Just trying to finalize my list before May 28th submission. Thank you so much!!
2024-25 cycle White Male Oregonian (Portland) c/sGPA: 4.0 514 (131 127 129 127)
ECs: 652 hours as caregiver at assisted living facility (780 by end of job duration) 100 hours of clinical volunteering (75 in hospice setting) ~40 hours as Bilingual Crisis Text Line volunteer (will have 210 by end of application cycle) 600 hours of muscle physiology lab research (honors thesis + American Physiological Society Local Undergraduate Research Award in Physiology) - Multiple presentations / posters 50 hours of clinical shadowing (ER, surgery, primary care, hospitalist) 25 hours of fraternity scholarship chair (one semester) 50 hours of private German tutor 2019-20 founder and president of university's Model UN club 4 years of athlete on alpine ski team Eagle Scout 2022 Vice President for Research and Innovation (VPRI) Undergraduate Fellowship
schools: OHSU Hofstra Mt. Sinai UCSF Mayo Colorado UA Phoenix UCSD Dartmouth USC UCLA Maryland Miami OSU NOVA MD Virginia C. MC Wisconsin Western MI Eastern Virginia Vermont Quinnipiac Wake Forest SUNY Downstate UA Tuscon George Washington Indiana NYMC Einstein Kaiser

This week, after just short of 10 years, I said goodbye to a good friend: my Audi S5 convertible.
It was a car I had wanted for several years, and the job I had out of law school made it possible. Two years in, I had gotten a new job in California, and instead of a flight, the firm agreed to pay for a cross-country road trip, a dream I had for a long time.
My Audi was a German car, but driving it was an American experience. I saw every vista from “This Land Is Your Land”: venturing on my first road trip from the New York island of Manhattan to the redwood forests of California; following the Gulf Stream waters starting in Tampa and up the East Coast; gazing up at endless skyway above ribbons of highway in Nevada; descending from the Rocky Mountains into the golden valley of the Colorado river; roaming and rambling through the sparkling sands of the Bonneville Salt Flats’ diamond desert; traversing backroads in Big Sur marked “private property”; passing through waving wheat fields in Kansas and rolling dust clouds in wide-open Texas; and watching the fog lift over the San Francisco Bay.
My car meant freedom. After moving back in with my parents during the pandemic, it was my escape both literal and figurative. I visited Adirondack State Park in New York for the fourth time; drove down to Florida and up through Daytona, Savannah, and Charleston; and ventured to the rugged Baxter State Park and pristine Acadia National Park in Maine. Locally, I regularly left the house for my rotation of Mancini’s pizza, EB Chinese, Wendy’s, and Wasabi House—all eaten in my car, with the top down if weather permitted. For a taste of Tsukiji, Tokyo, I would travel to Flatbush for Koma Sushi’s all-you-can-eat bluefin tuna events (and pick up Rita's water ice for my parents). I was responsible for my family's grocery shopping for many months, and before returning home in my Audi, I would often indulge in a ball of fresh-made mozzarella the size of my fist.
My 2011 Audi S5 Premium Plus Cabriolet was purchased on June 7, 2014 at Audi Meadowlands in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The dealer pulled a little sales trick: I came in to see a black certified pre-owned model listed for a price in my budget. The car was fine, but it was dusted in a layer of dirt. Given that I was moving to sunny California, black was not my preferred color. Then, of course, a beautiful, shiny “quartz gray metallic” S5 rolls up. The color was striking, taking on a tint of its environment while maintaining its own presence. It was especially beautiful under the blue sky. I couldn’t help but stretch my budget.
Car designer Walter di Silva, who was responsible for the design strategy of Lamborghini, Bugatti, and Audi for several years, called the Audi A5 his favorite design. It's hard to argue with that. It’s as close to timeless design as a car can get, and the convertible version was clearly very carefully engineered. The aerodynamics with the wind deflector in place are like magic. You can drive comfortably with the top down even in freezing weather. And at highway speeds, rain flows smoothly over your head.
It was a wonderful ride; the suspension was sporty and stiff, and the car was heavy so there were plenty of “thuds,” but it was never uncomfortable. The sport seats were a thing of beauty, and even after consecutive days of driving seven hours or more, I never had a hint of back pain. There were a few ergonomic quirks, like the steering wheel blocking the turn-signal indicators when adjusted to my preferred position, but otherwise it felt molded to my needs. (I especially appreciated the elbow room that later, slimmer S5 models didn't offer.)
Sure, the drive-by-wire gas pedal didn’t have the immediacy or feedback of the mechanically linked throttle on my previous car, and the supercharged V6 couldn’t launch the car as fast as the 400 horsepower V8 I had experienced in a Corvette, but it always had power to spare—even at its computer-limited maximum speed of 155 miles per hour. The “exhaust note” was also not the most harmonious, but the first time I experienced that “Audi burp” was unforgettable. The steering was not quite as precise as on the BMW 335i and 435i I had cross-shopped, but the sport differential gave it a turning ability much better than would be expected of a car of that weight. So it was not a perfect car, but it was a fun car.
And it was practical car. The rear seats were borderline suitable for adult humans, but the rear space was copious. Sometimes it became my mini pickup, hauling boxes from Costco, a lounge chair for my office, or even 2x4s for a building project. I knew how to fit each of my suitcases in for maximum efficiency.
My car was also very personal. I had driving companions for only two of my road trips: my second cross-country trip and my tour of all eight Ivy League colleges in one day. Every other road trip was either solo or with someone who remained a passenger. A generous ex-girlfriend kept it in her covered parking spot while I grew my business in India, and my dad graciously took the car out every few weeks while I was living in the Philippines. But that was it. Besides a few valets and mechanics doing routine test drives, probably not more than four or five other people drove the car the entire time I owned it.
I bought my S5 in a time of prosperity and promise. Perhaps I should have sold it earlier and switched to something more modest. When things were tough, I had to refinance, but it remained the last symbol that I hadn't lost everything. I clung to it, for better or for worse.
As my parents leave our family home and I rid myself of many of my old possessions, none is as meaningful as that car. Even though I have been living in the Philippines for most of the past seven years, I am starting a new chapter in my life. I'm excited for new adventures, in vehicles and otherwise.
And my next car will be even cooler.

Taboritsky: Past Midnight
This tale of great tragedy takes place in a world of destruction, genocide, and madmen. In a world where the axis powers had won WW2, and plunged the world into terrible disaster.
In Russia a faction of particularly gruesome violence and motivation, emerges with Sergey Taboritsky as its leader. Of jewish Russian origin, after surviving the Nazi occupation, he was left tortured, insecure, and… inspired by their works. In his crazed delusion he became a powerful madman, the ruler of Russia, aiming to see his dark deeds through.
Here, in this world, It is the last days of Europe, and the night has come for Russia.
You can see his efforts through. You can see, what drives a madman to such ends? And what if Taboritsky succeeded?
What if the clock passed midnight?
I am Artyom Spielgman, and I am an orphan of Russia.
Years ago, in the landscape where memory keeps us all, this land and people that had birthed me had been wounded. By the bullets and bombs of the Third Reich fired in World War Two, they have still found their targets decades after. Have you ever smelt the burning of a nation?
An old world, that old world where all Russians fought fiercely against Nazism, not one step back. You can not turn back the clock, but it can be rewound.
Have you ever seen the Swastika on the Russian flag before? I have.
This flag was not that of a puppet state, not the slave of he germans. Rather, the cruel machine of that particular madman. The treacherous one. The one that makes the efforts that would make Hitler weep, weep to stop.
Sergey Taborisky, the master of Russia.
Sad to admit, I was close to this man. Not in the manner of physical reach, though I was. Nor in the lens of friendships, for no kindness existed in him.
Only venom, only brutality, only determination existed in him.
The imperial palace of which I met him weekly was haphazardly remodeled based on his increasingly deranged orders. Columns based on classical architecture, esoteric symbols of german origin, violent colors like an exploding corpse.
This didn’t look like Russia, not the land that people fought and died for. A joke, a parody, some unfunny cruelty dealt onto the land. Like a plague given a mind.
For the past years, I was a close worker to him. Not in the manner of an advisor, for they would disappear. Be into Siberia or the Ural Purification zone, they would not last.
No, I was a silent workhorse, the one that organized his deranged ramblings and visions into understandable orders. I kept silent for most of the time, only asking silently for clarification and if he needed something. My skill at detecting his needs was what brought me my longevity.
Long drags on a cigar or cigarette meant he was in a good mood, or if he hadn’t drank any wine by 2pm meant he would go on a rant for the next hour.
However, one evening of supernatural dark, I would sustain a terrible dialogue with him. One that left me… changed.
“I… dreamed. This… Let me tell you of this dream.” Sergey spoke, sitting on his chair like he were to fade into it. I was there in his office, where old regalia of significant documents and art were pinned on the walls with simple nails and tacks. I stopped my typing, feeling a weakness in my stomach.
“What is… it?” I looked down, reflexively finishing up the paper before handing it to him. He didn’t reach out for it.
I had been typing up the numbers from yesterday’s gassing. Regions had names, victims had numbers.
Two eighty six, ninety thousand and twelve, four eighty nine.
Briefly, my mind returned to the office, to the room. He was staring at me, like a wolf to prey.
A bead of sweat formed on my head. What’s wrong?
Sergey hadn’t smoked yet.
It’s eleven fifty and he hadn’t had his cigarette.
I reached out of my pocket, dropping the paper, rushing, hoping I had enough time.
“No need.” He waves my hand down. “Would you like to hear it? Hear the dream?”
I did not know months ago, since I was the only one desperate enough to even apply for the position, a typist career for this… traitor.
Some fabricated documents had allowed me a glimpse, a view into Taborisky, one that could not be captured by cameras and speeches. Only the image that human eyes could see.
“Yes Commis…uh… Regent Taboritsky. I would be happy to hear of this.” I feverishly shifted in my chair. The windows bring in moonlight of a ghostly kind. I am hidden behind the room’s curtains while Sergey is illuminated in strangled blue.
“Before me, No… before all of Russia, I dreamt our flag. The Savior’s face, The Eagles, all of us were embraced by it.” Sergey smiled that cruel smile of his. Whenever I finished he finished reading the reports, he’d give me this smile. A faint rise of the lips and those terrible teeth showed.
Fascinating, that we both came from those same twelve tribes…
“Was it good?” I asked.
“It was good. For some time.” He breathed out heavily, as if reminiscing some great pain of his. Or rather, the pain he inflicted.
I didn’t even know what the numbers I had typed up meant until a year ago. I devised a game, counting not the numbers but what particular lines that happened to emerge, like counting the color of cars passing by. For ‘ten thousand’ I counted up to twenty seven times. I don’t play this game anymore.
Twenty two thousand. Eight hundred eighteen.
“That is good.” I gulped, fearing what may come next. Sometimes I daydreamed there, hoping that this madman would kill me suddenly. I wouldn’t be allowed that pleasure.
“But, everyone disappeared. There was a lack of that… symbol.” He tapped a silver medal on his breast, that of a shining swastika. “Instead of our nation’s flag, remain the Savior. And there was a… sound.”
I winced, this was uncanny, different than he normally was. Taborisky never spoke of sounds in his dreams, or images.
Only numbers, not faces.
Distant, inhuman calculus, not the earthy creatures he hated. Or rather, the parts of himself that he hated, that he was disgusted by.
Still, this conversation had reached unknown territory, like stepping into a street completely dark.
“What sound, was it a song? Of our triumph?” I choked on my words momentarily, I wished not to hear of this, traitor. I wished only to survive him.
“There was… this ticking. A clock. A clock.” He leaned forward, hunching over and shot out his pointing fist to the bare wall in front of him.
“A clock? A clock, Lord Regent?”
“Ticking. That’s what it was doing. Ticking. I was frozen, while this clock ticked away. And Our Lord, Our Savior blinked. He blinked as it ticked. Not remaining open, but he closed his eyes!” He swallowed firmly and leaned back into his chair.
Ten thousand five. Five hundred fifty four. Minsk is clean. Forty seven.
“I… don’t understand.” I wiped my brow and put both of my hands on my lap. He was right here. I have time to do it. Tick tock. Click click. Time doesn’t wait.
“That was not all. For eternity, the clock moved and ticked. Ticked. And… and…” He sighs and bows his head to his chest. “Nothing. Absence. No light. No Russia. No future.”
Siberia is burning. Thirty three. Nine thousand. Four.
I can… end him… end this. All of this, could be ended! So quickly, like strangling a bird. But he wasn’t a simple animal, I wouldn’t survive leaving this room.
“Lord Regent, you aren’t well. You are tired, I am tired.” I said through gritted teeth. “Perhaps a smoke. Perhap some water-”
“I understood.” Sergey rose up from his chair. Dry, lean, pointed, wizened, slightly weazened type. A jew… like me. Not the killer of people.
He was not flowering, but fading.
He cried, in the way a man that loathed all his parts could. Like he was some revolting creature. The hands on the clock snapped as he rose, the next minute arrived.
“In that nothing… I knew. Discovering that awful truth. Some looked on our symbol, our flag, and on everything we sacrificed and cleansed, and did it to rid us of the degenerate and the vile.” He still looked towards the wall, but his eyes slowly dragged on the floor. The swastika on his chest glinted, like an ax in light.
“Regent. Please. Stop.” Whimpering weak. Doomed, I knew this place would be.
What is the son of fire? Ash.
“To remove. Do you know what I did? In this dream? You must know.” He finally laid his steel eyes on me. I couldn’t move. Time could not exist here. Time only exists on earth. I was in hell.
What conquers all? Time.
“I… screamed. I screamed… for Him.” Tears like dripping blood fell from his eyes. “To hear him. To see him. I was trapped in a place. A place that wasn’t a place. A wasteland could not compare. I screamed and screamed and He would not answer! All that we did, and yet he would not answer. I knew, despite that choking dark, that somewhere, in that place where all things end! He was watching, and the clock signaled. He is numberless and yet he would not speak to me!”
Right there, right there I felt it. That sort of nervous system of emotion that ties all people together. Even for this… loathsome virus, this plague man, I felt… a degree of pity.
I wondered for Taborisky. In this job, I had to think for him, and had to manage his bizarre operations. I wondered how he’d considered the numbers I typed up. How many families did he purge? How many children?
What were their names? Their histories? I imagined that he could see it quite clearly. That it’ll be a painful thing.
It’d be like contemplating the grains of sand in a desert.
Would it be enough? Maybe one more, one more and then Russia will be saved! Perhaps that was what he had been thinking most of his life. A little more pushing, a couple more steps. Why care for who you trample on, who necks you crush and suffocate, why bother? It will all be worth it, in the end…
I wondered how he had felt about himself. I had discovered the rumor of his heritage, a misplaced letter written in Yiddish, one before the war. And it was my duty to contain it, to hide it. To conceal it.

The moonlight closed, as we both remained in the shadows of the palace. How did I come to such a fate? For what reason was all of this done? 

Sergey was right. Even if I killed that traitor now, the clock has already been set.
Russia is ticking.

“It… was just a dream. It is midnight, Lord Regent. Some rest. Rest would be good for us all.” “...rest?” He turned away, and took the tone of a sick old man. “No. There will be no rest. We must push now, more than ever before. The Tsar will return only when everything is cleaned. Purified. Verified.” “...yes Lord Regent. Be it as it may.” I stood still, holding my heart in my hands. He walked on his heels, clicking on the floor with his boots. Tick. Sergey went for the door. “Tomorrow, we will change the clocks. Decree that more hours will be added. All clocks must be verified, those who fail will be severely penalized.” The madman, the traitor, and this killer left the room. Below the clock, our hell’s motto was inscribed. 

Remain calm.
The Regent endures.
Alexei lives.
The Holy Russian Empire shall endure.
There is much to be done.
The clock ticked. Midnight. The hands on the clock… stopped… moving.
INSPIRATION: Apoc Genesis on the Verify your Clock video.

-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-
Romuna Administrative Orbital Headquarters, United Confederation Occupied Territories of Earth (QUAL-ZANV)
May 8, 1945
-------------------------------------------------------------
Commander Dunajski
- - - - - -
We were the watchful eyes over Earth. That was my job. The only thing second to that was the search for the missing pieces of my life.
As usual, however, that work was hard. After all, the past two years had been the same process. I get my human subordinates to find a list of names from anywhere: concentration camps, labour camps, ghettos, and all of those rotten places. Then, they'd hand me a report with the unimportant names blacked out and only the specific names I needed were left uncrossed. I had spent two years doing that process, every day on this station was spent doing that. Finding those two was the main goal of my life; It's what let me wake up every morning. The hope of a reunion.
But, until I got my hands on another report, I was keeping myself busy with monitoring my subordinates on the Romnua Space Headquarters as we orbited over Southern Africa. Something to help me take my mind off of everything was admiring our native Earth from my post. The golden deserts of Namibia and the green rainforests of the Congo dominated the view from the huge glass wall that separated us from the cold vacuum of space. Although I’ve been on this damn station for two years now, the sights never cease to get a gasp of amazement from me.
The Confederation used this station and 16 others to monitor and keep tabs on anything happening on Earth. We were the keen observers that protected Earth from any foreign incursion.
A bit ironic coming from the people who invaded us.
At least the Germans didn’t fill us with such lies.
The only reason why they chose me to run this joint human-Confederation sector was because I was an unwilling favourite of their high command. I was one of the best remaining generals in Poland. I served in the Great War and the Polish-Soviet War as a lowly troop, but I was a respected general by the time of the German invasion in 1939.
I defended my country for as long as I could. I resisted for a long time after our official surrender. When the Nazis got to me, they carted me off to a labour camp. Then I escaped and continued the fight on the British Isles, being airdropped and ferried out on multiple occasions. Once the Confederation arrived, my fight against the Nazis and their brutal occupation ended, but I was left without the sunshine of my life.
“Here’s the registered civilian report, sir,” a Lithuanian lieutenant saluted as he handed me a manila folder with a printed paper that had a list of names typed onto it. Even though Lithuania and Poland weren’t the greatest of chums before the war, occupation by the Soviet and Nazi barbarians created a sense of tragic camaraderie between our people.
“Did you file out the names?” I asked calmly, flipping open the folder. I kept my ears open for the response as I waded my hands across pages of paper with smooth flips.
“Yes, sir,” the lieutenant replied as my eyes scanned the paper. The names were crossed out in black marker. I scanned it top-to-bottom and page after page. I began to lose hope even more, but then again, it’s not like there was much left of it anyway.
I had been searching for them for two long years. Two years of going against the rules of our hulky alien occupiers. I used their systems to find evidence and our tools to file them out into something comprehensible. I wouldn’t trust an “AI” to find the names I was looking for. The Germans kept well organised records of everything well-organised, so a good thorough search was probably the best thing I had. Still, however, it was an arduous process.
But, just as that thought appeared in my mind, it was my eyes that had fixed on the one name I had been anticipating for the last two years:
Katarzyna Kaminski. My love.
I must’ve jumped with joy. I’d done it! I found her! After what? Six long years of waiting and searching! Finally! First my wife, and then that would open the gate to finding my son too! After so long! I’d see them again! This day was something to be remembered forever!
“Oh, you did your job spectacularly!” I cheered to the lieutenant. However, his expression was more grim.
“Ne, pone,” he advised sombrely in Lithuanian, shaking his head. "The top of the page.”
I was so hooked in my search for any sign of my family that I forgot to even read the title of the page. Looking up, my eyes locked onto the print and read. In a moment, my hopes were stamped out and rage and suffering swallowed my heart like the deep blue ocean.
Registered List of All Prisoners Killed in Auschwitz Death Camp in the Year of Our Lord 1942
Everything went silent in an instant. I froze upright with my eyes glued to the paper. My ears began to ring like a shell had just hit nearby. My face bubbled red in embarrassment, rage, and most of all, misery. My legs felt just about ready to collapse inward and my hips were ready to explode outwards. My body pushed against itself, betraying my fundamental being as my eyes reread the name over and over, trying to make some worthless attempt to console my burning body of emission. None of it worked.
My Katarzyna. Gone. In one sentence. All my joy trampled in a second.
She died not even with a proper burial. She died leaving her son and not knowing if her fighting husband would even embrace her again. All of my searching, and the result was this. This.
It seems that the story of my search for my loved ones ended here. But upon reviewing the rest of the list in silence, I couldn’t find a single mention of a Jakub Dunajski. All my hope was gone to the extent that I held out no idea that Jakub survived the camps.
If his mother didn’t, then he didn’t either.
The final verdict of my search hit me like a train: I would never see my family again.
That depressing day I had to leave them in September of that fateful year was the last time I’d ever see my son and wife again. Our paths diverged with me toling in labour camps hoping to escape to find them once more. And while I was fighting onwards in England, they were shipped to Auschwitz to die. While I was toiling in captivity, they were being beaten and tortured daily. While the Confederation swept across Europe, they were gassed or gunned down in their cots.
After all this time, the thought that I had been suppressing for my entire search was now the dominant ruler of my brain. It was the fact that I had failed them.
I did not sob loudly, I did not scream. Nor did I stamp the floor or tear the page from the folder. I resisted them all. As I had for the past six years. The only response the Lithuanian got from me was a barely audible whimper and a tear.
The tear rolled from my eye down my shaved cheek, slowly dripping down and curving up to my chin in a swift motion. It hung there delicately as if it was absorbing all of my pain into it. Then, when the load became too much for it to bear, it fell. Quickly slipping off and dropping down before it slapped against the white page with a plop. A stain that looked like a crater in no man’s land now rested, ingrained into the paper that killed my hope.
The paper that essentially killed my wife.
Silence engulfed the room and ringing my ears as the words and black marker on the paper became no more than a blur, incomprehensible and unidentifiable. That’s what I wanted anyway, every glance at the page would just finalise the fact that it all was over. That I was alone.
“Legion-Commander Henix wants to see you,” an unforgiving feminine alien voice came from behind me. I jumped in response as my head flew back to meet the alien.
It was a Yetiayhu. And, as was apparently commonplace, they had the typical fangs and talons that all species other than us seemed to have, along with a giant tail that had a little ball of fur at the very end of it. Adding onto that, the Yetiayhu had large expansive cool-coloured frills that were interrupted by little blackish-blue dots here and there, like some Amazonian animal. Their bodies were slimmer than others but still pretty much buff tanks compared to me.
“For what purpose?” I replied with a brow raised in suspicion. My experience in the military and as a resistance head gave me a good tutorial on how to suppress the tears in one’s voice. After years upon years of endless trial and error, I had pretty much perfected it. But, in the case of my reddened eyes, I brought the brim of my military cap down to obscure my eyes.
“He didn’t tell me. Get moving,” the Yetiayhu hissed, her frills fluttering in annoyance.
I almost forgot that the aliens didn’t give a shit about any of our feelings. I’m sure showing too much emotion was an offence in the Confederation military. Could you imagine emotion being a punishable offence? What sort of dystopian fascist hellhole did that!?
Oh wait, I could think of one: Nazi Germany.
My eyes subtly fixed on the Yetiayhu with a bit of contempt that she came to me at my worst moment. I just found out that my wife was unceremoniously killed in a death camp, and she was just acting as pouty as a kid. Granted, she didn’t know of my suffering, but that attitude is deserving of a wrist-slap back on my world.
Too bad for me, the world I’m referring to was no longer even ours anymore.
“You better show some respect,” I huffed, containing my emotions in a little capsule of misery.
“Last time I checked, you were still a transpec,” she scoffed. “Get to his office. Now.”
I couldn’t say no. The first was because she was right about our species’ standing as a “Transitional Species”. But the other reason was because the females of these species were huge. It made sense since their system of governance was a matriarchy. But even then, this bitchy Yetiayhu was a good 2.3 metres tall, towering over me by quite a bit.
Why the hell were these species so damn demonic? Did nature really just shit on us for all of evolution? Every single alien species I had ever seen was some sort of superhuman being. Was there some galactic hierarchy that I didn’t know of? But whatever, there was nothing I could ever do about that fact. The most concerning thing on my platter now was finding the fate of my only child. Whatever Henix had would have to come second.
But either way, I obliged. Leaving my little command sector with a scowl. The doors hissed shut behind me and I turned to my left and began my journey. To prevent an emotional disaster, I tried to ease my haywire senses by inspecting the futuristic facility around me.
Around me was a circular walkway that wrapped around the edge of the station as the outer rim wrapped around the core. Now that I think about it, the station resembled more like a solar system than the bullseye some of the Hungarians compared it to. There was a huge spherical central command at the core of the structure, and then there were the rims. Those were essentially shorter tube structures that wrapped around the centre. Like an orbit.
But these “orbits” weren’t separated by any spaces at all and were all bunched together and connected. The only open space in this station was between the centre and the outer sectors, which was only punctuated by multiple pressurised walkways. The other sectors and posts were in a concentric batch of circular structures around the core. Where I was going, was into the core.
I strolled along the outskirt walkway before taking a right turn into the deeper sections of the station. The view changed from a large window of space to machines and tech beyond my comprehension as I made my way into the inner sectors. The closer it was to the core, the more important it was. These areas were exclusively for the Confederation members, so no human without permission or clearance could enter. But apparently, they were okay when I was there. Many of them gave parting glances before getting back to their work on their “holograms” and “holopads”.
That was something to note, the tech difference between our two civilisations was greater than we could even conceived of, following the Armistice. I watched as humanity went from pigeons and telegraphs to radios and enigma. Now these aliens had “networks” and “internets”. All the new tech was annoying and complex, I never knew what to do. That’s why my sector, the only sector with humans, used telegraphs, enigma, morse, paper, ink, pen, typewriters, and everything else that you would find in an earthly workplace.
I went through a workplace that was basically a science fiction book. It had bright white individual work pods, big glowing blue screens that weren’t even tangible, and so many other things that were too much for me to comprehend. This was stuff only a writer could come up with! Even if we had all of the guns, tanks, and planes our planet’s resources would’ve let us make, it still wouldn’t have even come close to the weapons of the Confederation and their sophistication.
After a long stroll through the labyrinth of connected stations and workplaces, I finally reached the connecting walkways. I entered a little middle chamber that hissed a little gas onto me and ran over me with a blue and red laser. The other doors then opened and I was let through into the lightless walkway.
Once again, only space shined through the top glass dome that ran across the whole upper section of the walkway. But even if I wanted to, I couldn’t even gaze at the stars due to the circumference of the spherical central command blocking half my vision. The outside cover of the sphere was white and hexagon padded, which just added to the already humongous gap between humanity and our Confederation conquerors.
But, even if I looked beyond that when no structures were blocking my view, I could see at least a hundred or more blocky slabs of black and grey.
And there it was, the Confederation Occupational Fleet. It was so menacing with all of their Vatican-sized ships. Except, those ships were only frigates. Their fleet had cruisers, frigates, destroyers, battleships, battle cruisers, carriers, supercarriers, and everything in between. All to monitor our little desolate rock of two billion.
Their supercarriers which were probably the size of Rome, were the prides of the enemy fleet. Those bulky beasts and their battleships were the literal symbols of their superiority. All of these ships had enough firepower to raze a good million or so Earths. Why they sent all of this to deal with a species that hadn’t done anything past grazing space with a V-2 rocket was beyond me.
Overkill, My mind ranted to itself. Ego just radiates off those ships like heat from the sun!
Speaking of the sun, in a good few months, there wouldn’t even be one.
Or, to be more specific, it would be pretty much enclosed in a megastructure to harness power from it. The Confederation called their mad project a “Hrana Complex”. Construction began even before they attacked Earth, and they were making progress. Whenever a human complained about it, the Confederation ilk always shot them down with either a patronisation of their primitive nature or a response that there would be a small window for Earth to receive light; As if that was better.
The sun was dimmer and dimmer by the day, the one light that all humans looked up to was fading. Blocked out by tech and machines from the occupying powers. That’s like if the Germans built a big space shield to block America from the sun and kill all of their crops or something.
The idea was so alien that not even I could come up with a relatable explanation for it!
After a long while of distracting myself with successful results, I finally reached the other side of the walkway, which was a large metal door. I now had to push the heavy metal door open with difficulty as it slowly hissed open. Upon entering, I was greeted by two Bwkas, who were basically supersized humanoid bears, but with deadly attributes tripled in their power and appearance. Of course, I was met with the average stare of contempt as I made my way up to them.
“And why are you here?” one of them growled with venom as it balanced its heavy rifle in its claws. Those “rifles” were the size of an anti-tank rifle or an Ami bazooka. The difference was that it was also automatic and powered by plasma. Just by seeing that, anyone could’ve already predicted it to you that humanity was doomed from the start of the war.
“Legion-Commander Henix wanted to speak with me?” I replied with a head tilt.
“Up the stairs and down the left hall to the right,” the other grumbled with a snarl of its fangs. He was talking as if I didn’t know where my own senior officer was.
I rolled my eyes secretly and trudged on. Scurrying off into the main lobby, I gazed up to see that the vertex of the roof was an absolutely stupendous 40 metres high! That just added a cavernous feeling to the multi-floored white chamber. It was a whole office building in space.
Not many of those were left in Warsaw anyway.
As I made my way toward the circulating stairwell, my gaze snapped to the circular stellar map that projected a huge three-dimensional view of the galaxy. I couldn’t help but be mesmerised by the glowing non-touchable lights every time I saw it. The map was of the whole known galaxy, the dark pink was the Confederation at the centre. It was huge, at least triple the size of the second largest power, whose name was in an alien tongue unknown to me. All the other colours were of the different species that were independent states and empires of their own.
Free from the forced “civilising” we were suffering through.
Annoyingly, my long black military boots slapped against the clean granite floor with loud audible clacks. This, of course, instantly drew attention from all the beasts around me. All of them looked at me with confusion before it morphed into what I assumed was judgment. These species didn’t think highly of us at all. I mean, according to them, we were uncivilised brutes. Dumb primates that just invented new ways of chucking rocks at one another.
Now, that wasn’t wrong per se. But, it wasn’t nice when that was their one sole opinion of our species.
From the beginning of my tenure here, they practically spat on me. They saw my use of our antiquated tech to be insubordination, and savage in nature. Whenever I did my Polish two-fingered salute, they saw it as disrespect and dishonour. Whenever I didn’t eat the same solely raw and carnivorous diet as them, I was a disgusting omnivore who was a greedy bastard wanting to steal from both sides.
Whatever that meant! Imagine being persecuted because of what you ate! On Earth, we were prosecuting each other over other stupid things like skin, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, how people looked, and everything else similar.
But!
Nobody was stupid enough to get mad at each other over food. Muslims didn’t kill Christians over eating pork. Jews didn’t kill Muslims over them eating dairy and meat on the same plate. Food was food. We all needed it to survive. Yet, the aliens saw it as just another thing to hate us for.
How could these things hate us but somehow still force themselves to occupy us? Why didn’t they just let us duke it out in the battlefields and on the high seas? Why were they just lamer Nazis? Death by slow assimilation and bigotry was worse than death by starvation, labour, or the firing squad.
Making my way up some circulating steps to the second floor, I took the turn and rushed down the hall before finding the door to Henix’s room. Pushing it open with a low drum, I was met with the dark room of Legion-Commander Henix. The only thing lighting the room was, of course, empty space. Since we were higher than the orbiting sectors, his window was actually able to see into the rest of outer space.
The dimming sun reflected off of the station’s concentric exterior and the stars shined bright through thick glass and into the little dark room. The floor was akin to an emerald-coloured rug and the walls were shelves for storage devices like their “pads” and “drives”.
“Greetings, sir,” I opened to the Kohaul with a two-fingered Polish salute.
The Kohaul were the typical humanoids, but they were practically copies of wolves. Light grey fur, a huge bushy tail, and a patch of dense hair around the pelvis area that acted as a sort of frontal tail. Hazel or blue eyes. And, obviously better than us in every way as usual with fangs, semi-venomous saliva, better hearing with their dog ears, the ability to run faster, especially on all fours, and all of that useless garbage that I was used to. Humanity was clearly always the weak link.
Ending my salute and looking to the right, it was then that I noticed at least three other foreign beasts. I quickly recognised them as superiors of different stations and fleets. Why they were here just added to my paranoia.
A Wenli, a Felshan, and a Geinna. Or the more simplified version being: a humanoid dragon, a blue lizard, and a literal Pacific folk beast.
If you were to continue simplifying it even more, you’d come to the definition that they were the three species assigned to resistance mop-up duty on Earth.
“Now, now,” Henix growled. “What is the way I taught you?”
Sighing deeply, I put my Polish general cap to my chest with my left hand before bowing slightly. They wanted us to purge all of the things that made us Polish soldiers and make us their soldiers. I wasn’t going to give up so easily. No matter how much they held me in high regard. They would have to acknowledge that Poland was for the Poles and I would never be anything else.
“Now, I know you are a good commander. You have served us well,” Henix began with a flick from his dog ear. “But, something has come up in recent days that has been of horrible concern to us.”
“And that is?” I asked with a raised brow, sitting at the open chair in front of Henix with a grunt.
“Wasting Confederation equipment and materials on something unsanctioned by any relevant superior on this station,” the Geinna replied for Henix with a hiss.
Oh, kurwa.
They had caught me red-handed. Was today just the day my luck ran dry from its coffers? I was now completely at their mercy. But, these aliens were brutes. So, I was sure that I’d be beheaded within the next hour.
I had tried my best to scrub all evidence of my operations. I put in false reports and fake alerts to give them the facade of me just doing my job. It appears that they saw through my ulterior actions quickly. I was using their tech to do it. Why did I not expect them to know!?
“Now, unless you would be so kind as to tell me why, maybe I’ll pardon your charges,” Henix warned with a composure that put me off.
“Charges of what?” I asked fearfully.
“Well, normally, that would just be a reprimand or demotion at the worst. But since you are a species that we are trying to integrate into the galactic community . . . the punishment is equivalent to treason.”
Henix must’ve seen my face go pallid as his expression softened from robotic seriousness to empathy in a moment. I didn’t despise Henix at all, and this was the exact reason why.
He could feel empathy.
Unlike most Germans.
And he showed reason.
Unlike most Germans.
“Oh, no, don’t worry,” he reassured me with a sombre grin. “I personally do not wish for that fate to befall you. You have served me well. I’ll defend you. But I can’t do that if you won’t even tell me why.”
I would’ve, but I couldn’t. I trusted Henix. Sure, he was as bigoted and cold as his shitty peers. But, I could trust in his word. He wasn’t a crook. But for his comrades present? For all I knew, this was a death trap to get me to confess and to justify a sudden execution. It's not like they would've cared much if I lived or died anyway. I was expendable.
“I know nothing of this,” I affirmed, straightening myself in the slick white chair. Since I was practically a master of all things cold and emotionless, I could just put off a face of resolute honesty without any weaknesses, barring the death of Katarzyna. They’d have to fuck off eventually for that reason, and I’d be more careful with my further searches.
But then again, Katarzyna was dead, and Jakub probably was too. There was nothing else to really risk my life for. Because I had no more life. The two I loved most were gone. I could’ve just let myself die here. I had nothing else. My parents were dead, my home was rubble, my country was occupied, my wife was dead too, and my son was too. I had nothing left to fight for.
“You are the only human in this position of power,” Henix hummed. “We chose you for a reason. You had talent and composure. But this we cannot tolerate. Don’t play coy and tell us.”
“I didn’t do anything wrong,” I huffed with concern mounting in me and gnawing on my soul. “I do not know why you seem to want to frame me for such a crime.”
“Commander Dunajski,” the Felsha snarled. “We’re not stupid. Do not try and lie to us.”
“I am not lying,” I turned to the row of beasts with a scowl. “Whatever could I even use the equipment for? My subordinates only use human machines. Typewriters. Not ‘holographic display devices’ or any of that fancy tech. Why would I even?”
“Commander Duna—”
“No,” I cut off in a calm but harsh tone, “this will not continue.”
Henix looked between the beasts and then he zeroed in on me with his steely blue eyes that rivalled mine, “I know you’re lying, Commander. This will simply mount your charges.”
“In fact,” the Felshan admiral began with a sad smirk, “you could be helping resistance movements for all we know. That level of treason is something very few get and it’s for a good reason. Does that sound like something you’d want?”
“I didn’t do any of the deeds of which I am accused,” I held my ground with a growl. “I have nothing to gain!”
“Do you not?” Henix growled, now agitated. “I’ve noticed a lot of care in searching for a ‘Katarzyna’ and ‘Jakub’. Is there any reason why?”
The Geinna nodded, “Are these contacts or aliases? You know well what fate awaits you if we prove their origin to be that of a resistance cell.”
Oh, Bog. I was really stuck now. They knew their names too. I couldn’t just shrug this off. If I continued parrying their questions, I’d totally get beheaded. They wanted us to be as meek and docile as possible. Me standing up to their accusations instead of folding probably already probably fucked up my chances of clemency.
I looked up to Henix, and his blue eyes were unforgiving. He was waiting for my next move, like a brutal game of chess. I turned to look at the three bastards to my right, their eyes were filled with scorn and disgust at me, at my people.
Just like the Germans.
“I-I . . . I don’t . . . They aren’t . . . ” I began before letting out a deep sigh to empty my tight lungs. Silence enveloped the room for a good few seconds. I couldn’t fight on anymore. I’d lost. “You win.”
“As expected,” the Wenli grumbled. “I expected better of someone like you. But I guess the nature of such a volatile and insubordinate species like you would always dominate your actions.”
I didn’t mind that blatant patronisation of me and my kind as I just looked up at Henix with decimated dreams. Henix seemed to note that I wished to talk as he leaned and sat up straight in his chair. He’d listen. But not his ilk.
“Do you have a testimony, Commander Dunajski?” Henix purred with his head leaned in on his arm.
“Well,” I began with a wince, “i-it’s for a selfish reason to be fair.”
“Mhm,” Henix replied, pulling out one of his hologram pads to write down my testimony. Even if I trusted him, as of now, I couldn’t even trust him with writing my own testimony. For all I knew, he’d probably just warp it into something reminiscent of a last-second attempt at deception or just plain begging.
Then again, he was my best chance to prevent my fate from manifesting.
“I-I-I . . .” I stuttered, not finding the words to express my suffering. My throat burned and my eyes filled with tears. My face of composure was just as fragile as my mental health. All I knew was going to shit.
“You what?” Henix snarled. “I’m not here to take stutters as a testimony. Give me a comprehensible sentence or I can call the guards in to take you to the brigs.”
“I j-just want to find my family,” I blurted blindly. Clamping my eyes shut, I waited for my reasoning to be torn apart by the monsters before me. The monsters that were killing our homes and assimilating us.
Just like the . . . Oh, you know who!
After a little while of uncomfortable silence, I reopened my eyes and looked up at my prosecutors. Henix’s ears perched up in surprise at the confession, and I heard the slaps of tails and the rustle of scales from my side. I expected that to be an even greater reason to punish me. Using their tech just to find my family? Treason it was. I couldn’t even pull myself back together when a few tears rolled down my cheek as I looked to the floor once more in shame.
I fought and worked for Jakub and Katarzyna. Now both were gone. And even if Jakub was still alive, he would be without a father too in this new world. Nothing was happy about this unceremonious end. My story was over, and so were the stories of my family, friends, and parents.
“F-family?” Henix finally hummed with a hint of shock. He then attempted to hide it with his monotone voice. I slowly and quietly sobbed to myself, cursing my weakness. “Tell me more.”
The other beasts in the room shuffled their feet and locked their gazes on me with a bit of anticipation. I was a bit confused by the reaction. How was saying they were my loved ones a game-changer? But, I didn’t pay much attention anyway, my mind was filled to the brim with the stone-cold fact that had haunted me since the beginning of my searches:
I was now alone.
“Wife and son. I-I don’t know where they are. I was searching for them both. Using your systems, I . . . before you summoned me here, I got a report. In it, Katarzyna, my wife of twenty-two years, is dead. My son . . .” I gave a miserable chuckle, “only God Almighty knows where he is now.”
I should have never cried. I should have never shown emotion, especially on this damn station. Emotional control was the most important here. These beasts were very organised and very honour-driven. Crying itself was probably considered treason. At this point, it was just another thing to add on to my list of present offences.
Everything was collapsing in front of me in quick succession.
Instead of scolding me though, Henix just looked at me and watched me fail at controlling my sobs. It gave me an odd feeling that he was just tacitly judging me rather than chastising me verbally. The other beasts were the same, simply wagging their tails in thought or tilting their heads. It unnerved me a bit, but I was too busy internally cursing myself to care about it.
After what felt like my whole tour in Bolshevik Russia, Henix gave a low growl and a wag of his bushy back tail with the words of his sentencing response pushing against his fangs. The fate waiting for me was only a second away, and with that one growl, I’d be done for. What a fool I was to trust any of these pigs!
“I’m sorry about your predicament,” he spoke slowly. “When we saw the crimes of your ‘Nazis’ it became one of the major reasons why we intervened on this damn planet in the first place.”
What a lie. My brain cackled nonchalantly. They’re doing the same things as the Nazis; Although this time, it was all of us who were suffering from it.
Rolling my eyes, I saw through the bullshit. They were no different.
Scraping at his slick and futuristic desk in ponderous thinking, Henix refocused his pristine and steely blue eyes on me, “What you did was unprofessional and highly dishonourable. Anyone who did such an offence would’ve been discharged or demoted with the snap of a maw.
He shook his head in another short pause as he formulated his next response. I hated the silence, I just wanted a “yes” or a “no” if I was to be shot or not. The aliens had a knack to be blunt, but also verbose. It didn’t make sense, but that’s how they worked. And boy did I hate it!
“But, I cannot even attempt to grasp the gravity of the situation you are dealing with,” he began again, snapping me from my thoughts.
I scowled with agitation and furrowed my brows, “Am I still being shot?”
“No,” the other Wenli interrupted with a sigh and a lick of his fangs. “But, we aren’t leaving you here either.”
My mind went berserk As if that was better! Leaving me alive at this point was punishment enough! Without this station, I’d have to scan all of Europe manually. It’d take the rest of my whole pathetic life to cover even half of Poland! Damn these beasts and damn their posturing!
“Well,” Henix thought, “I have an idea. Akvu?”
The Felsha stepped up from the group of beasts and bowed slightly, “Yes?”
“How about we send Commander Dunajski to be a part of the clearance teams?”
The Felsha slapped its tail against the floor in disdain, “Isn’t he under suspicion of connections?”
“I never saw it in him,” Henix replied. “He was hiding something? Yes. But I never expected resistance affiliations. He isn’t that type of soldier. Besides, I used the accusation to crack him, not actually charge him.”
“W-what is my punishment?” I interrupted with mounting impatience as I tapped my jackboot in annoyance. Talking about how they broke me wasn’t what I wanted to hear at the moment. What was important was my quest for my old life. I wanted my wife back, my son, my home, my country.
“So, the idea is,” Henix began with his hands raised in illustrative explanation, “we send you to Earth to root out the resistance pockets. Some random places like Roosiya, Anghipt, Brazza, Mixka, Cooba, and much more. But! There is also an ongoing search for a resistance network in Eirope.”
“Where?” I shot back with rejuvenated hope.
“Central Eirope,” Henix hummed with a grin. “Former human nations like Polna, Cjermaña, Nodorla, Belja, and Cnzecka.”
It took me a good second to decipher those names. What a mess of pronunciation for all of them they were. Since they were busy trying to wipe our uniqueness from us, the aliens had their own names for our old nations, just the same as how they put my Poland in an occupation zone called “Foije”. A stupid name. Now, they were just coming up with mispronounced names for the defunct nations of old Earth.
I absolutely loathed the name “Polna” because “Polska” was better in every way. But they were our conquerors, and they were the bastards who just sentenced me to scouring Europe for my own kind.
“Who’s under my command?” I sighed.
“Oh, just two dozen of every species in the Confederation,” Henix smiled.
“288? That’s kind of small,” I chuckled. “My all-Pole regiment in Britain was at least 1,000 strong.”
“You really think there’s only a dozen species in the Confederation?” Henix snickered. “No, there’s a good seventy. You really thought we sent all of our power across the galaxy to fight some small plucky band of primates? How adorable.”
That ticked me off, but since I didn’t want to bite the hand that spared me from a beheading, I kept my mouth zipped tight. My composure returned and I wiped the tears off with my sleeve as Henix talked with his other peers in their garbled choking that they called a “language”. My goals had shifted from not crying to not snickering as they conversed in the throat cancer they revered as an actual tongue to be spoken by someone.
“For now, you are dismissed,” Henix sighed. “I hereby remove you from your post. You will report to the bays for a debrief.”
“Can I bring my personal belongings?”
“No,” he replied coldly.
“Why?”
Henix squinted his eyes in anger, “Get there and don’t ask any more questions. You are still a disgraced officer and you will not be shown any more mercy from us.”
How reassuring, I scoffed to myself once more. These aliens were as blunt as wood! They might rival my old camp Oberkommando. Hell, they might as well be him!
Sighing, I pressed my hands against the smooth chair and shakily brought myself up again. With another stupid bow, I left while trembling in every limb. I was in a precarious position now. Anything that went wrong under my command, I would take the hit.
But, if it still gave me a chance to at least try and piece my old life back together;
Then I’d throw myself into it with an intrepid Polish spirit.
-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-
[Prev]

Tuesday May 7th 2024
Wolstein Center, Cleveland, OH
WBW Presents: Tuesday Night Spectactle
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This theme plays as KO comes down to the ring. Kevin grabs a microphone and says “CLEVELAND! 2 nights ago I had a classic match with my best friend Sami Zayn.. Then the Nemeth Brothers decided to get involved and for whatever reason chose me to win. Now tonight I am in the main event against Drew Mc-”.This theme plays and Drew McIntyre comes down to the ring with a microphone. Drew says “Kevin would you please stop worrying about my friend Nic. This is going to be your downfall my friend. Focus on our match tonight. We are supposed to have a 5 star classic but instead you're worrying about a cheerleader. But if you want to keep focusing on the Nemeth’s they are here!”. Drew exits the ring much to KO’s confusion. Nic and Ryan hop the barricades and surround KO on both sides of the ring. KO throws a strike at Ryan first but the number’s game catches up to him fast. Sami runs down but is intercepted by Claymore from Drew. Drew hits Sami with a Futureshock DDT on the ramp and throws him into the ring. Drew says “Get a referee down here. I got confirmation already its Sami Zayn vs my boy Nic Nemeth next!”. A referee comes running down to the ring as Drew gets on commentary for the match.
This segment takes 10 minutes (2:50 left of show time)
Sami Zayn w/ Kevin Owens vs Nic Nemeth w/ Ryan Nemeth
Sami is still down after the vicious attack from Drew McIntyre. Nic hits his 10 Elbow Drops going for the pin right off the bat. Sami kicks out at 2. Nic hits the ground in frustration expecting an easy win. Nic sets up in the corner for a Sweet Chin Music connecting! Nic falls into a pinfall. Sami kicks out at 2 and a half. Sami finally begins to fight back with a few strikes and goes for an Exploder Suplex. Nic lands on his feet. Sami turns around right into a superkick. Nic sets up in the corner connecting with another superkick. Nic then climbs the turnbuckle and goes for a big Elbow Drop. Sami gets to his feet and connects with a Blue Thunder Bomb out of nowhere going for the pin. Nic kicks out at 2 and 3/4 much to Sami’s shock. Sami lifts Nic up and hits a Exploder Suplex into the corner. Nic stumbles into the corner and Sami backs into the other corner for a Helluva Kick. Ryan grabs his legs and drags Sami into the turnbuckle. The referee was busy checking on Nic! KO grabs Ryan and hits him with a powerbomb onto the apron. KO turns around right into a Claymore Kick from Drew. Drew taunts KO and Sami as Sami turns his attention to Drew upset at him. Nic sneaks up behind Sami and hits him with a Zig Zag going for the pin. Nic gets the 3! Nic slips out of the ring as Drew joins him on the ramp. Ryan holding his back joins them laughing. KO checks Sami, staring up the ramp at Drew pissed off.
This match takes 10 minutes (2:40 left of show time)
Sami is seen backstage with KO. KO is pissed off saying how he is going to make Drew pay for this. Sami calms KO down and tells him to just be prepared for his match. KO agrees and walks off. Sami walks up to Mark Steel’s office door and knocks. Mark yells “Come in”. Sami walks in and Mark ushers for him to sit down. Sami says “Mr Steel you have to realize that if nothing is done the Nemeth Brothers will get involved in the main event”. Mark looks at Sami and says “I've already dealt with that. They were asked to leave the arena. And as such you will too. That way neither Drew nor KO will have unnecessary help tonight. Do I make myself cl-”. Drew bursts into the room and says “Mark I don't care if the Nemeth Brothers are there or not. Unlike Kevin I don't need their help to win”. Drew walks out as Mark and Sami stare at each other in shock.
This segment takes 5 minutes (2:35 left of show time)
Seth Rollins vs Carmelo Hayes - Round 2 of Winners Bracket for World Title Tournament
Seth and Carmelo begin circling each other. Seth offers a handshake and Melo takes it. Seth quickly rolls Hayes up for a quick kick out at 1. Melo and Seth both get to their feet at the same time and Seth laughs. Hayes throws a right fist sending Seth right to the ground. Hayes lifts Seth up and hits a Suplex into the Spinning Back Elbow combo. Hayes climbs the turnbuckle and hits a Fedora Frog Splash going for the pin. Seth kicks out at 2. Hayes climbs the turnbuckle again going for a Nothing But Net. Seth gets to his feet and hits Hayes with a Revolution Knee in mid air. Hayes hits the ground with a thud and Seth takes advantage with a Pedigree going for the pin. Hayes kicks out at 2. Seth backs into the corner stomping and preparing for a Curbstomp. Hayes throws Seth up into the air and hits a Samoan Drop on the way down. Hayes follows up with a Fedora Frog Splash going for the pin and getting a 2 and a half on Seth. Hayes doesn't stop as he climbs again and hits Nothing But Net going for the pin again. Seth kicks out at 2 and 3/4 which makes Hayes hit the ground in frustration. Hayes backs into the corner with his eyes glazed. He sets up to hit Seth’s curbstomp. Seth rolls out of the way and Hayes turns around right into a Spinning Elbow. Seth drops into the corner and hits a Curbstomp. Seth connects and goes for the pin. Hayes kicks out at 2 and a half. Seth hits the ground before throwing Hayes up the Turnbuckle going for a Falcon Arrow followed by a second Falcon Arrow. Seth climbs again going for a Frog Splash but Hayes rolls out of the way. Hayes quickly climbs the ropes going for a Nothing but Net but Seth rolls out of the way before connecting with a Superkick to Hayes while he was on his knees. Seth climbs to the second Turnbuckle and hits a super curb stomp right then and there going for the pin and getting the 3. Seth sits on his knees as the announcer announces his victory! Seth is going on to Round 3!
This match takes 15 minutes (2:20 left of show time)
Austin Theory and Grayson Waller ambush Seth from behind. MJF jumps the barricade and joins the assault when Laredo Kid, Myzteziz and Artemis come running down to the ring. They chase off MJF and A-Town Down Under before helping Seth to his feet. Seth grabs a microphone and says “Hey Max. I'll see you next week”. Seth stands tall with the Air Riders as MJF and A-Town Down Under retreat up the ramp!
This segment takes 5 minutes (2:15 left of show time)
This theme plays and out comes AJ Styles. AJ grabs a microphone and says “Last Sunday in Pittsburgh I lost everything. The Judgement Day attacked me before my match and broke my arm. Now I make no excuses cause at the end of the day I am the one who tapped out. But now I must focus on whoever wins next week to decide who will face me next week as well in the Second Round of the Losers Bracket. Whoever it is just know I will walk through the fucking fi-”. This theme plays and Finn Balor comes down to the ring with JD and Dom. Finn says “Next week I have to face the winner of the main event but before that. Thought I would pay you a visit. To make sure you remember.. THE JUDGEMENT DAY RUN WBW”. Out of nowhere AJ is attacked from behind by Chris Ridgeway. Judgement Day has a new member! This theme plays The Calamari Catch Kings theme plays and Chris Brookes runs down to the ring with the Lykos Gym. The Lykos Gym and Chris Brookes even the numbers and chase the Judgement Day up the ramp. AJ puts out a Bullet Club forever sign and CCK joins him! Judgement Day has bigger worries now as Chris Ridgeway’s first round opponent in the Battleground Tournament is in the ring with Judgement Day’s biggest rival!
This segment takes 10 minutes (2:05 left of show time)
The Riott Squad vs Shafir and Duke - Qualifier for 6 team Ladder Match for Women's Tag Titles
There are currently 3 titles without champions crowned. The World Championship, The Battleground Championship and the Women's Tag Championship. The latter is the only one not in a tournament. Instead there will be 6 qualifiers, 2 per spectacle. Where the winners are added to a 6 team ladder match. Tonight we get the first of 6 qualifiers as Liv Morgan and Ruby Soho team up once more in WBW to take on 2 enforcers of the ring in Marina Shafir and Jessamyn Duke. It starts with Liv Morgan and Ruby Soho on top. They have slightly more chemistry and experience allowing them to take the early edge. However as the match goes on it gets more balanced as the technical duo begin to roll in the later half. The match reaches its boiling point when Shafir locks Liv in an arm bar. Liv manages to get out, tossing Shafir into the ropes. Duke tags in but gets off the apron. Liv doesnt know as she hits a ObLIVion followed by a tag to Soho. Soho sets up and hits Shafir with the Soho Kick going for the pin. Duke comes out of nowhere and hits Liv with a German right onto Soho. Liv and Shafir both roll out of the ring as Duke drops into the corner. Soho stirs to her feet and Duke connects with a spear. Duke falls into the pin and gets the 3 on Soho. Shafir joins her in the ring as they celebrate one step closer to the Women's Tag Titles!
This match takes 15 minutes (1:50 left of show time)
After the match The Riott Squad attack Shafir and Duke from behind clearly upset about their loss. Lola Vice runs down to the ring with a steel chair and chases them off. Liv and Ruby retreat up the ramp as Lola grabs a microphone. Duke and Shafir stand at either side of her and she says “WE ARE THE HORSEWOMEN” to a massive cheer from the crowd!
This segment takes 5 minutes (1:45 left of show time)
This theme plays and the Rated R Superstar makes his WBW debut! Edge comes out to a loud pop. He enters the ring with a microphone and says “CLEVELAND OHIO! I HAVE BEEN ALL AROUND THE WORLD. I HAVE BEEN IN COMPANY AFTER COMPANY. AND NOW I'M HERE IN WBW. Man it feels good to be here. A Lot of great men in that locker room. The Judgement Day, Seth Rollins, Matt Cardona and Brian Myers. All these men I have history with. And all these men I suspect I will have a match with at some point in my tenure here. But enough talking cause I'm itching to step in that ring once again. So if anybody in the back wants a shot at beating one of the greatest to ever step in the ring, come out right now.. THIS IS AN OPEN CHALLENGE!”. This theme plays and out comes WBW’s newest star, A little less massive but still a great get, the ever talented Cara Noir!
This segment takes 10 minutes (1:35 left of show time)
Edge vs Cara Noir
Edge offers his hand for a handshake but Cara bats it away. Edge looks shocked and before he can react Cara hits him with an uppercut. Cara Noir begins hitting aerial offense in hopes to put Edge on the back of his feet. It works at first until he goes for a springboard knee and gets speared out of mid air. Edge stomps into the corner and prepares hitting a second more impactful spear going for the pin. Edge gets the 3 over Cara and stands tall after a 5 minute match!
This match takes 5 minutes (1:30 left of show time)
Edge stands up after getting the 3 on Cara Noir to a load of cheers! His head then turns to the ramp as This theme plays. The crowd pops once again as Randy Orton slowly descends down the ramp. He begins circling the ring like a shark. Edge prepares for a fight as Orton reaches the front of the apron. Orton acts like he's gonna jump up but backs off laughing at Edge. Orton turns and returns up the ramp and the only question of Edge, and the crowds, mind.. What is Randy Orton up to?
This segment takes 5 minutes (1:25 left of show time)
The System are backstage celebrating their title win when The Premiere Athletes walk up to them. Woods says “Moose I could care less what you think I want my rematch”. Moose just starts laughing at him and then says “You just lost the Scramble Match you're gonna have to earn that rematch”. Woods responds with “Oh don't worry i'm well aware which is why I came back here to inform Brian Myers. It's me vs him next, sanctioned by WBW Owner Mark Steel himself. Cya out there Champ”. Josh Woods puts his hand on Brian’s shoulder for a second before walking off. Daivari and Nese follow him out.
This segment takes 5 second (1:20 left of show time)
Josh Woods vs Brian Myers w/ Eddie Edwards
Josh Woods and Brian Myers circle each other as the bell is rung. They quickly get into a technical lockup which Woods gets the better of pushing Myers into the corner. Woods backs up as the referee tells him too and Myers takes advantage with a low knee. The referee yells at him but Myers doesn't care going for an early pin. Woods kicks out at 1. Brian continues his assault for a little bit before climbing the ropes going for a Heat Seeking Elbow. Woods rolls out of the way and tries to lock in a Knee Bar. He cant get it in properly and Myers escapes with a Enzuigiri followed by a Roster Cut going for the pin. Woods kicks out at 2. Myers climbs the turnbuckle and hits a Heat Seeking Elbow. He climbs up one more time to hit a second one once again going for the pin. Woods kicks out at 2 and a half. Myers hits the ground and is frustrated. He then lifts Josh up looking for a Taste the Danger. Woods drops down behind him and catches him in the Knee Bar. Myers screams in pain as he's in the hold for well over a minute before finally tapping out. Woods has just gotten a massive win!
This match takes 10 minutes (1:10 left of show time)
After the match Moose hits Woods from behind with his belt. Daivari and Nese try to intercept but the tag champs get in their way and the 2 teams begin brawling through the crowd and out of the arena. Moose now has Woods all to himself as he sets up Game Changer. This theme plays and the Monster Among Men runs down to the ring. He hits Moose with a shoulder tackle sending him flying. Moose quickly slides out of the ring and retreats up the ramp as Braun helps Woods to his feet. Braun and Woods stand tall as Moose stands at the top of the ramp outraged.
This segment takes 5 minutes (1:05 left of show time)
Mark Steel is backstage talking to KO. KO says “Why did you tell Sami to go home, It was the Nemeth Brothers and Drew getting involved not him”. Mark responds with “It is my job to focus on safety and wellbe-”. Moose interrupts him, as KO storms off, “Wellbeing my ass. Braun just showed up and attacked me. I demand retribution”. Mark says “That's funny cause he only came out to protect Josh Woods who you attacked first. Instead i've decided it's going to be Josh Woods and Braun Strowman next week to decide who will be the #1 contender for your WBW Intercontinental Championship. Oh and if you or any other member of the System show up.. You will be forced to vacate your title immediat-”. Josh Woods walks up interrupting “Next week I'm gonna beat Braun Strowman and then I'm going to make you regret attacking me tonight”. Woods walks off as Mark takes a deep breath clearly annoyed about being interrupted yet again.
This match takes 10 minutes (0:50 left of show time)
Stupid Youth Project vs Paige Sisters w/ Ella Envy - Qualifier for 6 Team Ladder Match for Women's Tag Titles
Alice Crowley and Billie Starkz team up to take on Pretty Empowered’s Kylie and Kenzie Paige. Alice and Kenzie have a powerhouse display while Billie and Kylie use their high-flying ability. Both teams wanted to win badly. In the end it comes down to a last second ditch effort from Billie to connect with a frog splash and pin Kenzie for the 3 count. They will be joining The Horsewomen in the 6 team Ladder Match!
This match takes 10 minutes (0:40 left of show time)
Drew Gulak and Alpha Academy w/ Maxxine Dupri vs Legado Del Fantasma w/ Elektra Lopez
This match is a very chaotic match so like the Women's Tag Qualifiers I decided to just give it a basic description. All potential encounters happen as everyone from each team fought everyone from the other team. In the end Maxxine and Elektra argue and Elektra lays Maxxine out. This takes Otis’ attention for one second and the Los Lotharios take advantage with double chopblocks. Garza forces Otis to his feet and hits a Wingclipper as Humberto hits a Suicide Dive wiping out the rest of the Academy. Garza goes for the pin and Gulak attempts to get involved when he's hit with a Canadian Destroyer by Aeroboy. Gable gets to his feet and attempts to slide in but Escobar grabs his legs as Garza gets the 3! Legado Del Fantasma stood tall together in the ring celebrating.
This match takes 15 minutes (0:25 left of show time)
Chad Gable begins yelling at Otis. Drew Gulak gets in the way and tells Gable that's not how you treat your student. Gable shoves him and Gulak delivers a stiff kick before locking in an arm bar. Otis gets to his feet dejected as Gable yells out “Remember No Matter What”. Otis mutters under his breath “No Matter What” before lifting Drew off Gable and sending him crashing through the barricade. The rest of Alpha Academy meet them on the ramp as LDF watches the chaos in awe.
This segment takes 5 minutes (0:20 left of show time)
Drew McIntyre vs Kevin Owens - Round 2 of Winners Bracket for World Title Tournament
We finally reach the main event. Sami Zayn isn't allowed to show up, nor are the Nemeth Brothers. It's just Drew and KO. The match starts with KO lunging at Drew with a stiff kick before hitting him in the back sending him to the ground. Drew rolls out of the ring but KO follows persisting on the attack as the count starts. KO bangs Drew’s head off the announce table before throwing him into the steel steps. KO follows and Drew manages to get to his feet connecting with a Claymore. Drew quickly ducks in the ring looking for an easy 10 count. Kevin gets in at 9. Drew persists on the attack hitting a Futureshock DDT going for the pin. Kevin kicks out at 1. Drew looks shocked and backs into the corner. Drew begins counting down from 3 and goes for the Claymore. Kevin catches him mid air and hits a Powerbomb on the spot going for a pin. Drew kicks out at 1. KO hits the ground in frustration as Drew stumbles into the corner. KO kicks Drew in the midsection before backing up. He turns around and goes for the cannonball but Drew moves out of the way just in the nick of time! Drew connects with a Claymore going for the pin. KO kicks out at 2. Drew gets in the referee's face and asks him why it wasn't a 3. KO takes advantage pushing Drew into the referee knocking the referee out. KO then hits Drew with the Stunner followed by a Powerbomb. KO goes for the pin but Drew kicks out at 2.. Not that the referee was up anyway. KO climbs the turnbuckle and goes for a frog splash. Drew rolls out of the way and connects with a second claymore as the referee gets to his feet. Drew goes for the pin but KO kicks out at 2 and a half. Drew hits the ground in frustration, confused how it wasnt a 3. Drew lifts KO up for a Futureshock when KO reverses into a stunner. KO then lifts Drew up but his knee gives out and Drew lands in front of him connecting with a Glasgow Kiss followed by a Futureshock DDT going for the pin. KO kicks out at 2 and 3/4 and Drew goes absolutely crazy dropping back into the corner and connecting with another Claymore. Drew isn't done as he drops into the corner a second time hitting yet another Claymore. Drew doesn't care as he drops into the corner for a third time and begins counting down from 3. KO gets to his feet and hits a pop up powerbomb out of nowhere going for the pin. 2 masked men jump the barricade with “3MB” shirts on and pull the referee out of the ring. KO gets the 3 before he realizes the referee is gone. The 2 men remove their masks and climb onto the apron on both sides, thus revealing themselves to be Heath Slater and Jinder Mahal! The crowd pops as Drew’s buddies enter the ring and go after KO. At first KO does alright but then the Numbers Game catches up to him when Drew gets involved. Drew drops into the corner and begins counting down from 3 as Jinder and Heath force the referee up and toss him into the ring. Drew connects with the Claymore for a 6th time in this match going for the pin. This time Kevin cannot answer the 3 count! Jinder and Heath join Drew in the ring as 3MB celebrate together!
This match takes 20 minutes (Show Finish)

So i buyed a Titan Evo on October 16 2023 and was pretty Happy until 2 weeks ago. That Chair squeaks so loud, its still noticeable with a Headset on. I tried to contact the Customer Service on their Website 1 week ago, but no one answer me, never got a confirmation mail for my Ticket. I tried the support e-mail aswell but no response either.
Anyone know if a Employee of Secretlab read here? Or maybe a Solution for these loud creak noise? I tried it with white grease but it didnt help.
(Sorry im a native German)
https://imgur.com/a/2RYZ5Mn

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Memory Transcription Subject: Elias Meier, Former UN Secretary-General
Date [standardized human time]: July 13, 2160
The irritability coursing through my psyche was palpable. Every sound was dialed up to eleven, stabbing at the core of my sensory processing. Constant awareness grated on me after days without sleep, never having any break from the stream of information I needed to digest. There was no way to shut the world off and reset, and no reprieve from the unsettling reality of my physical experience. I was curled up in a ball on the floor, rocking back and forth; I wasn’t sure how much longer I could go on like this.
Virnt scuttled over to me in the spaceship, jostling my shoulder. “Elias? Would you like to turn back from this mission?”
I remembered how I’d spent most of the trip, standing under the water in the shower. There was a special shampoo they’d provided for synthetic hair, like a wig. I held out my phony hand and emptied most of the bottle’s worth of goop, zoning out; I was trying to soak in the distant sensation of liquid running down my spine. Once upon a time, this had been the most relaxing time of my day—letting muscle tension fade away and cleansing grimy skin oils. Now, I knew neither of those two still existed in my day-to-day life to assuage.
Did it even matter to slap soap on some metal frame? There were no consequences of letting hygiene go by the wayside. I didn’t sweat in order to start to reek, and I couldn’t get skin conditions or be affected by bacteria. It could be that I was bathing out of habit, clinging to my old lifestyle, that I kept going to wash up. Perhaps the shower had become my favorite haunt because I felt disgusting in this body. Everything was a reminder that I was an inhuman scrap pile, and it was wearing on my sanity. It wasn’t like anyone related to what I was going through.
I used to spend so much time fussing over making my suits look crisp and perfect—immaculate ties, UN pins adjusted just right. The heavy jackets would trap my body heat in the summer; now, it no longer had that effect. I could bundle up as much as I wanted in 40 degree Celsius heat, unless there was some limit that would fry my circuits. Shit, I might not need a spacesuit in the vacuum of space—I couldn’t freeze or suffocate, after all. Being left out in the void for all eternity didn’t sound that much different from my present experience.
I hate what I’ve become. I hate what they’ve done to me; all I do is think, and every part of my new self lives in the uncanny valley. There’s nothing positive. Maybe it’s time to call it…death was better than this. I can’t bear another day of this hell.
“Hey, stay with me! Distractibility, depression, being unable to maintain concentration—these are natural consequences of sleep deprivation. I’m surprised it carries over without a physical mechanism to grow tired…but I’m working on a sleep suite, I promise,” Virnt said, glossy eyes staring at me.
I groaned. “I’m not tired, but it’s just nonstop. I…I’m having trouble remembering what I read.”
“Here, I’m going to try a temporary fix. You look like you need it. I don’t want you to suffer; just turning you off and on isn’t the same. I’m going to emulate GABA, uh, shut off your optic sensors, decrease the activity in your prefrontal cortex, and simulate delta waves for an hour. We can see if it somewhat fills the need for deep sleep, okay? Relaxation, no processing: worth a shot, right?”
I nodded mutely, staying in the fetal position. I didn’t have the will to move, and I didn’t want to get my hopes up that Virnt’s plan would be any mercy. The sensation of the Tilfish tinkering with my settings was strange, as if my brain was being overridden in the moment. There was no process of falling asleep to give it the air of naturalness. Suddenly, I was blind, trapped in darkness—and a modicum of drowsiness kicked in, limiting my movement. Thoughts died down, offering much-need relief; I faintly wished I could remain in this state.
When I came to, there was a sudden influx of information as the rest mode was switched off; it was hardly a seamless waking, but I’d take it. Peace in my own head was something I’d never take for granted again. I hadn’t thought myself to be a weak-minded individual, but I hadn’t realized how much it wore on you: feeling out of place in your own body every waking second, and not trusting your senses. Brain function had been restored enough that I could get a grip on myself, and rise in my disheveled state. A peek out the window revealed we’d completed our intra-atmosphere transit to the Duerten embassy.
I rubbed my eyes on reflex, but there were no gifts from the Sandman there. “Why couldn’t you have just added everything to start with, Virnt?”
“The humans I talked to said they wouldn’t want to sleep, unless they had to! I put the most focus on your emotional matrix and your facial expressiveness, since I thought that has the highest importance of what makes you human,” the Tilfish replied.
“You could’ve made it at least optional.”
“I sent the option to your holopad for the future, to trigger this program for as long as you’d like. This is a learning process, so I’m sorry for anything that’s off. All trial and error here, but it’s only going to get better! That’s the positive.”
“There are a lot of patches needed. For starters, you’re missing two of the senses: taste and smell. In spite of that, ever since I walked past the Terra Technologies staff eating tater tots, I’ve been craving them at random intervals. I’m not hungry—I can’t consume food!”
“Predator instincts,” Virnt teased. “The Federation was right.”
“I’m serious! Why on Earth would that be a thing? I literally can’t satisfy it, so it’s almost cruel.”
“It’s psychological, Elias. I looked into it after I saw it in your transcript. When humans are under a lot of stress or otherwise feeling down, you seek dopamine from food. It’s something familiar that activated your memories, and promised emotional comfort. That’s why you have the phrase ‘comfort food.’”
“I can already see how the Federation remnants would spin that. A predator’s so-called emotions are tied to food, and stimulate appetite to fulfill their whims.”
“You seem in better spirits. To add to your improved mood, we announced the success of your memory transplant to the world. The response was overwhelmingly positive—history looked back fondly on you. You got a lot of well-wishes, and I was able to get almost all of your social media re-activated. At least, the platforms that are still active.”
“I’m…allowed to share my honest experiences?”
Virnt eased me out of the shuttle, into the sunlight; cameras were waiting, causing me to stiffen. “Of course you can. I’m not here to muzzle you, my friend. Quite the opposite, in fact: I want your experiment documented as thoroughly as possible! You’re the spokesperson for—”
I shielded my face from the reporters, who were lobbing questions. “What is this? I don’t have a prepared statement. This is an ambush.”
“Terra Technologies has a mission of transparency, and improving sapients’ quality of life through digital means. We had to announce such a monumental breakthrough, but you’re under no obligation to speak with them.”
“Good,” a warm voice chimed in from next to me, making me jump. “The poor guy’s come back from the dead, Virnt. Give him a break. He’s here to speak with the Duerten Forum and their ambassador, for some semblance of his old life.”
I turned my head, beaming as I recognized her. “Erin? Oh, sorry: that’s Secretary-General Kuemper, isn’t it? You’ve moved up in the world. The United Nations is in good hands.”
“It’s good to see you, Elias. I bawled my eyes out at your funeral. You cared so much for peace and taking the high road; there isn’t a person out there who could’ve handled first contact with more grace. You inspired me, and an entire generation of future diplomats.”
I embraced Erin, who’d once been a passionate SETI researcher giving me all of the bad news about aliens. As we flailed about in the dark to save humanity and adjust to the galaxy, finally acquiring a few friends, she’d become my Secretary of Alien Affairs. I’d trusted her to do whatever it took to stabilize our extraterrestrial relations. It was a bit of a relief to see a positive reaction from someone I knew; I wasn’t sure how my friends would take my return, but I hadn’t been expecting a welcome with open arms. It brought me solace and comfort to know about the legacy I’d left behind, and the ripple effects my tenure had on the United Nations.
It is strange to see how much she’s aged. That’ll be the reality of anyone that used to be an acquaintance of mine.
The alarm bells pinging in my head faded into the backdrop, and I forgot that the wind gusting against my face only felt like a dull push. My mind slipped away from food cravings that failed to get my mouth to water, how there was no feeling of tightness from my dress shoes, and the stillness of my non-existent diaphragm. I was simply happy to see someone I cared about and enjoyed working with, in my old life. There was safety in having a person I trusted to be on my side. My brain snapped back into diplomat mode, falling into a familiar flow of conversation. If I had nothing else, I still had my social skills—an ability to navigate various cultures.
“So the Duerten Forum agreed to meet with the two of us. They know about the Sivkit attack, but not the full threat,” I spoke aloud, after breaking away from the rather soul-affirming embrace. “I read the strategy meetings for briefing them, and I’m on-board to appeal to nostalgia; humanity saving their homeworld was after my time, but close enough to it that I could serve as a reminder. A blast from the past.”
Erin nodded, her security forming a wall between us and the cameras as we walked toward the embassy. “I always wondered what you’d think of modern Vienna, Elias. All of the aliens willing to be here on our world, and to treat us like people. Friendship used to seem like a pipe dream; we were happy if they’d allow us to exist, tolerate us to that extent. Look at us now.”
“I almost gave up hoping that they could care about us, or stand beside us at all. We couldn’t do it alone then. It’s time we remember to stand together—to rise to the occasion once more. I can’t bear the thought of anything threatening our home, or our friends. I saw enough needless death twenty-four years ago.”
“That pain is a lot more recent to you. It’s completely okay to be wrestling with grief. A billion of ours died.”
“We didn’t become the monsters they thought we were, and we pulled through. We revealed their hatred and treachery, and have chosen a future set on rectifying every right they trampled. I’ll always mourn what we lost, but I’ve never been more proud of humanity in my life.”
Kuemper patted my shoulder. “You sound like yourself, my dear old friend. It’s very good to have you back; you were much better at smiling while they spit in your face than I ever was. Let’s do what’s necessary to get the ball rolling with the Shield.”
“I’m right behind you.”
The exterior of the Duerten embassy had a distinct construction style, with metal and concrete forming the bulk of the outside structure; on Kalqua, sturdiness was at the foremost of their priorities. Winds on a normal day could ratchet up to what we’d consider a tropical storm, according to my brief review of their culture. The door was evidently heightened to facilitate foot traffic from humans, despite the exit hatches on the upper floor which seemed frequented by the avian staff. Their personnel could literally fly away during an emergent situation. I tailed Kuemper into the lobby, and noted how much of the inside’s floor was concrete as well. It was resilient and easy to clean, a perfect surface to avoid being marred by talons.
Most of the gray avians used perches instead of chairs, with several staffers working on paperwork at their desks; in private areas, some met with any humans who had business with the Duerten Forum. The lack of reaction to a predator’s approach was new to me, but a welcome change. Kuemper confidently led the way to an elevator, which had the English and German words for “Welcome to the Duerten embassy!” written above the opening. The generic Shield logo was painted on both sides of the door, and emblazoned with a representation of Kalqua. There were no buttons inside, apart from an emergency exit; a camera surveyed us, before a watching staffer summoned the car upward. I felt a jolt as we reached the top floor.
“To be visited by two Secretary-Generals: one of whom is a ghost! Let me express the Duerten Forum’s honor and delight. Not, of course, that I don’t cherish Ambassador Hannah Marston’s visits.” A silver-feathered head poked out of a door at the end of the hallway, past a spacious lounge; his beak was the precise yellow of corn. “Please, come in. Make yourselves at home. Can I get you anything to drink?”
Kuemper shuffled forward, giving me a knowing look. “Water would be lovely for me. Thank you for the warm welcome, Ambassador Korajan.”
“I second that gratitude. Enchanted to meet you. I’m sure you know, but I’m Elias Meier.” Taking a gamble that the ambassador was more than acquainted with our customs, I extended a hand. Korajan strode forward with confidence, ensnaring my palm in his wingtip. “We appreciate you taking the time to sit with us, Ambassador.”
“Just Korajan,” the avian said, feeling my artificial hand with undeniable curiosity. He finally released my grip, and waited for us to get seated. “There’s no need for formalities, especially when I’m in such esteemed company. What can I do for you?”
“We’ve come to seek your assistance in the fight against the Sivkits’ assailants. The Sapient Coalition needs allies to back us against these menaces,” Kuemper stated. “Any help we can get would make a difference.”
“I see. I heard about your unfortunate defeat in your prior engagement, but I don’t see how it involves or concerns us. The Duerten, as you well know, aren’t in the position we used to be. We’ve turned our focus inward for years, shoring up our defenses to watch out for our beloved planet. The potential benefit it might offer you is so negligible that it’s hardly worth increasing our vulnerability. The risk far outweighs the rewards for any party.”
I studied the avian, careful to avoid a direct stare. “I understand that it’s a lot to ask. However, small bits of help from across the Shield can accumulate to be a massive difference maker. We want to stop this genocidal force from getting anywhere near Kalqua; if we play our cards right, you won’t need defenses.”
“Elias—sorry, may I call you Elias?” Korajan asked, continuing after I nodded. “We’re, of course, concerned to have a predatory species with such power and intentions, outside our known terrain. They bear a striking resemblance to the Arxur, and my government does appreciate the advance warning from the SC so we can make preparations. Yet the Forum is concerned by several of your recent initiatives, which would make us doubly unwilling to back your cause.”
“Go on. What initiatives have unsettled you?” I hope he doesn’t mean me, with resurrecting dead humans; that’d hit close to home, and I don’t know how to defend it. “Perhaps we can clear up our rationale and intentions, ensuring that there are no misunderstandings.”
“I hope I’m not impolite to point it out, but my government is beginning to see a pattern in your recent connections to carnivores. The Sapient Coalition is attempting an uplift on one race, despite what we all know happened on Wriss, and has brought them into your mix while they are at war with each other. We’re also aware of these Osirs—a race you are resurrecting to live among you, despite having no idea what they’re capable of. Present company excluded, species that need meat are not trustworthy types. These Osirs are weapons: look at the fangs*.”*
“Anything is a weapon in the wrong hands. Respectfully, we don’t feel that it’s right to judge a species for their diet. If I’m not mistaken, your own kind were once omnivores, Korajan.”
The Duerten fluttered his wings in acknowledgement. “The Federation changed us greatly—some things for the better, others to erase our intellect. We’re an individualist species, and they tried to make us…what do you humans call it? A ‘hive mind.’ Hive minds, of course, are fiction, yet they tried to make it real. Still, sometimes when you’re changed enough, it makes it impossible to go back to how things were.”
“I of all people grasp that sentiment,” I sighed, without moving an abdominal muscle, reflecting how my life would never be the same in this state. “We believe all sapients deserve a chance at life and happiness. Equality isn’t a principle we withhold based on any factor, and we don’t change species to fit our own whims.”
“This is why we’re content with our relations as is: separate, so we’re not connected to your disputes or obligated to get involved. The Duerten will always have differences between what are considered acceptable behaviors, and our guiding principles and overarching goals.”
Kuemper tapped her fingers on her knee. “Regardless, our choices with the Bissems and Osirs will have no impact or tangible effects on the Duerten. Nor is it a reason to shy away from protecting herbivores, the mandate that led you to stand up to the Federation in the past.”
“That cost us everything. Kalqua took a beating worse than Earth did. We don’t set out to attract the ire of powerful enemies these days.”
“We saved Kalqua. We were there when you needed our help to keep your innocents safe,” I reminded him, knitting my eyebrows with earnestness. “We answer when others call for our help to stay alive; the Duerten know what drives us to answer the bell. Isn’t that worth a smidge of reciprocation?”
“If Earth, or for that matter, Leirn were under siege, we would come. However, it appears to us that you entered their territory, not the other way around.”
“Think of the type of species…no, the kind of governments that would glass worlds. The old-school Arxur Dominion. The Kolshian shadow caste when they were defied. The Krakotl extermination fleet because they hated us. That’s what we see in the Osirs, and the gluttonous killing of Sivkit civilians while refusing to speak. We can’t turn a blind eye.”
“I’m sorry, Elias. Even if I wanted to help you, I don’t have the authority. I’m expressing my government’s position, and I’ve been told the Duerten Forum isn't going to war under any circumstances. I apologize that I can’t be of more use, and regret if you might feel your time has been squandered, leaving empty-handed.”
I shared a look with Kuemper, recognizing that we had been stonewalled; there was an implication in Korajan’s last statement that the discussion on this matter was over. The Forum hadn’t given him any negotiating room, so I didn’t get the sense I could do better than asking for him to take a message. If this was the most friendly party we’d be interacting with, I wasn’t off to a good start wrangling support for an alliance. There were a few other Shield races we could try, but an endorsement from the founders might’ve gotten the whole union on board. We had to find another angle—negotiating with the Fed remnants would be impossible without the Shield as an intermediary.
“Of course we don’t feel that way. The back-and-forth was enlightening, productive communication, as much as humanity would love to stand side-by-side in this endeavor,” I offered. “We appreciate you hearing us out, and do hope you’ll pass along our rationale to the Forum, for clarity.”
“I will,” the Duerten responded. “Your words, as always, deserve to be heard and treated with respect.”
Kuemper followed my lead, rising as I stood. “Korajan, I want you to know I deeply appreciate what you said about coming to Earth’s aid should we ever fall on hard times. That stood out to me, as a reason why our cooperation is so precious and beautiful.”
“I agree wholeheartedly. I do wish you the best of luck in your future engagements; my people hope you emerge victorious.”
“Thank you. Our door will always be open if you have a change of heart.”
In my mind, I had already vacated the Duerten embassy, but it was necessary to retrace my steps to depart the ambassador’s office. Aliens were much more diplomatic in rebuffing us now than in my era, which was the proper way to express disagreements between nations. It wasn’t lost on me that the differences in “behaviors” and “principles” Korajan meant were things such as hunting, omnivory, accepting carnivores, exterminators, and predator disease facilities. The Forum still clung to much of their old lifestyle; the gray avian had stated that some Federation changes were “for the better.” That was telling about how much of their ideology they’d yet to shed.
“Forgive my impertinence, but before you go, Elias…may I ask a personal inquiry? It’s not on my behalf of my government,” Korajan called, as our shoes cleared the threshold of his office.
I turned around, giving him an encouraging smile. “Of course. Go ahead.”
“What…what was it like? To die…to be dead?”
“It wasn’t like anything. It was a singularity of all outcomes: all I ever was, and all I ever could be, condensed to nothing. There are no words to describe emptiness and infinite rest. It’s a peace that knows no equal.”
The Duerten dipped his head. “Thank you. It gives me some…personal solace, to know…to know my daughter is resting peacefully. She died in so much pain after only a short period of remission. Ahem…if you’ll excuse me, I…”
“We’ll leave you in peace,” Kuemper replied, softness in her voice.
I folded my hands behind my back, mulling over the choked-up ambassador’s words. How could I let a few days of mental suffering defeat me, when kids suffered through such terrible diseases—never getting to reach adulthood? This program could give children like Korajan’s daughter a chance to grow up, and be a kid, free from pain. As soon as I was alone, I knew I’d be cast back into a maddening state of consciousness, with my brain struggling to stay tethered to this reality. Where I’d been ready to give up before Virnt’s quick fix, the avian’s story made me want to remain in the fight.
The Tilfish had been right: there was the potential for the technology that had brought me back to do a lot of good, and save others a great deal of heartbreak and suffering. No personal sacrifice was too great to ensure that one day, no parent would ever have to bury their child.
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So for FULL CONTEXT, I have paid this month's rent, and I was given a 30 day possible "do better or you'll have to find a new place" warning on 4/22 but it was NOT a official notice and it wasn't a 30 day time limit to leave, but to get better. I rent a room (from someone who rents a trailer), and my name is on none of the paperwork. On 5/11 I was told I was being kicked out immediately (they are claiming they didn't say this, but they changed all the locks and told me I had to do xyx to get my stuff). I think it's important to also add I didn't have a liscenes or vehicle until 5/13 (yesterday) but we work together so I only ever go with them, they've taken me places a maximum of 5 times for me alone and I've paid gas each time.
PROPERTY DAMAGE:
I have a deceased dog (died about 6 months into me living there) that ruined two of the property doors, I had ordered new ones, but they hadn't delivered so they wanted the money for my items, I gave it to them because I honestly don't mind that as my dog did tear up the doors. (While alive that dog also tore a rod that I replaced within a week and 3 picture frames, 1 of which was replaced the others they wanted exact replicas of but never gave me any info on where or how to get them despite me asking multiple times) the dog was just a puppy but I had lined up a home for it becsuse of the damage before it passed from sad unavoidable issues.
I have another dog who is alive and did stay with us the entire time I lived there, she HAS NEVER ruined anything in that house but the tenant I live with CLAIMS she ruined a lether chair with a tiny hole (my dog is a big German shepard and the hole is less then 2 inches), during the time the hole happened we had mice, we get them every winter (ive lived with them 3 winters) and every winter they chew on items, food, and so on, since the hole was made ive said that it was mice, the other tenant has always disagreed. There is also multiple tiny holes in the wall from water damage and one big one I think was also caused from water damage, (the deceased dog was alive for this hole), despite my thoughts on it I went and bought the scrapper, sander, and filling needed for it, but was always told to wait for them to get more paint,, (for the right shade) they never did.
For the entire damage situation it's a she said they said situation, and I dont know if it'll hold up in trail. As far as holding my items goes, I paid them the 450, they are wanting more but with that they allowed me to get my items (all that would fit in my car)
WITHELD RENT: On 4/22 they raised the rent higher and said I should begin giving money every other week "when I can" to help with gas (one tank every other week, if I have the money), we buy groceries/necessitys separately, i feed all 3 of their dogs on my money, and on 4/23 they took me to the grocery store station and had spend 42$ (this had never happened before so i assumed it was gas) on items for them alone, on 4/29 they asked to borrow 60$.
During thd time between then and when I paid rent 5/6 I spent 6 days (divided between the 10 days) at my parents getting my permit, liscenes, and car. They mentioned the 60$ this last Thursday 5/2, I said I'd just take it out of rent, as during that time I'd only spent 2 days with them (and only 4 by the time I had paid rent) and had already given them 42$ in gas, again the ONLY places I do are work and home, that's IT, and we work the exact same shifts and live(d) in the exact same house. They agreed to that, seeing as 42$ had been given for only 4 days worth of commute, but when they kicked me out they insisted I owed them the 60 and shorted them rent because that went towards gas. (BY the time they kicked me out I'd spent another 3 days away from them...)
WITHHELD ITEMS:
so I was able to give the 450 for the doors today and was allowed to get my items, unfortunately my car is v small and I had to leave a few things plus I'd like to clean my space out (sweep, mop, throw away my trash can bag). The keys have been changed on the doors, I can get in with a card, but is that breaking in? I contacted local police, didn't give them full context but they said it's a civil matter, they don't know of the fact I wasn't given notice or that I've paid rent, they say the other tenant HAS to be home for them to do anything but they work until 1 am on Wednesday/Thursday. She says I have to get my stuff Saturday when she's off in the morning but won't give it to me if I don't finish my work week. I want to get my items and leave, I don't want to see them tomorrow, I don't want charged with breaking and entering and I don't want a lawsuit against me for property damage when it's a she said they said and I've paid my dues that ik are mine.
Tldr: Property damage, paid for, he said she said on the rest, rent paid for the month, locks changed, items withheld. Am I allowed to "break" in and just get my stuff ??
And for anyone wondering the "do better" is do dishes more often, sweep more often, so on, but i do dishes 3-4 times a week and sweep and mop at LEAST everyother week, they haven't swept or mop but like 2 times in MONTHS.

So for FULL CONTEXT, I have paid this month's rent, and I was given a 30 day possible "do better or you'll have to find a new place" warning on 4/22 but it was NOT a official notice and it wasn't a 30 day time limit to leave, but to get better. I rent a room (from someone who rents a trailer), and my name is on none of the paperwork. On 5/11 I was told I was being kicked out immediately (they are claiming they didn't say this, but they changed all the locks and told me I had to do xyx to get my stuff). I think it's important to also add I didn't have a liscenes or vehicle until 5/13 (yesterday) but we work together so I only ever go with them, they've taken me places a maximum of 5 times for me alone and I've paid gas each time.
PROPERTY DAMAGE:
I have a deceased dog (died about 6 months into me living there) that ruined two of the property doors, I had ordered new ones, but they hadn't delivered so they wanted the money for my items, I gave it to them because I honestly don't mind that as my dog did tear up the doors. (While alive that dog also tore a rod that I replaced within a week and 3 picture frames, 1 of which was replaced the others they wanted exact replicas of but never gave me any info on where or how to get them despite me asking multiple times) the dog was just a puppy but I had lined up a home for it becsuse of the damage before it passed from sad unavoidable issues.
I have another dog who is alive and did stay with us the entire time I lived there, she HAS NEVER ruined anything in that house but the tenant I live with CLAIMS she ruined a lether chair with a tiny hole (my dog is a big German shepard and the hole is less then 2 inches), during the time the hole happened we had mice, we get them every winter (ive lived with them 3 winters) and every winter they chew on items, food, and so on, since the hole was made ive said that it was mice, the other tenant has always disagreed. There is also multiple tiny holes in the wall from water damage and one big one I think was also caused from water damage, (the deceased dog was alive for this hole), despite my thoughts on it I went and bought the scrapper, sander, and filling needed for it, but was always told to wait for them to get more paint,, (for the right shade) they never did.
For the entire damage situation it's a she said they said situation, and I dont know if it'll hold up in trail. As far as holding my items goes, I paid them the 450, they are wanting more but with that they allowed me to get my items (all that would fit in my car)
WITHELD RENT: On 4/22 they raised the rent higher and said I should begin giving money every other week "when I can" to help with gas (one tank every other week, if I have the money), we buy groceries/necessitys separately, i feed all 3 of their dogs on my money, and on 4/23 they took me to the grocery store station and had spend 42$ (this had never happened before so i assumed it was gas) on items for them alone, on 4/29 they asked to borrow 60$.
During thd time between then and when I paid rent 5/6 I spent 6 days (divided between the 10 days) at my parents getting my permit, liscenes, and car. They mentioned the 60$ this last Thursday 5/2, I said I'd just take it out of rent, as during that time I'd only spent 2 days with them (and only 4 by the time I had paid rent) and had already given them 42$ in gas, again the ONLY places I do are work and home, that's IT, and we work the exact same shifts and live(d) in the exact same house. They agreed to that, seeing as 42$ had been given for only 4 days worth of commute, but when they kicked me out they insisted I owed them the 60 and shorted them rent because that went towards gas. (BY the time they kicked me out I'd spent another 3 days away from them...)
WITHHELD ITEMS:
so I was able to give the 450 for the doors today and was allowed to get my items, unfortunately my car is v small and I had to leave a few things plus I'd like to clean my space out (sweep, mop, throw away my trash can bag). The keys have been changed on the doors, I can get in with a card, but is that breaking in? I contacted local police, didn't give them full context but they said it's a civil matter, they don't know of the fact I wasn't given notice or that I've paid rent, they say the other tenant HAS to be home for them to do anything but they work until 1 am on Wednesday/Thursday. She says I have to get my stuff Saturday when she's off in the morning but won't give it to me if I don't finish my work week. I want to get my items and leave, I don't want to see them tomorrow, I don't want charged with breaking and entering and I don't want a lawsuit against me for property damage when it's a she said they said and I've paid my dues that ik are mine.
Tldr: Property damage, paid for, he said she said on the rest, rent paid for the month, locks changed, items withheld. Am I allowed to "break" in and just get my stuff ??
And for anyone wondering the "do better" is do dishes more often, sweep more often, so on, but i do dishes 3-4 times a week and sweep and mop at LEAST everyother week, they haven't swept or mop but like 2 times in MONTHS.

Demographics:

• Gender: Male
• Race: White
• Residence: Suburbs outside of Philadelphia, PA
• Income bracket: Upper Middle Class
• Intended Majors: Chemical or Mechanical Engineering

Academics:

• 4.0 unweighted GPA (4.23 on a 4.5 scale where honors are +0.25 and AP is +0.5)
• My school doesn't do class rankings
• 1560 SAT (800 Math)
• Will finish high school with 12 APs although I'm only in my Junior year so I'm only taking/have taken 7
• All 5s on the 3 AP exams I've taken
• Unless I choked probably another 3 5's and a 4 after how my current exams went

Extracurriculars:

• FBLA: Made it to states twice for FBLA in Mobile App Development, placed 9th last year and 3rd this year and am now attending nationals where I probably will not place top 10 but who knows maybe I'm the goat. I am running for PR this year (No clue if I'm winning)
• Student Council: I was a chair for our school charity drive and a chair for a school dance we held and have 40+ volunteer hours in the club and am running for Historian this year (No clue if I'm winning once again)
• Tutoring Club: I am currently PR in our schools tutoring club so I run a social media although not much has been posted on it and also look through application on who to accept or deny as a tutor
• STEM Club: A little weaker since it's mostly just in house competitions but I am an active member and also am running for an officer position since a lot of officers are graduating and I'm one of the most active members but I probably won't win.
• Track and Field: I ran indoor and outdoor track and field my freshman and sophomore years and only did not run this year due to a knee injury that I've been going to physical therapy for
• NHS: I have literally done nothing in this club yet other than my 10 hours that were required.
• MiniTHON: My school hosts their own version of Penn State's "THON" where we stand for 10 hours and raise awareness for pediatric cancer. I was a part of the Business Outreach Management committee and went door to door to businesses in order to get businesses to sponsor our event as well as raising over $100 for the event outside of just businesses
• Part Time Job: I work at MOD Pizza and have worked there for roughly a year now where I've had to train numerous new employees. In the summer I work 4 days a week and in the school year I work 1-2 a week.
• German NHS (Basically nothing)

Awards:

• 9th place at Pennsylvania FBLA's State Leadership Conference in Mobile Application Development
• 3rd place at Pennsylvania FBLA's State Leadership Conference in Mobile Application Development
• Student of the Month (IK this doesn't mean a lot I just have few awards unfortunately)
• 1 time Thanksgiving football champion as starting running back (Strongest EC)

Letters of Rec:

• I asked for one from my English teacher who should write some gas and then I'm between my math and bio teacher because they both know me well and I feel like my math teacher likes me more but my bio teacher might write a better one but then again the math teacher might spend more time on one because he gets asked less for them but yeah.

Essay:

• I've only drafted my essay and not many people have looked at it but it certainly isn't bad so ill give it a 5-6/10 for now but hopefully I can make it not ass cuz otherwise I'm cooked

Schools that stick out for me that I'd want to apply to of many different difficulties and that are in no particular order:

1. Drexel
2. University of Michigan
3. GA Tech (I realize that this is a big reach)
4. University of Maryland, College Park
5. Notre Dame
6. UT Austin
7. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Grainger)

The list is very incomplete and I have yet to visit some of these campuses but I was wondering as of now what my odds would be at some of these schools and what I might have to do in the future in order to have a better shot at getting into these places

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Witch Fall / / Rest Now

^vibe
January 8th, 2072.
The Midnight Court - Wewelsburg, Álfheimr
"I had no expectation of being crowned." Princess Kyōko looked towards the crowd of Alfr nobility which had amassed itself in the great hall of the Midnight Court. Excluding the Princess, who stood just in front of the Night King's Throne, the nobility made up of nearly all conquered people remained quiet as the Princess continued to speak - the shock of recent events emanating throughout the room. "And yet death of my uncle...has come as a shock."
The court was somber, the lights dim - only a few skylights pointed towards the Princess whose Golden crown had only just been placed on her head by the same woman who had coronated her Uncle all those years ago. The flags which had once flown as a symbol of the Aesir, now remained furled, awaiting to be revealed as the once Japanese Princess, continued to speak.
"In the years since my Uncle's coronation, our Aesir, has led you all to the well of prosperity, happiness, and security. Under his auspices rule, under the Night King's watchful gaze, you people...you all...have been so very lucky. So very lucky to have survived this long." Gasps from the crowd where audible as members of the Valkyrie of the 1st Sturmtruppen marched into the Great Hall, those members of the Elite Imperial Guard whose loyalty lay only with the Aesir. "Under the former Aesir, you have been...blinded by a shroud of darkness from true enlightenment. The failures of this Imperial Might, whose forces once so easily marched West across France and conquered Western Europe, come from your blind faith in my Uncle. You have been bested in a Gothic War which saw the needless deaths of so many of the Aesir's Chosen. And yet you cry out for more conflict?"
The new Aesir could see the daggers as she looked out at the crowd, as her words struck the very heart of the Alfheim's Imperial Center. From the corner of her eye, she could barely make out one figure leaving the Hall, shooting an icy yet aware glance towards the Throne, however, now was no time to stop, she had a mission here.
"At every step, your former ruler...has ensured that the entire weight of the world would come crashing down on his Empire. Even now, you face a rebellion in Italy, and the possibility of war in the outer colonies of Svartálfar and Mexico. And if not for the idleness of the great Goliath of Eastern Europe your very homeland would have most assuredly been lost by now."
By now, only the Æsir's Chosen had remained without reaction. The nobility long in uproar, confusion, and fear as the former second-rate Princess from Japan gave lecture on the future of the Empire.
"You all...I...have never seen throughout history, an Empire so reviled that even my own Father's machinations have gone unheeded by the world." The newly crowned Aesir cared little for choosing her words, knowing that ultimately, they'd have to all bend the knee either way. "Your world has failed, and I am here to save you."
The murmuring of the crowd would have become overwhelming if it was not for the clerics who raised and slammed the ends of their banners on the ground, unfurling the new flag of the Imperial Álfheimr while sending the crowds into a fervor of chanting.
“Long live Æsir!”
“Long live Æsir!”
“Long live Æsir!”
As the Midnight Sun rose over the old world, those nobility knew a new era had begun.

Mombasa, The Union of African Socialist Republics 

vibe

"The Malagasy Terror returns to South Africa, Mexico falls into the grips of Japanese Empire"

Bandung Daily Issued January 31st, 2072 - 12:00 Mombasa, The Union of African Socialist Republics
MOMBASA - As the world continues to feel the shockwaves from the death of former imperialist dictator Dederick Lohengrin, it has been confirmed that the Malagasy Terror otherwise known as Japanese Rear Admiral Sentaro Omori has been confirmed as the new Imperial Governor of Marley. According to reports from the Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Kamisato Ayaka, the handover of South Africa represents the 16th Imperial Administrative Zone of the ever growing Japanese Empire. Likewise, according to reports coming out of the JIIA - Rear Admiral Takagi Daisuke has been named Imperial Governor of Azteca (known globally as Mexico), as the newest and 17th Imperial Colony. The news has forced the resurfacing of existing fears within the UASR, and by extension broader Bandung Pact as to ongoing colonialism by the Japanese Empire which has despite its claim to "isolation", come to control vast swathes of the globe.
The annexation of South Africa, or rather, the repeated annexation of South Africa by Japan showcases the ongoing Imperial ambitions of a Japan which has frequently been known to break the conventions on human rights with its rumors of prison camps and genocide. Now following the death of the former Aesir of Alfheim who himself was a scourge on the continent of Africa, Japan has only further pushed the boundaries of its Imperial borders, using the second born Princess Kyōko as a way of wrestling control over the once antagonistic German Empire. While the hand-over of the Alfr's two most valued colonies was ostensibly done under the pretense of the possibility of outright war from a Bandung Pact led liberation of either South Africa or Mexico, experts across the Globe have come to other theories.
Specifically, experts within the UASR have begun theorizing that the recent withdrawal of the Alfheim from its Imperial ambitions, is largely, due to the possibility of an ongoing internal conflict between various factions within the Alfheimr Empire - namely, it is believed that there are several dissenting factions attempting to wrestle control out of Japanese hands. While outright war seems unlikely, the possibility of conflict cannot be understated as [Kyrr Von Lohengrin](), the Æsir's Chosen, and Danubian Habsburgs have been seen far more frequently in official affairs - while Alfheimr military assets appear to be on the constant move. While it is believed that much of the Aesir's non-Human population has as dictated by central processing units in both Wewelsburg, Berlin, and Paris been accepting of the new Æsir, more complex androids like the Æsir's Chosen and the vast majority of the religiously indoctrinated human population is rumored to be far less tolerant of both the official explanation of the Æsir's death and of the new ruling Æsir. Ultimately, while most experts believe outright conflict to be unlikely, some like those within the INC (GIGAS), have begun to whisper about the possibility of coming conflict.

For the Republic, Part Five: Born is the Fourth

Rare are the times that Kyrr von Lohengrin, former Imperial Vizikong of North Amerika and Minister of Foreign Affairs had found himself in this office. Its white walls, mirroring those of the exterior, was one of the few buildings permitted to be rebuilt in the wake of the Third Republic's destruction. And yet here he was all the same, the slow ticking of a grandfather clock in the corner the only audible noise that could be heard even with his enhanced hearing. Not even the breathing of the man sitting at the restored Resolute Desk was enough to break Kyrr out of his state of shock. It was only when the man and his hulking frame spoke, that Kyrr's attention drifted back to the present.
"I once sat where you are now." President Armstrong who had once betrayed the Third Republic mused as he stared down the nimble looking Alfr. "I offered your King a Kingdom, and look at him now...laying in dirt.
If not for the desperation of Kyrr's current situation, he would have ordered this so-called President's execution for disrespecting the Aesir.
"And for that matter, look at you, you proud Alfr who once strode in here so high and mighty declaring a new world order. You know? Katherine might have been right...hahaha." Armstrong spat out his tobacco as he leaned back in his chair, resting his legs on the desk. "Your worse than us now, at least we never lost our homes."
The disdain in Armstrong's voice was palpable, as his baritone voice echoed throughout the office. Kyrr could barely hide his own contempt, and disgust at what was nothing more than a sub-human caveman lecturing to one of the Aesir's closest confidants.
"And now, as those Jap fucks stretch their god damn Midnight Sun across Europe...you come to me, Papa Armstrong for help." Armstrong's face broke into a wicked smile; violence, rage, and hatred spewing from his eyes. "Well your in luck, kid. Because you've come to a land where the people are free, there is no slate to wipe because I've already burned the fucking thing to the ground."
"Look, I'm not here for a monologue. We both have things we can off-...."
"Shut the fuck up and sit there, quietly. You came here for whatever I can offer, not the other way around." Armstrong's smile only continued to widen as it reached comedically lengths. "And as I said, your in luck, because I can offer you a place in my new America. People will die, and kill, and you can be one of the killers."
Kyrr continued to stare at the American whose smile literally reached from ear to ear.
"So...whaddya think?"

Warsaw, The Commonwealth 

vibe

"Fall Dämmerung and the Álfheimr Civil War"

CNN (Commonwealth) Issued October 16th, 2072 - 12:00 Warsaw, The Commonwealth
PARIS - As the Black Fleet lay smoldering at the bottom of the Atlantic, the Global Interoperable Guarantee for Allied Support has announced the end of the Álfheimr Civil War which had started in the late Spring of 2072. While the ACW had begun largely due to factional disputes on an internal level within Imperial Álfheimr government following the coronation of the new Æsir, too most experts, it didn't officially begin until the secession of what is now informally known as the "Republic of New Álfheimr". The New Republic which exists in an unrecognized status (by Imperial Japan, the INC, and GIGAS at large), is now formally made up of the "Imperial Dominion of Amerika" which was the former Third American Republic before its conquest by the late Greater Aryan Empire (GAE). The secession of America was allegedly brought about by an alliance between certain Dederick Lohengrin loyalists including Kyrr von Lohengrin, alongside Steven Armstrong the titular "Governor" of the American colony. While the Civil War had originally been fought solely between the Imperial Álfheimr under the recently crowned Æsir Kyōko and Kyrr's New Republic, the follow-up secession of Danubia from the Imperial Álfheimr quickly brought new levels of severity - forcing GIGAS's hand and involvement.
The secession of Danubia under the command of Ferdinand Habsburg, as advised by Gloria von Habsburg led to the creation of "The Grand Imperium of Europa", a new so-called Empire claiming to be the true successors of the Greater Aryan Empire. To even greater surprise however, it would appear that the Danubian secession was supported by the O-5 Council and broader Æsir Chosen including "The Advisor, Commander, and Mother" among others. This was a major blow to Æsir Kyōko's legitimacy, and additionally led to a significant loss of human manpower within the Imperial Álfheimr which coupled with the creation of Kyrr's Republic - undoubtedly forced Álfheimr's call for aide.
These events ultimately led to a "forced peace" between the Imperial Álfheimr which is ostensibly still "independent" from the Empire of Japan, the Republic of New Álfheimr, and Grand Imperium of Europa by GIGAS through the destruction of the feuding Black Fleet in the Atlantic operated by the Republic of New Álfheimr. At the same time however, efforts by the Bandung Pact and Eastern Union to capitalize on these events have largely fallen flat - as crises in Israel, Kaabu, and even Eastern Siberia have led to a new level of unprecedented global tension. Nevertheless, while a tacit "white peace" currently exists between the three "Álfheimr successor states", none are certain that such a peace will hold even under GIGAS oversight.

CLAIM REVEAL: THE POST-ALFHEIM STATES (MAP)

The Grand Imperium of Europa

• DETAILS
• Head of State: Ferdinand Habsburg
  • Other Important Characters (meta control)
  • Gloria von Habsburg
  • The Æsir's Chosen (those otherwise not listed under the RNA)
• Population: 203,994,000
• Claim Starting Allotments (IE. Special Starting Scenario)
  • Claimant receives special/secret information at the start of the Campaign

Things to Consider
The Grand Imperium of Europa is unique in its existence as a fortress state among fortress states, nestled in the heart of Central Europe and shielded from the broader "Japanese Alfheim" (Berlin/Paris, etcetera), the Grand Imperium claims not only to be the true successor of the GAE - but has in many ways, the military might to back it up. Having retained much of the human-based military, and significant portions of the non-human army as well, its only lack is in naval capability.
The Grand Imperium like the RNA also has the benefit of having total access to the Alfheim technology base (anything Tion, Eagan, 8th, etcetera posted). At the same time however, while starting at "peace" with the other Alfr successors and neighbors, the Grand Imperium must be careful as overt aggression against Imperial Alfheim may incur Japanese intervention - although, this is not assured by any means. However due to the ACW, it will likely take 1-2 years to rebuild the ability to produce more.
The Grand Imperium of Europa represents a strong, mid-level claim in a precarious yet flexible geopolitical starting position.

The Imperial Protectorate of the Italian Social Republic

• DETAILS
• Head of State: Player Choice
  • Other Important Characters (meta control)
  • None - Player freedom available
• Population: 94,964,006
• Claim Starting Allotments (IE. Special Starting Scenario)
  • Begins under the protection of the NPC "Imperial Alfheimr"

Things to Consider
The Imperial Protectorate of the Italian Social Republic begins in the unique position of being forgotten in large part by its recent conquerors, and having seen rebuilding investment under the deceased Aesir. The claim ostensibly has multiple factions but players must be cautious as the wrong move to quickly might see the gaze of Imperial Alfheimr or possibly the Grand Imperium of Europa (among other claims) turn towards either putting down a rebellion or imperial conquest.
The Imperial Protectorate of the Italian Social Republic has access to all Alfheim technology, and thanks to the rebuilding investment - has the ability to produce all of it.

The Republic of New Álfheimr

• DETAILS
• Head of State: Steven Armstrong
  • Other Important Characters (meta control)
  • Kyrr von Lohengrin (Former Foreign Affairs Minister under Dederick)
  • Ingel Faedryk (Former Reichsfuhrer-SS under Dederick)
  • Svipul von Lohengrin (Former Imperial Spymaster under Dederick)
• Population: 143,863,000
• Claim Starting Allotments (IE. Special Starting Scenario)
  • Has access to large portions of in-production Alfheimr military equipment (refer to Tion's posts) - Continental European in-production units largely destroyed unless in NPC territories.
  • Has a secret alliance with certain NPC claims (informed to the player)

Things to Consider
The Republic of New Álfheimr while a democracy, still considers itself the true successor to Dederick von Lohengrin, and has the geographic, military, and economic position to be immediately independent should its cards be played correctly. They are the strongest military of the three main successors, and similarly have a strong geopolitical starting position, alongside a network of secret diplomatic alliances.
The RNA is in a unique position to quickly assert itself as an independent state, having inherited the same technology base as the Grand Imperium - but in greater existing asset quantities. The RNA also has a large portion of the former GAE's "android" soldiers - making for a lethal and incredibly loyal army right out of the gates.

ALFHEIM CLAIMS MILITARY SPLIT

Questions please send on discord through private messages or comment on this post.

Date: 05/13/2024

Reading time: 4 minutes, 894 words

🏛️ Politics & Government

DRI: Police Actions Illegal and Disproportionate

Democracy Research Institute, a local watchdog, said the facts of physical retaliation by the police against the peaceful rally participants cannot be considered “legal police measures” The watchdog observes that despite the peaceful nature of the protest, the police still used force, clearing the area around Zhvania street near the Parliament.

CivilGe, Riot police leave the streets

Georgian PM says foreign official’s arrival at protests against foreign influence bill “manifestation of crude attitude” towards country’s sovereignty

Georgian PM Irakli Kobakhidze criticizes Lithuanian Parliament member's visit to Tbilisi. He said the visit was a “manifestation of crude attitude” towards the sovereignty of the country.

AgendaGe, The action against the "transparency of foreign influence" bill at the parliament continues, The Legal Affairs Committee supported the draft law "On transparency of foreign influence" in the third reading., Riot police leave the streets, After one-minute review, Legal Issues Committee supports the draft law “On transparency of foreign influence”, Georgian Dream debates “Russian” law in the 3rd reading as protest continues, Georgian Dream debates “Russian” law in the 3rd reading as protest continues, Students protest re-introduction of “Russian Law,” refuse to attend lectures

PM: Ivanishvili “Refused to Meet” with Assistant Secretary O’Brien, Cites Blackmail and Threats

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Jim O'Brien requested a meeting with the honorary chairman of the Georgian Dream party Bidzina Ivanishvili, but that request was rejected. No legal or financial sanctions have been imposed on Ivanishviili by the U., the European Union or the U.'S. According to the Prime Minister, the issue of "sanctions" is at the heart of the problem.

CivilGe, Foreign Affairs Committee Chairs of EU Member States Visit Georgia, RFE/RL: EU Top Diplomats Ask for Commission’s Oral Update on Foreign Agents Law Effects, MEPs Ask HVP Borrell for Targeted Sanctions Against MPs if Agents’ Law Adopted

EU “Strongly Condemns” Assaults against Protesters, Politicians, CSOs, Media

EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Spokesperson Peter Stano condemned ‘acts of intimidation, threats and physical assaults” against anti-Foreign Agents Bill protesters, media, politicians and CSOs. Stano called on the government to ensure the people’s right to protest, and urged the authorities to investigate possible misconduct and violations.

CivilGe

Public Defender calls on MIA not to use excessive force or retaliatory measures against protesters

The Public Defender of Georgia has called on the Ministry of Internal Affairs to act within the framework of legislation. The use of force must be necessary and proportionate, must be aimed at carrying out a specific legal measure, and in no case should it turn into targeted violence/retaliation against citizens.

GeorgiaToday

After all-night protester vigil, special police surround Rustaveli Avenue en masse

Thousands of special force police encamped by thousands of protesters to allow MPs to debate foreign agents law. Crowds are at the gates of Parliament shouting ‘Pigs! Pigs!” at gates shouting “Pigs!'” Police in masks brutally attacked a number of peaceful protesters.

GeorgiaToday

The Minister of Defense of Russia, Sergei Shoigu, will be replaced by Andrei Belousov

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu will be replaced by Andrei Belusov, who was the first deputy prime minister in the government of Mikhail Mishustin. He will take the position of Secretary of the National Security Council of Russia. He has been the Minister of Defense since 2012.

EuroNewsGeorgia

💵 Economy

Georgia’s Foreign Trade Down 2.7% in January-April 2024

Georgia's external merchandise trade decreased by 2.7% in January-April 2024 compared to the corresponding period of the previous year, amounting USD 6,563.7 million. The trade deficit amounted to USD 3,036 million, representing 46.3% of the overall trade turnover.

CivilGe

Date: 05/12/2024

Reading time: 0 minutes, 170 words

🏛️ Politics & Government

Interior Minister says “appropriate, proportional” measures will be taken against “violent, unlawful assembly”

Interior Minister Vakhtang Gomelauri said the right to peaceful assembly in Georgia was ensured at “a high standard” in Georgia. He said in case of “violent and unlawful” assembly the state was empowered to take “appropriate, proportional measures”

AgendaGe, PM Vows to Adopt Foreign Agents Law, Pledges to Punish Violent Protesters

President Warns Law Enforcement Officials Against Resorting to Violence and Repression

President of Georgia tells protesters not to resort to violence against them. Calls on the government to withdraw the law and not to use it against the protesters.

CivilGe, PM Vows to Adopt Foreign Agents Law, Pledges to Punish Violent Protesters

Georgia’s “Europe March” of thousands sends a definitive message to the government

An estimated 20,000 Georgians and Georgia-supporters filled the streets of the capital city to protest the ruling party’s plans to bring in a foreign agents’ transparency law, commonly known as the “Russian Law.”

GeorgiaToday

Date: 05/11/2024

Reading time: 1 minutes, 349 words

🏛️ Politics & Government

Man Severely Beaten in Car in Another Case of Police Brutality

A video went viral on May 10, showing a citizen being severely beaten in his car by a group of police in the presence of his wife. The incident occurred as the man was driving up a street in central Tbilisi and encountered a police bus moving in the opposite direction on the one-way street. The Special Investigative Service said on May 11 that it had opened an investigation under Article 333 (3b) of the Criminal Code, which deals with exceeding official authority by using force or a weapon.

CivilGe

29 U.S. House Members Threaten Sanctions If Agents Law is Not Dropped

29 members of the U.S. House of Representatives sent a strongly worded joint letter to Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on May 10. The Representatives stress that the Georgian authorities face a choice between hearing the voices of the Georgian people, and continuing to move on the “dark rode” towards “Russian-style authoritarianism” The letter comes as the ruling Georgian Dream readies to pass the bill.

CivilGe, US congressmen wrote a letter to Irakli Kobakhidze

According to the US President's adviser, Georgian parliamentarians are facing a critical choice

Jake Sullivan, adviser to US president on national security issues, on social network. Sullivan: "We are deeply alarmed about democratic backsliding in Georgia"

EuroNewsGeorgia

MP Maka Botchorishvili on the “Foreign Agents” Bill and Georgia’s Chances at EU Integration under Georgian Dream Leadership

Georgian Dream MP Maka Botchorishvili discusses the widely contested “Foreign Agents” law (Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence) and what it means to her party and for Georgia’s future. The interview has been redacted for clarity.

GeorgiaToday

International Reactions to Intimidation, Violence Campaign Against Civil Activists, Opposition Politicians over Foreign Agents Law

Diplomatic missions in Georgia urge the government to take preventive measures and thoroughly investigate these incidents. British Embassy in Georgia called on government to prevent unlawful intimidation of protesters and to investigate all rights abuses. German Ambassador to Georgia, Peter Fischer, stressed that “The rule of law must prevail. Democracy requires non-violence”

CivilGe

🎭 Culture

TSU Students Announce Academic Boycott over Foreign Agents’ Law

A part of the students of Tbilisi State University announced the boycott of the academic process. They will refuse to enter the lecture halls from Monday, May 13. The students say they will stand at Rustaveli Avenue instead at 9 o’clock in the morning.

CivilGe

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A top Wall Street regulator has proposed outlawing election betting in the U.S. derivatives markets, with officials warning that the activity poses a threat to the sanctity of American elections.
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission, which is charged with regulating the vast and complex derivatives markets, voted 3-2 on Friday to issue a new rule proposal that would ban so-called event contracts that effectively act as wagers on political elections. The plan would also prohibit those contracts related to sporting events and even awards ceremonies like the Oscars.
And from the horse’s mouth:
“Contracts involving political events ultimately commoditize and degrade the integrity of the uniquely American experience of participating in the democratic electoral process,” CFTC Chair Rostin Behnam said. “Allowing these contracts would push the CFTC, a financial market regulator, into a position far beyond its Congressional mandate and expertise. To be blunt, such contracts would put the CFTC in the role of an election cop.”
Behnam was joined in supporting the proposal by fellow Democratic Commissioners Kristin Johnson and Christy Goldsmith Romero.
Here is the full Politico article. How can you put such people in charge of things? What else do they want to stop us from doing? Is it so difficult for them to imagine a world where the election forecasts we can find on Predictit — among other sources — simply continue and that is perfectly fine, as it has been for years?
The post There is simply no good reason for such a ruling appeared first on Marginal REVOLUTION.
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Hello. I would like to please ask for advice in terms of completely cleaning out: kitchen appliances (air fryer, coffee maker), electronics (monitor & pc, tv), furniture (faux leather couch, bed mattress, gaming computer chair faux leather) and clothes from an extremely bad roach infestation? We moved in on this apartment (3rd floor) on Feb 2024 but wasnt shown the unit until move in day only then we realized we lived next to a garbage disposal and how it has black mold in the bathroom & most of all, infested with roaches. I have been in apartments where you see one or two roaches once in a while but this is the worst I’ve ever been in. We literally see roaches (babies, most of all, as tiny as a mustard seed) every second. They are everywhere no matter the hour of the day. They are inside our dishwasher, kitchen utensils drawer, pantry, fridge, hallway crevices, washing machine, beds. My husband literally woke up with a roach crawling on him and I once was eating and felt a baby roach crawl my face. Ew. I don’t wish that on anyone. My partner and I are very neat & tidy people. We don’t even leave dirty dishes in the dishwasher, we hand wash them. We called a pest control company & they even refused to come stating it seems to be a bigger infestation & that the whole building should be sprayed every 2 weeks which will cost $400/session. It’s so horrible. We finally managed to talk to the management & got out of our lease without paying fees due to the situation we were put in. This place was clearly uninhabitable yet they put people in it (Stay away from SIGNATURE RIDGE BUILDING 14 if ya’ll live in TEXAS) I was told by a realtor the apartment complex is so big management/maintenance can’t keep up with it. Nevertheless, we are moving out and I wanted to deep clean: wash all clothes, wipe down all things, etc. But since this is my first time dealing with such problem , I HAVE NO IDEA what to do. I looked up online & saw suggestions for roach bombs/gel baits… ANY OTHER SUGGESTIONS besides that? Do I wash all our clothes with hot water? Color safe Bleach? What about shoes? What about the couch? Bed mattress? Kitchen appliances what do I use? Is it safe to bomb closet with clothes? We have a PET DOG too and I’m worried these might not be safe for him. PLEASE HELP WITH ADVICE. I am desperate and don’t want to carry this infestation into the new place. I looked up online & they seem to be both German & Brown-Banded Roaches. Thank you and I appreciate all. God bless.

Hello. I would like to please ask for advice in terms of completely cleaning out: kitchen appliances (air fryer, coffee maker), electronics (monitor & pc, tv), furniture (faux leather couch, bed mattress, gaming computer chair faux leather) and clothes from an extremely bad roach infestation? We moved in on this apartment (3rd floor) on Feb 2024 but wasnt shown the unit until move in day only then we realized we lived next to a garbage disposal and how it has black mold in the bathroom & most of all, infested with roaches. I have been in apartments where you see one or two roaches once in a while but this is the worst I’ve ever been in. We literally see roaches (babies, most of all, as tiny as a mustard seed) every second. They are everywhere no matter the hour of the day. They are inside our dishwasher, kitchen utensils drawer, pantry, fridge, hallway crevices, washing machine, beds. My husband literally woke up with a roach crawling on him and I once was eating and felt a baby roach crawl my face. Ew. I don’t wish that on anyone. My partner and I are very neat & tidy people. We don’t even leave dirty dishes in the dishwasher, we hand wash them. We called a pest control company & they even refused to come stating it seems to be a bigger infestation & that the whole building should be sprayed every 2 weeks which will cost $400/session. It’s so horrible. We finally managed to talk to the management & got out of our lease without paying fees due to the situation we were put in. This place was clearly uninhabitable yet they put people in it (Stay away from SIGNATURE RIDGE BUILDING 14 if ya’ll live in TEXAS) I was told by a realtor the apartment complex is so big management/maintenance can’t keep up with it. Nevertheless, we are moving out and I wanted to deep clean: wash all clothes, wipe down all things, etc. But since this is my first time dealing with such problem , I HAVE NO IDEA what to do. I looked up online & saw suggestions for roach bombs/gel baits… ANY OTHER SUGGESTIONS besides that? Do I wash all our clothes with hot water? Color safe Bleach? What about shoes? What about the couch? Bed mattress? Kitchen appliances what do I use? Is it safe to bomb closet with clothes? We have a PET DOG too and I’m worried these might not be safe for him. PLEASE HELP WITH ADVICE. I am desperate and don’t want to carry this infestation into the new place. I looked up online & they seem to be both German & Brown-Banded Roaches. Thank you and I appreciate all. God bless.

Hello. I would like to please ask for advice in terms of completely cleaning out: kitchen appliances (air fryer, coffee maker), electronics (monitor & pc, tv), furniture (faux leather couch, bed mattress, gaming computer chair faux leather) and clothes from an extremely bad roach infestation? We moved in on this apartment (3rd floor) on Feb 2024 but wasnt shown the unit until move in day only then we realized we lived next to a garbage disposal and how it has black mold in the bathroom & most of all, infested with roaches. I have been in apartments where you see one or two roaches once in a while but this is the worst I’ve ever been in. We literally see roaches (babies, most of all, as tiny as a mustard seed) every second. They are everywhere no matter the hour of the day. They are inside our dishwasher, kitchen utensils drawer, pantry, fridge, hallway crevices, washing machine, beds. My husband literally woke up with a roach crawling on him and I once was eating and felt a baby roach crawl my face. Ew. I don’t wish that on anyone. My partner and I are very neat & tidy people. We don’t even leave dirty dishes in the dishwasher, we hand wash them. We called a pest control company & they even refused to come stating it seems to be a bigger infestation & that the whole building should be sprayed every 2 weeks which will cost $400/session. It’s so horrible. We finally managed to talk to the management & got out of our lease without paying fees due to the situation we were put in. This place was clearly uninhabitable yet they put people in it (Stay away from SIGNATURE RIDGE BUILDING 14 if ya’ll live in TEXAS) I was told by a realtor the apartment complex is so big management/maintenance can’t keep up with it. Nevertheless, we are moving out and I wanted to deep clean: wash all clothes, wipe down all things, etc. But since this is my first time dealing with such problem , I HAVE NO IDEA what to do. I looked up online & saw suggestions for roach bombs/gel baits… ANY OTHER SUGGESTIONS besides that? Do I wash all our clothes with hot water? Color safe Bleach? What about shoes? What about the couch? Bed mattress? Kitchen appliances what do I use? Is it safe to bomb closet with clothes? We have a PET DOG too and I’m worried these might not be safe for him. PLEASE HELP WITH ADVICE. I am desperate and don’t want to carry this infestation into the new place. I looked up online & they seem to be both German & Brown-Banded Roaches. Thank you and I appreciate all. God bless.

Hello. I would like to please ask for advice in terms of completely cleaning out: kitchen appliances (air fryer, coffee maker), electronics (monitor & pc, tv), furniture (faux leather couch, bed mattress, gaming computer chair faux leather) and clothes from an extremely bad roach infestation? We moved in on this apartment (3rd floor) on Feb 2024 but wasnt shown the unit until move in day only then we realized we lived next to a garbage disposal and how it has black mold in the bathroom & most of all, infested with roaches. I have been in apartments where you see one or two roaches once in a while but this is the worst I’ve ever been in. We literally see roaches (babies, most of all, as tiny as a mustard seed) every second. They are everywhere no matter the hour of the day. They are inside our dishwasher, kitchen utensils drawer, pantry, fridge, hallway crevices, washing machine, beds. My husband literally woke up with a roach crawling on him and I once was eating and felt a baby roach crawl my face. Ew. I don’t wish that on anyone. My partner and I are very neat & tidy people. We don’t even leave dirty dishes in the dishwasher, we hand wash them. We called a pest control company & they even refused to come stating it seems to be a bigger infestation & that the whole building should be sprayed every 2 weeks which will cost $400/session. It’s so horrible. We finally managed to talk to the management & got out of our lease without paying fees due to the situation we were put in. This place was clearly uninhabitable yet they put people in it (Stay away from SIGNATURE RIDGE BUILDING 14 if ya’ll live in TEXAS) I was told by a realtor the apartment complex is so big management/maintenance can’t keep up with it. Nevertheless, we are moving out and I wanted to deep clean: wash all clothes, wipe down all things, etc. But since this is my first time dealing with such problem , I HAVE NO IDEA what to do. I looked up online & saw suggestions for roach bombs/gel baits… ANY OTHER SUGGESTIONS besides that? Do I wash all our clothes with hot water? Color safe Bleach? What about shoes? What about the couch? Bed mattress? Kitchen appliances what do I use? Is it safe to bomb closet with clothes? We have a PET DOG too and I’m worried these might not be safe for him. PLEASE HELP WITH ADVICE. I am desperate and don’t want to carry this infestation into the new place. I looked up online & they seem to be both German & Brown-Banded Roaches. Thank you and I appreciate all. God bless.

Orlan stood in the large Anchorheart chamber in the heart of his castle once more, a wooden training spear in his hands, eyes closed. Slowly he began to move, spinning the spear through a series of blocks and strikes. There was no set pattern to his training, looking more like he was fighting invisible enemies than a regimented routine, but that was what worked best for him. The pattern the spear tip wove in the air reminiscent of lightning, flowing along a jagged path without slowing before striking the target with all the power of a rift.
The chaotic yet flowing fighting style was of his own creation, based on his own observations of rifts. It was also utterly impossible without the super-human body granted by the spheres of mana within his soul, performing seemingly impossible lunges, spins and blocks that a normal human couldn’t manage.
But this wasn’t training, it was an active meditation as Orlan focused on condensing a sixth layer of his soul. Doing so required immense concentration, there were a number of chambers in the castle specially designed to assist in meditation. Some were thick with incense, the burning herbs chosen to heighten focus, while others were almost completely bare to remove all distractions. But Orlan always felt most comfortable in the presence of his Anchorheart, allowing his body and mind to slip into a martial trance. The gentle pulsing of the grand stone granting him a sense of calm even as he danced across the room, spear tip humming through the air, for hours on end.
Normally he wouldn’t spend so long in isolation, but tiering up was a critical goal for him. Not only would it improve his mana regeneration, increasing the time he could spend in combat before exhausting himself, but it also improved the Anchorheart. It would allow them to move the protectorate to other regions, not as reliant on mana geysers to sustain the massive floating island.
But, ultimately, he wasn’t some sage of a wizard’s tower, able to shut himself off from the world for days or even weeks at a time. A faint buzzing in the back of his mind broke him out of his meditation, pulling him from the depths of his spirit in an instant. After a moment to ensure being interrupted hadn’t damaged the sphere he answered the telepathic call.
“Lord, there’s another Rift,” Nallia said on the other side as Orlan wiped the sweat from his face, “in a country called Germany.”
“Damnit,” he replied, “that’s too far for us to reach.”
“Indeed,” she agreed, “even if we were to fully discharge the sky-cutter’s mana we’d only be able to reach Spain. On foot it would take us days to travel from there to the site of the rift.”
“You find out about the rift on the phone?”
“Yes, seems like there might have been another rift in the last week on a continent called ‘Africa’ but word never got out,” she added.
Orlan simply sighed, he’d known it would happen but hadn’t expected the rate of rift appearance to increase this rapidly. In the year before Orlan returned it looked like there had been one or two rifts per month, only a handful had been reported as most likely happened far from civilization or in the depths of the ocean. In the two weeks since the major rift that brought him, however, there’d been three reported rifts, meaning a handful likely went unnoticed by the world at large. It was a far cry from the two rifts a day that was the norm on the other side, but he was the only Protector Lord on this side. He could only cover so much territory by himself, even with the island and sky-cutters.
Ultimately there was only one way to help people, and that was to attempt to raise mages in this world. Mundane guns could hold lower tier monsters off, but against a beast rift you needed to do more than simply delay them. You needed to kill them. Even rifts in remote areas could unleash a tide of monsters that could swallow entire regions in the beasts. Thankfully the weak Aether of this world was, for once, working to their benefit. Unlike mages, Monsters needed a constant supply of mana or their cores would break down. The higher tier the monster the more mana they needed. Even on the other side this had restricted what kinds of monsters could appear in which areas, with the strongest often trapped in wild regions where mana filled the Aether like a thick fog.
The mages at the spire figured that the Aether of this world couldn’t support more than second sphere equivalent monsters for any period of time. Any higher than that and the beasts would slowly suffocate from the lack of mana. It might take days but eventually those ant monsters would grow weak and die. Of course, the amount of damage they could do before then was why they couldn’t simply wait the beasts out.
After cleaning off and joining Nallia in the main sitting room he simply waited and watched along with several others as reports came in from the rift in Germany. The monsters there seemed to have the bodies of elephants but the head and neck of a heron or crane. Even normal elephants had hides thick enough to be resistant to small arms, and boosted by magic these monsters were almost immune to small caliber rounds. They were slow and clumsy, but had surprising reach with their razor sharp beaks, able to lash out to spear people in an instant.
The rift was in a relatively remote location, it seemed, and the German army was on the scene fast enough that Orlan suspected that the units had been on standby. Of course, most of their weapons were of minimal effect, only anti-tank weapons seemed to be able to reliably put the beasts down. The knights were especially interested when the first tanks appeared on the streams, such large armored vehicles were unknown to the other side. The tanks did better than Orlan expected, their main gun more than capable of putting a shell clean through one of the monsters. But it was clear they weren’t built for this kind of combat, most rounds were designed with fighting other tanks in mind and tended to pass completely through the monsters. Often they hit something vital on their travels but these beasts were tougher than any normal animal and many times they simply took the hit and kept going.
The rate of fire of the big guns also left much to be desired, more than once news helicopters witnessed a group of tanks be overwhelmed by a stampede of the elephant like monsters. They would kill a few, but couldn’t get more than one or two shots off before being overrun. Normally infantry would screen for the tanks but no amount of small arms fire would deter these monsters.
“What’s the policy on recruiting boss?” one of the girls from second lance asked suddenly.
“I’m not sure,” Orlan admitted, “I’d planned on recruiting as normal, but with the risk of soul blight…”
“I think all we can do is make them aware of the risk,” the knight shrugged.
“And conduct a test for mana allergy,” Nallia added, “it’s a risk but better than nothing.”
-----
It looked like a small army had gathered in front of the capitol building as the car baring Orlan pulled up to the structure. He’d initially planned on simply landing a cutter across the street, but figured that it was best to not. Instead the cutter had touched down some distance from the city and he’d called to ask for a pickup. The man on the other side sounded annoyed, but when Orlan offered to simply fly over the city in a cutter he became much more amenable.
“We were only expecting one,” the first security guard to approach commented, glancing at the other three with him.
“Did you actually expect me to come alone?” Orlan asked with a raised eyebrow, “honestly, most of my knights wanted to come with me.”
“Knights huh?” the man said, glancing at the two women with him, both of whom wore frilly dresses, before shrugging, “we’re going to have to search you for weapons.”
“Really?”
“It’s procedure,” he shrugged, motioning for them to follow. Of course a half dozen news vans were present as he walked into the capitol building, thankfully security kept them away allowing Orlan to enter unmolested. The next half hour was spent walking through metal detectors and having themselves searched. It was all completely useless, of course, as he could pull his weapon out of his personal space at any time.
After that annoying process they spent well over an hour simply waiting to be called before whatever committee had called for the meeting. By the time the four of them were finally called it was well past nine, when the meeting had been supposed to happen. The room for the meeting wasn’t the main floor of congress, but a side room. A dozen committee members sat at a long raised desk facing the rest of the room, while Orlan was restricted to a simple table with a few chairs on the ground, meaning he’d be forced to look up at the committee.
Typical, he thought to himself, governments never change, even in other worlds. They just had to feel superior.
There was only one name plate at the small table and, surprisingly, it had Orlan’s full name. With a scowl, before sitting he ran his finger across the nameplate, a pulse of mana vaporizing the paper that had been fitted to the plate until just Orlan was left. This action drew some raised eyebrows from the congressmen who were still getting settled, but they waited until everyone was seated to begin.
“Why don’t you begin with introducing yourselves,” the committee leader offered once the room was quiet.
“I’m Protector Lord Orlan,” he replied confidently, “This is Lady Lailra, my second in command, and Lady Nallia, my personal aide. Finally is Grandmaster Benimar of the Mage’s Spire.”
“Interesting,” the committee leader replied, not bothering to introduce himself but there was a nameplate for ‘William’ before him. Next to him the Grandmaster mage grumbled softly to himself, of everyone he was the only one who hadn’t wanted to come, but Orlan had felt that a representative from the spire was a good idea.
“According to the ID you showed our men your name is Orlando Eckhart,” William continued, “is there a reason you don’t use that name?”
“As a Protector Lord I’m required to give up all familial ties, from names to titles,” Orlan explained, “and I’ve always gone simply by Orlan, so I figured I’d just make it official.”
“I see,” William said, writing something down before continuing, “there are a number of reasons for this meeting. First on the schedule is your actions in Boston and Jefferson.”
“That’s where you want to start?” Orlan asked, surprised.
“Please refrain from talking unless asked a question,” William warned him with a mild glare over his glasses, “Now, the Senator from New Jersey is first, you have ten minutes.”
“Thankyou chairman,” another woman on the committee replied, taking a moment to gather her notes, “Now, Mr. Eckhart, accord-.”
“Call me Orlan,” the protector interrupted.
“Please don’t talk during my time,” the woman scowled at him before continuing, “according to news reports you employ quite destructive means during these ‘rift’ events as you call them.”
“Destructive how?” Orlan asked.
“As in damaging,” the woman insisted, “many buildings in Boston were damaged by your so-called magics.”
“We try to minimize collateral damage, if that’s what you’re asking,” Orlan said slowly, “but there’s only so much we can do when the monsters can punt a person through a solid wall.”
“But you admit to causing widespread damage?”
“The damage would have been worse if I hadn’t been present,” countered Orlan.
“And it never occurred to you to leave the situation to the military?”
“If the military had any chance of helping I’d consider it.”
“I understand you’ve been missing for over a decade, but according to our records you were a college student when you vanished,” she pressed, “I find it hard to believe that you, no matter what you went through, and a handful of girls could be more effective than the most powerful military on the planet.”
“Did you see what happened in Germany the other day?” Orlan asked, “do you honestly think-.”
“Mr. Eckhart,” the woman interrupted, “I’m reclaiming my time.”
“What does that even mean?”
“It means it’s my turn to speak,” she snapped, glancing at the chairman before looking down at her notes, continuing after a moment, “now, after the events in Boston you resisted the agents sent to arrest you, is that correct?”
“The two squads of soldiers you sent to my island you mean?” Orlan asked with a raised eyebrow, “ya, I wasn’t going to just go with them.”
“So not only did you cause extensive collateral damage, injure several agents while resisting arrest, there are also reports of people dying after being treated by your people. Yet you insist you’re more effective than our own army. I would suggest that this man is as much of a danger to our nation as these monsters are, if not more so. We can’t simply allow vigilantes to go around causing such damage and loss of life,” the woman said, turning to the chairman before Orlan could respond, “that’s all I have to say Chairman.”
“Thank you senator,” the man in charge said as Orlan stood.
“Excuse me,” he growled, “do I get a chance to respond?”
“If someone wants to donate their time to you then you can speak,” the chairman replied, looking through the papers on his desk, “those are the rules.”
Next to Orlan both Lailra and Nallia were quite tense, their smiles strained as they clearly struggled to keep still and not draw their weapons. Orlan simply took a deep breath and sat down once more, he’d known this would be frustrating, he just had to deal with it. Eventually the next senator was called to speak.
“Now, Mr. Eckhart,” the rotund man started, the grinding of Orlan’s teeth almost audible across the room as he was once more called by his old name, “based on reports all your so-called knights are women, is that correct?”
“Yes,” Orlan started, “its due to a quirk of-.”
“Thank you, Mr. Eckhart, but it’s my time,” the senator interrupted, “and all of them are white, correct?”
“A few of the girls are from further south but-.”
“Please answer my question, Mr. Eckhart.”
“The majority of my knights are fair of skin, yes,” Orlan growled.
“According to the report, you also committed a racist act following the event in North Carolina,” he continued, “Do you have an issue with black people?”
“What are you even talking about?”
“Answer the question please.”
“No, why would I have-.”
“Thank you, Mr. Eckhart,” the senator once more interrupted, “perhaps you can explain why-.”
“A moment senator,” the chairman interrupted, “that was quite the accusation, surely Mr. Orlan deserves a chance to respond.”
“It’s my time, chairman, he can respond on his own time.”
“I’m going to pause your time then, give our guest a chance to defend himself,” the Chairman stated, nodding to Orlan.
“On the other side I spent most of my time in northern Eura and Siria,” Orlan said after taking another calming breath, “on this side that corresponds loosely to northern Europe and western Asia. Travel isn’t as common or easy on that side, and recruitment mostly comes from local populations, so it’s to be expected that most of my people resemble the populations native to those regions.”
“But you don’t have an issue with recruiting black people?” The chairman asked.
“No, I just never got the chance.”
“Objection, Chairman,” another senator spoke up, “but there are no reports of him being in Europe for the last few decades, much less of a flying island.”
“Because I was on the other side,” Orlan said dryly.
“Objection noted,” the chairman said with a slight glance at Orlan, before motioning to the second senator, “the gentleman from Michigan has the floor again.”
“So, Mr. Eckhart, you claim to have no objection to recruiting people of color,” the round man from earlier said, “then can you explain why you attempted to hand a banana to a black man in North Carolina?”
“Uhh,” Orlan started, completely caught off guard by the question, “because bananas are tasty?”
“Are you aware of the racial implications of such an action?”
“No?”
“I see,” the senator said, pausing to scribble something down, “I think it’s clear that, in addition to the issues pointed out by the lady from New Jersey, this Mr. Eckhart fails to live up to the values of the US. Hiring so many women is laudable, but completely ignoring people of color, and even showing distain towards them, I think proves he doesn’t value diversity. Thank you Chairman.”
Orlan was once more forced to stew as the chairman looked through his notes, eventually calling a senator from Texas next.
“You’ve never had to deal with politics like this, have you Mr. Orlan?” the senator asked with a sympathetic smile, “I think it’s important that people have the chance to defend themselves, so I’d like to ask you one question, and then donate the rest of my time so you can defend yourself. My one question is, what exactly happened in Boston?”
“Thank you,” Orlan sighed, grateful that at least one of the committee members seemed friendly, “What happened there, and in North Caroline and Germany, was what we call a Beast Rift. Basically a poorly understood event that deposits hundreds, or even thousands of magical monsters into the world over-.”
“Objection,” the senator from New Jersey interrupted, “this talk of magic is preposterous. Can we stick to scientific terms?”
“I tend to agree,” the chairman replied after a moment, “perhaps we should start with that, can you tell us what this so-called magic is?”
“It’s… magic,” Orlan said slowly, “by drawing energy called mana from the Aether we can influence the world in seemingly supernatural ways. For example, the giant flying island I use is kept aloft by powerful spells placed upon it a thousand years ago.”
“And these beasts can use magic?”
“In a sense,” Orlan replied, “to put it simply every living thing uses mana, even everyone in this room is only alive thanks to magic, in a sense. Of course most people barely require the tiniest gust of mana in their entire lives, but mages, like my knights and I, and monsters can draw on much greater amounts to empower ourselves. This manifests in a number of different ways, all of which are loosely called magic.”
“You can understand how hard this is to believe,” the chairman said, “with how common CGI is today it’s hard to believe what is seen on the news, can you provide an example? Something solid?”
“Sure, I actually prepared for this,” Orlan said, reaching out and pulling a small billet of metal from his personal space, “with enough mana it’s possible for inanimate objects to use mana as well, though in more limited ways. This is regular iron, mostly pure, making it rather brittle. Consider it a baseline, now, this is tier two iron,” Orlan continued pulling another small bar out, “as iron becomes imbued it becomes stronger and heavier, at tier two it’s weight will have about doubled.”
By way of demonstration he dropped first the mundane iron onto the table, which clattered loudly as it bounced a couple times, followed by the tier two iron which landed with more of a crack. Orlan reached out and pulled a third finger length bar before continuing.
“This is tier five iron, after tier three or four things tend to become rather… extreme. So while I’m certain you could, and will, try to explain the other bar with mundane concepts. I expect this one to be a bit more difficult,” he said and dropped the bar from the same height as the others, and the table bent and seemed to buckle as the bar crashed into it, nearly punching through the wooden top. For a long moment there was simply silence following the demonstration before the chairman spoke up.
“And are you willing to leave this… iron to be inspected?” he asked.
“Of course,” Orlan nodded, “I will recommend that, for the tier five bar, you handle it carefully. I doubt you could break it outside of a machine, but if it does break there’s a good chance it’ll release much of the mana within which could be dangerous.”
“I see…”
\=\=\=\=\=
((I tried to write a chapter of Tower of Worlds and this came out, I think my fingers are revol- no, nothing bad is happening, the hands are fine, continue as normal))
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