I recently got my Samsung 940X5N laptop back from a pawn shop, and the battery was dead. Consequently, I've been using it while connected to the charger. Upon returning home, I updated the system to Windows 11. As expected, each time I start the computer, I receive a warning about the battery's condition. Subsequently, I began to encounter random shutdowns during use; the laptop would turn off, restart, and return to the login screen. Initially, I attributed this to the battery, knowing that many modern laptops require a functional battery even when plugged in.
However, after reading an article about certain laptops having issues with Windows 11, particularly kernel shutdowns and other problems, I began to question if that could be the cause of my laptop's random shutdowns. Although I didn't experience the Blue Screen of Death, I decided to revert to Windows 10, which is reportedly more compatible with tablet/touchscreen devices like mine. Since the rollback, which was three days ago, I haven't had a single random shutdown. I'm sharing this in case others are facing similar issues.

So first off we were at her birthday party with all of her friends (whom I didn’t know) and some of her family. The incident started when we were bowling and we were messing around, having fun, and she thought I called her a female dog. She slapped me and went back to bowling. I (very confused because I didn’t do anything) walked away to give myself a second due to her embarrassing me in front of many people that I didn’t know.
After sitting for a couple minutes I went back and tried to talk to her. She said it could wait and to not talk about it now. So she expects me to socialize and talk and act fine when I just got very embarrassed in front of virtually everyone. I effectively remove myself from the party because of said embarrassment (which I shouldn’t have done and I probably should’ve handled it better).
After the party we talked about it and I said I would be better for her. So I thought it was resolved, but she was dry for a couple days after and we talked about it last night and she said that she sees me differently because of her friends and family getting into her head. Her friends are saying that I “showed my true colors” and her dad is asking stuff like “have you broken up with him yet?”. Today I sent a “I love you” text and she replied “yep” which tore my heart out. I sent a couple paragraphs and she left them on read. I said I was gonna give her space. She left it on read. She’s going to a wedding for the weekend. I really hope she texts me after because all I want is my baby back. I feel like this situation was blown out of proportion and we might just have to find out how we are going to argue together. How do I move forward?
TLDR; Girlfriend and I got into fight at birthday party, I handled it wrong and now everyone in her life that she loves is against me, influencing her opinion of me

Are you seeking profound insights into your life through astrology? Do you need expert guidance on personal issues or spiritual growth? Look no further than Baba Astro, the Best Astrologer in Australia. Specializing in a range of astrological services, Baba Astro offers unparalleled expertise to help you navigate life's challenges and harness positive energies.

Horoscope Reading: Insights for Your Future

Horoscope reading is a powerful tool to understand your future and make informed decisions. Baba Astro, the Horoscope Reading Specialist in Australia, offers detailed and accurate readings tailored to your unique astrological chart. Whether you're in Sydney, Perth, or Melbourne, you can access the best astrological insights to guide your personal and professional life.

Palm Reading: Discover Your Destiny

Palm reading is an ancient practice that reveals the secrets of your life path through the lines on your hands. As the Palm Reading Specialist in Australia, Baba Astro can help you uncover hidden aspects of your personality and future. Whether you're in Sydney, Perth, or Melbourne, our services are designed to provide you with clarity and confidence in your journey.

Divorce Problems: Astrological Solutions

Divorce can be a challenging and emotional experience. Baba Astro, the Divorce Problem Solution Astrologer in Australia, offers compassionate and effective astrological solutions to help you navigate this difficult time. Whether you're facing divorce issues in Sydney, Perth, or Melbourne, our expert guidance can provide the support you need to move forward with peace and understanding.

Pooja Services: Spiritual Healing and Blessings

Pooja services are essential for invoking divine blessings and promoting spiritual well-being. As the Pooja Service Specialist Astrologer in Australia, Baba Astro offers a range of spiritual rituals tailored to your needs. Whether you're seeking a pooja in Sydney, Perth, or Melbourne, our services ensure that you receive the spiritual benefits and harmony you seek.

Why Choose Baba Astro?

Baba Astro is renowned as the Best Indian Astrologer in Australia, offering a blend of traditional Indian astrology and modern insights to provide comprehensive astrological services. Whether you're in Sydney, Perth, or Melbourne, our services are designed to meet your unique needs and help you achieve your life goals.
As the Famous Astrologer in Australia, Baba Astro has built a reputation for accuracy, compassion, and dedication to helping clients overcome challenges and achieve their full potential. Whether you're looking for horoscope readings, palm readings, solutions to divorce problems, or spiritual pooja services, Baba Astro is your trusted partner in navigating life's complexities.
For the best astrological guidance and services in Australia, visit Baba Astro today and discover how astrology can transform your life.

Corporate travel can be a hectic part of doing business. The constant rush, tight schedules, and the need to maintain a professional image can make it quite stressful. But what if there was a way to elevate this experience? Enter limousine services. In Toronto, opting for a limousine service for corporate travel can significantly enhance the overall experience. Let's dive into how you can take your corporate travel game up a notch with a limo service in Toronto.
The Importance of Corporate Travel
Corporate travel is more than just getting from point A to point B. It’s about making connections, attending important meetings, and sealing deals. The way you travel can impact your productivity, your mood, and ultimately, your business success. Hence, choosing the right mode of transport is crucial.
Why Choose a Limousine Service for Corporate Travel
Professionalism and Image
Imagine arriving at a business meeting in a sleek, stylish limousine. It’s an instant image boost. First impressions matter, and arriving in a limo speaks volumes about your professionalism and the importance you place on your business engagements.
Comfort and Convenience
Limousines offer unmatched comfort. Spacious interiors, plush seating, and climate control mean you can relax or prepare for your next meeting in peace. Plus, with a chauffeur handling the driving, you don’t have to worry about navigating through traffic or finding parking.
Efficiency and Time Management
Time is money, especially in the corporate world. A professional limo service is all about efficiency. With a dedicated driver, you can avoid the hassles of waiting for cabs or dealing with rental cars. Plus, many services offer features like Wi-Fi, allowing you to work on the go.
Features of a Top-Notch Limousine Service
Fleet Variety
A top-notch limousine service will have a variety of vehicles to choose from. Whether you need a classic stretch limo, a luxury sedan, or a more spacious SUV, having options means you can select the perfect vehicle for your needs.
Experienced Chauffeurs
The best limousine services employ experienced, professional chauffeurs. These drivers not only know the best routes to take, but they also provide excellent customer service, ensuring your ride is smooth and pleasant.
Advanced Technology
Modern limousines are equipped with advanced technology. From GPS navigation to entertainment systems and Wi-Fi, these features can make your journey more enjoyable and productive.
Safety Measures
Safety is a top priority. Reputable limo services ensure their vehicles are regularly maintained and meet all safety standards. Plus, their chauffeurs are trained in defensive driving techniques, adding an extra layer of security.
Booking a Limousine Service: What to Consider
Company Reputation
Before booking, do some research on the company’s reputation. Read reviews, ask for recommendations, and check their track record. A company with a solid reputation is more likely to provide excellent service.
Pricing and Packages
Look at the pricing and packages offered. While it might be tempting to go for the cheapest option, remember that you often get what you pay for. Compare different packages and choose one that offers the best value for your needs.
Customer Service
Good customer service can make all the difference. Choose a company that is responsive, professional, and willing to accommodate your specific requirements.
Customization Options
Some limo services offer customization options. Whether it’s a specific route, preferred beverages, or particular music, these little touches can make your ride even more enjoyable.
Making the Most of Your Limousine Experience
Plan Ahead
Planning ahead can save you a lot of stress. Book your limo in advance, especially if you’re traveling during a busy season. This ensures you get the vehicle you want and avoids last-minute hassles.
Communicate Needs Clearly
Be clear about your needs and preferences. Let the service know your schedule, any special requirements, and any other details that can help them provide the best experience.
Leverage Amenities
Don’t forget to make use of the amenities offered. Whether it’s the Wi-Fi for work or the entertainment system for relaxation, these features can enhance your travel experience.
Conclusion
Choosing a limousine service for corporate travel in Toronto can elevate your entire experience. From the professionalism and comfort to the efficiency and advanced features, a limo service can transform the way you travel for business. Next time you have an important business trip, consider a limousine service and experience the difference it can make.
FAQs
What makes limousine service better than regular cabs for corporate travel?
Limousine services offer a higher level of professionalism, comfort, and convenience compared to regular cabs. With experienced chauffeurs and advanced amenities, they ensure a more efficient and pleasant travel experience.
How can I ensure the safety of limousine services in Toronto?
Choose a reputable company with a solid track record. Ensure their vehicles are regularly maintained and their chauffeurs are trained in defensive driving techniques.
Are there cost-effective options for limousine services?
Yes, many limousine services offer a variety of pricing packages. While it might not be the cheapest option, you can find packages that provide excellent value for the services offered.
Can limousine services be used for large corporate events?
Absolutely. Many limousine services offer larger vehicles like SUVs and even buses that can accommodate groups, making them ideal for large corporate events.
What should I look for in a good chauffeur?
A good chauffeur should be experienced, professional, and courteous. They should have excellent driving skills, a thorough knowledge of the area, and a commitment to providing top-notch customer service.
​​​If you are looking for limo and party bus rental in Toronto for any occasions call us on – [(416) 838-0857](tel:4168380857), or you can visit us by using the location given below

Udemy Free Courses for 17 May 2024

Note : Coupons might expire anytime, so enroll as soon as possible to get the courses for FREE.

• REDEEM OFFER API Testing with Postman: From Beginner to Expert
• REDEEM OFFER Business English Mastery Course
• REDEEM OFFER Become a Metric units conversions Master
• REDEEM OFFER Creating a community of readers who love to read!
• REDEEM OFFER BINGX™ La Guida Definitiva 2024 all’Exchange Crypto Completa
• REDEEM OFFER Förderung der psychischen Gesundheit
• REDEEM OFFERCV Hazırlama ve Mülakat Teknikleri
• REDEEM OFFERCapacitación Técnico en Campo
• REDEEM OFFERMBA from LBS and INSEAD alumni perspective. Was it worth it?
• REDEEM OFFERUser Research Step by Step
• REDEEM OFFERJupyter Notebook e JupyterLab: Tudo o que você precisa saber
• REDEEM OFFER Dicas, técnicas e truques Python para performance
• REDEEM OFFERDomine os Seletores CSS: Do Básico a Avançado
• REDEEM OFFERMongoDB Shell Mastery: A Comprehensive Guide to Streamlining
• REDEEM OFFER ISTQB Certified Tester – Foundation Level – V4.0 Arabic
• REDEEM OFFER Craft stunning UI UX design as a digital product designer
• Excel VBA Functions Masterclass: 105 Real-World Examples
• REDEEM OFFER
• REDEEM OFFER 2024 Master in Machine Learning: Comprehensive Exam Practice
• REDEEM OFFER Kanban+Agile Kanban Productivity & Efficiency+Agile Scrum
• REDEEM OFFER Modernizing Clinical Trials: Framework, Technology, & Beyond
• REDEEM OFFER English Academic Vocabulary Professional Certification AVPC
• REDEEM OFFER Nmap Advanced Techniques Course A To Z On Network Scan 2023
• REDEEM OFFER Learn Basics Of Adobe After Effects CC for Beginners
• REDEEM OFFERProfessional Diploma in Life Coaching & Business Mentorship
• REDEEM OFFERNGO, Orphanage, Elderly Care Homes & Retirement Homes 2.0
• REDEEM OFFER Learn AutoCAD 2D
• REDEEM OFFER Learn Bar Bending Schedule in AutoCAD & Excel
• REDEEM OFFER How to be 100% Productive with 0% Stress
• REDEEM OFFER Professional Diploma in Advertising and Public Relations
• REDEEM OFFERI oT Application Development with Matter and the ESP32
• REDEEM OFFER Executive Diploma in Leadership and Management
• REDEEM OFFER Learn Chess in Hindi : Zero to Master Level
• Staad Pro : Zero to Hero : in Hindi
• REDEEM OFFER
• REDEEM OFFER 30 Day: AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate SAA-C03
• REDEEM OFFER Resume Mastery: Crafting Your Career Success
• REDEEM OFFER The Speech Writer’s Guide: Mastering the Craft
• REDEEM OFFER Crafting a Winning Job Application: The Essentials
• REDEEM OFFER Self-Guided Learning with ChatGPT: 75 mins Quick Start Guide
• REDEEM OFFEREssentials User Experience Design Adobe XD UI UX Design
• REDEEM OFFERProfessional Diploma in WEB3 NFT and NFT Smart Contracts
• REDEEM OFFERMastering CSSLP Exam: Expertly crafted Practice Tests 2024
• REDEEM OFFER Conflict Management: ChatGPT For Conflict Resolution At Work
• REDEEM OFFER Negotiation Skills: ChatGPT For Negotiations & Social Skills
• REDEEM OFFER Etabs : From Zero to Hero
• REDEEM OFFER Revit Arch. : Modeling & Rendering Interior office project
• REDEEM OFFER Build Your AI SaaS Software with No Code (No Coding Needed!)
• REDEEM OFFER The Full Stack Web Development Bootcamp (Frontend & Backend)

GET MORE FREE ONLINE COURSES WITH CERTIFICATE – CLICK HERE

Udemy Free Courses for 17 May 2024

Note : Coupons might expire anytime, so enroll as soon as possible to get the courses for FREE.

• REDEEM OFFER API Testing with Postman: From Beginner to Expert
• REDEEM OFFER Business English Mastery Course
• REDEEM OFFER Become a Metric units conversions Master
• REDEEM OFFER Creating a community of readers who love to read!
• REDEEM OFFER BINGX™ La Guida Definitiva 2024 all’Exchange Crypto Completa
• REDEEM OFFER Förderung der psychischen Gesundheit
• REDEEM OFFERCV Hazırlama ve Mülakat Teknikleri
• REDEEM OFFERCapacitación Técnico en Campo
• REDEEM OFFERMBA from LBS and INSEAD alumni perspective. Was it worth it?
• REDEEM OFFERUser Research Step by Step
• REDEEM OFFERJupyter Notebook e JupyterLab: Tudo o que você precisa saber
• REDEEM OFFER Dicas, técnicas e truques Python para performance
• REDEEM OFFERDomine os Seletores CSS: Do Básico a Avançado
• REDEEM OFFERMongoDB Shell Mastery: A Comprehensive Guide to Streamlining
• REDEEM OFFER ISTQB Certified Tester – Foundation Level – V4.0 Arabic
• REDEEM OFFER Craft stunning UI UX design as a digital product designer
• Excel VBA Functions Masterclass: 105 Real-World Examples
• REDEEM OFFER
• REDEEM OFFER 2024 Master in Machine Learning: Comprehensive Exam Practice
• REDEEM OFFER Kanban+Agile Kanban Productivity & Efficiency+Agile Scrum
• REDEEM OFFER Modernizing Clinical Trials: Framework, Technology, & Beyond
• REDEEM OFFER English Academic Vocabulary Professional Certification AVPC
• REDEEM OFFER Nmap Advanced Techniques Course A To Z On Network Scan 2023
• REDEEM OFFER Learn Basics Of Adobe After Effects CC for Beginners
• REDEEM OFFERProfessional Diploma in Life Coaching & Business Mentorship
• REDEEM OFFERNGO, Orphanage, Elderly Care Homes & Retirement Homes 2.0
• REDEEM OFFER Learn AutoCAD 2D
• REDEEM OFFER Learn Bar Bending Schedule in AutoCAD & Excel
• REDEEM OFFER How to be 100% Productive with 0% Stress
• REDEEM OFFER Professional Diploma in Advertising and Public Relations
• REDEEM OFFERI oT Application Development with Matter and the ESP32
• REDEEM OFFER Executive Diploma in Leadership and Management
• REDEEM OFFER Learn Chess in Hindi : Zero to Master Level
• Staad Pro : Zero to Hero : in Hindi
• REDEEM OFFER
• REDEEM OFFER 30 Day: AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate SAA-C03
• REDEEM OFFER Resume Mastery: Crafting Your Career Success
• REDEEM OFFER The Speech Writer’s Guide: Mastering the Craft
• REDEEM OFFER Crafting a Winning Job Application: The Essentials
• REDEEM OFFER Self-Guided Learning with ChatGPT: 75 mins Quick Start Guide
• REDEEM OFFEREssentials User Experience Design Adobe XD UI UX Design
• REDEEM OFFERProfessional Diploma in WEB3 NFT and NFT Smart Contracts
• REDEEM OFFERMastering CSSLP Exam: Expertly crafted Practice Tests 2024
• REDEEM OFFER Conflict Management: ChatGPT For Conflict Resolution At Work
• REDEEM OFFER Negotiation Skills: ChatGPT For Negotiations & Social Skills
• REDEEM OFFER Etabs : From Zero to Hero
• REDEEM OFFER Revit Arch. : Modeling & Rendering Interior office project
• REDEEM OFFER Build Your AI SaaS Software with No Code (No Coding Needed!)
• REDEEM OFFER The Full Stack Web Development Bootcamp (Frontend & Backend)

GET MORE FREE ONLINE COURSES WITH CERTIFICATE – CLICK HERE

I've done a few review swaps on the site after publishing my story (https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/86551/hoarfrost-heroes-war-for-horvorr-vikings-vs-goblins) a few days ago, but mostly running into authors from genres that I don't typically read. Was wondering if there are any Epic Fantasy authors on here who might have similar reader bases and more similar reading tastes.
The novel was inspired by games like Icewind Dale and is about a war between the norse-inspired people of Tymir against the goblins whose homeland they stole. It's intended as a modern spin on more traditional fantasy, where the goblins (who are also POV characters) are more sympathetically portrayed.
Feel free to reach out on Reddit or RR (where I'm more active) if you're interested. Also if anyone has any suggestions or feedback on the book cover / synopsis that'd be appreciated.

Greetings GoG. I've come here with a humble request for Persona 3 Reload on Steam, which is currently on sale for roughly ~$60 (or 15% off) on GameBillet.

What is Persona 3 Reload

Persona 3 Reload is a remake of base Persona 3 with several changes:

• It's remade on Unreal 5, with modern new visuals, new lighting, and a stylized UI inspired by Persona 5
• Several QoLs from later entries. Other than the ability to directly control your teammates in battle, you can now choose which skills to inherit when you fuse a Persona ^{Anyone remember spending 10 to 30 minutes resetting the fusion to get the skills they want?}
• Remade/Rerecorded and new songs. Although I haven't heard all of them, they sound distinct enough from the original material to hold on their own. That said, I'm not sure if it's nostalgia or something, but I'm impartial to some of the changes, such as this one
• Rerecorded lines and new voiceovers. I do wonder whether all of Igor's previous voices from the PS2 games were used in this one
• A unique looking Tartarus. Since you'll be spending more than half the amount of the game in it, the change to each section makes them more memorable
• New animations, and lots of them
• The epilogue named The Answer from FES will be an DLC story; I wonder if they'll release FeMC from Portable as well

Will I enjoy it?

Although I haven't played many JRPGs, as they tend to be quite time-consuming, I really like Persona games. From the social life aspect to the motif tackled in each entry, they somewhat impact the way I see life. I also enjoy RPGs (some examples are Kingdom Hearts, Rune Factory). I love story-rich games, especially games with great and unique soundtracks: I don't really have a genre, but there's always that one soundtrack that sticks in my head when I think of one. I've finished both Persona 4 & Persona 5 and spent around 150h each. I also noticed that when I played them, I was a bit too engrossed in them that I didn't play anything else until I finished them.
I'm looking forward seeing Elizabeth goofing around in glorious HD the most. Second to it are the character interactions, Reload makes them more personal as you can see more than basic body movement/face expression (or even just up to your imagination) which are integral to the other half of the game: the social aspect of it.
Comparing the mechanics to Persona 5, two things come to mind:

1. There are fusion skills (or theurgy) from what I saw. It's a gauge that fills up overtime/ with attacks? so you can do some special skill if you meet certain conditions. I think it works like in Etrian Odyssey or even Persona Q
2. Physical type attacks are now 3 instead of 2. Strike wasn't added back in 5 oddly enough (P4 unified phys. atk into just one for simplicity I believe). Also, no Psychokinesis or Nuclear magic skills.

Why can't I buy the game?
Money is a little tight at the moment as a university student, between living expense and food, I don't have that much money to spend, but I save what I can little by little. And I would like to wind down a bit on playing Tekken. I've already spent the 1$ trial on Palworld, and the recurring cost of subscription (10$/month) doesn't suite well with me. If anything, please try the game (even the non-remake) out if you haven't tried JRPGs before, it will be worth your time.
My Steam account.
Thank you for taking the time to read this post and have a beautiful day or evening. In case you need soundtracks for your next study session, may I suggest you some of them here. I don't know how to convey my love for the Persona series, but I'll gradually update my post with each new attempt.

long post alert. sorry for the brain dump - I just need help saving my family.
I sincerely feel our problems started on reddit, so I feel it's only right to come back here to see if you can help me solve the mess we made. So a few years ago, my wife came to reddit for advice navigating a cultural clash - you can read her OG post here. In retrospect, the responses she got were awful, rude and many racist.
My wife is from Zimbabwe, I am Swiss and we met while at university in my country. I fell for her instantly. Truthfully, I'd never seen anyone so beautiful. She was kind, so incredibly intelligent and has this gravitational pull to her. We started off as friends, but we eventually began dating and got into a steady relationship. I wanted to marry straight away, but she had career ambitions she wanted to meet before she married. At the time of the reddit post - I was going through some stuff. In truth, I knew the expectation of roora was on anyone who would marry her, and I had been saving for that alongside her engagement ring for years. I had gotten into a fight with my brother before she asked me about setting a date for her roora - where he'd said some nasty things about me being with a black woman and how I was losing myself and my cultural identity due to the concessions I'd made to be with my wife. It's why I reacted the way I did when she asked me about it, something I deeply regret to this day.
After the shit show that was that post, we spent 3 months in couples' counselling. She repeatedly told me that she didn't want to force me to do anything I didn't want to do. She said that she deserved to be with someone who enthusiastically embraced all parts of her - and if any part of me took issue with her culture, she asked that I bow out before I tied us together for life. I confessed that I knew all along about the roora, and I had prepared for it, but the conversations with my brother are what led me to say what I did. She was mad - I'd allowed her to be mocked, ridiculed and bullied by strangers online because I couldn't communicate with her, but we worked through.
We had a beautiful traditional wedding in her country, then another one with my traditions in mine. Her family was kind and welcoming, making many concessions for me as they had done since I met them. We planned on starting a family soon after we married, but she'd always said she want to have her babies back in her country so she can have her family around her. We had agreed that this is what we'd do. It's important to note that my wife doesn't really like living here - she says she hates living here. We lived in Sweden for much of our relationship, and many will know the people are on the cold side. She hated the food, the weather, struggled with the cold people - her country's people are very warm and friendly - and for the last 2 years she had to go on antidepressants because it was all a bit much for her. She asked me when we were going to move, and I asked for us to hang on for a while so I can finish a project I'm leading at work. We'd fought about this in the past, but this time she just nodded at me so I thought she finally got it. That was over 18 months ago and we didn't end up moving as I got promoted and it became harder to walk away. Her grandma passed away so I attributed the low mood to that.
Our problems came when she asked me if I was having an affair with my colleague. This was when I got home late one evening and found her sitting in the dark. I'd forgotten she was making dinner for us to be honest because I had a lot going on at work and it just slipped my mind. I told her that colleague and I were working late and I forgot - sorry. She grew confrontational and told me I was spending a lot of time with colleague lately, and she's noticed her name on my phone more than a few times. She asked me if there was anything she ought to know. This is when I may have killed my marriage - I told her I didn't give her father a truck full of cattle for her to question me. This was my house, my wife and if I wanted to have something on the side that was nobody's business but mine. She looked like I'd slapped her and I could see her holding back tears. I don't know why I didn't drop to my knees and beg forgiveness, instead doubled down and told her to stop the theatrics. Here's the thing - I'm not having an affair of any kind with my colleague - we really were just heavily into this project we're both super excited about. I don't know why I couldn't just say that to my wife.
She didn't come to bed that night, and I left early in the morning the day after and came home when she was asleep. This continued for days where I avoided her because I couldn't face the guilt. On the Friday, came home to a gift box that contained a positive pregnancy test and I long letter from my wife. I won't share all of it - but she said she was going to tell me on the night I bailed on dinner, that I had hurt her beyond measure with what I said to her and that she was "no longer going to show her love for me through self sacrifice". She told me she doesn't consent to be in a polygamous relationship, and since it's what I want I should expect to receive divorce papers from her soon. She left her rings and house keys too.
I had a panic attacked. I was able to call for help before the worst of it came, but I spiralled. I had monumentally fucked up, and lost my wife and unborn child because of it. I tried to call her, but her phone was going straight voicemail. I called her brother, who was short with me but assured me she was fine. He wouldn't tell me more. I finally tracked her down after 2 weeks - she'd gone back to her parents in Zimbabwe.
I can't follow her just yet because the project I've worked on for so long now is near completion and I can't walk away. My friends told me I was racist to my wife in my actions, because I never would have tried that with a white man and tried to use her culture against her. The fact that I wasn't even serious make me more cruel apparently. She still won't speak to me - I have tried all avenues and she won't hear me out. I love her beyond measure and I don't know how to get her back. Please, help me.

Weddings are special occasions that call for dressing your best. For men, a stylish blazer can elevate your look and make you stand out in the crowd. Whether you're the groom, a groomsman, or a guest, choosing the right blazer is key to looking sharp and stylish. Here are some top picks for blazers for men to wear at weddings in 2024:

Top 6 Blazers for Men for Wedding

1. Classic Black Blazer

A classic black blazer is a timeless choice for weddings. It pairs well with almost any color of trousers and shirt, making it versatile and easy to style.

2. Navy Blue Blazer

Navy blue is another versatile color that works well for weddings. It adds a touch of sophistication and pairs beautifully with a white or light blue shirt.

3. Grey Blazer

A grey blazer is a modern and stylish choice for weddings. It can be dressed up or down depending on the dress code of the wedding.

4. Velvet Blazer

For a touch of luxury and opulence, consider a velvet blazer. Velvet adds texture and richness to your look, perfect for a formal wedding.

5. Patterned Blazer

For those looking to make a statement, a patterned blazer can add personality to your outfit. Opt for subtle patterns like checks or stripes for a sophisticated look.

6. Double-Breasted Blazer

Double-breasted blazers are making a comeback in men's fashion. They exude elegance and are perfect for a formal wedding.
When choosing a blazer for a men's wedding, consider the dress code, the time of day, and the season. Pair your blazer with well-fitted trousers, a crisp shirt, and the right accessories for a complete and stylish look. Remember, confidence is the key to carrying off any outfit, so wear your blazer with pride and enjoy the celebrations!

Hi,
We ingest Sysmon + WinEventLog from 15k+ machines. We'd like to be able to search anything that involves the filers (files read, written, or deleted) for 2 years at least.
Unfortunately, our indexers don't have enough storage space and these indexes rotate after 2-3 month only.
I thought about about creating a Summery Index that I would populate with a report that generate an event for either a file read, a file created, or a file deleted on a filer. That would represent a lot of events, but far less then the original data sources (sysmon + WinEventLog).

• Is it a good idea to create a Summary Index with so many events ?
• Since I don't need this data to be accelerated : Is there a way to do some non accelerated Summary Indexing ? Or something similar ?

Thanks very much for your kind help

I'm very new to PC building and I want to know if this is a good part list.
Link to List
CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 7900X - 12-Core 4.7 GHz - Socket AM5 - 170W Desktop Processor (100-100000589WOF)

• $388^.70

Motherboard: MSI B650 GAMING PLUS WIFI AM5 AMD B650 SATA 6Gb/s ATX Motherboard

• $169^.99

Memory: CORSAIR Vengeance RGB 32GB (2 x 16GB) 288-Pin PC RAM DDR5 6000 (PC5 48000) Desktop Memory Model CMH32GX5M2E6000C36

• $109^.99

Video Cards: ASUS TUF Gaming NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER Gaming Graphics Card (PCIe 4.0, 16GB GDDR6X, HDMI 2.1a, DisplayPort 1.4a) TUF-RTX4080S-16G-GAMING

• $999^.99

Case: Corsair 4000D Airflow 4000D Black Steel / Plastic / Tempered Glass ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

• $104^.99

Power Supply: CORSAIR RM1000e Fully Modular Low-Noise ATX Power Supply - ATX 3.0 & PCIe 5.0 Compliant - 105°C-Rated Capacitors - 80 PLUS Gold Efficiency - Modern Standby Support

• $159^.99

Storage: SAMSUNG SSD 990 PRO 2TB, PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280, Seq. Read Speeds Up-to 7,450MB/s (MZ-V9P2T0B/AM)

• $169^.99

CPU Cooler: CORSAIR iCUE H150i ELITE LCD XT Liquid CPU Cooler - IPS LCD Screen - AF120 RGB ELITE Fans - 360mm Radiator - Fits Intel® LGA 1700, AMD® AM5, and More

• $249^.99

Operating System: Microsoft Windows 11 Home (USB)

• $138^.99

Accessories: CORSAIR TM30 Performance Thermal Paste, CT-9010001-WW.

• $7^.99

Total:$2,500.61

This is a really long story but I’ve been so desperate to just tell it from start to finish so thank you in advance if you make it all the way through.
To provide context to the rest of the story, I (22f) was in a very bad, very controlling relationship for three years. Near to the start of this relationship, I worked at an escape room where I met an awesome group of people and we started to play DND together – DM’d by the guy who ended up becoming my best friend, we'll call him Brad (23m). My ex got worse over time in various ways, but one of which was his jealousy which seemed to focus on Brad. Every time that I would go to DND I would have to remind my ex that Brad was already in a relationship with his long-time partner, Bella, and therefore he did not have feelings for me. This came up constantly and was always a fight.
It was incredibly difficult to escape, but with the support of my three closest friends, Jenna (23f), Millie (26f), and Brad, eventually I got out. I moved back in with my mum, but I was in a very bad mental state at the time and would do everything in my power not to be alone. For this reason, I would have sleepovers at all my close friends’ houses as often as I could – sleeping in Brad and Bella’s closet when I would stay at theirs. I did become closer with all of the other members of my DND group too (there were 7 of us in total) but for the purposes of keeping things simple I will focus on these four. I leaned on these friendships hard. All my friendships had been so monitored and controlled for years before this and I was so excited to be a normal adult finally. For about six months, life was amazing.
It was some time around October that I met my now partner (22m) and we started to form a relationship. He was kind and funny and I was so excited to share it with all my friends. Brad always seemed apprehensive about it, but I figured that was just because of my previous relationship. It was also around this time that Brad started struggling with something but wouldn’t share what. Jenna and I genuinely theorised that he was terminally ill with the way that he was acting. One night, I had driven Brad home from work, and I used the opportunity to ask about it because everyone was really worried. After a bit of coaxing, he told me that he thought that he was polyamorous. He had been with Bella for about five years at this point and he was worried by revealing this to her that he would destroy their relationship. He said that aside from his therapist, I was the first person that he had told and asked me not to tell anyone, which I obviously agreed to. Eventually he told her, and they told the group together, and said that they were going to make it work.
It was about December now, and I moved jobs and fell into a depressive episode. I stopped seeing my friends very much at all, and at the worse of it I had made an attempt at my life. My partner was amazing through this considering how little time we had been together, and not long after I started to get help and rebuild. When I tried to rejoin DND, everything felt different. Brad was suddenly talking over me when my character would try to speak up, wouldn’t have NPCs speak to my character, and really he would hardly look at me. I had tried to meet up with Jenna, Millie, and Brad, to tell them about what had happened with me during my episode, but Brad blew me off every time. I was so stressed that I had done something wrong, but I couldn’t figure out what since I had been away for the past couple of months.
Finally, shit really hit the fan in May at Millie’s wedding. I was standing with Bella while she told the story about her and Brad working out polyamory, and in telling the story she said that she had been the first person that he had told. This threw me for a loop, since I knew that he had told me first, and it massively irked me that he had hid that from her. I left the conversation to find Jenna to tell her, to which she took me aside and told me that Brad had been in love with me for a while now, and I had caused a lot of issues in his and Bella’s relationship. I felt awful for the rest of the wedding and sat on the cold street to vent this all to my partner.
I went to a few DND sessions after that, but I felt so self-conscious about the arguments that I had apparently caused between two friends, and since Brad was basically ignoring me in the sessions anyway, I decided one day to send a short and sweet message to the group thanking them for the years of fun, but that I would be dropping out for now.
My first regret was, when Brad pressed about why I had left, softening the blow as much as possible. I did tell him that I knew about his feelings, but I said that I was mainly leaving for my mental health, which was not true as I was in a much better spot at this point. He was very angry at Jenna for telling me, but otherwise the conversation was fairly civil. He apologised, gave me more context, explained that that was why he had been distant, confirmed that I had been a big issue in his and Bella’s relationship, and explained that I was the reason that he had figured out that he was polyamorous – I expect from me staying over at their house so often. Finally, he told me that I would be welcome back to DND at any time. I said that I was frustrated that he hadn’t spoken to me like an adult because I just thought that he had hated me, and he said that I was just a complicated situation. He also told me not to tell anyone about any of it, but especially Bella that we had had that conversation as he wanted to be the one to do it. Fine. I was upset, but I still figured that I would be able to return to the group at that point.
Months pass, and I haven’t been to any group events for a combination of reasons. I feel too uncomfortable to face Brad and Bella, I figure that removing myself from the situation is the kindest thing to do to give them space, and since I can’t tell anyone else about what happened, I feel socially a bit isolated. No worries, I can rejoin the group again when I feel comfortable, right? I have Millie over one day and she asks why I left. After a bit of back and forth, I think that she knows some level of what happened, but more than that I am just desperate to get this off my chest, so I give a brief, sympathetic overview of the situation. She is an amazing listening ear, which was exactly what I needed because this had been eating me away, and she is very mature when I ask this to not affect her relationship with him. Little did I know that I had just thrown a match into a powder keg.
I’m not totally clear on what happened, but basically Brad hadn’t told Bella that we had had a conversation. Millie accidentally revealed that I had told her, and Bella (rightfully so honestly) was furious with Brad, who then was furious at me for telling Millie. In this second conversation with him, I explained that I had thought that Millie had known to a degree anyway. He kept going on about how much of an impact this had made to his and Bella’s relationship, and I got frustrated and explained that they were actually the sole reason that I had left the group when I did, and it had had a massive impact on me too. He got apologetic, but in retrospect I think it was just trying to tide me over. He told me that Bella was uncomfortable when he and I were in a room together, which put the final nail in the coffin for my hopes to ever return to the group. He still swung the conversation back around to how hard it had all been for them and ended the conversation with a long list of Bella’s insecurities. In retrospect, this was a bit random and I’m not sure why he did that. In any case, I responded with a big paragraph refuting each of her insecurities one by one and talking about how great she is. I wish that I had just sent this message straight to her, as honestly, I doubt, she would have ever seen it.
So now we’ve had two conversations, and I don’t see any way that I can return to the group. Months later again, and I see them for the first time at a Halloween party. I had made a great new group of friends at this party, and given the history, I thought that it was fairly reasonable not to go up and have a chat with them. At one point, I am talking with someone when Brad walks up, without Bella, and says hi to me. Maybe I was petty, but considering Bella wasn’t even there and one of the last things that he had told me was that Bella was uncomfortable when he and I were in a room together, I wasn’t particularly excited to chat. I just said a cordial hi, stayed in the conversation for a minute longer, and then migrated away.
Honestly, I hadn’t even thought twice about this. By this point, I hadn’t seen Jenna for maybe six months, and the rest of the DND group for even longer. The only one who I’ve stayed in contact with is Millie. One day, I ask Millie out for coffee, and about halfway through she has this look of realisation pass her face. She tells me that “she thought I knew” and that was why I had asked her out for coffee. Knew what? Well apparently, Brad and Bella had organised basically a formal meeting with the whole friend group to tell them what had happened with me on that night. Obviously, they had not told me. Millie is amazing and relays to me what happens at the meeting which thankfully is fairly true, but there are two points that irk me. One is that it is entirely “woe is them” focussed, as if I didn’t lose all of my friends, and two is that Brad makes a remark that he thinks that I knew the whole time that he had feeling for me and that I wasn’t just innocent and naive. This is infuriating for me for reasons that I will get to. What actually breaks my heart is that apparently Jenna got up at the meeting and apologised to everyone for telling me in the first place. After that, I had two more people from the group reach out and reconnect, but not everyone and not Jenna.
This all started in July of 2022, and it’s now May of 2024, so I’m largely over it, but here are some of my feelings on the matter. One, I know that I am non-confrontational, and as much as it was initially supposed to be a kindness, I do think there was an element of running away from my problems. Two, my family and close friends kept telling me that I should send screenshots of everything to group chats or tell everyone my perspective. I think that more than anything, I had already lost everyone, and I really didn’t want to turn the group against each other. I think that would have been vindictive and petty and not me. Three, maybe I should have seen the signs that he had feelings for me earlier on, and I feel a lot of guilt about that. However, I had the exact same relationship with him as I did with Millie and Jenna, and I’ve always been of the belief that males and females can absolutely be friends. Maybe my relationships with Millie and Jenna were too close too, but after having been socially isolated for three years I suppose I was and still am hazy about where the boundaries lie. To be so clear, though, nothing ever actually happened. The best clue that I can recall was when he would say I love you man, but that’s the kind of thing that we all said to each other. Otherwise, as far as I was aware, we were just really close friends. Furthermore, I had also just come out of a long-term relationship, where I was frequently convincing my ex that Brad did not have feelings for me. I never told anyone that part because I didn’t want Brad to blame himself, but now that I’ve found out I was wrong, I’ve been going down a spiral about what else my ex may have been right about and what other behaviours he had that may have been justified. I digress. I’ve mourned the loss of my friends and support network more times than I can count, and I am aware that I could have fought to stay in the group and Brad isn’t entirely to blame for that, but it does really frustrate me that, as was clear in the board meeting he and Bella held about me, what I have been through does not seem to even cross their minds. Brad was supposed to have been my best friend. Although, now I can’t help but feel like he, intentionally or not, saw me at a vulnerable point and took advantage of it to get inappropriately close to me, and we were never really “best friends”. If I could erase our entire friendship, I would in a heartbeat. At least then I would still have the rest of my friends. I am open to hearing what people have to say, but as far as I am aware my only crime was being naïve. There are honestly so many more details but this post is already obscenely long. My final note is that my partner is the real MVP as he probably heard me vent and cry about this two dozen times and supported me through all of it. Thank you so much for reading if you made it this far.

Thank you for this universe!
And many thanks to for being a full co-writer on this project!
Kaeden and Vichee belongs to and I thank them so much for working with us! It was an honor!
Sven belongs to Bjorn the Copper Paladin from Discord. I hope to do more with them in the future, and have tons of fun!
And don’t you worry about that final in the title! We have some news at the end!
[First]- [Prev]- {Next Story!!}

{Is the reason that everything happened to Tarlim in the first place?}

{Only up to the ramps, mostly. Trying to impress upon people the importance of accessibility for those with extenuating circumstances. At least according to the records I have access to.}

{The average person knows as much about his friends as they do about Mike Collins.}
<...Who?>
{Exactly. 20th century human spaceman, was there for their first lunar landing. Didn’t get to put boots on the ground, and nobody remembers his name now.}

{Hell, I didn’t even know about him until I put in a search query of niche historical figures just to give you an example. Yeesh…}

(Program Selected.)
(Resume Selected Media? [Y])
(Playing…)
Archived Closed Circuit Security Video - Establishment: Exterminator’s Office - Dawn Creek Division - Subbasement - Date Recorded (ST): OCT 31, 2136 - Timeframe (ST): 11:42 - 11:45
The parking bay is silent. Vans are parked neatly in their spots which frame the hallway to the armory and fuel storage for the camera. A ding is heard and something moves in the hallway. Five fully suited Venlil and a Zurulian step out of an elevator and run towards a van. The sound of a door slamming open comes from the hall roughly 6 seconds later. A stream of Exterminators pour out into the hall from the stairwell.
Their voices are indecipherable as they speak over each other. A Sulian runs into the armory and reappears with a huge flamer tank on their back. Another Zurulian can be seen with an extinguisher tank, but a Venlil bleats at them and tosses it aside. They drag the quadrupedal alien quickly into the parking garage before physically throwing them into the back of a van.
From the back of the hallway, a fluid can be seen spreading across the ground. A trio of Venlil back out of a room while holding their flamers up. They are unlit, instead spewing fuel out of their nozzles. The trio twirl around in an overly animated manner as they walk down the hall to the parking garage. A van pulls out of its spot with windows down so the passengers could let out a cheer.
A black-suited Venlil runs up to the spraying trio while waving their arms to get them out into the garage. The microphone just barely manages to catch him saying, “We need to save some for the predators!” One of the other Venlil replies, “Yes sir, Mafchi!” A short flurry of curses is heard as the gathered exterminators pile into the three other visible vans. Two of the vans speed out of the garage, forcing some other Venlil exterminators to dive out of the way in the process.
The black-suited Mafchi picks up a fuel canister that had been dropped and twists off its cap. He slings it under his shoulder and pours a line of fuel. He marches straight to the final van and hops up into the open rear. The van backs itself up to turn out of the garage. The fuel canister clatters to the ground as it pulls away. Before it clears the view of the camera, the Black-suited Venlil is seen standing in its open back. He is holding what appears to be a flare gun.
The flare sails through the air shortly after the van leaves the frame and impacts the ground. It bounces and rolls until it touches the fuel and ignites it in an instant. A small wall of fire proceeds down the provided trail into the hallway, igniting more fuel as time passes. The hallway is quickly engulfed in vividly red fire. Thick black smoke begins to pour out into the garage as the fire inches closer to the primary fuel tank.
Movement can be seen in the hallway between the flickering flames. The silver form of a Venlil Exterminator is seen rushing out of the stairwell and fighting to head towards the fuel storage room. Before they reach, a white flash fills the screen. The feed goes dead, the error code consistent with electrical interruption.
(Specified Media Concluded.)

{Who was what? Mafchi?}

{Hmmm, there aren’t any tags embedded for them. The suits do a rather good job at making the officers anonymous. Let me see…oh.}

{The, uh… the employment records for that Office were…terminated.}

{It looks like…yes, here. Record wipe in 2497. Media with less than 1 bistandannual visit were removed to save space on the university’s central server. It’s…they’re gone, gone gone.}

{Maybe, but that’ll do us no good if we don’t know their name. And because of the chaos of that incident, nobody has been able to accurately reconstruct where every individual was in that office. We’d have to already know who they were to find them.}
<...I guess that’s another person I’ll have to remember then, huh?>
{...Guess so. Speaking of remembering, perhaps you should check out Tarlim’s view again? Seeing how we were just talking about him.}
<...Sure. At least people remember his name, right?>
(Command: [exitprogram])
(Are you sure? [Y])
…
{-Program Selected-}
{-Restart From Last Playback Point? Y/(N)-}
{-[USERID-11229KMD]: procViewHist -}
{-Retrieving Transcription Viewing History…-}
{-List Retrieved - Select Desired Subject: (Tarlim)-}
{-Restart From Last Playback Point? (Y)/N-}
{-Playing…-}
Memory Transcription Subject: Tarlim, the Venbig. Date [Standardized Human Time] October 31st, 2136
No matter how much Sven and Anso griped about it, having them leave and return with the trailer was a great idea. The humans who had gone with them the first time were, to my dismay, excited to try and ride in the back. I had at least been able to impress on those four that I couldn’t let anyone else ride like that, and that they were to help with rigging a trailer with some seats.
I had to admit; they did a good job!
Several couches sat bolted to the floor of the covered trailer and even had some ropes that could be hooked across the armrests as impromptu belts. It wasn’t perfect by any means, but it would work as well as any bus or short train ride! Certainly superior to jumping in the bed of a truck.
I strode out into the parking road and swayed my ears to greet Anso. Sven had stayed behind here to meet with the humans and entertain the kids, a job which he was slightly less unenthusiastic about compared to last time. “Greetings, Anso! Have you made the necessary preparations for the humans to leave with you?”
The Yotul hopped out of the truck bed and bounced to me. “We have! I have to say those humans were great workers to have helped get this whipped up so quickly! I hope Sven has been behaving himself?”
I let my tail wag behind me remembering my last glimpse of him. He should really secure his sheath straps! “He has! Been entertaining the refugees while I made sure they all had their belongings ready to go. Come on inside, let’s go gather them.”
I guided him with a wave of my arm as we turned back to the door. To be truthful, I hadn’t expected Sven to win the humans over as quickly as he did. Needless to say, his primitive attire seemed to spark joy within them, a joy sorely needed amidst the sadness of recency.
As we entered the building I noticed something, or rather, the lack of something. When I had exited only a few [minutes] prior, the building had been full of life and noise. Now, it was almost dead quiet, save for the sounds of a holovision coming from the lobby. Rather heated sounds, at that.
“I didn’t think it was already main rest claw,” Anso mused as he, too, recognized the aggravated voices coming from the lobby. “And what are they watching in there? Sounds…angry.”
“Yeah…” I trailed off as I followed the noises. As I approached the lobby, the sound of what I assumed was a Gojid yelling. “You know nothing about my family. TALK, JUST FUCKING TALK, NOW!” My ears pinned back at the foul language at play, hoping that Sven and the children were somewhere else.
As I entered the room, I saw that I was only half right. The children were thankfully nowhere to be found, but Sven was obviously present, as was most of the facility staff. I was about to ask what was going on before another voice drew my attention to the holovision, the same as everyone else. The voice of none other than Chief Nikonus.
“There were three of us who laid out the groundwork for the Federation. When Kolshian explorers came in contact with the Farsul, more than a thousand years ago, the galaxy was young. We were the first in this sector to escape our gravity well. You know about the founding of this institution, but I reiterate it just in case.”
“The Krakotl were the third,” another voice piped up from behind the camera. I thought it might’ve been another Gojid, but the voice was far too breathy. Harchen, maybe? I wasn’t given a chance to consider it further as Nikonus continued. “Yes, they were a problem from the start; aggressive, disagreeable. We tried to identify the problem, and why they were so ill-equipped for spacefaring.”
“We learned they were scavengers, who would occasionally go for fish as well.”
His next line was rendered inaudible by the shocked gasps of both the refugees and residents in the room. I was no different, drawing in a sharp breath at the abrupt admission. I remembered that Arvi had said some aliens were revealed to have eaten meat in the past, but was this the way it was decided to be revealed? With such abject callousness?
Nikonus continued to speak, looking not just proud, but smug with his words. He went on about how the Federation had saved these aliens with their manipulations, but the entirety of his body language seemed to indicate he reveled in how devastating this information would be to the people he was speaking to. How they manipulated an entire culture, a RELIGION!
What if they did the same to ours?
That horrifying thought struck through my mind like a derailing train. I had relied upon the Tenets in some of my darkest moments. Found comfort in them when there was none elsewhere to be found. To have such a comfort revealed as a lie in its entirety, used only for some other group to control you…
The voice of Nikonus hit my ears again. “Oh Sovlin, I already told you. For the small minority of species who don’t find herbivory alone, we teach them the right way. Doesn’t the religion against predators sound familiar?”
The Kolshian was insufferably proud of those words. There was no doubt in my mind now; this was mocking. Mocking a Gojid for following The Protector. For being a predator. For being different, but expecting to still be treated as a person. The Gojid were predators, they couldn’t help it, and they were already being mocked for it.
What might happen to all the other species?
I shifted my focus away from the screen to the crowd, searching for one in particular. Vichee, a Krakotl already so different from everyone else, and now my concerns for them were multiplied with every word that fell from Nikonus’ mouth. Were they okay? They had come in here to see Sven, I had seen them. Where are-
I spotted Kaeden in the corner of the room. Next to him, slumped against the wall, was Vichee. The dual colored Krakotl’s eyes were glazed over as they stared at nothing. I strode over quickly, my instincts wanting to comfort them. Kaeden was simply standing there, it was confusing that he didn’t seem to be comforting Vichee at all. As I got closer, their head tilted up to me, regarding me with an unfocused eye.
“He was right.” They said quietly. My implant almost didn’t pick it up over the sounds of the lobby. “Kaeden had asked me soon after our first meeting if Krakotl had once been meat eaters. Said it was the shape of our beaks. ‘More suited to capturing small wriggling prey than filtering algae’. He told me. I nearly flew away right then… If I had, I would have been alone with this news.”I listened, kneeling down to be closer to their level. “You’re not alone, your herd is here. Right Kaeden?”
He looked over at me and nodded. “Vichee was there with me when Earth was attacked. I’m here for them now. Kaabra and Venik are… together, elsewhere at the moment. But they will be here too.”
I flicked my ears in understanding. “Then I hope they may help in hugging Vichee until their tears are dry.” I turned an eye to Vichee. “Please, I just want you to know that you are still you. What your body does has no effect on your personhood.”
Vichee still sat, their mind still likely whirling with the new information. They lifted their differently colored wings. “I’m well aware. This lesson I already learned. But thank you, I understand what you mean.” Kaeden nodded slowly and Vichee returned to their thoughts.
“There’s going to be trouble soon, Tarlim,” Kaeden stated gravely. “News like this? Nothing good will come of it. I can already tell this won’t go over well. Keep your eyes open.”
As if in response to his words, the sound of clanking metal hits my ears. They shoot up, pivoting to locate its source. There, dashing towards the door, was the armored figure of Sven. I didn’t know him enough to know how this broadcast would affect him, but running was never the best sign. I flicked my ears goodbye to my friends and rose, following after the metal man. In my periphery, I saw the television screen had shifted to show Rolem moving onto the stage. I would have to miss whatever it was he had to say, so ducked through the doors and continued to follow the sound of metal.
As I exited, I saw that I wasn’t the only one to see Sven’s actions. Anso was bounding behind him, shouting something I couldn’t hear. Sven didn’t seem to either as he kept running, but his gait wasn’t one of fear. He looked purposeful, sprinting in a straight line. A line pointed right towards-
Towards the observing Exterminator Van.
The metal Venlil didn’t even hesitate at the presence of the fence. He leapt up in a display of strength and agility, vaulting over the barrier and continuing his beeline into the van. It was like phased through the doors with how fast he moved. There were sounds of commotion that followed his entry, and soon two Exterminators fell out of the van. One Venlil…and one Krakotl. I wonder how Kalek is taking things.
I, too, cleared the fence with only a high step and reached the van, peering in to see Sven at the controls. “Sven! What are you doing?” I asked, the Krakotl officer shivering on the ground in my periphery.
“They got my girl!” He huffed, “She’s a Gojid, they got her, I can’t let them do anything worse to her!” He tried to activate the vehicle to no avail, but his words brought up something that I hadn’t thought much over. I remember hearing about temporary emplacements that were being set up. Paly had texted me about exterminators bringing people there. Her too. And that would mean-
-THOOOOOOOMMMMM-
The wind hit me like a truck and rocked the van I was standing next to. Sven even stopped trying to fiddle with the controls to see what had just happened. In the distance, near the center of town, an enormous black cloud rose into the air, the vestiges of fire still burning in the suspended embers. I couldn’t look away from it as my mind raced with horrible possibilities as my mind tripped over itself trying to concoct a plan of action.
I wasn’t given long to think before the radio in the van crackled to life, startling both Sven and myself. “Attention all True Exterminators! The truth has come out about the taint in our midst! For too long we have lived with its danger in our presence! If any of you still hold the safety of The Herd in your hearts, come join us so we may burn ALL the predator taint from this District! Rendezvous at Vulen’s apartment complex, we shall start our cleansing there!”
The name of one of my landlords sparked familiarity in my mind. They had been working to build a series of new apartments to add to his old, and if I remembered, had agreed to house the Gojid refugees. The Gojid! Paly was housed with them!!
In an instant, I reached into the van and grabbed Sven by the arm. He tried to pull away, but my grip was too strong. “Sven! They’re gonna kill the Gojid! They’re gonna burn Paly!”
He finally managed to shake himself free as my paws became jittery from stress. “I gotta save my girlfriend! She’s in a facility! I gotta save her!”
“But they’re gonna burn people here!” I protested, “we have to do something! We need- We need People who can fight them! Kaeden! I need to get Kaeden! We can save them!”
I pulled myself away from the van and spotted Anso nearby. He must have had to go through the gate, but this was good timing. I pointed a claw at him. “Do Not Let Him drive off before I get back!”
I didn’t give him, nor the Exterminators who had recovered from their shock, time to ask questions. Paly was in danger, as were who knew how many others. I faintly heard my data pad chime from within my shoulder bag, the signal my heart was beating too fast, but I couldn’t deal with it right now. I could get the heart rate under control during the drive. Right now I needed Kaeden, he knew how to fight! How to save people when others were trying to kill them!
My paws guided me and I was back in the cafeteria before I knew it. Some of the crowd had dissipated, but Kaeden and Vichee were still in the same corner I had left them in, but with their Venlil friends now joined. Without leaving time for protest, I grabbed Kaeden’s arm and pulled him away. I heard Vichee squawk behind me, but I was in too much of a hurry. I can’t let her get hurt. I Won’t.
Kaeden started to slap my arm as I dragged the soldier across the lobby. “Tarlim! What the fuck are you doing?? What’s going on?”
“No time, they’re going to burn everyone,” I breathlessly said as I burst the facility doors open to get him to the van.
“What? Who?” Kaeden questioned, still resisting my pull. I could hear a tinge of worry in his voice, and I knew he would understand. Anso looked back from his position as he heard my approach, and upon seeing me dragging Kaeden along, he grew visibly concerned.
“On the radio, something about True Exterminators,” I attempted to explain to him as we neared the gate doors. This time, I simply spread them apart with my free paw, metal screeching against itself as the gate was forced open. “They’re going to burn every cured species they can find, and That Means Paly. I Won’t Let Them.”
Kaeden had stopped struggling as I explained the bare essentials to him, and once we approached the van, he finally had enough sense to ask the right questions. “So what exactly is the plan to stop them? We’re strong, sure, I could probably take most of them. But just two of us against a wall of those flamers?”
“Not two,” I corrected, letting go of his arm and throwing open the back doors of the van. Still seated in the drivers side was Sven, who looked back once he heard me permit entrance into the back. “We have him too.”
“Wh- the LARPer??” Kaeden asked incredulously. I wasn’t familiar with the term he used, but his tone told us all we needed to know. Sven’s eyes narrowed at the perceived insult, but Kaeden continued. “Do either of you have any formal military training?? Rushing down there is only going to get you both killed along with the others! For fucks sake, slow down! We need a plan!”
“T-There won’t be t-time f-for one,” a voice peeped in from behind us. We all turned to face the source, and we found it was the Venlil Exterminator. They recoiled under the sudden gaze of our entire party, but they managed to continue. “I-I recognized the v-voice. It w-was one of the n-new recruits. They m-might as well be Y-Yulpa. If you w-want to stop them, it’s now or n-never.”
We all stared at them for a moment in disbelief that they’d willingly hand over that information to us. They were Exterminators, weren’t they? They should be allied with the voice on the radio! Kaeden, after considering the information, gave voice to my confusion. “And why are you telling us this? You’re an exterminator, shouldn’t you be trying to help them?”
“M-My husband is the Krakotl that was in the van with me!” They yelled back, stamping their footpaw on the ground in agitation. “I-I don’t care what his ancestors did a t-thousand years ago, I will not stand for those zealots burning who knows how many people! We’re not all the same, h-human!”
I was taken aback by their words. I had given up hope that there were any redeemable souls amongst the ranks of those silver-suited brahkasses, but living proof of the contrary stood before us. Their breathing was only matched by mine as my pad continued to chime in my pack. Maybe there’s hope after all.
Kaeden started frantically looking all around, his focused gaze falling on the facility, the exterminator in front of us, and the rising smoke in the distance. After a moment's hesitation, he growled to himself and shook his head. “Fine! Fucking- if you want to prove you’re different, you and your partner stand guard at the gate! They’ll probably try to send a division here, so keep on guard! And for the love of God, go ask for help if that happens!”
My tail wagged behind me as I interpreted what that meant. “So you’ll help us, Kaeden?”
He paused for a second, an agonizing second as he fully took in the situation in his mind. But ultimately, he nodded. “Let’s go, we can figure things out along the way.”
Seizing the moment, Anso quickly jumped into the van and pushed Sven out of the driver's seat, much to their visible frustration. Kaeden quickly hopped into the passenger seat, leaving me with the problem of finding a space that would fit me. I stepped over to the back of the van and threw the doors open.
The flamers and their fuel tanks were useless to us, easy to toss all three sets out onto the ground behind me. I made sure that the flamers were disabled first, of course. Just had to snap the pilot lighters and slice a hose with my claw. Even if these two said they weren’t like these “True Exterminators” I didn’t trust them one bit. I crawled inside the cramped vehicle and wiggled myself to close the doors behind me.
As I got myself settled, I watched as the Venlil Exterminator started to inspect the destroyed remains of their weapons. I squinted a glare at them and positioned myself so they couldn’t enter with me. “You two aren’t coming,” I hissed. “You know why you’re not. Try anything with the humans, and they will stop you.”
I slammed the doors shut as their expressions fell, just in time for Anso to get the van into gear. I curled myself up against the wall of the van, watching out the back window as we sped down the road. We were on our way now. On our way to save Paly and all the people gathered because their ancestors ate meat. My heart hammered in my chest, but I would need to control it for what we were about to do. I needed to focus. I needed to breathe. I needed to be calm.
Focus. Breathe. Calm
Focus.
Breathe.
Calm…
{-ALERT: Automatic Annotation Detected - Switching Transcription Subject-}
{-Loading…Playback Ready-}
{-Playing…-}
Memory Transcription Subject: Sol-Vah, Fleeing Predator. Date [Standardized Human Time] October 31st, 2136
My legs couldn’t carry me anymore. I had to keep going, but I didn’t have the strength. My pants became wheezes as my body struggled to keep up with the physical exertion of running almost halfway through town. I hadn’t even looked up before now, at least with eyes not blinded by tears. The pain of Mute’s rejection still stung in my soul, a pain so visceral it threatened to rip me apart worse than any Arxur. Protector, what did I do to deserve this? Is there even a Protector, or did the Federation just- just make that up?
I didn’t have time to think about that now, I needed to get to the office. From what little I caught of the broadcast, Nikonus had said they saved us before. I knew what it likely was, but…I was desperate. I just wanted to go back home and have him embrace me like he did before. The safety and love I had felt from him was still fresh in my mind, and if there was any chance I had to get it back?
I’ll happily take it.
As I approached the office, however, something seemed off. I could smell soot in the air, but not the kind of soot that came from our flamers. This was- was…dirtier smelling, as if the fuel had been impure. Upon looking up, however, I saw something that made my stomach drop. A huge plume of smoke, billowing up into the sky. It shadowed the sun itself with its immensity and hate. Did the Exterminators burn more drugs? Or…or…
I felt a renewed vigor as I started to run towards the plume, hoping against hope that I was wrong. As soon as I turned the corner, though, my worst fears were realized. Where the office once stood now sat a burning stack of glorified rubble, every single window in sight shattered and multiple holes in the outer walls. The building was split, it was as if a giant knife had come down and sloppily sliced off its front half to spill flaming debris everywhere.
I stood in front of the building I had once called my home, surrounded by screams and the awful sound of flames roaring. I knew now there was no hope of salvation, no way this could ever be undone. I would never be able to go back to the way things were, never feel the happiness I had for that brief time. I was doomed to this life, abandoned by my love, and forced to live as an abomination devoid of a home.
I suppose that’s all a predator like me deserves.
[First]- [Prev]- {Next Story!!}
You read it right: This is going to be the final chapter of "Of Giants and Journalists." With the conclusion of Sharnet and Vekna's adventure, we will now take the time to show how this announcement has affected our characters and the galaxy at large. We're excited to announce our new series, Nature of a Giant: Aftermath! This series will not be quite as in-depth temporally as Of Giants and Journalists was, mainly because not as much will be happening in as short of a time. Rest assured, though, there will still be plenty of action across the board! You just won't have to deal with over half the story only covering a week of time!
In that vein, we are also excited to announce we are working on another bonus series, one that was teased a long time ago, Venric Lawven: Legal Legend! It will be filling the gap for content while we work on the first few chapters of Aftermath to make sure the scenes are as quality as they deserve, but will have a reduced upload schedule to once a week to accommodate for writing two series at once. On behalf of both of myself and , we'd like to thank all of our readers for sticking with us on this journey. It's hard to believe this series has been going on for over a year in one form or another, but I wouldn't have it any other way! Thank you all again for your continued support, and we look forward to seeing you again with Legal Legends! And then...
The Aftermath!!

Was listening to SOFAD last night, then afterwards watched the documentary on the making of the album ('We were going to live together record together......'). Then, I started imagining a scenario where Dave hadn't developed his heroin addiction, and had just stayed away from drugs. Do you think we'd have the version of SOFAD that we know today? Maybe someone who's read one of the band biographies will know more than me but perhaps the reason Dave went down that dark hole after Violator was that he got bored of being Dave.
He said that he "wanted to make a rock record", probably after getting into the early 90's LA rock bands that he mentioned, and realised he wanted a piece of it for himself.
Of course, he might not have gotten into that scene if he hadn't ended up in LA to be with Teresa Conroy (naughty boy).
So many what-ifs but it's making me wonder what sort of follow-up to Violator we would have seen.