Terran Military, The 449th Infantry Regiment has been reassigned to Arran SIR!"
Laird MacSweeney returned the salute and began to speak.
"I know who you are and where you came from. I expect all of you to act like civilized people, not the convicts you were previously. Think carefully how you conduct yourselves here on Arran. Housing accommodations for the command staff will be here at the castle, company commanders and enlisted will be housed temporarily in a hotel in the city. This is your second chance gentlemen, you will not recieve leniency from me or my people."
Laird MacSweeney paused momentarily to let the warning sink in.
"With that being said, you are owed three months of pay, which has already been taken care of, and I believe a week furlough is in order to acclimatize you to Arran. Be responsible and respectful, but please enjoy yourselves. Colonel Grant."
Robert nodded and rendered salute again before turning and shouting "DISMISSED!"
The unit cheered at their freedom, but returned the the coaches in a somewhat orderly fashion. Robert tensed slightly at the thought of what they might do if not under watch, and the hand placed lightly on his shoulder made him flinch inside.
"Calm yourself Colonel," Laird MacSweeney said in a gentle tone, "You have a lot of work ahead of you yo get your unit properly organized, but you've done an excellent job considering."
"Thank you sir." Robert replied. "If I might ask, what does Fáilte Abhaile mean?"
Laird MacSweeney chuckled as Robert turned to face him.
"We shall have to remedy that as well." Laird MacSweeney replied.
"Fáilte Abhaile means Welcome home."
2024.05.16 23:51 mr_boizoff Truthear x Crinacle ZERO: RED Earphones Review
 | A job change and all sorts of other adventures made me take some time off from the reviews. But, as the saying is, "Don't count on it!" — there will be a lot of them in the short run, and they will be interesting, well balanced and spot on! submitted by mr_boizoff to headphones [link] [comments] In short, let's talk today about the in-ear wired earphones Truthear x Crinacle ZERO: RED (or just RED later on), which I purchased for about $55 you know where. https://preview.redd.it/9ywolwakyu0d1.jpg?width=1800&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=57da9791a73200cc6d3c99ce8a3c061657ae7bb8 By the way, my old camera broke down, so I bought a new one, that's why the pictures will be even more unbelievably brilliant now. Come on and get a look, all the pictures are clickable, as always. Truthear in a nutshellTruthear, a Chinese company, has just turned 2 years old, but they have already released 5 models of earphones and one portable DAC. The company was allegedly founded by one or more Moondrop people. With all the trimmings of modern Chinese fashion, Truthear has a mascot, which is an anime girl named Shiroi, weighing 45 kg, 170 cm tall and... I have no idea why I say all this.Their partner in the field of 3D printing technology is HeyGears, whose equipment or capacities, I believe, Truthear uses to produce its devices (at least, earphones). What's includedThe proud owner of this top-quality cardboard box will find in it as follows:https://preview.redd.it/ea3yvoxpyu0d1.jpg?width=1800&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bd5ea91ac6fdb1ec11c76dd3f8c77c81b7b7b7e9 1. the earphones themselves; 2. a cable with a 3.5 TRS connector; 3. an adapter with an additional load of 10 Ohms (I'll tell you why we need it later); 4. a set of 7 pairs of eartips; 5. a fair-to-middling cover made of faux leather; 6. a pile of papers with the image of Shiroi. The box, I will repeat myself, is perfectly made, I've never seen anything like this. I'm totally cool with the set, it's a good one. Technological features, build qualityRED use a less common structure 'a larger dynamic driver + a second smaller dynamic driver'. The first one is responsible for the subbass and bass up to 200 Hz and has a diameter of 10 mm, and the second one plays the rest of the range and has a diameter of 7.5 mm.The manufacturer talks about the 'CCAW voice coil', that is, about the fact that the driver coil is made of copper-plated aluminum wire. Usually, when it applies to headphones, this is made to reduce the weight of the driver's mobile system. This technology is not new: for example, it is also used in Moondrop Aria Snow. Besides, 'DLP', or 'Digital light processing', 3D printing technology is mentioned. This is a three-dimensional printing process, characterized by high accuracy and the ability to correctly reproduce extremely small details. And the last but not the least, the earphones are optimized for use at high volume (over 94 dB) and configured in accordance with the 'IEF Neutral 2023' curve by Corin Ako (better known as Crinacle), but with some adjustments in the bass and subbass sections, giving the sound of RED more weight and physicality. So, RED are earphones printed on an industrial 3D printer, based on a 2-driver scheme. And Crinacle, a well-known reviewer and owner of the largest IEM measurement database, is responsible for tuning RED. The earphones have a simple but distinctive design. The enclosures are completely glossy and slightly transparent on the inside. On the outside, there are mildly glaring red inserts under a coat of varnish. https://preview.redd.it/5og1uxwsyu0d1.jpg?width=1800&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b0403d22e9fcb489cf8da789149869145fcf8349 You can discern bass speakers inside at a definite angle. https://preview.redd.it/9v2r688uyu0d1.jpg?width=1800&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=846183aa032e50b66ae4344c5af8fe6109e1cc26 The grids of the sound ducts are neat, inserted smoothly. https://preview.redd.it/6b569ycvyu0d1.jpg?width=1800&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4a2a9a4c28e277808efd6e80c2b767457ee7e640 There is one compensation hole per each earphone, located in close proximity to a 2-pin connector. L and R are marked in bright golden letters. Small edgings for fixing the eartips were made, too. Overall, they are quite good and even stylish. The only issue is microscratching that affects the enclosure right off the bat. But it's not really perceptible to the eye. On top of that, the earphones act as a magnet to fingerprints. The cable is just decent. It doesn't get too tangled, and the earholders are made at the right angle. The metal splitter is solid black, with the company logo printed on it. https://preview.redd.it/c7331knwyu0d1.jpg?width=1800&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d66836329928887b3fc396b7bb6596bf486eae20 The very same cable comes with Truthear HEXA and Zero earphones. The case is made decently, too, but it does not have any internal compartments or partitions. I already wrote about how an adequate case should be designed 5 years ago – no one has released anything alike yet. https://preview.redd.it/3rbvma2zyu0d1.jpg?width=1800&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=cc21b72be8af06e6cd816a5903135b0e1255c46a ErgonomicsThe geometry of the RED enclosures turned out to be perfectly compatible with my ears. They don’t have any strange concavities, bulges, or sharp edges, the sound ducts are positioned at a natural angle, the dimensions of the enclosures are... ordinary, only a little thick. Just put them in and listen to music. And they don't have much weight at all.I'll assume that the sound ducts may turn out to be uncomfortably large for owners of small ears, because, let's be honest, these are not sound ducts, they are simply muzzles. Probably, when you get a first taste of these earphones, you will want to change your favorite eartips for the same, but smaller ones. The flipside is the noise insulation — RED's one is above average because the earphones fit in tightly. As for the 10-Ohm adapter, it is not convenient to use it on the go: a few centimeters long, thin rigid structure will stick out of the player audio output, which can easily damage the connector if stressed accidentally. Quick specifications overview
Subjective sound impressionRED sound great: balanced and new at the same time. Imagine that a 'top-up' of a very weighty and fast subbass was added to neutral sound delivery, which never overlaps the bass for a moment, not a iota, let alone the mid-frequency range. What's more, a lot of well-articulated high frequencies were poured in (we're talking about the 3-10 kHz range), but not those that get sandy, filled with sibilants that grate on the ear. They are just heard very well. This is, you know, sort of 'a joy of a HF-phobe who still wants a lot of HF'. With this in mind, the middle range is perceived to the utmost, there are no dips and curbs there, and it is just excellent.The result is a 'smooth', but vibrant and simultaneously informative sound delivery with a stable low-frequency basis, perceived as 'dynamic' and 'detailed'. It is ten kinds of cool, simply brilliant tuning that retains its uniqueness and accuracy far beyond the price category of these earphones. Against the background of the high frequencies delivered in this fashion, RED have a clear and wide virtual sound stage with a clear localization of instruments. It could be better, but in a very, very different price bracket. Why the RED sound might not work for someone:
MeasurementsThe earphones were connected to the RME ADI-2 DAC (IEM output). A measuring rig conforms to the IEC60318-4 standard. The provided eartips were used for measurements. The smoothing is indicated on the graphs. For the info about rigs, graphs and headphones measurements, refer to my article.Frequency response: https://preview.redd.it/eri2gsdezu0d1.jpg?width=1600&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=290174f139b73f2f312471e985e624548293bc9b Keep your eye out for the dashed green line – this is the target curve conventionally named Crinacle Neutral Target 2023. This target curve was proposed by Ako in April 2023 as an alternative to the Harman curve, which is appreciated by far from everyone. The diffuse field curve measured at the Type 5128 rig manufactured by Brüel & Kjær was used as a basis, which was then transferred to the IEC711 rig and 'tilted' clockwise. Why it was done and why this way – I will try to answer these questions in detail in another article on the theoretical part of measurements, but I won't go deep at the moment. What matters is that this is not just a tuning. This is a very specific tuning that has been contemplated on for quite a while. To put this in perspective and see something more common, here is the frequency response of RED and the most current Harman curve: https://preview.redd.it/hi0j1bkuzu0d1.jpg?width=1600&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8fd9854f18d81798fc43e769f6eca16027dbb144 And the situation here is very interesting:
As a reminder, there is a 10-Ohm attenuator included. https://preview.redd.it/gna9eigwzu0d1.jpg?width=1800&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=cb2c1b9ed0b29c76a2e156215626383ff72c6ca4 When it is connected, the left part of the frequency response graph rises predictably, and the sound becomes more 'common': https://preview.redd.it/n5egvhryzu0d1.jpg?width=1600&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5b3d26d901780a7eca911071bd68f838b2ce6b88 The left/right volume balance is not ideal, but acceptable: https://preview.redd.it/iwsc9mh00v0d1.jpg?width=1600&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e7fb32e88c180e2183a53c7747464d5ab8382ef5 Nonlinear distortions (these are measurements that should not be 100% trusted because my equipment is far from perfect): https://preview.redd.it/m8ozge320v0d1.jpg?width=1600&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0b47fde9e64b1857e633b8adebc82a2f182f5da6 Sound source choiceFor my listening tests, I've connected the earphones to the following devices.
With Hiby R6, the earphones' sound is a little more bassy and solid. I didn't hear any other difference in the sound of RED when using various sources. Eartip choiceI didn't like the eartips provided.https://preview.redd.it/ibe7nc860v0d1.jpg?width=1800&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fbd68bf567e714ad6809423295c8e0b049af3048 Three left pairs have a clearly smaller diameter compared to one of the sound duct and are just difficult to pull on. The right pairs fit the sound ducts easier, but just like the left ones, they're not really soundproof. As for foam eartips, I just don't like them. In short, I tested RED with TRI Clarion, and the same I recommend to you. The fit is comfortable, deep and tight enough. ComparisonsPLEASE NOTE: everything I say below is only applicable to the earphones from the point of view of comparison to other models, nothing more!RED vs. Truthear HEXAThe Truthear x Crinacle ZERO: RED and Truthear HEXA frequency response graphs compared:https://preview.redd.it/690dctkb0v0d1.jpg?width=1600&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=901456e8b5ae27dfe60ab024099b82a41dd4f49a Subjective difference in sounding
RED vs. Moondrop MayI'd like to note that comparing RED earphones and, in fact, DAP+earphones, which is what May is, is incorrect. Therefore, below we will talk only about the sound. May were connected via their standard DSP cable, and the equalizer was set to 'Standard'.The Truthear x Crinacle ZERO: RED and Moondrop May frequency response graphs compared: https://preview.redd.it/up1nlade0v0d1.jpg?width=1600&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=10b015a8032de6440aefc8033fde02c579d72268 Subjective difference in sounding
SummaryThe Chinese economic ramp-up, the development of manufacturing technologies for drivers and enclosures, as well as the development of knowledge about sound in in-ear headphones let us buy a product for 5,000 rubles in 2024, for which sound they would have charged us good 50 thousand without batting an eyelid and turning a hair 10 years ago, although it seems questionable to me that someone would have been up to such tuning at that time.And I'm quite agreeable to give credit to Crinacle: while I honestly wrote in the KZ Zex Pro review that the earphones were frankly poorly tuned (whether through Crinacle's fault or not, I have no idea), RED is a completely different story. This is just an example of how to proceed from competence in the field of headphone measurements to successful headphone production. I am not inclined to believe, of course, that this was a sole effort of Crinacle — everyone sang in harmony, both him and Truthear as the immediate manufacturer. In general, everything is both clear and complicated about RED at the same time: these are earphones with a universal fit and eminently calibrated tuning, combining neutrality, detail, weight, dynamics and lack of listening fatigue in equal measure. Top it off, there is a 10-Ohm attenuator included for those who 'starve for the lower section'. To buy or not to buy: to buy, at least just for the fun of learning what kind of tuning is this! |
2024.05.16 23:51 itsRolling2s Looking to see how much it’ll cost me for a character for streaming and VR Gaming
 | Looking for someone to make me a 3D character, I have drawing references for what I want and I would like to pay less or about 100$. (Btw the picture is a reference of how I would like to have the character, not specifically but close to it) Low expectations to it for the character, that of having a brown-darkish Afro,having fire eyes, having a white shirt with couple of words on it and blue jeans with crocs for shoes. submitted by itsRolling2s to 3Dmodeling [link] [comments] Would you guys say that that is something reasonable? |
2024.05.16 23:49 Weak_Philosophy5332 Looking for any of these:
Ahmed Saad - El Youm El Helw Dah ( Nad merheb Remix ) 3 Days - Adam Ten Rampa - Say What (22khz) Girl with the tattoo (Wakyin Remix) - Miguel Queimar - Soldera Ngoda - Mehen Love Love - Sone orum - Sone. & Keoma Vintage Culture & Fancy Inc - In The Dark (Private Reprise Edit) ANOTR vs Black Circle, Matthias Tanzmann - Masina w/ Relax My Eyes (Calussa Edit) Vintage Culture - Tina (Calussa Remix) Vintage Culture - Tina (Antdot Remix) Kid Cudi - Day ‘n’ Nite (Konstantin Sibold Remix). Cloonee - My Hoes Tripolism, Nandu & Radeckt - Dope Dance (Chalee Remix) Headson (Bensy Remix) - Kazy Lambist Tame Impala - Let It Happen (Roy Rosenfeld Remix) Diplo - Fortress (Alex Wann Remix) Travis Scott, Bad Bunny, The Weeknd - K-POP (Guapo Remix The Weeknd - I Was Never There (&friends, Alex Yav Remake) Capoon - S’agapo Drake - Falling Back (Chaleee Remix) Eugene Mona - Ti Milo (Rampa Remix) Keinemusik - Muye (Chaleee & Sammi Ferrer Edit) Luch & AVÖ - Yawa Rework Meloko , Garla - Light Down Moya - Augusto Yepes & Kasango Nitefreak & Francis Mercier - Anasiembe Proyecto Uno - El Tiburon (Sparrow & Barbossa Remix) Sabali - Lorenzo Ausilia Remix Taxi - Angele (Ankhoi remix) Yawa - Avö & Luch remix
submitted by Weak_Philosophy5332 to unreleasedIDAfrohouse [link] [comments]
2024.05.16 23:47 Interesting-Web-5517 I DECLARE MY BINDING VOW.
I am 100% sure Gojo is not back. The blue eyed king is back? Please. Just another one of Gege's misdirects. Sukuna is hallucinating his specialz and nothing more. IF Gojo is actually back next chapter, MEANING, he is: -Alive -In his body -It's his soul, and it's the Gojo WE KNOW.
Then I shall be BANNED, PERMANENTLY, from Jujutsufolk, and before I am banned, I am to glaze Gojo and Jujutsufolk's Mod team.
IN RETURN..
If Gojo is, IN FACT, not back next chapter (or within 5 chapters), and I survive this binding vow.. u/Memeenjoyer_ has to create a post, in which he glazes Sukuna.
u/Memeenjoyer_!! IF YOU TRULY BELIEVE IN YOUR GOAT'S LEGACY, YOU WILL TAKE THIS BINDING VOW!! I HAVE SET MY GAMBLE, TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT!
https://preview.redd.it/foqqyohvzu0d1.png?width=735&format=png&auto=webp&s=8a42e01189b599920df74325a62327647aea12af
submitted by Interesting-Web-5517 to Jujutsufolk [link] [comments]
Then I shall be BANNED, PERMANENTLY, from Jujutsufolk, and before I am banned, I am to glaze Gojo and Jujutsufolk's Mod team.
IN RETURN..
If Gojo is, IN FACT, not back next chapter (or within 5 chapters), and I survive this binding vow.. u/Memeenjoyer_ has to create a post, in which he glazes Sukuna.
u/Memeenjoyer_!! IF YOU TRULY BELIEVE IN YOUR GOAT'S LEGACY, YOU WILL TAKE THIS BINDING VOW!! I HAVE SET MY GAMBLE, TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT!
https://preview.redd.it/foqqyohvzu0d1.png?width=735&format=png&auto=webp&s=8a42e01189b599920df74325a62327647aea12af
2024.05.16 23:47 cj17x_ Everything I have and what I need:) looking to hopefully get some of my final cards so I can wisely choose my wild cards better! I am also open to trading stars for things I need! If you can please upvote for more visibility.
 | submitted by cj17x_ to MonopolyGotradinghub [link] [comments] |
2024.05.16 23:46 Typical_Gap_7705 31[M4F] #PA - it’s been awhile…
I’ve never been a “girlfriend guy”, if you know what I mean. I’ve always had an independent streak, and no problem being alone. My past relationships didn’t exactly blossom. Love and vulnerability are scary. Recently, I’ve discovered something scarier: loneliness.
Also, dating at 30 lol…
So here I am, looking for something real on the internet, and if you’re reading this, so are you. God help us.
A little about me: I’m a musician. I play the drums and some keyboard. Love the outdoors, but I’m not a huge fan of travel. I guess one of the (only) perks of living in PA is that Mother Nature is right at your doorstep! I’d really like to get into bicycling; there’s some great trails around me. You know anything about it?
I’m a huge tv/movie buff, not in an annoying snooty way, but more of in an appreciative way lol isn’t it so cool that we have the oldest human tradition of story telling literally on demand at our fingertips?! I like all genres - I’d love to share favorites with you!
I’m a huge sports fan, particularly soccer and football. Go Union/Go Birds. As far as music goes, I like most everything, from Slipknot to Glasper. And my food, I like it spicy. Very spicy.
Uhh what else? Right - what I look like. 5’11, white, brown hair, well groomed beard, not fat, not skinny. I’ve been told my best feature is my blue eyes. Happy to trade pics or FaceTime or whatever.
What am I looking for in you? Shit idk lol I’d be surprised if this even gets me any messages. But if it does, I’ll guess I’ll see you there!
submitted by Typical_Gap_7705 to r4r [link] [comments]
Also, dating at 30 lol…
So here I am, looking for something real on the internet, and if you’re reading this, so are you. God help us.
A little about me: I’m a musician. I play the drums and some keyboard. Love the outdoors, but I’m not a huge fan of travel. I guess one of the (only) perks of living in PA is that Mother Nature is right at your doorstep! I’d really like to get into bicycling; there’s some great trails around me. You know anything about it?
I’m a huge tv/movie buff, not in an annoying snooty way, but more of in an appreciative way lol isn’t it so cool that we have the oldest human tradition of story telling literally on demand at our fingertips?! I like all genres - I’d love to share favorites with you!
I’m a huge sports fan, particularly soccer and football. Go Union/Go Birds. As far as music goes, I like most everything, from Slipknot to Glasper. And my food, I like it spicy. Very spicy.
Uhh what else? Right - what I look like. 5’11, white, brown hair, well groomed beard, not fat, not skinny. I’ve been told my best feature is my blue eyes. Happy to trade pics or FaceTime or whatever.
What am I looking for in you? Shit idk lol I’d be surprised if this even gets me any messages. But if it does, I’ll guess I’ll see you there!
2024.05.16 23:45 jaime_lyn_80 The old ring with the stone replacement I did for my mom arrived today and just look at these rainbows in the sunlight!
 | Stone is a 6x8 pear shaped (with crushed ice faceting) in an icy blue, stone and resetting by Gray Girl Jewelry. submitted by jaime_lyn_80 to Moissanite [link] [comments] |
2024.05.16 23:45 Typical_Gap_7705 31 [M4F] PA - it’s been awhile…
I’ve never been a “girlfriend guy”, if you know what I mean. I’ve always had an independent streak, and no problem being alone. My past relationships didn’t exactly blossom. Love and vulnerability are scary. Recently, I’ve discovered something scarier: loneliness.
Also, dating at 30 lol…
So here I am, looking for something real on the internet, and if you’re reading this, so are you. God help us.
A little about me: I’m a musician. I play the drums and some keyboard. Love the outdoors, but I’m not a huge fan of travel. I guess one of the (only) perks of living in PA is that Mother Nature is right at your doorstep! I’d really like to get into bicycling; there’s some great trails around me. You know anything about it?
I’m a huge tv/movie buff, not in an annoying snooty way, but more of in an appreciative way lol isn’t it so cool that we have the oldest human tradition of story telling literally on demand at our fingertips?! I like all genres - I’d love to share favorites with you!
I’m a huge sports fan, particularly soccer and football. Go Union/Go Birds. As far as music goes, I like most everything, from Slipknot to Glasper. And my food, I like it spicy. Very spicy.
Uhh what else? Right - what I look like. 5’11, white, brown hair, well groomed beard, not fat, not skinny. I’ve been told my best feature is my blue eyes. Happy to trade pics or FaceTime or whatever.
What am I looking for in you? Shit idk lol I’d be surprised if this even gets me any messages. But if it does, I’ll guess I’ll see you there!
submitted by Typical_Gap_7705 to ForeverAloneDating [link] [comments]
Also, dating at 30 lol…
So here I am, looking for something real on the internet, and if you’re reading this, so are you. God help us.
A little about me: I’m a musician. I play the drums and some keyboard. Love the outdoors, but I’m not a huge fan of travel. I guess one of the (only) perks of living in PA is that Mother Nature is right at your doorstep! I’d really like to get into bicycling; there’s some great trails around me. You know anything about it?
I’m a huge tv/movie buff, not in an annoying snooty way, but more of in an appreciative way lol isn’t it so cool that we have the oldest human tradition of story telling literally on demand at our fingertips?! I like all genres - I’d love to share favorites with you!
I’m a huge sports fan, particularly soccer and football. Go Union/Go Birds. As far as music goes, I like most everything, from Slipknot to Glasper. And my food, I like it spicy. Very spicy.
Uhh what else? Right - what I look like. 5’11, white, brown hair, well groomed beard, not fat, not skinny. I’ve been told my best feature is my blue eyes. Happy to trade pics or FaceTime or whatever.
What am I looking for in you? Shit idk lol I’d be surprised if this even gets me any messages. But if it does, I’ll guess I’ll see you there!
2024.05.16 23:42 wesbot93 Trading for Making History and Devoted Fans!
 | Let me know what you are needing, I may have it. submitted by wesbot93 to MonopolyGoTrading [link] [comments] Play MONOPOLY GO! with me! Download it here: https://mply.io/sXtFYsojg7k https://mply.io/sXtFYsojg7k |
2024.05.16 23:41 Lulukah_kings They see me
Hello everyone. My name is Sam my last name isn’t really important..what IS important is my account of everything that has led me to my current situation which will be below in the threads. As I type this I can feel their eyes on me every move i make they follow….let’s begin..
May 1st
I work a pretty simple job I’m a high school janitor I pick up shit I sweep floors and clean the cafeteria after the always messy lunches. At this point I’m finishing up doing just that sweeping up crumbs and stepped on mashed potatoes absolutely destroyed crinkle cut fries the average bs that this job entails
Typically I wait until the students and other staff have left the cafeteria to clean in peace and so I don’t have to hide that I’m wearing earbuds and listening to music today was no different
As I swept up some crumbs from under the cafeteria tables…I saw it.. at the time I couldn’t really register what I had seen but now….now I know what it was before the rest of the events that followed after at least
What stood and the intersection of the hallway and the cafeteria clutching the edge of the connected walls was a small figure cloaked in shadows…no more like made of them…it..it almost seemed see through…that may be why it hadn’t registered in my mind that it was there…regardless of that I still felt as though I was being watched…needless to say I left that hallway to be last on my list to clean for the day.
Even when I did clean it I kept looking over my shoulder expecting something…anything to be there at times it felt like I had just missed my stalker at others it felt as though I’d been looking in the wrong place…nothing else but that sensation of being watched followed me home even on my long drive there nothing no sign of it.
May 4th
By this time I’d registered what I saw three days prior and now it felt as though it had gotten more carefree in letting me see it…I only say letting me because now i know I was never in control of when and how i saw it…this day taught me that lesson
I had finished cleaning early and in doing so I earned myself a break and by break I mean sitting on the toilet in the employee bathroom and smoking while watching tik tok … I’m aware how that sounds but hey when you got em smoke em right?
Anyway….as I sat there taking the occasional hit and making sure to fan the smoke detector so it wouldn’t go off or just entirely holding in each hit I gave a few chuckles at a few videos before I was struck again with the feeling of being watched…now prior to this I had seen it a couple more times
It’d pop up around corners I had yet to reach or just out of my periphery but it always remained either several feet away never much closer….
You can imagine my surprise when i looked up to see one of the ceiling tiles ajar and there it was peeking through it wasn’t until now I noticed it may not have had many features but it’s one indistinguishable one were the grey almost blue eyes it peered at me with….for a moment I was stuck suddenly conscious of my breathing it was a struggle to even it out before i realized it wasn’t EXACTLY fear I was experiencing at that moment…the cold realization that the only time i felt afraid is when my eyes left its gaze the fear spike when i did so….
I was stuck for a moment…my heart pounding like a dum in my ear almost deafening…in one quick burst of self preservation I ran to the door it seemed surprised by my sudden movement I guess I’m not as active as I’d like to think…
It followed me through the ceiling I could hear its apparent claws clack against the ceiling tiles like a dog’s claws on a wooden floor.. that sound followed me through the rest of my day while cleaning…
When it was time to leave and go home I saw no trace of it again…the sense of something watching me however stuck with me throughout the night I kept peering out the window because I felt as though if I didn’t…it might creep in…
To be continued…I have to go
submitted by Lulukah_kings to Horror_stories [link] [comments]
May 1st
I work a pretty simple job I’m a high school janitor I pick up shit I sweep floors and clean the cafeteria after the always messy lunches. At this point I’m finishing up doing just that sweeping up crumbs and stepped on mashed potatoes absolutely destroyed crinkle cut fries the average bs that this job entails
Typically I wait until the students and other staff have left the cafeteria to clean in peace and so I don’t have to hide that I’m wearing earbuds and listening to music today was no different
As I swept up some crumbs from under the cafeteria tables…I saw it.. at the time I couldn’t really register what I had seen but now….now I know what it was before the rest of the events that followed after at least
What stood and the intersection of the hallway and the cafeteria clutching the edge of the connected walls was a small figure cloaked in shadows…no more like made of them…it..it almost seemed see through…that may be why it hadn’t registered in my mind that it was there…regardless of that I still felt as though I was being watched…needless to say I left that hallway to be last on my list to clean for the day.
Even when I did clean it I kept looking over my shoulder expecting something…anything to be there at times it felt like I had just missed my stalker at others it felt as though I’d been looking in the wrong place…nothing else but that sensation of being watched followed me home even on my long drive there nothing no sign of it.
May 4th
By this time I’d registered what I saw three days prior and now it felt as though it had gotten more carefree in letting me see it…I only say letting me because now i know I was never in control of when and how i saw it…this day taught me that lesson
I had finished cleaning early and in doing so I earned myself a break and by break I mean sitting on the toilet in the employee bathroom and smoking while watching tik tok … I’m aware how that sounds but hey when you got em smoke em right?
Anyway….as I sat there taking the occasional hit and making sure to fan the smoke detector so it wouldn’t go off or just entirely holding in each hit I gave a few chuckles at a few videos before I was struck again with the feeling of being watched…now prior to this I had seen it a couple more times
It’d pop up around corners I had yet to reach or just out of my periphery but it always remained either several feet away never much closer….
You can imagine my surprise when i looked up to see one of the ceiling tiles ajar and there it was peeking through it wasn’t until now I noticed it may not have had many features but it’s one indistinguishable one were the grey almost blue eyes it peered at me with….for a moment I was stuck suddenly conscious of my breathing it was a struggle to even it out before i realized it wasn’t EXACTLY fear I was experiencing at that moment…the cold realization that the only time i felt afraid is when my eyes left its gaze the fear spike when i did so….
I was stuck for a moment…my heart pounding like a dum in my ear almost deafening…in one quick burst of self preservation I ran to the door it seemed surprised by my sudden movement I guess I’m not as active as I’d like to think…
It followed me through the ceiling I could hear its apparent claws clack against the ceiling tiles like a dog’s claws on a wooden floor.. that sound followed me through the rest of my day while cleaning…
When it was time to leave and go home I saw no trace of it again…the sense of something watching me however stuck with me throughout the night I kept peering out the window because I felt as though if I didn’t…it might creep in…
To be continued…I have to go
2024.05.16 23:41 RepulsiveCommand2840 My oc Karma. He is a redesign, his previous design is much older looking. He suppose to be a "gentle giant trope" but have an anger issue in the past. A concept I need to explore more.
submitted by RepulsiveCommand2840 to OriginalCharacter [link] [comments]
2024.05.16 23:40 Dizzy8714 Ramblings of a Mad Poet
I would like to think I am more of a diamond with my many facets and sides but maybe I am a stone still in the ground everyone has passed by not enough to catch their eye.
I find it funny I find it kind of sad how we all have so many faucets but most people only know of one side.
The Friend you call in a pinch.
The Reliable one.
The Care free.
The Lover Girl.
The Business woman.
The Logical and down to earth.
The Worrier.
The Family side
The Independent one.
The Awkward or Weird.
The One with no Filter.
The Truth Speaker.
The Black Sheep.
The Devout partner.
We all have so many faucets but most just pick and choose which sides they like best.
I wonder if I will catch anyone’s eye as I continue to take shape covered in mud and dirt, if they will wander by not just to inspect me with a curious eye but to lift me from the Mud and give a little rinse to acknowledge a diamond in the Rough, to shine light on all of my varying sides where the truth of me as a person lies.
submitted by Dizzy8714 to Journaling [link] [comments]
I find it funny I find it kind of sad how we all have so many faucets but most people only know of one side.
The Friend you call in a pinch.
The Reliable one.
The Care free.
The Lover Girl.
The Business woman.
The Logical and down to earth.
The Worrier.
The Family side
The Independent one.
The Awkward or Weird.
The One with no Filter.
The Truth Speaker.
The Black Sheep.
The Devout partner.
We all have so many faucets but most just pick and choose which sides they like best.
I wonder if I will catch anyone’s eye as I continue to take shape covered in mud and dirt, if they will wander by not just to inspect me with a curious eye but to lift me from the Mud and give a little rinse to acknowledge a diamond in the Rough, to shine light on all of my varying sides where the truth of me as a person lies.
2024.05.16 23:39 Historical_Analysis Need help . Feels like this group could help me find whether I have raynauds or not
Basically I struggle with temperature control. For example in any cold setting my hands which are usually tanned (peach toned I guess) .turn white . My fingernails turn blue . Same w below my knees . They get so cold they freeze up and I can't move my fingers.ive tried wearing layers and still feel freezing
I've asked my doc and he says I'm completely normal for a 19 Yr old girl . But it feels so weird and painful sometimes. Also I sometimes get tingly pain in my fingers after they turn white. I've been struggling with this since I was 17. Do you guys think it could indicate raynauds??
submitted by Historical_Analysis to Raynauds [link] [comments]
I've asked my doc and he says I'm completely normal for a 19 Yr old girl . But it feels so weird and painful sometimes. Also I sometimes get tingly pain in my fingers after they turn white. I've been struggling with this since I was 17. Do you guys think it could indicate raynauds??
2024.05.16 23:38 Terrarium_t1dd1es How would you make your geckos last days special?
My baby is probably nearing the end of her journey with me. She’s always had a plethora of health issues since I’ve rescued her. For the past 4 months ish, she’s been on a strict medication regiment for a blood infection. That infection wore down her joints, so now her leg bones grind on eachother. She’s also just an old girl in general, and I’ve noticed her closing her eyes a lot more than usual, clicking when she breaths, and she drags herself instead of actually walking. Her hand joints have also been slowly growing, and I wonder if it’s due to kidney failure. She also leaves inch wide puddles of pee, which is another sign of kidney failure.
Needless to say, I think my baby’s time is coming up soon. I have a vet appointment tomorrow to see what the plan is, but I was wondering if any of you guys had good ideas on how to make her days extra special. I’m planning on getting her favorite worms tonight.
submitted by Terrarium_t1dd1es to leopardgeckos [link] [comments]
Needless to say, I think my baby’s time is coming up soon. I have a vet appointment tomorrow to see what the plan is, but I was wondering if any of you guys had good ideas on how to make her days extra special. I’m planning on getting her favorite worms tonight.
2024.05.16 23:37 TeaAndCozy 🐇 Thoughts on Poesie's returning Wonderland scents (and details for the Cloud 9 collection too)
Hi folks, next week (Thursday, May 23 to be exact) is going to be an exciting day over at Poesie! It's the house's ninth birthday (happy birthday Poesie!!), and to celebrate they're releasing not one but two small perfume collections simultaneously.
First up is their "Cloud 9" birthday collection, with one returning single-note and four new perfumes:
Secondly, they're bringing back three of their Wonderland collection. I've tried the whole collection before, so I thought it might be nice if I offered thoughts on the ones that will be returning, in case that's useful for anybody. I know several of these have been very much in demand recently, and I'm thrilled for all of our sakes that Poesie listened and is bringing them back for us.
Curiouser & Curiouser [Daisy chains, blades of grass and a rabbithole, a blue cotton frock, airy vanilla clouds] - Such a pretty one! It opens with vanilla cake, but then the other notes - the grass, the slight chamomile-ish floral (is that what daisy smells like? it's lovely!), and the faint cotton - start to come in too, creating a very multifaceted scent experience. Curiouser & Curiouser is an absolute staple of my springtime perfumes.
We're All Mad Here [Boysenberry, black peppercorn essential oil, swirls of vanilla buttercream frosting, soft fur musk, smoked tonka bean] - Sadly, this one didn't work for me. It smells musky, and darkly fruity like artificial cherry (but without any hint of almond; both almond and cherry notes can smell like each other, especially in marzipan notes), and with an undertone of that black pepper. Husband thinks it smells like Nyquil, and he's not altogether wrong, considering that dark, syrupy, artificial cherry. I'm sure the "smoked" part of the "smoked tonka bean" is part of what makes this feel too heavy for me, and while I don't get vanilla buttercream by itself - there's no sweetness beyond the fruitiness - it might be contributing to the heavy and slightly cloying feeling. The notes description doesn't include patchouli, but I almost think there might be some. If you like dark, fruity scents, this one is probably perfect for you.
White Rabbit [Fluffy white fur musk, kumquat marmalade, lacy carrot flower, a wisp of hay and sweet fennel] An unexpected hit, and another springtime staple for me! I was excited to try this one because it gave me an excuse to dress like a carrot (and I do mean that - the first time I tried this I wore a green dress and bright orange footless tights), but I wasn't really expecting to love it. But it's lovely! Very much like Curiouser & Curiouser with the same airy vanilla base, but instead of the grassy note, it has a cheerful citrus note. Both of these are so evocative of a perfect spring day.
Which of these Cloud 9 and Wonderland scents are most catching your eye? I adore chamomile so I think I'm most excited about that one - but I'm also so intrigued by the jasmine tea one! And if anyone has tried Cloud or any of the past perfumes that included that cotton candy single-note, could you offer us your thoughts about it? I've never tried it - how does it compare to other houses' cotton candy notes?
submitted by TeaAndCozy to Indiemakeupandmore [link] [comments]
First up is their "Cloud 9" birthday collection, with one returning single-note and four new perfumes:
- Cloud [Poesie’s classic cotton candy scent]
- Pandan Jasmine Tea Cotton Candy [Inspired by an amazing ice cream flavor that Joelle had at a local restaurant with our beloved cotton candy note — quirky, unexpected and totally delightful!]
- Love Poesie #9 [Tuberose, cotton candy, and a wisp of blown out birthday candles will have you under its spell]
- Cereal Milk Cotton Candy [Remember drinking the leftover milk from the classic fruity cereal of your childhood? Add a hint of cotton candy and you have this delicious scent in a bottle!]
- Chamomile Ginger Cotton Candy [Grown up cotton candy? Yes, please. Soothing, spicy and slightly sweet — you’re sure to smell like an elevated treat]
Secondly, they're bringing back three of their Wonderland collection. I've tried the whole collection before, so I thought it might be nice if I offered thoughts on the ones that will be returning, in case that's useful for anybody. I know several of these have been very much in demand recently, and I'm thrilled for all of our sakes that Poesie listened and is bringing them back for us.
Curiouser & Curiouser [Daisy chains, blades of grass and a rabbithole, a blue cotton frock, airy vanilla clouds] - Such a pretty one! It opens with vanilla cake, but then the other notes - the grass, the slight chamomile-ish floral (is that what daisy smells like? it's lovely!), and the faint cotton - start to come in too, creating a very multifaceted scent experience. Curiouser & Curiouser is an absolute staple of my springtime perfumes.
We're All Mad Here [Boysenberry, black peppercorn essential oil, swirls of vanilla buttercream frosting, soft fur musk, smoked tonka bean] - Sadly, this one didn't work for me. It smells musky, and darkly fruity like artificial cherry (but without any hint of almond; both almond and cherry notes can smell like each other, especially in marzipan notes), and with an undertone of that black pepper. Husband thinks it smells like Nyquil, and he's not altogether wrong, considering that dark, syrupy, artificial cherry. I'm sure the "smoked" part of the "smoked tonka bean" is part of what makes this feel too heavy for me, and while I don't get vanilla buttercream by itself - there's no sweetness beyond the fruitiness - it might be contributing to the heavy and slightly cloying feeling. The notes description doesn't include patchouli, but I almost think there might be some. If you like dark, fruity scents, this one is probably perfect for you.
White Rabbit [Fluffy white fur musk, kumquat marmalade, lacy carrot flower, a wisp of hay and sweet fennel] An unexpected hit, and another springtime staple for me! I was excited to try this one because it gave me an excuse to dress like a carrot (and I do mean that - the first time I tried this I wore a green dress and bright orange footless tights), but I wasn't really expecting to love it. But it's lovely! Very much like Curiouser & Curiouser with the same airy vanilla base, but instead of the grassy note, it has a cheerful citrus note. Both of these are so evocative of a perfect spring day.
Which of these Cloud 9 and Wonderland scents are most catching your eye? I adore chamomile so I think I'm most excited about that one - but I'm also so intrigued by the jasmine tea one! And if anyone has tried Cloud or any of the past perfumes that included that cotton candy single-note, could you offer us your thoughts about it? I've never tried it - how does it compare to other houses' cotton candy notes?
2024.05.16 23:34 goBerserk_ Project Napoleon Chapter 4
Fletch gently pushed open the large and lavishly decorated bronze doors of the university administration building and ambled out into the portico. He set his cup of coffee down on the pedestal of a granite pillar and pulled his cigarette case from the breast pocket of his tan trench coat. The old chief inspector plucked a cigarette from the ornately engraved case with slender fingers and wondered why the Kael let him come at all.
Something felt very off with the whole thing. The more he thought about it, the more he questioned the story he got. Mike Anderson was certainly depressed, but as far as Fletch could tell, he had not displayed any suicidal behavior. And why now? Fletch thought. Things were on the upswing for the kid. His grades were excellent, his family situation was good, and he was out of the house more this term than the last. Fletch scratched his mustache. Why would the seals hide the autopsy and the gun? He brought the cigarette to his lips, snapped the filigreed case shut, and slipped it back into the breast pocket of his coat. Fletch flicked open his lighter and sighed as he lit his cigarette. Murder.
It was a hopeless case. These days, warrants were approved by the seals, and even if they weren't, he doubted that he could get one anyway. His suspicion of foul play was backed by nothing but his instinct.
Fletch watched students hustle and bustle through the plaza in front of him as he puffed away at his cigarette and pondered his theory.
But why kill him now? They could have done it in complete secrecy while he was a POW. And it couldn’t be to keep what happened in Philadelphia under wraps. His death brings more attention to it. And he wasn’t a rebel. So why? Fletch sipped at his coffee as he flicked ash from his cigarette. Vengeance? Did he kill some noble brat during the war?
Fletch scratched at his grey mustache and glanced at his watch. I’ll have to follow that thread. He tossed his half-smoked cigarette into a puddle as he briskly walked down the steps and through the university plaza.
The withered investigator was deep in thought when he entered the parking lot. What do I tell that Enrique chap? He unlocked his car and crawled in. I certainly can’t tell him that his mate’s been clipped with no evidence. Fletch turned the key, and the engine of his little Volvo sputtered to life. It’s no bleeding use. I’ll just tell the lad they weren’t interested in sharing and keep my suspicions to myself.
As he reached for the shifter, Fletch noticed a delightfully thick manilla envelope stuck in the gap between the center console and the passenger seat.
He pulled the envelope from the crack. Gingerly, he opened it and pulled out a small note. It read We’re even now, prick.
Fletch smiled and couldn’t help but mutter, “The game is afoot,” as he flicked through the stack of documents inside.
Isabella poked her head into the large office and saw Professor Dret’la with a ball of dark green yarn on her lap and bone darning needles beset with carvings in her hands.
Isabella was struck with confusion. What? She crochets!?
The professor looked up from her labor, spotted the confused girl outside her door, and called, “Come in.”
Isabella walked into the office and took a seat. She gestured to the yarn in the professor's hands. “What are you making?”
The professor smiled as motherly as one could with a mouth full of razor-sharp teeth. “It will be a hat for my son. He just received his commission as a junior biologist, so he has to rummage around in freezers to get samples for his whole research team.”
Isabella blinked. This was not characteristic at all for the quick-tempered professor with a penchant for launching chalk across lecture halls at the mildest provocation.
Isabella shook off her shocked expression and gave the tall professor a dimpled cheek smile. “That’s so sweet! I’m sure he’ll love it. One of the best gifts I’ve ever received was a thick wool sweater from my mamma during a training exercise off the coast of Norway.”
The professor, still smiling, sat up straight. “I hope that’s the kind of reception I get.”
The professor’s demeanor hardened as she stowed the yarn and needles in the desk drawer. “Now, let's get down to business.”
Isabella gulped.
“To start, congratulations. You’ve passed our testing and been selected for officer training.”
Isabella asked, “Who else was selected?”
“There are nine others: Robert Rhodes, Elena Pavel, Hal Jellico, Zheng Li, Brooke Halsey, Colow Aden, Magnus Tordenskjold, Bill Lee, and Kazuya Yamamoto.”
Isabella didn’t recognize all the names.
“Should you choose to accept, you will be taking a prep course taught by Colonel Ocidea and I starting next week and lasting all through the summer. If we deem you ready, you’ll ship out for basic training and then off to the Royal Military Academy, where you can earn your commission.” Dr. Dret’la leaned in close to Isabella. “Do you accept?”
Without hesitation, Isabella answered, “Yes.”
“Mike, come over here. You’re going to want to see this.” Calty voiced from her seat in the front of the cockpit.
Mike rolled off the couch and walked into the front of the cockpit as the captain shouted, “Decelerate!” Mike couldn’t help but grab onto the back of Calty’s seat as the FTL drive kicked into gear. The cockpit glass dimmed just before blindingly bright blue jets of fire from the front-facing engines came into view. A bright green circle flickered onto the glass surrounding a marble-sized dot darker than the rest of the now dim screen. The dots and circles expanded at an extreme pace until they took up most of the display. Another dot appeared—minuscule compared to the other—surrounded by a red circle. The growth of the shadowy dots and the circles around them slowed and then stopped entirely as the engines sputtered out.
The HUD faded out of view, and the tint of the glass slowly lightened, revealing a vast planet embraced by blue-green ice with a colossal foundry in its orbit. The planet, a gas giant called Drassus, was orbited by four rings. One was made of containers, and the other three were made up of loose ore gleaming in the nearby star's light. Exhaust chimneys spewing gas and fire sprouted from the otherwise spherical foundry, giving it a sea urchin-like profile, which, together with the weave of pipes bringing fuel from beneath the icy surface of the planet below, made the foundry resemble an old naval mine.
The captain strode up to the front of the cockpit. “One-third ahead and steer 14 degrees left. We’re unloading in bay three.”
Six mech suits and a tug exited a plasma-shielded hanger as the ship came to a halt. The mechs glided to the front of the ship and started dismounting the external cargo bay from the Broken Fin while the tug hitched onto the opposite end of the ten-kilometer-long rack of containers.
A little while later, the tug pulled away with the load of containers, and the comm system blared to life. “Broken Fin, you are cleared to leave. The UO corporation thanks you for your business.”
The captain replied, “Our pleasure. Broken fin out.” as the ship pulled out of the loading bay.
He turned to the navigation officer and said, “Lock in coordinates for jump to Kael Prime.”
The captain went to the central control board and pulled up traffic control. “Tower 1, this is the Broken Fin. We request a jump slot to Kael Prime from Drassus.”
“Broken Fin, request granted. Your departure slot is at 16:33.”
Mike glanced at the top right of the ship's HUD and looked at the time. 16:21.
Better get my stuff together…
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The ship shuddered ever so slightly despite the inertial dampeners as it exited FTL. Mike was lounging on the couch with his bag at his feet. He was ready to get off this tub.
Mike idly watched flames lick at the cockpit window as the ship descended into the atmosphere of Kael Prime. He looked at Dreki, who was sitting on the other couch. His muscles bulged through his clothes despite wearing a white sweater so large it could be mistaken for the sail of an average-sized boat. Mike asked, “Do you know anything about what’ll happen to me now?”
The big Kael shifted in his seat. “Technically, I’m not supposed to tell you anything, but what the hell.” Dreki pulled the collar of his sweater down, revealing an angry white number burnt into his iron-gray skin just below the collarbone. “First, you’ll get branded.” He released his shirt and pointed to a small scar on the side of his head. “Then you’ll get an AR implant.”
“Where will I be getting that?” Mike asked.
“The Imperial Science Academy. We’re going to be staying there for a few days. They’ll run a bunch of tests and get you fitted for equipment there. After that, I’ll drop you off at the spaceport, and you’ll be off to Tlaxcalssus for basic training. After that, I don’t know.”
“Thanks.”
The ship shook as it touched down on the landing pad. “Time to go.” Dreki shouldered his pack and walked out the door. Mike fiddled with the straps of his bag as he followed Dreki down the ramp and to the far side of the ship, away from the rest of the passengers. Mike's nose was immediately assaulted with the acrid smell of sulfur from where the fiery exhausts of engines had melted asphalt. The spaceport was swarming with vehicles and filled with the constant roar of ship engines and a symphony of smaller equipment. Power loaders and mechs loaded and unloaded heavy cargo, shuttles bustled to and fro with passengers, baggage carriers snaked through the crowded landing pads, and vehicles that looked like floating garage doors zipped through the air at ankle height, bringing pilots and crew to their ships. Mike couldn’t help but chuckle a little at the absurdity of it all. Here he was, in the heartland of the enemy, walking through what was essentially a ten-acre parking lot.
Dreki plopped his bags on the ground and yawned as he stretched his arms over his head. “Our skiff will be here in a minute.”
Mike tuned out the beeps and whirrs of the tank-sized forklifts and mechs unloading the ship and gazed out beyond at the horizon. You’re not in Kansas anymore, bub. Mike thought as he studied the skyline of the imperial city basked in the glow of the early evening sun. Some of the buildings wouldn’t look all that out of place on Earth, but the skyline was assaulted with abominations that pissed on the laws of physics as Man understood them. Tusk-shaped skyscrapers defied gravity with their seemingly unsupported curves, and even more absurd were pyramids stacked atop another point-to-point like hourglasses. Any delusion of normalcy that Mike could come up with was shattered.
Dreki picked up his bag and pointed to a slab of black marble speeding towards them at ankle height. “Here’s our skiff.” A railing popped out of the center as the skiff came to a gliding halt. Dreki boarded the skiff and took hold of the rail, and Mike followed suit.
They sped through the spaceport and stopped outside what looked to Mike like a train station. Dreki shouldered his bag and stepped off the skiff. Mike stepped off and quickly fell in pace with Dreki. The big Kael led Mike into a grand station bustling with people. Most were Kael, but there was a smattering of other species. Some stared at Mike, others glanced, but most completely ignored him as he followed Dreki through the hall and onto a platform. Unfamiliar aliens clearly weren’t an uncommon sight here.
The walls of the station were covered with mosaics depicting Kael warriors from the distant past. Dreki noted the human's curiosity and said, “The founders of the clans.” He leveled a massive hand toward an opulent, towering mosaic of a Kael warrior wielding a bronze falx. The imposing figure's body was made of blue gemstones, the eyes rubies, one tusk silver, and the other gold. “That’s the founder of my clan, Drekalla Gold Tusk.”
Mike asked, “How’d he manage that?” As he followed Dreki into a mostly empty train car.
Dreki plopped down on a bench. “He was the war priest of Hroptaug the Conqueror during the unification wars. After the wars were won, Hroptaug granted us the Steam Hills.” Dreki pointed through the train window at the mosaic of another warrior whose body was made of milky white pearls. “That one,” He paused and spat on the floor, “Tiblan the Terror, challenged Drekalla to a duel for most of that land. Drekalla was cutting him to pieces, but the craven poisoned his blade. Just before Drekalla could deliver the final blow, the poison reached his heart, and Drekalla died. The only wound on his body was a cut across his forearm that barely drew blood.” Dreki rolled up his sleeve, showing a scar that reached from his elbow to the middle of his forearm. “Every K’alla is cut the same way to remind us of the blood feud.”
Mike inwardly sighed. Kael and their damned feuds… “How long ago was this.”
“Seven thousand four hundred and fifty-one years ago.”
Mike held back a snort. The absurdity of it all. The first human law codes came about to stop blood feuds, and out here, they have feuds that have lasted longer than Earth's recorded history.
“How’s that feud been going as of late?”
Dreki’s face sagged, “Not good.”
They both grew quiet. Mike shuffled uncomfortably.
Mike glanced at the route display and broke the silence, “What's with the middle city, inner city thing?”
Dreki relaxed slightly. “Oh, so the city used to be a fortification. The inner city is actually a volcanic island. The middle is built over the river, and the outer city was built on the banks.”
“I see.”
The doors closed, and the intercom sounded, “Next stop, the inner city.”
Dale Robert’s wrinkled face was unreadable, and his highly decorated black and blue dress uniform immaculate as he led a horse through the street. He felt the eyes of thousands of onlookers on him, and he hated it. The pure black horse had a black leather saddle on its back. Two tall, glossy black boots were placed backward in silver stirrups, and the elaborate hilt of Mike’s basket-hilted broadsword jutted from the top of a black leather scabbard buckled to the saddle. Roberts followed the horse-drawn caisson bearing the flag-draped coffin of his old commanding officer. Not much farther now, he thought. The sounds of the cartwheels rolling and the horse’s tack jangling were wholly drowned out by boots stamping the ground in unison. Almost all of the 1800 survivors of the 801st regiment were there, resplendent in their dress uniforms, marching behind Mike one more time. The local police and fire departments joined them.
Roberts was unsure about it all. He felt that the poor kid's family would have preferred a smaller service back home in Colorado instead of this damn near royal procession. And Roberts was damn sure that the seals did not give their permission for this, no matter what the police chief said.
A reporter ducked through the police barricade and tried to ask the marching soldiers questions, but they remained stone-faced as the procession marched nearer to the gates of Philadelphia National Cemetery. Roberts handed the reigns of the riderless horse to another man in uniform and joined seven other members of Charlie platoon in pulling the casket from the cassion. They silently began their march to the grave, closely followed by General McCarthy, the man who was Joint Chief of Staff, and the color guard. Bagpipers began to blare, “Going Home.” Roberts heard the sound of gravpulse engines and looked up in dismay as a Kael gunship broke through the low clouds and descended to just barely above the cemetery. A loudspeaker blared, “Disperse at once.”
submitted by goBerserk_ to HFY [link] [comments]
Something felt very off with the whole thing. The more he thought about it, the more he questioned the story he got. Mike Anderson was certainly depressed, but as far as Fletch could tell, he had not displayed any suicidal behavior. And why now? Fletch thought. Things were on the upswing for the kid. His grades were excellent, his family situation was good, and he was out of the house more this term than the last. Fletch scratched his mustache. Why would the seals hide the autopsy and the gun? He brought the cigarette to his lips, snapped the filigreed case shut, and slipped it back into the breast pocket of his coat. Fletch flicked open his lighter and sighed as he lit his cigarette. Murder.
It was a hopeless case. These days, warrants were approved by the seals, and even if they weren't, he doubted that he could get one anyway. His suspicion of foul play was backed by nothing but his instinct.
Fletch watched students hustle and bustle through the plaza in front of him as he puffed away at his cigarette and pondered his theory.
But why kill him now? They could have done it in complete secrecy while he was a POW. And it couldn’t be to keep what happened in Philadelphia under wraps. His death brings more attention to it. And he wasn’t a rebel. So why? Fletch sipped at his coffee as he flicked ash from his cigarette. Vengeance? Did he kill some noble brat during the war?
Fletch scratched at his grey mustache and glanced at his watch. I’ll have to follow that thread. He tossed his half-smoked cigarette into a puddle as he briskly walked down the steps and through the university plaza.
The withered investigator was deep in thought when he entered the parking lot. What do I tell that Enrique chap? He unlocked his car and crawled in. I certainly can’t tell him that his mate’s been clipped with no evidence. Fletch turned the key, and the engine of his little Volvo sputtered to life. It’s no bleeding use. I’ll just tell the lad they weren’t interested in sharing and keep my suspicions to myself.
As he reached for the shifter, Fletch noticed a delightfully thick manilla envelope stuck in the gap between the center console and the passenger seat.
He pulled the envelope from the crack. Gingerly, he opened it and pulled out a small note. It read We’re even now, prick.
Fletch smiled and couldn’t help but mutter, “The game is afoot,” as he flicked through the stack of documents inside.
Isabella was struck with confusion. What? She crochets!?
The professor looked up from her labor, spotted the confused girl outside her door, and called, “Come in.”
Isabella walked into the office and took a seat. She gestured to the yarn in the professor's hands. “What are you making?”
The professor smiled as motherly as one could with a mouth full of razor-sharp teeth. “It will be a hat for my son. He just received his commission as a junior biologist, so he has to rummage around in freezers to get samples for his whole research team.”
Isabella blinked. This was not characteristic at all for the quick-tempered professor with a penchant for launching chalk across lecture halls at the mildest provocation.
Isabella shook off her shocked expression and gave the tall professor a dimpled cheek smile. “That’s so sweet! I’m sure he’ll love it. One of the best gifts I’ve ever received was a thick wool sweater from my mamma during a training exercise off the coast of Norway.”
The professor, still smiling, sat up straight. “I hope that’s the kind of reception I get.”
The professor’s demeanor hardened as she stowed the yarn and needles in the desk drawer. “Now, let's get down to business.”
Isabella gulped.
“To start, congratulations. You’ve passed our testing and been selected for officer training.”
Isabella asked, “Who else was selected?”
“There are nine others: Robert Rhodes, Elena Pavel, Hal Jellico, Zheng Li, Brooke Halsey, Colow Aden, Magnus Tordenskjold, Bill Lee, and Kazuya Yamamoto.”
Isabella didn’t recognize all the names.
“Should you choose to accept, you will be taking a prep course taught by Colonel Ocidea and I starting next week and lasting all through the summer. If we deem you ready, you’ll ship out for basic training and then off to the Royal Military Academy, where you can earn your commission.” Dr. Dret’la leaned in close to Isabella. “Do you accept?”
Without hesitation, Isabella answered, “Yes.”
Mike rolled off the couch and walked into the front of the cockpit as the captain shouted, “Decelerate!” Mike couldn’t help but grab onto the back of Calty’s seat as the FTL drive kicked into gear. The cockpit glass dimmed just before blindingly bright blue jets of fire from the front-facing engines came into view. A bright green circle flickered onto the glass surrounding a marble-sized dot darker than the rest of the now dim screen. The dots and circles expanded at an extreme pace until they took up most of the display. Another dot appeared—minuscule compared to the other—surrounded by a red circle. The growth of the shadowy dots and the circles around them slowed and then stopped entirely as the engines sputtered out.
The HUD faded out of view, and the tint of the glass slowly lightened, revealing a vast planet embraced by blue-green ice with a colossal foundry in its orbit. The planet, a gas giant called Drassus, was orbited by four rings. One was made of containers, and the other three were made up of loose ore gleaming in the nearby star's light. Exhaust chimneys spewing gas and fire sprouted from the otherwise spherical foundry, giving it a sea urchin-like profile, which, together with the weave of pipes bringing fuel from beneath the icy surface of the planet below, made the foundry resemble an old naval mine.
The captain strode up to the front of the cockpit. “One-third ahead and steer 14 degrees left. We’re unloading in bay three.”
Six mech suits and a tug exited a plasma-shielded hanger as the ship came to a halt. The mechs glided to the front of the ship and started dismounting the external cargo bay from the Broken Fin while the tug hitched onto the opposite end of the ten-kilometer-long rack of containers.
A little while later, the tug pulled away with the load of containers, and the comm system blared to life. “Broken Fin, you are cleared to leave. The UO corporation thanks you for your business.”
The captain replied, “Our pleasure. Broken fin out.” as the ship pulled out of the loading bay.
He turned to the navigation officer and said, “Lock in coordinates for jump to Kael Prime.”
The captain went to the central control board and pulled up traffic control. “Tower 1, this is the Broken Fin. We request a jump slot to Kael Prime from Drassus.”
“Broken Fin, request granted. Your departure slot is at 16:33.”
Mike glanced at the top right of the ship's HUD and looked at the time. 16:21.
Better get my stuff together…
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The ship shuddered ever so slightly despite the inertial dampeners as it exited FTL. Mike was lounging on the couch with his bag at his feet. He was ready to get off this tub.
Mike idly watched flames lick at the cockpit window as the ship descended into the atmosphere of Kael Prime. He looked at Dreki, who was sitting on the other couch. His muscles bulged through his clothes despite wearing a white sweater so large it could be mistaken for the sail of an average-sized boat. Mike asked, “Do you know anything about what’ll happen to me now?”
The big Kael shifted in his seat. “Technically, I’m not supposed to tell you anything, but what the hell.” Dreki pulled the collar of his sweater down, revealing an angry white number burnt into his iron-gray skin just below the collarbone. “First, you’ll get branded.” He released his shirt and pointed to a small scar on the side of his head. “Then you’ll get an AR implant.”
“Where will I be getting that?” Mike asked.
“The Imperial Science Academy. We’re going to be staying there for a few days. They’ll run a bunch of tests and get you fitted for equipment there. After that, I’ll drop you off at the spaceport, and you’ll be off to Tlaxcalssus for basic training. After that, I don’t know.”
“Thanks.”
The ship shook as it touched down on the landing pad. “Time to go.” Dreki shouldered his pack and walked out the door. Mike fiddled with the straps of his bag as he followed Dreki down the ramp and to the far side of the ship, away from the rest of the passengers. Mike's nose was immediately assaulted with the acrid smell of sulfur from where the fiery exhausts of engines had melted asphalt. The spaceport was swarming with vehicles and filled with the constant roar of ship engines and a symphony of smaller equipment. Power loaders and mechs loaded and unloaded heavy cargo, shuttles bustled to and fro with passengers, baggage carriers snaked through the crowded landing pads, and vehicles that looked like floating garage doors zipped through the air at ankle height, bringing pilots and crew to their ships. Mike couldn’t help but chuckle a little at the absurdity of it all. Here he was, in the heartland of the enemy, walking through what was essentially a ten-acre parking lot.
Dreki plopped his bags on the ground and yawned as he stretched his arms over his head. “Our skiff will be here in a minute.”
Mike tuned out the beeps and whirrs of the tank-sized forklifts and mechs unloading the ship and gazed out beyond at the horizon. You’re not in Kansas anymore, bub. Mike thought as he studied the skyline of the imperial city basked in the glow of the early evening sun. Some of the buildings wouldn’t look all that out of place on Earth, but the skyline was assaulted with abominations that pissed on the laws of physics as Man understood them. Tusk-shaped skyscrapers defied gravity with their seemingly unsupported curves, and even more absurd were pyramids stacked atop another point-to-point like hourglasses. Any delusion of normalcy that Mike could come up with was shattered.
Dreki picked up his bag and pointed to a slab of black marble speeding towards them at ankle height. “Here’s our skiff.” A railing popped out of the center as the skiff came to a gliding halt. Dreki boarded the skiff and took hold of the rail, and Mike followed suit.
They sped through the spaceport and stopped outside what looked to Mike like a train station. Dreki shouldered his bag and stepped off the skiff. Mike stepped off and quickly fell in pace with Dreki. The big Kael led Mike into a grand station bustling with people. Most were Kael, but there was a smattering of other species. Some stared at Mike, others glanced, but most completely ignored him as he followed Dreki through the hall and onto a platform. Unfamiliar aliens clearly weren’t an uncommon sight here.
The walls of the station were covered with mosaics depicting Kael warriors from the distant past. Dreki noted the human's curiosity and said, “The founders of the clans.” He leveled a massive hand toward an opulent, towering mosaic of a Kael warrior wielding a bronze falx. The imposing figure's body was made of blue gemstones, the eyes rubies, one tusk silver, and the other gold. “That’s the founder of my clan, Drekalla Gold Tusk.”
Mike asked, “How’d he manage that?” As he followed Dreki into a mostly empty train car.
Dreki plopped down on a bench. “He was the war priest of Hroptaug the Conqueror during the unification wars. After the wars were won, Hroptaug granted us the Steam Hills.” Dreki pointed through the train window at the mosaic of another warrior whose body was made of milky white pearls. “That one,” He paused and spat on the floor, “Tiblan the Terror, challenged Drekalla to a duel for most of that land. Drekalla was cutting him to pieces, but the craven poisoned his blade. Just before Drekalla could deliver the final blow, the poison reached his heart, and Drekalla died. The only wound on his body was a cut across his forearm that barely drew blood.” Dreki rolled up his sleeve, showing a scar that reached from his elbow to the middle of his forearm. “Every K’alla is cut the same way to remind us of the blood feud.”
Mike inwardly sighed. Kael and their damned feuds… “How long ago was this.”
“Seven thousand four hundred and fifty-one years ago.”
Mike held back a snort. The absurdity of it all. The first human law codes came about to stop blood feuds, and out here, they have feuds that have lasted longer than Earth's recorded history.
“How’s that feud been going as of late?”
Dreki’s face sagged, “Not good.”
They both grew quiet. Mike shuffled uncomfortably.
Mike glanced at the route display and broke the silence, “What's with the middle city, inner city thing?”
Dreki relaxed slightly. “Oh, so the city used to be a fortification. The inner city is actually a volcanic island. The middle is built over the river, and the outer city was built on the banks.”
“I see.”
The doors closed, and the intercom sounded, “Next stop, the inner city.”
Dale Robert’s wrinkled face was unreadable, and his highly decorated black and blue dress uniform immaculate as he led a horse through the street. He felt the eyes of thousands of onlookers on him, and he hated it. The pure black horse had a black leather saddle on its back. Two tall, glossy black boots were placed backward in silver stirrups, and the elaborate hilt of Mike’s basket-hilted broadsword jutted from the top of a black leather scabbard buckled to the saddle. Roberts followed the horse-drawn caisson bearing the flag-draped coffin of his old commanding officer. Not much farther now, he thought. The sounds of the cartwheels rolling and the horse’s tack jangling were wholly drowned out by boots stamping the ground in unison. Almost all of the 1800 survivors of the 801st regiment were there, resplendent in their dress uniforms, marching behind Mike one more time. The local police and fire departments joined them.
Roberts was unsure about it all. He felt that the poor kid's family would have preferred a smaller service back home in Colorado instead of this damn near royal procession. And Roberts was damn sure that the seals did not give their permission for this, no matter what the police chief said.
A reporter ducked through the police barricade and tried to ask the marching soldiers questions, but they remained stone-faced as the procession marched nearer to the gates of Philadelphia National Cemetery. Roberts handed the reigns of the riderless horse to another man in uniform and joined seven other members of Charlie platoon in pulling the casket from the cassion. They silently began their march to the grave, closely followed by General McCarthy, the man who was Joint Chief of Staff, and the color guard. Bagpipers began to blare, “Going Home.” Roberts heard the sound of gravpulse engines and looked up in dismay as a Kael gunship broke through the low clouds and descended to just barely above the cemetery. A loudspeaker blared, “Disperse at once.”
2024.05.16 23:33 oxbow2077 Collecting Bakugan is a ton of fun
 | Keep an eye out and once in a blue moon you’ll find a great deal. Got these guys for $3 each submitted by oxbow2077 to Bakugan [link] [comments] |