Graphic tongue
Pitbull awareness, education, love.
2008.07.04 05:45 Pitbull awareness, education, love.
2019.06.08 17:02 Elementaryfan Welcome to the Hellmouth
JustSunnydaleThings is a subreddit that serves two main purposes: posting any and all content about the fictional town of Sunnydale specifically (not just any Buffy-related content), and posting information about and/or discussing disturbing, creepy or just bizarre real-life criminal cases and mysteries, that sound just like something that would occur in Buffy Summers' place of residence.
2014.06.11 05:16 Nature is Metal
Badass pictures, gifs and videos of the awesome yet vicious cycle of nature
2024.05.18 06:15 MyspaceMafia Frontiersman (Part 3)
Frontiersman No. 0012: Duke Collins
Screaming, Demands, Orders. Those are the sorts of things you expect when you have a weapon pointed in your face, but out here, in the void of space, and with no contact with the one pointing this weapon, we simply stared at each other in silence. I slowly raised my hands to shoulder height, palms out, in an attempt to show that I meant no harm. In silence we waited, as the second being inside of the ship crawled out of the airlock. They seemed panicked, and once outside, they looked around, before also pointing their weapon in my direction. Then they began... to drift. I saw them panic for a moment, which made things worse, and they were soon tumbling backwords, albeit slowly, away from both vessels, still held in place by the mining drones. With a slow wave of my hand, I gestured to the first... Alien? Person? That their colleague was slowling escaping them. They glanced over their should and began to panic as well, but kept their weapon trained on me. With very slow movements, I brought one hand to my wrist and used the interface on my suit to task a drone to retrieve the distressed being, now flailing slightly as they floated away. Despite the gun still pointed my way, I couldn't help but chuckle a little. The ship had Point defense turrets for breaking up small debris, and I know Aerie wouldn't leave me hanging. Glancing over their shoulder, the first person, i'll stick with person, seemed to let go a sigh of relief as they saw the drone brining their companion back to us. With that, they tentatively lowered their weapon, giving me some sort of nod or bow, it was difficult to tell.
As the drone deposited the second person back near the airlock, they wheeled their weapon up at me once more, only to have the first one reach over and place their arm across theirs, lowering them. With that, I gestured towards my ship with the open airlock. "Hey Aerie," I asked, "Could you please tap into their comms, if possible? Try to decypher their language, and if you can, put something on the display in the ship to communicate the atmosphere contents inside? Something they may be able to understand."
"Understood, the graphs are displayed now, and their communications, at least in those suits, are laughably basic, I've been taking language samples since before they left the ship." Aerie replied, and with that, I began moving towards my airlock, and the two creatures followed, after seeming to discuss for a moment. Once inside the ship, I relaxed. I gestured to a display showing a simple numbers chart using dots, a periodic table, and lastly a graph referring to Oxygen and Nitrogen on the table, signifying percentages. I know for a fact I would never be able to pick this stuff up, but it seems that after review and discussing it for a bit, they seemed to understand, because the one that managed to not drift into space hesitantly reached up and began to remove their helmet.
As the helmet came off, to say I was shocked would be an understatement. I already assumed I was dealing with some sort of alien, or at least a long lost human colony, due to how similar the anatomy seemed within their suits, but what I was looking at was a real life alien! If human facial structure was anything to go by, then this one was female. She was tall, with a light green skin that seemed extremely smooth. They would look like a bad accident with powder paint if it wasn't for the lack of hair, which was instead replaced with rows of fins that traced around her head and ended down at her nape. She turned to me after her helmet was off, and seemed to realize something, as her head cocked to the side, and all of the fins, or frills, on her head raised at once, pointing straight out on the back of her head, and the ones on the top of her head angling slighty upwards, rather than laying flat. I describe all of this objectively, but it's not absurd to say that I found this woman absolutely stunning. A deep breath later, and she turned and said something in her language while gesturing to hear companion. Their tongue sounded like a mix of high pitched trilling combined with the standard throat and tongue sounds of typical human speech, almost like a bird was singing alongside someone speaking a foreign language.
If the first Alien was beautiful, words will not do justice to the second. As they removed their helmet, I was greeted by a second alien, with similar frills and soft looking skin, but theirs was a lighter green color, and they had eyes that were as blue as a clear summer sky. They burned with an intensity as she breathed deeply, and examined me still inside of my suit, her eyes seemed to crawl up and down my frame, examining every detail. She was smaller, with less sharp features on her face, but she was the first to smile at me after a moment, and give a bow.
I was completely dumbstruck. I had no idea what to do in the face of a situation like this. I ended up returning the bow as my head swam. Not because they were cute, you animals, but because of the situation. This was first contact! To my knowledge, humanity has not yet met another race, and here I am, 86 jumps from Terran space, face to face with two real life aliens!
"Uh.. Aerie? Any word on those translations?" I asked. I was given my answer when the previous display was wiped, and a graphic showing two people talking was shown. I gestured to the two, and pointed at the display. Even if they didn't understand what was intended, it at least got them speaking more, which I believe is what Aerie had wanted. They gesticulated at the display and talked amonst themselves while I watched. They were both still armed, and I wasn't keen on getting comfortable just yet.
After about 10 minutes of me observing them, I heard a ping in my helmet, followed by Aerie, "I am pretty sure I have enough samples to have dissected the language, please give it a try."
Clearing my throat, I called out, "Uhm.. hello? Can you guys understand me?" They both wheeled around to face me, shock on their faces, and as they spoke, I heard their words translated through my helmet.
The tall, larger one spoke first. "Hello, I am shocked, you seem to have translated our language extremely quickly. I am Yorlia," She said, giving a bow. "and this my Liege, Countess Varien of house Gostak."
At this, the smaller alien spoke up while giving a bow. "Thank you for coming to our rescue, please call me Varien. If I may ask, why do you still wear your armor, and of which race are you? Your features seem to elude to you also being a Filorian, yet we have never seen a ship of your make, nor of such power to dispatch our pursuers in a single shot."
"I still wear my armor because you are still armed." I replied. "And no, I am not uh... Filorian. I am Human. You are Humanity's first contact among the stars." At this, they both glanced at each other, seeming to be a little suprised. Slowly, they both placed their weapon on the floor.
"We apologize," Said Varien, "We have had a rough day. Once again, thank you for our rescue, and welcome to the stars. May we have the pleasure now of looking the being who has saved us in the eyes?"
Slowly, I unclasped the latched on my helmet, hearing the familiar hiss of air escaping at I slid the clunky thing off. After placing the helmet under one arm against my hip, both of the Filorians let out a slight gasp, and, too fast for her apparent bodyguard to stop her, Countess Varien strode past her and reached to touch my face. Unsure of how to respond, I ended up standing there as a glove was removed, and Varien was suddenly poking and prodding at my cheeks, and giving my disty brown hair a slight tug.
"Yor, Yor! They look just like us! Just like us but fuzzy! Do all of your kind have fur on your head? Are all of you so lightly colored? Why do you look like us? Do you also have a love for the water? Yor you must touch his fur, you must!" Varien was practically bouncing, and if not for the shock of first contact still running through my system, I'm sure I would have been laughing out loud.
I let out a breath I had been holding. "Let me at least get out of my armor. I can tell this will take awhile."
Without my helmet, my comment fell on deaf ears.
submitted by MyspaceMafia to HFY [link] [comments]
Screaming, Demands, Orders. Those are the sorts of things you expect when you have a weapon pointed in your face, but out here, in the void of space, and with no contact with the one pointing this weapon, we simply stared at each other in silence. I slowly raised my hands to shoulder height, palms out, in an attempt to show that I meant no harm. In silence we waited, as the second being inside of the ship crawled out of the airlock. They seemed panicked, and once outside, they looked around, before also pointing their weapon in my direction. Then they began... to drift. I saw them panic for a moment, which made things worse, and they were soon tumbling backwords, albeit slowly, away from both vessels, still held in place by the mining drones. With a slow wave of my hand, I gestured to the first... Alien? Person? That their colleague was slowling escaping them. They glanced over their should and began to panic as well, but kept their weapon trained on me. With very slow movements, I brought one hand to my wrist and used the interface on my suit to task a drone to retrieve the distressed being, now flailing slightly as they floated away. Despite the gun still pointed my way, I couldn't help but chuckle a little. The ship had Point defense turrets for breaking up small debris, and I know Aerie wouldn't leave me hanging. Glancing over their shoulder, the first person, i'll stick with person, seemed to let go a sigh of relief as they saw the drone brining their companion back to us. With that, they tentatively lowered their weapon, giving me some sort of nod or bow, it was difficult to tell.
As the drone deposited the second person back near the airlock, they wheeled their weapon up at me once more, only to have the first one reach over and place their arm across theirs, lowering them. With that, I gestured towards my ship with the open airlock. "Hey Aerie," I asked, "Could you please tap into their comms, if possible? Try to decypher their language, and if you can, put something on the display in the ship to communicate the atmosphere contents inside? Something they may be able to understand."
"Understood, the graphs are displayed now, and their communications, at least in those suits, are laughably basic, I've been taking language samples since before they left the ship." Aerie replied, and with that, I began moving towards my airlock, and the two creatures followed, after seeming to discuss for a moment. Once inside the ship, I relaxed. I gestured to a display showing a simple numbers chart using dots, a periodic table, and lastly a graph referring to Oxygen and Nitrogen on the table, signifying percentages. I know for a fact I would never be able to pick this stuff up, but it seems that after review and discussing it for a bit, they seemed to understand, because the one that managed to not drift into space hesitantly reached up and began to remove their helmet.
As the helmet came off, to say I was shocked would be an understatement. I already assumed I was dealing with some sort of alien, or at least a long lost human colony, due to how similar the anatomy seemed within their suits, but what I was looking at was a real life alien! If human facial structure was anything to go by, then this one was female. She was tall, with a light green skin that seemed extremely smooth. They would look like a bad accident with powder paint if it wasn't for the lack of hair, which was instead replaced with rows of fins that traced around her head and ended down at her nape. She turned to me after her helmet was off, and seemed to realize something, as her head cocked to the side, and all of the fins, or frills, on her head raised at once, pointing straight out on the back of her head, and the ones on the top of her head angling slighty upwards, rather than laying flat. I describe all of this objectively, but it's not absurd to say that I found this woman absolutely stunning. A deep breath later, and she turned and said something in her language while gesturing to hear companion. Their tongue sounded like a mix of high pitched trilling combined with the standard throat and tongue sounds of typical human speech, almost like a bird was singing alongside someone speaking a foreign language.
If the first Alien was beautiful, words will not do justice to the second. As they removed their helmet, I was greeted by a second alien, with similar frills and soft looking skin, but theirs was a lighter green color, and they had eyes that were as blue as a clear summer sky. They burned with an intensity as she breathed deeply, and examined me still inside of my suit, her eyes seemed to crawl up and down my frame, examining every detail. She was smaller, with less sharp features on her face, but she was the first to smile at me after a moment, and give a bow.
I was completely dumbstruck. I had no idea what to do in the face of a situation like this. I ended up returning the bow as my head swam. Not because they were cute, you animals, but because of the situation. This was first contact! To my knowledge, humanity has not yet met another race, and here I am, 86 jumps from Terran space, face to face with two real life aliens!
"Uh.. Aerie? Any word on those translations?" I asked. I was given my answer when the previous display was wiped, and a graphic showing two people talking was shown. I gestured to the two, and pointed at the display. Even if they didn't understand what was intended, it at least got them speaking more, which I believe is what Aerie had wanted. They gesticulated at the display and talked amonst themselves while I watched. They were both still armed, and I wasn't keen on getting comfortable just yet.
After about 10 minutes of me observing them, I heard a ping in my helmet, followed by Aerie, "I am pretty sure I have enough samples to have dissected the language, please give it a try."
Clearing my throat, I called out, "Uhm.. hello? Can you guys understand me?" They both wheeled around to face me, shock on their faces, and as they spoke, I heard their words translated through my helmet.
The tall, larger one spoke first. "Hello, I am shocked, you seem to have translated our language extremely quickly. I am Yorlia," She said, giving a bow. "and this my Liege, Countess Varien of house Gostak."
At this, the smaller alien spoke up while giving a bow. "Thank you for coming to our rescue, please call me Varien. If I may ask, why do you still wear your armor, and of which race are you? Your features seem to elude to you also being a Filorian, yet we have never seen a ship of your make, nor of such power to dispatch our pursuers in a single shot."
"I still wear my armor because you are still armed." I replied. "And no, I am not uh... Filorian. I am Human. You are Humanity's first contact among the stars." At this, they both glanced at each other, seeming to be a little suprised. Slowly, they both placed their weapon on the floor.
"We apologize," Said Varien, "We have had a rough day. Once again, thank you for our rescue, and welcome to the stars. May we have the pleasure now of looking the being who has saved us in the eyes?"
Slowly, I unclasped the latched on my helmet, hearing the familiar hiss of air escaping at I slid the clunky thing off. After placing the helmet under one arm against my hip, both of the Filorians let out a slight gasp, and, too fast for her apparent bodyguard to stop her, Countess Varien strode past her and reached to touch my face. Unsure of how to respond, I ended up standing there as a glove was removed, and Varien was suddenly poking and prodding at my cheeks, and giving my disty brown hair a slight tug.
"Yor, Yor! They look just like us! Just like us but fuzzy! Do all of your kind have fur on your head? Are all of you so lightly colored? Why do you look like us? Do you also have a love for the water? Yor you must touch his fur, you must!" Varien was practically bouncing, and if not for the shock of first contact still running through my system, I'm sure I would have been laughing out loud.
I let out a breath I had been holding. "Let me at least get out of my armor. I can tell this will take awhile."
Without my helmet, my comment fell on deaf ears.
2024.05.17 18:02 Jesicur That time I Roleplay and it distorted my reality
Hello!
Today I felt like telling my story that don’t matter but actually does because it really built my character haha when I was 13 years old I had a Facebook profile from a character that I like Zack Fair from Final Fantasy VII Crisis Core, at the beginning I didn’t even know what role play was, just that I really wanted to play as him. I added a bunch of people roleplaying as other characters from that game in particular and later on just random accounts from other games, I was very shy and didn’t actually role play that much because I was insecure about my English since it’s not my mother tongue, so I kinda just saw everything from the sidelines, with kinda no popular status I got a real life friend to join me as Aerith side note she didn’t even play the game or knew anything from it but went ahead and created an account to role play with me who was my character’s love interest and we would play as a couple. Nothing really happened at the beginning, until it did.
I added a profile playing as Ike from Fire Emblem and we started talking, only thing I know is that he’s a guy haha so we started talking and I explained him about my character and the game which got him interested about it, I really liked him he was cool at that time. He even left his Ike account to make one for Cloud Strife, a character from Final Fantasy VII. My character’s life was started to progress since he was being so extrovert, loud, cringy haha I made friends from role playing like Xion from Kingdom Hearts who I believe was a girl, Roxas from Kingdom Hearts who was a girl too, shout out to my girl! We still talk to this day.
Zack and Aerith got engaged after a while and we adopted Xion as our daughter, but little did they know I was having an affair with Cloud.
Cloud and I got closer and closer by talking I swear everyday after school, next fact I unlocked from him was that he was from the UK, we would talk about our interests and how was our day without revealing our names, to this day I don’t know his, but I would feel like we were actually friends on the start, he would tell me I play the best as my character, even saying I was actually him so I think that started to mess with my head, what was really aimed at my character and my real identity? Because it felt like we were in a relationship, he would say he liked me and that we should be together, so we started talking more flirty and couple like, even role play smut but it would be so awkward like *moan* and stuff haha nothing graphic, I don’t know why I didn’t tell my wife, to the outside we were this happy family, even my daughter had a crush on Cloud and I would discourage to pursue him, my thinking was he’s gay you don’t have a chance but with me it’s different.
I am Zack Fair.
The way I would role play was using fanarts, I would make albums from the characters and post a bunch of cute fanart and go from there, since it was easier to describe the scenery because of my English. I made albums from most of the characters of my game, even albums titled as family and it would be crossovers from Kingdom Hearts and Final Fantasy. Other people used this method I am not claiming it as my own, but overall this life was competitive I remember another Zack Fair named with the Japanese pronunciation Zakkusu Fea and I was totally jealous of him, he was so popular he had his Aerith and his family, their profile pictures were pretty so that made him pretty in my head, there was also this other Cloud Strife but named Cloud NotaChocobo something among those lines and he was a very cute boy, he always pick the cutest fanart of Cloud, but I never spoke with any of them I was shy and I tried to expand my social circle.
But Aerith disliked Cloud to the point she deleted him from Facebook, I don’t remember the motives but he would be sarcastically rude to her, it wasn’t really just one big event and I was really a coward to not defend my wife, instead I wouldn’t really interact in public with him, it was all on private messages, one day Aerith suggested we should switch accounts for a day and I accepted because I thought it would be fun to play as her. Big mistake.
She saw,
everything.
She posted on my wall saying what she found out, would copy paste fragment of what we told each other, our professions of love, I tried to warn Cloud but I was not on his friend list, soon enough friends started to notice the posts on my profile and got involved, I was rightfully the bad guy in all this, my daughter hated me because here I was breaking the family apart and engaging with the guy she wanted. I immediately apologized to my friend in real life playing as Aerith and she just lol’d telling me it was okay it was just a joke but in my mind it wasn’t. We got a divorce after that and she kept engaging on role playing as a single mom, later on I saw she remarried but then she really wasn’t much online anymore. For myself I grow out a mustache, a friend drew one from one of my profile pictures, it was popular back in 2008, haha, this face was even my signature :{D.
I went back to Cloud, we were apologetic of what had happened and soon enough it was like before, only this time I would tell him that I wanted our relationship to be public but he wasn’t ready yet, so I waited and waited but deep inside I felt hurt because I thought he didn’t love me in real life, he would then tell me his problems from his day, that he was at a friend’s house playing spin the bottle and he had to kiss a guy but didn’t because he was shy about it and I was so jealous about it I thought we broke up in that moment but didn’t say nothing, he would give me a few hints here and there about his personal life, I only know he has his mother and a big brother and were from India, he would send me links to Indian songs and dramas from Bollywood, that made him happy. One time while looking at profiles to add from mutual friends I saw an account named after my character and the profile was a real photo of an Indian guy, I looked through his profile and I got the vibe it was him, but to this day I don’t know since I never told him and the account was soon deleted or maybe he changed the profile picture since there were so many accounts with the same name.
We kept our relationship private until one day he said he was ready to make it public I was very excited about it, our friends congratulated us and I thought this new step would be so much fun but it went downhill from here. I don’t really remember anything from here I think because it were the days that I really struggled with balancing this persona and my own, the friends I made here would vent to me about their real life problems and I would try to help them as much as a 13 year old can, later I fell sick to the stomach turns out I had gastritis from all the stress, I remember leaving the Doctor with my mom telling her “So it’s because of the stress? But I like helping people, they tell me their problems…” and she said something among the lines of how they wouldn’t help me back, it sucked.
Tumblr was a miracle, I got my blog and I got obsessed with it, since I loved many tv shoes back in the day I enjoyed the content that people were posting, the images, the gifsets, the audios, the videos, the memes we got from that like the Mishapocalypse haha. Again I don’t really remember how Cloud and I broke up but I’m pretty sure he broke up with me, I told my friend Roxas about it and we decided to have a public relationship but really we were just friends, in my head I tried to make Cloud jealous but later on I didn't even care he had changed and I disliked this new persona and speaking of people they were not getting online as much anymore, so leaving was easy, I added Roxas to my real account and didn't look back.
I would only get online from time to time since I was afraid my account could get hacked or deleted for inactivity, but when I was logged I could say hi to all my friends and I got some juicy gossip, remember Cloud? He was in distress telling me that he was role playing with a mutual friend of us, a Genesis from Final Fantasy VII Crisis Core, and boy they were role playing smut and Genesis’ mother caught a glimpse or something but she read all that and grounded him from his computer, I was indifferent from it I recall only saying him something like: Too bad. To this day I have the gut feeling that he was cheating on me, not with Genesis but I recall him interacting in a suspicious way with other Zacks, oh yeah he only liked Zack Fair.
Later on I saw that Cloud changed again his behavior, he was like a role play police if he didn’t like how you act he would let you know about it, he made a lot of accounts like a second Cloud Strife, a Genesis Rhapsodos one, one of my character Zack Fair. Until I logged one day and I couldn’t find him on my friend list until I realized he deleted me, with time I never found his account, maybe he deleted them all, I don’t know since roleplaying on Facebook wasn’t as popular.
That is all I have to say, I might have little stories here and there about these time but overall it really messed with my reality of how I view these friendships… relationships… I don’t regret it much, it was a fun escape since I hated my middle school haha but super cringe it let’s be real, I don’t really remember much apart from minor details or fun stuff that happened but shoutout to that other Zack Fair from Italy on his mid 20’s who told me he was in a metal band and learnt German from metal music who got stabbed in a bar I don’t remember why but when I told him I was a girl he wanted to be in a relationship with me and come visit me, I shut that shit down. But hi bro o/
submitted by Jesicur to TrueOffMyChest [link] [comments]
Today I felt like telling my story that don’t matter but actually does because it really built my character haha when I was 13 years old I had a Facebook profile from a character that I like Zack Fair from Final Fantasy VII Crisis Core, at the beginning I didn’t even know what role play was, just that I really wanted to play as him. I added a bunch of people roleplaying as other characters from that game in particular and later on just random accounts from other games, I was very shy and didn’t actually role play that much because I was insecure about my English since it’s not my mother tongue, so I kinda just saw everything from the sidelines, with kinda no popular status I got a real life friend to join me as Aerith side note she didn’t even play the game or knew anything from it but went ahead and created an account to role play with me who was my character’s love interest and we would play as a couple. Nothing really happened at the beginning, until it did.
I added a profile playing as Ike from Fire Emblem and we started talking, only thing I know is that he’s a guy haha so we started talking and I explained him about my character and the game which got him interested about it, I really liked him he was cool at that time. He even left his Ike account to make one for Cloud Strife, a character from Final Fantasy VII. My character’s life was started to progress since he was being so extrovert, loud, cringy haha I made friends from role playing like Xion from Kingdom Hearts who I believe was a girl, Roxas from Kingdom Hearts who was a girl too, shout out to my girl! We still talk to this day.
Zack and Aerith got engaged after a while and we adopted Xion as our daughter, but little did they know I was having an affair with Cloud.
Cloud and I got closer and closer by talking I swear everyday after school, next fact I unlocked from him was that he was from the UK, we would talk about our interests and how was our day without revealing our names, to this day I don’t know his, but I would feel like we were actually friends on the start, he would tell me I play the best as my character, even saying I was actually him so I think that started to mess with my head, what was really aimed at my character and my real identity? Because it felt like we were in a relationship, he would say he liked me and that we should be together, so we started talking more flirty and couple like, even role play smut but it would be so awkward like *moan* and stuff haha nothing graphic, I don’t know why I didn’t tell my wife, to the outside we were this happy family, even my daughter had a crush on Cloud and I would discourage to pursue him, my thinking was he’s gay you don’t have a chance but with me it’s different.
I am Zack Fair.
The way I would role play was using fanarts, I would make albums from the characters and post a bunch of cute fanart and go from there, since it was easier to describe the scenery because of my English. I made albums from most of the characters of my game, even albums titled as family and it would be crossovers from Kingdom Hearts and Final Fantasy. Other people used this method I am not claiming it as my own, but overall this life was competitive I remember another Zack Fair named with the Japanese pronunciation Zakkusu Fea and I was totally jealous of him, he was so popular he had his Aerith and his family, their profile pictures were pretty so that made him pretty in my head, there was also this other Cloud Strife but named Cloud NotaChocobo something among those lines and he was a very cute boy, he always pick the cutest fanart of Cloud, but I never spoke with any of them I was shy and I tried to expand my social circle.
But Aerith disliked Cloud to the point she deleted him from Facebook, I don’t remember the motives but he would be sarcastically rude to her, it wasn’t really just one big event and I was really a coward to not defend my wife, instead I wouldn’t really interact in public with him, it was all on private messages, one day Aerith suggested we should switch accounts for a day and I accepted because I thought it would be fun to play as her. Big mistake.
She saw,
everything.
She posted on my wall saying what she found out, would copy paste fragment of what we told each other, our professions of love, I tried to warn Cloud but I was not on his friend list, soon enough friends started to notice the posts on my profile and got involved, I was rightfully the bad guy in all this, my daughter hated me because here I was breaking the family apart and engaging with the guy she wanted. I immediately apologized to my friend in real life playing as Aerith and she just lol’d telling me it was okay it was just a joke but in my mind it wasn’t. We got a divorce after that and she kept engaging on role playing as a single mom, later on I saw she remarried but then she really wasn’t much online anymore. For myself I grow out a mustache, a friend drew one from one of my profile pictures, it was popular back in 2008, haha, this face was even my signature :{D.
I went back to Cloud, we were apologetic of what had happened and soon enough it was like before, only this time I would tell him that I wanted our relationship to be public but he wasn’t ready yet, so I waited and waited but deep inside I felt hurt because I thought he didn’t love me in real life, he would then tell me his problems from his day, that he was at a friend’s house playing spin the bottle and he had to kiss a guy but didn’t because he was shy about it and I was so jealous about it I thought we broke up in that moment but didn’t say nothing, he would give me a few hints here and there about his personal life, I only know he has his mother and a big brother and were from India, he would send me links to Indian songs and dramas from Bollywood, that made him happy. One time while looking at profiles to add from mutual friends I saw an account named after my character and the profile was a real photo of an Indian guy, I looked through his profile and I got the vibe it was him, but to this day I don’t know since I never told him and the account was soon deleted or maybe he changed the profile picture since there were so many accounts with the same name.
We kept our relationship private until one day he said he was ready to make it public I was very excited about it, our friends congratulated us and I thought this new step would be so much fun but it went downhill from here. I don’t really remember anything from here I think because it were the days that I really struggled with balancing this persona and my own, the friends I made here would vent to me about their real life problems and I would try to help them as much as a 13 year old can, later I fell sick to the stomach turns out I had gastritis from all the stress, I remember leaving the Doctor with my mom telling her “So it’s because of the stress? But I like helping people, they tell me their problems…” and she said something among the lines of how they wouldn’t help me back, it sucked.
Tumblr was a miracle, I got my blog and I got obsessed with it, since I loved many tv shoes back in the day I enjoyed the content that people were posting, the images, the gifsets, the audios, the videos, the memes we got from that like the Mishapocalypse haha. Again I don’t really remember how Cloud and I broke up but I’m pretty sure he broke up with me, I told my friend Roxas about it and we decided to have a public relationship but really we were just friends, in my head I tried to make Cloud jealous but later on I didn't even care he had changed and I disliked this new persona and speaking of people they were not getting online as much anymore, so leaving was easy, I added Roxas to my real account and didn't look back.
I would only get online from time to time since I was afraid my account could get hacked or deleted for inactivity, but when I was logged I could say hi to all my friends and I got some juicy gossip, remember Cloud? He was in distress telling me that he was role playing with a mutual friend of us, a Genesis from Final Fantasy VII Crisis Core, and boy they were role playing smut and Genesis’ mother caught a glimpse or something but she read all that and grounded him from his computer, I was indifferent from it I recall only saying him something like: Too bad. To this day I have the gut feeling that he was cheating on me, not with Genesis but I recall him interacting in a suspicious way with other Zacks, oh yeah he only liked Zack Fair.
Later on I saw that Cloud changed again his behavior, he was like a role play police if he didn’t like how you act he would let you know about it, he made a lot of accounts like a second Cloud Strife, a Genesis Rhapsodos one, one of my character Zack Fair. Until I logged one day and I couldn’t find him on my friend list until I realized he deleted me, with time I never found his account, maybe he deleted them all, I don’t know since roleplaying on Facebook wasn’t as popular.
That is all I have to say, I might have little stories here and there about these time but overall it really messed with my reality of how I view these friendships… relationships… I don’t regret it much, it was a fun escape since I hated my middle school haha but super cringe it let’s be real, I don’t really remember much apart from minor details or fun stuff that happened but shoutout to that other Zack Fair from Italy on his mid 20’s who told me he was in a metal band and learnt German from metal music who got stabbed in a bar I don’t remember why but when I told him I was a girl he wanted to be in a relationship with me and come visit me, I shut that shit down. But hi bro o/
2024.05.17 02:18 Banjo067 On Tilian wanting to collaborate
 | I saw Tilian’s tweet today while listening to Silver Tongues and thought another Brent and Tilian colab would be awesome. Maybe an isles and glaciers 2.0 and you could get Tyler Carter for the third? submitted by Banjo067 to dancegavindance [link] [comments] Who do you think Tilian would mesh with really well? |
2024.05.15 17:27 scriptorpress The Cenacle 124 April 2024 *Just Released*
The Cenacle 124 April 2024 29th Anniversary Issue
https://scriptorpress.com/cenacle/124
[Size = 13.6 MB]
Hello everyone,
Here comes the just-released Cenacle 124 April 2024. Returning to the desired quarterly issue cadence that has been missing for the past couple of years. It was hard doing this issue without the usual many years’ involvement of my dear poet friend, the late Judih Weinstein Haggai, but her poetry features in this issue nonetheless, & will remain so in each issue ever on.
Thus far, 2024 for the human world has been a fairly dark one. The global Pandemic has not ended, though millions risk sickness & death for themselves & others by choosing to join in a kind of mass amnesia about the crisis. Meanwhile, the climate crisis continues to get the same kind of hostile indifference. The genocide in Gaza goes on unabated by any of the many powerful & supposedly democratic nations of the world. And a likely felon has jazzed the US electoral process, its weaknesses & flaws among its many strengths, to be within reach of again taking over &, as he has vowed, taking revenge.
I can’t tell you that this literary journal operates toe to toe on the global scale to oppose these various human catastrophes, but I can say that if we don’t seek Beauty, & Nature, & look beyond the petty fuckeries of the current day, we are much more likely to be lost than if we find a way to do this.
This fine anniversary issue features new poetry by Tamara Miles, Martina Reisz Newberry, Colin James, Sam Knot, Jimmy Heffernan, Judih Weinstein Haggai, & myself.
Also new fiction by Timothy Vilgiate, Algernon Beagle, & myself. And classic fiction from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
And new prose pieces by Nathan D. Horowitz, Charlie Beyer, & myself.
There is also new graphic artwork by AbandonView, Epi Rogan, Louis Staeble, Kassandra Soulard, Sam Knot, Tamara Miles, & Nathan D. Horowitz.
Contents of this new issue include:
From Soulard’s Notebooks [Excerpt]
I find myself leaning back often into 3 questions that I believe most influence human psychology & human culture:
1) Why are we here?
2) Where are we from?
3) What are we supposed to be doing?
* * * * * *
Feedback on Cenacle 123 [Excerpt]
I made it to the first poem by Judih Weinstein Haggai, sank into it, breathed it, needed it, and couldn’t go further into the issue yet. But it’s beautiful. And Kassandra Soulard’s cover photo: wow.
(Tamara Miles)
* * * * * *
From the ElectroLounge Forums:
Selections from Unknot 24, Part 1[Excerpt]
A project that I expect to work on for the rest of my life and never finish is a kind of art project playing with meaning making and the first few layers of knots, so this is all part of that really. I suppose it is a way to give a kind of focus or even kind of “abstract grounding” to some other kind of activity which isn’t necessarily even directly related to or about it.
(Sam Knot)
* * * * * *
Haiku from a Silent Retreat (7/31/2021) [Excerpt]
by Judih Weinstein Haggai
Everybody!
Are you everybody?
I’m not either
* * * * * *
Notes from New England:
Dream Raps, Volume Thirteen [Excerpt]
by Raymond Soulard, Jr.
Now that my friends are gone, the very shy Creatures who sometimes visit my hovel begin to come out, sniffing friendly their hellos. Accept my offer to cluster with me under the blankets, them being cold as ever when outside of the White Woods. White Bunny, Hedgedyhog, Peppermint Bears, Kittees & their Friend Fish. Alvinarah Poesy, & his dear friend Naria Narwhal. Even that cackling little Imp is under there somewhere. They never stay long, but I love them passing through. They’re excited about the Rutabaga Festival & Fleastock in the White Woods, I’m guessing.
* * * * * *
Becoming Archaeology: A Eulogy for Living Moor. (Part Two) [Excerpt]
by Sam Knot
It moves me more than any painting
or poem, seems to encode more meaning,
personal & planetary, than any other art,
this simple offering. This intricate gift.
* * * * * *
Notes Toward Many Musics [Excerpt]
by Raymond Soulard, Jr.
I believe a Narrative should always lead with the best it has, its most potent moment or image or the like. And let this lead set its standard. When I think of the Narrative options for these poems, I come back every time to starting from the start. These poems build on years & years of the work it took to get the six Brother-Heroes reunited rightly, after telling their unique stories as rightly as possible too. I did the best thinking & writing that I could.
* * * * * *
Poetry by Martina Newberry [Excerpt]
Tall on the dirty stage,
from my notebook I conferred
my poems. No time limit,
no faces, noises of shifting
dust and cars out there somewhere,
I read for many minutes,
emoting here and there,
hands rising and falling,
singing through some.
* * * * * *
Rivers of the Mind (A Novel) [Excerpt]
by Timothy Vilgiate
I could not help but fear that he’d attack me as I laid there; I lost count of how many times I got up to check my locks or to peek underneath the bed. I turned over and over, rocking the mattress like an unsteady boat, straining to keep my eyes shut. It was no use. Midnight came, and I was still awake; my hair matted over my irritated face, my blanket clutched in between my hands over my mouth as I tried to stop myself from sobbing. But I couldn’t let it see me cry. I couldn’t let it even see me blink.
* * * * * *
Poetry by Tamara Miles [Excerpt]
A lion’s music—a carnival of sound, beyond the roar of reserve, park, zoo, circus, and
safari, the wild kingdom beyond the definition of safe and unsafe, cruel or kind, in
sub-Saharan Africa, or in India, Gir forest, where the heart beat and drum beat and
incense are heavy.
* * * * * *
The Lagoon of the Air Goblins (Travel Journal) [Excerpt]
by Nathan D. Horowitz
I’m dehydrated from the sun today. I haven’t rehydrated. My hydration’s out of wack. It seems an eternity, maybe two, since I ordered a glass of papaya juice. Inside the café, mysterious café things may be happening, involving blenders and workforce and fruit and power. Time’s ticking by and it sounds like trees falling into a river. I glance at the red and white checkered tablecloth and remember I’ve always hated red and white checkered patterns. Serafín the educator said he would meet me here to tell me about the Secoya cosmovision, and he isn’t showing up.
* * * * * *
Poetry by Colin James [Excerpt]
Episodically craved by adolescents,
Prometheus displays his tats
behind The Dollar Store in Bonita.
The one with the plastic pillars.
* * * * * *
Mad Jack (Prose) [Excerpt]
by Charlie Beyer
We were longhaired teenage criminals. I looked like Jesus and my best buddy had flaming red shoulder-length hair, the devil to rival my divine look. Scott the Red. We were all hair, except Mad Jack (or Bob, as I knew him), who was as shaved as a plastic bag. We all sat in the car outside the 7-11 in the night rain. Blue smoke trickled out of the cracked window. Inside was a haze of marijuana smoke tainted with opium. We were high and crazed.
* * * * * *
Poetry by Jimmy Heffernan [Excerpt]
The moment to which we have access
So Nature can “see” through time
And what is this but awareness?
A tunneling from the immediate future
Back into the present
* * * * * *
Bags End Book #21: What is the Creature Carnival? Part 3 (Fiction) [Excerpt]
by Algernon Beagle
It makes me remember how our teacher Mister Owl in Bags End teached how different places have their different ways of thinking & telling. So if you’re gonna watch a Creature production, whether it’s the Carnival, or a Grand Production, or this time both, you’re gonna be in 4or a good crazy ride.
* * * * * *
The Hound of the Baskervilles (Classic Fiction) [Excerpt]
by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Mr. Sherlock Holmes, who was usually very late in the mornings, save upon those not infrequent occasions when he was up all night, was seated at the breakfast table. I stood upon the hearth-rug and picked up the stick which our visitor had left behind him the night before. It was a fine, thick piece of wood, bulbous-headed, of the sort which is known as a “Penang lawyer.” Just under the head was a broad silver band nearly an inch across. “To James Mortimer, M.R.C.S., from his friends of the C.C.H.,” was engraved upon it, with the date “1884.” It was just such a stick as the oldfashioned family practitioner used to carry—dignified, solid, and reassuring.
* * * * * *
Labyrinthine [A New Fixtion] [Excerpt]
by Raymond Soulard, Jr.
I’m distracted just as this strange fellow appears on stage with some kind of tool in his hand. He is very fancily dressed, some kind of home-made tuxedo? Or one sewn from many scraps? And he starts to recite a poem, I think, in a tongue I don’t know, when something distracts me.
Peace,
Raymond Soulard, Jr.
Scriptor Press New England
scriptorpress.com
[editor@scriptorpress.com](mailto:editor@scriptorpress.com)
submitted by scriptorpress to literaryjournals [link] [comments]
https://scriptorpress.com/cenacle/124
[Size = 13.6 MB]
Hello everyone,
Here comes the just-released Cenacle 124 April 2024. Returning to the desired quarterly issue cadence that has been missing for the past couple of years. It was hard doing this issue without the usual many years’ involvement of my dear poet friend, the late Judih Weinstein Haggai, but her poetry features in this issue nonetheless, & will remain so in each issue ever on.
Thus far, 2024 for the human world has been a fairly dark one. The global Pandemic has not ended, though millions risk sickness & death for themselves & others by choosing to join in a kind of mass amnesia about the crisis. Meanwhile, the climate crisis continues to get the same kind of hostile indifference. The genocide in Gaza goes on unabated by any of the many powerful & supposedly democratic nations of the world. And a likely felon has jazzed the US electoral process, its weaknesses & flaws among its many strengths, to be within reach of again taking over &, as he has vowed, taking revenge.
I can’t tell you that this literary journal operates toe to toe on the global scale to oppose these various human catastrophes, but I can say that if we don’t seek Beauty, & Nature, & look beyond the petty fuckeries of the current day, we are much more likely to be lost than if we find a way to do this.
This fine anniversary issue features new poetry by Tamara Miles, Martina Reisz Newberry, Colin James, Sam Knot, Jimmy Heffernan, Judih Weinstein Haggai, & myself.
Also new fiction by Timothy Vilgiate, Algernon Beagle, & myself. And classic fiction from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
And new prose pieces by Nathan D. Horowitz, Charlie Beyer, & myself.
There is also new graphic artwork by AbandonView, Epi Rogan, Louis Staeble, Kassandra Soulard, Sam Knot, Tamara Miles, & Nathan D. Horowitz.
Contents of this new issue include:
From Soulard’s Notebooks [Excerpt]
I find myself leaning back often into 3 questions that I believe most influence human psychology & human culture:
1) Why are we here?
2) Where are we from?
3) What are we supposed to be doing?
* * * * * *
Feedback on Cenacle 123 [Excerpt]
I made it to the first poem by Judih Weinstein Haggai, sank into it, breathed it, needed it, and couldn’t go further into the issue yet. But it’s beautiful. And Kassandra Soulard’s cover photo: wow.
(Tamara Miles)
* * * * * *
From the ElectroLounge Forums:
Selections from Unknot 24, Part 1[Excerpt]
A project that I expect to work on for the rest of my life and never finish is a kind of art project playing with meaning making and the first few layers of knots, so this is all part of that really. I suppose it is a way to give a kind of focus or even kind of “abstract grounding” to some other kind of activity which isn’t necessarily even directly related to or about it.
(Sam Knot)
* * * * * *
Haiku from a Silent Retreat (7/31/2021) [Excerpt]
by Judih Weinstein Haggai
Everybody!
Are you everybody?
I’m not either
* * * * * *
Notes from New England:
Dream Raps, Volume Thirteen [Excerpt]
by Raymond Soulard, Jr.
Now that my friends are gone, the very shy Creatures who sometimes visit my hovel begin to come out, sniffing friendly their hellos. Accept my offer to cluster with me under the blankets, them being cold as ever when outside of the White Woods. White Bunny, Hedgedyhog, Peppermint Bears, Kittees & their Friend Fish. Alvinarah Poesy, & his dear friend Naria Narwhal. Even that cackling little Imp is under there somewhere. They never stay long, but I love them passing through. They’re excited about the Rutabaga Festival & Fleastock in the White Woods, I’m guessing.
* * * * * *
Becoming Archaeology: A Eulogy for Living Moor. (Part Two) [Excerpt]
by Sam Knot
It moves me more than any painting
or poem, seems to encode more meaning,
personal & planetary, than any other art,
this simple offering. This intricate gift.
* * * * * *
Notes Toward Many Musics [Excerpt]
by Raymond Soulard, Jr.
I believe a Narrative should always lead with the best it has, its most potent moment or image or the like. And let this lead set its standard. When I think of the Narrative options for these poems, I come back every time to starting from the start. These poems build on years & years of the work it took to get the six Brother-Heroes reunited rightly, after telling their unique stories as rightly as possible too. I did the best thinking & writing that I could.
* * * * * *
Poetry by Martina Newberry [Excerpt]
Tall on the dirty stage,
from my notebook I conferred
my poems. No time limit,
no faces, noises of shifting
dust and cars out there somewhere,
I read for many minutes,
emoting here and there,
hands rising and falling,
singing through some.
* * * * * *
Rivers of the Mind (A Novel) [Excerpt]
by Timothy Vilgiate
I could not help but fear that he’d attack me as I laid there; I lost count of how many times I got up to check my locks or to peek underneath the bed. I turned over and over, rocking the mattress like an unsteady boat, straining to keep my eyes shut. It was no use. Midnight came, and I was still awake; my hair matted over my irritated face, my blanket clutched in between my hands over my mouth as I tried to stop myself from sobbing. But I couldn’t let it see me cry. I couldn’t let it even see me blink.
* * * * * *
Poetry by Tamara Miles [Excerpt]
A lion’s music—a carnival of sound, beyond the roar of reserve, park, zoo, circus, and
safari, the wild kingdom beyond the definition of safe and unsafe, cruel or kind, in
sub-Saharan Africa, or in India, Gir forest, where the heart beat and drum beat and
incense are heavy.
* * * * * *
The Lagoon of the Air Goblins (Travel Journal) [Excerpt]
by Nathan D. Horowitz
I’m dehydrated from the sun today. I haven’t rehydrated. My hydration’s out of wack. It seems an eternity, maybe two, since I ordered a glass of papaya juice. Inside the café, mysterious café things may be happening, involving blenders and workforce and fruit and power. Time’s ticking by and it sounds like trees falling into a river. I glance at the red and white checkered tablecloth and remember I’ve always hated red and white checkered patterns. Serafín the educator said he would meet me here to tell me about the Secoya cosmovision, and he isn’t showing up.
* * * * * *
Poetry by Colin James [Excerpt]
Episodically craved by adolescents,
Prometheus displays his tats
behind The Dollar Store in Bonita.
The one with the plastic pillars.
* * * * * *
Mad Jack (Prose) [Excerpt]
by Charlie Beyer
We were longhaired teenage criminals. I looked like Jesus and my best buddy had flaming red shoulder-length hair, the devil to rival my divine look. Scott the Red. We were all hair, except Mad Jack (or Bob, as I knew him), who was as shaved as a plastic bag. We all sat in the car outside the 7-11 in the night rain. Blue smoke trickled out of the cracked window. Inside was a haze of marijuana smoke tainted with opium. We were high and crazed.
* * * * * *
Poetry by Jimmy Heffernan [Excerpt]
The moment to which we have access
So Nature can “see” through time
And what is this but awareness?
A tunneling from the immediate future
Back into the present
* * * * * *
Bags End Book #21: What is the Creature Carnival? Part 3 (Fiction) [Excerpt]
by Algernon Beagle
It makes me remember how our teacher Mister Owl in Bags End teached how different places have their different ways of thinking & telling. So if you’re gonna watch a Creature production, whether it’s the Carnival, or a Grand Production, or this time both, you’re gonna be in 4or a good crazy ride.
* * * * * *
The Hound of the Baskervilles (Classic Fiction) [Excerpt]
by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Mr. Sherlock Holmes, who was usually very late in the mornings, save upon those not infrequent occasions when he was up all night, was seated at the breakfast table. I stood upon the hearth-rug and picked up the stick which our visitor had left behind him the night before. It was a fine, thick piece of wood, bulbous-headed, of the sort which is known as a “Penang lawyer.” Just under the head was a broad silver band nearly an inch across. “To James Mortimer, M.R.C.S., from his friends of the C.C.H.,” was engraved upon it, with the date “1884.” It was just such a stick as the oldfashioned family practitioner used to carry—dignified, solid, and reassuring.
* * * * * *
Labyrinthine [A New Fixtion] [Excerpt]
by Raymond Soulard, Jr.
I’m distracted just as this strange fellow appears on stage with some kind of tool in his hand. He is very fancily dressed, some kind of home-made tuxedo? Or one sewn from many scraps? And he starts to recite a poem, I think, in a tongue I don’t know, when something distracts me.
Peace,
Raymond Soulard, Jr.
Scriptor Press New England
scriptorpress.com
[editor@scriptorpress.com](mailto:editor@scriptorpress.com)
2024.05.15 14:14 Mountain_Tie_971 [REQUEST] [SWITCH] ¡The Haunting Quest for Luigi's Mansion 3! (59.99$) [12th attempt,I'm still alive!!]
Good morning/afternoon or evening to everyone, I would like to formally present my request for the game "Luigi's Mansion 3."
Being a longtime fan of the Luigi's Mansion series, I have fond memories of the first two games and have been eagerly anticipating the third part introducing green mario!
Hey there, I'm Fran, a 16-year-old boy from Chile and a big fan of video games. I've grown up playing on my Nintendo 3DS, Playstation 2, Playstation 3 and Playstation Vita and I'm really passionate about the gaming community.
Recently, I've been thinking about saving up for a VR set to enhance my gaming experience, but I know that it's going to be a long and challenging road. On top of that, I also have to make sure that my cat "Cody" has everything he needs, including his favorite cream of meat from Walmart...so yeah, he's definitely costing me a bit of money too!
However, the game is unfortunately my budget is a little tight, and I'm unable to buy the game myself at the moment. please I would appreciate if someone could help me complete it the saga.
◇If there is someone who can get me the digital code I would be forever grateful regardless of whether they can buy the version with the multiplayer DLC included or not . Here is my friend code for the Nintendo Switch: [SW-3424-7029-7901]
I am grateful for the hospitality of this great group of gift-giving gamers and Thanks for your attention! (•̀ᴗ•́ )
(I'm sorry for my English, that's not my native language but I'm learning)
submitted by Mountain_Tie_971 to GiftofGames [link] [comments]
Being a longtime fan of the Luigi's Mansion series, I have fond memories of the first two games and have been eagerly anticipating the third part introducing green mario!
Hey there, I'm Fran, a 16-year-old boy from Chile and a big fan of video games. I've grown up playing on my Nintendo 3DS, Playstation 2, Playstation 3 and Playstation Vita and I'm really passionate about the gaming community.
Recently, I've been thinking about saving up for a VR set to enhance my gaming experience, but I know that it's going to be a long and challenging road. On top of that, I also have to make sure that my cat "Cody" has everything he needs, including his favorite cream of meat from Walmart...so yeah, he's definitely costing me a bit of money too!
○Why do I want it?:
Luigi's Mansion was one of the many games that I have been able to experience in my nostalgic era, from 1 to 2 where I have tried it on my Nintendo 3DS (R.I.P, I will not forget when I like to draw a lot in Flipnote Studio 3D and took photos of my trips) and from then on it became one of my favorite games, enjoying the experience of Puzzle and fear, I have had it for a long time completed Luigi's Mansion 2, and then i ended up wanting more. I've read and viewed countless reviews and gameplay videos for Luigi's Mansion 3, and I'm convinced that this game is a masterpiece. (I'm not kidding, I'm surprised by the graphics they put in that game, I really didn't know that the Nintendo Switch could handle that)However, the game is unfortunately my budget is a little tight, and I'm unable to buy the game myself at the moment. please I would appreciate if someone could help me complete it the saga.
□What is the game about?:
For anyone unfamiliar with Luigi's Mansion, it's a puzzle-solving horror game featuring Luigi as the protagonist. Luigi, being the clumsy but lovable brother of Mario, is forced to face his fears when his friends go missing in a haunted mansion. Armed with only his trusty Poltergust G-00 ghost-catching vacuum cleaner, Luigi must explore the mansion, solve puzzles, and battle legions of spooky ghosts. The game is beloved for its creepy atmosphere, tongue-in-cheek humor, and engaging gameplay.◇If there is someone who can get me the digital code I would be forever grateful regardless of whether they can buy the version with the multiplayer DLC included or not . Here is my friend code for the Nintendo Switch: [SW-3424-7029-7901]
I am grateful for the hospitality of this great group of gift-giving gamers and Thanks for your attention! (•̀ᴗ•́ )
(I'm sorry for my English, that's not my native language but I'm learning)
2024.05.13 12:04 TheShadowspawn Volume 2: Chapter One Hundred and Fifteen – Alien
Pilot Reeda: “Human Dave, why is there a film series named ‘Alien?’”
Human Dave, Captain, Doctor, Quartermaster, and Pilot Reeda are seated on the comfortable couches in the cargo hold, with the Aflarrians milling around in front of the group, and Hope seated on Captain’s lap.
Doctor has a large bowl of popcorn in her lap, and occasionally tosses a piece towards the Aflarrians, who all patiently wait their turn to leap up and catch the offered snack.
Human Dave turns to face Pilot Reeda, who decided to show up at the last moment before the movie selection process could begin, and ponders her question for a moment.
Human Dave: “Well, that particular film series was made a very long time ago. Back when we thought that life on other worlds was a myth.”
PR: “The title seems offensive.”
HD: “I assure you that it’s not. The creatures in that film series were so different; so completely alien to us that it ended up traumatising every generation of human that ever saw it.”
PR: “That hardly changes things, Human Dave. How can a species be trusted when they name things with such carelessness?”
HD: “Was there no time in the entirety of Watrin history where your people didn’t believe there was anyone else out there in the universe?”
PR: “... that is beside the point.”
Alien Captain: “It would seem as though Pilot Reeda simply wishes to argue with you, Human Dave.”
Quartermaster: “I concur. I believe she is attempting to hide her nervousness at joining us by engaging in a verbal argument with Human Dave. The argument has little to no merit, and I believe that Pilot Reeda also knows this, but refuses to back down.”
PR: “Would the peanut gallery please shut up?”
AC: “What is a ‘peanut gallery?’”
HD: “She means the audience to any event. It’s an old reference to when humans used to attend theatre plays, and the people who sat in the cheap seats basically ate peanuts while the play was going on.”
QM: “What is a peanut?”
Alien Doctor: “Another Terran-based snack, but it would not be safe for Cradelians to eat them, due to the presence of certain chemicals contained within. They would wreak havoc on our digestive systems, and possibly cause death if ingested in excess.”
HD: “Well, the same could be said for anything grown on Terra. Or, anything in general. You eat too much of anything, and it’ll eventually be bad for you.”
AD: “This is true.”
PR: “Doesn’t change the fact that you have put such a title onto one of your forms of media.”
HD: “Does that mean you want to watch it?”
PR: “...”
HD: “Does anyone have any issues with Reeda’s choice? It is a horror genre movie, and it’s not even a technicality like with Jaws. Lots of people die in this one, and quite graphically, if I recall correctly.”
AD: “More graphically than Jaws?”
HD: “Actually, in some ways, yes. Xenomorphs have a very interesting life cycle, and they’re very aggressive, even for a fictional species.”
AD: “Xeno... morph?”
HD: “Yeah. Actually, Doctor, I think you’d really like the movies, from a medical practitioner’s perspective. They reproduce by... actually, I think it’d be better if you watch it yourself. Don’t want to spoil any of it. Plus, I’d like to see your unfiltered and unadulterated reaction to the film itself.”
AD: “You are not filling me with confidence after hearing that, Human Dave.”
HD: “Aw, come on. You liked Jaws, so you should be good with gore.”
QM: “THERE IS GORE?!”
HD: “Well, no more than expected, I think. It’s a bit graphic, but it shouldn’t be too bad.”
PR: “How many humans die in this film?”
HD: “... only you would ask that. A lot of them. There aren’t many in the movie, mind you, but a lot of them die.”
AC: “Why do you insist on showing us the worst imagery of your species, Human Dave?”
HD: “Hey, I didn’t choose this one. If anyone’s to blame, it’s Reeda. And she just wants to see people die.”
PR: “Humans. I wish to see humans die.”
HD: “... imagining them all with my face, are you?”
PR: “Yes.”
HD: “... that’s very hurtful, Reeda’Tila-Lasoran.”
PR: “Fuck you, human!”
HD: “There we go. That passive-aggressive crap you were just using really doesn’t suit you.”
Pilot Reeda glares at the human sitting on the other side of the cargo bay.
PR: “If I want your opinion, human, I’ll fucking well ask for it!”
HD: “... okay, that’s taking the banter a little too far now.”
Human Dave stands up, and makes his way over to Pilot Reeda, who is clearly trying to ignore the approaching human.
HD: “Are you okay? You’re not usually this angry.”
PR: “I’m fine. Just put the damn movie on.”
HD: “... one thing I have learned in my life is that when someone says they’re fine, it actually means they’re not fine. Reeda, talk to me. What’s wrong?”
PR: “Nothing is wrong! I came here because you requested it of me. But I can very easily leave, Human Dave!”
AC: “That is not necessary, Pilot Reeda. Human Dave, please put the movie on. I am intrigued by what you have described, but would appreciate some more information regarding the premise.”
Human Dave eyes Pilot Reeda curiously for a moment, before returning to his seat, and taking a breath.
HD: “Well, it’s about a crew of humans in stasis investigating a distress signal, and having to contend with not only political plots, but an actual living organism in what was previously a cold, dead universe.”
AC: “I do not understand. Surely there would be life in some form or another in this fictional universe? Are we to believe that there is no native flora or fauna on any planet that humans visit?”
HD: “I think it was heavily implied that the planets they visited were barren for some reason or another. To be fair, back when the movies were made, the space program was still in its infancy, and the idea of trying to find a planet that would be suitable for humans was appealing, but we had to face the inevitable reality that finding a Goldilock’s world suitable for us was quite a tall ask.”
QM: “Goldilock’s world? I am unfamiliar with this term.”
HD: “It’s a reference to an old bedtime story that human tell their children. Basically, it refers to the need to find a world that is neither too hot, nor too cold to support human life. A similar life lesson is taught in the bedtime story, which is where we get the name.”
QM: “Curious. We do not have such a custom amongst Cradelians. At least, I am unaware of such customs among Cradelians, as I only have experience with my own family. Captain, is this the same for your own family?”
AC: “I am unaware of such a custom as well, Quartermaster. Doctor?”
AD: “As far as I am aware, it is not a part of Cradelian culture, as Cradelians do not require much sleep, nor have any issues achieving sleep. So, I am in agreement with Captain and Quartermaster. May I ask what the purpose of a bedtime story is, Human Dave?”
HD: “Sure. Humans, especially children, have way too much energy when they’re young. That sort of flags as they get older, but they’re always full of energy when they’re little. A bedtime story is sometimes necessary for them to receive some sort of stimulation while winding down in preparation for sleep.”
Human Dave looks thoughtful for a moment, before continuing his train of thought.
HD: “I think I touched on this a while back, but kids need routines sometimes, and sleep happens to be something different for everyone. Some kids need quiet to sleep, and some kids need something to amuse themselves while winding down. Stories seem to work for a lot of kids, since sometimes, the sounds of their parents’ voices is soothing to them, and gets them ready for sleep. The story itself doesn’t really matter, aside from personal preference; it’s more listening to something monotonous is calming enough to make them sleep.”
AD: “Most strange. Cradelians can simply close their eyes, and rest for the allotted time necessary for recovery.”
HD: “... I think every human would be very envious of you Cradelians if they found out about that. Sleep doesn’t come easy as humans get older. And quality of sleep declines as well. Not to mention dreams and stuff.”
AC: “Dreams? What are dreams?”
Human Dave’s eyes widen dramatically, as he stares at Captain, then turns his head to look at Doctor and Quartermaster, who have similar incomprehensible expressions on their faces.
HD: “... you guys don’t dream?”
AD: “We do not, Human Dave. I am aware of your nightmares where you relive your fears and traumas, but it is not something Cradelians experience.”
AC: “Humans relive frightening experiences when they sleep?”
Captain looks at Human Dave with a mixture of pity and understanding, to which Human Dave stands up and begins pacing.
HD: “Please don’t look at me like that, Captain. The very reason I don’t talk about it is because I don’t want people looking at me like that. But I’m fine. I hardly dream about anything that I’ve gone through, anyway.”
QM: “Human Dave, did you not just say that when people say that they are fine, that they are, in fact, not fine?”
HD: “Oh, nice. Using my own words against me.”
QM: “Is there unresolved trauma for you, Human Dave? I have seen it debilitate most every person I have treated in my previous role as Medic, but I have not had the pleasure of seeing how it affects the human mind, so I am uncertain if your current defensiveness is a result of us attempting to be understanding, but unable to, since we do not understand humans as well as another would, or if it is a reflection on your current mental state.”
HD: “How did this turn around onto me? I’m alright. I’m seeing a therapist for my own issues, so I’d appreciate it if you guys would just drop it.”
AD: “... very well. However, if you do need someone to speak with, the doors to Medbay are open to all.”
Doctor noticeably turns her head to look at Pilot Reeda, who nods imperceptibly before looking away.
HD: “Okay, hopefully, now that we’re done discussing my many, many issues, can we watch the horror movie?”
...
Silence rings throughout the cargo hold as the end credits roll.
Three Cradelians, and one Klofi-Watrin, sit in mute horror at the movie they just watched.
PR: “... I take it back. I take it all back. The title is fitting. Very fitting. I apologise for ever doubting you, Human Dave.”
HD: “I don’t blame you, Reeda. I had the exact same expression on my face the first time I saw it, too.”
AC: “What exactly did you just make us watch, Human Dave?”
HD: “Arguably, one of the best science fiction horror movies ever made by humans.”
AD: “I am both very disturbed and confused, Human Dave. Why is the life cycle of this species so superfluous? Why is there a need to have those things attach themselves to the faces of humans? Other than implantation of the embryo into a host species? Would it not be easier for the fully developed creature to simply implant the embryo on its own?”
HD: “Well,--”
AD: “In addition, why did it take so long for humans to detect the distress/warning signal from the ship on the planet, and why did they not deactivate it when they were on board? Would this not cause an repeat of this exact scenario if another ship were to pick up the signal?”
HD: “That’s actually—”
AD: “And, probably the biggest question I have is, how did the alien creature grow to such a size in only a matter of hours? It did not show the creature consuming any biological matter, and I have concerns as to how such a creature would eat to make up for its lack of food to fuel such a rapid growth in mere hours from the form from which it emerged from the chest of that particular human. Does it eat through the smaller jaw inside its mouth? Or is the purpose of that jaw merely as a weapon?”
HD: “So, it’s—”
AD: “In fact, is the creature itself some form of sentient bioweapon? It does not appear capable of communication, and if it were capable of such, how would it communicate? I observed no evidence of a tongue, nor any higher thought processes other than to kill its prey, but the hunting process itself was flawed. It did not hunt for food, as far as I observed; it killed for the sake of killing.”
HD: “...”
AD: “It would serve no purpose as a bioweapon, as it appears to be completely uncontrollable, and acts solely on instinct. And if more of those... egg things... were dropped onto a planet, it would be overrun by those creatures, and become a nest of sorts for the creatures, which have proven to be immensely difficult to kill. How would anyone take control of a planet covered in these creatures?”
HD: “If you would let me answer, Doctor?
Doctor pauses for a moment, before a faint dusting of blue appears on her face.
AD: “I apologise, Human Dave. It appears that I have allowed myself to become far too invested in the narrative of the movie.”
HD: “That’s alright. In regards to the life cycle, I don’t actually know why it’s like that. I always guessed it was just to keep the embryos safe, in case the fully grown one got hurt or something.”
AC: “What could hurt something like that? It seemed even more an apex predator than humans do.”
HD: “Well, most living organisms are weak to fire, and in the sequels, that gets touched on, but, just as an aside, fire seems to be the best method for most predators. So, if you get cornered, that’s what you should use to get away.”
QM: “Did the creature survive being blasted by the engines?”
HD: “... I mean, maybe? It’s left ambiguous, I think, because not much can survive the vacuum of space, and if it free-falls into the atmosphere of the planet they just left, it’d probably burn up on re-entry.”
AD: “They did not touch upon the large, dead creature that had appeared on the other ship, either.”
HD: “The Space Jockeys weren’t the focus of the film. Actually, until the expanded media, they weren’t even acknowledged as a major part of the narrative; I think they were just there to serve as evidence of an advanced civilisation that had the eggs in stasis, rather than actually giving them an active role in the story.”
AC: “’Space Jockeys?’”
HD: “The term ‘Space Jockeys’ cropped up during production of the film, but where they got it, I’m not sure. They have a species name, but it was a weird one that I don’t quite remember. This movie was actually one of the reasons that humans were sceptical about the Galactic Community in the beginning, because if this was something that we could think up, then how bad could it actually be out here?”
AD: “I can wholeheartedly assure you, Human Dave, that there is nothing like this in the galaxy. If there were, there would be no Galactic Community, since it would not survive against such a lifeform.”
HD: “Thank God for that, at least. What else did you ask again?”
AC: “The distress signal, and whether they are bioweapons, Human Dave.”
HD: “Couldn’t tell you about the distress signal, since I don’t think it was deactivated either, but you sort of hit the nail on the head with the bioweapon theory.”
AD: “... nail on the head?”
QM: “A crude form of building by driving pieces of metal into other materials to bind them together, Doctor.”
AD: “I am aware of what a nail is Quartermaster. I am confused by the turn of phrase Human Dave used.”
HD: “I meant to say that you managed to guess correctly the first time around. The Xenomorphs were released as a bioweapon, but quickly got out of control once they establish a foothold on any planet.”
AD: “Is there any hope of reclaiming the planet once a foothold is established?”
HD: “Short of glassing the planet, no. Once a Xenomorph infestation starts, it’s almost impossible to reclaim the planet without it.”
AC: “I was originally of the impression that such a method would be too much, but after having seen this movie, and imagining a planet of them, I am in agreement.”
PR: “Me too. I don’t think even an army of Stana-Watrin would be able to stand against just one, let alone a planet of them.”
AD: “At least the movie ended on a somewhat happy note. And with the death of the creature. I do not condone violence, but in this case, I believe it was warranted.”
HD: “Well, buckle up, because there are three more movies in the franchise after this one.”
AC: “... what?”
...
News Announcer: “And, in other news, the unexplained communications breakdown in the Taurus Sector has been the focus of many.
There have been many calls for investigation, and a petition for Terran High Command to send a warship to investigate has accumulated several hundred-thousand signatures.
In addition to this, many have expressed a desire to volunteer to be part of the investigative team, stating concerns that their family members are among those no longer communicating.
Terran High Command has released a statement; proclaiming that they are sending their flagship, the TSF Trailblazer, to head the investigation, as the lack of communication has reached the week-long mark.
All ships are advised not to enter the Taurus Sector until investigations have concluded, as per the statement released by Terran High Command.
“We do not wish for civilian interference, as such a thing may interfere with the investigation that has yet to commence. We ask for patience and understanding in this trying time, as we intend not to abandon our distant brethren, and discover exactly why a breakdown in communications has occurred,” a spokesperson for Terran High Command stated earlier today.
The TSF Trailblazer, humanity’s flagship, helmed by one Commander Nathaniel Beckett, a decorated war hero, and Designated Voice for Humanity, will be sent within the next few days to perform the investigation, alongside members of the UECA, that will assist in the investigation.
(What the Hell is the UECA?)
More on this story as it unfolds.”
First
Previous
submitted by TheShadowspawn to u/TheShadowspawn [link] [comments]
Human Dave, Captain, Doctor, Quartermaster, and Pilot Reeda are seated on the comfortable couches in the cargo hold, with the Aflarrians milling around in front of the group, and Hope seated on Captain’s lap.
Doctor has a large bowl of popcorn in her lap, and occasionally tosses a piece towards the Aflarrians, who all patiently wait their turn to leap up and catch the offered snack.
Human Dave turns to face Pilot Reeda, who decided to show up at the last moment before the movie selection process could begin, and ponders her question for a moment.
Human Dave: “Well, that particular film series was made a very long time ago. Back when we thought that life on other worlds was a myth.”
PR: “The title seems offensive.”
HD: “I assure you that it’s not. The creatures in that film series were so different; so completely alien to us that it ended up traumatising every generation of human that ever saw it.”
PR: “That hardly changes things, Human Dave. How can a species be trusted when they name things with such carelessness?”
HD: “Was there no time in the entirety of Watrin history where your people didn’t believe there was anyone else out there in the universe?”
PR: “... that is beside the point.”
Alien Captain: “It would seem as though Pilot Reeda simply wishes to argue with you, Human Dave.”
Quartermaster: “I concur. I believe she is attempting to hide her nervousness at joining us by engaging in a verbal argument with Human Dave. The argument has little to no merit, and I believe that Pilot Reeda also knows this, but refuses to back down.”
PR: “Would the peanut gallery please shut up?”
AC: “What is a ‘peanut gallery?’”
HD: “She means the audience to any event. It’s an old reference to when humans used to attend theatre plays, and the people who sat in the cheap seats basically ate peanuts while the play was going on.”
QM: “What is a peanut?”
Alien Doctor: “Another Terran-based snack, but it would not be safe for Cradelians to eat them, due to the presence of certain chemicals contained within. They would wreak havoc on our digestive systems, and possibly cause death if ingested in excess.”
HD: “Well, the same could be said for anything grown on Terra. Or, anything in general. You eat too much of anything, and it’ll eventually be bad for you.”
AD: “This is true.”
PR: “Doesn’t change the fact that you have put such a title onto one of your forms of media.”
HD: “Does that mean you want to watch it?”
PR: “...”
HD: “Does anyone have any issues with Reeda’s choice? It is a horror genre movie, and it’s not even a technicality like with Jaws. Lots of people die in this one, and quite graphically, if I recall correctly.”
AD: “More graphically than Jaws?”
HD: “Actually, in some ways, yes. Xenomorphs have a very interesting life cycle, and they’re very aggressive, even for a fictional species.”
AD: “Xeno... morph?”
HD: “Yeah. Actually, Doctor, I think you’d really like the movies, from a medical practitioner’s perspective. They reproduce by... actually, I think it’d be better if you watch it yourself. Don’t want to spoil any of it. Plus, I’d like to see your unfiltered and unadulterated reaction to the film itself.”
AD: “You are not filling me with confidence after hearing that, Human Dave.”
HD: “Aw, come on. You liked Jaws, so you should be good with gore.”
QM: “THERE IS GORE?!”
HD: “Well, no more than expected, I think. It’s a bit graphic, but it shouldn’t be too bad.”
PR: “How many humans die in this film?”
HD: “... only you would ask that. A lot of them. There aren’t many in the movie, mind you, but a lot of them die.”
AC: “Why do you insist on showing us the worst imagery of your species, Human Dave?”
HD: “Hey, I didn’t choose this one. If anyone’s to blame, it’s Reeda. And she just wants to see people die.”
PR: “Humans. I wish to see humans die.”
HD: “... imagining them all with my face, are you?”
PR: “Yes.”
HD: “... that’s very hurtful, Reeda’Tila-Lasoran.”
PR: “Fuck you, human!”
HD: “There we go. That passive-aggressive crap you were just using really doesn’t suit you.”
Pilot Reeda glares at the human sitting on the other side of the cargo bay.
PR: “If I want your opinion, human, I’ll fucking well ask for it!”
HD: “... okay, that’s taking the banter a little too far now.”
Human Dave stands up, and makes his way over to Pilot Reeda, who is clearly trying to ignore the approaching human.
HD: “Are you okay? You’re not usually this angry.”
PR: “I’m fine. Just put the damn movie on.”
HD: “... one thing I have learned in my life is that when someone says they’re fine, it actually means they’re not fine. Reeda, talk to me. What’s wrong?”
PR: “Nothing is wrong! I came here because you requested it of me. But I can very easily leave, Human Dave!”
AC: “That is not necessary, Pilot Reeda. Human Dave, please put the movie on. I am intrigued by what you have described, but would appreciate some more information regarding the premise.”
Human Dave eyes Pilot Reeda curiously for a moment, before returning to his seat, and taking a breath.
HD: “Well, it’s about a crew of humans in stasis investigating a distress signal, and having to contend with not only political plots, but an actual living organism in what was previously a cold, dead universe.”
AC: “I do not understand. Surely there would be life in some form or another in this fictional universe? Are we to believe that there is no native flora or fauna on any planet that humans visit?”
HD: “I think it was heavily implied that the planets they visited were barren for some reason or another. To be fair, back when the movies were made, the space program was still in its infancy, and the idea of trying to find a planet that would be suitable for humans was appealing, but we had to face the inevitable reality that finding a Goldilock’s world suitable for us was quite a tall ask.”
QM: “Goldilock’s world? I am unfamiliar with this term.”
HD: “It’s a reference to an old bedtime story that human tell their children. Basically, it refers to the need to find a world that is neither too hot, nor too cold to support human life. A similar life lesson is taught in the bedtime story, which is where we get the name.”
QM: “Curious. We do not have such a custom amongst Cradelians. At least, I am unaware of such customs among Cradelians, as I only have experience with my own family. Captain, is this the same for your own family?”
AC: “I am unaware of such a custom as well, Quartermaster. Doctor?”
AD: “As far as I am aware, it is not a part of Cradelian culture, as Cradelians do not require much sleep, nor have any issues achieving sleep. So, I am in agreement with Captain and Quartermaster. May I ask what the purpose of a bedtime story is, Human Dave?”
HD: “Sure. Humans, especially children, have way too much energy when they’re young. That sort of flags as they get older, but they’re always full of energy when they’re little. A bedtime story is sometimes necessary for them to receive some sort of stimulation while winding down in preparation for sleep.”
Human Dave looks thoughtful for a moment, before continuing his train of thought.
HD: “I think I touched on this a while back, but kids need routines sometimes, and sleep happens to be something different for everyone. Some kids need quiet to sleep, and some kids need something to amuse themselves while winding down. Stories seem to work for a lot of kids, since sometimes, the sounds of their parents’ voices is soothing to them, and gets them ready for sleep. The story itself doesn’t really matter, aside from personal preference; it’s more listening to something monotonous is calming enough to make them sleep.”
AD: “Most strange. Cradelians can simply close their eyes, and rest for the allotted time necessary for recovery.”
HD: “... I think every human would be very envious of you Cradelians if they found out about that. Sleep doesn’t come easy as humans get older. And quality of sleep declines as well. Not to mention dreams and stuff.”
AC: “Dreams? What are dreams?”
Human Dave’s eyes widen dramatically, as he stares at Captain, then turns his head to look at Doctor and Quartermaster, who have similar incomprehensible expressions on their faces.
HD: “... you guys don’t dream?”
AD: “We do not, Human Dave. I am aware of your nightmares where you relive your fears and traumas, but it is not something Cradelians experience.”
AC: “Humans relive frightening experiences when they sleep?”
Captain looks at Human Dave with a mixture of pity and understanding, to which Human Dave stands up and begins pacing.
HD: “Please don’t look at me like that, Captain. The very reason I don’t talk about it is because I don’t want people looking at me like that. But I’m fine. I hardly dream about anything that I’ve gone through, anyway.”
QM: “Human Dave, did you not just say that when people say that they are fine, that they are, in fact, not fine?”
HD: “Oh, nice. Using my own words against me.”
QM: “Is there unresolved trauma for you, Human Dave? I have seen it debilitate most every person I have treated in my previous role as Medic, but I have not had the pleasure of seeing how it affects the human mind, so I am uncertain if your current defensiveness is a result of us attempting to be understanding, but unable to, since we do not understand humans as well as another would, or if it is a reflection on your current mental state.”
HD: “How did this turn around onto me? I’m alright. I’m seeing a therapist for my own issues, so I’d appreciate it if you guys would just drop it.”
AD: “... very well. However, if you do need someone to speak with, the doors to Medbay are open to all.”
Doctor noticeably turns her head to look at Pilot Reeda, who nods imperceptibly before looking away.
HD: “Okay, hopefully, now that we’re done discussing my many, many issues, can we watch the horror movie?”
...
Silence rings throughout the cargo hold as the end credits roll.
Three Cradelians, and one Klofi-Watrin, sit in mute horror at the movie they just watched.
PR: “... I take it back. I take it all back. The title is fitting. Very fitting. I apologise for ever doubting you, Human Dave.”
HD: “I don’t blame you, Reeda. I had the exact same expression on my face the first time I saw it, too.”
AC: “What exactly did you just make us watch, Human Dave?”
HD: “Arguably, one of the best science fiction horror movies ever made by humans.”
AD: “I am both very disturbed and confused, Human Dave. Why is the life cycle of this species so superfluous? Why is there a need to have those things attach themselves to the faces of humans? Other than implantation of the embryo into a host species? Would it not be easier for the fully developed creature to simply implant the embryo on its own?”
HD: “Well,--”
AD: “In addition, why did it take so long for humans to detect the distress/warning signal from the ship on the planet, and why did they not deactivate it when they were on board? Would this not cause an repeat of this exact scenario if another ship were to pick up the signal?”
HD: “That’s actually—”
AD: “And, probably the biggest question I have is, how did the alien creature grow to such a size in only a matter of hours? It did not show the creature consuming any biological matter, and I have concerns as to how such a creature would eat to make up for its lack of food to fuel such a rapid growth in mere hours from the form from which it emerged from the chest of that particular human. Does it eat through the smaller jaw inside its mouth? Or is the purpose of that jaw merely as a weapon?”
HD: “So, it’s—”
AD: “In fact, is the creature itself some form of sentient bioweapon? It does not appear capable of communication, and if it were capable of such, how would it communicate? I observed no evidence of a tongue, nor any higher thought processes other than to kill its prey, but the hunting process itself was flawed. It did not hunt for food, as far as I observed; it killed for the sake of killing.”
HD: “...”
AD: “It would serve no purpose as a bioweapon, as it appears to be completely uncontrollable, and acts solely on instinct. And if more of those... egg things... were dropped onto a planet, it would be overrun by those creatures, and become a nest of sorts for the creatures, which have proven to be immensely difficult to kill. How would anyone take control of a planet covered in these creatures?”
HD: “If you would let me answer, Doctor?
Doctor pauses for a moment, before a faint dusting of blue appears on her face.
AD: “I apologise, Human Dave. It appears that I have allowed myself to become far too invested in the narrative of the movie.”
HD: “That’s alright. In regards to the life cycle, I don’t actually know why it’s like that. I always guessed it was just to keep the embryos safe, in case the fully grown one got hurt or something.”
AC: “What could hurt something like that? It seemed even more an apex predator than humans do.”
HD: “Well, most living organisms are weak to fire, and in the sequels, that gets touched on, but, just as an aside, fire seems to be the best method for most predators. So, if you get cornered, that’s what you should use to get away.”
QM: “Did the creature survive being blasted by the engines?”
HD: “... I mean, maybe? It’s left ambiguous, I think, because not much can survive the vacuum of space, and if it free-falls into the atmosphere of the planet they just left, it’d probably burn up on re-entry.”
AD: “They did not touch upon the large, dead creature that had appeared on the other ship, either.”
HD: “The Space Jockeys weren’t the focus of the film. Actually, until the expanded media, they weren’t even acknowledged as a major part of the narrative; I think they were just there to serve as evidence of an advanced civilisation that had the eggs in stasis, rather than actually giving them an active role in the story.”
AC: “’Space Jockeys?’”
HD: “The term ‘Space Jockeys’ cropped up during production of the film, but where they got it, I’m not sure. They have a species name, but it was a weird one that I don’t quite remember. This movie was actually one of the reasons that humans were sceptical about the Galactic Community in the beginning, because if this was something that we could think up, then how bad could it actually be out here?”
AD: “I can wholeheartedly assure you, Human Dave, that there is nothing like this in the galaxy. If there were, there would be no Galactic Community, since it would not survive against such a lifeform.”
HD: “Thank God for that, at least. What else did you ask again?”
AC: “The distress signal, and whether they are bioweapons, Human Dave.”
HD: “Couldn’t tell you about the distress signal, since I don’t think it was deactivated either, but you sort of hit the nail on the head with the bioweapon theory.”
AD: “... nail on the head?”
QM: “A crude form of building by driving pieces of metal into other materials to bind them together, Doctor.”
AD: “I am aware of what a nail is Quartermaster. I am confused by the turn of phrase Human Dave used.”
HD: “I meant to say that you managed to guess correctly the first time around. The Xenomorphs were released as a bioweapon, but quickly got out of control once they establish a foothold on any planet.”
AD: “Is there any hope of reclaiming the planet once a foothold is established?”
HD: “Short of glassing the planet, no. Once a Xenomorph infestation starts, it’s almost impossible to reclaim the planet without it.”
AC: “I was originally of the impression that such a method would be too much, but after having seen this movie, and imagining a planet of them, I am in agreement.”
PR: “Me too. I don’t think even an army of Stana-Watrin would be able to stand against just one, let alone a planet of them.”
AD: “At least the movie ended on a somewhat happy note. And with the death of the creature. I do not condone violence, but in this case, I believe it was warranted.”
HD: “Well, buckle up, because there are three more movies in the franchise after this one.”
AC: “... what?”
...
News Announcer: “And, in other news, the unexplained communications breakdown in the Taurus Sector has been the focus of many.
There have been many calls for investigation, and a petition for Terran High Command to send a warship to investigate has accumulated several hundred-thousand signatures.
In addition to this, many have expressed a desire to volunteer to be part of the investigative team, stating concerns that their family members are among those no longer communicating.
Terran High Command has released a statement; proclaiming that they are sending their flagship, the TSF Trailblazer, to head the investigation, as the lack of communication has reached the week-long mark.
All ships are advised not to enter the Taurus Sector until investigations have concluded, as per the statement released by Terran High Command.
“We do not wish for civilian interference, as such a thing may interfere with the investigation that has yet to commence. We ask for patience and understanding in this trying time, as we intend not to abandon our distant brethren, and discover exactly why a breakdown in communications has occurred,” a spokesperson for Terran High Command stated earlier today.
The TSF Trailblazer, humanity’s flagship, helmed by one Commander Nathaniel Beckett, a decorated war hero, and Designated Voice for Humanity, will be sent within the next few days to perform the investigation, alongside members of the UECA, that will assist in the investigation.
More on this story as it unfolds.”
First
Previous
2024.05.13 03:33 fishinglineandsinker My 11 year old niece watches Hazbin
Jesus fucking Christ.
Tl;Dr my sister let's her 11 year old watch Hazbin and I have no idea how I'm suppose to interact with her kid about it like that's normal.
So, story time. I go to my mother's house for mother's day. I see one of my nieces drawing and I go to ask her about it. I airways go out of my way to try and engage with all the kids so this wasn't out of the usual for me to ask.
I see she's drawing something that looks like Pentious and I ask her what it is. She says "It'd Sir Pentious from this show called Hazbin Hotel."
Yall my jaw hit the floor. I asked her where she saw it, fully expecting that I would be ratting her out to her mother later, but nope, her mom knows she watches it! Her mother knows and let's her 11 YEAR OLD watch this show.
I ask her mother if she's seen it. She says no. I tell her there is graphic sex and she's like, oh yeah, that's fine. I don't care.
Yall?!??!?!?
I'm not a pearl clutcher. I watched South Park as a young teen. But 11, HAZBIN!!
I feel like a crazy person. This is my sister. I know she's not stupid, but I guess the allure of the ipad babysitter is too strong.
More happened but that's the basic version. I am blown away.
My niece was excited when she found out I watched it too and wanted to talk to me about it but I keep making excuses and walking away. I can tell it's bumming her out. We always talk about what shows she's into and what books she's been reading. This is first time in her life that I avoided her and I don't want her to feel unimportant but I have no idea how to handle a conversation with her without outright lying. It's objectively not okay that her mother is doing this. I won't support it, but I don't want to freak my niece out and make her think she's doing something wrong. Its not her fault her mother is a fucking idiot.
What the actual fuck. Sorry. I know this is long and I don't really have a point. I'm just flabbergasted. What the hell is wrong with people.
Idk if I'm a hypocrite because I watched shit I wasn't supposed to as a kid, but not 11 and not shut like this. I thought I was edgy for watching family guy at 13. This is too much.
UPDATE:
Okay, yall, idk if anyone wants an update, but here it is.
Someone in the comments sections suggested I try and bring this up with her in front of other adults. Another commenter suggested asking her why she liked Pentious. Thank you to both of these people! It worked like a charm.
We were preparing breakfast, and my niece was sitting with us in the kitchen. She had her sketchbook, so I asked to see what she'd drawn. She was very excited to show me.
I asked her why she liked him in particular, and she said she liked his ship and his outfit. (Steampunk, got it. I can push her towards something like this, but more age appropriate. Thank fuck.)
My sister was there along with our mother and two of my sisters in law. The next part when something like this
Me: Is he trying to get redeemed?
Niece: Yeah. He wants to go to Heaven but he's evil so he can't.
Me: Why is he evil?
Niece: He wants to be an Overlord but he's not good at it so he tries to go to Heaven instead.
At this point my mother was listening. She doesn't know what the show is and for like 5 minutes she got excited because she thought there was some popular animated show about Cheistian reception. Lmfao. Y'all I had to bite my tongue.
Me: Does he have friends at the hotel?
Niece: proceeds to describe the cast
Me: And what do they do together?
She then proceeded to describe the episode with the club scene. To whoever suggested this. Thank you. It worked like a charm. She started laughing when she described him getting pulled into a sex room and buying everyone alcohol. The word rizz was used.
My mother's jaw was on the floor. My in laws were glaring at my sister and she was bright red. It was glorious.
I had a moment of inspiration and asked her if she wanted to go with me to the bookstore after food to get more art supplies. I wanted to get her out of the house so her mother couldn't try to turn it around on her. She asked her mom if it was okay if she went. My mother answered for her and said yes. Lolololol. My mother never pulls rank like that.
It was like we were all kids again and my sister was about to get chewed out. Oh good times.
Anyway. After breakfast I took her and a couple of her cousins to the bookstore. I spent about 200 dollars buying them all shit so they wouldn't complain that she got something new and they didn't. But it was worth it to get them out of the house and distracted.
I bought a copy of Castle In The Sky (classic steam punk movie) and told her that if she liked Pentious's ship she'd love this. She was excited and I think the gifts and me saying sorry for not talking to her yesterday fixed things between us. She loves Miyazaki so I'm hoping this will become her new obsession. Fingers crossed.
Idk what the adults talked about while we were gone but my sister is super pissed at me and said that I didn't need to do that but she "gets it". My mother assured me that she got a thorough reaming and Hazbin will no longer be allowed in her house.
We don't all live together so idk if that will last but my sister seems embarrassed enough that hopefully it will stop. I'm just glad that I'm here with her and her daughter for the next few days so she won't take it out on her. It's not my nieces fault her mother is stupid.
All in all I'm hopeful that this is the end of it. My niece has spent the last hour or so drawing anime figures with her cousins. They're actually playing together instead of her being off by herself so I really think that she might move on. Fingers crossed.
Thank you everyone for your suggestions and encouragement.
submitted by fishinglineandsinker to hazbin [link] [comments]
Tl;Dr my sister let's her 11 year old watch Hazbin and I have no idea how I'm suppose to interact with her kid about it like that's normal.
So, story time. I go to my mother's house for mother's day. I see one of my nieces drawing and I go to ask her about it. I airways go out of my way to try and engage with all the kids so this wasn't out of the usual for me to ask.
I see she's drawing something that looks like Pentious and I ask her what it is. She says "It'd Sir Pentious from this show called Hazbin Hotel."
Yall my jaw hit the floor. I asked her where she saw it, fully expecting that I would be ratting her out to her mother later, but nope, her mom knows she watches it! Her mother knows and let's her 11 YEAR OLD watch this show.
I ask her mother if she's seen it. She says no. I tell her there is graphic sex and she's like, oh yeah, that's fine. I don't care.
Yall?!??!?!?
I'm not a pearl clutcher. I watched South Park as a young teen. But 11, HAZBIN!!
I feel like a crazy person. This is my sister. I know she's not stupid, but I guess the allure of the ipad babysitter is too strong.
More happened but that's the basic version. I am blown away.
My niece was excited when she found out I watched it too and wanted to talk to me about it but I keep making excuses and walking away. I can tell it's bumming her out. We always talk about what shows she's into and what books she's been reading. This is first time in her life that I avoided her and I don't want her to feel unimportant but I have no idea how to handle a conversation with her without outright lying. It's objectively not okay that her mother is doing this. I won't support it, but I don't want to freak my niece out and make her think she's doing something wrong. Its not her fault her mother is a fucking idiot.
What the actual fuck. Sorry. I know this is long and I don't really have a point. I'm just flabbergasted. What the hell is wrong with people.
Idk if I'm a hypocrite because I watched shit I wasn't supposed to as a kid, but not 11 and not shut like this. I thought I was edgy for watching family guy at 13. This is too much.
UPDATE:
Okay, yall, idk if anyone wants an update, but here it is.
Someone in the comments sections suggested I try and bring this up with her in front of other adults. Another commenter suggested asking her why she liked Pentious. Thank you to both of these people! It worked like a charm.
We were preparing breakfast, and my niece was sitting with us in the kitchen. She had her sketchbook, so I asked to see what she'd drawn. She was very excited to show me.
I asked her why she liked him in particular, and she said she liked his ship and his outfit. (Steampunk, got it. I can push her towards something like this, but more age appropriate. Thank fuck.)
My sister was there along with our mother and two of my sisters in law. The next part when something like this
Me: Is he trying to get redeemed?
Niece: Yeah. He wants to go to Heaven but he's evil so he can't.
Me: Why is he evil?
Niece: He wants to be an Overlord but he's not good at it so he tries to go to Heaven instead.
At this point my mother was listening. She doesn't know what the show is and for like 5 minutes she got excited because she thought there was some popular animated show about Cheistian reception. Lmfao. Y'all I had to bite my tongue.
Me: Does he have friends at the hotel?
Niece: proceeds to describe the cast
Me: And what do they do together?
She then proceeded to describe the episode with the club scene. To whoever suggested this. Thank you. It worked like a charm. She started laughing when she described him getting pulled into a sex room and buying everyone alcohol. The word rizz was used.
My mother's jaw was on the floor. My in laws were glaring at my sister and she was bright red. It was glorious.
I had a moment of inspiration and asked her if she wanted to go with me to the bookstore after food to get more art supplies. I wanted to get her out of the house so her mother couldn't try to turn it around on her. She asked her mom if it was okay if she went. My mother answered for her and said yes. Lolololol. My mother never pulls rank like that.
It was like we were all kids again and my sister was about to get chewed out. Oh good times.
Anyway. After breakfast I took her and a couple of her cousins to the bookstore. I spent about 200 dollars buying them all shit so they wouldn't complain that she got something new and they didn't. But it was worth it to get them out of the house and distracted.
I bought a copy of Castle In The Sky (classic steam punk movie) and told her that if she liked Pentious's ship she'd love this. She was excited and I think the gifts and me saying sorry for not talking to her yesterday fixed things between us. She loves Miyazaki so I'm hoping this will become her new obsession. Fingers crossed.
Idk what the adults talked about while we were gone but my sister is super pissed at me and said that I didn't need to do that but she "gets it". My mother assured me that she got a thorough reaming and Hazbin will no longer be allowed in her house.
We don't all live together so idk if that will last but my sister seems embarrassed enough that hopefully it will stop. I'm just glad that I'm here with her and her daughter for the next few days so she won't take it out on her. It's not my nieces fault her mother is stupid.
All in all I'm hopeful that this is the end of it. My niece has spent the last hour or so drawing anime figures with her cousins. They're actually playing together instead of her being off by herself so I really think that she might move on. Fingers crossed.
Thank you everyone for your suggestions and encouragement.
2024.05.11 18:36 Drakos8706 Powerless (part 67)
Lor’Vah had been sitting with Kah’Sin for a few minutes when the door-chime rang. They had just gotten back from lunch with ‘Ri, and were sitting together as they watched Teh’Lana playing a game on a datapad, while they listened to some [music](https://www.youtube.com/live/oN-IAwhSxGY?si=i_GByP5G5rOS1AJ5) from Earth that was quite soothing. It had been a few days of travel so far, as the human government didn’t want to make public knowledge of their teleportation technology just yet. And while she *did* wish to be able to walk on solid land again - the time on ‘Sanctuary’, as Kyle called it, not being quite enough time - she was happier being able to spend time with *both* of her daughters. ‘Ri had had to get back to work, so they didn’t know who this was, though only a couple people came to mind as to who could be visiting them.
Kah’Sin called out for the computer to open the comms, and they were confirmed in their first guess: it was Kyle, asking to speak with them. Considering that he’d waited *specifically* until he was sure that ‘Ri wouldn’t be there, they shared a knowing glance before Kah’Sin bid him enter. As soon as the door opened, Teh’Lana looked over, and smiled.
“Kyle!” She exclaimed excitedly; she had really taken a shine to him in the past few days, and she was pleased to see him treating her the way she might expect any big brother to.
“Hey, ‘Lana; what’cha doin?” he asked good-naturedly.
“I’m playin, *game*!”
“*Cool*,” he proclaimed, “Are you winnin’?”
“Uh’huh!” She was all smiles.
“*Alright*,” he encouraged her, “Well, I gotta talk to your Mama and Papa, okay?”
“Okay,” she replied happily; Kyle smiled, and reached down to lovingly stroke her hair as he passed, sitting down in the chair opposite them on the couch where they sat.
“Can I get you anything to drink?” she asked politely, to which Kyle shook his head.
“No, thank you,” he replied, “I’m good…” He trailed off for a moment, looking almost lost; they stayed quiet, allowing him to collect his thoughts.
“*Well*,” he began again, “As I’m sure you’ve noticed, ‘Ri and I have become pretty close…”
“We *have*,” Kah’Sin replied evenly, with a hint of humor to his voice, “And are we to presume that you’ve come to ask for our permission to ask our daughter to marry you?”
Kyle looked up with a bit more sharpness to his demeanor than what he’d shown so far.
“*No*,” he replied with slightly more force, before continuing, “I mean… Not that I don’t value your opinion, but when it comes to our relationship, I don’t believe it’s up to you to decide if she had the chance to choose for herself. Which isn’t to say that I honestly believe that she’d choose me over *y’all*, but I’m also not here for you to tell me whether I can or can’t ask her in the first place… *However*,” he continued, “What I *am* here to ask for is y’all’s *blessing*, which would mean the *wor*-,” he stopped himself with a thoughtful expression on his face, then continued, “... more than *all the worlds I currently own* to me.”
She looked at her husband, who looked at her steadily, almost emotionlessly; then he turned back to Kyle.
“*Good*,” he replied with a smile, watching Kyle deflate in relief and confusion, “Because my blessing *is* - in fact - something that I *can* give. I’ve never been too partial to those old customs: it’s not my place to give my daughter permission to be married, the same as it wasn’t *her* father’s right to tell me I couldn’t marry *his* daughter.” At this, Kah’Sin gave her a light squeeze, causing her to slap him playfully on the shoulder; her father hadn’t approved of their union, but she hadn’t cared about that, and had run away with Kah’Sin to elope.
“So long as you can make my daughter happy,” he continued, “Then I can get behind your union… *Now*,” he clapped his hands together, rubbing them excitedly, “I’m guessing that if you’ve come *this* far, that you’ve already gotten the tiara?”
Smiling almost conspiratorially, Kyle held his hands together, palms up - as they had seen *numerous* times by this point - and a small, flat, black box appeared in his hands. Balancing it on one hand, he used the other to open the lid, and she was so transfixed by what she saw, she actually forgot to breathe for a few wing-beats.
“Good *goddess*, man,” Kah’Sin managed to choke out, “Did you cut open the *void* to make this?”
He was right to exclaim as such, seeing as that’s literally what she appeared to be looking at: a tiara - *circlet*, really, but whether it connected all the way around or not, when it came to ‘engagement pieces’, for the women it was always referred to as ‘tiara’, for the men it was ‘circlet’ - that was made from the inky blackness of the void, complete with tiny stars twinkling in and out of existence, depending on the angle it was viewed from.
“*Yeah*,” Kyle replied in a good-natured, joking manner, “But lemme tell you: coaxing that big star so close to the surface was a *real* chore.”
“I can *imagine*,” Kah’Sin replied, to which they all had a small laugh; Kyle continued,
“It’s actually made from the skull plate of the first Texas dragon I killed; with the help of my team, of course,” they had seen the video, and simply nodded, “The black hole diamonds I got as a reward for returning the pendant,” they nodded once more, “And then I used the kath’loo’s Gift to turn it so black that it absorbs 100% of the light that hits it; I turned the bone behind the diamond dust - and the larger one in the center - silver to reflect the light, because they were barely visible with how much light was being absorbed by the background. Refraction can only go so far, it seems… So: what d’you think?”
She had noticed that his natural accent of ‘informal’ words tended to heighten when he was nervous, and for the life of her, she couldn’t figure out what he could be nervous about: with something like *this*, even the most homophobic of individuals would accept his marriage proposal with no hesitation. Forget the fact that this could *easily* buy an occupied planet, the sheer *beauty* alone would be enough to entrance any being who laid eyes on it; she had the vague notion that this is what the other races - except the insectoids, and the humans, it appeared - felt when looking at a drahk’mihn.
It was Kah’Sin who drove that point home,
“I think that if she doesn’t marry you, that *we* would be *happy* to.”
She laughed lightly, playfully pushing his shoulder; polygamy wasn’t uncommon in drahk’mihn culture, but neither of them had ever expressed an interest in it before. He smiled at her, then looked back at Kyle.
“I think you’ve outdone the greatest artists of *any* species, Kyle, and I think she’ll love it.”
“I second that,” she added in; at that moment, Teh’Lana came around the side of Kyle’s chair.
“*Oooohhhh*,” she said in an awestruck voice, looking at the tiara, “*Pretty!*”
“I know,” Kyle replied, smiling, “It’s for your sister, but it’s a surprise, so we gotta keep it a secret. *Shh*.” He put his finger to his lips as he made the ‘shushing’ noise, a motion that Teh’Lana copied, laughing a little afterwards.
Kyle showed them how the sides unclasped in order to be able to wrap around her horns, and informed them that he planned on asking her when they had reached the station. After sitting and talking for a while, he took his leave - not before Teh’Lana insisted on giving him a hug, of course - and they were left alone to discuss this new development in their lives.
Just as Kyle was about to push the button to announce his presence, a voice came out over the speaker,
“Come in, Kyle.”
He was only surprised for about a second, before smiling, realizing that he shouldn’t be; he stuck out his tongue at the camera over the door controls, then motioned for the door to open.
“You can use him to tell you when someone’s at the door,” he said to the Captain as said door closed behind him, “But you won’t have him *open* it for me?”
“Well,” she replied as she sat in her chair behind her desk, looking up from a monitor in front of her, “He’s not a *servant*; he told me you were there, I didn’t *ask* him to.”
Golden usually kept his drahk’mihn body in a series of internal passageways, so that he could transport it wherever he needed to at a moment’s notice; these he had installed himself just recently, tapping into the nanoforges on the ship to reconfigure his internals. His body currently wasn’t in the room, but in the body or not, he still had access to the ship’s security systems; along with every *other* system, as well, of course.
“So,” the Captain began, turning the monitor off, “To what do I owe the pleasure?”
“*Well*,” he began, taking the seat across from her, “So, I’ve been *thinking*, and - *all by myself*, with *no* outside influence - I’ve decided that on planets with a pre-rating of ‘8’ or higher, then I should bring extra security personnel with me. I’m sure only *one* person would be needed…”
She smiled knowingly.
“Come up with this idea all on your own, huh?” she asked, a sly note in her voice.
“*Oh yeah*,” he replied, smiling, “All by myself; no other help required…”
Her smile widened, and she leaned back, lacing her fingers together.
“Well,” she replied easily, “*You’re* the boss; got any candidates in mind?”
His own smile widened as he said,
“*Well*, I was thinking of talking about it with ‘Ri, see if she wants to take the job; I *will* - of course - approve her pay raise from ship-based officer, to planet-based.”
“*Of course*,” she replied with a smile, “Is there anything else I should be apprised of?”
He thought for a moment, then something came to him.
“Yeah, we’re gonna make a change in our sh’edule; I was gonna tell you once we reached the station, but now’s as good a time as any. I found a planet in the files that Kai’Ren got at a private auction between exploration company owners: the Federation auctions off the rights to First Contact with species that the probes discover, and this planet has *two*. Kai’Ren spent up pretty much all the money he had to buy it - which is probably why he tried stealing those systems from me - but he was apparently trying to gather up the money to be able to send a team in with full hazmat gear, considering that the viral/bacterial aggression is at a Level 11. Me, ‘Ri, ‘n Cheshire’ll be fine as we are, but the rest of the team will need an upgrade to their immune systems if they wanna come with us. They can get that done in the med bay; I don’t trust my control over the kath’loo’s Gift enough to be able to perfectly alter someone else’s biology like that.”
She nodded in understanding, then spoke up,
“Sounds like a plan; what information do we have on the sapient species?”
So he took the time to detail out everything he’d learned about the two races that shared the planet, but never interacted with each other because of their biologies. One was a serpentine race that - obviously - couldn’t withstand the colder temperatures of the planet’s winters; which lasted for an entire Earth year, from fall through winter, and another year for the warmer seasons.
The other race was another large primate, and they lived up in the mountains until the winter ‘months’, when they were able to migrate down, and replenish their stocks of herd animals. These were actually more advanced than the serpentine race, as there were pictures of their villages being lit up at nights with what was clearly not ‘natural’ light. The probe had needed to go out to the ocean to enter the atmosphere to not risk being noticed by the inhabitants, doing a scan on the microbial life of the planet.
After they were finished, it was about time for him to go catch dinner with ‘Ri and her family, so he bid the Captain goodnight, and left her office. The rest of the night passed smoothly, and all that was left was for them to enjoy the rest of the trip back to the station.
Par’Lo was an old sehr’chtahb, the once-black rings around his eyes now a dull gray, while the fur on his body was pretty much all white. There was no real use for his Gift to mold metal and other minerals to his will in owning a run-down old bar in a backwaters space station that could more accurately be described as a ‘hideout’ on most days. Not that any criminal outfit actually *ran* this place, but everyone here knew to keep their heads down, and mouths shut. Business owners like himself relied on the service of anyone who came their way - having their *own* reasons to be skirting the center of the Federation, as it were - so discretion was a virtue in keeping a business running. He was just lucky enough to have been able to acquire this bar: it wasn’t much, but it was the only one around for weeks in subspace.
They *did* still receive transmissions from the Federation this far out - they weren’t an *actual* crime center, so they weren’t really *trying* to stay off the Federations ‘radar’ - so he had a screen playing in the corner of the bar for a break in the monotony. As he was pouring another drink to a vell’prah at the bar, a special broadcast came across the screen, drawing the attention of everyone nearby.
It appeared to be a message from the suun’mahs, the subject of which being the newest species introduced to the Federation, these ‘humans’ that they were sponsoring in their Uplifting. Humans - it appeared - were relatively close to gaining FTL capabilities, so their process was shorter than most others in the Federation. The suun’mahs scientists had been there every step of the way, making sure the humans understood each new concept, and how to apply it to their everyday lives before moving on to the next, more complicated subject.
The suun’mahs representative then announced that there was a special message that the humans had sent out, more than *500* of their years prior. And it was quite the message, indeed; it was over a Standard hour by itself, though the gravity of it made the time seem to pass by mostly unnoticed. It wasn’t much, by the standards of what might be sent during diplomatic exchanges, except that it had been created long before digital media existed in any reliable capacity; so they had transcribed it on a golden disk, using the technology they possessed at the time to encode their message, for all to see.
They saw pictures of humans, from all walks of life, doing all manner of activities. They heard the sounds of nature, animals and seismic events, storms and the gentle breeze in the grass. They saw - and heard a translated reading of - a message of text sent out with the images and sounds, a message of hope and good will, extending a hand of friendship to galactic neighbors they had no proof even existed, in the *hopes* that they weren’t hostile. And yet they had risked that, in order to confirm that they weren’t alone in the universe.
This was followed by a quick montage of Ambassador Redding’s exploits in the Federation, so far. It showed him meeting his team his first day on the ship, and of him finding the miu’alfar being harrassed, saving her from her attackers, and scaring them easily. It showed him almost being impaled by a gal’guin who could apparently hurl insults at someone about their race, but couldn’t take even a single one aimed at his own. As the human on the screen spun around with a resounding crunching noise, he heard a slight chuckle from the gal’guin sitting at the bar; he looked over with a surprised look on his face.
The gal’guin simply twitched his antenna in a way that he knew to be the equivalent to a shrug in other species, nonchalantly saying,
“I’ve never heard that one before,” he replied, obviously referencing the human insulting his species for *having* a Gift, “Rather impressive, actually; especially considering the *source*.” He gave a conceding shrug, and turned back to the monitor just in time to see the suun’mahs come back on screen, a solemn expression on his face.
“We have to inform you at this moment that we are coming to some rather… *sensitive* material, and if you have young children in the room - or for those with a sensitive constitution - we are putting up a timer on-screen depicting the length of the following series of clips, which will be translated into your local time measurement. The graphic material will - of course - be censored, however it is *still* shocking to witness, even as is. Viewer discretion is advised.”
And with that, it cut to a shot of the human Ambassador, but obviously *before* he became the ambassador. He was in a cage with a large feline to one side of him, and a large canine to another. Over the length of the montage, it was evident that he was ‘taming’ the creatures - the cervine creature to the other remaining side seemed too skittish to get near the predators - to the point that each would eventually walk over to the spot where their cages interacted with his, him being in the corner of his own, stroking and scratching both at the same time in a manner that seemed just as relaxing to the human as it would most definitely be for any creature underneath those dexterous fingers. Sure, there were clips interspersed of the mahn’ewe doing their experiments, taking excessive amounts of biomatter from him, but the focus was obviously on his relationship with the animals, and how obviously natural it was for his kind.
Which made it all the more worse when the part he knew in the back of his mind *must* come finally did; many of the animals had been disappearing from the cages around him along the montage, and it was obvious what the mahn’ewe were doing. But one day they came to take *both* of the animals he had bonded with, and his rage at the fact was a sight to behold. He didn’t seem to notice the pain as he threw himself into the bars, screaming insults at the mahn’ewe, all of whom simply laughed at him as they took the animals out. And then it was the slow wait for them to expire, getting more and more sickly by the clip, with the human becoming equally distraught apace of their sickness.
Then came the day when they died, the canine first, and then the feline, while he slept; though, he seemed to notice immediately as soon as his body showed signs of waking up. At the laughter of the mahn’ewe, he leapt up in a fury that made his previous outburst look like a child’s temper tantrum, devolving to the point that he wasn’t even speaking actual words, just deranged screaming of a wounded animal that was scared and angry, knowing it was facing its death. Then one of the mahn’ewe made the mistake of thinking the human wasn’t paying attention, and went to poke him in the side with one of the long poles they were all carrying; at which point the human latched onto it faster than the eye could see, pulling the mahn’ewe into the bars, and impaling one of the ones in the canine’s cage, the blunt end piercing straight through the small alien like it was sharpened to a fine point.
It wasn’t that that made the mahn’ewe stop laughing, nor the obvious sounds of bones shattering under the larger primate’s vice-like grip; it was when there were obviously no more bones to break in the smaller alien’s neck, and he tore it completely off of its shoulders. The shoulders up were heavily blurred out a couple seconds before the actual act happened - along with the sound being completely cut - but it was obvious what had happened; especially when he threw the pieces of the body at the remaining mahn’ewe before him. Finally silenced - and obviously fearful - they actually flinched when he launched himself at the bars again; they hurriedly retrieved all the bodies, and got the hells out of the hold.
This was confirmed by the suun’mahs to be what led the mahn’ewe to rank them as a Class 12 aggressor species, and to be confirmed by the humans as being, quote: an ‘understandable reaction to the given circumstances’. From there it cut to the first planet that he had been stationed to, after a brief explanation that he had received help from a razum’yilahnfor the trauma he endured in his time spent aboard the mahn’ewe ship.
They saw him jump in front of a comparatively small - but no less ferocious - feline to save his team, and they saw his first interaction with the natives of that planet, most notably the incident where he first met their domesticated canines. It was actually surprisingly heartwarming to watch, especially after the scene with the canine and feline in the mahn’ewe ship. Then - rather amusingly, garnering a new kind of respect from the patrons in his bar - they saw him ingest some berry that the plant-people of that planet grew on themselves, after which he was *obviously* intoxicated, his inhibitions seemingly going out the airlock a few minutes after eating it.
On to the second planet, where a new side of the human was shown, with him and his pup - that had been gifted to him by the hamad’ruid, which was the loophole that was needed for anyone to bring a new animal off planet without first knowing how removing it would affect the environment - running happily through the trees, the razum’yilahn from his team wrapped around his neck and torso, providing her the heat she needed to survive on their mission, and providing *him* the Gift of telekinesis, which would be helpful in case he was attacked by a wild animal, or met another sapient race.
The third planet was pretty uneventful, apparently, seeing as all that was shown was a few clips demonstrating that the tension that had been evident between him and the vell’prah leading the group had obviously been resolved somehow, and obviously sometime on the ride between planets. What was more interesting was his experience aboard the space station the ship he was on stopped at.
First was a bit of clips showing him being escorted around the station by an official-looking suun’mahs, stopping at a tailor’s first; where the human got a look of terror on his face as soon as he saw the shop owner, running off and later confirming to the suun’mahs with him that he was arachnophobic. He refused the offer to go elsewhere however, stating that now that he was dealing with *sapient* beings, he needed to get over his fears, going back to the shop to be fitted for a new wardrobe. And he managed to make it through the measurements, though it was obvious that he was on edge the entire time.
Next they went to a lovely drahk’mihn’s makeup shop, where he bought some eyeshadow and lipstick - and paid to have her apply it for him - along with dying one side of the little bit of hair humans seemed to have only on their heads, as well. After that was done, and they had retrieved his clothes from the shop, the suun’mahs began to escort him to the section of the station where the hotels were located.
Along the way, they met up with a group of humans who had been part of the initial ‘testing’ of having their species working in Federation jobs, all of whom had - understandably - chosen to work with their ambassador. However, they revealed to the Ambassador that they had found a missing child, who turned out to be none other than a gal’guin, too young to be expected to understand Federation Standard. And in an act that displayed that he didn’t hold what had happened on the ship against their species as a whole, he stood on the railing of the walkway - another human doing the same at his back - and yelled out *quite* loudly, stating that they had found a lost child, asking if anyone was looking for them; and before he could finish, a pair of gal’guin came flying over, anxiety etched in their every movement.
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Kah’Sin called out for the computer to open the comms, and they were confirmed in their first guess: it was Kyle, asking to speak with them. Considering that he’d waited *specifically* until he was sure that ‘Ri wouldn’t be there, they shared a knowing glance before Kah’Sin bid him enter. As soon as the door opened, Teh’Lana looked over, and smiled.
“Kyle!” She exclaimed excitedly; she had really taken a shine to him in the past few days, and she was pleased to see him treating her the way she might expect any big brother to.
“Hey, ‘Lana; what’cha doin?” he asked good-naturedly.
“I’m playin, *game*!”
“*Cool*,” he proclaimed, “Are you winnin’?”
“Uh’huh!” She was all smiles.
“*Alright*,” he encouraged her, “Well, I gotta talk to your Mama and Papa, okay?”
“Okay,” she replied happily; Kyle smiled, and reached down to lovingly stroke her hair as he passed, sitting down in the chair opposite them on the couch where they sat.
“Can I get you anything to drink?” she asked politely, to which Kyle shook his head.
“No, thank you,” he replied, “I’m good…” He trailed off for a moment, looking almost lost; they stayed quiet, allowing him to collect his thoughts.
“*Well*,” he began again, “As I’m sure you’ve noticed, ‘Ri and I have become pretty close…”
“We *have*,” Kah’Sin replied evenly, with a hint of humor to his voice, “And are we to presume that you’ve come to ask for our permission to ask our daughter to marry you?”
Kyle looked up with a bit more sharpness to his demeanor than what he’d shown so far.
“*No*,” he replied with slightly more force, before continuing, “I mean… Not that I don’t value your opinion, but when it comes to our relationship, I don’t believe it’s up to you to decide if she had the chance to choose for herself. Which isn’t to say that I honestly believe that she’d choose me over *y’all*, but I’m also not here for you to tell me whether I can or can’t ask her in the first place… *However*,” he continued, “What I *am* here to ask for is y’all’s *blessing*, which would mean the *wor*-,” he stopped himself with a thoughtful expression on his face, then continued, “... more than *all the worlds I currently own* to me.”
She looked at her husband, who looked at her steadily, almost emotionlessly; then he turned back to Kyle.
“*Good*,” he replied with a smile, watching Kyle deflate in relief and confusion, “Because my blessing *is* - in fact - something that I *can* give. I’ve never been too partial to those old customs: it’s not my place to give my daughter permission to be married, the same as it wasn’t *her* father’s right to tell me I couldn’t marry *his* daughter.” At this, Kah’Sin gave her a light squeeze, causing her to slap him playfully on the shoulder; her father hadn’t approved of their union, but she hadn’t cared about that, and had run away with Kah’Sin to elope.
“So long as you can make my daughter happy,” he continued, “Then I can get behind your union… *Now*,” he clapped his hands together, rubbing them excitedly, “I’m guessing that if you’ve come *this* far, that you’ve already gotten the tiara?”
Smiling almost conspiratorially, Kyle held his hands together, palms up - as they had seen *numerous* times by this point - and a small, flat, black box appeared in his hands. Balancing it on one hand, he used the other to open the lid, and she was so transfixed by what she saw, she actually forgot to breathe for a few wing-beats.
“Good *goddess*, man,” Kah’Sin managed to choke out, “Did you cut open the *void* to make this?”
He was right to exclaim as such, seeing as that’s literally what she appeared to be looking at: a tiara - *circlet*, really, but whether it connected all the way around or not, when it came to ‘engagement pieces’, for the women it was always referred to as ‘tiara’, for the men it was ‘circlet’ - that was made from the inky blackness of the void, complete with tiny stars twinkling in and out of existence, depending on the angle it was viewed from.
“*Yeah*,” Kyle replied in a good-natured, joking manner, “But lemme tell you: coaxing that big star so close to the surface was a *real* chore.”
“I can *imagine*,” Kah’Sin replied, to which they all had a small laugh; Kyle continued,
“It’s actually made from the skull plate of the first Texas dragon I killed; with the help of my team, of course,” they had seen the video, and simply nodded, “The black hole diamonds I got as a reward for returning the pendant,” they nodded once more, “And then I used the kath’loo’s Gift to turn it so black that it absorbs 100% of the light that hits it; I turned the bone behind the diamond dust - and the larger one in the center - silver to reflect the light, because they were barely visible with how much light was being absorbed by the background. Refraction can only go so far, it seems… So: what d’you think?”
She had noticed that his natural accent of ‘informal’ words tended to heighten when he was nervous, and for the life of her, she couldn’t figure out what he could be nervous about: with something like *this*, even the most homophobic of individuals would accept his marriage proposal with no hesitation. Forget the fact that this could *easily* buy an occupied planet, the sheer *beauty* alone would be enough to entrance any being who laid eyes on it; she had the vague notion that this is what the other races - except the insectoids, and the humans, it appeared - felt when looking at a drahk’mihn.
It was Kah’Sin who drove that point home,
“I think that if she doesn’t marry you, that *we* would be *happy* to.”
She laughed lightly, playfully pushing his shoulder; polygamy wasn’t uncommon in drahk’mihn culture, but neither of them had ever expressed an interest in it before. He smiled at her, then looked back at Kyle.
“I think you’ve outdone the greatest artists of *any* species, Kyle, and I think she’ll love it.”
“I second that,” she added in; at that moment, Teh’Lana came around the side of Kyle’s chair.
“*Oooohhhh*,” she said in an awestruck voice, looking at the tiara, “*Pretty!*”
“I know,” Kyle replied, smiling, “It’s for your sister, but it’s a surprise, so we gotta keep it a secret. *Shh*.” He put his finger to his lips as he made the ‘shushing’ noise, a motion that Teh’Lana copied, laughing a little afterwards.
Kyle showed them how the sides unclasped in order to be able to wrap around her horns, and informed them that he planned on asking her when they had reached the station. After sitting and talking for a while, he took his leave - not before Teh’Lana insisted on giving him a hug, of course - and they were left alone to discuss this new development in their lives.
Just as Kyle was about to push the button to announce his presence, a voice came out over the speaker,
“Come in, Kyle.”
He was only surprised for about a second, before smiling, realizing that he shouldn’t be; he stuck out his tongue at the camera over the door controls, then motioned for the door to open.
“You can use him to tell you when someone’s at the door,” he said to the Captain as said door closed behind him, “But you won’t have him *open* it for me?”
“Well,” she replied as she sat in her chair behind her desk, looking up from a monitor in front of her, “He’s not a *servant*; he told me you were there, I didn’t *ask* him to.”
Golden usually kept his drahk’mihn body in a series of internal passageways, so that he could transport it wherever he needed to at a moment’s notice; these he had installed himself just recently, tapping into the nanoforges on the ship to reconfigure his internals. His body currently wasn’t in the room, but in the body or not, he still had access to the ship’s security systems; along with every *other* system, as well, of course.
“So,” the Captain began, turning the monitor off, “To what do I owe the pleasure?”
“*Well*,” he began, taking the seat across from her, “So, I’ve been *thinking*, and - *all by myself*, with *no* outside influence - I’ve decided that on planets with a pre-rating of ‘8’ or higher, then I should bring extra security personnel with me. I’m sure only *one* person would be needed…”
She smiled knowingly.
“Come up with this idea all on your own, huh?” she asked, a sly note in her voice.
“*Oh yeah*,” he replied, smiling, “All by myself; no other help required…”
Her smile widened, and she leaned back, lacing her fingers together.
“Well,” she replied easily, “*You’re* the boss; got any candidates in mind?”
His own smile widened as he said,
“*Well*, I was thinking of talking about it with ‘Ri, see if she wants to take the job; I *will* - of course - approve her pay raise from ship-based officer, to planet-based.”
“*Of course*,” she replied with a smile, “Is there anything else I should be apprised of?”
He thought for a moment, then something came to him.
“Yeah, we’re gonna make a change in our sh’edule; I was gonna tell you once we reached the station, but now’s as good a time as any. I found a planet in the files that Kai’Ren got at a private auction between exploration company owners: the Federation auctions off the rights to First Contact with species that the probes discover, and this planet has *two*. Kai’Ren spent up pretty much all the money he had to buy it - which is probably why he tried stealing those systems from me - but he was apparently trying to gather up the money to be able to send a team in with full hazmat gear, considering that the viral/bacterial aggression is at a Level 11. Me, ‘Ri, ‘n Cheshire’ll be fine as we are, but the rest of the team will need an upgrade to their immune systems if they wanna come with us. They can get that done in the med bay; I don’t trust my control over the kath’loo’s Gift enough to be able to perfectly alter someone else’s biology like that.”
She nodded in understanding, then spoke up,
“Sounds like a plan; what information do we have on the sapient species?”
So he took the time to detail out everything he’d learned about the two races that shared the planet, but never interacted with each other because of their biologies. One was a serpentine race that - obviously - couldn’t withstand the colder temperatures of the planet’s winters; which lasted for an entire Earth year, from fall through winter, and another year for the warmer seasons.
The other race was another large primate, and they lived up in the mountains until the winter ‘months’, when they were able to migrate down, and replenish their stocks of herd animals. These were actually more advanced than the serpentine race, as there were pictures of their villages being lit up at nights with what was clearly not ‘natural’ light. The probe had needed to go out to the ocean to enter the atmosphere to not risk being noticed by the inhabitants, doing a scan on the microbial life of the planet.
After they were finished, it was about time for him to go catch dinner with ‘Ri and her family, so he bid the Captain goodnight, and left her office. The rest of the night passed smoothly, and all that was left was for them to enjoy the rest of the trip back to the station.
Par’Lo was an old sehr’chtahb, the once-black rings around his eyes now a dull gray, while the fur on his body was pretty much all white. There was no real use for his Gift to mold metal and other minerals to his will in owning a run-down old bar in a backwaters space station that could more accurately be described as a ‘hideout’ on most days. Not that any criminal outfit actually *ran* this place, but everyone here knew to keep their heads down, and mouths shut. Business owners like himself relied on the service of anyone who came their way - having their *own* reasons to be skirting the center of the Federation, as it were - so discretion was a virtue in keeping a business running. He was just lucky enough to have been able to acquire this bar: it wasn’t much, but it was the only one around for weeks in subspace.
They *did* still receive transmissions from the Federation this far out - they weren’t an *actual* crime center, so they weren’t really *trying* to stay off the Federations ‘radar’ - so he had a screen playing in the corner of the bar for a break in the monotony. As he was pouring another drink to a vell’prah at the bar, a special broadcast came across the screen, drawing the attention of everyone nearby.
It appeared to be a message from the suun’mahs, the subject of which being the newest species introduced to the Federation, these ‘humans’ that they were sponsoring in their Uplifting. Humans - it appeared - were relatively close to gaining FTL capabilities, so their process was shorter than most others in the Federation. The suun’mahs scientists had been there every step of the way, making sure the humans understood each new concept, and how to apply it to their everyday lives before moving on to the next, more complicated subject.
The suun’mahs representative then announced that there was a special message that the humans had sent out, more than *500* of their years prior. And it was quite the message, indeed; it was over a Standard hour by itself, though the gravity of it made the time seem to pass by mostly unnoticed. It wasn’t much, by the standards of what might be sent during diplomatic exchanges, except that it had been created long before digital media existed in any reliable capacity; so they had transcribed it on a golden disk, using the technology they possessed at the time to encode their message, for all to see.
They saw pictures of humans, from all walks of life, doing all manner of activities. They heard the sounds of nature, animals and seismic events, storms and the gentle breeze in the grass. They saw - and heard a translated reading of - a message of text sent out with the images and sounds, a message of hope and good will, extending a hand of friendship to galactic neighbors they had no proof even existed, in the *hopes* that they weren’t hostile. And yet they had risked that, in order to confirm that they weren’t alone in the universe.
This was followed by a quick montage of Ambassador Redding’s exploits in the Federation, so far. It showed him meeting his team his first day on the ship, and of him finding the miu’alfar being harrassed, saving her from her attackers, and scaring them easily. It showed him almost being impaled by a gal’guin who could apparently hurl insults at someone about their race, but couldn’t take even a single one aimed at his own. As the human on the screen spun around with a resounding crunching noise, he heard a slight chuckle from the gal’guin sitting at the bar; he looked over with a surprised look on his face.
The gal’guin simply twitched his antenna in a way that he knew to be the equivalent to a shrug in other species, nonchalantly saying,
“I’ve never heard that one before,” he replied, obviously referencing the human insulting his species for *having* a Gift, “Rather impressive, actually; especially considering the *source*.” He gave a conceding shrug, and turned back to the monitor just in time to see the suun’mahs come back on screen, a solemn expression on his face.
“We have to inform you at this moment that we are coming to some rather… *sensitive* material, and if you have young children in the room - or for those with a sensitive constitution - we are putting up a timer on-screen depicting the length of the following series of clips, which will be translated into your local time measurement. The graphic material will - of course - be censored, however it is *still* shocking to witness, even as is. Viewer discretion is advised.”
And with that, it cut to a shot of the human Ambassador, but obviously *before* he became the ambassador. He was in a cage with a large feline to one side of him, and a large canine to another. Over the length of the montage, it was evident that he was ‘taming’ the creatures - the cervine creature to the other remaining side seemed too skittish to get near the predators - to the point that each would eventually walk over to the spot where their cages interacted with his, him being in the corner of his own, stroking and scratching both at the same time in a manner that seemed just as relaxing to the human as it would most definitely be for any creature underneath those dexterous fingers. Sure, there were clips interspersed of the mahn’ewe doing their experiments, taking excessive amounts of biomatter from him, but the focus was obviously on his relationship with the animals, and how obviously natural it was for his kind.
Which made it all the more worse when the part he knew in the back of his mind *must* come finally did; many of the animals had been disappearing from the cages around him along the montage, and it was obvious what the mahn’ewe were doing. But one day they came to take *both* of the animals he had bonded with, and his rage at the fact was a sight to behold. He didn’t seem to notice the pain as he threw himself into the bars, screaming insults at the mahn’ewe, all of whom simply laughed at him as they took the animals out. And then it was the slow wait for them to expire, getting more and more sickly by the clip, with the human becoming equally distraught apace of their sickness.
Then came the day when they died, the canine first, and then the feline, while he slept; though, he seemed to notice immediately as soon as his body showed signs of waking up. At the laughter of the mahn’ewe, he leapt up in a fury that made his previous outburst look like a child’s temper tantrum, devolving to the point that he wasn’t even speaking actual words, just deranged screaming of a wounded animal that was scared and angry, knowing it was facing its death. Then one of the mahn’ewe made the mistake of thinking the human wasn’t paying attention, and went to poke him in the side with one of the long poles they were all carrying; at which point the human latched onto it faster than the eye could see, pulling the mahn’ewe into the bars, and impaling one of the ones in the canine’s cage, the blunt end piercing straight through the small alien like it was sharpened to a fine point.
It wasn’t that that made the mahn’ewe stop laughing, nor the obvious sounds of bones shattering under the larger primate’s vice-like grip; it was when there were obviously no more bones to break in the smaller alien’s neck, and he tore it completely off of its shoulders. The shoulders up were heavily blurred out a couple seconds before the actual act happened - along with the sound being completely cut - but it was obvious what had happened; especially when he threw the pieces of the body at the remaining mahn’ewe before him. Finally silenced - and obviously fearful - they actually flinched when he launched himself at the bars again; they hurriedly retrieved all the bodies, and got the hells out of the hold.
This was confirmed by the suun’mahs to be what led the mahn’ewe to rank them as a Class 12 aggressor species, and to be confirmed by the humans as being, quote: an ‘understandable reaction to the given circumstances’. From there it cut to the first planet that he had been stationed to, after a brief explanation that he had received help from a razum’yilahnfor the trauma he endured in his time spent aboard the mahn’ewe ship.
They saw him jump in front of a comparatively small - but no less ferocious - feline to save his team, and they saw his first interaction with the natives of that planet, most notably the incident where he first met their domesticated canines. It was actually surprisingly heartwarming to watch, especially after the scene with the canine and feline in the mahn’ewe ship. Then - rather amusingly, garnering a new kind of respect from the patrons in his bar - they saw him ingest some berry that the plant-people of that planet grew on themselves, after which he was *obviously* intoxicated, his inhibitions seemingly going out the airlock a few minutes after eating it.
On to the second planet, where a new side of the human was shown, with him and his pup - that had been gifted to him by the hamad’ruid, which was the loophole that was needed for anyone to bring a new animal off planet without first knowing how removing it would affect the environment - running happily through the trees, the razum’yilahn from his team wrapped around his neck and torso, providing her the heat she needed to survive on their mission, and providing *him* the Gift of telekinesis, which would be helpful in case he was attacked by a wild animal, or met another sapient race.
The third planet was pretty uneventful, apparently, seeing as all that was shown was a few clips demonstrating that the tension that had been evident between him and the vell’prah leading the group had obviously been resolved somehow, and obviously sometime on the ride between planets. What was more interesting was his experience aboard the space station the ship he was on stopped at.
First was a bit of clips showing him being escorted around the station by an official-looking suun’mahs, stopping at a tailor’s first; where the human got a look of terror on his face as soon as he saw the shop owner, running off and later confirming to the suun’mahs with him that he was arachnophobic. He refused the offer to go elsewhere however, stating that now that he was dealing with *sapient* beings, he needed to get over his fears, going back to the shop to be fitted for a new wardrobe. And he managed to make it through the measurements, though it was obvious that he was on edge the entire time.
Next they went to a lovely drahk’mihn’s makeup shop, where he bought some eyeshadow and lipstick - and paid to have her apply it for him - along with dying one side of the little bit of hair humans seemed to have only on their heads, as well. After that was done, and they had retrieved his clothes from the shop, the suun’mahs began to escort him to the section of the station where the hotels were located.
Along the way, they met up with a group of humans who had been part of the initial ‘testing’ of having their species working in Federation jobs, all of whom had - understandably - chosen to work with their ambassador. However, they revealed to the Ambassador that they had found a missing child, who turned out to be none other than a gal’guin, too young to be expected to understand Federation Standard. And in an act that displayed that he didn’t hold what had happened on the ship against their species as a whole, he stood on the railing of the walkway - another human doing the same at his back - and yelled out *quite* loudly, stating that they had found a lost child, asking if anyone was looking for them; and before he could finish, a pair of gal’guin came flying over, anxiety etched in their every movement.
2024.05.10 21:31 Louloulouk I don't see the trending content anymore
Hi everyone! I use instagram a lot for my work account (not my business) and since months now, I don't see any trending content. I'm used to watch tiktok a lot which is clearly simple to come across any trends that was "created" (like hold em texas recently for exemple) however on my business insta account I never see any video that's like more than 10k likes or barely hundreds of comments... On my private instagram account I come across some trends however not in my field of business (more like lifestyle or specific personnal interests) How can I reverse my feed?? I'm desperate... I even thought of deleting my account and to start another one! PS: My business is in the creative field (webdesign, brand design, graphic design etc) PS2: English is not my mother tongue so I'm sorry for any mistakes THanks!
submitted by Louloulouk to Instagram [link] [comments]
2024.05.10 16:21 Lower-Soil-5892 The Marathi people are NOT welcome here!
 | Few days back, a HR professional in LinkedIn posted a recruitment advertisement for the post of a graphic designer in Mumbai and the eligibility criteria was rightfully called out by Marathis. submitted by Lower-Soil-5892 to Maharashtra [link] [comments] Reference Picture 1: Recruitment advertisement posted by a HR professional When some Marathi people started to call out this recruitment advertisement, the HR professional came out with an apology. Reference Picture 2: Apology released by that HR professional My Observation I generally don't give much importance to apology statements because they are merely cosmetic in nature. I prefer to understand the reason for a person to make a particular error instead of being contented with an apology statement. It is difficult for me to consider to be an oversight for a HR professional to openly say Marathis are NOT welcome to apply for the post of a graphic designer in Mumbai. The problem is much bigger than we imagine and Marathis have to collectively come together to fix the problem before it is too late. Marathi people living in Maharashtra are generally welcoming and unfortunately outsiders living in Maharashtra have taken advantage of the courteous behaviour of Marathis and we have come to a dire situation where Marathis are treated as second class citizens in Maharashtra by these outsiders. We need to understand the fact that systematic discrimination of native people by outsiders doesn't start suddenly. There are many phases to it from change in linguistic demography to outsiders gaining political power. The recruitment advertisement posted by that HR professional is not an isolated incident because similar incidents have been regularly reported . To cite an example 👇🏻 Reference Picture 3: An advertisement for luxury villas in Maharashtra that prefer Marwaris and Gujaratis.[2] This advertisement indirectly says, Marathis are unwelcome from purchasing luxury villas in Maharashtra even when they can afford it. Other incidents 👇🏻 https://preview.redd.it/8g0m0a7dylzc1.png?width=602&format=png&auto=webp&s=28e7c419ba92d619b02c04f5f5a66f8dcd678ee7 https://preview.redd.it/7jhitf4eylzc1.png?width=602&format=png&auto=webp&s=7e0c3a6bb9ba223b19f67ff7f3965f8a5392583f https://preview.redd.it/kzzygucfylzc1.png?width=602&format=png&auto=webp&s=ce7cbb15fa1c5a2b6d2a0311951455882c51bd55 The conclusion that we can draw from these incidents is that when outsiders become a majority in a particular nation and have access to political power then there is every possibility for them to systematically relegate the native people. Uncontrolled Migration and the system of governance in India that allows migrants to register as voters without integrating with the culture of the nation is single-handedly responsible for the plight of Marathis in Maharashtra. Let me share a set of data to explain my Marathi friends the way they are becoming insignificant in Maharashtra due to uncontrolled migration Reference Picture 4: Mother Tongue of selected languages in Maharashtra from 1961 to 2001, Image courtesy, Maharashtra Gazetteers Reference Picture 5: Distribution of Hindi speakers in India, 2011 Language Atlas of India Reference Picture 6 : Distribution of Marathi speakers in India, 2011 Language Atlas of India 1961 CENSUS Total population of Maharashtra = 3,95,53,718 Percentage of Marathi speakers in Maharashtra = 76.43% Percentage of Hindi speakers in Maharashtra = 2.75% 1971 CENSUS Total population of Maharashtra = 5,04,12,235 Percentage of Marathi speakers in Maharashtra = 76.60% Percentage of Hindi speakers in Maharashtra = 5.01% 1981 CENSUS Total population of Maharashtra = 6,27,82,818 Percentage of Marathi speakers in Maharashtra = 72.97% Percentage of Hindi speakers in Maharashtra = 6.60% 1991 CENSUS Total population of Maharashtra = 7,89,37,187 Percentage of Marathi speakers in Maharashtra = 73.34% Percentage of Hindi speakers in Maharashtra = 7.81% 2001 CENSUS Total population of Maharashtra = 9,68,78,627 Percentage of Marathi speakers in Maharashtra = 68.79% Percentage of Hindi speakers in Maharashtra = 11.02% 2011 CENSUS Total population of Maharashtra = 11,23,74,333 Percentage of Marathi speakers in Maharashtra = 68.93% Percentage of Hindi speakers in Maharashtra = 12.88% The next census of India will be taken after 2026 and the percentage of Marathi people in Maharashtra would probably be less than 60% by then. Adding to the problem, the Delimitation of Lok Sabha seats would reduce the political voice of Marathis further and they would become mere spectators of their nation taken over by outsiders. Query 1: What is the ONLY way forward for Marathis to protect their culture and language? Reply 1: The only way forward for Marathis to protect their culture and language is to demand Parliament of India to give State Citizenship to Maharashtra. Query 2: What are the conditions necessary for an outsider to acquire the State Citizenship of Maharashtra? Reply 2: My recommendations related to the conditions necessary for outsiders to acquire the State Citizenship of Maharashtra after Parliament of India implement the State Citizenship Act. 1) He or she have been living in Maharashtra for the last 10 years. 2) He or she must be an Indian citizen before applying for the State Citizenship of Maharashtra 3) He or she must have cleared a state citizenship test conducted by Maharashtra government to evaluate proficiency in Marathi language and social system of Maharashtra. 4) He or she have not been convicted of any criminal offence. 5) He or she is willing to give up the state Citizenship of his or her home state. Query 3 : What are the rights and privileges enjoyed by a person holding a state citizenship and the one who is NOT holding a state citizenship? Reply 3 : Privileges of a STATE CITIZEN in a particular state 1) Right to vote in all the elections held in that state : YES 2) Right to contest in all the elections held in the state : YES 3) Right to purchase immovable property in the state : YES 4) Right to start any enterprise in the state : YES 5) Right to freely travel into the state from another state : YES 6) Right to perform any legally permitted profession in the state : YES Privileges of a NON — STATE CITIZEN in a particular state 1) Right to vote in all the elections held in that state : NO 2) Right to contest in all the elections held in the state : NO 3) Right to purchase immovable property in the state : YES 4) Right to start any enterprise in the state : YES 5) Right to freely travel into the state from another state : YES 6) Right to perform any legally permitted profession in the state : YES Query 4 : What are the advantages in Parliament of India giving State Citizenship to all the Indian States? Reply 4: There are numerous advantages with Parliament of India giving State Citizenship to every state in India. Advantage 1: People holding State Citizenship will be eligible to vote and contest all the (Parliament or Assembly or Panchayat or Municipality) elections held in the state and it will prevent Migrants who are clueless about the culture and society of the state from participating in the political process of the state. Advantage 2: Migrants are welcome to acquire state citizenship after properly integrating with the culture of the state. Advantage 3: The State Government will be able of maintain accurate record of Migrants entering the state and moving out of the state. Footnotes [1] Marathi people not welcome: Outrage over Mumbai job requirement; Netizens react[2] Mumbai News: 'Marwari-Gujarati' housing ad near mira road sparks new controversy Mumbai News - Times of India[3] 'Non-veg' food row: 6 held for attack on Marathi family in Mumbai Mumbai News - Times of India[4] Mumbai builder refuses to sell flat to a Marathi[5] |
2024.05.10 16:17 mrscarytt Current issue of Retro Gamer from the UK. April 2024, #257. Good Fable article and another greatest games list.
 | submitted by mrscarytt to GamingMagsandGuides [link] [comments] |
2024.05.10 14:53 nulll_ First time writer looking for feedback, how to shorten summary? Is it captivating?
I am a first-time writer, I've taken on a creative project to try to write a full novel from front to back. I am around nine chapters in, the deeper the chapter, the more unpolished the editing. The Book Writing Project can be found: here.
BOOK 1 SUMMARY WITH GRAPHICS###########
DEADCOAST-INTRO ############
“Deadcoast Book 1: Heat and the Grizzly Reds” transports readers to a 2063 Earth, a world on the brink, where the scarcity of fresh water has led to previously unseen geopolitical tensions. Amidst this backdrop, the nation-backed militant group DAGGR has emerged as a formidable force, leveraging advanced technology to assert control over Canada’s abundant water resources. At the heart of their arsenal is ‘slugTech,’ a technology pioneered by James Broadshaw, intended for ecological restoration but repurposed for militaristic dominance.The story unfolds with the chilling invasion of Vancouver, marking a turning point as DAGGR makes its ambitions clear, culminating in the assassination of the Canadian Prime Minister. This act of aggression leaves the country reeling, exposing vulnerabilities and igniting a global reaction.
The UNE-EYE satellite is central to the international response, a significant narrative element representing the world’s most advanced orbital tracking system. Once decommissioned in favour of privacy, the Dutch reactivated the satellite as a strategic move to monitor DAGGR’s movements and coordinate a unified international effort against the aggressors. This revival of UNE-EYE symbolizes a crucial turning point, highlighting the global stakes and the interconnectedness of nations in the face of a common enemy.
As Canada grapples with its plight, the DAMU (Deserted American Military Units) rise in solidarity, breaching borders to fight alongside their Canadian counterparts. This act of defiance is mirrored by international forces, including the Netherlands and Ukraine, each bringing their unique strengths to the coalition, underscored by the strategic oversight provided by the UNE-EYE satellite.
Amidst the geopolitical chaos, a man who had all but given up, a boxer on the ropes, emerges from Vancouver’s Gastown. Known as HEAT, this leader of the Grizzly Reds becomes a symbol of resistance and hope. HEAT’s story, and that of the Grizzly Reds, is one of resilience, rallying not only Canadians but also global citizens to stand against DAGGR’s tyranny.
“Deadcoast Book 1: Heat and the Grizzly Reds” is a compelling narrative of survival, alliance, and resistance. It deftly weaves elements of advanced technology, international politics, and the indomitable human spirit. The inclusion of the UNE-EYE satellite serves as a testament to the complexities of modern warfare and the critical role of global surveillance and coordination in maintaining security and freedom. But something else stirs amongst it. The UNE still shrouds its use, albeit assuring it is for record-keeping purposes- there is no way to be sure. Join HEAT and the Grizzly Reds as they navigate the challenges of Time, War, Science and liberating their fellow man in Vancouver. THE GRIZZLIES NEED YOU, in this action-packed, emotional saga, speaks to the resilience and camaraderie inherent in the human condition.
— -
###########################
DEADCOAST-SUMMARY-ILLUSTRATED ############################
THE YEAR IS 2063In a future world plagued by scarcity and desperation, DAGGR, a shrouded nation-funded militant group, emerges as a significant player. They focus on Canada, a land rich in the most valuable resource left on Earth: fresh water. DAGGR, a state-of-the-art military faction, features boat hulls fitted with tech from forgotten scientists, silenced for their discoveries out of fear, not fortune. The DAGGR technology, originally known as ‘slugTech,’ was a technological marvel in 3 breakthroughs. 1. Quantum Computing, 2. Data Compression, 3. Power Generation. ‘slugTech,’ created by a young Canadian Scientist ‘James Broadshaw’ 30 years earlier, was a true innovation. James created the slugs to heal, to help. The slugs were a 360-degree plan to encapsulate the earth in self-repairing atmospheric “slug swarms.” A self-repairing Global Bandaid. The project’s potential caused widespread alarm among the Need-to-know world leaders. Just like that, the slugTech was delegated and prohibited at the highest level of classification: TWA Technology. A Total World Annihilation Classification.’ slugTech was shrouded in secrecy and hidden to avoid events like the ones to come. No trace of James Broadshaw has been seen or heard from 19 years ago. Today, DAGGR approaches with an abomination tainting James’ legacy.
DAGGR’s innovation extended beyond self-repairing hulls. It involved trillions of quantum scale molecules, a new man-made molecule reactive to electric currents, programable to scale, to human eyes — A manifestation of slimy consistent liquid. The Molecules, capable of constructing honeycombing at a microscopic level, chains of strength tested by time in Darwin's evolution. The honeycomb is fine-tuned to absorb, create, repair, and discard. It scatters in and out of vision like a hive, moving as if bleeding while discarding its damaged former molecular brethren. Adversaries dubbed them M’YASNI HOLOVY, aka MEAT HEADS. This was just a taste of what DAGGR had to offer, the tip of the military iceberg. This tech alone was thought of only in science and prototyping. But DAGGR’s mission was not solely about military prowess. It was about unlocking new Technological Marvels via destruction and power, paving the way for swift world domination.
And so…
The enigma persists: who was DAGGR, and how did they outpace the world’s best? This Faction, a force to be reckoned with, traces its strength back to ancient times when men spoke a forgotten tongue. The Romans, the Anglo-Saxons, the Vikings, and the great philosophers of Greece. Structuring their Military ranks as the Roman Legion once did was a cusp to dawn the new Legionaries. The mystery of their origins and ability to surpass the world’s best is a puzzle that continues to intrigue and confound.
— -
Under the veil of fireworks on Canada Day, a sinister plot unfolds as the then-unknown (DAGGR) assailant assassinates the Canadian Prime Minister. Chaos ensues as the highest echelons of the government are either eliminated or driven into hiding, leaving a power vacuum in their wake.
The world is shocked by the unveiling of DAGGR and its sudden, unprovoked invasion of Vancouver.
“As the DAGGRS military might descend upon Vancouver, the world watches in stunned silence. It was Canada…Who dared with The United States so close? So intertwined?”
The countries almost became One after the American Water Crisis. The United States, with all its power and might, could not battle the grim reality of a dry well — that is until the Canadians intervened.
During the 2043 American water crisis (due to overpopulation), Most of the world clung to its Dwindling supplies. Canada and Russia were becoming vastly wealthy nations with vastly different ideals. Each harnesses 89% of the natural water left on Earth between them.
Canada, NOTWITHSTANDING, fiscally bankrupted its country, sending trillions in drinkable, H2O aid to the impossible, seemingly unquenchable thirst of the American Populace. The talks of liquid gold had come to pass. Most of Canada’s still bountiful glacial runoffs prove vital for its controlled population.
Canada, its citizens, and its shield were dedicated to ensuring the safety and survival of their American counterparts. The Canadian Nation essentially shut down for three months, pivoting all infrastructure to aid RED BLEED BLUE.
Operation “Red Bleed Blue”
Canada suspended its airspace for three months. It took control of all aircraft with two wings and an engine in its flying zones, including small planes in the east, seaplanes in the west, and Inuit icebreakers in the north. All international pilots were required to join the effort or relinquish their respective companies’ aircraft temporarily. Airspace clearance was strictly controlled from coast to coast. Natural spring pools near the Canadian borders were donated to help the United States immediately by providing a pumpable source close to the border. This was a Canadian-led coalition to support its loyal allies in the south; the world, inspired by the Northern Nation, came together to offer overwhelming manpower support. As a result of this effort, America’s recovery operation was streamlined, ensuring a full economic and strategic recovery. These events immeasurably further strengthened the bond between Canada and the United States. In exchange for steady water supplies, America would provide permanent military incorporation to Canada, making Canada’s young and too optimistically forward-thinking leaders believe there was no need for an underfunded, rudimentary Canadian military.
The Canadian Military was Designed to be an operational elite force of cutting-edge units. Some soared above in the skies with the eagles; some stared through scopes at their prey miles away, and some lived at the depths of the ocean’s crust, researching the next edge. It wasn’t a large force but a technologically forward one. The Canadian Military, all Research projects and its personnel are cut overnight.
Aside from these events and the Sacrifices of the North, it wasn't enough when Canada’s time of need came.
The US finds itself handcuffed by a technological marvel of DAGGR Faction ingenuity — the “C2c,” a super bomb designed not for destruction but to hinder AI in Machines. This leaves America’s Technological might and size paralyzed, unable to intervene without risking its national security. The closure of borders and refusal to accept Canadian refugees ignite riots within the U.S.; the Americans take to Social news outlets, and these phrases take hold;
“BLOOD IS THICKER THAN WATER.”WE REMEMBER:”
Freedom fighters awaken in their populace, not for themself, but for the Canadian Citizens so much like their own. They are the DAMU.
As the American people grapple with their government’s inaction. Militant groups, mostly “Deserted American Military Units” or “DAMU,” rip open their border gates.
The DAMU march to Seattle, where they are openly greeted, shown, and instructed on how to broadcast nationally by the Local News Agencies. It would seem the want, the need to help was not just limited to those that can fight. The DAMU, with the help of the Media, both left and right, was broadcasted, Unified, Nationally, Globally.
“*WE WILL COME TO THE AID OF THE NORTH. WE ARE THE DAMU. WE CALL ANY TRAINED MILITANT OF AMERICA. IT IS IN OUR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO DEFEND OUR FAMILY, OUR NEIGHBOURS, OUR FRIENDS WHO SACRIFICED FOR US IN THE NORTH. IF YOU ARE TRAINED, YOU ARE DAMU, AND THIS IS YOUR FIGHT. LEST WE FORGET THE THIRST OF THE CRISIS? OUR BLOOD IS TO THE TRUE NORTHERN SACRIFICES IN OUR TIME OF NEED. WE MARCH FOR VANCOUVER AT DAWN. WE MARCH– WE FIGHT; IF YOU WISH TO JOIN US, ALL TRAVEL WILL BE COMPENSATED TO SEATTLE. DIAL ‘#FIGHT’ (‘#34448’)*”
DAMU CONVOY MARCH TO ZERO BEACH, VANCOUVER, BC.
They demanded their own smaller(than the now 400-strong DAMU) national guard units lower their weapons or fire on them(DAMU), but they sure as hell weren’t going to do anything while the Civilians in the North were openly Slaughtered. The UNE-EYE(A world Monitoring Mega Satellite Structure provided a Full Scope, degree stream of the invasion, live as it unfolded. The DAMU were fired up and ready for what may come after witnessing the atrocities on civilians in the violent invasion. The border forces subtly obliged; they didn’t want to be there either. A small sign of humanity, a small flame doused by the arrival of the entire American border forces not a day later. The DAMU militants crossed the border into the grey. If the government wasn’t going to, the American people were. Despite the political constraints, there’s an undercurrent of hope and solidarity among the American populace, a belief that their Canadian kin won’t be trounced so easily — they are Northmen: Strong, Weathered, Proud. The Canadians will buy themselves enough time to allow the American people to mobilize independently. Riot or Revolution- Canada will not be abandoned in their darkest hour.
— -
Amidst this international turmoil, a forgotten ally rekindles an old bond. The Netherlands, moved by the atrocities and recalling a debt from a world’s past, announces a Declaration of War that is both Swift and Symbolic. In a historic gesture, 10,000 dead tulips are sent to DAGGR’s “SUNKEN CITIES.” Not underwater, but an alias for their innovative creation of continental Landmasses in the Pacific Dark Zones. It is a grim reminder of the Dutch’s loyal tenacity, bond to lives lost, and vow to honour past sacrifices from Forgotten World Quarrels. The Dutch mobilize their military for an operation named “Vrijheid” — a phrase that means freedom, a principle they’re determined to uphold.
The Dutch Royal family, with ties to Canada dating back to World War II, leads the charge. Princess Margriet’s Direct Descendant, Halifax van Royal(“Royal,” a warrior title replacing his traditional royal Surname ‘Orange Nassau.’ The Highest Honor in the Dutch Military Elite), a symbol of the enduring bond between the two nations, reignites his family’s commitment; a vow from a different time, violence born of a different struggle, the Canadians once Liberated Dutch lands from tyrants, and he would vow to return that very same favour.
During their(Dutch Royalty) refugee status in World War II, Princess Margaret van Orange Nassau sought asylum in Canada’s parliament. Canada even temporarily granted parts of their “Dutch soil” land so Margaret’s children could be born officially on Dutch Lands. As a boy, Halifax’s family passed down stories of the Fateful days of the great struggle, generation to generation; the stories passed off tongues as the test of time-shifted legacies and gifted life. The gratitude survived the tests, the sands of time– about the days the Canadians arrived. The day they roared into Holland ferociously, battling the Occupying Nazis and expelling them from household to household, driving them from city to city, until the Netherlands was once again a free reign. Canadians sacrificed to save Holland’s people Halfway Across the World in a war that wasn’t theirs. Halifax was determined to honour this Sacrifice.
Halifax, infuriated by the atrocities streamed by the UNE-EYE(World Surveillance), personally promises his “Korps Commandotroepen (KCT)” to liberate one Canadian town for each of the 8,000 Canadian soldiers buried on Dutch soil, a tribute to the heroes who helped liberate Holland during the war. Before a full hour passed in the Canadian invasion.
Korps Commandotroepen — KCT(English: Commando Corps) is the elite special forces unit of the Royal Netherlands Army. The KCT traces its origins to the Second World War with the founding of №2 (Dutch) Troop.
The royal family pulled in generational favours to the powers of the U.N.E.(The United Nations of Europe.) to recommission its Mega Structure Satellite, the once intrusive World Eye. A Satellite can find almost anything, anywhere, at face-recognizing precision. A mother to a web of smaller surveillance satellites, it could track a fly in the desert. For the first time in 7 years, the UNE-EYE was back and operational, fully utilizing its global tracking and orbital streaming system.
The world’s state-of-the-art orbital tracking system. It was mainly decommissioned to search and rescue after the global privacy initiative before being wholly outlawed and shut down a few years later. The power of the Mob and privacy were prime.
Unbeknownst to Canadians, the world was watching their struggle, fight, and determination.
As the world watched on, it burst into flames. Inspired by everyday Canadians’ hearts in their battle against torrential odds, their hearts, minds and souls felt for them and prayed for them. Every denomination, religious alignment, and political authority seemed to unite under one banner; “how can we help the Canadians?” Politics ensued as the world's populace helplessly watched as Canada burned.
With Halifax leading the Efforts, The reality of warfare and logistics proved to be a daunting challenge. Despite the royal efforts, including setting up refugee centers in various locations and sending evacuation ships to Newfoundland, Halifax(the Canadian Province), and Montreal, the Dutch faced an uphill battle against time and dwindling resources.
Meanwhile, another unexpected ally emerges from the East. Ukraine, forged in the fires of conflict and struggle, remembers Canada’s aid during its decade-long fight for independence.
Canada was there, officially or unofficially, for all ten years. The arrival of the Ukrainian flagship, ZELENSKY II, bearing the flag “UTF-FLR.’’ followed by a new garrison name, “UKRAINIAN TASKFORCE — FOREIGN LEGIONS REVENGE,” an homage to the INTERNATIONAL CANADIAN LEGION forces that fought for Ukraine and the brave Canadian JTF-2 “12 of Hope” a unit shrouded in secrecy and anonymity until then. Their actions shattered their veiled secrecy. It’s hard to stay hidden when you disobey direct orders to liberate half a Ukranian city. Saving hundreds of thousands of civilians, throwing their lives on the line in the process, losing six members, and igniting the Ukrainian Civilians they were trying to rescue. Elite soldiers and Ukrainian civilians alike, side by side, fighting for survival. With its golden yellow hull and blue stripes, the Zelenskyy ii signals a new chapter in this unfolding saga. The UKRAINIAN TASKFORCE — FOREIGN LEGIONS REVENGE.
Hope.
However, tragedy strikes as the Zelensky II falls victim to DAGGR’S C2c weapon. Rendered immobile, a sitting duck in open harbours. A low rumble flies ahead, eight engines grown on a mammoth aircraft dawning the letters ‘SPIT FLARE.’ As their bomber flies overhead, Canadians watch in horror from the beach; a small black dot falls slowly from the craft above, and with a flash of white, the Zelenskyy II vaporizes.
The “Small Bang” bomb, as DAGGR calls it, is the rapid spinning of plasma in a small diameter, increasing and accelerating its speed until the molecules in the plasma begin to flare outwards in a disc formation, stretching their fabric in the very space-time itself, expanding, thinning and super-heating the plasma to sub-molecular level, then rapidly infusing the process with oxygen and at the same speed decelerating it completely. The molecules super-compress, contract, and expand explosively. It would almost seem modelled as the same process of creating the universe. In its current state, it reaches temperatures close to the sun. The bomb resulted in the loss of 180,000 lives and shattered the morale of those waiting for evacuation on the Atlantic Shore.
The NORTHERN DAGGR forces, failing to enter through the Arctic, encounter resistance from the “Canadian Shield,” the formidable natural defences of the North. DAGGR is stopped in their tracks. With the invading forces, there is a new All-in focus on Vancouver for its strategic ports and supply lines. However, the Atlantic side of Canada succumbs to fear tactics, with the evacuation efforts ceasing after the destruction of the Zelensky II.
Amidst the challenging times, a hero unexpectedly rises from the ashes of Gastown in Vancouver. Known by the code name HEAT, Ryan emerges as a symbol of hope and resistance.
HEAT becomes the founder and leader of the Grizzly Reds, a resistance group that plays a pivotal role in igniting the spirit of defiance across Canada. Their true origin is rooted in the Red Brick Road incident, a gruesome act of violence by the DAGGR FACTION to enact fear in the uprising. This heinous act catalyzes HEAT and gives a new birth to the Grizzly Reds, a symbol of Canadian tenacity and the fight for freedom.
The Grizzlies are known for their guerrilla “Roar and Move” Tactic, which strategically surrounds their militia unit around a target. The streets are that of the grizzlies; it's their hunting grounds, homes, and native streets they know best: Zero Beach, Gastown, Vancouver, Canada. The Grizzlies exchange Roars one by one around their target as if banshees transcending physical barriers— haunting, taunting their prey. Their unbreakable spirit inspires a global movement to rise up.
Across the border, Americans, forming the DAMU(DESERTED AMERICAN MILITARY UNIT), flock to the Seattle coast and organize the march to Zero Beach. True to their word, the Dutch include the ‘Vrijheid’ Garrison, comprising military personnel who volunteer to fight for Canada’s liberation, commanded by the elite Korps Commandotroepen (KCT).
The story of HEAT and the Grizzly Reds is a powerful reminder of humanity’s unyielding resilience in the face of adversity. It speaks to the deep-seated desire for justice and compassion that runs through our veins and the unwavering commitment to our fellow human beings.
- JOIN HEAT AND THE GRIZZLY REDS AS THEY FIGHT TO LIBERATE VANCOUVER IN THIS ACTION PACKED EMOTIONAL DRAMA.
- JOIN THE FIGHT
- JOIN THE RESISTANCE
WHERE WERE YOU THE DAY CANADA WAS INVADED?
2024.05.10 05:37 Lower-Soil-5892 The Marathi people are NOT welcome here!
| | Few days back, a HR professional in LinkedIn posted a recruitment advertisement for the post of a graphic designer in Mumbai and the eligibility criteria was rightfully called out by Marathis. submitted by Lower-Soil-5892 to marathi [link] [comments] Reference Picture 1: Recruitment advertisement posted by a HR professional When some Marathi people started to call out this recruitment advertisement, the HR professional came out with an apology. Reference Picture 2: Apology released by that HR professional My Observation I generally don't give much importance to apology statements because they are merely cosmetic in nature. I prefer to understand the reason for a person to make a particular error instead of being contented with an apology statement. It is difficult for me to consider to be an oversight for a HR professional to openly say Marathis are NOT welcome to apply for the post of a graphic designer in Mumbai. The problem is much bigger than we imagine and Marathis have to collectively come together to fix the problem before it is too late. Marathi people living in Maharashtra are generally welcoming and unfortunately outsiders living in Maharashtra have taken advantage of the courteous behaviour of Marathis and we have come to a dire situation where Marathis are treated as second class citizens in Maharashtra by these outsiders. We need to understand the fact that systematic discrimination of native people by outsiders doesn't start suddenly. There are many phases to it from change in linguistic demography to outsiders gaining political power. The recruitment advertisement posted by that HR professional is not an isolated incident because similar incidents have been regularly reported . To cite an example 👇🏻 Reference Picture 3: An advertisement for luxury villas in Maharashtra that prefer Marwaris and Gujaratis.[2] This advertisement indirectly says, Marathis are unwelcome from purchasing luxury villas in Maharashtra even when they can afford it. Other incidents 👇🏻 https://preview.redd.it/cpx540zcrizc1.png?width=602&format=png&auto=webp&s=5af41661be9667676f6e169785be46cbfca6bb97 https://preview.redd.it/ycg5fd5frizc1.png?width=602&format=png&auto=webp&s=07bfdb069b0f52a939cad1a7c2291422ff6203cf https://preview.redd.it/edgrm35hrizc1.png?width=602&format=png&auto=webp&s=096f5d925b34e3b1845323fd2f5aed9892144c26 The conclusion that we can draw from these incidents is that when outsiders become a majority in a particular nation and have access to political power then there is every possibility for them to systematically relegate the native people. Uncontrolled Migration and the system of governance in India that allows migrants to register as voters without integrating with the culture of the nation is single-handedly responsible for the plight of Marathis in Maharashtra. Let me share a set of data to explain my Marathi friends the way they are becoming insignificant in Maharashtra due to uncontrolled migration Reference Picture 4: Mother Tongue of selected languages in Maharashtra from 1961 to 2001, Image courtesy, Maharashtra Gazetteers Reference Picture 5: Distribution of Hindi speakers in India, 2011 Language Atlas of India Reference Picture 6 : Distribution of Marathi speakers in India, 2011 Language Atlas of India 1961 CENSUS Total population of Maharashtra = 3,95,53,718 Percentage of Marathi speakers in Maharashtra = 76.43% Percentage of Hindi speakers in Maharashtra = 2.75% 1971 CENSUS Total population of Maharashtra = 5,04,12,235 Percentage of Marathi speakers in Maharashtra = 76.60% Percentage of Hindi speakers in Maharashtra = 5.01% 1981 CENSUS Total population of Maharashtra = 6,27,82,818 Percentage of Marathi speakers in Maharashtra = 72.97% Percentage of Hindi speakers in Maharashtra = 6.60% 1991 CENSUS Total population of Maharashtra = 7,89,37,187 Percentage of Marathi speakers in Maharashtra = 73.34% Percentage of Hindi speakers in Maharashtra = 7.81% 2001 CENSUS Total population of Maharashtra = 9,68,78,627 Percentage of Marathi speakers in Maharashtra = 68.79% Percentage of Hindi speakers in Maharashtra = 11.02% 2011 CENSUS Total population of Maharashtra = 11,23,74,333 Percentage of Marathi speakers in Maharashtra = 68.93% Percentage of Hindi speakers in Maharashtra = 12.88% The next census of India will be taken after 2026 and the percentage of Marathi people in Maharashtra would probably be less than 60% by then. Adding to the problem, the Delimitation of Lok Sabha seats would reduce the political voice of Marathis further and they would become mere spectators of their nation taken over by outsiders. Query 1: What is the ONLY way forward for Marathis to protect their culture and language? Reply 1: The only way forward for Marathis to protect their culture and language is to demand Parliament of India to give State Citizenship to Maharashtra. Query 2: What are the conditions necessary for an outsider to acquire the State Citizenship of Maharashtra? Reply 2: My recommendations related to the conditions necessary for outsiders to acquire the State Citizenship of Maharashtra after Parliament of India implement the State Citizenship Act. 1) He or she have been living in Maharashtra for the last 10 years. 2) He or she must be an Indian citizen before applying for the State Citizenship of Maharashtra 3) He or she must have cleared a state citizenship test conducted by Maharashtra government to evaluate proficiency in Marathi language and social system of Maharashtra. 4) He or she have not been convicted of any criminal offence. 5) He or she is willing to give up the state Citizenship of his or her home state. Query 3 : What are the rights and privileges enjoyed by a person holding a state citizenship and the one who is NOT holding a state citizenship? Reply 3 : Privileges of a STATE CITIZEN in a particular state 1) Right to vote in all the elections held in that state : YES 2) Right to contest in all the elections held in the state : YES 3) Right to purchase immovable property in the state : YES 4) Right to start any enterprise in the state : YES 5) Right to freely travel into the state from another state : YES 6) Right to perform any legally permitted profession in the state : YES Privileges of a NON — STATE CITIZEN in a particular state 1) Right to vote in all the elections held in that state : NO 2) Right to contest in all the elections held in the state : NO 3) Right to purchase immovable property in the state : YES 4) Right to start any enterprise in the state : YES 5) Right to freely travel into the state from another state : YES 6) Right to perform any legally permitted profession in the state : YES Query 4 : What are the advantages in Parliament of India giving State Citizenship to all the Indian States? Reply 4: There are numerous advantages with Parliament of India giving State Citizenship to every state in India. Advantage 1: People holding State Citizenship will be eligible to vote and contest all the (Parliament or Assembly or Panchayat or Municipality) elections held in the state and it will prevent Migrants who are clueless about the culture and society of the state from participating in the political process of the state. Advantage 2: Migrants are welcome to acquire state citizenship after properly integrating with the culture of the state. Advantage 3: The State Government will be able of maintain accurate record of Migrants entering the state and moving out of the state. Footnotes [1] Marathi people not welcome: Outrage over Mumbai job requirement; Netizens react[2] Mumbai News: 'Marwari-Gujarati' housing ad near mira road sparks new controversy Mumbai News - Times of India[3] 'Non-veg' food row: 6 held for attack on Marathi family in Mumbai Mumbai News - Times of India[4] Mumbai builder refuses to sell flat to a Marathi[5] |
2024.05.10 03:29 truxishere Schrodinger’s Artifacting
Hello there, pcmr
A couple of weeks ago I upgraded my GPU to an RX 6700 XT. For the first few days, I didn’t expect anything unusual with my GPU and it was performing up to my expectations… until I started seeing artifacts on my second monitor out of nowhere. They would only happen whenever I alt tabbed out of a game from my main monitor. So I started doing the basic stuffs: reinstall drivers, fiddled with monitor settings, fiddled with cables… nothing
Here is an example of said artifacting: https://streamable.com/kfvw5f
I decided to try multiple games with multiple rendering APIs
So I dug deeper and tried the following methods in order to really pinpoint the root cause
Here is my specs list: - CPU: Ryzen 5 5600 - RAM: 32GB, 4x8@3000MHz - Motherboard: Gigabyte B450 DS3h v2 - PSU: Seasonic Core GC 500W 80+ Gold - GPU: Sapphire Pulse RX 6700 XT - Monitor configuration: 2560x1440 165Hz with Freesync + Vertical 1920x1080 75Hz
TL;DR I was slightly annoyed at some artifacts on my second monitor when alt tabbing, I probably finally found the root cause after 2 weeks of “research”… as per always, AMD drivers XDD
I will probably answer questions in like 5 hours when I wake up for work. Also, sorry if this is somewhat intelligible, English ain’t my native tongue
Ninja Edit: Looking for some more advice if the driver version ultimately fails
submitted by truxishere to pcmasterrace [link] [comments]
A couple of weeks ago I upgraded my GPU to an RX 6700 XT. For the first few days, I didn’t expect anything unusual with my GPU and it was performing up to my expectations… until I started seeing artifacts on my second monitor out of nowhere. They would only happen whenever I alt tabbed out of a game from my main monitor. So I started doing the basic stuffs: reinstall drivers, fiddled with monitor settings, fiddled with cables… nothing
Here is an example of said artifacting: https://streamable.com/kfvw5f
I decided to try multiple games with multiple rendering APIs
- Persona 3 Reload (DX12) - almost 100% reproductability rate as per video above ON BORDERLESS. Setting the game to exclusive fullscreen or windowed fixed the issue
- Balatro (tbh idk what Balatro uses as graphics API it’s 4am I should be asleep) - pretty much same as above
- Path of Exile (DX11) - less intense than Persona and Balatro, but still high reproductability rate, again just on borderless. Exclusive fullscreen and windowed fixed the issue
- Path of Exile (DX12 or Vullan) - with DX12 or Vulkan in PoE, the issue seems fixed even with borderless fullscreen
- Honkai: Star Rail (DX11) - this game only really has borderless fullscreen, but the reproductability rate is smaller when compared with the above examples
- Baldur’s Gate 3 (DX11), Elder Scrolls Online (DX11), osu!lazer (OpenGL), DotA2 (DX11) - This is where it gets interesting. These games, under any resolution setting, do not inherit the issue (at least to an observable point)
So I dug deeper and tried the following methods in order to really pinpoint the root cause
- Fiddle with AMD driver settings, nothing happened
- Reinstall drivers with DDU, no dice
- Reinstall Windows… multiple times, issue still occurred
- Try modded AMD drivers (I will not publicly link them), issue still occured
- Install Linux. On Linux, with Wayland server and multiple DEs/WMs (specifically Arch and Fedora/Nobara), the issue did NOT occur under any circumstance, but Linux did come with the usual performance hit and whatnot from Proton itself (duh). At this point, I was slightly reliefed as (I think) the GPU itself is not the issue
- Fiddle with cables, use like 3 different HDMI cables, issue still occurred
- Do not install any driver and use the one Windows installs by default. Issue is fixed… BINGO
Here is my specs list: - CPU: Ryzen 5 5600 - RAM: 32GB, 4x8@3000MHz - Motherboard: Gigabyte B450 DS3h v2 - PSU: Seasonic Core GC 500W 80+ Gold - GPU: Sapphire Pulse RX 6700 XT - Monitor configuration: 2560x1440 165Hz with Freesync + Vertical 1920x1080 75Hz
TL;DR I was slightly annoyed at some artifacts on my second monitor when alt tabbing, I probably finally found the root cause after 2 weeks of “research”… as per always, AMD drivers XDD
I will probably answer questions in like 5 hours when I wake up for work. Also, sorry if this is somewhat intelligible, English ain’t my native tongue
Ninja Edit: Looking for some more advice if the driver version ultimately fails
2024.05.10 01:21 Party-Sprinkles-5814 Asking for writing advice! Be honest❤️[Yadis: Union] A Skypirate Apocalypse Adventure
![Asking for writing advice! Be honest❤️[Yadis: Union] A Skypirate Apocalypse Adventure](https://b.thumbs.redditmedia.com/wPyq5QeO_jLVZ7QCERkNTi_Tp1D9A3EFuOpnfMVgAeY.jpg "Asking for writing advice! Be honest❤️[Yadis: Union] A Skypirate Apocalypse Adventure") | [If there's anything wrong with this post in terms of the self-promo aspect, I'm sorry. It's my first time posting something like this, so I might have overseen a rule. Pls tell me if you notice any mistakes.] submitted by Party-Sprinkles-5814 to ProgressionFantasy [link] [comments] Hai! I'm a new writer hoping to get some advice! Any advice, really xD I'll show you the first chapter of my novel, of course everything of this is WIP Title: Yadis: Union Synopsis: Dragons are eating the world Surviving on floating islands, humanity can only watch as the world crumbles before them, like a ticking time bomb counting toward their end. The only way out is to set sail and conquer the sky, to become a so-called 'Windrider.' Whether it's to find a new home, to kill dragons, or simply to feel the wind blowing into your face, everyone has their dreams. And Felix's dream is to bring peace, not just to humanity, but to everyone. Tags: Progression Fantasy, Low Fantasy, Adventure, Action, Mystery, Cyberpunk, Break the MC https://preview.redd.it/2ls1rguqihzc1.png?width=196&format=png&auto=webp&s=b22856cfd8d82f4d7099e1e6c5cbc6d9d8f2931c Cover by: StrikeYoko (She's usually not doing covers, but did this one for free for me <3) [Warning: Contains graphic violence] Chapter 1: Is this Justice? "Did you find something already?!" Felix asked as he ran after Fable. It was hard catching up with the creature, but its haste was only understandable. Fable hadn't eaten anything substantial for days—just a few berries and plants—nothing worth the magical creature that he was. But their streak of bad luck would end today, at least that's what they had hoped. "So?!" Felix asked as he came to an abrupt halt. Puzzled, he looked down where Fable begun sniffing excitedly. Scrunching up his own nose as well. A musty yet slightly sweet scent hung in the air, typical of the turqoise colored Yadis crystals. For a long time, they had been searching for a very rare type of Yadis, one that had killed many, while making others rich. And hopefully, it would also be able to fill their bellies now. Suddenly, Fable sprang up and squeaked; a clear sign that he caught a trail. Additionally, his stomach rumbled loudly, which would only quicken the search process. But alongside Felix's visible joy, a certain envy crept onto his features. "How do you always find it so quickly? You could at least give me a few tips!" Fable looked at him, tilting his head. Giving him tips? How?! He was just fox after all; albeit not a normal one, he still couldn't speak. Ignoring Felix's plea, Fable ran on, for they had no time to lose. Once someone realized there were intruders in the mine, they would be in trouble. "Oh man, that's a huge catch!" Felix marveled as Fable had lead him into a colorful, crystal-laden mine shaft. Felix's gaze swept the area, looking out for the most valuable treasures this place had to offer. The first thing that caught his eye were the dazzlingly bright yellow crystals. The light that they emitted pulsed in small intervals as if it were a steady heart beat, bathing the dark passage in radiance every now and then. In stark contrast stood the deep blue crystals, seeming to almost swallow the shadows around them. They hid in the furthest corners, where the light struggled to reach. And also Felix, with his small stature, would have trouble reaching them, but that wouldn't matter. For Skyshimmer, as he once heard someone call this blue stone, wasn't suitable for eating anyway, due to its hardening effects. Fable, in fact, always got constipated from it which was quite a joy to watch. The thought made Felix chuckle, but he quickly fell silent as Fable shot him a disapproving look. Proudly, the fox turned up his nose and let out a huff. Felix crouched down and ruffled Fable's fur, as one would do with a dog. "You did a great job! What a good boy…" Hestitaing for a moment, wether or not he should forgive him so easily, Fable snuggled into his hand, purring contentedly. Apparently, he wasn't one to hold grudges, not if it meant foregoing further petting sessions. But soon Fable noticed that something was off. He looked up, only to be met with a broad grin spreading across Felix's face, making Fable raise a questioning eyebrow. "Your nose may be better than mine, but you won't ever beat my eyes," Felix laughed, sticking out his tongue. Fable began squeaking at him furiously, however, it sounded rather cute than anything. Yet, Felix raised his hands in a placating gesture. "It was just a joke, I'm sorry! Please don't bite!" But Fable continued to eye him, his expression remaining serious. "Look up," said Felix, pointing the the ceiling. Reluctantly, Fable's eyes followed his finger, and what he saw there, made his jaw drop. On the ceiling was even more Yadis, but neither turqoise nor any of the other colors they had seen before. These crystals were special; looking cold and deep red. Fable flinched in shock as he realized what that meant. The next moment, he was completely beside himself, bouncing up and down excitedly. "I told you we shouldn't give up!" Felix cheered. The two whirled around in a joyful dance, laughing amusedly, but their euphoria didn't last long. Felix suddenly faltered, while Fable continued to celebrate for a moment longer before noticing and letting out a questioning squeak. "Say..." Felix scratched his cheek sheepishly, not wanting to be the party pooper. "How are we supposed to actually reach it though?" To demonstrate the problem, Felix got on his tiptoes and stretched his arms up high. The distance from the tips of his fingers to the crystals was well over a meter. Watching the act, Fable's eyes began twitching. Frowning, the fox looked at Felix and let out a wail that sounded like a screaming child. Felix's eyes widened. Alarmed, he jumped up and clamped his hand over Fable's mouth. "Shhh!" Fable's voice cut off as he stared at Felix. "You're gonna kill us!" He hissed. "Nobody should know we're here, remember?!" Slowly, Fable nodded, and Felix removed his finger. Then he smiled. "We'll figure it out. Where there's a will, there's a way!" Fable nodded, his agreement more out of faith in Felix than actual belief that they could do it. The boy seemed to have a plan, though. Eagerly, he began rummaging in his backpack and pulled out a long, turquoise staff. Only when he had fully extracted the object did it become clear what it was: a pickaxe. "I swiped it while one of the guards was out cold!" he boasted. But it wasn't your run-of-the-mill pickaxe. Apart from the handle crafted from turquoise Yadis, the tip gleamed pitch black. If one wanted to mine red Yadis, this was the only tool that would allow them to survive the endeavor. "Now we just need to figure out how to get up there…" Felix pondered, his gaze drifting across the passage. Fable's tail wagged in anticipation as he followed his gaze. They could have just settled for any of the less valuable minerals, but Felix had his sights set on the grand prize, and Fable admired that. Felix's eyes kept darting around, looking for a solution, as he recognized how sharp shadows formed on the floor, cast by the flickering light of the yellow Yadis. With each pulse of light, the shadows grew larger and larger until they collapsed back into blackness again. It had a certain breathing rhythm to it that calmed him down. Fable didn't dare interrupt his master's thought process, but he couldn't hold back a yawn. He was sure Felix would find a way—he always did. Well, at least as long as it didn't involve anything that required... education. Fable flinched as Felix finally emerged from his trance, a grin spreading across his face. That was a good sign (most of the times). Curiously, Fable watched as Felix sprinted down the passage, looking as if he were preparing to gear up—well, probably because that's exactly what he was doing. With a good running start, he ran across the shaft all the way back towards Fable and leapt into the air, stretching out his hands until they finally grabbed onto something. He pulled himself up as far as he could on the stalactite, now at eye level with the red Yadis. Fable stood up on his hind legs, clapping excitedly as his master had done it yet again. High up on the mine ceiling, Felix swung back and forth like a monkey on a branch. "Okay, Fable, you have to be careful now!" As if preparing for battle, Fable perked up his ears and tensed the crystal-tipped spines decorating his back. "On three, I'll strike, and you catch everything that falls down, got it?" Fable squeaked in agreement, readying for the hunt. "But it can't touch the ground under any circumstances! Understood?" Outside the mine, an orange-red hue reflected of the turquoise ground and settled on the faces of the people. With a burning sensation, it spurred them to work. While not being the most pleasant motivation, the heat served its purpose; it was a preview of what awaited those who were of no use to the strong. Sun-bronzed men with straw hats and old, ragged pieces of fabric which they called "clothes" toiled in the fields. Alongside them, smaller figures also pitched in, perhaps some old people and children. On the sidelines stood a sturdy man in his fourties, merely observing the others working. Pressing a bottle to his lips, he made sure, as he claimed, that everything was in order. "Herbert!" An older man greeted him, his face drenched in sweat, his wrinkles resembling water dams. Herbert only turned around after a short wait, raising a hand halfheartedly. "Siegfried," he said, more as an acknowledgment than anything. He critically scrutinized him from head to toe. "You look miserable." "Yeah..." Siegfried laughed hesitatnly. "The work is... tough." "Mhm." Siegfried cleared his throat. "Um... how... uh, how is Koshy doing?" Herbert took another swig from the bottle and gave him a piercing look. He couldn't stand it when other people tried to ingratiate themselves. Whether the older man was actually trying to do that right now, he didn't know, but he had to assume so. Why else would anyone strike up a conversation with him? "Don't you have other things to do?" Herbert asked. Siegfried nodded in agreement and lowered his head; he definitely didn't want any trouble. "Y-yes, of course." Just as Herbert was about to sit down, and take a break from all this standing around, a loud bang echoed through the air, causing everyone to freeze. In the next moment, peoples' gazes shot up to the sky, their faces turning pale as they seemed to be looking for something. Desperate voices arose. "Are they attacking again?!" "Isn't she supposed to protect us?!" Crouching on the ground, Siegfried huddled. The old man had experienced this all too often. When would it finally stop? When would peace finally come? Herbert, on the other hand, stood upright and searched for the source of the noise. His eyes widened as he saw dark clouds of smoke rising from the center of the island. But quickly, his brows furrowed, forming beams that threatened to collapse under the weight of his anger. Pointing with an outstretched finger, he yelled, "It's those damned bastards again!" "This time, I'll get them." As the dust settled, only a pile of rocks and splintered wood remained of the once pristine mine shaft. Fable emerged first from the debris, shaking off the dust from his fur. Frantically, he began digging, squeaking in distress as he tried to uncover Felix amidst the mess. And there he was, or rather, parts of his spiky, brown hair peeking out between all sorts of Yadis. Suddenly, Fable's ears perked up at the approaching voices. "They must be here somewhere!!" Redoubling his efforts, he managed to pull Felix free, and started liking over his face. Felix groaned, clutching his head as he regained his senses. The memories only came back slowly, but eventually it became clear what had happened. "Didn't I tell you to catch everything?!" Fable only responded with a jumble of noises as he knew there wasn't much time for discussion now. "Man... what they say about red Yadis do be true though..." he sighed. "It was only a splinter that touched the ground. If you didn't warn me, then I'd be nothing but mush now—" Felix paused as Fable began tugging on his clothes. "Hey! I know you're hungry but it's the only clothes I got—" "There they are!! Get them!!" screamed the voices again, making Felix realize what the explosion meant for them. "W-we need get away, fast!" He gasped and broke into a sprint followed by Fable. Making their way straight into the vast greenery of the island, Felix glanced backward and saw that ten, no, at least twenty people were chasing after them in the distance. "Oh shit!!" he exclaimed, Fable echoing his panic with a squeak of agreement. Felix gulped down water from his bottle. "That was a good run," he panted, leaning back against a wall. His chuckling was more of groaning, "We’re lucky those sissies don’t dare to venture this far into the forest." Though, Fable wasn't as relaxed about it and collapsed a few meters away, exhausted from the ordeal. "Whoa, you better be careful!" Felix said, pointing at a massive chasm in the ground. Fable jumped up with a creek, almost falling into the whole. "Man, don't scare me like that..." He sighed as Fable took a few meters of safety distance. Felix kept staring at the whole which was just one of many around this place. "Maybe that's why they don't want to go here…?" Down there, they would find nothing. Nothing but an endless abyss and the magical core; which all islands are said to revolve around. Fable caught Felix's attention with a worried growl. The boy smiled. "Oh, it's nothing." But Fable didn't buy it, emitting another, more urgent growl. Rolling his eyes, Felix tried not to look at his friend. "It's just… are we going to be trapped on this island forever? Stealing food and mining all day? At some point the dragons will break through the border and then we'll all die..." Fable opened his mouth as if he wanted to say something, only to realize he couldn't speak. Sadly, a growl could only convey so much. But Fable wouldn't give up. He pointed his nose into the sky, letting out a super victorious howl. Felix chuckled, "Are you a wolf now or what?" only to be met with Fable's scowl. Surrendering to his friend's unbreakable will, Felix followed Fable's eyes into the sky... The sky, so close and yet so far. And feeling even further away was an island floating on the horizon; the ever-glowing city of mages: "Magicae". Like a star from another world, it glittered in the distance. "Are you saying we'll go to Magicae someday?" Felix asked excitedly. Fabled turned to him, blinking several times before nodding his head heavily. "There must be loads of Yadis there... and their mages are the strongest in the world," Felix marveled, before his tone saddened. "So strong, they could even kill dragons…" As if sensing his unease, Fable whimpered worriedly. "Oh well, until we get there, we'll have to make do with what we have, right?" Felix grinned and reached into his backpack, taking out a small red object. Fable's eyes widened in bewilderment. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. But it really was just that. A chunk of red Yadis presented to him by Felix's hand. In unbridled joy, the fox leaped around wildly, making crazy noises. Felix smiled at the sight. Fable's happy demeanor was one of the few things that had kept him going ever since he landed to this island. "You know me, I'd never let us return home empty-handed!" With crunchy noises, the magical fox devoured the crystal as if he had been starving for months. Suddenly, Fable's fur shimmered brilliantly as the energy coursed through his body up into the tips of his crystalline spikes. He nuzzled against Felix, purring contentedly. As the boy stroked Fable, his fur softening whenever he touched it, Felix's brows furrowed momentarily, studying the creature's form. "Huh... that's weird. Could it be that you—?" Fable let out a questioning squeak as if feeling offended by that. Felix smirked. "I think someone's putting on a little weight there," he chuckled, giving Fable's belly a playful poke. Fable, however, wasn't up to such rude jokes and huffed indignantly before pouncing at him, the two rolling around in a mock tussle. As they wrestled, their laughter filled the air until a panicked screech broke the idyll. He could only watch as something lifted Fable up into the air. Felix shot up from the ground, only now seeing that many of their previous pursuers had surrounded them. "Now we got you, filthy thiefes!" said the one who grabbed Fable by the tail. "L-let him go!" Felix yelled, "You're hurting him!" Fable screamed, writhing in the grip of his tormentor, his spines digging into the man's hand as he dropped the creature. A piercing scream of agony escaped the man followed by a void settling into his voice, akin to the bloody hole carved into his hand. "Shit! Kill that damn thing!!" One after another, they reached out for the animal, trying to bring it down. Felix watched as Fable fought for survival, recoiling and facing death while hissing at the group of men. They tried everything to kill Fable, kicking at him, throwing stones, and wielding picks or hammers. But the fox was swift and resilient, stronger than Felix had ever seen him before. Soon, many of the men lay huddled on the ground, blood seeping from their tattered rags. They were so fixated on bringing down Fable that they had completely forgotten about Felix. Should he flee? Was that what Fable wanted? Fable certainly didn't run away when he could have easily done so. "Fable, stop!" Felix yelled, and the creature turned to face him. "Run away! I'll be fine!" But before Fable could even react, a blade hissed through the air, slicing green liquid from his body. A pained screech echoed through the area as Fable slowed down, a deep wound gashing his side. Felix stared at him as Fable collapsed. But the creature crawled along the ground, trying to escape his assailant. "Well done, Siegfried!" exclaimed a man, full of excitement. But Siegfried didn't react. He simply continued walking, his farmer's scythe dragging along the ground, its blue blade hardening and sharpening with each friction against the ground. Panic-stricken, Felix heard Fable howling in agony. Blood kept gushing from his side like a waterfall; if the wound wasn't stitched up soon, he would die. Felix was certain of that. And while all this happened, he stood idly by, leaving his friend to fate. Siegfried now stood in front of the animal, like a butcher ready to execute his target. He looked down at Fable, motionless. The animal's body was twitching as Fable's eyes darted over to Felix. But the boy looked away, closed his eyes. The only thing he heard the man talking, murmuring, "The strong kill the weak... and I am just as weak as you. Say, will you forgive me...? Will I burn in hell?" When Felix opened his eyes, he couldn't believe what he saw. He simply couldn't comprehend it at the time. That man, who was about to kill his friend, he was crying. But he would soon stop. Numerous crystals on Fable's back began glowing brightly before shooting through the air like arrows, piercing the man and eradicating the life from his face, causing him to slump lifelessly to the ground. Fable rose to his feet, the wound seemingly healing itself, enveloped in a magical glow that sealed it shut. Like a crystalline rainbow, all the different colors of Yadis on his back began glowing again before firing another salvo—much wider, much deadlier than the first one, tearing through the men's clothing, puncturing their limbs and organs. "Get ranged weapons, goddamn it!" shouted a man, just as he was about to duck, but his head was already pierced by a yellow-glowing shard. "Fable..." Felix whispered, no, it was more of a whimper, "Please stop..." He couldn't bear to watch death raging before his eyes, to see Fable, his best friend, turning into a killer. And yet he knew why he fought so bitterly. It certainly wasn't for himself, and it wasn't solely for Felix. But then, why wouldn't he run? Why wouldn't he save his... However, all this ended with a dull thud as the black end of a pickaxe struck Fable's head and flung him to the ground. Green fluid spread around, staining the men's clothes, the Yadis all around, and Felix's face. Herbert's dead smirk only fueled Felix's despair as he licked the liquid around his mouth with his tongue, revealing his rotten teeth, partially replaced with blue and green pieces of Yadis. Suddenly, it was all quiet. All, except for Felix's eyes. They darted wildly, unbelieving of what they saw. But he couldn't look away. It would be just as wrong as what he had done to protect his friend: nothing. "Finally I got you..." Herbert said before grinning. He raised his arm and again, there was a relentless pounding to Fable's head, again, the blood splattered around, fogging Felix's vision with green, sticky dropplets. The cursing of the men and Fable's agonizing cries, they still echoed in his mind, forming a mantra of despair that would always haunt him. As they were sure the thing was truly dead, Herbert grabbed its body by the tail. "About time we offer another soul to the magic core, don't you think?" He said as he dragged Fable across the ground, leaving behind a trail of blood that blended into the similarly green ground. Although it was clear what would follow next, for Felix, there was no room for such thoughts. He wouldn't allow them to kill Fable. Not now, not here, and certainly not like this. On trembling legs he got up, stumbling after Herbert, reaching out his hand after Fable. "No! Leave him alone!" He screamed, his voice cracking from the remorse he felt. Remorse for only now standing up for his friend, now, that he was almost dead. Herbert's fist punched Felix's face, sending him to the ground. Then, he regarded the animal as he held it above the abyss. "At least for one thing these damn vermines are good; they make great sacrifices." With these words, he let go of Fable, threw him away like a piece of trash. Eyes widening, Felix hunched over the edge, watching the small body falling down, steadily approaching the pulsating magic core. Soon, Fable was no more than a tiny dot, growing smaller and smaller with each second before disappearing into nothingness. He had simply thrown him down. He had simply killed his friend. Fable was dead. And now Felix was alone again. Alone in a world full of hatred… Violence… Chaos. A world where the strong ruled the weak. Was this justice? Herbert spat on the ground, groaning in disgust. "Maybe we should send you after him?" He took a step toward Felix. "You're just a parasite anyway." The other men watched from uncertain to tense faces. When Herbert looked around the group, expecting approval, most turned away, realizing this was going too far. That boy was just a child after all. But in Herbert's eyes, yellow and cold, such useless moralities had died long ago. "You bastard..." Herbert grimaced, looking at Felix. "Huh? What did you say?!" He grabbed Felix, pulling him by closer by the collar. His putrid breath, an acidic mixture of alcohol, decayed teeth, and charred Yadis, assaulted Felix's nose, bringing tears to his eyes. "What do you all think?!" Herbert demanded, making Felix flinch. "Isn't it time we get rid of the trash that's leeching off our hard work?" Felix's throat tightened even further as he heard many men roaring their approval, like a chorus of chaos overtaking their once good souls. Herbert's expression shifted to a grimace. "If I were your father, I'd be ashamed. Filthy scum—" He paused abruptly. The multitude of wrinkles that obscured his forehead seemed shaken by a certain premonition. A feeling of helplessness washed over him, followed by anger. The boy that he had just threatened to kill, to throw down the cliff—his eyes were just empty. No fear, no guilt, no begging for mercy. "She was pregnant," Felix murmured. "What?" "She needed the food for her babies." The man looked amusedly around the group and laughed. "Oh, at least he has a good heart, guys! Let's see how he'll pay us back with that!" The other men's hesitant laughter lasted for only a short moment, as they hadn't missed what Herbert had sensed before. Something wasn't right here. The hierarchy in which they lived—grew up in—it had taught them what kind of punishment awaited the ones who dared to defy the strong. And thus, they would never dare even thinking about that. But all this would crumble if the will of the weak couldn't be broken—if they didn't care anymore. In this case, society and its order would fall apart, ending in true chaos. Suddenly, each of the men flinched. With a screeching roar, burning in Felix's throat and in the mens' ears, he leaped at Herbert. Surprised by the attack, he staggered backward, feeling his feet lose their grip. He reached for Felix, trying to find support in what he had just threatened to destroy, but there was one thing he hadn't accounted for. Felix wasn't trying to simply push him down, he was pulling Herbert down with himself. Now, Is this justice...? ___ If you made it this far, thanks for reading :3 I'd really appreciate any kind of feedback <3 Author: K.T. Ambertrix (me xD) Cover art by StrikeYoko |
2024.05.09 22:17 Aluthanos [PC] [Around 2000s] Platformer/Metroidvania Girl fight for enslaved village with robots
Platform(s): PC
Genre: PlatformeMetroidvania
Estimated year of release: ~2000 or less
Graphics/art style: simple but with shades 2D for today i guess pixelated. Game was mostly bright unless we ware in cave or ice cave. Game in style is very smilar to Micetopia or Momodora when i look at it but simpler
Notable characters: MC young girl in blue dress and short brown hair, Mother of MC who died in churche at the start of the game to protect us, main villan is robot if i remember, enslaved villagers at start of the game, robots wich we see in village and next to village next to metal wall (grey with yellow accents), mushroms enemies, enemies on the leafes which slowsly fall on you (mostly in forest area), ancients lizards npc at the top of frozen cave
Notable gameplay mechanics: MC have power to slash with her open hand, yellow energy like dagger (very close range) but later she gain more distans and can hold attack (and levitate a little with closed eyes and hand next to her chest) to shoot yellow ball in front of her, later she can roll on ground and dash (in front and backpedaling) , She can jump from walls and latter do double jump and do funny rolls in midair (visually something like in Metroid but only when you hold down). Later on we unlock swiming after forest boss. When she speak there was no audio plus funny loop expresion like she bited her tongue
Other details: I remember most main areas have boss on the end of them. Zones i remember are: Ice Cave , Forest, Cave and Robot Factory. Story start when we see our MC in enslaved mining village and our mother dies for us in church and we cant back to village for now. And we go up to mountains to blue frozen cave seek help. Menu was mostly black with stylish of book and i remember sad music after death when she become all white and implode-dissapear with her scream. Game was hard and mostly serious about herself
submitted by Aluthanos to tipofmyjoystick [link] [comments]
Genre: PlatformeMetroidvania
Estimated year of release: ~2000 or less
Graphics/art style: simple but with shades 2D for today i guess pixelated. Game was mostly bright unless we ware in cave or ice cave. Game in style is very smilar to Micetopia or Momodora when i look at it but simpler
Notable characters: MC young girl in blue dress and short brown hair, Mother of MC who died in churche at the start of the game to protect us, main villan is robot if i remember, enslaved villagers at start of the game, robots wich we see in village and next to village next to metal wall (grey with yellow accents), mushroms enemies, enemies on the leafes which slowsly fall on you (mostly in forest area), ancients lizards npc at the top of frozen cave
Notable gameplay mechanics: MC have power to slash with her open hand, yellow energy like dagger (very close range) but later she gain more distans and can hold attack (and levitate a little with closed eyes and hand next to her chest) to shoot yellow ball in front of her, later she can roll on ground and dash (in front and backpedaling) , She can jump from walls and latter do double jump and do funny rolls in midair (visually something like in Metroid but only when you hold down). Later on we unlock swiming after forest boss. When she speak there was no audio plus funny loop expresion like she bited her tongue
Other details: I remember most main areas have boss on the end of them. Zones i remember are: Ice Cave , Forest, Cave and Robot Factory. Story start when we see our MC in enslaved mining village and our mother dies for us in church and we cant back to village for now. And we go up to mountains to blue frozen cave seek help. Menu was mostly black with stylish of book and i remember sad music after death when she become all white and implode-dissapear with her scream. Game was hard and mostly serious about herself
2024.05.09 15:03 SkyGinge Semi-final 2: Why your favourite will make it (and why they might not)
Tonight is one of the strongest semi-finals of all time, with sixteen sensational acts taking to the stage to compete for the final slots in the final. But which ten will rave again on Saturday night, and which six will be gone before the party is over? Back by popular demand, here's my tongue-in-cheek look at everybody's chances tonight. As ever, please don't take anything here too seriously, and remember I'm writing this as a regular Eurovision fan lost in the excitement, confusion, hopium and copium of Eurovision euphoria, not as a mod.
Malta
submitted by SkyGinge to eurovision [link] [comments]
Malta
- Why they will make it:
- Colourful, energetic, an ideal opener
- Sarah is brilliant - she can dance, she can sing, having the time of her life!
- Impressive wow moments in the choreography which stand out even after every song has performed
- It's basically a better version of what Cyprus was going for on Tuesday. Cyprus qualified, why not Malta?
- Why they might not:
- Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, but it doesn't often work very well at Eurovision (i.e. Iceland 2016 after Sweden 2015). The comparisons with Slomo do not help her
- Malta is one of the countries most disadvantaged by televote only semifinals, with no reliable diaspora partners and most frequent supporters UK & Ireland not voting in this semi
- Facing stiff 'girlbop' competition from Austria, Georgia and arguably Greece
- Why they will make it:
- One of Albania's more contemporary songs in years
- Basically a perfect draw for optimum diaspora support, with Italy, Greece, ROW and Switzerland all guaranteed to award high points, and likely smaller points from many others
- Besa will only be able to give us more wholesome insights into the ESC 2024 artists groupchat if she's still around - she must be protected at all costs!
- Even if she fall, she gon' get up, standing tall proud with her head up
- Why they might not:
- Having great diaspora support didn't help Poland on Tuesday
- Far too many ideas going on both musically and on stage makes this quite a mess
- The dreaded curse of the #2 strikes again
- Why they will make it:
- Has captured the hearts and hopes of a nation, blending urban and folk sounds perfectly
- Standout colourful stage graphics and clever choreography, including a one-camera-shot gimmick
- TA TA TA TA TA TA
- Appeals to the small yet noteworthy 'butler' diaspora with impressive display of handkerchief choreography
- Why they might not:
- Queen Marina is currently ill with a fever according to Greek media, and may struggle to have the energy and vocals to carry this song
- Filming the majority of the performance from one camera-angle leads to moments where the performance feels flat and lacking in dynamism
- Domestic popularity does not always translate to international support
- Why they will make it:
- One of the most engaging and endearing performers of the year, with perfect vocals and immense live energy
- Staging taken from the Gjon's Tears playbook of 'stick our performer on random geometry', which somehow still works brilliantly
- Performance full of clever lighting and wow moments
- The prop brings back warm nostalgic memories of watching Beyblades as a kid for many viewers
- Why they might not:
- Staging taken from the Gjon's Tears playbook of 'stick our performer on random geometry', which fails to fully convey the story of the song and lacks the creativity of the music video
- A musical-theatre style genre-blend of opera, rap and drum & bass is far from the most digestible song, especially on first listen
- Big Bird's gay cousin is writing a petition to ban Nemo as we speak for unsolicited use of his feathers
- Agent Smith emerges from the Matrix to capture Nemo for breaking the code
- Why they will make it:
- Vocals were the main reason most people were writing this off, and Aiko has been significantly better in dress rehearsals so far
- Many stories of fans' casual friends and workplaces loving this song a lot more than fan polls have indicated
- The nipple bra is now gone, replaced with a more tasteful red one!
- Aikonation could be this year's Aijanation
- Why they might not:
- Whilst pretty, the staging concept of the dancers representing the five stages of grief is not at all explicit and doesn't aesthetically match the musical genre
- The revamped bridge is bizarre and doesn't really work
- Stiff competition with San Marino and Norway for rock-lover's votes
- Why they will make it:
- Clever lighting and funky lasers match the techno sound and give the staging its own unique atmosphere
- Very catchy chorus and polished choreography
- One of the most physically attractive artists of the year, which will surely result in at least a few votes
- Kaleen = Kalush + Loreen. Illuminati confirmed
- Why they might not:
- Shaky vocals throughout - Tuesday's qualifiers show that Europe is not feeling particularly forgiving towards weak vocals this year
- Whilst beloved in the fandom, could well be the 'fan-hype' of the year, with its dated sound not necessarily impressing casuals
- I'm still ram-di-dam-don't think they fully understand what a rave is (i.e. not a fun steamy time with a bunch of shirtless men in a garage)
- Why they will make it:
- One of the most meme-able titles and choruses of the year - SAND! SAAAND!
- Easily Denmark's most competitive song in years, and conventional pop will appeal to a broad audience
- Probably significant number of Danes in attendance will lift this live
- Why they might not:
- A disappointing lack of sand on stage and on visuals, on top of a generally static performance
- Being accessible, conventional pop can be a double-edged sword, making this easy to overlook in a strong line-up
- They've missed the opportunity to do a Dune tribute and have a giant sandworm eat Saba at the end of the performance, leaving 'bits and pieces lying everywhere'
- Why they will make it:
- One of the most charismatic performers of the year in Jaklin, who owns the camera and the stage
- Colourful, fun staging
- Sounds nothing like anything else this year, standing out well in the line-up
- Why they might not:
- The song is very repetitive and feels surprisingly flat in the arena as a result
- The band aren't able to play their instruments live which makes it a bit less impressive
- WHERE IS THE CHICKEN??
- Why they will make it:
- Dons always gives an eggcellent performance vocally
- Tuesday's qualifiers shows that Europe is down for voting for ballads this year, and there is very little ballad competition in this semi
- Latvia is one of the ultimate underdogs at the moment, and everybody loves an underdog
- Why they might not:
- The giant donut prop does nothing to add to visual storytelling, and Dons' emoting also isn't all that convincing
- The song is sadly too forgettable in such a strong semi
- Dons may take vengeance for months of egg jokes by bringing a pack of eggs on stage to throw at the audience
- Why they will make it:
- Some of the most creative, engaging and entertaining stage graphics of the entire year
- The full kitchen sink thrown at the staging, with costume changes, clever camerawork, pyro, and presumably the entire bank account of a rich Sammarinese businessman behind them
- Although San Marino lack voting allies, this year they have both Spain and Italy voting in the semi when Italy has historically given them some televotes in the semi and the band is Spanish
- We didn't suffer through the painful mess of Una Voce per San Marino for nothing
- Why they might not:
- Facing stiff competition from Norway and Czechia for rock-lovers
- It's San Marino, who always struggle in the televote unless they have a certain Turkish man to draw in diaspora and drunk support.
- Spanish rock representing San Marino may be a bit confusing for first-time viewers
- Why they will make it:
- Nutsa is probably the best vocalist of the entire semi, belting out the tune flawlessly whilst dancing
- Never underestimate the wide appeal of a woman singing an ethnic-tinged bop with a load of pyro on stage
- Everybody loves an underdog, and Georgia is one of the biggest Eurovision underdogs at the moment. Surely they break their streak this time?
- Why they might not:
- Facing stiff 'girlbop' competition from Austria, Malta and arguably Greece
- A great performance and a decent song hasn't always lead to a Georgian qualification (cries in Iru)
- The 'fire' that Nutsa is 'putting out' seems to be the sun (see the stage graphics), which is inadvisable and would exhaust all life on Earth
- Why they will make it:
- One of the most instant songs of the year, and one of the only ballad-like songs in the semi
- Has consistently ranked well in a variety of fan polls, demonstrating widespread appeal
- Some atmospheric and effective moments in the staging, especially early on and with the platform of mics
- Why they might not:
- Consistently wonky vocals, especially in the the falsetto choruses which are for many people the best part of the song
- Incredibly disappointing and underwhelming staging, especially given the music video seemed tailor-made to translate onto the stage
- The ending is repetitive and lacks power in a live setting
- Why they will make it:
- Quirky and pure fun in a way which should appeal to televoters
- Great late draw
- One of the most recognisable and imitable dance moves of the year, beloved by the audience who will lift this song
- Our community hasn't produced countless memes and fan-art pieces for nothing, right? Right?! UUUUUUUUUUUU YYYYYYYYYYYEEEAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH intensifies
- Why they might not:
- Incredibly messy and unimaginative staging are drawbacks you can't afford in a semi this competitive
- Could well be the subreddit fan-hype of the year as Estonian folk/hip-hop mix is potentially a niche genre for a casual audience
- The police investigation concludes that in the end they (really) do know quite a lot about (those) drugs
- Why they will make it:
- Flawless vocals, one of the only ballads in the semi
- Great late draw
- Some effective staging moments, especially with atmospheric use of dry ice
- The boos and criticism will only encourage some voters to vote even more for them
- Why they might not:
- Maybe far more of Europe feels uncomfortable about Israel's participation at the moment than we all suspect
- Eden risks getting oxymated slightly in the dry ice
- Lack of audience support may influence voters at home
- Why they will make it:
- Purely a magical experience from start to finish (#unbiasedjournalism)
- Musically full of wow moments, especially the intense final chorus and Gunhild's impeccable vocals
- Effective use of dry ice and lasers to add to the moody atmosphere
- Everybody loves a good fairytale!
- Why they might not:
- Folk-rock could be too niche of a genre for a widespread casual audience, and the song is facing competition from other rock songs in the semi for votes
- The staging is a bit of a downgrade from MGP, lacking some of the intimacy and effective pre-recorded inserts
- Gunhild may accidentally pull a muscle doing her famous leaning back trick
- The lyrics may summon a werewolf who eats the stage, disqualifying the band
- Why they will make it:
- Creative and witty stage graphics and impeccable live energy from Joost
- Perfect draw position
- Incredibly effective ending which gives added poignancy to the performance
- Why they might not:
- When you promise innovative, never-before seen staging and bring a bloke in a blue bird costume, you are going to rub people up the wrong way
- Focussing entirely on the sad ending in all recaps may feel like using tragedy for cynical gain, instead of presenting the balance the song gives
- Brexit means Brexit - Eurosceptics may unite to overturn this EU propaganda!!
2024.05.09 11:47 Prometheus101 My Comprehensive Game Theory Tables Review (very long) 4.75 out of 5 stars
 | https://preview.redd.it/tfjlz3anjdzc1.jpg?width=4022&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d4cbf3d192fa429d937ad5f51456b267e29aba7b submitted by Prometheus101 to boardgames [link] [comments] TLDR: I purchased a long/x-wide mahogany origins table from them during their 3rd Kickstarter. Although there were a few very minor negatives (see below), overall the experience was great and I think that the table is exceptional. It is huge (8’x4’8”), heavy duty, well made and the gaming surfaces, especially my custom gaming suede, feel incredible and look amazing. I would give their table and the overall experience something like 4.75 out of 5 stars. KickstartePledge Manager Phase (5 out of 5 stars) I have backed around 300 Kickstarter’s at this point and I found my communication with GTT to be very good, both during this phase and during the pledge manager. When I had questions during the Kickstarter, they were answered quickly and once the campaign ended, they posted regular updates, much better than the vast majority of my other campaigns (although to be fair this was a much pricier product than anything else I have ever backed). I found their custom pledge manager to be well done and anytime I had a question I received a response in a day or two at most from their customer service agents. Their graphic designer who worked with me on my custom gaming suede surface was nice, kept in touch without being overly pushy and most importantly did an incredible job putting together the images I provided her. Delivery/Assembly (3.5 out of 5 stars) Because I have a bad foot, I opted for the full white glove service where they deliver and assemble the table for you as well as haul away all the packaging. It is not cheap, costing $400 above the free freight delivery, but it seemed like it was worth it for me. The delivery was a little rocky. Although I received plenty of notifications and tracking information from GTT and the freight shipper, when it came to the white glove service there were issues. Apparently, the base of my table was damaged in shipping (probably by the freight company), which happens I get that, but the white glove company did not bother to inform me of this until we were already in the delivery window and so a day of mine was wasted. To make matters worse, GTT could not seem to get the needed information from them for days in order to properly evaluate what needed to be replaced, which left me frustrated. In the end my delivery was delayed about 10 days but it finally came and I will say that it was quite a bit of work to assemble my modular table (it took the two delivery guys almost 3 hours) and so even with the difficulties I am glad I went the white glove service. Once in my home they did a really nice job brining in the table parts and assembling them. The Table (4.75 out of 5 stars) When I was looking at alternative game tables my impression was that they did not look as robust as the GTT offerings. My Origins table has substantial rails (about 5.5 inches wide) and large (albeit hollow) legs, which was important for me because my long/x-wide table is 8’ x 4’8”. The mahogany finish is very nice, although a little more fragile than I would prefer. By using stain over solid ash, GTT is able to offer a variety of colors at a reasonable price compared to their competitors, but it does make scratching a potential issue. Now my table will only be used as a gaming table so I am not too concerned, but if I was going to put it to everyday use, I might consider a more substantial protective sealant coat. My table did arrive with a few minor scratches which I will need to fix with some stain (I am not sure if it shipped that way or if the white glove guys did it during assembly), but it should be easily correctable, once the stain arrives. The optional tabletop is very sturdy, and they definitely seem to have solved the issue of it shifting around using some magnets on the corners and a tongue-n-groove system for the middle leaves. One other minor negative is that the end caps on the legs are a little loose, but that can be fixed by running a strip of .75” adhesive Velcro (the soft/loop part) around the part that inserts into the leg, which holds it much more firmly in place while allowing it to still be removed. I get that you might expect slightly more precise tolerances on an expensive piece of furniture but to me it is not really a big deal since it is so easy to solve. Gaming Surface (5.5 out of 5 stars – lame, I know) This was one of the biggest selling points for me when making my purchase. Because GTT also makes a lot of poker tables, they can produce these ‘gaming suede’ surfaces that do very much feel like Vegas gaming table surfaces. In addition, they can print intricate patterns/images on them that end up looking amazing. This seems far superior to the neoprene mats that other companies seem to offer. Because they are a pain to ship, I ended up ordering 3 of them, since I am probably never going to want to pay to ship them in the future. I got a basic cream one to go under the optional acrylic grid that I also purchased, so that I can draw maps on it for D&D and other RPGs. I also got their Egyptian Hieroglyphs surface, since I though it would look good as an alternate to my main surface and go well with the mahogany and brass color scheme. Finally, I got a custom surface, that I envisioned looking like an annotated map of Middle Earth and I think it came out amazing (if I do say so myself). It was a lot of work to find and scan the images (their graphic designer also did a great job with the formatting and blending of the images) but I think having something that cool and unique was totally worth the cost and effort. I would recommend this to anyone who is going to purchase one of their tables. These surfaces are so cool that I was inclined to give them 6 out of 5 stars (I know, I am channeling my inner Spinal Tap), but I only went with 5.5 because some of the staples on the back of the board were a little rough/sharp (I actually cut my finger on one). I think they should do something to cover them up a little better (I ended up using some heavy duct tape, which seemed to do the trick). Conclusion Overall, I love my table and I cannot wait to have many more gaming nights for years to come, playing games like Foundations of Rome (pictured below) and many others. Looking back, I would definitely do it all over again and go with GTT. Also keep in mind that my poor photography skills probably don’t do the table justice, plus it is sort of hard to get good photos of something that big from the angles I had available. https://preview.redd.it/ynmg4z2zjdzc1.jpg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=738154e7c2eef328e2d64b9be8597d92519eeadf https://preview.redd.it/8cy4bub0kdzc1.jpg?width=2697&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3c8d41537b2cd187fa502ac879f62998f5832278 https://preview.redd.it/f47gsc94kdzc1.jpg?width=4030&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2f814cd5cde0e40fe73d6bd33035838ca23bc7c3 https://preview.redd.it/w93adhh5kdzc1.jpg?width=3884&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c6d95201c73d39aae89a80b804c24b11bbb9c63c https://preview.redd.it/h60j7yv8kdzc1.jpg?width=3555&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e2de333d89e2fb3367e177002d93eb84f761c1f7 https://preview.redd.it/j0newfhakdzc1.jpg?width=3684&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=86d4a3e7d9522e2dc0641d2d05b248fbda7af55e https://preview.redd.it/6hkr8flbkdzc1.jpg?width=3976&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8a7c41da36387fcdea0442619fb583d5150a172b https://preview.redd.it/oic6vewckdzc1.jpg?width=4013&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1df945c4a6b3091dad751d4e6ae778fee0c5b9c4 https://preview.redd.it/mq042n7hkdzc1.jpg?width=3808&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c1fa2ae06998fcd9a72a02c8727872aabd5a627c |
2024.05.09 08:26 DontBanMe_IWasJoking OK, hear me out... Ethan should hire the guy who makes memes for The Jersey Outlaw to replace Cameron
By the sounds of things he'll be out of work soon, his memes are actually hilarious and he clearly has photoshop skills, he would be perfect at doing Cameron's job of making memes on the fly and maybe even other graphic work, he's clearly a fan of the show too.
(sorry I can't remember his name its on the tip of my tongue, something like Brandon or Myron but not that)
submitted by DontBanMe_IWasJoking to h3h3productions [link] [comments]
(sorry I can't remember his name its on the tip of my tongue, something like Brandon or Myron but not that)
2024.05.07 19:19 Neat-Platform I'm not sure what to make of this
TW, just to be safe, I'll be describing it pretty graphically.)
Hi, so this all happened when I was 16, he was 19, and we'd been dating for about 3 months. (Note: I'm from Germany, and the age of consent there is 14, so it was legal.) We'd both been virgins when we met, to the point where we hadn't even kissed other people. By the time the incident happened, we'd slept together a few times, but hadn't done oral or other stuff yet. He only got his sexual education from porn, or at least that's what I think happened after all the stuff he's told me. He always said that my pleasure is what got him off, but everything he did to me was always so uncomfortable and sometimes even painful because he was really rough at times. I was very unsure about myself at the time, and he was kind of a crybaby and would get upset randomly, so I always faked liking it. I think the fact that I was 16 at the time also played a role in that, obviously, since I had no experience with intimacy, and had only self-educated about consent. I never had any good example of a healthy male-female relationship, so I was pretty helpless, and didn't really have clear boundaries that I could enforce in the moment.
The incident went the following way: We were on my bed, and nobody else was home. He was supposed to leave and take the bus home in about 45 mins. He was kind of holding me and rubbing up against me (?) and telling me he was really horny and wanted to have sex. I told him I didn't want to have sex with him right now. After I said that, he told me: "Then give me head." And like I said, I had never done anything like that before, ever. I didn't know what to say, and felt so uncomfortable. I don't know why I didn't just say no. I don't think he would've forced me to do it had I said "no" directly. But I feel like my mind just went on autopilot. I got up from the bed, and went to close the curtains on my bedroom window. I was awkwardly laughing, and calling him names like 'jerk', and 'cunt' (I don't know why, but I just did. I usually never cuss, but I was kind of 'jokingly' calling him those names because I was so uncomfortable), while he just laid on the bed and smiled at me and waited. Then, because I didn't know how to do it, he told me to sit on my knees in front of the bed, and he sat on the edge. I don't really remember how it all even went down, because the next memory I have of the incident is having his cock in my mouth, and him kind of pushing my head up and down, not super hard, but I definitely gagged. The taste of the precum was also digusting, and made me gag. Then, he told me to take off my shirt. I said no, and he just said "Ok" and then, when he close to cumming, he said "I wanna cum in your mouth", and then just did. I didn't know how it would taste, and I didn't think it would be so, so bad. I literally almost threw up after he did it. I had to spit it all out, and then drank 1l of water, and had to eat an apple, and the taste still stuck to my tongue until after he was gone. I had tears in my eyes the whole time after, I couldn't control it. I was so close to crying the whole time, even when I was walking him to the bus stop. He told me that I 'wouldn't have to do it again, if the taste was so bad', and then, because I was so close to crying, he said he would cry too, because it was so hard for him to see me cry, so I tried not to cry.
Now, it's been about 2 months since I broke up with him. I'm still trying to process the whole relationship, and other stuff he did, like (I was sexually assualted at a party when I was 14 and told me) when he questioned if my SA even happened because I was unconcious during it, or when he made a rape joke about me (I jokingly said something like 'no, you'll never touch me again', and he said 'well, then I have to rape you' and laughed. That was also when we'd been dating for about 3 months.). Now that I'm older, and around the age he was when he met me, I'm starting to reconsider the whole thing, and feel taken advantage of by him, and like my first times were stolen. I would like some advice on the incident I described, because I feel like it's in the grey areas of consent, but somehow I still can't stop thinking about it. It's on my mind all the time, and is really weighing on me. Thank you in advance for your takes on the whole thing :)
TLDR; My ex boyfriend had me give him head, after I said no to intimacy and was acting really awkwardly because I was so uncomfortable when he was 19, and I was 16, when we'd been dating for about three months.
submitted by Neat-Platform to rapecounseling [link] [comments]
Hi, so this all happened when I was 16, he was 19, and we'd been dating for about 3 months. (Note: I'm from Germany, and the age of consent there is 14, so it was legal.) We'd both been virgins when we met, to the point where we hadn't even kissed other people. By the time the incident happened, we'd slept together a few times, but hadn't done oral or other stuff yet. He only got his sexual education from porn, or at least that's what I think happened after all the stuff he's told me. He always said that my pleasure is what got him off, but everything he did to me was always so uncomfortable and sometimes even painful because he was really rough at times. I was very unsure about myself at the time, and he was kind of a crybaby and would get upset randomly, so I always faked liking it. I think the fact that I was 16 at the time also played a role in that, obviously, since I had no experience with intimacy, and had only self-educated about consent. I never had any good example of a healthy male-female relationship, so I was pretty helpless, and didn't really have clear boundaries that I could enforce in the moment.
The incident went the following way: We were on my bed, and nobody else was home. He was supposed to leave and take the bus home in about 45 mins. He was kind of holding me and rubbing up against me (?) and telling me he was really horny and wanted to have sex. I told him I didn't want to have sex with him right now. After I said that, he told me: "Then give me head." And like I said, I had never done anything like that before, ever. I didn't know what to say, and felt so uncomfortable. I don't know why I didn't just say no. I don't think he would've forced me to do it had I said "no" directly. But I feel like my mind just went on autopilot. I got up from the bed, and went to close the curtains on my bedroom window. I was awkwardly laughing, and calling him names like 'jerk', and 'cunt' (I don't know why, but I just did. I usually never cuss, but I was kind of 'jokingly' calling him those names because I was so uncomfortable), while he just laid on the bed and smiled at me and waited. Then, because I didn't know how to do it, he told me to sit on my knees in front of the bed, and he sat on the edge. I don't really remember how it all even went down, because the next memory I have of the incident is having his cock in my mouth, and him kind of pushing my head up and down, not super hard, but I definitely gagged. The taste of the precum was also digusting, and made me gag. Then, he told me to take off my shirt. I said no, and he just said "Ok" and then, when he close to cumming, he said "I wanna cum in your mouth", and then just did. I didn't know how it would taste, and I didn't think it would be so, so bad. I literally almost threw up after he did it. I had to spit it all out, and then drank 1l of water, and had to eat an apple, and the taste still stuck to my tongue until after he was gone. I had tears in my eyes the whole time after, I couldn't control it. I was so close to crying the whole time, even when I was walking him to the bus stop. He told me that I 'wouldn't have to do it again, if the taste was so bad', and then, because I was so close to crying, he said he would cry too, because it was so hard for him to see me cry, so I tried not to cry.
Now, it's been about 2 months since I broke up with him. I'm still trying to process the whole relationship, and other stuff he did, like (I was sexually assualted at a party when I was 14 and told me) when he questioned if my SA even happened because I was unconcious during it, or when he made a rape joke about me (I jokingly said something like 'no, you'll never touch me again', and he said 'well, then I have to rape you' and laughed. That was also when we'd been dating for about 3 months.). Now that I'm older, and around the age he was when he met me, I'm starting to reconsider the whole thing, and feel taken advantage of by him, and like my first times were stolen. I would like some advice on the incident I described, because I feel like it's in the grey areas of consent, but somehow I still can't stop thinking about it. It's on my mind all the time, and is really weighing on me. Thank you in advance for your takes on the whole thing :)
TLDR; My ex boyfriend had me give him head, after I said no to intimacy and was acting really awkwardly because I was so uncomfortable when he was 19, and I was 16, when we'd been dating for about three months.
2024.05.07 14:00 SkyGinge Semi-final 1: Why your favourite will make it (and why they might not)
After almost an entire year of waiting, tonight we finally get to watch Eurovision again as the first fifteen fabulous performers face their fate. But which ten acts will rise like a phoenix, and which five will trip over their giant rock props? In a semi-final this open literally anything could happen, and it probably will! So, to weigh up each entry like I did last year, I present a tongue-in-cheek look at everybody's chances tonight. Please don't take anything here too seriously, and remember I'm writing this as a regular Eurovision fan, not as a mod!
Cyprus
submitted by SkyGinge to eurovision [link] [comments]
Cyprus
- Why they will make it:
- Silia's charisma, stage presence and energy are ridiculously good considering her young age
- History as shown you should never underestimate a girlbop, and this is incredibly catchy and danceable
- Dimitris Kontopoulis has only failed to qualify once with a song he's written, and in that case came 11th in one of the strongest semi-finals of all time
- Silia has enrolled in the Noa Kirel school of dancing - it worked for Noa, so why not for Silia?
- Why they might not:
- Inviting two Eurovision's most prominent girlbop queens, Chanel and Eleni Foureira, to perform directly before Silia does her no favours
- This really is a girlbop by numbers, and that lack of standout novel feature could cost them dearly
- Lying is a sin, and therefore voting and endorsing a song called 'liar' is a big naughty no-no
- Why they will make it:
- 'Ramonda' is very similar to 'Džanum', which went internationally viral on TikTok, proving how popular ballads like this can be with a broad audience
- Atmospheric staging and an engrossing, emotional performance by Teya
- They pretty much have an ideal draw to optimise diaspora support, with a guaranteed 22 points from Slovenia and Croatia and likely smaller points from Sweden, Germany, Cyprus and the Rest of World vote.
- She capitalises on the often understated yet undeniably important 'botanist' demographic by singing about a flower
- Why they might not:
- Even Teya isn't massively happy with the amount of wide camera-shots towards the end of the song, robbing it of some of its intimacy
- The curse of the dreaded #2 slot strikes again - in a semi which also features three of the big 5/host performing in the mix with impressive staging, performing 2nd out of 18 performances means this could well be forgotten by the end
- Breskvica's fans travel to Malmo to protest live, disrupting Teya's performance
- Why they will make it:
- You don't need to understand Lithuanian to enjoy what's happening on stage or vibe with its catchy tune
- The song reached #1 domestically and has also placed consistently in top 10s in fan polls this year, showcasing its broad appeal
- Even if the song wasn't already brilliant, Lithuania has substantial diaspora voting allies in this semi, with a large televoting score guaranteed from United Kingdom, Ireland, Ukraine and Sweden and likely from many others.
- Incredibly polished live performance, with hypnotic lights, choreography and an entrancing club atmosphere
- Why they might not:
- Could be forgotten this early in the draw as Lithuanian language club-pop isn't as accessible as other songs in the semi
- 'Luktelk Luktelk' sounds a little too much like 'Lockdown Lockdown', causing Covid-related trauma flashbacks with casual voters
- Do people really want to vote for a song about erectile dysfunction?
- Why they will make it:
- One of the most impressive performances this year, never mind of all time. Ridiculously tight camerawork and a clear artistic vision which commands attention
- Beloved by fans, could also be beloved by casual
- Everybody loves an underdog, and Ireland is the ultimate underdog of modern Eurovision, with one qualification in the last nine contests.
- QUALIFY THE WITCH
- Why they might not:
- Could be too artistic and too scary for a casual audience
- 'ouija pop' is an incredibly niche genre, and the recap basically just being screaming at the camera could well turn off first-time listeners
- Bambie's satanic ritual accidentally summons a demon, or worse, Anri Jokhadze
- Why they will make it:
- The song navigates multiple genres with ease, taking the best parts of both recent Ukrainian winners and doing something unique with them
- With lasting sympathy for the nation as it continues to labour against Russian invasion, and millions of displaced Ukrainians across Europe, Ukraine the most powerful guaranteed televote at the moment and would have to send something truly awful to fail to qualify from a televote only semi
- Some of the most powerful and effective stage graphics of the year, adding an extra layer of poignancy to an already spiritual and otherworldly song
- Why they might not:
- The religious imagery, particularly the use of a controversial figure in Mother Teresa, may prove a barrier to votes by evoking religious trauma
- Perhaps sounding so much like both 'Stefania' and '1944' will prove an unhelpful comparison
- 'All the divas are born as a human beings' ignites an angry mob of grammarati
- Why they will make it:
- Some of the wackiest and most colourful staging of the year. I dunno why we need Luna on a horse, but it looks great and generally is a lot more cohesive than some of the snippets/gallery shots made it seem
- Catchy, radio-friendly pop which will appeal to a broad audience
- Subtly revamped for Eurovision with some additional instrumentation which gives it a bit more punch
- They have pretty much a perfect draw for optimising diaspora support, with high televote scores guaranteed from Ireland, Ukraine, Germany, United Kingdom, Iceland and potentially Luxembourg.
- Why they might not:
- Some of the wackiest and most colourful staging of the year. Less random chess piece people flailing limbs and more Luna please!
- Though much improved from the preparties, Luna is still a little weak vocally, especially in the 'big notes' at the end and when doing the convoluted choreography
- Luna didn't get planning permission to build her tower, getting her into legal trouble with the local authorities
- Why they will make it:
- It's one of the big favourites to win, has captured the soul of a nation and the hearts of thousands of fans across Europe
- Manages to be both incredibly fun, incredibly catchy and also poignant in its message and themes
- Baby Lasagna is an inspiration for all introverts
- Call and response chorus always works excellent with a live audience - hearing the crowd do the 'woahs' raises this to another level
- Never underestimate the power of the cat-lover diaspora vote - cat memes aren't popular for nothing!
- Why they might not:
- Maybe the comparisons with Kaarija haven't been overdone, and the similarities in style and staging (because Kaarija has a copyright on neon green lighting of course) will work against viewers
- Rammstein-esque electronic rock isn't everybody's cup of tea
- The goat from the song's cover art, angry at being completely overlooked in subsequent graphics, promotions and the songs lyrics, causes a stage invasion wearing a t-shirt which reads 'Bleat goat, please bleat back'
- Why they will make it:
- Hera's lovable mum energy makes her an endearing performer
- Surprisingly effective staging, which is upbeat and colourful
- Hera is Eurovision royalty and must be treated as such!
- People may have seen the TikToks about Iceland sending a Palestinian back when Bashar was in contention and may mistakenly vote for Hera still under that false understanding
- Why they might not:
- 'Scared of Heights' somehow sounds more dated and less current than her previous Eurovision entry, which was release fourteen years ago.
- Consistently at the bottom of fan polls
- Hera is too scared of heights to climb her platform at the start of the performance, missing her opening cues
- Why they will make it:
- Slovenia has strong diaspora support in the semi, with a near-guaranteed 20 points from Croatia and Serbia and likely smaller support from Poland and Germany.
- Vocally impeccable from Raiven, and the camerawork is much improved from the rehearsal snippet
- #SendTheWitch might also translate to some votes for Slovenia's own 'witchy' story
- Why they might not:
- The song and its choreography aren't the most accessible on first listening - it lacks too much of a catchy melody to stay in the minds of viewers
- The stage lights are a lot brighter than we were expecting, robbing it of the moody atmosphere of the music video
- Too much nudity for a family show #outrage
- Why they will make it:
- Historically the televote has almost always appreciated a good 'joke song' (non derogatory), and the crowd will lift them immensely
- Great fun in a draw half full of more sombre songs
- Gags like the giant jegg and the jorts descending from the ceiling are genuinely hilarious on first watch and will definitely resonate in viewer's memories
- Why they might not:
- Perhaps the divided response to the nude gag and other shenanigans from the fandom itself will also translate to the general public - Latvia 2022 shows that Europe doesn't always resonate with 'joke songs'
- Surprisingly dark and unexciting use of the LEDs, especially when compared to the likes of Joost
- The Jegg hatches pre-emptively into a beatiful Jickin, which consumes Windows95man
- Why they will make it:
- The message of the song - Natalia's love for her children - may resonate with mums across Europe
- Very beautiful use of the LED screens and cubes to create one of the most colourful performances of the year
- Decent late-half draw and some guaranteed televote support from Portugal and Ukraine
- Why they might not:
- The staging is lacking any of the usual Moldovan magic which has historically elevated Moldovan songs
- Like Hera, this is sadly nowhere near as good as her first attempt, reflected in finishing low in fan polls all year
- The song is not performed directly in the middle of the running order, and therefore is false advertising
- Why they will make it:
- The song has a very chilled vibe which could appeal to a broad audience
- Atmospheric staging with tight camerawork
- Non-English Eurovision songs are in a bit of a Renaissance at the moment, and an Azeri language song is what fans have been asking for for years
- Mugham has worked well to elevate a song before - see Azerbaijan 2012!
- Why they might not:
- Azerbaijan has historically struggled to score highly in the televote and is lacking their only consistent televoting ally Georgia to help them out
- The song isn't particularly instant, and has also had a pretty muted response in the fanbase too
- The giant hands are quite a clumsy prop and don't really work
- Why they will make it:
- Catchy, accessible pop with the added Eurovision national flair of having a digeridoo appear on stage
- An excellent late stage draw
- Surprisingly effective staging, with tight camerawork, warm colours and charismatic energy from our leads
- Australia has only failed to qualify once, under circumstances where they weren't able to perform live. They also have both the UK and Ireland voting in this semi
- Why they might not:
- The staging is noticeably low budget, lacking in any major gimmick or memorable moment
- Australia traditionally struggles in the televote
- Australia is not a part of Europe
- The repressed trauma of the music video and those facial expressions may haunt fans
- Why they will make it:
- Some of the most engrossing staging of the year, with incredible use of colour
- Last year proved that there is an audience for ballads in a televoting-only semi, with songs like Estonia, Lithuania, Switzerland and Cyprus all qualifying with ease, especially when they are as impeccably performed as this
- The emotion Iolanda conveys transcends understanding of the Portuguese language
- Why they might not:
- Facing stiff competition with Serbia for emotional ballad lovers
- Portugal is lacking as many likely voting allies as most other countries in the semi, with only the Luxembourgish 12 points near-guaranteed
- Voters mistake her name for Lolanda and try to vote for Lolanda instead
- Why they will make it:
- RTL have thrown the kitchen sink at this performance, with pyro, dry ice, big LED graphics, the lot!
- Catchy, instant bop with the statistically best draw of the semi, serving as an effective closer
- Tali is a charismatic performer and engages the camera well
- The novelty of a country returning after 30+ away may resonate with viewers
- Why they might not:
- Luxembourg is unlikely to have any kind of diaspora/bloc voting support, and perhaps the novelty of voting for them this year has been overstated
- The revamp unfortunately has made the song disjointed and overcomplicated, making it hard to digest on first listen
- Tali's braids, after being subject to so many comments over the past week or so, take on a life of their own and start to rotate like Rayman's hair midway through the song, carrying her away and into the rafters mid-performance
2024.05.07 13:01 Zealousideal_Call270 Scene skips for sex/torture?
Hi all,
I was recently trying to watch GoT with my girlfriend. We made it to E10 of S1 before she decided it was too gruesome for her. It was the scene where the bard gets his tongue cut out and then they show Ned’s head in the following scene.
Is there a compiled list of scene skips to dodge similar parts in the show? It’s mostly the overly graphic parts that she does not manage well.
Thanks
submitted by Zealousideal_Call270 to gameofthrones [link] [comments]
I was recently trying to watch GoT with my girlfriend. We made it to E10 of S1 before she decided it was too gruesome for her. It was the scene where the bard gets his tongue cut out and then they show Ned’s head in the following scene.
Is there a compiled list of scene skips to dodge similar parts in the show? It’s mostly the overly graphic parts that she does not manage well.
Thanks