Since I have been under assault the funding for directed energy weapons has absolutely exploded.News June 30, 2014
Directed Energy non lethal development budget compared to entire DEW from 2014- 2023.
-2014 non lethal: $1,630.6M
-2023 entire DEW: "US$6.4 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 19.6% during the forecast period 2024-2034."

Conducted And Directed Energy Weapons To Drive Non-Lethal Weapons Market Growth
The concept of a weapon that is designed merely to temporarily incapacitate, with little or no lasting injury, is relatively new. The development of non-lethal weapons can be viewed as a consequence of the rise of democratic values. The use of lethal force on a nation’s own citizens is often met with dissent and criticism in democracies. The rise of non-lethal weapons has taken place in the last two decades. Non-lethal weapons for anti-personnel purposes have become increasingly high in demand from law enforcement agencies across the world. The new report has calculated that in 2014 the market will be worth $1,630.6M.
The new report, now available on ASDReports, Non-Lethal Weapons (NLW) Market 2014-2024: Conducted & Directed Energy Weapons (CEW & DEW), Less Lethal Weapons (LLW) & Equipment for Military & Law Enforcement. This report finds overall market growth over the forecast period as more nations enter the market and technological advances realise new capabilities.
A detailed analysis of the latest political, economic and technological trends lies at the heart of the reports unparalleled quantitative and qualitative analysis of the non-lethal weapons market. The new report assesses that global spending on non- lethal weapons will amount to $1630.6m in 2014, or the start of the forecast period covered by this report. This 239 page report is packed with 205 tables, figures and charts that illustrate key trends in the market at the global level, 2 submarkets, and in 15 leading national markets. The report profiles 17 leading non- lethal weapons companies. The report also contains interviews with expert members within the industry and details of more than 150 relevant non-lethal weapons contracts and programmes.
“Non-lethal anti-personnel systems such as conducted energy weapons, less-lethal ammunition, tear gas and pepper spray have proven capabilities in crowd control situation. Our research indicates that non-lethal anti-personnel weapons are becoming increasingly high in demand particularly from law enforcement agencies.
In recent years, advances in energy weapon technology both Conducted Energy Weapons (CEW) for anti-personnel utility and Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) technology predominantly for anti-vehicle have highlighted the demand for such systems, particularly in nations with more advanced armed forces.
Furthermore, efforts of nations such as India, Brazil and South Africa to modernise their armed forces and security services will provide significant new market opportunities. It is believed that a lowering of barriers to entry with technological advancements made over the past decade will create new demand for a range of non-lethal systems. This new demand will drive growth within the market.”
The Non-Lethal Weapons (NLW) Market 2014-2024: Conducted & Directed Energy Weapons (CEW & DEW), Less Lethal Weapons (LLW) & Equipment for Military & Law Enforcement report will be of impressive value to current and future investors into the industry, as well as to companies and research centres who wish to broaden their knowledge of the non-lethal weapons market.

Conducted And Directed Energy Weapons To Drive Non-Lethal Weapons Market Growth
The concept of a weapon that is designed merely to temporarily incapacitate, with little or no lasting injury, is relatively new. The development of non-lethal weapons can be viewed as a consequence of the rise of democratic values. The use of lethal force on a nation’s own citizens is often met with dissent and criticism in democracies. The rise of non-lethal weapons has taken place in the last two decades. Non-lethal weapons for anti-personnel purposes have become increasingly high in demand from law enforcement agencies across the world. The new report has calculated that in 2014 the market will be worth $1,630.6M.
The new report, now available on ASDReports, Non-Lethal Weapons (NLW) Market 2014-2024: Conducted & Directed Energy Weapons (CEW & DEW), Less Lethal Weapons (LLW) & Equipment for Military & Law Enforcement. This report finds overall market growth over the forecast period as more nations enter the market and technological advances realise new capabilities.
A detailed analysis of the latest political, economic and technological trends lies at the heart of the reports unparalleled quantitative and qualitative analysis of the non-lethal weapons market. The new report assesses that global spending on non- lethal weapons will amount to $1630.6m in 2014, or the start of the forecast period covered by this report. This 239 page report is packed with 205 tables, figures and charts that illustrate key trends in the market at the global level, 2 submarkets, and in 15 leading national markets. The report profiles 17 leading non- lethal weapons companies. The report also contains interviews with expert members within the industry and details of more than 150 relevant non-lethal weapons contracts and programmes.
“Non-lethal anti-personnel systems such as conducted energy weapons, less-lethal ammunition, tear gas and pepper spray have proven capabilities in crowd control situation. Our research indicates that non-lethal anti-personnel weapons are becoming increasingly high in demand particularly from law enforcement agencies.
In recent years, advances in energy weapon technology both Conducted Energy Weapons (CEW) for anti-personnel utility and Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) technology predominantly for anti-vehicle have highlighted the demand for such systems, particularly in nations with more advanced armed forces.
Furthermore, efforts of nations such as India, Brazil and South Africa to modernise their armed forces and security services will provide significant new market opportunities. It is believed that a lowering of barriers to entry with technological advancements made over the past decade will create new demand for a range of non-lethal systems. This new demand will drive growth within the market.”
The Non-Lethal Weapons (NLW) Market 2014-2024: Conducted & Directed Energy Weapons (CEW & DEW), Less Lethal Weapons (LLW) & Equipment for Military & Law Enforcement report will be of impressive value to current and future investors into the industry, as well as to companies and research centres who wish to broaden their knowledge of the non-lethal weapons market.

https://www.rfglobalnet.com/doc/conducted-energy-weapons-drive-non-lethal-weapons-0001

Visiongain Publishes Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) Market Report 2024-2034
26 February 2024
Defence
Visiongain has published a new report entitled Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) Market Report 2024-2034: Forecasts by Type (Lethal Weapons, Non-lethal Weapons), by System (Anti-Satellite (ASAT) DEW, Electromagnetic Railgun Systems, Counter-Drone DEW Systems, Other), by Technology (High-Energy Lasers (HEL), High-Power Microwaves (HPM), Sonic Weapons, Electromagnetic Weapons, Other), by Application (Ground-Based DEW for Military Bases, Airborne DEW for Aircraft Defence, Naval DEW for Ship Defence, Homeland Security, Critical Infrastructure Defence, Other) AND Regional and Leading National Market Analysis PLUS Analysis of Leading Companies AND COVID-19 Impact and Recovery Pattern Analysis.
The global directed energy weapons (DEW) market was valued at US$6.4 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 19.6% during the forecast period 2024-2034.
Requirement for Cost-Effective Defense Solutions
The requirement for cost-effective defense solutions amidst constrained defense budgets is driving the adoption of directed energy weapons by military organizations worldwide. Traditional kinetic weapons and missile defense systems involve high procurement, operation, and maintenance costs, making them economically unsustainable for many defense budgets. Directed energy weapons offer a more cost-effective alternative with reduced ammunition costs, minimal logistical footprint, and lower lifecycle expenses. For example, the deployment of laser-based counter-UAV systems by military forces provides a cost-effective means of defending against small unmanned aerial threats compared to conventional missile-based interceptors.
Increasing Investments in Directed Energy Programs
The increasing investments in directed energy programs by government agencies, defense contractors, and research institutions are driving innovation and growth in the global directed energy weapons market. Countries such as the United States, China, Russia, and European nations are allocating substantial funding to accelerate the development and deployment of directed energy technologies for military applications. These investments support research and development initiatives aimed at enhancing the performance, reliability, and operational capabilities of directed energy weapons across various platforms. For instance, the U.S. Department of Defense's Directed Energy Weapons Directorate (DEWD) oversees a range of directed energy programs focused on advancing laser, microwave, and radiofrequency technologies for military use.
How has COVID-19 had a significant negative impact on the Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) Market?
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a discernible impact on the directed energy weapon (DEW) market, influencing various aspects of its development, production, and deployment. One notable effect has been the disruption of supply chains and manufacturing processes. Lockdowns, restrictions on movement, and workforce limitations imposed to curb the spread of the virus have led to delays in production schedules and the availability of essential components for DEW systems. This has, in turn, affected the overall pace of development and delivery of directed energy weapons.
Financial constraints have emerged as another significant impact of the pandemic on the directed energy weapon market. Many defence budgets faced reallocations and adjustments to address the immediate healthcare and economic challenges posed by the pandemic. Consequently, some defence programs, including those related to advanced technologies like DEWs, experienced budgetary constraints, slowing down investment and procurement processes.
Operational disruptions have affected the testing and validation phases of DEW systems. Social distancing measures and limitations on gatherings have impeded the ability to conduct field trials and exercises. These constraints have slowed down the evaluation and validation of directed energy weapons in real-world scenarios, hindering progress in achieving operational readiness.
How will this Report Benefit you?
Visiongain’s 372-page report provides 113 tables and 198 charts/graphs. Our new study is suitable for anyone requiring commercial, in-depth analyses for the global directed energy weapons (DEW) market, along with detailed segment analysis in the market. Our new study will help you evaluate the overall global and regional market for Directed Energy Weapons (DEW). Get financial analysis of the overall market and different segments including type, system, technology, and application and capture higher market share. We believe that there are strong opportunities in this fast-growing directed energy weapons (DEW) market. See how to use the existing and upcoming opportunities in this market to gain revenue benefits in the near future. Moreover, the report will help you to improve your strategic decision-making, allowing you to frame growth strategies, reinforce the analysis of other market players, and maximise the productivity of the company.
What are the Current Market Drivers?
Need for Precision and Lethality in Modern Warfare The need for precision and lethality in modern warfare scenarios drives the adoption of directed energy weapons by defense forces worldwide. Traditional kinetic weapons, such as missiles and artillery shells, often result in collateral damage and unintended casualties, limiting their effectiveness in densely populated urban environments and sensitive infrastructure areas. Directed energy weapons offer a more precise and controlled means of engaging targets, minimizing collateral damage and civilian casualties while maximizing lethality against enemy assets. For example, the U.S. Air Force's Tactical High Energy Laser (THEL) system demonstrates the capability of DEWs to engage and destroy incoming artillery shells and rockets with pinpoint accuracy, reducing the risk to friendly forces and civilian populations.
Growing Threat of Ballistic Missile and Hypersonic Weapons The growing threat posed by ballistic missile proliferation and the development of hypersonic weapons systems is driving the demand for directed energy weapons as a viable defense solution. Ballistic missiles and hypersonic glide vehicles pose significant challenges to existing missile defense systems due to their high speeds, maneuverability, and unpredictable trajectories. Directed energy weapons offer a potential solution for intercepting and neutralizing ballistic missiles and hypersonic threats in the boost, mid-course, and terminal phases of flight. For instance, the concept of using high-energy lasers or particle beams to intercept and destroy incoming missiles in near-real-time is being explored as a cost-effective and reliable defense against advanced missile threats.
Where are the Market Opportunities?
Advancements in Compact and Mobile Directed Energy Platforms Advancements in compact and mobile directed energy platforms are expanding the operational flexibility and deployment options for directed energy weapons in military environments. Traditional directed energy systems were often large, stationary installations limited to fixed bases or naval vessels, which restricted their mobility and deployment agility. However, recent technological advancements have led to the development of compact, lightweight, and mobile directed energy platforms that can be integrated into various military platforms, including ground vehicles, aircraft, and dismounted soldier systems. For example, the development of man-portable laser weapons, such as the U.S. Army's Mobile Experimental High Energy Laser (MEHEL) system, enables ground troops to engage and neutralize threats with precision and speed in diverse operational environments.
Need for Counter-UAS and Counter-Swarm Capabilities The proliferation of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and the emergence of drone swarms as asymmetric threats are driving the demand for directed energy weapons with counter-UAS and counter-swarm capabilities. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and drone swarms pose challenges to conventional air defense systems due to their small size, agility, and swarm tactics, making them difficult to detect and intercept using traditional kinetic weapons. Directed energy weapons offer a rapid and effective means of countering UAS threats by providing continuous, 360-degree coverage, rapid engagement, and scalable lethality. For instance, ground-based laser and microwave systems deployed in urban areas or critical infrastructure sites can detect and neutralize hostile drones and swarms with precision, protecting assets and personnel from aerial threats.
Competitive Landscape
The major players operating in the directed energy weapons (DEW) market are BAE Systems PLC, Blue Halo, Elbit Systems Ltd, Honeywell International Inc, L3Harris Technologies, Inc, Leonardo S.p.A, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Moog Inc, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Rafael Advanced Defence Systems Ltd., Raytheon Technologies Corporation, Rheinmetall AG, Textron Inc, Thales Group, The Boeing Company. These major players operating in this market have adopted various strategies comprising M&A, investment in R&D, collaborations, partnerships, regional business expansion, and new product launch.
Recent Developments
24 Sept 2023, Raytheon Technologies Corporation has entered into collaboration with Northrop Grumman to develop a prototype High-Power Microwave (HPM) weapon system for maritime applications.
04 June 2023, Lockheed Martin and Rafael Advanced Defence Systems partnered to manufacture 100 kW fiber-class laser weapons for the IRON BEAM project, aiming to defend Israel against rockets, mortars, and drones.
Notes for Editors If you are interested in a more detailed overview of this report, please send an e-mail to [contactus@visiongain.com](mailto:contactus@visiongain.com) or call +44 (0) 207 336 6100.
About Visiongain Visiongain is one of the fastest-growing and most innovative independent media companies in Europe. Based in London, UK, Visiongain produces a host of business-to-business reports focusing on the automotive, aviation, chemicals, cyber, defence, energy, food & drink, materials, packaging, pharmaceutical and utilities sectors.
Visiongain publishes reports produced by analysts who are qualified experts in their field. Visiongain has firmly established itself as the first port of call for the business professional who needs independent, high-quality, original material to rely and depend on.Visiongain Publishes Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) Market Report 2024-2034
26 February 2024

https://www.visiongain.com/dew-market-report/

Since I have been under assault the funding for directed energy weapons has absolutely exploded.
Directed Energy non lethal development budget compared to entire DEW from 2014- 2023.
-2014 non lethal: $1,630.6M entire DEW is estimated at around 1 billion US.
-2023 entire DEW: "US$6.4 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 19.6% during the forecast period 2024-2034."

News June 30, 2014
Conducted And Directed Energy Weapons To Drive Non-Lethal Weapons Market Growth
The concept of a weapon that is designed merely to temporarily incapacitate, with little or no lasting injury, is relatively new. The development of non-lethal weapons can be viewed as a consequence of the rise of democratic values. The use of lethal force on a nation’s own citizens is often met with dissent and criticism in democracies. The rise of non-lethal weapons has taken place in the last two decades. Non-lethal weapons for anti-personnel purposes have become increasingly high in demand from law enforcement agencies across the world. The new report has calculated that in 2014 the market will be worth $1,630.6M.
The new report, now available on ASDReports, Non-Lethal Weapons (NLW) Market 2014-2024: Conducted & Directed Energy Weapons (CEW & DEW), Less Lethal Weapons (LLW) & Equipment for Military & Law Enforcement. This report finds overall market growth over the forecast period as more nations enter the market and technological advances realise new capabilities.
A detailed analysis of the latest political, economic and technological trends lies at the heart of the reports unparalleled quantitative and qualitative analysis of the non-lethal weapons market. The new report assesses that global spending on non- lethal weapons will amount to $1630.6m in 2014, or the start of the forecast period covered by this report. This 239 page report is packed with 205 tables, figures and charts that illustrate key trends in the market at the global level, 2 submarkets, and in 15 leading national markets. The report profiles 17 leading non- lethal weapons companies. The report also contains interviews with expert members within the industry and details of more than 150 relevant non-lethal weapons contracts and programmes.
“Non-lethal anti-personnel systems such as conducted energy weapons, less-lethal ammunition, tear gas and pepper spray have proven capabilities in crowd control situation. Our research indicates that non-lethal anti-personnel weapons are becoming increasingly high in demand particularly from law enforcement agencies.
In recent years, advances in energy weapon technology both Conducted Energy Weapons (CEW) for anti-personnel utility and Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) technology predominantly for anti-vehicle have highlighted the demand for such systems, particularly in nations with more advanced armed forces.
Furthermore, efforts of nations such as India, Brazil and South Africa to modernise their armed forces and security services will provide significant new market opportunities. It is believed that a lowering of barriers to entry with technological advancements made over the past decade will create new demand for a range of non-lethal systems. This new demand will drive growth within the market.”
The Non-Lethal Weapons (NLW) Market 2014-2024: Conducted & Directed Energy Weapons (CEW & DEW), Less Lethal Weapons (LLW) & Equipment for Military & Law Enforcement report will be of impressive value to current and future investors into the industry, as well as to companies and research centres who wish to broaden their knowledge of the non-lethal weapons market.

https://www.rfglobalnet.com/doc/conducted-energy-weapons-drive-non-lethal-weapons-0001

Visiongain Publishes Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) Market Report 2024-2034
26 February 2024
Defence
Visiongain has published a new report entitled Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) Market Report 2024-2034: Forecasts by Type (Lethal Weapons, Non-lethal Weapons), by System (Anti-Satellite (ASAT) DEW, Electromagnetic Railgun Systems, Counter-Drone DEW Systems, Other), by Technology (High-Energy Lasers (HEL), High-Power Microwaves (HPM), Sonic Weapons, Electromagnetic Weapons, Other), by Application (Ground-Based DEW for Military Bases, Airborne DEW for Aircraft Defence, Naval DEW for Ship Defence, Homeland Security, Critical Infrastructure Defence, Other) AND Regional and Leading National Market Analysis PLUS Analysis of Leading Companies AND COVID-19 Impact and Recovery Pattern Analysis.
The global directed energy weapons (DEW) market was valued at US$6.4 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 19.6% during the forecast period 2024-2034.
Requirement for Cost-Effective Defense Solutions
The requirement for cost-effective defense solutions amidst constrained defense budgets is driving the adoption of directed energy weapons by military organizations worldwide. Traditional kinetic weapons and missile defense systems involve high procurement, operation, and maintenance costs, making them economically unsustainable for many defense budgets. Directed energy weapons offer a more cost-effective alternative with reduced ammunition costs, minimal logistical footprint, and lower lifecycle expenses. For example, the deployment of laser-based counter-UAV systems by military forces provides a cost-effective means of defending against small unmanned aerial threats compared to conventional missile-based interceptors.
Increasing Investments in Directed Energy Programs
The increasing investments in directed energy programs by government agencies, defense contractors, and research institutions are driving innovation and growth in the global directed energy weapons market. Countries such as the United States, China, Russia, and European nations are allocating substantial funding to accelerate the development and deployment of directed energy technologies for military applications. These investments support research and development initiatives aimed at enhancing the performance, reliability, and operational capabilities of directed energy weapons across various platforms. For instance, the U.S. Department of Defense's Directed Energy Weapons Directorate (DEWD) oversees a range of directed energy programs focused on advancing laser, microwave, and radiofrequency technologies for military use.
How has COVID-19 had a significant negative impact on the Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) Market?
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a discernible impact on the directed energy weapon (DEW) market, influencing various aspects of its development, production, and deployment. One notable effect has been the disruption of supply chains and manufacturing processes. Lockdowns, restrictions on movement, and workforce limitations imposed to curb the spread of the virus have led to delays in production schedules and the availability of essential components for DEW systems. This has, in turn, affected the overall pace of development and delivery of directed energy weapons.
Financial constraints have emerged as another significant impact of the pandemic on the directed energy weapon market. Many defence budgets faced reallocations and adjustments to address the immediate healthcare and economic challenges posed by the pandemic. Consequently, some defence programs, including those related to advanced technologies like DEWs, experienced budgetary constraints, slowing down investment and procurement processes.
Operational disruptions have affected the testing and validation phases of DEW systems. Social distancing measures and limitations on gatherings have impeded the ability to conduct field trials and exercises. These constraints have slowed down the evaluation and validation of directed energy weapons in real-world scenarios, hindering progress in achieving operational readiness.
How will this Report Benefit you?
Visiongain’s 372-page report provides 113 tables and 198 charts/graphs. Our new study is suitable for anyone requiring commercial, in-depth analyses for the global directed energy weapons (DEW) market, along with detailed segment analysis in the market. Our new study will help you evaluate the overall global and regional market for Directed Energy Weapons (DEW). Get financial analysis of the overall market and different segments including type, system, technology, and application and capture higher market share. We believe that there are strong opportunities in this fast-growing directed energy weapons (DEW) market. See how to use the existing and upcoming opportunities in this market to gain revenue benefits in the near future. Moreover, the report will help you to improve your strategic decision-making, allowing you to frame growth strategies, reinforce the analysis of other market players, and maximise the productivity of the company.
What are the Current Market Drivers?
Need for Precision and Lethality in Modern Warfare The need for precision and lethality in modern warfare scenarios drives the adoption of directed energy weapons by defense forces worldwide. Traditional kinetic weapons, such as missiles and artillery shells, often result in collateral damage and unintended casualties, limiting their effectiveness in densely populated urban environments and sensitive infrastructure areas. Directed energy weapons offer a more precise and controlled means of engaging targets, minimizing collateral damage and civilian casualties while maximizing lethality against enemy assets. For example, the U.S. Air Force's Tactical High Energy Laser (THEL) system demonstrates the capability of DEWs to engage and destroy incoming artillery shells and rockets with pinpoint accuracy, reducing the risk to friendly forces and civilian populations.
Growing Threat of Ballistic Missile and Hypersonic Weapons The growing threat posed by ballistic missile proliferation and the development of hypersonic weapons systems is driving the demand for directed energy weapons as a viable defense solution. Ballistic missiles and hypersonic glide vehicles pose significant challenges to existing missile defense systems due to their high speeds, maneuverability, and unpredictable trajectories. Directed energy weapons offer a potential solution for intercepting and neutralizing ballistic missiles and hypersonic threats in the boost, mid-course, and terminal phases of flight. For instance, the concept of using high-energy lasers or particle beams to intercept and destroy incoming missiles in near-real-time is being explored as a cost-effective and reliable defense against advanced missile threats.
Where are the Market Opportunities?
Advancements in Compact and Mobile Directed Energy Platforms Advancements in compact and mobile directed energy platforms are expanding the operational flexibility and deployment options for directed energy weapons in military environments. Traditional directed energy systems were often large, stationary installations limited to fixed bases or naval vessels, which restricted their mobility and deployment agility. However, recent technological advancements have led to the development of compact, lightweight, and mobile directed energy platforms that can be integrated into various military platforms, including ground vehicles, aircraft, and dismounted soldier systems. For example, the development of man-portable laser weapons, such as the U.S. Army's Mobile Experimental High Energy Laser (MEHEL) system, enables ground troops to engage and neutralize threats with precision and speed in diverse operational environments.
Need for Counter-UAS and Counter-Swarm Capabilities The proliferation of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and the emergence of drone swarms as asymmetric threats are driving the demand for directed energy weapons with counter-UAS and counter-swarm capabilities. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and drone swarms pose challenges to conventional air defense systems due to their small size, agility, and swarm tactics, making them difficult to detect and intercept using traditional kinetic weapons. Directed energy weapons offer a rapid and effective means of countering UAS threats by providing continuous, 360-degree coverage, rapid engagement, and scalable lethality. For instance, ground-based laser and microwave systems deployed in urban areas or critical infrastructure sites can detect and neutralize hostile drones and swarms with precision, protecting assets and personnel from aerial threats.
Competitive Landscape
The major players operating in the directed energy weapons (DEW) market are BAE Systems PLC, Blue Halo, Elbit Systems Ltd, Honeywell International Inc, L3Harris Technologies, Inc, Leonardo S.p.A, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Moog Inc, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Rafael Advanced Defence Systems Ltd., Raytheon Technologies Corporation, Rheinmetall AG, Textron Inc, Thales Group, The Boeing Company. These major players operating in this market have adopted various strategies comprising M&A, investment in R&D, collaborations, partnerships, regional business expansion, and new product launch.
Recent Developments
24 Sept 2023, Raytheon Technologies Corporation has entered into collaboration with Northrop Grumman to develop a prototype High-Power Microwave (HPM) weapon system for maritime applications.
04 June 2023, Lockheed Martin and Rafael Advanced Defence Systems partnered to manufacture 100 kW fiber-class laser weapons for the IRON BEAM project, aiming to defend Israel against rockets, mortars, and drones.
Notes for Editors If you are interested in a more detailed overview of this report, please send an e-mail to [contactus@visiongain.com](mailto:contactus@visiongain.com) or call +44 (0) 207 336 6100.
About Visiongain Visiongain is one of the fastest-growing and most innovative independent media companies in Europe. Based in London, UK, Visiongain produces a host of business-to-business reports focusing on the automotive, aviation, chemicals, cyber, defence, energy, food & drink, materials, packaging, pharmaceutical and utilities sectors.
Visiongain publishes reports produced by analysts who are qualified experts in their field. Visiongain has firmly established itself as the first port of call for the business professional who needs independent, high-quality, original material to rely and depend on.Visiongain Publishes Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) Market Report 2024-2034
26 February 2024

https://www.visiongain.com/dew-market-report/

Since I have been under assault the funding for directed energy weapons has absolutely exploded.
Directed Energy non lethal development budget compared to entire DEW from 2014- 2023.
-2014 non lethal: $1,630.6M
-2023 entire DEW: "US$6.4 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 19.6% during the forecast period 2024-2034."

News June 30, 2014

Conducted And Directed Energy Weapons To Drive Non-Lethal Weapons Market Growth
The concept of a weapon that is designed merely to temporarily incapacitate, with little or no lasting injury, is relatively new. The development of non-lethal weapons can be viewed as a consequence of the rise of democratic values. The use of lethal force on a nation’s own citizens is often met with dissent and criticism in democracies. The rise of non-lethal weapons has taken place in the last two decades. Non-lethal weapons for anti-personnel purposes have become increasingly high in demand from law enforcement agencies across the world. The new report has calculated that in 2014 the market will be worth $1,630.6M.
The new report, now available on ASDReports, Non-Lethal Weapons (NLW) Market 2014-2024: Conducted & Directed Energy Weapons (CEW & DEW), Less Lethal Weapons (LLW) & Equipment for Military & Law Enforcement. This report finds overall market growth over the forecast period as more nations enter the market and technological advances realise new capabilities.
A detailed analysis of the latest political, economic and technological trends lies at the heart of the reports unparalleled quantitative and qualitative analysis of the non-lethal weapons market. The new report assesses that global spending on non- lethal weapons will amount to $1630.6m in 2014, or the start of the forecast period covered by this report. This 239 page report is packed with 205 tables, figures and charts that illustrate key trends in the market at the global level, 2 submarkets, and in 15 leading national markets. The report profiles 17 leading non- lethal weapons companies. The report also contains interviews with expert members within the industry and details of more than 150 relevant non-lethal weapons contracts and programmes.
“Non-lethal anti-personnel systems such as conducted energy weapons, less-lethal ammunition, tear gas and pepper spray have proven capabilities in crowd control situation. Our research indicates that non-lethal anti-personnel weapons are becoming increasingly high in demand particularly from law enforcement agencies.
In recent years, advances in energy weapon technology both Conducted Energy Weapons (CEW) for anti-personnel utility and Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) technology predominantly for anti-vehicle have highlighted the demand for such systems, particularly in nations with more advanced armed forces.
Furthermore, efforts of nations such as India, Brazil and South Africa to modernise their armed forces and security services will provide significant new market opportunities. It is believed that a lowering of barriers to entry with technological advancements made over the past decade will create new demand for a range of non-lethal systems. This new demand will drive growth within the market.”
The Non-Lethal Weapons (NLW) Market 2014-2024: Conducted & Directed Energy Weapons (CEW & DEW), Less Lethal Weapons (LLW) & Equipment for Military & Law Enforcement report will be of impressive value to current and future investors into the industry, as well as to companies and research centres who wish to broaden their knowledge of the non-lethal weapons market.

https://www.rfglobalnet.com/doc/conducted-energy-weapons-drive-non-lethal-weapons-0001

Visiongain Publishes Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) Market Report 2024-2034
26 February 2024
Defence
Visiongain has published a new report entitled Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) Market Report 2024-2034: Forecasts by Type (Lethal Weapons, Non-lethal Weapons), by System (Anti-Satellite (ASAT) DEW, Electromagnetic Railgun Systems, Counter-Drone DEW Systems, Other), by Technology (High-Energy Lasers (HEL), High-Power Microwaves (HPM), Sonic Weapons, Electromagnetic Weapons, Other), by Application (Ground-Based DEW for Military Bases, Airborne DEW for Aircraft Defence, Naval DEW for Ship Defence, Homeland Security, Critical Infrastructure Defence, Other) AND Regional and Leading National Market Analysis PLUS Analysis of Leading Companies AND COVID-19 Impact and Recovery Pattern Analysis.
The global directed energy weapons (DEW) market was valued at US$6.4 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 19.6% during the forecast period 2024-2034.
Requirement for Cost-Effective Defense Solutions
The requirement for cost-effective defense solutions amidst constrained defense budgets is driving the adoption of directed energy weapons by military organizations worldwide. Traditional kinetic weapons and missile defense systems involve high procurement, operation, and maintenance costs, making them economically unsustainable for many defense budgets. Directed energy weapons offer a more cost-effective alternative with reduced ammunition costs, minimal logistical footprint, and lower lifecycle expenses. For example, the deployment of laser-based counter-UAV systems by military forces provides a cost-effective means of defending against small unmanned aerial threats compared to conventional missile-based interceptors.
Increasing Investments in Directed Energy Programs
The increasing investments in directed energy programs by government agencies, defense contractors, and research institutions are driving innovation and growth in the global directed energy weapons market. Countries such as the United States, China, Russia, and European nations are allocating substantial funding to accelerate the development and deployment of directed energy technologies for military applications. These investments support research and development initiatives aimed at enhancing the performance, reliability, and operational capabilities of directed energy weapons across various platforms. For instance, the U.S. Department of Defense's Directed Energy Weapons Directorate (DEWD) oversees a range of directed energy programs focused on advancing laser, microwave, and radiofrequency technologies for military use.
How has COVID-19 had a significant negative impact on the Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) Market?
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a discernible impact on the directed energy weapon (DEW) market, influencing various aspects of its development, production, and deployment. One notable effect has been the disruption of supply chains and manufacturing processes. Lockdowns, restrictions on movement, and workforce limitations imposed to curb the spread of the virus have led to delays in production schedules and the availability of essential components for DEW systems. This has, in turn, affected the overall pace of development and delivery of directed energy weapons.
Financial constraints have emerged as another significant impact of the pandemic on the directed energy weapon market. Many defence budgets faced reallocations and adjustments to address the immediate healthcare and economic challenges posed by the pandemic. Consequently, some defence programs, including those related to advanced technologies like DEWs, experienced budgetary constraints, slowing down investment and procurement processes.
Operational disruptions have affected the testing and validation phases of DEW systems. Social distancing measures and limitations on gatherings have impeded the ability to conduct field trials and exercises. These constraints have slowed down the evaluation and validation of directed energy weapons in real-world scenarios, hindering progress in achieving operational readiness.
How will this Report Benefit you?
Visiongain’s 372-page report provides 113 tables and 198 charts/graphs. Our new study is suitable for anyone requiring commercial, in-depth analyses for the global directed energy weapons (DEW) market, along with detailed segment analysis in the market. Our new study will help you evaluate the overall global and regional market for Directed Energy Weapons (DEW). Get financial analysis of the overall market and different segments including type, system, technology, and application and capture higher market share. We believe that there are strong opportunities in this fast-growing directed energy weapons (DEW) market. See how to use the existing and upcoming opportunities in this market to gain revenue benefits in the near future. Moreover, the report will help you to improve your strategic decision-making, allowing you to frame growth strategies, reinforce the analysis of other market players, and maximise the productivity of the company.
What are the Current Market Drivers?
Need for Precision and Lethality in Modern Warfare The need for precision and lethality in modern warfare scenarios drives the adoption of directed energy weapons by defense forces worldwide. Traditional kinetic weapons, such as missiles and artillery shells, often result in collateral damage and unintended casualties, limiting their effectiveness in densely populated urban environments and sensitive infrastructure areas. Directed energy weapons offer a more precise and controlled means of engaging targets, minimizing collateral damage and civilian casualties while maximizing lethality against enemy assets. For example, the U.S. Air Force's Tactical High Energy Laser (THEL) system demonstrates the capability of DEWs to engage and destroy incoming artillery shells and rockets with pinpoint accuracy, reducing the risk to friendly forces and civilian populations.
Growing Threat of Ballistic Missile and Hypersonic Weapons The growing threat posed by ballistic missile proliferation and the development of hypersonic weapons systems is driving the demand for directed energy weapons as a viable defense solution. Ballistic missiles and hypersonic glide vehicles pose significant challenges to existing missile defense systems due to their high speeds, maneuverability, and unpredictable trajectories. Directed energy weapons offer a potential solution for intercepting and neutralizing ballistic missiles and hypersonic threats in the boost, mid-course, and terminal phases of flight. For instance, the concept of using high-energy lasers or particle beams to intercept and destroy incoming missiles in near-real-time is being explored as a cost-effective and reliable defense against advanced missile threats.
Where are the Market Opportunities?
Advancements in Compact and Mobile Directed Energy Platforms Advancements in compact and mobile directed energy platforms are expanding the operational flexibility and deployment options for directed energy weapons in military environments. Traditional directed energy systems were often large, stationary installations limited to fixed bases or naval vessels, which restricted their mobility and deployment agility. However, recent technological advancements have led to the development of compact, lightweight, and mobile directed energy platforms that can be integrated into various military platforms, including ground vehicles, aircraft, and dismounted soldier systems. For example, the development of man-portable laser weapons, such as the U.S. Army's Mobile Experimental High Energy Laser (MEHEL) system, enables ground troops to engage and neutralize threats with precision and speed in diverse operational environments.
Need for Counter-UAS and Counter-Swarm Capabilities The proliferation of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and the emergence of drone swarms as asymmetric threats are driving the demand for directed energy weapons with counter-UAS and counter-swarm capabilities. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and drone swarms pose challenges to conventional air defense systems due to their small size, agility, and swarm tactics, making them difficult to detect and intercept using traditional kinetic weapons. Directed energy weapons offer a rapid and effective means of countering UAS threats by providing continuous, 360-degree coverage, rapid engagement, and scalable lethality. For instance, ground-based laser and microwave systems deployed in urban areas or critical infrastructure sites can detect and neutralize hostile drones and swarms with precision, protecting assets and personnel from aerial threats.
Competitive Landscape
The major players operating in the directed energy weapons (DEW) market are BAE Systems PLC, Blue Halo, Elbit Systems Ltd, Honeywell International Inc, L3Harris Technologies, Inc, Leonardo S.p.A, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Moog Inc, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Rafael Advanced Defence Systems Ltd., Raytheon Technologies Corporation, Rheinmetall AG, Textron Inc, Thales Group, The Boeing Company. These major players operating in this market have adopted various strategies comprising M&A, investment in R&D, collaborations, partnerships, regional business expansion, and new product launch.
Recent Developments
24 Sept 2023, Raytheon Technologies Corporation has entered into collaboration with Northrop Grumman to develop a prototype High-Power Microwave (HPM) weapon system for maritime applications.
04 June 2023, Lockheed Martin and Rafael Advanced Defence Systems partnered to manufacture 100 kW fiber-class laser weapons for the IRON BEAM project, aiming to defend Israel against rockets, mortars, and drones.
Notes for Editors If you are interested in a more detailed overview of this report, please send an e-mail to [contactus@visiongain.com](mailto:contactus@visiongain.com) or call +44 (0) 207 336 6100.
About Visiongain Visiongain is one of the fastest-growing and most innovative independent media companies in Europe. Based in London, UK, Visiongain produces a host of business-to-business reports focusing on the automotive, aviation, chemicals, cyber, defence, energy, food & drink, materials, packaging, pharmaceutical and utilities sectors.
Visiongain publishes reports produced by analysts who are qualified experts in their field. Visiongain has firmly established itself as the first port of call for the business professional who needs independent, high-quality, original material to rely and depend on.Visiongain Publishes Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) Market Report 2024-2034
26 February 2024

https://www.visiongain.com/dew-market-report/

Data-Miner Gego stared at the results of the analysis, still in disbelief that this wild theory had borne fruit and stood up to scrutiny again and again. But now, here before him in data as clear as even the youngest apprentice could see, was evidence, clear and unshakable:
Humans were not what they promised themselves to be.
Feeling slightly nauseous with anxiety, he keyed in a request to meet with the diplomat’s office as soon as possible.
As the diplomat looked over his latest treaty proposal, there was a faint sound of horns in harmonious blaring, signifying someone had requested permission to enter. Glad for any distraction from the monotonous paperwork, he activated the intercom, saying “You are recognized and accepted. Please enter.”
As the crouched and scrabbling shape stepped into the doorway, diplomat Hale-he mused again how interesting it would be if the if their ancestors could have heard such a magnificent call for a mere diplomat. Previously, such a grand instrumentation would have been reserved for a high chieftain or king, and yet here was Hale-he, a diplomat to be sure, but certainly no ruler of any stripe, heralded by a song that would bring envy even to high lords and minor rulers in ages past.
The individual sat before him, and Hale-he could tell by their coloration and the shape of their antenna they were a scientist or engineer, someone likely far more familiar with numbers than he was. Hale-he, while now taking on the rich purple hues of a diplomat, had the underlying color of brilliant crimson, a mark of his near-decade of study as a historical scholar and graduate before his appointment into diplomacy.
“What do you have for me? Gego, I believe?”
The other individual nodded, crossing his pinchers in a sign of deference and respect. “I am sorry to disturb your appointment, but I have important information regarding humans.”
“Ah yes, humans,” said Hale-he, feeling a degree of relaxation and comfort at the mention of the gregarious and affable people.
Humans had taken quite some time in venturing out to the stars, but their planet was located such that a number of major trade routes passed quite near to their system. Several species had reported contact with them before humans had in turn reached out and started to make contact of their own. But from all reports, they were kind, clever, and selfless to a fault, with no recent instances of conflict despite a very violent early history. They were renowned for having an impeccable record of interspecies relations.
“I'm actually in the process of framing a new trade treaty with some of their inner-system human colonies. I believe the primary planet in question is called Mars, but they also have gas refineries and extractors above their gas giants, and several mining operations set up on a number of moons and their asteroid belt.”
“Yes, I have seen the newscast about how much this treaty is expected to aid both species,” said Gego. There was an odd note of apprehension Hale-he could detect in their chittering voice. “There is some invaluable context that I believe needs to be put to light.”
“Context? What do you mean, ‘context?’”
“Well, you are aware that we, the Civicor, first met humanity when a trade ship fell off course and crashed upon Earth?”
“It is a well-known accident. Some manner of navigational mishap; Thankfully, our propulsion systems are far more accurate today.”
“This is true, but are you also aware the Bayons have a remarkably-similar story related to their first contact with humanity as well? A military scout vessel, intending to regroup with the bulk of their fleet and engaging the Dendite menace, and they were likewise drawn off course, spiraling to crash onto Earth as well.”
“I remember the stories that time hypothesized that it was Dendite sabotage, even though it was unlikely for such a minor and inconsequential vessel,” said Hale-he. “Other than that, I’m unfortunately not familiar with their own reports on it.”
“But our two species are but a few from over a dozen first-contact reports with humanity. All stemming from engine failures, navigation failures, and crashes or forced landings of ships that lost control and arrived on Earth.”
“Well,” said the diplomat, starting to see the shape of the data-miner’s point, “Warpspace travel.has always been an inexact science at times, and was even less accurate decades ago. It's possible you are reading too much into a handful of coincidences.”
The data-miner rubbed their eyestalks, feeling exhaustion creeping in for how much frantic effort they had put in over the past three-day cycle. “Yes, but to borrow an idiom for the humans, ‘Once is happenstance, twice is coincidence, but three times is a pattern,’ let alone a solid dozen instances within barely a fifty-year timespan. Even the most heavily-trafficked routes past the most dense or erratic planetoids have only achieved a third of that number.”
“You're asking me to disrupt peaceful and productive diplomatic ties with humans by suggesting they were responsible for these instances. Are you truly suggesting that this was intentional from humanity's part?”
“I am.”
“That may be, but we will require more proof than mere happenstance, unlikely though it may be.”
“I have additional data as well.” Gego was the most proud of this next part, and he carefully pulled up the diagrams and charting maps. A vibrant animation appeared onscreen of what appeared to be a rainbow-colored and spiked disc, surging and shaking on the screen. “This is the analysis of the gravitational field irregularities within a quarter of a solar year of Earth's primary star.”
The diplomat looked nonplussed at the diagram. “I would assume the fluctuations here are not ideal?”
“No indeed. They could be likened to a reef within a shallow sea, permitting transit in the calm regions but damaging and disrupting ships passing through a rough space. I have reached out to several of the shipping guilds for more details, but initial reports back support this theory, with several commenting that the route passing near to Earth is highly undesirable amongst experienced pilots due to the rough effects it has on engine stability and wear and tear.”
The diplomat looked over the diagram further before attempting to wave it away dismissively. “But who’s to say that this isn't a natural phenomena of Earth’s system? There are many regions of space that are disruptive or dangerous to travel through in warpspace, so what would make Earth's patch of turbulence unique?”
“The fact that they can turn it on and off at will.”
The diplomat coughed violently as the surprise dislodged the piece of fruit pulp he was eating out of his primary digestion sack and instead into the top of his gas exchange organ. “What in the three spheres do you mean they can turn it off?”
Gego grimaced this time as he keyed in some commands to the report. This time the disc figure that was pulled was much grainier and blocky, fine measurements now showing as wide swaths. “This was reverse-calculated from a series of gravimetric scans done across that entire arm of the galaxy.”
Even with the poor resolution, the diplomat could still see that this was a wildly chaotic and dangerous gravitational field. “It looks the same.”
The data-miner nodded. “Yes, but watch here: It's hard to tell, but this readout is actually playing in reverse, stepping backwards through time. We're about to hit 76 years ago.”
“What's so important about 76-” The diplomat cut off, words caught like fruit pulp in his throat as the image abruptly stilled. The disc depicting the gravitational field was now still and smooth as a windless pond.
“So it just started one day?”
“Indeed, Diplomat Hale-he. And furthermore, this beginning of the turbulence was a mere month before the first vessel lost controlI and was forced to make an emergency landing on Earth.”
The possibilities were rapidly narrowing, but Hale-he was still in favor of exploring whatever possible shred he could find to avoid confronting the dawning reality about humans.
“Well, while things of this nature are highly irregular, I presume, I'm still not convinced that this shows they can activate it at will.”
“I know, Gego said, “Which is why I wanted to show you that data before I show you this.”
The gravitational field display became the ragged tumultuous ocean of currents and surges, and this time in the higher detail that told Hale-he this was more recent readings. “I'm sure you saw the announcements a fortnight ago that humanity had tested their first faster than light engine they had made themselves, rather than trading for, and successfully made a jaunt out to the furthest planetoid in their star system and back without incident?”
“Yes?” the diplomat said cautiously.
“I received this data from a colleague, who was concerned there may have been an instrument malfunction to produce such data as I’m about to show you. She checked and validated it herself. It was fully accurate and reliable, which makes it all the more troubling. I don't think she realized the cause of what she was seeing, but unfortunately the timing of it adds up too perfectly.”
The data-miner continued quietly recalling “I believe at this point we're at 30 seconds to launch the human’s test flight.”
Hale-he let out an involuntary gasp of breath as the gravity field abruptly stilled again, perfectly smooth simultaneously across the entire spread of it.
Grimly, the data-miner said “Here we had the jump,” and after a short pause continued “-and the return.” A few seconds later and the field abruptly resumed its turbulence.
The diplomat was still in shock, staring at the gravimetric readout, when Gego said “That's also not the most concerning part, either. This was supposed to be humanity's first faster-than-light capability of their own they were testing here; Isn't that right?”
“Well of course,” replied Hale-he. “It was on all the new stations. A great achievement for a species that had been slow to achieve that milestone.”
“I would remind you then that the readout here is half a light-year in diameter.”
The diplomat scrunched his eyestalks in confused concentration, trying to understand what the other alien was implying, when suddenly it hit him. “Yet they were able to disrupt such a large region simultaneously, and stop it equally quickly?”
Gego nodded. “Whatever means they have at causing such a disruption is certainly faster-than-light, and immensely wide-ranging. If it was slower and confined to a small area, I might have some theories as to how it could be accomplished, but this size, this scale and the speed? I have no idea. It is beyond anything our sciences and technology can produce, or that of any other known species.”
The diplomat sat back, stunned. “By the Spheres.” He glanced up at Gego. “What do you propose we do with this information?”
The data-miner waved an arm. “Perhaps we can get to the bottom of this: Go to humanity with the information we have. Tell them we want the secrets of this technology and the power sources that feed it, as it far eclipses anything we can currently achieve. Tell them that we will expose these findings to the rest of the space-faring civilizations of the galaxy if they continue to hold back.”
The diplomat’s eyes widened, before after a long moment he said “I see. Well, I still need to get to my duties and figure out how to handle this. You are excused, and a reminder to keep the strictly confidential while I inform the appropriate other parties.”
Gego bowed in deference before leaving the office. After he left, Hale-he leaned back in his saddle chair and groaned. The idiot had uncovered humanity possessed the capability of affecting a wide chunk of space at a power and complexity unheard of among any other known species, and his first suggestion was to blackmail them? The diplomat rubbed his head trying to make the sudden headache go away.
A few thoughts were coming to mind, snippets that had been dismissed in the moment, but now he couldn't shake them as he was reminded of the first species that had ever encountered humanity, and the comments by their scientists. They had said that humans were curiously disinterested in their warpspace drivers, despite not having faster-than-light capabilities already.
Then the second species that encountered humanity had mentioned that a child of one of the diplomatic party had become separated from the group, and accidentally come in contact with and ingested some Earth flora. It wasn't something toxic or dangerous to humans, but the physiological makeup of that species reacted poorly with alkaloids in the flora and would have resulted in a swift and painful death if left untreated. But instead, the humans had administered a series of emetics and alkaloid-binding treatments, something they said was common in the case of an accidental poison ingestion, The diplomat remembered reading a footnote from the inhuman physician at the time that this particular blend of neutralizing agents was not something commonly found in human medical kits, and in fact was uniquely suited to their own species’ biology.
Both had been written off as flukes, interesting anecdotes at most, but now the diplomat began to see the greater shape of it, as a species that cared not for faster-than-light travel, for they'd doubtless already achieved it, mastered it, and discarded it as uninteresting at some point before. A species, who upon supposed first contact, had comprehensive medical and anatomical knowledge of their guests sufficient enough to save a child in mere minutes from otherwise certain death.
All this from a species that had befriended and gregariously hosted every alien ship that had come astray upon their planet, and offered nothing but support and friendship to both waylaid travelers and their subsequent diplomatic summits, despite seeming to lack the ability to travel outside of their own star system. A species that was confident, at a basal level that Hale-he was only just now beginning to truly understand.
He opened a communications missive, addressed to all the other diplomats of similar station amongst the other species humanity had made contact with.
”Greetings to my fellow ambassadors. I come bearing difficult news regarding humanity: They are *not what they appear to be. Yet, I believe it is of the utmost importance that we continue to pretend that they are, For fear that otherwise, we will learn who, or what, they truly are…”*
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Introduction:
Delta Airlines, one of the major players in the global airline industry, operates a vast network of domestic and international flights, serving millions of passengers each year. As of 2024, Delta faces a dynamic landscape characterized by both challenges and opportunities. A SWOT analysis provides insights into the airline's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, guiding strategic decision-making and adaptation in a constantly evolving market.
Strengths:

1. Strong Brand Recognition: Delta Airlines boasts a strong brand image and reputation, recognized for its high-quality service, reliability, and safety standards. This brand strength contributes to customer loyalty and trust.
2. Extensive Route Network: With a comprehensive route network covering numerous destinations worldwide, Delta has a competitive advantage in terms of reach and connectivity, appealing to both business and leisure travelers.
3. Operational Efficiency: Delta has made significant investments in operational efficiency, including fleet modernization, advanced technology integration, and streamlined processes, resulting in cost savings and improved customer experience.
4. Customer Loyalty Programs: Delta's loyalty programs, such as SkyMiles, incentivize frequent flyers and enhance customer retention, offering benefits like upgrades, lounge access, and exclusive perks.

Weaknesses:

1. Vulnerability to Economic Factors: Like many airlines, Delta is susceptible to economic fluctuations, fuel price volatility, geopolitical tensions, and regulatory changes, which can impact profitability and financial stability.
2. Dependence on Hub-and-Spoke Model: While Delta's hub-and-spoke system provides efficient connections, it also poses challenges during disruptions or capacity constraints, potentially affecting on-time performance and customer satisfaction.
3. Competitive Pricing Pressure: Intense competition in the airline industry often leads to pricing pressure, especially on popular routes, impacting revenue margins and profitability for Delta.

Opportunities:

1. Global Market Expansion: Continued expansion into emerging markets and strategic partnerships with international carriers can open up new revenue streams and strengthen Delta's position in key regions.
2. Digital Innovation: Embracing digital technologies, such as AI-driven analytics, mobile apps for seamless travel experiences, and personalized services, can enhance customer engagement and operational efficiency.
3. Sustainability Initiatives: Investing in sustainable aviation practices, renewable energy sources, and carbon offset programs aligns with growing environmental awareness and regulatory trends, enhancing Delta's corporate social responsibility (CSR) profile.
4. Diversification of Services: Beyond traditional flight services, Delta can explore opportunities in ancillary services like cargo logistics, premium lounges, and partnerships with travel-related businesses, diversifying revenue streams.

Threats:

1. Market Volatility: Ongoing market volatility, including economic uncertainty, geopolitical risks, and public health crises (e.g., pandemics), poses significant threats to the airline industry, impacting demand, travel restrictions, and operational continuity.
2. Competitive Landscape: Delta faces fierce competition from domestic rivals like American Airlines and United Airlines, as well as international carriers expanding their presence in key markets, leading to pricing wars and market share challenges.
3. Regulatory Compliance: Compliance with evolving aviation regulations, safety standards, environmental mandates, and labor requirements adds complexity and cost pressures to Delta's operations.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, Delta Airlines' SWOT analysis highlights the company's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in the dynamic aviation landscape of 2024. By leveraging its brand strength, expanding strategically, embracing digital innovation, and addressing market challenges proactively, Delta can navigate uncertainties and capitalize on growth opportunities, ensuring resilience and competitiveness in the airline industry.

I want to start off by saying i will be swearing in soon, but i have yet to pick a job. I would love to hear some thoughts on the jobs i have to choose from wether it’s personal experience or just knowledge of the jobs thankyou! Side note, i am a 19 year old female 5’1, weighing at 110.
Aviation Resource Management, Command & Control Operations, Airfield Management, Geospatial Intelligence, Aircrew Flight Equipment, Pararescue, Materiel Management, Traffic Management, Ground Transportation, Air Transportation, Fleet Management and Analysis, Pavements and Construction Equipment, Engineering, Services, Administration, Health Services Management, Medical Materiel, Diet Therapy, Public Health, Aerospace Medical Service, Opthamalic, Dental Assistant, Paralegal, Security Forces, Administrative Aptitude Index, General Aptitude Index.

Embark on Your Amazon Reselling Adventure

Step into the dynamic realm of Amazon reselling, where opportunities abound, and innovation drives success. This comprehensive guide will reveal the strategies to navigate guidelines, overcome restrictions, and master best practices for unparalleled achievements.
Picture a vibrant marketplace where your entrepreneurial dreams can take flight—a space where small and medium-sized businesses thrive. In 2022, independent sellers in Amazon’s U.S. store sold over 4.1 billion products, with average sales reaching an impressive $230,000. This isn't just an aspiration; it's a reality waiting for you to grasp.
Your journey begins with essential questions: Where can you source items to resell on Amazon? How can you turn branded products into profitable ventures? This guide serves as your roadmap, offering a step-by-step approach to building a successful reselling empire in the expansive Amazon marketplace.

Understanding Reselling

Reselling goes beyond a mere business model; it's a refined craft. It's about unearthing valuable items from unexpected sources and offering them to eager buyers. Here’s your strategic guide:

1. Research Product Demand:
   • Market Analysis: Dive deep into current market trends and consumer preferences. Use tools like Jungle Scout, Helium 10, and Google Trends to identify products with high demand and low competition.
   • Competitor Analysis: Study your competitors to understand their pricing strategies, customer reviews, and sales volumes. This will help you identify gaps in the market and potential opportunities.
   • Seasonal Trends: Keep an eye on seasonal trends and upcoming events that could boost demand for specific products.
2. Procure the Products:
   • Reliable Suppliers: Establish relationships with reputable suppliers and wholesalers. Websites like Alibaba, SaleHoo, and local trade shows can be excellent sources.
   • Quality Control: Always inspect the quality of the products before purchasing in bulk. Request samples if possible to ensure they meet your standards.
   • Negotiation: Don't hesitate to negotiate prices and terms with suppliers to maximize your profit margins.
3. List the Products Online:
   • Product Listings: Create detailed and compelling product listings. Use high-quality images, thorough descriptions, and relevant keywords to improve your visibility on Amazon.
   • Competitive Pricing: Research the pricing strategies of similar products and set competitive prices. Consider using dynamic pricing tools to adjust your prices based on market conditions.
   • SEO Optimization: Optimize your product listings for search engines by incorporating relevant keywords, bullet points, and customer reviews.
4. Handle Shipping and Fulfillment:
   • Self-Fulfillment: If you choose to handle shipping yourself, ensure you have a reliable system in place for packaging, labeling, and dispatching orders promptly.
   • Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA): Alternatively, you can use Amazon’s FBA service, where Amazon handles storage, packing, and shipping. This can save you time and provide faster delivery options to your customers, but consider the costs involved.
5. Manage Inventory and Customer Service:
   • Inventory Management: Keep track of your stock levels to avoid overselling or stockouts. Use inventory management software to automate the process and forecast future needs.
   • Customer Service: Provide exceptional customer service by responding to inquiries promptly, addressing issues efficiently, and ensuring customer satisfaction. Positive reviews and ratings can significantly impact your sales.
   • Returns and Refunds: Have a clear policy for returns and refunds. Handle returns professionally to maintain a good reputation and build trust with your customers.

By mastering these aspects of reselling, you'll be well-equipped to transform your business into a thriving venture on Amazon.

Decoding Profit Margin

Profit margin isn’t just a figure; it’s the heartbeat of your reselling venture. It determines whether your business merely survives or truly thrives. Here’s how to strike the perfect balance between competitive pricing and maintaining a healthy profit margin to ensure your reselling dreams stay afloat:

1. Understanding Profit Margin:
   • Gross Profit Margin: This is the difference between the selling price and the cost of goods sold (COGS), expressed as a percentage. It reflects the profitability of your products before accounting for other expenses.
   • Net Profit Margin: This includes all expenses, such as shipping, fulfillment fees, advertising, and other operational costs. It's the true measure of your business’s profitability.
2. Calculating Your Profit Margin:
   • Formula:
     • Gross Profit Margin = [(Selling Price - COGS) / Selling Price] x 100
     • Net Profit Margin = [(Selling Price - Total Expenses) / Selling Price] x 100
   • Example: If you sell a product for $100, and the COGS is $60, your gross profit margin is 40%. After including $20 for other expenses, your net profit margin would be 20%.
3. Balancing Pricing and Profit:
   • Competitive Pricing: Research your competitors to set a price that is attractive to customers while still allowing you to make a profit. Avoid the temptation to underprice your products significantly, as this can erode your profit margins.
   • Value Proposition: Justify higher prices by emphasizing the unique value your products offer, such as superior quality, better customer service, or additional features.
4. Reducing Costs:
   • Bulk Purchasing: Buying in larger quantities can lower your COGS due to discounts from suppliers.
   • Streamlined Operations: Use efficient inventory management and fulfillment processes to reduce operational costs.
   • Shipping Options: Explore various shipping methods to find cost-effective solutions that do not compromise delivery speed.
5. Monitoring and Adjusting:
   • Regular Reviews: Frequently review your profit margins to identify trends and make adjustments as needed. This could involve tweaking prices, negotiating better deals with suppliers, or finding ways to cut operational costs.
   • Dynamic Pricing: Consider using dynamic pricing strategies that adjust based on market demand, competition, and inventory levels.

By carefully managing your profit margins, you ensure that your reselling business remains profitable and sustainable in the long run.

Is Reselling Your Calling?

Reselling appeals to those with a keen eye for lucrative opportunities, particularly in the following areas:

1. Limited-Availability Items:
   • Scarcity Power: Capitalize on the limited availability of certain products. When demand outstrips supply, prices can soar, allowing you to turn a tidy profit.
   • Examples: Limited-edition sneakers, concert tickets, or special collaboration items.
2. Exclusive or Rare Items:
   • Rare Collectibles: Seek out and sell rare collectibles, vintage treasures, and unique artworks. These items often attract discerning buyers willing to pay a premium.
   • Examples: Antique furniture, rare coins, vintage clothing, and limited-edition art prints.
3. Seasonal Products:
   • Seasonal Waves: Leverage the high demand for seasonal items, such as holiday decorations, outdoor gear, and summer accessories. Timing is crucial to maximize sales during peak seasons.
   • Examples: Christmas lights, Halloween costumes, summer camping gear, and winter sports equipment.
4. Clearance or Discounted Items:
   • Discounted Deals: Purchase items on clearance or at a discount and resell them at market value. This strategy allows you to profit from the price difference.
   • Examples: End-of-season clothing, overstock electronics, and discounted home goods.
5. High-Demand Products:
   • Trending Items: Maintain a steady supply of trending products that are in high demand. Selling these items at competitive prices ensures a consistent flow of sales.
   • Examples: Popular tech gadgets, fitness equipment, beauty products, and fashionable accessories.

If you possess the knack for identifying these opportunities, reselling could be your calling. It’s about recognizing value where others might not and delivering that value to eager buyers, ultimately transforming your skills into a profitable venture.

Setting Sail with an Amazon Seller Account

Embark on your reselling adventure by choosing the right Amazon seller plan to suit your needs:

1. Individual Plan:
   • Cost: $0.99 per product sold plus applicable selling fees.
   • Ideal For: Those just starting out or selling in smaller quantities.
   • Advantages: Low upfront cost, making it perfect for testing the waters without significant financial commitment.
2. Professional Plan:
   • Cost: $39.99 per month plus applicable selling fees.
   • Ideal For: Sellers with higher sales volumes or more extensive inventory.
   • Advantages: Access to advanced selling tools, eligibility for top placement on product detail pages, and the ability to sell in restricted categories.

Choosing the Right Plan

Evaluate your inventory size and sales expectations to determine the best plan for you. Here are some key considerations:

• Sales Volume: If you plan to sell more than 40 items per month, the Professional Plan may be more cost-effective.
• Advanced Features: The Professional Plan offers additional features like bulk listing, detailed sales reports, and promotions.
• Category Restrictions: Some categories require a Professional Plan to list items.

Utilize Amazon’s Tools

To maximize your profitability, leverage Amazon’s free tools:

• Fulfillment Cost Calculator: Use this tool to estimate your revenue potential by calculating fees for storage, fulfillment, and shipping. This helps you make informed decisions about pricing and profitability.

By carefully selecting the right seller plan and utilizing Amazon’s resources, you can set sail on a successful reselling journey, navigating the vast Amazon marketplace with confidence.
The Art of Retail Arbitrage
Retail arbitrage is the thrill of the hunt, buying low and selling high. Navigate this path with care, adhering to Amazon’s selling guidelines and securing necessary documents like invoices. Calculate margins meticulously to ensure your efforts yield treasure, not toil.

Launching Your Reselling Business: 6 Steps

1. Gauge Product Demand

To ensure your product offerings resonate with your target audience, it's crucial to stay ahead of market trends and continuously adapt. Here’s how to gauge product demand effectively:

Stay Ahead of Trends

• Monitor Trends: Regularly track market trends to understand the evolving desires of your target audience.
• Adapt Offerings: Be flexible and ready to adjust your product lineup based on the latest insights and trends.

Market Research Tools

Use a variety of tools to gain comprehensive insights into product demand:
Google Trends:

• Track Search Interest: Utilize Google Trends to monitor the popularity of different products over time.
  • Trend Analysis: Identify upward or downward trends in search interest to forecast potential demand.
  • Comparison: Compare search trends for multiple products to determine which ones are gaining more interest.
  • Spikes and Trends: Identify spikes in interest that may indicate growing popularity.
  • Regional Insights: Understand where certain products are more popular geographically to tailor your marketing efforts.

Social Media Analytics:

• Platform Insights: Leverage analytics tools available on social media platforms to see what's trending.
  • Instagram Insights: Analyze engagement metrics, popular posts, and trending hashtags related to your niche.
  • Facebook Analytics: Track audience demographics, post reach, and interaction rates to understand what content resonates most.
  • TikTok Analytics: Monitor trending videos and hashtags to identify emerging product interests.
  • Trending Hashtags: Track popular hashtags related to your niche to discover emerging trends.
  • Influencer Posts: Observe what influencers in your industry are promoting and which products are receiving the most engagement.
  • Audience Insights: Use analytics tools on social media platforms to gain insights into audience demographics and preferences.

Industry Reports:

• Comprehensive Market Insights: Review detailed reports from reputable sources to get a broader understanding of market dynamics.
  • Statista: Access a wide range of statistics and reports on various industries and consumer trends.
  • Nielsen: Gain insights into consumer behavior, market performance, and emerging trends.
  • IBISWorld: Utilize industry reports to understand market size, growth prospects, and competitive landscapes.
  • Market Analysis: Read reports from companies like Statista, Nielsen, and IBISWorld to understand broader market trends.
  • Consumer Surveys: Look for surveys and studies that reveal consumer preferences and buying habits.
  • Product Performance: Identify which products are gaining traction and why, helping you to make informed decisions about your inventory.

2. Competitive Analysis

Conducting a thorough competitive analysis is essential to understand the landscape of your niche and to carve out your own space. Here’s how to do it effectively:

Study Top Sellers

• Identify Leaders: Find the top sellers in your niche by browsing Amazon’s best seller lists and top-rated products.
• Analyze Listings: Examine their product listings to understand what makes them successful. Pay attention to:
  • Titles: How they structure their product titles for SEO.
  • Descriptions: The level of detail and key points they highlight.
  • Images: The quality and variety of product images used.
  • Pricing: Their pricing strategies and how often they change prices.

Identify Gaps

• Product Offerings: Look for gaps in the market where top sellers may not fully meet customer needs. This could be in terms of product features, variety, or price points.
• Customer Feedback: Read reviews on competitors’ products to identify common complaints or suggestions. These insights can reveal opportunities for improvement.
• Niche Segments: Explore niche segments within your broader market that are underserved or overlooked by major competitors.

Learn Best Practices

• Effective Tactics: Incorporate successful strategies from top competitors into your own approach.
  • Listing Optimization: Use similar high-impact keywords and structure your product listings based on the best practices you observe.
  • Marketing Strategies: Adopt effective marketing tactics such as targeted ads, promotions, and social media engagement.
  • Customer Engagement: Implement customer service strategies that resonate well with buyers, like prompt responses, clear return policies, and follow-up emails.
  • Inventory Management: Learn how top sellers manage their inventory to maintain stock levels and avoid stockouts.

3. Source Products to Sell

Finding the right products to sell is a critical step in building a successful reselling business. Here’s how to source quality items effectively:

Vet Manufacturers and Suppliers

• Quality and Authenticity: Thoroughly vet potential manufacturers and suppliers to ensure the products meet your quality standards and are authentic.
  • Background Checks: Conduct background checks on suppliers, including reviews, ratings, and business history.
  • Certifications: Verify any certifications or licenses the supplier claims to hold.
  • Samples: Request product samples to inspect the quality firsthand before committing to large orders.

Wholesale Suppliers

• Bulk Purchasing: Establish relationships with reputable wholesalers to buy products in bulk at lower costs, improving your profit margins.
  • Networking: Attend trade shows and industry events to meet potential wholesalers and establish direct connections.
  • Negotiation: Negotiate terms and prices to get the best deals possible.
  • Reliability: Ensure the wholesaler can consistently supply the quantities you need and meet delivery timelines.

Liquidation Sales

• Overstock and Returns: Purchase overstock or returned items from liquidation sales at reduced prices, which can offer substantial savings and higher profit margins.
  • Reputable Sources: Use trusted liquidation platforms and sources to avoid low-quality or damaged goods.
  • Inspection: Inspect items closely to ensure they are in good condition and can be resold at a profit.

Online Marketplaces

• Unique Products: Use online platforms like Alibaba, eBay, and Etsy to find unique products and reliable suppliers.
  • Alibaba: Great for sourcing bulk items directly from manufacturers, with options for custom orders and private labeling.
  • eBay: Ideal for finding deals on individual items, overstock, and liquidation products.
  • Etsy: Perfect for sourcing handmade, vintage, or unique items that can differentiate your product offerings.
  • Supplier Verification: Utilize marketplace verification features and read reviews to ensure supplier reliability.

4. List Products for Sale Online

Effectively listing your products on Amazon is crucial for attracting customers and driving sales. Here’s how to make the most of Amazon’s tools to optimize your product listings and pricing:

Utilize Amazon’s Tools

• Amazon’s Resources: Take advantage of Amazon’s robust suite of tools designed to help sellers enhance their listings, manage pricing, and improve visibility.

Product Listings

• Detailed Descriptions: Craft comprehensive and engaging product descriptions. Highlight key features, benefits, and any unique selling points to help potential buyers make informed decisions.
• SEO Optimization: Use relevant keywords strategically throughout your product titles, bullet points, and descriptions to improve your search ranking. Research popular keywords related to your products using tools like Amazon Keyword Tool or Helium 10.
• High-Quality Images: Invest in professional-quality images that clearly show your product from multiple angles. Ensure images are high-resolution and adhere to Amazon’s image guidelines.
• Strategic Keywords: Identify and incorporate high-impact keywords in your listings to enhance discoverability. Use backend search terms to capture additional relevant keywords without cluttering your descriptions.

Pricing Tools

• Automate Pricing: Utilize Amazon’s Automate Pricing tool to keep your prices competitive. This tool allows you to set rules for automatic price adjustments based on various factors, such as competitor pricing and market trends.
  • Dynamic Pricing: Adjust prices in real-time to stay competitive without the need for constant manual updates. This helps ensure your products remain attractive to potential buyers while maximizing profitability.
  • Competitive Edge: By automating your pricing strategy, you can respond quickly to market changes, maintain a competitive edge, and potentially increase your Buy Box win rate.

5. Handle Shipping and Fulfillment

Selecting the right fulfillment method is crucial for the efficiency and success of your reselling business. Here are the two primary options:

Choose Fulfillment Method

Merchant Fulfillment:

• Overview: You handle all aspects of storage, packaging, and shipping yourself.
• Advantages:
  • Control: You have complete control over your inventory, packaging, and shipping processes.
  • Customization: You can customize packaging and include personalized notes or branding materials in your shipments.
  • Cost Management: Potentially lower costs if you have an efficient system and low overhead.
• Considerations:
  • Time and Effort: Managing fulfillment can be time-consuming and labor-intensive, especially as your business grows.
  • Scalability: As order volumes increase, handling fulfillment in-house can become challenging.

Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA):

• Overview: Amazon takes care of storage, packaging, shipping, and customer service on your behalf.
• Advantages:
  • Convenience: Amazon handles the logistics, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your business.
  • Prime Eligibility: Products fulfilled by Amazon are eligible for Amazon Prime, which can increase your sales by attracting Prime members.
  • Customer Service: Amazon provides customer service and handles returns, improving the overall customer experience.
  • Scalability: FBA can easily scale with your business, handling large volumes of orders efficiently.
• Considerations:
  • Fees: FBA comes with storage and fulfillment fees, which can add up, especially for low-margin items.
  • Less Control: You have less control over the packaging and shipping process, which might affect how your brand is presented.

6. Drive Sales

To boost your sales and make a mark in the competitive Amazon marketplace, follow these key strategies:

Differentiate Yourself

• Know Your Audience: Take the time to understand who your customers are, what they want, and how they shop. Use this knowledge to tailor your product offerings and marketing efforts.
• Stand Out: Use advanced ecommerce tools and unique selling propositions (USPs) to set your business apart from the competition. Whether it’s exceptional customer service, unique product features, or a compelling brand story, make sure your business has something special to offer.

Amazon Advertising

• Sponsored Products: Increase your product visibility by investing in Sponsored Products ads. These appear in search results and on product detail pages, helping you reach more customers.
• Sponsored Brands: Showcase your brand and product portfolio with Sponsored Brands ads. These banner ads appear at the top of search results, highlighting your brand and multiple products.
• Sponsored Display: Use Sponsored Display ads to target customers both on and off Amazon, keeping your products in front of potential buyers as they browse the web.

Social Media Marketing

• Instagram: Share visually appealing posts and stories about your products, engage with followers through comments and direct messages, and use Instagram Shopping to make it easy for users to buy directly from your posts.
• Facebook: Create a Facebook Page for your business, post regularly to keep your audience engaged, and use Facebook Ads to target specific demographics.
• TikTok: Tap into the viral potential of TikTok by creating fun and engaging short videos that showcase your products. Collaborate with influencers to reach a wider audience.

Customer Reviews

• Encourage Reviews: After a purchase, kindly ask customers to leave a review. Highlight the importance of their feedback in improving your products and services.
• Enhance Credibility: Positive reviews build trust and credibility, making potential buyers more likely to choose your products.
• Respond to Feedback: Engage with customer reviews by thanking them for positive feedback and addressing any concerns or issues raised in negative reviews. This shows that you value your customers and are committed to providing excellent service.

Embark on Your Reselling Adventure
Reselling on Amazon isn’t just about making money; it’s an adventure waiting to be explored. Whether you're just starting out or you’ve been in the game for a while, the journey is full of excitement and potential. Here’s why you should dive in and how to make the most of it:

• The Thrill of Discovery: There’s nothing quite like the excitement of finding that perfect product at a great price and knowing you can sell it for a profit. Every day brings new opportunities to uncover hidden gems, from rare collectibles to trending items.
• Profit and Growth: With smart sourcing, great listings, and the right tools, you can turn reselling into a highly profitable business. Many sellers achieve impressive revenues, turning their side hustles into full-time successes.
• Build Your Own Brand: Think about the long-term benefits of creating your own brand. It’s not just about selling products; it’s about:
  • Building Customer Loyalty: When people trust your brand, they keep coming back.
  • Increasing Profits: Branded products often yield higher profit margins.
  • Generating Passive Income: Enjoy steady income from repeat customers and subscriptions.
• Leverage Amazon’s Power: Amazon’s vast reach and powerful infrastructure can help you scale your business. Here’s how:
  • Brand Registry: Protect your brand with Amazon’s automated protections, get access to detailed reports, and benefit from dedicated support.
  • Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA): Let Amazon handle the heavy lifting of storage, packaging, and shipping, so you can focus on growing your business.

So, what are you waiting for? Your reselling journey on Amazon is an exciting path filled with opportunities for growth and success. Jump in, explore, and make the most of what Amazon has to offer. Your adventure awaits—grab it with both hands and enjoy the ride!

This is a loosely connected set of stories that are mostly to enhance the early periods of Empty Continents, specifically right after the Vanishing.
You see the full forum here: https://www.alternatehistory.com/forum/threads/empty-continents.553057/
Or a more easy-to-read version here: https://www.alternatehistory.com/forum/threads/empty-continents.553057/reade
June 7, 2028, 7:03 PM EST.
“The sea has finally come for us.”
Hugh Desmond watched as his home of Queens was battered by rain from above and flooding from below. He only saw destruction and carnage, but he assumed it would eventually clear up.
The Borough President of Queens, Hugh Desmond was formal and grandstanding, trying to run for the mayor of NYC when the hurricane hit. His primary goal was to make sure everything was “going as planned”; he tried to unite the left, moderate, and right parts of New York City’s politics.
He only saw destruction and chaos, but he assumed it would eventually clear up.
Shelby Sherman, a government official who took refuge in Hugh Desmond’s house, looked around. She had been getting news from the blaring television, which was barely functional with all the power lines being knocked around.
“MANDATORY EVACUATION ORDERS… NATIONAL GUARD… HUNDREDS OF REPORTED DEATHS… CATEGORY THREE… LAGUARDIA FLIGHTS CANCELED… SUBWAY SYSTEM FLOODED… MAYOR CONFIRMED DEA”
A blackout.
Shelby was repeatedly making calls to prominent officials, but without cell service, she had been getting no luck.
30 minutes later, at 7:34 PM, the Vanishing would happen, unbeknownst to Hugh and Shelby.
“Power AND water lines?!” Shelby screamed into a now-useless phone. “Hugh Desmond, what’s going on?!”
Hugh turned around only briefly, saying that “it’s fine”, before looking back at the window. The Borough President had been strangely meditative, as if he knew something had happened.
After an hour of waiting, a group of Navy sailors knocked on the door. Shelby rushed to answer them, but Hugh stopped her, slowly getting up and walking towards the door. “How can I help you, officers?”
“The Navy?” Shelby shouted from inside the house. “Is the entire US military landing at New York?!”
“Yes,” a seaman said grimly. “You’re the only official left in this area.”
“We come with strange news,” said another sailor. “We’ve lost connection to the mainland. However, we were able to establish a radio communication with the UK and Ireland. Apparently…” he looked around and hesitated. “I don’t know how to explain this. But it seems that every human on the continental mainland has disappeared.”
Hugh Desmond closed their eyes, in full contemplation, before opening their eyes again. His expression was neutral and apathetic. Shelby reacted far more naturally, shouting from inside the house.
“So that’s the Americas, Africa, Europe, Asia, Antarctica, and Oceania… all gone,” said Hugh.
“Not only that,” a junior seaman interrupted, “but it’s as if humanity never existed on these continents in the first place! It’s like the wilderness has taken over!”
What followed would be commonly known as the Double Tragedy. Chaos became rampant. Looting became widespread. Thousands of desperate people clamored their way across the East River and the Staten Island Sound only to be met with the emptiness of the mainland. It’s estimated that upwards of a million people died from the destruction, chaos, and starvation. It matched 9/11 in terms of sheer psychological impact, and perhaps exceeded it in damage done.
June 8, 2028, 11:55 AM EST.
“Listen up, everyone!” Hugh Desmond shouted on top of a ruined platform. It was an overcast sky; the rain had mostly dissipated. “National Guard and US Corps of Engineers, I thank you for your service. Our main goal is the Ravenswood Generating Station. Make sure to ask for help from any civilian engineers if you can. I want a small division to go to the Park Drive East pumping station in Queens, and if possible, we should have a small force secure the JFK and LaGuardia airports. Is that clear?”
The personnel cheered, although it was a strained cheer. They had all been through a lot, and Hugh Desmond understood that.
June 12, 2028, 6:18 AM EST
Shelby entered a large, aging building. A makeshift sign saying “QUEENS CITY COUNCIL” hung on the side.
“What’s up?” said a voice from behind. Shelby was surprised; she quickly turned around. She recognized the voice as Emilia Ramos, the strong and kind Borough President of Brooklyn. Emilia pulled a cigarette and lit it, urging Shelby to come with her.
Shelby and Emilia walked inside the building. “I’m not really sure,” she said. “I was an intern for the Washington D.C government. I was just here on a vacation, and then… all this happened. I’m not sure what I’m supposed to do now.”
“None of us know,” said Emilia. “I was just trying to help my people in Brooklyn, but now it seems Hugh Desmond has this whole government idea, and he wants me in.”
Shelby looked around at the derelict offices. “I haven’t really thought about that. I mean, isn’t America gone now?”
Emilia raised an eyebrow. “Why would it be? Sure, the Constitution and White House is gone, but so what? The culture, customs, and ideals of America are still here.”
“New York is a city in perpetual motion,” Emilia continued. “People come in, and come out. The city will always be a bastion of change.”
Shelby looked in contemplative silence as the two of them entered a room. It was extremely dusty, but there was a small table and a bunch of chairs. There was already a bunch of people there- NYPD, National Guard, Navy, Coast Guard, and even an Air Force pilot; Hugh Desmond was sitting at the center of it all.
“Take a seat,” Emilia said; the two of them sat down.
Hugh Desmond looked at everyone and then stood up. He took a deep breath. “Greetings, everyone. It is time to form the Provisional Government of the United States.”
June 29, 2028, 9:31 AM EST.
Shelby Sherman and Emilia Ramos sat down in the same dusty room. This was their first meeting after the formation of the Provisional Government, and Shelby was excited. She finally felt like she had something important to do.
The room was significantly more crowded this time. More high-ranking Navy officers had arrived, but the same group of NYPD, National Guard, Coast Guard, and the singular Air Force pilot were talking amongst themselves.
Hugh Desmond arrived, immediately making the room quiet. His calm and stern demeanor was perfect for leading a group.
He immediately started talking. “We are the successors to America. I understand what we’re doing is not an easy task, but our leadership is necessary in helping and securing the remainder of the American people.”
“First, let’s review what we’ve done in the past 3 weeks,” Hugh Desmond continued.
A National Guard officer spoke up. “I’m happy to say that we have practically re-United Long Island under our control. The Long Island railroad system has been restored, and the productive lands of Suffolk County have been secured.”
Shelby then had a disturbing thought. “Wait, what about all the zoos in New York? What will happen to the animals there?” she whispered to Emilia.
Having somehow understood her whispering, Hugh Desmond turned her eyes to Shelby. “Thanks for bringing it up. The Queens Zoo has been occupied by a detachment of Navy officers. The domesticated animals were set aside as livestock, while the area of the zoo is being used as homes for these livestock. We are also planning another operation in Central Park Zoo, but there’s a big obstacle. A group of locals have orchestrated ‘Operation Noah’s Ark’, a plan to evacuate all animals to the mainland.”
“What’s wrong with that?” Shelby asked.
This time, Emilia spoke up. “We don’t want to introduce animals to the untouched wilderness. Who knows what ecological consequences will follow?”
Hugh Desmond nodded. “Naval officers, what is the status of our fleet?”
“We have secured most of our East Coast ships, but we need to anchor them to conserve fuel,” said a Navy admiral. “We’re in the process of acquiring yachts, sailboats, and other light boats from the civilian population.”
“And what about the Atlantic Seaboard?” said Hugh.
A Coast Guard officer turned to him. “We’ve absorbed Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, and Aquidneck. However, I don’t think we should go down to the Carolinas…”
Hugh Desmond looked at him curiously. “Why is that?”
“To put it bluntly, we’re running out of resources,” said the officer. “We need some sort of ration system in place before we can expand southwards.”
“We’ll figure out the rations soon,” Hugh responded. “But send someone to the Outer Banks at once! We need to be the clear successor to the USA, unless we want copycats to emerge.”
A Naval admiral stood up and looked at Hugh. “Unfortunately, they already have. A group calling themselves the ‘Minutemen’ has taken control of Staten Island. They’re composed of various competing factions; some Army generals, some Marines, some white nationalists, most of them anti-you.”
“And what’s stopping us from doing a little march there?” said Hugh Desmond.
2 hours later, on Staten Island.
“Listen up, USPG soldiers! This is our first real test, and we better root out these Minutemen before they establish a presence here!”
A former Navy officer, Donna Brown, was leading a few dozen young soldiers into a quiet, cramped part of Staten Island. It was now completely abandoned. Staten Island was eerily quiet, but Donna knew the Minutemen were here somewhere.
“Raise your guns,” she said quietly as they entered the Staten Island Borough Hall, supposedly the center of the Minutemen resistance. The soldiers looked left and right as the eerie silence continued. “Watch out for traps,” Donna said nervously.
They opened door after door, but there was nobody else in sight. Donna stopped and led the group into a large room.
The room was filled with notes and papers. On every single one of them laid a message: “Don’t think we’re done.”

Reddit Account: u/Dejurewaffles1066
Discord Tag: Garin
Name and House: Ellyn Moore
Age: 25
Cultural Group: Valeman
Appearance: Of middling height and red hair, Ellyn has spent the last four years in constant training and increasingly eschews the courtly manners she was taught in favor of a direct and frank mode of speaking and acting, thoroughly disillusioned with subtleties and empty flattery. Her eyes can be rather intense and seldom evade contact.
Trait: Brave
Skills: Swords (e), Two-handed weapons (swords), Brute, Errantly
Talents: Weaving, Fishing, Hawking
Negative trait: N/A
Starting title: Scion of house Moore, Cavalier
Starting Location: Greyhelm
Alternate Characters: Dorian Merryweather
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Biography:

For house Moore, like many other houses of the Vale's sheltered interior, Aegon's conquest was rather unremarkable. They went to bed one evening as subjects of one king and woke up as subjects of a new one, without the old one having gone anywhere either. Ellyn was the third child of Lord Berrick Moore and his wife Sybelle Wydman. Ellyn would be their only daughter. Lord Berrick went on to play a minor role in the campaign against the Root Father. The stories of the menace in the mountains inspired many a youth at Bronzespear to want to take up arms themselves, Ellyn among them.
The tapestries of andal knights, fearlessly facing their enemies with gleaming greatswords captured her imagination already as a child, and she began training beside her brothers. They were fairly accepting of this, and so Lord Moore let it slide as long as Ellyn did not skip other lessons for the sake of training, however when the Cavaliers were formed, it would not be many years before his daughter began to speak of joining, in hushed tones at first but ever more loudly as time went on. When she turned sixteen, Ellyn asked for permission to join and was promptly shut down. Instead Lord Berrick took his family on a visit to Snakewood, where Ellyn was introduced to the heir of the house, who had become her betrothed by the end of the visit. her betrothed did not come accross as a cruel or mean-spirited man, yet he was also not particularly strong-willed, a fact which would later become painfully aparent
Soon after her eighteenth nameday, Ellyn married the heir to House Lynderly, moving to Snakewood. Three things quickly became obvious to Ellyn. Firstly, even as a man grown, her husband had few opinions of his own, preferring to hear the verdict of his parents and adjust to it. Secondly, the maester in House Lynderly's service had little knowledge of medicine, and somehow even less of how to practice it on women. This fact became clear from the third revelation, she was already with child, probably since her wedding night. This was celebrated as a sign of good luck and the blessing of the gods. The final outcome would prove a hellish ordeal. The labor would become a protracted affair as Ellyn struggled. Something was clearly wrong, and the maester was utterly clueless in regards to a solution. By the time the idea of cutting the child out of her was being proposed, the impasse finally ended and her daughter was born, as if by the Mother's much belated mercy. At this point a hedge-maester was called in, ostensibly as assistant to the Maester of Snakewood. In practice, the dornishman named Marcel took over her care, and his clueless colleague was happy for an excuse to leave the room. He would stay to nurse her back to health, a process which took more than three months.
By then the warning signs were already showing. Leyla, her daughter, could not even look straight at someone, her gaze constantly shifting and her pupils often turning in opposite directions. Ellyn requested that Marcel stay at Sanekwood to monitor the girl and the Lynderlys obliged, their maester being no more skilled in treating children than women. At age one Leyla was not learning to walk, and struggled to even crawl or lay still. The Lynderlys assumed the child to be dim-witted, an ill omen. Furthermore, even a year after the birth, Ellyn's cycle had not returned to normal, becoming infrequent and irregular. For two more years she and her husband were urged to try to produce a suitable heir, unlike their daughter, however Ellyn proved incapable of conceiving another child. She was increasingly left to her own devices, and began to take up her old swordsmanship again, a way to remind herself and those around her that she hadn't died that night, even if her in-laws increasingly seemed to treat her as such.
Meanwhile Marcel continued to monitor Leyla's condition, unconvinced by the analysis of Snakewood's regular maester. He eventually concluded the condition to be palsy, and that the girl might eventually learn to control the spasms of her limbs, fashioning straps that would limit the movement in her arms and legs, allowing her to begin to practice moving them deliberately rather than involuntarily.
By 21AC, the Lynderlys concluded that divorce was the solution to their plight. A wife incapable of producing a fit heir could be set aside, and so this was Ellyn's fate. Her husband had not leapt at the opportunity eagerly, however as his parents argued the necessity he protested it less and less. He offered Ellyn and Leyla a place at his court after the divorce, but Ellyn rejected it, unable to stomach how the court seemed to treat both her and her daughter as functionally dead, a sentiment which had started years before the divorce itself. Instead she took her unwanted daughter and made for the Gates of The Moon and the Cavaliers, bringing Leyla with her. Marcel would accompany her, intent on continuing Leyla's training. As the years went by, the girl slowly staggered to her feet, beginning to walk with shambling steps and speak with a ragged voice. Meanwhile Ellyn resumed her own training at arms, using up her anger by throwing it into her training, regaining the strength of teenage years that already felt like a lifetime ago. Rather than ruminate on what the gods may have meant by it all, she sought meaning in the people around her, her companions and her family, not any house.
Family Tree:
Berrick Moore (Father, b.30BC)
Sybelle Wydman (Mother, b.27BC)
Lucan Moore (Brother, b.5BC)
Harmen Moore (Brother, b.2BC)
Martyn Lynderly (Ex-husband, b.1BC)
Leyla Lynderly (Daughter, b.17BC)
NPCs:
Berrick Moore (55), General
Lucan Moore (30), Huntsman
Timeline:
1BC: Ellyn Moore is born
6AC: She begins training with her brothers
15AC: She asks permission to join the Cavalliers, but is instead arranged to be married to the heir of House Lynderly
17AC: Ellyn marries Martyn Lynderly and gives birth to her only daughter, Leyla, by the end of the year. The labor is long and difficult, and she is saved by the intervention of the hedge-maester Marcel after the maester of Snakewood proves incapable of helping.
20AC: It becomes clear that Leyla is afflicted with palsy while Ellyn is no longer capable of conceiving. Martyn Lynderly's parents begin advocating for a divorce to allow House Lynderly to have a healthy heir by another lady. Ellyn begins practicing with a sword again
21AC: The divorce is finalized. Ellyn is offered a place at court by her former husband but instead takes her daughter with her and joins the Cavaliers. Marcel joins her
21-25AC: Ellyn trains as a Cavalier while Marcel gradually teaches Leyla to move more independently and speak. Ellyn and Marcel accompany the leaders of the Cavaliers to Greyhelm
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
AC
Name and House: Marcel
Age: 44
Cultural Group: Dornishman
Appearance: A tall man with greying, black hair. Marcello's curly beard is carefully trimmed and his hands usually carry a metallic scent, whether from tinkering or treating injuries. His eyes are bright and keen, but tend to dart around a lot, constantly preoccupying themselves with new objects of fascination
Gift: Erudite
Skills: Medic (e), Craftsman (Armor)
Talents: Tinkering, Language (Valyrian), Fishing
Negative Traits: N/A
Starting title: Maester
Starting Location: Greyhelm
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Biography:

Marcel was born in 20BC, a son of a Planky Town merchant. While taking an keen interest in learning letters, numbers and even a few valyrian phrases, he had no mind for managing money. His parents quickly decided that out of all their children, he was better sent off to the Citadel, before one of his flights of fancy caused a greater loss of money. This was after he had spent a considerable sum just to acquire a Qohorik automaton, an intricate little lion with cogs on the inside that allowed it to walk when wound up.
Arriving in Oldtown at the age of 16, Marcel initially pursued metallurgy, but soon found that medicine stirred a very similar fascination in him. whether understanding the intricacies of a body made of flesh or metal, he was always keenly interested. It only took a few years before he came to be considered somewhat of a prodigy, especially for his interest in reconvalescent healing, the act of helping stroke victims and the maimed to use their bodies once again. By 21 he had taken further interests, particularly in a fellow maester in training, named Leo. For three years they were inseparable, jointly pursuing their studies by day and their passion by night. Then, one day, Leo suddenly started avoiding him. Marcel grew angry and tried to confront him several times, even in public.
This eventually caused enough of a scene for one of his seniors to pull him aside. Leo, as things would have it, was the nephew of one of the closest aides to the Archmaester of medicine. The over-proud geezer, Malcom, accused Marcel of corrupting his nephew wiht 'dornish vices' and told him in no uncertain terms that he should abandon the study of medicine, having already thrown away his prospects with his impertinence. At the time Marcel scoffed at his threat. He abandoned Leo, who had willingly abandoned him at his uncle's order, however he stayed in his course. A decade later, he was painfully aware that Malcom had acted on his threat. After an unusually protracted study they finally granted him a link of medicine, but there after the Citadel's college of medicine wanted nothing to do with him, throwing menial jobs far below his level at him whenever he offered his services. He went into metallurgy, but soon found himself similarly disdained. Though not an Archmaester, Malcom knew many men in the other colleges and had obstructed him here too. At this point, Malcom took to the road, serving as a hedge-maester. With few friends at the citadel, even an official posting at some hole in the middle of nowhere was out of reach.
One fateful evening in the Vale however, he would find a new sense of purpose, aiding Lady Ellyn Moore and her newborn Leyla. As the little girl grew into her toddler years, he determined that she could learn to walk on her own like other children, given the right supports. Those few with her affliction who grew to adulthood would sometimes show more control of their limbs with time, and maesters had speculated about accelerating the process. The project engrossed him so much that joining the service of the Cavaliers was almost an afterthought, a simple decision that would allow him to continue his work on the girl. Functionally, Marcel has now achieved what his seniors tried to deny him, serving as a surgeon and smith at the Gates of The Moon
Timeline:
20BC: Marcel is born in Planky-Town as a merchant's son
7BC: Marcel is a quick learner at everything except how to manage money. After spending a lot of money to acquire an automaton, a Qohorik curiosity, Marcel's parents determine that he is best suited for the citadel
4BC: He arrives in Oldtown to begin his studies
2AC-5AC: Marcel becomes recognized as a promising student of medicine and develops a relationship with Leo, a fellow student. Eventually Leo begins ignoring him. Marcel is told by Leo's uncle Malcom that their relationship is intolerable and that he should stop studying medicine
15AC: After a decade Marcel is granted his chain in medicine, and promptly stonewalled from further advancement. Malcom also pulls strings to make other archmaesters obstruct him from advancement as well. Marcel becomes a hedge-maester at the end of the year.
17AC: Marcel happens to be in Snakewood when the heir's wife is giving birth. He is able to help save Lady Ellyn Moore and her child, Leyla.
18AC-21AC: Marcel trains Leyla to be able to move independently despite her palsy. When Lady Ellyn is set aside by the Lynderlys he joins her to the Cavaliers, where he takes up service as a surgeon and smith while continuing to train Leyla
25AC: He joins the Cavaliers to Greyhelm

Mary's perspective
So I'm tied to a fucking tree, though at least I'm in the shade. Hooded, panel gagged, wrapped in a white sleep sack, secured with rope. My ass, tits, and pussy exposed. Almost directly beneath my hanging boobs, two of Queen Of Mean's most junior Dommes play Spades on a fold out card table, ignoring me for the moment. Not that I'm complaining.
The filming for the episode where Saarya Rahul's clone is discovered by the Perseverance Co. has started. Yeah, I learned that bitch Lara Gupta is coming back, before I knew why.
I was actually mummified and trapped in the bondage frame on the Amazonian Ship's bridge. We're not filming a scene, QOM's crew just found it a convenient place to strap me into when they're busy and want to make sure their lowest slave stays out from underfoot. Just like in the ready room, I'm supposed to have a domme watch me all the time for my safety.
Of course, Daci is in charge of drawing up the rotation, and she assigns the youngest and most immature of Queen Of Mean's crew to watch me. No big surprise, sometimes they go to screw off with their friends, leaving me trapped alone on the set. A silent mummy with her lady parts hanging out, and her wide, desperate eyes tracking back and forth.
That's what happened the day I was reacquainted with Lara. I had been enjoying the peace and quiet of the set, I actually enjoyed not being tormented by one of QOM's sadistic Junior Dommes. Then I heard steps and laughing voices, coming from the sets back passageway. I braced myself from some sadistic cruelty from my Mistress Daci and her evil minions.
Instead I heard Mistress Daci say "You want to know where Girl Mary is, Miss Nora and I want to surprise you. Surprise, Miss Lara, here she is!" I heard an audible gasp that had to be Lara Gupta. "That's Mar-".
I hear Mistress Nora's girlish chuckle. "You said you read the release material, Lara, this is Girl Mary being her new super submissive self!" Both her and Mistress Daci giggle.
The three women walk around to regard my mummified ass from the front. To the right Mistress Daci, in her black Amazonian pilot flight suit, with red insignia and badges. She grins at me with her usual sadistic delight.
In the center Lara Rajaneesh Gupta in the flesh. I'm surprised she's not wearing the tight bootie shorts and unicorn T-shirt. She is wearing a loose fitting black T-Shirt saying "Want To Impress This Desi Girl? Whip Me Up Some Curry!" And what looks like faded store bought Levis. Most striking is her eyes. Last time her eyes were shifty and sneaky. Now they're warm and open, she actually looks saddened by my plight, and embarrassed for me.
I don't have much time to process that when I hear Mistress Nora speak. My eyes automatically track to my slender former student and current Domme. She's wearing her especially low cut Stellar Compact Navy blue jumpsuit with Commanders rank tabs.
"Girl Mary, why are you contaminating these two fine free ladies with your scummy slave gaze? Eyes down now!" Realizing my mistake, too late, my eyes dropped to the deck. I hear Daci giggle at my plight.
"Mistress Daci, why isn't there a domme to watch this slave and stop behavior like this? This is lax for such a professional crew as yours." Daci seems more serious when she says. "Miss Nora, I apologize, I fix it now." A moment later I hear her chewing ass, presumably on her phone, of the domme she assigned to watch me. I take no pleasure then that, I know the little bitch is going to take out Daci's butt chewing on my sorry slave hide.
"Miss Nora, Miss Lara, I apologize, the domme assigned to watch this subbie is on her way back here. She will be appropriately disciplined for not watching this slave." Miss Nora says "Thank you, Daci." Lara remains silent.
I hear footsteps running down the passage in a rush. Daci orders the junior domme to halt in the entrance, and unleashes another blistering tirade on her. Then she tells her to remain in place until her betters leave.
Nora says "Daci, Lara, lets forget this unpleasantness, I ordered us some curry from Miss Connor's favorite Thai Bistro! She's going to have lunch with Slave Sarah and Slave Constance at her living unit. Layla is going out to eat with a visiting uncle. We have the Ready Room to ourselves, we can eat and chat there."
Lara and Daci agree that sounds good and I hear the three ladies receding steps. Then I hear my designated Domme "Miss High and Mighty barks orders and eats with the cute little bunnies, while I have to watch your stupid ass! But that's okay...I can still get my own back!"
I feel the first stinging line of fire on my behind from her whip. Punishing my slave ass unfairly for her screw up...
A day later, I'm sandwiched between Nora on my right and Layla on my left. I'm naked, hooded, and panel gagged with my arms bindered behind my back. My nipple clamps chained to the desk, my clit leash anchored to the deck.
We're in the classroom where Constance and I were first indoc'd into QOM's crew's way of doing things. Guess I'm not even good enough to be in the ready room anymore. At least for script readings, Daci, for whom English is obviously not her first language, is absent. Layla and Nora can get really rough, but even together they're not as mean as that fucking Romanian bitch.
Today I focus, and obey their directions, keeping my gloomy slave feelings inside. My former protege and the Hispanic girl are surprisingly calm as they guide me through my part of the script.

 Opening Scene 

A mummified, helpless girl secured to a tree. Only her eyes, tits and pussy visible in her slave wrappings. The camera pulls back with her still centered. She's surrounded by a hellscape of burnt out vehicles, scorched earth, and blackened trees.
A robotic AI Voice gives a briefing:
AI briefer: At 0800 we spotted a hostage at the forward observer point guiding artillery pinning down the 6th Stellar Compact Marines Battalion. Obviously female, her identity remains unknown, although she might be one of the MIA Orbit Guard members from when this planet was initially assaulted by a combined Amazonian N'Docc" force.
This tactic was first noted when we were mopping up the surviving ground forces after the retaking of the Botany Bay colony. A captive is secured at a critical strategic point, to buy them time to do the most damage to Stellar Compact forces and slip away. They know we will eventually sacrifice the hostage, if we feel that's necessary. But they know our doctrine, that we have to do a cost benefit analysis and try to save the hostage if we can. They count on this to do the maximum damage as they retreat, if they can't turn the battle to their favor.
Unfortunately, a cost benefit analysis determined this unknown hostage could not be saved without unacceptable losses to the 6th Marines, and possibly jeopardizing the ground campaign on this world. At 0956, the determination was made to terminate the forward observer post with extreme prejudice.
A Plasma Mortar Smart Round was keyed to the coordinates and launched. ( A Holo Data link picture appears, showing the mortar in relation to the forward observer spot. A graphic represents the round launched, and a line with mathematical calculations represents its trajectory).
(The picture shifts back to the restrained slavegirl. You see shifty scrambling in the background) It appears all hostiles manning the outpost detected the launch and escaped without discernible casualties. (The hostage isn't so lucky, her desperate eyes track the flaming football descending on her position. She mmmphs and wiggles, her big breasts swaying. A moment later, in an Orange red flash she is incinerated, a death devoid of dignity bestowed on so many courageous Stellar Compact female soldiers before her).
(The view shifts with no further commentary, which would be superfluous. We see Commander Gail to the left of a large viewscreen, Rear Admiral Mendez to the right. Gail puts her head in her hands and takes a moment to gather herself.)
Mendez: Commander-Nora, I'm sorry. I know that must be hard, especially after what happened to Captain Rommie. But I need you to understand what's going on down there. There are still fierce pockets of resistance. Stellar Compact Intelligence has confirmed that the Amazonians want to take you alive and make you a Whipping Girl, whomever does it will attain greater honor than even Commander Sappho capturing poor Rommie. Is a morale tour really worth it?
Gail (Raises her head, visibly pulls together) I know the risks, but understand why you showed that to me. I don't want to die at all, especially not like that. But war entails risks. I knew that when I pounded my fist on that table, and yelled at a conclave Admirals, that I risked Dismissal from Service, or even Court Martial. I know it now, and think it's important enough to do.
Mendez: It's not just you. The media has dubbed you the "Heroine Of Botany Bay" and "The Savioress Of The Stellar Compact" you being killed, or slowly tortured as a Whipping Girl, could devastate our morale at a critical juncture, even turn the tide of the war against us again!
(Mendez takes a deep breath, pauses)
Don't get me wrong, I care about your well being Commander. I lost one of the finest female command Officers I knew on my watch. If I lost another-I don't know if I could forgive-(The normally poised Admiral casts her head down and seems to be wiping away tears).
(Nora reaches out to gently touch the Admiral's right shoulder with her left hand. Unsolicited contact with a Flag officer in peacetime can be a serious offence, depending on circumstances. In wartime, it can be a Capitol one. The Admiral's Marine Guard starts to move in on the impertinent commander. The Admiral pulls herself together and waves them off).
Mendez (Grabs Gail's hand with her right, clasps it in both hands) Nora, the first time I saw you, you seemed ready to jump behind the Cybo-Chief Warrant Officer ASSHO to escape from my gaze. Now you're a battle tested hero. You've come a long way baby."
Nora: Ma'am, I never wanted to be a hero. I don't FEEL like one. All I ever wanted to do was be an explorer. Also show a society on the verge of revoking women's rights, that we ARE as capable as men. But now that I am one, it's not about me, it's about us, the Stellar Compact as a whole. What kind of hero avoids risks when it comes to encouraging those who look to them as a role model?
Mendez (releases Gail's hand, looks stern again) Young woman, I could order you not to go ground side. (She gets a small, fond smile) an order you might choose not to obey. So I don't have to convene Court Martial proceedings, I give you permission. You be careful down there, Commander, or I will personally spank you like I used to do to my daughters!"
Gail (small smile) Ma'am, I have Chief Warrant Officer ASSHO protecting me-and Gabby-Staff Sergeant Perez and her Marines. I'd bet on them over a Regiment of N'Docc" any day!
Mendez (Stern and serious) Young lady, you may have to. Keep your head on a swivel. Dismissed.
(Nora salutes, the Admiral returns it, the meeting is over. Nora leaves the briefing room, her own Marine Guard falling in after her as she leaves).
I try to cover my chagrin, once again, "Boss Bitch" Miss Connor, makes me look pathetic and my Mistress looks awesome with her writing. I wish I'd never asked Dave to let me start this project! I'm still strapped to this tree, sweltering, with my lady parts exposed for all to see.
Lara's perspective
So "Boss Bitch" asked to meet me at 08:30 at the Ready room for a script meeting about my character. With my security badge, I could walk around unescorted, and I had the cypher lock combo to the ready room. Still when I came to the door ten minutes early, the red privacy light was on, I thought it polite to wait for Sheila.
The pretty half breed girl rolls up almost right on time, trademark fedora on head, coffee cup in hand. She sees the red light and frowns. She politely asks me to hold her cup and pounds the intercom button.
"Alright, bitches, I don't care if you're having a les orgy in there! You have 30 seconds to get dressed and wipe off the table, then I'm coming in!" She takes the coffee cup back and times it on her phone. When time's up, she punched in the combo and stormed in, with me close behind.
Her assertion of them having an orgy isn't far off. Constance is naked, kneeling and facing a chair, her arms secured with padded zip ties to each arm of the chair, panel gagged. Sarah is also naked, behind Constance, standing and with arms bindered behind her, though not muzzled. She is proudly standing facing us, smiling, her fine Asian assets on display.
I take a quick glance at Nora, in her blue jumpsuit, sitting across the table with a coffee cup in hand. Her proud smile shows how far her exotic subbie has come. Sarah knew without being told she had to proudly "present" to Sheila and I, because she was nude. I look back at the two naked girls.
Layla is on the other side of the chair from Constance in her Stellar Compact Marine Uniform, smiling like a Cheshire cat.
Our fearless leader fixes the two Dommes and the Alpha Slave with a "Start talking, ladies" gaze. Nora asks "Sarah, would you like to explain to Miss Connor what we're doing?" Sarah eagerly replies "Yes, Mistress Nora!"
The Asian girl turns to face Sheila earnestly. "We're helping Constance get in touch with her submissive and sapphic desires. I was rubbing my nipples on her back and whispering in her ear, while Mistress Layla reassured her and calmed her. This was an idea the four of us came up with together, and Constance has a safe signal, three mmmphs, if it gets too intense for her."
Sheila's attention turns from the happy, nude former Navy girl to the other sub. "Constance are you ok, and alright with all this?" Constance mmmphs "Yes, Miss Connor." She doesn't sound under duress, this is the most relaxed I've seen her.
Sheila nods. "Girls, make sure you clean up any messes you make, and no going down on each other on the table, remember we eat there. Carry on." Three clear, and one mmmphed "Yes, Miss Connor."
Sheila nods. "Lara and I will be in my office, don't hesitate to knock if you need me." Boss Bitch turns to her office and I move to follow.
"Miss Connor, Lara wait ." Nora is looking at us with a bold, devilish glint in her eye. Where is that mousy little waif I met the first time? "We're ahead of the shooting schedule, we have time, why don't you and Lara join us? Four Dommes, two subs, why not have a little fun, girls?"
Then the gleam in her eyes got even more wicked. "If one or both of you want to sub for awhile, relinquish some of your responsibility? Two hot dommes, four exotic subs, it would challenge Layla's and I's Mistress skills, and we'd all enjoy a big shower of girl come." Nora and Layla exchange looks like they're ready, even eager for that challenge.
Sheila looks intrigued, hell I'm a little intrigued and horny myself, despite what happened last time. But Sheila firmly asserts "Tempting, my little horndogs, but we're ahead because I put business first, my horny little bitches. Lara and I have a lot to do if we want to stay on schedule, so we'll have to pass. Have fun girls." Layla, Nora and Sarah look disappointed, but nod, they know who's in charge.
When Mary, Nora and Sarah "topped" me last time, Shelia helped them Domme me, of course, but never took off her clothing. Does she ever cut loose, get naked with her girls when they get really wild? If Sheila and I had a private session, who would top, and who would bottom? My pussy getting wet, I send those thoughts to horny jail. Sheila's right, we have priorities, not just the show but saving Sandy.
I wait for Sheila to sit, then politely take my seat. With her usual lack of preamble, Boss Bitch shoves a shooting script for my first new episode across her desk at me. I pick it up and page through it.
Basically, Commander Gail does a morale tour of the violently liberated colony world Persephone. The Stellar Compact has the upper hand, the Alliance fleet being driven out of the system. Fierce pockets of N'Docc" and Amazonian Warriors fight on ground side, they'd rather fight to the last cat and woman than surrender.
The Mobile Medical units are overwhelmed with military casualties, so liberated civilian casualties languish. The Red Cross, the Red Crescent and other medical NGO's are allowed on world to pick up the slack. The problem is some of them feel obligated to treat N'Docc" and Amazonian wounded. This causes sometimes enraged reactions among a recently liberated civilian population. Violent acts against aid workers who treat the enemy are common. Military authority usually looks the other way if a victim is the "enemy" or someone known to treat them. Most incidents are blamed on "Insurgents" even when they're obviously not the culprit.
During a tour of a hovel city, Gail, Assho, and their Marine Guard hear screaming. They head down a shadowy alley, and see several men trying to rape a dark skinned woman clad only in a tattered man's work shirt, the rest of her torn clothes strewn around the alleyway.
Gail yells at them to stop, and the woman takes the opportunity to flee her rapists and run to Gail, ASSHO, and their Marine Guard; cowering behind ASSHO. A moment of shock from Gail, when she sees the woman is a dead ringer for her mentor LCDR Saarya Rahul, but she composes herself.
Gail: What are you men doing to this poor woman? Hasn't the enemy done enough, bastards like you need to finish their work?
Scumbag 1: Begging pardon, miss, but this little tart is giving aid and comfort to the enemy, we's just seeing if she got some fur her own, miss.
Gail(looking disgusted) Really? You're a sick freak.
(She's about to say more when a local militia patrol shows up. They ignore the Scumbag and his two minions focusing on the girl hiding behind ASSHO).
Patrol Leader: Causing a ruckus again, you little tease? We let you off easy even though you were the Domina's body servant. You still can't keep from making difficulties.I'm taking you to lock up!
(Gail clears her throat pointedly)
Patrol Leader (Really looking at her, taken aback) Oh, sorry Commander, that this little twitch got you caught up in her troubles. If you'll just hand her over...
Gail: (looking for insignia, seeing faded Sergeant stripes) Sergeant, you will arrest these three men and take them to your lock up immediately, charge them with attempted rape!"
Patrol leader (looking shocked) Ma'am you can't be serious....
Gail: Take them into custody now, or we will. And I'll report you to the planetary Provost Marshall!
Patrol Leader (Looking angry) Aye, Ma'am! (To the scumbags) C'mon boys. (The patrol surrounds the three men but doesn't cuff them. The patrol laughs and jokes with the scum as they saunter away).
(Gail looks disgusted, but then turns to help ASSHO tend to the sobbing girl who is a double of her mentor).
I look up. "Your usual top notch work, Sheila, Ari will believe we're not just phoning it in. Trust me."
Sheila looks at me soberly "I do. Now let's start talking about freeing my sister....
I nod. "So my initial plan is to simply purchase her...
https://www.reddit.com/BDSMerotica/s/MLUHPP4hYL Part 7

I am a huge fan of Ken McKusick (Filmstudy) and all the analyses he does. One of my favorite things he has invented is a rubric for comparing teams' schedules. I haven't seen one done yet for the 2024 schedule (and 2022-23 were done only in podcast form rather than written articles, AFAIK). So with all credit to Filmstudy for creating this system, I've gone ahead and applied his approach to the 2024 schedules for the AFC North.
As a reminder, the "who" and "where" of the schedule are set by formula (mostly which division you're in and which place within the division you finished last year). So this analysis concerns only when the games happen. For example, in 2021, playing the Browns twice wasn't anything to complain about; playing them twice in three weeks, while they had the bye week during the middle week, was something to complain about.
Here are the factors, applied to this year's schedule:
Playing in London: -10 for a home game, -2 for a road game, +2 for no game, +2 if bye follows London game. No London game for the Ravens this year (+2). No London game for any other AFCN team this year either, so no special advantage. Note: now that the NFL also does games in other countries, this one may need some updating in the future. I'd propose scoring Munich games the same way as London and Sao Paolo a little gentler at -8, because it's an even longer flight but a much easier time zone change.
Playing on a Thursday: +3 for a home game, -3 for a road game but no deduction for week 1 or after a bye, +3 for a 2nd Thursday game. Thursdays are weird mixed bags. They're good because you get a "mini-bye" afterward (usually). They're bad because they force you to play on a short week. Road Thursdays are especially bad because travel makes the week even shorter with travel. The Christmas Wednesday games have the same general characteristics so I've counted them as Thursday games for this scoring. The Ravens have a home Thursday night against the Bengals (+3) and away Wednesday against Texans (-3 away, +3 second TNF game). Net +3. In a nice bit of equity, all the other AFCN teams also have two TNF games, one home and one away, when you include the Christmas game in this set (that's Pitt's second and home game). So this is also a wash.
Opponents playing on Thursday the prior week: +3 to start, then -3 for each one): None for us (+3). Pitt (Cowboys, week 5) and Cleveland (us, Week 18) each get one. Cincy gets Pitt twice: Week 13 and Week 18 (after the Christmas game).
Monday Night Football: +2 to start, then -2 for each one; +1 for home game following MNF, -1 for road game following MNF -1, +2 for bye following MNF. While these games are fun for fans, they leave the team with a shorter week afterward. How much that matters depends whether it's a home or road game, and a bye after erases the negative effects. The Ravens get two (Week 7, 12), with one leading to a home game and one leading to a road game (total -2). Bengals and Browns each have one followed by a road game (-1); Steelers get off lightest, with one followed by a bye (+2).
Opponents playing on Monday the prior week: -2 to start, +2 for each opponent coming off MNF. Ravens have one (Buffalo, Week 4), for +0 net points. Cincy has none; Browns get one (us in week 8), and Steelers get two (NYJ and their second CLE).
Bye Week: Actual by week minus 10. The idea here is that later byes give you a chance to rest up later in the season when injuries have accumulated, which is good. Ours is week 14, the latest possible (+4 points). The rest of the AFCN hits between week 9 and week 12, so this is a decent advantage for us.
Opponents coming off a bye: +7 to start, then -7 for each one. It's inexcusable for the NFL to schedule teams coming off byes against teams that aren't. Fortunately the Ravens avoid that problem this year (+7). Cleveland has one (Eagles). Cincy, like us, has none. Pitt gets Cincy.
Subjective Adjustment: -5 to +5 points. This is entirely in the eye of the beholder but here's my take. I give our schedule +2. The biggest negative is the killer stretch of 3 games in 10 days leading up to Christmas; but that's offset a bit by having the bye right before. The rest of the season doesn't have much egregious going on for us. It's a light travel schedule without hard back-to-back trips (the two times we have consecutive away games, one of the games is still in the Eastern time zone). Some of the hardest games are scheduled favorably: KC in week 1 (no uneven rest problems) and BUF on a short week. With the biggest problem partly offset and a relatively favorable schedule otherwise, I think this is slightly positive. What about the other AFCN teams? I give the Browns schedule a -1. The early string of 3 consecutive road games (4 of their first 6) is pretty unfavorable and two late-season TNF games kinda sucks, but nothing egregious overall. Cincinnati gets a +0. Their schedule is mostly pretty easy/favorable in terms of travel and rest, but their biggest complaint is that both times they play Pittsburgh, the Steelers will get a long week (coming off Weds/Thurs games) - a valid complaint given the importance of those division rivalry games, but partly offset by Cincy coming off a bye in the first meeting. That makes it a wash for them and 0 points awarded. Pittsburgh gets a -2. They have a lot of early road games (4 of the first 6, like Cleveland), and they have the same killer December that we do but without having the bye right before it. That said, this schedule isn't nearly as bad as the Steelers' internet commentary makes it out to be; they actually have an advantage over their opponents overall in terms of net rest days (as do we).
Bottom line: The scheduling gods have smiled upon us. Compared to other AFCN teams we have some decent scheduling advantages, coming mainly from the late bye week and the lack of opponents coming off rest (Thursday night games or byes). Interestingly, Pittsburgh's schedule comes out not nearly as bad as Twitter makes it sound; on pure scoring, Cleveland's is actually a bit worse. Let's hope the Ravens can make the most of the schedule they've been given.

Item	Baltimore	Cleveland	Cincinnati	Pittsburgh
London	+2	+2	+2	+2
Thursday Games	+3	+3	+3	+3
Opponent off TNF	+3	0	-3	0
Monday Games	-2	-1	-1	+2
Opponent off MNF	0	0	-2	+2
Bye Week	+4	0	+2	-1
Opponent off Bye	+7	0	+7	0
Subjective	+2	-1	0	-2
Totals	+19	+3	+8	+6

TLDR: Make it much more instructive for the average golfer.
Golf and tennis are the main two professional sports in which the average viewer also actively participates in the sport. I’m never going to be a quarterback or an offensive coordinator, but I would like to control a golf ball. But I get more super-slo-mo technique and coaching analysis in an NFL game than in a golf broadcast.
I’d pay close attention to technique analysis if it were offered by the broadcasters. They give a little instruction, mostly about the players’ club selection and course management. But not much.
Instead, I’m watching a guy in 58th place putting for birdie and seeing isolated close-ups of golf balls in mid-flight. Also lots of absolutely worthless commentary such as:
Beautiful shot.
He’ll have to try to get up and down from there.
Wishes he had that one back.
So he’ll be left with a four-footer.
He got all of that one.
How did that not go in?
Well done, well done.

I have said that Heimdallr has no certain etymology for -dallr, but since heim- is certain, “lord of the world” is a possibility that arises from seeing that metathesis of *mw (since Pw is usually not allowed in IE) might exist in a sequence :
​
*xaimi-walda-z > *xaim-walda-z > *xaim-dalwa-z > ON Heimdallr
​
with the same optional changes to *lw in Latin :
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*solwo- > L. salvus ‘unharmed/safe/sound’, OL sollus, Skt. sárva- ‘whole/all’
*palwo- / *pelwo- > OE f(e)alo ‘yellow’, Li. palvas ‘light yellow (reddish/brownish)’, L. fulvus ‘deep yellow / gold’
*pal(i)wo- / *pel(i)wo- / *pol(i)wo- > G. poliós ‘grey’, peliós ‘livid’, pellós ‘dark’, L. pullus ‘dark’, pallidus ‘pale’
*mulwo- > Li. mulvas ‘reddish / yellowish’, L. mullus ‘red mullet’, mulleus ‘reddish/purple shoe worn by 3 highest magistrates’
​
which might be related to optional alternation of Gmc. *gW / *gw / *w, since the same in :
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*dwi-dhogWhlo- ‘half-light’ > OIr. dedól ‘dawn/twilight’
*dhogWhlo- > *dalwa- > *dall-inga-z > Dellingr ‘god of dawn?’
​
Now, new evidence of this has come to my knowledge, showing that Gmc. *dalwa-z did exist. Crimean Gothic Ingdolou, with the odd cluster -ngd-, must be a compound. Since the name Ing is well-established in Gmc., no other reasonable optiona exists. Since Ing was also called *Frauja-z ( > Freyr ) ‘lord’, a name ‘Lord Ing’ seems to fit. Since *-wV became -w (pronounced -u after consonants) in Gothic, the same (with metathesis of *ww like *mw) in :
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*ingwa-walda- > *ingw-walda- > *ingw-dalwa- > *ingw-dalw > *ingw-dalu > Ingdolou
​
This is presumably the vocative form, with *a > o (as in others, dorbiza ~ þarba, hoem- ~ *xaim-) and ou used for [u] (the writer was Flemish). This much metathesis, seen twice, is much less than needed in other words of certain meaning :
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Go. ga-hveitjan ‘to whiten’, Crim. *ga-xwit-ta- ‘whitened’ > wixtgata = vvichtgata ‘white’
​
Crimean Gothic already shows some changes that might make it impossible to be directly derived from Gothic (see likely *-amiz > *-ems > -emsch below). That they retained the name of a prominent Gmc. god, toasted to him and asked for his protection, makes it likely they were a group of non-Christianized Goths (at the time of the Christianization of most Goths; their later history unknown).
​
​
The name Ingdolou is seen in the drinking song :
​
Wara Wara ingdolou / Seu te gira Galizou / Hoemisclep dorbi za ea
Wara Wara ingdolou / Sen te gira Galizou / Hoemis clep dorbiza es (word boundaries, 2 errors due to poor printing or other mistakes)
​
guard (us), guard (us), Lord Ing; without you, hunger grows, and the village food is less
​
​
Hoemis ‘of the village’, Gmc. gen. *xaimisa
​
es ‘is’ < *isti < *Hesti
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sen, L. sine ‘without’
​
te < PIE *t(w)e(H), here -te / *-þe is probably the clitic for all cases of ‘thou’, with n-þ > n-t (similar to OE)
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Galiz-ou, Go. -uh ‘and’
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Galiz-ou, Go. ga-lisan ‘gather / collect’ ( > accumulate / increase / grow )
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dorbiza ‘more lacking / less’, Go. þarba ‘lack / need’, þarbs ‘needy / necessary’
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clep < *xlep < Gmc. *xlaiba- ‘bread’, Go. hlaib-
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wara ‘guard / protect’, ward- (rd > r like -d > 0 as in broe ‘bread’)
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gira < *girdag, Go. grédags ‘hungry’, grédus ‘hunger / greed’ (rd > r like -d > 0 as in broe ‘bread’)
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This song has been considered untranslatable, not Gmc., or even Turkic. Its nature is very clear, and only by ignoring sound changes from obvious cognates (-d > 0 as in broe ‘bread’) and emending them into nonexistence (Stearns 1978) have the other cognates that also lost *d been left unseen. Since so many Crimean Gothic words are almost exactly like other Gmc. cognates, the trouble linguists have had finding any matches for the words in this song must show that some sound changes existed but were ignored. In the same way, the toast :
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kilemschkop ‘drain the cup’ < *kwilami(z) (sa(n)) kupan ‘let’s down/finish (this) cup’ (*gWelH- > Gmc. *kwil- ‘die / end / fall / set’)
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seems to show that *s > š by C (*windaz > wintch ‘wind’, schvvester ‘sister’) either applies to *-miz > *-ms > msch or that *so > *sa became a clitic s- before words (with analogy, since *t- existed in non-nominative forms; compare likely analogy in -te above). Some analysis is made less precise since many sounds seem to be in the process of devoicing (*wira-z ‘man’ > fers), but many old languages show irregular variation (or due to dialects), so this is not a reason to give up and say it’s impossible from the start. Without taking the evidence as primary, and undestanding which sound changes to apply, no progress can be made. Manaster Ramer’s (2024) refusal to even see -kop as ‘cup’ when the translation is so clear makes little sense, and only continues a lack of reasonable analysis of even slightly difficult Crimean Gothic words.
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Busbecq, A. G. (printed 1740, 1995, 2000)
http://titus.uni-frankfurt.de/texte/etcs/germ/got/krimgot/krimg.htm
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Manaster Ramer, Alexis (2024, 2nd draft) Bay Mir Zestu Oys Vi a Germanishe: Crimean Gothic Connected Speech (A Toast and A Drinking Song)
https://www.academia.edu/119269732
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Stearns, MacDonald (1978) Crimean gothic : analysis and etymology of the corpus
https://archive.org/details/crimeangothicana0000stea
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Whalen, Sean (2023) Latin lūculentus, opulentus, violent-, vehement-
https://www.reddit.com/etymology/comments/zzfsx3/latin_l%C5%ABculentus_opulentus_violent_vehement/
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I hope I made the title vague enough to not constitute a spoiler itself.
Lost presents two ostensible wrecks of Oceanic flight 815. Clearly at least one of them must be a phony, and for purposes of discussion it doesn't seem too productive to argue that they both are, so which is it?
It doesn't seem that it would benefit anybody to pretend that there were no survivors, since that would've been the assumption anyway, but it may be to someone's benefit to pose one or more persons falsely as a survivor.
One wreck was found at the bottom of the Sunda Trench. It would've been extremely difficult to have wound up there by accident. It seems to have been deposited there by someone in the hope that it would never be found. Viewers commenting on Lost have it as a good visual match to details portrayed as seen at the airport in Sydney.
The wreckage shown in the island scenes, by contrast, has been found to have been from a different model of airliner. Many bits of evidence add up to the "survival" scenario at either of the two beach sites to have been impossible, as well as internally inconsistent.
What's your assessment, and analysis of the evidence?

Thank you for the amazing universe!
l Prologue l Previous l Next l
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"Will he live?"
The Kolshian doctor ensured that the IV line was set properly in the arm, given feathers and fur tended to get in the way. But he knew what he was doing, and the needle slipped beneath the skin without protest. Confident that the connection was good, he stepped back, taking in the full form of Kalsim with bulbous orange eyes.
The captain was better off than when they found him in the cave, but that wasn't saying much. Naked, delirious, covered in blood, and on the brink of death. His guard wasn't doing much better, spare the mortal injury, but hysterical regardless. He was talking now, but Kalsim wasn't so lucky.
"Barely, maybe. I'm surprised he survived for as long as he did, given the extent of the gash." He regarded the large compress wrapped around the captains chest. Underneath, teal colored medigel worked feverishly to repair the wound. "I'm gonna say the makeshift bandage saved his life."
"Good thinking on his guards part, bad on mine." The other observer sighed. "If only we just escorted him through, all of this could've been avoided. But that's in the past now. Did you manage to preform a brain scan yet?"
The doctor shook his tail. "Unfortunately, it's better to wait until he's stable to run the scan through."
The other thought for a moment. "Do it now."
The doctor was taken slightly aback. "But sir, doing a brain scan on him, in this condition? There's a real chance that the process might kill him."
"I know the risk, but its one we have to take. If he dies, we lose our only piece on the board."
"Are you sure? How useful are his memories to us? Don't we need him alive?"
The other walked to the beside, and gently stroked a tentacles across Kalsim's chest. It carried with it small flakes of violet blood, which a single rub turned to dust.
"We don't need his body, but we need his mind. No matter what happens, we continue on as planned. Understand?"
The doctor was still hesitant, tentacles and tail rapping fidgeting nervously. "Alright, I can get it done. I'm just telling you now that I don't think this is a good idea."
"Nothing we've done so far has been a good idea." The other stepped back from the bed, and moved to exit the small medbay. "But we do what's necessary."
The doctor began the process of setting up the brain scan, while the other made for the door. He took one step out, before he raised his tentacle, and turned back to face the doctor.
"Oh, and do let me know when he wakes up. We have much to discuss."
Memory transcription subject: Kalsim, Captain, United Federation Fleet
Date [standardized human time]: December 31st, 2136
It was not the sound of Kelum's voice that awoke me, nor the agony pulling my chest apart. My first sense of awareness was entirely lacking them, replaced instead by a repeating electronic beat, and what sounded like someone rustling around inside of a cabinet. And pressing against by body was not the ungrateful chill of bare rock, but a plush mattress and soft sheets.
Am I...dead?
Opening my ideas left me staring across what appeared to be a small medbay. At least, it looked like any medbay I would find on one of my ships. Taking the place of the usual zurulian personnel, however, was a kolshain, a deep green, donned in a coat, tentacles shifting through a cabinet hanging over the basin.
"W-where am I?"
The kolshian spun around instantaneously, eyes widened at the sound of my frail voice. "Stars above, your awake." He rushed to my side and began scanning over my face. "How are you feeling? Any pain, any grogginess?"
Maybe I'm not dead? "I...feel fine, I think. The pain is gone, at least."
The kolshain nodded. "Then the medigel did its work, thank the stars above. It looks like your going to be alright."
I looked down to see a large bandage wrapped around my chest, much more professional than the rags that Kelum used as a substitute. In place of the pain, a soothing cold projected from where my wound presumably laid. That must be the medigel he's talking about. I moved my wing around as a bit of a test, and found that besides a few twinges here and there, it was almost like I hadn't been raked at all.
"It's gonna take a couple of months for the wound to heal, and there's definitely going to be a scar." The doctor placed a tentacle on my shoulder. "But you should be able to walk up and about no problem. Do you feel like walking?"
"I...I guess?"
"Alright, let me help you here." A tentacle wrapped around my wing as he gently helped me out of the bed. Placing my legs down on the panel floor felt odd at first, likely the lingering effects of whatever painkillers they pumped into me. But however awkward it was, I could move.
"I gotta say Kalsim, your quite resilient. I've never seen someone survive a wound like that."
I coughed, but it only produced a small wince. "Well, maybe I just have a reason to go on."
"Yes, yes..." The doctor looked towards the door, before concerned eyes turned back to me. "Are you sure that your alright?"
"Yes, I think so..." I paused as I remembered the first question that came to mind. "Where am I? Where's Kelum?"
"Your guard is safe, no worries. He was concerned about you, so he'll be glad to know your up and about."
"Can I see him?"
Some of the doctors compassion seemed to slip away. "Not at the moment. There's more important matters to attend to."
It was then I noticed his other tentacle slipping a holopad back into his pocket. "We're you just talking to someone?"
He looked to the door. "Someone that want's to talk to you. I can bring you to him, if you like?"
"Who?"
"It's better if you meet him in person. He can explain everything."
My mind immediately went to the most obvious possibility: Could this be the person who sent me the note? I was suddenly filled with a mix of anticipation and dread. The person who revealed that my old home still existed, but who's cryptic nature nearly led to my death. He could be friend or foe, ally or enemy. He promised me an out, but it could all still be a lie. A gift wrapped box hiding a live grenade inside, ready to blow up in my face.
But it seemed that no matter what, I would have to talk to him.
"Bring me to him."
I quickly realized that the medbay was just another part of the maze-like facility me and Kelum entered in what felt like months ago. The same confusing layout, the same matte steel panel floors and ceilings, the same sickly green light bars, the same signs leading to the same places. Quarters, Maintenance, Observation.
It was a short journey, but one that nearly sent my nerves jumping out of my skin. My mind was alight with possibilities of who the person could be and what he wanted. Why did he need my help? Why not anyone else? Was it because this facility held a past dear to me? Or was there something that I wasn't seeing here? That last option felt more the case as we neared our destination.
Finally, we stepped through a doorway leading back into the familiar room. The consoles still lay dormant, the sanctuary light still blasted through the (now damaged) viewport. And standing shadowed near the edge,
SQUAW!
The sudden screech threw me back for a second, for there wasn't just a person standing at the window. Accompanying the man was one of those birds, green and gold, the very same that plucked that lizard from right in front of me and Kelum. Its sharp beaked plucked seeds from the outstretched teal tentacle before it, beady forward facing eyes planted firmly on the kolshian's face. He let the bird feed for a moment longer before his appendage returned to his side, and he turned to face me directly.
"Ah, Kalsim. I'm glad to see you up and about."
He was well above middle age, that much was clear. His voice crackled like the pages of an ancient tome, carrying knowledge and wisdom of a lifetime and more. His face was creased and spotted, his eyes were beginning to dull, and his back was beginning to damper. But he was proud and determined, all carried in a demeanor that seemed to disdain the very concept of age itself.
And that demeanor also carried a permeating aura of authority. In the gilded bands and rings around his sleeves, in the robes tailored only for those select few, in the necklace around his neck born with the symbol of the Chiefdom. Yet he was not gaudy or audacious. The blue fabric was well maintained, but not perfect. The guild shone, but was not spotless. He was powerful, but not infallible, and that he knew well.
He was unlike any shadow caste member I had ever met.
"I will see myself out." The doctor bowed before he took his leave, shutting the door in his wake.
The shadow caste member sighed. "I tell him that he doesn't need to bow, but he never listens. My colleagues leave their impression, let me tell you."
He stepped down from the observation platform, prompting the bird to fly back out the broken window. He watched it fly away, only turning back when it finally disappeared over the canopy. His tail bent in a manner that suggested happiness.
"Beautiful creatures, are they not? I can't exactly recall the name, it's probably in the archives somewhere. But I'm sure it's more than befitting of their elegance. Your people had a talent for names, even still to this day."
He stepped up in front of me, standing just slightly below my eye level.
"I'm sure you have plenty of questions, so ask away."
I was surprised at how casual he was being with all this, given that I nearly died. Is this just an act, or is he really this laid back? It would've helped if I knew his actual name.
"Who are you?"
"Ah, that's simple. I am Maronis, and before you ask, yes, I was the one to send you the note."
Maronis. The name didn't ring familiar, despite my numerous interactions with the caste. "I don't recall you."
"I didn't expect you too." He began to walk around, sliding tentacles over the dead consoles. "Truthfully, I'm one of the less prominent members of the caste. Partly because I prefer it that way, partly because I'm not the most popular."
"Popular?"
"Yes, the caste hasn't taken a particular liking to me, and that's entirely my fault. I don't apologize, and they don't expect me too. However, it has left me, how shall I say, rather uniformed."
He stopped his wandering, and turned to face me directly. His causal disposition did turn out to be an act, for a grave expression quickly took its place.
"There are happenings, Kalsim. Happenings that threaten to bring the Federation to its knees. I need your help to stop them."
"Happenings?" I had the feeling he was being intentionally vague. Or maybe... "What do you mean, happenings?"
Maronis sighed, before closing the gap and placing a tentacle on my shoulder. "Like I said, I'm rather uniformed. In that respect we are the same. Come with me."
He guided me over to the viewport, where a warm breeze blew threw the broken window. The 'sun', now nearing the horizon, sent long shadows cascading over the hills and treetops. The town laid shadowed in the center.
"Tell me Kalsim, what do you believe the purpose of this place to be?"
The answer seemed obvious now. "Some sort of habitat for pre-contact life from Nishtal."
He nodded. "In some sense, you are correct."
"In some sense?"
His eyes glowed brightly as he stared towards the horizon. "When the Federation first began on its endeavors, our government initially insisted on the complete extermination of all predator flora and fauna. The farsul, scholars that they are, disagreed, believing there to be some value in maintaining at least some samples of predatory life. Whether for the purpose of study, or that scholarly disposition towards collection."
"Eventually, they came to a compromise, whereby the farsul could maintain their little collection, as long as it was well isolated from the rest of the galaxy. It's why their archives are located a kilometer below their oceans, and why this place is here."
"As the Federation expanded, they constructed hundreds of facilities just like this. For centuries, they served their purpose without issue. And that's where the story should have ended."
But it didn't was the statement left unsaid. And something inside told me it had to do with the discovery in the cave.
"Me and Kelum, we found a skeleton of an arxur in that cave. And the town...people used to live here, didn't they?"
The 'sun' now began to dip below the horizon, and the habitat began to grow dim. Somewhere off in the distance, the calls that became somewhat familiar died into the falling darkness.
"I believe your intuition to be correct. This place was once a facility of observation, transformed into one of experimentation. To what ends, well that remains to be seen."
He turned back to me as the light finally disappeared, rendering his already teal complexion a further decomposed green.
"And I believe that this is, or was, part of a larger plot that I've yet to be let in on. I only know it by its code name, Clear Sky. A secret so important that all besides its name is to be kept from even fellow members of the shadow caste. And you know how secrets can be dangerous little things. At once seeming so minor, yet carrying the capacity to bring down entire nations, civilizations, in one fell swoop."
Maronis brought his tentacles behind his back, and began to pace the room once again. "Now let me ask you another question, Kalsim. Why does the Federation stand today?"
I watched him circle as I processed the question. "I...don't know what you mean."
"Well think about it. The Federation is responsible for numerous crimes against sapience. The destruction of entire cultures, histories, ideals inconvenient to our rule. We wage a war that we both know continues only for its sake. We stand at the core of an empire whose foundation is built on blood and bone, and we revel in it. Any sane world would have long ago rejected us. So tell me, why does the Federation stand today?"
The way he talked so casually about the essential destruction of forty four distinct species, including my own, should have given me pause. But maybe that's the point. Maybe it's because we can talk about it at all. Maybe because...
"It's no secret."
Maronis stopped, turned to face me again, and for the first time since the conversation began, let a small smile lift the corners of his mouth.
"Its. No. Secret. For centuries upon centuries, this galaxy has come to understand us, the cured, the values that we propagate, the foundations of our empire, to be the true predator, and all because one species decided not to become its prey. And from that point forward, we have had to fight for every single tiny ounce of legitimacy, to convince others that we are the path forward when reality tells of an otherwise case. And that struggle," he raised a single appendage to the air, "that is what has granted our Federation strength. For despite it all, we have crafted the most powerful polity this galaxy has ever known, and likely will know."
He paused to take a breath.
"But, to those of a less intelligent disposition," I could almost see the urge to mention Nikonus by name ripple across the kolshian's skin, "to those whose analysis errs to the superficial, they do not see this strength. They see the agitations of the Shield and the Coalition, factions which in reality can be crushed with but a flick of a tentacle. They see the furthering acceptance of the arxur, a natural product of their ideologies inevitable decay. They only see the superficial, because they only desire the superficial."
"So imagine, for a moment, if the conquest of Skalga was an uninterrupted process. If the Federation had never been given pause to reflect. What then, Kalsim?"
I'd almost forgotten that I was a part of the conversation, given how long and, dare I say, passionate his little speech had been. But reflecting on his question, the answer only seemed obvious.
"The secret would have been maintained. The Federations true nature, lacking the intervention of the Venlil, would have in all likelihood never been revealed."
"And what would it have done," Maronis continued my train of thought, "but grant the superficial strength so many seem to desire? The Federation, supreme in its power, free to enact its will upon the entire galaxy, no obstacle standing in its way."
"But secrets are a dangerous thing. Uncontested power is no different. It breeds malaise, complacency, confidence. Combine them together, well, that's an easy way to bring down an empire."
The logic seemed sound, if not common sense. "If what the Federation did only came out now, it would be chaos. Entire species suddenly discovering they're the monsters they've been led to hate the entire time. The Federation, it would just tear itself apart."
"Exactly." Maronis stepped forward. "And it's why I need your help. Because me and you both understand that there can be no more secrets if the Federation is to survive. And more than anything else, that is what we both desire. Correct me if I'm wrong."
Maronis looked up to me as I considered what I did truly want. Because what I wanted was always a product of what the shadow caste wanted, what Nikonus wanted. They told me what to do, what to say, how to act. Constantly kept an officer at my side, making sure that I toed the line perfectly. So what did I want?
"I don't know."
But far from disappointment, or shock, Maronis looked almost like he expected that answer. "You've been on a leash so long you've forgotten how to fly. I know what Nikonus wants to do with you, to make you another pawn in his game to create a forever war with humanity. A delusional plan born from the ideological dredges that can only be described as his mind. And I know you want no part his game. So like I promised, I'm giving you an out."
But that only raised the obvious question, "How do I know I won't just become your pawn as well?"
"Because," he expected that response as well, "unlike Nikonus, I'm giving you a choice. You can walk out of here, pretend that this place and this conversation never existed. Of course," he took in the bandage, "the wound would be hard to explain. I doubt falling down a flight of stairs would do that, but that's all besides the point."
"And you wouldn't make me disappear, suffer an accident, two gunshots to the back of the head?"
"Smart of you to consider that, but no, I don't work that way. At least, with people I consider allies. And even if you walk away, I know you would side with me if it came down to it."
He looked out to the habitat, which was now bathed in dim glow of a false moon. The wails echoed through the night, met with like-minded calls across the ancient expanse. So called stars twinkled across the dome, forming the constellations that once stared down at me every night. Maronis looked upon it all with no small amount of appreciation.
"I brought you here to remind you of what the Federation took from you, and so many others like you, all in the service of predator and prey."
"But predator and prey is all but dying. The continuing acceptance of the arxur and humanity serves as prime evidence to that point. Those who cling to it have condemned themselves to die alongside it. And if they succeed, if Clear Sky becomes manifest, they'll drag the entire galaxy down with them too. Of that I am sure."
"But you don't even know what Clear Sky is, you said so yourself."
"But I know what the caste wants, and you know what they want: To have predator and prey to define this galaxy in perpetuity. Clear Sky can only serve that end. The path that the rest of the caste seems want to take, even if it succeeds, will bring ruin to the Federation."
There were still lingering doubts, but those were inconsequential in comparison to the evident truth. If Nikonus got the war he desired, it would spell the end of the Federation. Humanity, the Coalition, Jones, they had no interest in playing along like the Dominion. They would go for the throat before the shadow caste even had a chance to get out of bed.
And even if they did, what then? Whose to say the rest of the galaxy would go along too? Humanity was no arxur, that was plain for everyone to see. Fuck, even the sivkit found it in themselves to see humanity for who they truly were. At that point, waging a war against humanity on the grounds of 'fighting predators' would be tantamount to sticking a gun in our collective mouth and pulling the trigger.
Either way, if Maronis was telling the truth, the Federation was doomed, unless the shadow caste was stopped, unless Clear Sky was put down.
"What would you have me do?"
Maronis nodded his tail and he spoke in a stern report. "Nikonus believes you to be a loyal pawn. Use that against him. Find out the true nature Clear Sky, then kill it in its cradle. But most importantly, do whatever it takes to ensure that Clear Sky remains a secret. If any inkling of it reaches the public, that could spell the end of the Federation. To that end, no sacrifice is too great."
"Whatever it takes?"
He leaned in closer. "Whatever it takes."
He stepped back, and some of his casual demeanor seemed to return, if not fully.
"And if you don't think you can do that, leave. But if think you can," he raised one tentacle up, and held it out before me, "then I think we can help each other."
He wanted a handshake. That human gesture, their way of signalling agreement.
And it brought for that great dilemma once again. Whether this was an act, or an out. Whether I would once again sign my life away, or finally take a step towards freedom.
After all I've done, all I've been forced to do, what I'm meant to do...It could be an escape, or I could be doing it all over again.
But I looked out the window again, heard the calls of the wilds robbed from my people by the organization whose member was now promising to bring it all to an end. Me, my people, we could have this all. After a thousand years, we could finally fly free, or have our wings clipped once and for all.
And all it took was a handshake.
"So Kalsim, what will it be?"
I recalled what I told Kelum, standing on the brink of death: It only took a thousand years, but things are finally back to normal.
It was a lie, but it didn't have to be. Not anymore.
So I raised my wing, took his tentacle in my talon, and shook to the future of the Federation.
l Prologue l Previous l Next l

My 11 year old indoor cat either fell or jumped from my second story balcony around 10 PM last night. I always thought it was too high to do but sometimes a car parks under which would make it much easier for her to jump down.
She’s never done it before but this week has been very obsessive with something down below and I had brought her in a few times because of how she was acting on the rails.
Her name is LC and she is likely very overwhelmed and scared by her surroundings. She’s microchipped and food motivated.
I’m across the country and she’s with my dog sitter right now so I’m naturally freaking out here.
If anyone sees her, please try to coax her to you and contact me. I’m about to get a flight back to try and find her.
She was last seen in the alley (Sherman Lane) between E Fairview and Dryden.