#13th Inspector

[inspectorspacetimerevisited]

It’s actually amazing how well the writers for the 13th Inspector

showed what Autism Spectrum Disorder is like.

‘Not sure this is when I’m supposed to be, but … uh, never mind. So many other things to focus on!’

[gay11aliens]

I feel like the people in media I see who I think are attractive are either mean, murderers, or no one cares about them their just there

[batsyvie]

May 12th —> Clue, May 13th and 14th COMBINED!!!! —> Heavenly Hosts//Agents of Hell, where Aziracrow are too busy internally monologuing to realise that the others are already fraternising (haha what if aziracrow set a precedent for angels and demons feeling free enough to love each other hahahaha [dm for free essay]), May 15th —> Promotion, May 16th —> 1827, May 17th —> Inspector Constable MY BELOVED!! crowley is still deciding whether they are a walking fashion faux pas, or if they’re onto something with the chinos/plaid skirt/bowtie/cardi combo.

Transcript for Slide Two’s rambling i formally apologise for the excuse that I call my handwriting

Aziraphale: Oh, dearest…How I yearn for you…But our love is 𝖋𝖔𝖗𝖇𝖎𝖉𝖉𝖊𝖓…No blasphemy burdens me more than the steadfast belief that you are better than Heaven…

Crowley: Damn it all…Even Fallen I’ll never escape Heaven’s cruel ordinance…I must keep my overwhelming adoration hidden under the guise of practiced nonchalance…⛓️🥀🐺

these are all pretty scrappy, MUCH APPOHIES!!! ApOLOGIES****

[mariacallous]

I do love my British Library Crime Classics and Golden Age mystery fiction, but sometimes it really is “have you read ‘Diddle, Diddle, Dumpling’, the 13th book by Selvena Empatojaytos (real name Joan Broadditch) for her Inspector Bovring series? A delightful locked room scenario set at Newbox Hall, but there are a few instances of anti-Asian language, and the victim is an unsympathetic Jewish blackmailer…”

[nosferatini]

🕊️ The Season of Nightingales - Ch.23 🕊️

It’s Friday the 13th, exactly one year after the publishing day of this fic. I haven’t added to it since maternity leave, so as a fic anniversary present, I’m pushing the word count over 100k with this new chapter! 🥃🎊

~I will post chapters on Friday going forward!~

Fic Summary

The Second Coming looms large. Aziraphale must keep his vow to fix Heaven before it’s too late, without asking the impossible from Crowley. As the effort is complicated by unexpected friends, an ex-Inspector Constable, a guileful Metatron, and a Heavenly floor full of the Blessed Dead—Aziraphale and Crowley find navigating their relationship is not mutually exclusive from saving the world from Armageddon.

Chapter Excerpt:

When Aziraphale replaced the whisper glass in his pocket, the words of Agnes' prophecy began to play in his head, and this was mildly irritating—until the post-slumber haze cleared from his mind.  ‘When golden band rests o’er the fallen in the dark, provide ye on my box of apples a ring for a ring upon Anathema’s device, and the last ring shall thee wear.’ “Oh my.” His eyes went wide, and his [redacted] over Crowley's [redacted]

Read Chapter 23 on AO3

Or…

🕊️ Start From the Beginning! 🕊️

CW: Tooth rotting fluff and plot

Huge hugs and gratitude to my beloved betas, @addledmongoose, @dbacklot99, @demonsandpieohmy and u/blackjeans93 from @goodomensafterdark for helping me scrub and polish my baby, and to the lovely @searchingforakeythatdoesntexist for making me a writing logo at the last minute (which she did not have to do!)

@whickberstreetwriters

[erisicy]

Phantom Blood Musical Rough Translations Master Post

Song Lyrics

Overture: Eternal Voice

M1: Light and Darkness (Already has a translation in the JoJo Wiki)

M2: Dio

M3: Invasion

M4: Hey Danny

M5: Fleeting Time

M6: Voice Calling from the Darkness

M7: I Won't Stop Beating You Until You Cry

M8: Trembling Era ~ Rugby

M9: 7 Years of Friendship

M10: Voice Calling from the Darkness <Reprise>

M11: Ogre Street

M12: Voice Calling from the Darkness - I Can't Help But Drink

M13: Golden Spirit

M14: Zeppeli's Notes

M15: Born Evil (Already has a translation in the JoJo Wiki)

M16: Courage

M17: Youth with Dio

M18: Voice Calling from the Darkness - Dio

M19: Fleeting Time <Reprise>

M20: Trembling Era - Darkness in the Back Alley

M21: Resolve of the Ripple

M22: Stars Drawn Together

M23: Pain

M24: Windknight's Lot

M25: Dio's World

M26: The North Wind Made the Vikings

M27: Knight's Pride, Gentleman's Heart

M28: Tomorrow is Now

M29: Golden Spirit <Reprise>

M30: Dio's World <Reprise>

M31: Fire and Ice

M32: A Story Told Even in the Next Universe

M33: Phantom Blood

Other Scenes (in order)

Old Speedwagon Opening Narration

Dario "Saves" George

Dio's Life in London

Jonathan and Erina Meet

Dio Arrives at the Mansion

Boxing Match

George and Dio Talk

Jonathan Carves his and Erina's Name on a Tree

Dio Kisses Erina

Aftermath of the Fight

George is Sick

Jonathan and Dio's Next Plan

Accidental Creation of a Vampire

George and Inspector Archer Flashback

Dio Returns to the Mansion

George Gets Stabbed

Dio Becomes a Vampire

Zeppeli Explains Hamon

Encounter With Wang Chan

The Effects of Hamon on Wang Chan

Encounter With Jack the Ripper

Jonathan and the Others Find Dio

Encounter With Dio

Tarkus and Bruford's Entrance

Bruford's Defeat

Zeppeli's Successor

Jonathan Confronts Dio (Musical Original Scene)

April 13th Curtain Call

Transcripts

April 13th Curtain Call (JP)

[lupincentral]

Have you heard the news?

Lupin III is diving into the world of live action once again, with Jigen Daisuke ‐ a spin-off film releasing “worldwide” on October 13th, 2023, exclusively on Amazon Prime Video!

Tetsuji Tamayama, who previously portrayed the character in the 2014 released feature film, will be returning to the role of Jigen.

Yoshimasa Akamatsu (BD ~Akechi Tantei Jimusho, Corpse Party: Book of Shadows) has produced the script for the film, and Hajime Hashimoto (The Detective Is in the Bar franchise, AIBOU: Tokyo Detective Duo, Shimauma, Signal) is directing.

In preparation for his reprising of the role, Tamayama states in an interview with Natalie that he has watched the Lupin the IIIRD spin-off film Jigen’s Gravestone, and hopes to bring this cooler, more mature version of the character to television screens come October.

Details on the plot are currently scarce - however, the Natalie article mentions that it involves Jigen searching Japan for the world’s greatest gunsmith, after his trusty combat magnum is in need of some TLC (and said gunsmith just happens to run a rather curious watch shop)…

More details on the film are to be revealed closer to its release date. For now, you can check out the films first trailer embedded below, and its announcement over at website Natalie.

After Lupin ZERO wrapping up at the end of last year, and VS. Cat’s Eye releasing in January, a live action Jigen spin-off is not where I expected TMS to go next with the Lupin franchise. It is, however, in my opinion, a welcome diversion from the norm.

I would be lying if I did not first meet the announcement with some scepticism, though, mostly due to the series’ less than stellar track record of live action adaptations (the amazing 2017 Inspector Zenigata spin-off drama aside). Taking a moment to think back, I quickly realised that while the live action film directed by Ryuhei Kitamura did not win the hearts of fans back in 2014, it did do one thing right - the casting.

Shun Oguri as Lupin III and Tadanobu Asano as Inspector Zenigata were big gets for the film, and both appeared to take their appearance throughout it seriously. Meisa Kuroki played a gorgeous, cunning Fujiko, with Go Ayano trying his best to bring the stoic samurai Goemon to life. It was Tetsuji Tamayama, however, that best looked the part. Fans on social media were swooning over his Jigen as soon as the character portraits were revealed, with some saying he was made for the role.

Despite issues with pacing and its overall narrative, all of the main cast members represented their anime / manga counterparts well, and if there is one positive to take away from that film, it would be their performances.

This gives me hope for Jigen Daisuke - with fresh writing staff and a keen new director to the franchise on board, with an actor we already know can do the character justice, both Amazon and TMS may be on to something special, here. Now slightly older and more experienced, I have full confidence Tamayama will exceed that of his already good performance as Jigen from 2014.

I’m looking forward to finding out how this comes together. Keep an eye out for a full review of the film come October, which I will aim to post up on lupincentral.com a few days after its release.

[notsve2]

DO YOU HEAR THE PEOPLE SING?

Les Miserables US National Tour - September 13th

Les Miserables is based on Victor Hugo’s famous 1862 novel of the same name. It follows Jean Valjean’s life after he is released from prison, Inspector Javier’s chase for him, and the people and events he encounters until his eventual death. The climax of the show revolves around a failed attempt of revolution in the streets of Paris. The technicians, actors, and crew created a full and lively world, something that is hard to create on a stage. Every minute of this show could easily be a scene from a movie or TV show, where elaborate sets and extras are far more common due to cuts between scenes. It was really amazing how fast and smooth the production crew would transport the audience into an entirely different place and time.

As with most productions, the technical aspects of the show were something I paid much more attention to. Something that stood out to me especially with this show was the use of projections, and while projections aren’t uncommon in theater, oftentimes they have a hard time mixing with the onstage actors and set pieces which tends to draw me out of the world. In Les Mis however, they mixed amazingly with the color theme established with the show and at various times I forgot they were even projections. They were also used in unique ways such as in “One Day More” where the actors were ‘fake’ marching but the projections behind them made them appear to be moving. This effect was also used in the second act when Valjean was dragging Marius’ body through the sewers, and the projections moved along with the actor through the system. I found an article after seeing the show which interviewed set designer Matt Kinley in 2019 from which he stated that many of the projected images used Victor Hugo’s original drawings, which is such a neat detail to me. Also using projections, at the end of the ‘prologue’ the stage went dark and the title of the show was projected onto the stage, acting as a title card. This really stood out to me because that isn’t something often used in stage theater and something I had never seen before, but it worked really well as a transition to signify both a time skip, and the end of Valjean’s prior life. The various sets also utilized a lot of levels, which was necessary due to the large cast. Everything from the barricade, the Cafe Musain, the Thénardiers inn, and simple scenes that took place in the town, really helping to fill the stage and ‘void’ above them. Many of the actors also made really nice choices, my favorites were between Gavroche and Grantaire. Gavroche would often comfort Graintaire when he got angry especially in “Drink with Me”, and after Gavroche’s death Graintaire holds him for a long moment. This small choice was so special I forgot what happened at this point in the show because I was focused on them instead. It was one of the many decisions that made this production feel like a full world.

I happened to notice a lot of unique staging aspects. Especially during Fantine’s death in Act One, when Valjean was sitting on her deathbed. The entire song, despite him singing some parts, his back was faced to the audience. I noticed this because typically this should be avoided, but combined with Fantine’s light-colored costume in contrast to his, it drawed the audience’s focus to her. This was the first time I noticed it’s use in the show and where I believe they used it best, but it was also used in other moments throughout the show. The blocking for this show was also very unique, being able to transport between locations almost seamlessly. In the opening of Act One, it opens to the street of France, then quickly transforms into the factory where Fatine works. It was not very noticeable, but if you looked close enough, you could see the ensemble placing the set pieces behind the first row of actors, so that when they moved, it revealed an entirely new scene. This effect was a great choice, and a risky one if not timed right.

Photos taken from the LES MISERABLES US TOUR OFFICIAL WEBSITE

[meetinginsamarra]

Self-rec Thingy

Fic authors self rec! When you get this, reply with your favorite five fics that you've written, then pass on to at least five other writers. spread the self-love ❤

Thank you for the tag @raina-at

It feels like betrayal to my beloved children 😉 to pick five but here we go.

The Perfect Place 

Sherlock needs a flatmate and already has the perfect person in mind. Now he only needs to convince his object of desire to move in and also find out if he desires Sherlock as well.

I am so in love with my second newest fic! Written daily for some of calais_reno's mayprompts 2024, it evolved into a hilarious funny cringefest with pining idiots and snarky comments made by the narrator. I grinned/laughed all the time while writing and people in the comments said they did, too. 10k words.

The Curious Case of the Casablanca Killer 

Deemed a three at best, the case of an invisible burglar in a historic cinema who stole nothing only caught Sherlock’s attention because he was bored. Also, he wanted to do John a favour. In the end, this proved to be a real stroke of luck. Otherwise, Sherlock would have missed an intriguing mystery that quickly ramped up in complexity.

I am very proud of this one! My first real 100% case fic. It took a lot of plotting and about a year to complete. It started as a gift for my friend and beta reader @peageetibbs , a short idea for a murder in a cinema since my friend runs a real cinema with a group of people in real life.

I have imagined that a lot more people would be eager to read this (ngl I am disappointed about its hit count development). Sherlock solves a complicated case, lots of hints and clues, all is logical and an epic chase sequence at the end. Established friendship, no smut. 56k words. Go read!

Learn My Scars 

After being thrown down and strangled, Sherlock leaves John in the restaurant, angry and deeply hurt. When John follows Sherlock to 221b, he learns that Sherlock's scars have not been acquired by “gallivanting around” for two years.

Very proud of this one, too. It has been written under a huge amount of stress. Written for whumptober 2022, it was posted daily for 31 days with sometimes really long chapters of over 2k words. Looking back, it feels like I've written all my spare time and doing little else for six weeks. It was insane and it was great.

It has the most kudos and second most hits of my fics, 38k words.

Sherlock comes home after the hiatus. My S3 fix-it fic starts at the restaurant scene and goes very differently afterwards. Johnlock endgame, lots of hurt/comfort and tales of what happened to Sherlock while being away, including a long part set in the Serbian cell.

The 13th Book 

Summoning a demon was actually quite simple if you could avoid getting killed in the process. Therefore, only the powerful, the desperate or the stupid would attempt it. John Watson was likely the first, definitely the second but hopefully not one of the third kind.

A magical realism AU. Sorcerer John summons a demon, Sherlock. It happens very differently than it's been expected. Not a lot of actual magic but enemies to friends and an epic bromance ensues. Funny moments, no smut. 26k words.

My AU world interweaves with BBC Sherlock universe and incorporates "Inspector Columbo" and "On the run elements" and this is the reason why I've picked the fic for this list. I made real still-life arrangements for each chapter and photographed them. The pics are posted in the fic. I am a bit sad that there are not so many hits on this one.

Wretched and Divine 

Dr. John Watson is on call at the A&E when he attempts to treat a very special patient. Instead he finds himself a very special treat.

My first ever posted fic. The punklock AU different first meeting is still very well-written (so I believe) for a first! It's funny, in character, on point and John is so in for a surprise! 5k words.

I love the punklock theme so much that this one spawned a sequel and I wrote another 3-part series with punk!Sherlock.

+++++++

Tagging @keirgreeneyes and everone who wants to share (I forgot who's already been tagged).

[inspectorspacetimerevisited]

It was a bit discordant that the Fifth Inspector seemed to have little trouble getting about as a woman in the past,

while her thirteenth incarnation faced discrimination again and again, especially while visiting James IV & I’s England.

[hand-picked-star]

The 13th Anniversary Arshi Fiesta

Moodboard : Historical AU

Whispers of the Heart | Chapter 23

DISCLAIMER: The story is set in the early 20th century. While I have made efforts to capture the essence of the era, there may be inaccuracies as this is a work of fantasy. I do not own the characters Arnav and Khushi, and this story is purely fictional with no relation to any real individuals, living or dead. Any resemblance to actual persons or events is purely coincidental.

WARNING: 18+, MATURE CONTENT.

Chapter 23

The Nine accused that Arnav and the police interrogated today were tight-lipped. Arnav couldn’t take any action until they had solid evidence against Mr.Rajjani or one of them broke and agreed to be a state witness. He knew he had to find a way to crack at least one of them, and his focus was on a specific suspect—Ramprasad Lallan. There was something about him, an air of authority, that made Arnav certain he was the head of the herd.

"Mr. Roy, have you gathered all the information about the property papers that were confiscated?" Arnav asked his assistant.

"Yes, sir. The lands that Mr. Lala claimed he bought from Mr. Tiwari are adjacent to his new steel factory."

"Mr. Roy, please jot down all the dates of the previous dacoity cases and go to the Land Registry Office to check for any land transactions around that time involving the victims, especially if it was with Mr. Lala. Also, send someone to collect information about Ramprasad Lallan... and be discreet."

Sending Mr. Roy on his way, Arnav went to meet Inspector Shukla, the officer in charge of the area. Inspector Shukla had a reputation for being an honest police officer. He was also the investigating officer of this case. Because of his hard work and dedication, the police managed to capture these ruthless dacoits. Upon seeing Arnav, he stood from his chair to greet him.

"Good morning, Mr. Shukla. How have you been?" Arnav asked, extending his hand for a handshake.

"I am good, Mr. Raizada. How can I help you?" Inspector Shukla replied.

"I need your assistance with a matter." Arnav handed him a paper containing a drawing of a tattoo, which he had gathered from the statement of the only surviving adult victim in the cases they were handling. "Have you seen anything like this before?"

"No, sorry, Mr. Raizada," Inspector Shukla shook his head in the negative.

"Can you ask your constables to search the accused for any tattoos or birthmarks on their bodies?" Arnav requested.

"Yeah, sure can. I'll have them look right away," Inspector Shukla replied, immediately ordering one of the constables to conduct the search. Meanwhile, Arnav and Inspector Shukla continued discussing the case.

A few moments later, the constable came rushing toward them, reporting a mark on their bodies. Arnav and Mr.Shukla quickly rushed to the cell where the suspects were held. There, they found the same tattoo of a pentagonal star on each of their right thighs, confirming Arnav's suspicion.

The next day, Mr. Roy arrived at the office with all the information he had collected, marking a significant breakthrough in the investigation.

"Sir, all of the victim's family had sold lands or properties to Mr. Lala around the time they were attacked and killed. Here's the documents."

"Hmm, and what about Mr. Lallan?"

"Mr. Lallan is a farmer, and has a 10-year-old son. So far, there's no connection to Mr. Lala or Mr. Rajjani. However, when I dug further, I found that 10 years ago, Mr. Lala gave some land to Mr. Lallan. It’s unclear whether Mr. Lallan bought it from him or if it was a charity. Anything else, sir?"

"No, that will do for now. Tell Inspector Shukla that I need to interrogate Mr. Lallan in one hour and ask him to keep a magistrate ready."

An hour later, Arnav sat with Mr. Lallan for the interrogation, aiming to turn him into a state witness. They were in a dimly lit room with a large wooden table. Arnav sat on one side, while Ramprasad Lallan, looking tense and uncertain, sat across from him.

"How are you, Ramprasad?" After receiving no answer, Arnav discarded formalities and got straight to the point. "Do you remember your son? Have you ever thought about what will happen to him after you die?" Ramprasad went completely still, his previously composed face twitching at the mention of his son.

Ramprasad gulped audibly.

"...because it is pretty much confirmed that you would be sentenced to death. However, I might be able to help you if you agree to cooperate," Arnav said, arching an eyebrow.

Ramprasad chuckled sarcastically.

"Ramprasad, I truly sympathize with you. let's be honest here, you've spent your life serving a boss who doesn't give a damn about you." A surprised look crossed over Ramprasad's face. "Isn't it obvious that there's someone else pulling the strings? Why are you so surprised?" Arnav continued. "So, where was I? Oh..yes, do you know Mr. Rajjani has a top defence lawyer? Still, no one's lifting a finger for you? That should tell you where you stand. I'm offering you the best chance you’ve got."

"How?" Ramprasad asked, his voice trembling slightly.

Arnav smirked faintly at his question. "We could appeal to the judge to reduce your punishment, you might have a chance to escape the death sentence."

"What do I have to do?"

"You need to tell us the truth and testify against the others in court. It's as simple as that."

"You are out of your mind, Mr. Raizada," Ramprasad chuckled sarcastically.

"Listen, Ramprasad, I know you're in a tough position, and I also know who is involved in this. Today or tomorrow, I will collect evidence against them. But today, you have a chance, but tomorrow, you won't. The question is, how do you want to come out of this? Do you want to go down alone and let the main culprit go free? Because to him, you are expendable. One Ramprasad will go, and another will take your place. He might even recruit your son. Would you like that?"

Arnav saw Ramprasad clench his fists, still bound by the handcuffs, his forehead veins throbbing as he glared at Arnav with murderous intent.

"If you don't want that to happen, I can offer you an agreement," Arnav said, extending a pen, a seal pad, and a piece of paper toward him. "I can appeal to the judge for a lifelong sentence instead of the death penalty."

Ramprasad took the pen with shaky hands and signed his name on the agreement paper. "You are quite educated despite being a farmer, Ramprasad." Arnav remarked.

"I need my family's protection."

"You have my word," Arnav replied, nodding as he signalled Inspector Shukla and the magistrate to enter the room. "Start talking. Who else is in the group? Is Mr. Rajjani included?"

"Yes, everyone arrested was part of this group."

"Anyone else that we might need to know?" Arnav pressed.

"Yes," Ramprasad hesitated, then continued, "There is another, but he isn’t directly involved in the attacks. He usually plans the whole thing and covers our tracks," his voice tinged with reluctance.

"Who?"

"You already know, don't you?"

"I want you to confirm that."

"Shyam Manohar lalaji."

"Is looting the only intent of this group?"

"Dacoity isn’t our main focus. I handle property papers on behalf of Shyam Lala Ji—illegally, you could say. Most people agreed to sell their land to Lala Ji easily, but for some, we had to take extreme measures if there was no other way." Ramprasad continued, "Mr. Tiwari didn't agree to sell the land adjacent to the steel factory, which Lala Ji needed to expand due to increasing demand. So we decided to take the land by force."

"Hmm, carry on."

"I recruited the other seven people. They only know me and not Lala Ji or Rajjani Ji. During the attack, Rajjani Ji and I threatened Mr. Tiwari to get him to sign the papers while the others looted the house."

"So, the dacoity is just a disguise?"

"Yes, you could say that."

"Were there other houses you attacked?"

"Yes, the first was the Chauhans, then the Guptas, followed by the Doobays, the Sharmas and the Khans, and lastly the Tiwari's."

"Did Lala Ji join you in these attacks?"

"He used to join us initially, but not after that. The last time he was present was during the Gupta house attack," Ramprasad hesitated, his voice dropping, "He... had his eye on Gupta Ji's wife."

"And Mr. Rajjani?"

"Umm, Rajjani Ji joined us every time because he needed to verify the papers and... he also wanted to carry out some specific activities."

"Specific activities involving being physical with a child?" Arnav asked, his voice hardening.

"Yes," Ramprasad admitted, avoiding eye contact.

"What’s the story behind the marks on your thighs?"

"To hide our identity from others, even from the others involved, we’d cover them with a gamcha. We would tie our lungis tightly around our waists, leaving our thighs exposed. So, to recognize each other, we made this mark on our thighs."

"Everyone in your group has it?" Arnav asked pointedly.

"Yes," Ramprasad replied, then eyed Arnav for a moment. "Raizada Ji, Lala Ji is a very dangerous man. If he finds out about this, he will kill my family. Please, save my son and my wife."

Arnav gave a brief nod, his expression firm, yet reassuring, "Nobody will know until the trial. Inspector Sukla will look after this matter."

Arnav dropped Mr. Roy at the office with strict instructions to both the police and Mr. Roy not to leak the fact that Mr. Lallan had become a state witness. He then went to pick up Khushi.

"Where are we going?" she asked, confused.

"We're going to stay at the Rajput Haveli for a few days. Hariprakash will bring your things and Amy in a few hours," Arnav replied, keeping his voice steady. When they arrived at the main gate, he showed no sign of getting out of the car.

"Aren't you coming inside?" Khushi asked, noticing his reluctance.

"I have some works to do," he said curtly, his eyes betraying the weight of his restlessness.

Khushi was perplexed. Within a few hours, she discovered that Arnav had appointed Hariprakash, Mohan, and the entire security team from their house to guard the Rajput Haveli. A few hours later, two police constables joined them. The tension in the Haveli was palpable, with everyone on edge due to this sudden development. Only Arnav could answer their questions.

When Arnav returned to the office, Shyam Lala was seated in front of his desk, three men standing behind him.

"Namaste, Raizada Babu," Shyam said, folding his hands in greeting.

"How can I help you, Lala Ji?" Arnav responded, nodding politely.

"I usually don’t concern myself with trivial matters, you know, but I came to talk specifically to you about... Rajjani Ji."

"Shouldn’t you be discussing this with his defence lawyer instead?" Arnav asked, his tone pointed.

"Oh, Raizada Babu, let’s keep this between us," Shyam said, signalling one of the men, who placed a box on the desk. When the lid was opened, it revealed bundles of money. "Let’s help each other. You can’t prove his involvement, so why tarnish his name? He’s a respected man in society."

"Why go to such lengths for a mere employee? What’s in it for you?"

"Nothing. He’s an old friend and a loyal accountant. I just don’t want to see his reputation ruined."

"Lala Ji, thank you for the offer, but I suggest you use this money to hire a good defence lawyer."

"Raizada Babu, don’t force me to use other means. You won’t like it if I do." Mr.Lala said with a sickeningly sweet voice.

Arnav chuckled sarcastically, leaning back in his chair. "Why should you care whether I'll like it or not?"

Shyam signalled his men to leave the room, then leaned in close over the desk, lowering his voice. "Tell me, Raizada Babu, does your wife's cunt grip as tightly as her mother's did? I've seen first-hand how those Gupta women make a man lose his mind. Must be why you've got such nerve now, a pretty little thing warming your bed every night." He smiled sleazily, watching the tension build in Arnav's clenched fists, "Don't push me, Raizada Babu, I'd hate to find out just how far a man like me might go when tempted."

Arnav placed both hands firmly on his desk, rising to his full height and leaning in toward Mr. Lala."If you or your goons dare to touch even a single hair of my wife, I'll make sure you end up six feet under right where you stand." His voice menacing and dark in the dim light of the evening, Arnav challenged Mr.Lala to contradict him further. Mr.Lala stood up and glared back at Arnav. "And Lala Ji, please take your money with you."

When Arnav returned to the Rajput household, it was very late at night, but everyone was still awake, waiting for him. They all gathered in the living room as Arnav explained that the dacoit group recently arrested was the same one responsible for killing Khushi's parents. This was why Arnav had been extra cautious regarding Khushi. And also as it was a high-profile case, if anyone wanted to hurt Arnav, they might target her. Prevention was always better than cure. He also informed Bua Ji that she might be called to testify if needed.

Khushi didn’t know what to think of all of that. Exhausted, her head ached from all the overwhelming information. She just wanted to retreat to her room, hide under the covers, and forget about everything else.

She was walking down a familiar corridor, but it was so dark that not a single source of light could be found anywhere. Khushi gently pushed a door open. Inside, a small girl was sleeping soundly, cuddling with a familiar rag doll. Suddenly, a woman entered the room. She was beautiful, but panic and desperation had marred her face. She quickly took the sleeping girl into her arms, causing the child to jolt awake.

"Amma?" the little girl asked in surprise. Her sweet voice rang in the darkness.

"We have to hide, bitiya. They will kill us all. We have to hide," the woman said hysterically.

But before they could flee, a dark shadow loomed over them. A man entered the room, his face obscured. He took a menacing step toward them, causing the woman to step back, clutching the little girl to her chest.

Khushi's body felt like lead, paralyzed, her screams caught in her throat. She tried to cry out, to call for help, but her voice was lost in the void. She tried to run toward them, but she couldn't move a single muscle. Helplessly, she watched as the woman slipped and fell with the little girl still in her arm, causing the child to hit her head. The faceless monster laughed, his cruel hands tearing at Garima's clothes, his laughter echoing in the small room like a twisted melody.

Khushi met the eyes of the little girl, trapped in the suffocating grip of a memory she could never fully escape. The stench of fear hung heavy in the air as she lay still, hearing the faint sound of her own whimpers. Her head throbbed with pain. Little khushi felt the cold touch of dread as another figure emerged from the shadows, advancing toward her with a sinister smile. She could see his eyes now—cold, predatory, and filled with a sickening intent. He reached for her, and her small frame trembled as she backed away into the wall, her tiny hands fumbling for something, anything, to protect herself.

Suddenly, she jolted awake, her heart pounding fiercely against her chest. She froze as a hand around her drew her closer to the body behind, while a voice whispered, "Shhhh, you're safe, Khushi. I've got you."

"Arnav?"

"Hmm, I'm here," his sleepy, tired voice rasped.

Khushi rolled over to face him. Her eyes adjusted to the darkness. She could see his features in the dim light filtering through the curtains. She cupped his cheek, lightly tracing the dark circles under his eyes. Then she buried her face in his neck and began to cry softly.

"Please don't cry," Arnav murmured, kissing her head. His fingers gently stroking through her hair.

"I'm not letting you sleep, hain na?" she said softly. "You work all day and have to deal with my nightmares at night."

"You know I can function with little sleep. I'll be okay."

"There's a dark circle under your eyes."

"It will go away," he said, caressing her back and snuggling closer. Let's get some sleep, okay?" Khushi nodded in response, still nestled in the safe cradle of his neck.

It was true that Arnav was beyond exhausted. His mind was overactive, his heart heavy, and as a result his body couldn't relax until the matter was resolved. Arnav calculated the risks associated with the case, but he hadn't anticipated the return of Khushi's nightmares. Night after night, horrifying dreams and screams kept them awake until the early hours. Arnav still remembered the first time they began. It was the first night, they shifted to Rajput Haveli. He was with Mahindar Chachu while Khushi was fast asleep.

“What type of relationship did Guptaji and Lalaji have with each other?” Arnav asked.

“They were business partners. They had many businesses together. Other than that they bought a land together to set up a new printing press. But before that could happen, Sashi died. He supposedly sold the land to Lalaji.”

"What happened to these businesses?"

"Khushi's uncle took over. I didn't keep tabs after Sashi died." Mahindar Chachu replied solemnly.

A blood-curdling scream caused them to rush toward Khushi’s room. Arnav quickly switched on the light. He discovered her hunched at the far end of the bed, clutching her knees with a terrified expression on her face, the sheet crumpled around her.

"Khushi?" Arnav approached her cautiously. "Tum theek ho?"

His voice pulled her out of the trance, and she looked at him, finally regaining her bearings. She began to cry softly.

"Arnav," she whimpered, crawling into his lap. Arnav rocked her back and forth, gently rubbing her back as she sobbed against his chest, clutching a fistful of his shirt. Since then, Arnav had been on the edge and being a light sleeper he could tell when she was having a bad dream.

The nightmares were becoming increasingly uncontrollable with each passing day, to the point where Khushi was afraid to close her eyes to sleep. As days went on, her mother's lifeless face was beginning to look like Arnav's, making Khushi restless and jumpy. The nightmares were taking control of her life, and she couldn't let that happen. Fed up with her helplessness and feeling confined to the house for days, she decided to go to work at her foundation one day, only to end up being yelled at by Arnav when he found out that evening.

"Pagal ho gayi ho tum. Kuch ho jata toh? What if I lost you?" he said, his voice laced with anger.

She hugged him suddenly to ebb his rage. "I can't live like this, Arnav," she said, her voice muffled against his collar. "This fear is crippling me. I took Hariprakash and Mohan with me. They wouldn't do anything in daylight."

"You don't know them. They can do anything," he replied, tightening his hold on her. "I can't lose you. Do you understand?"

“Hmm. And you can’t raise your voice at me like that.”

“I will whenever you’re being stupid,” he said, hugging her a little tighter. “Just a little while longer, and it will be over.” And then he felt her forehead. “Are you okay? Are you running a fever?”

“It’s nothing. I’m just feeling tired all the time, but... I can’t sleep, you know.”

“Let’s go to bed early, okay?”

Arnav still had some work to finish. After Khushi fell asleep, he quietly switched on the bedside lamp and began reading the documents. After a while, she started tossing and turning, followed by her soft whimpers. Arnav quickly took her into his arms, gently trying to wake her while murmuring comforting words.

Khushi's voice trembled as she whispered, "It's so horrible. I can't take it anymore." She fisted the fabric of his shirt, bringing herself closer to him, "Arnav, please make me forget everything..... I want to forget about all of this." Her eyes, still wide with lingering fear, searched his, pleading for solace, for an escape from the memories that tormented her.

Arnav cupped her face gently, his thumbs brushing away the tears that clung to her cheeks. His heart ached to see her like that. He leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead, his lips lingering as if trying to erase the pain etched into her skin."Khushi," he murmured against her temple, his voice a soothing balm, "I won't let anyone hurt you." She closed her eyes, savouring the warmth of his breath against her skin, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath her palm.

Slowly, she let herself be pulled into the safety of his embrace, the solid presence of him grounding her, pushing the nightmare further into the recesses of her mind. His hands slid down to her waist, drawing her closer until there was no space left between them. His lips brushed over her eyelids, her cheeks, the tip of her nose kiss a silent promise. Khushi sighed, her body melting into his as his lips found hers in a kiss that was tender, yet laced with an intensity that made her forget everything but the feeling of being in his arms.

His fingers tangled in her hair, pulling her closer, deepening the kiss as if he could draw out all the fear, all the pain, and replace it with the love he felt for her. She responded to his kiss with a desperation that matched his own, her hands gripping the fabric of his shirt as if he were her lifeline. The taste of him, the warmth of his skin against hers-it was all she needed to chase away the remnants of her nightmare. Khushi tugged at the waistband of his trousers.

Arnav pulled back slightly, his breath ragged, his forehead resting against hers. Her eyes fluttered open to meet his gaze, finding comfort in the love that shone in his dark eyes. A silent conversation passed between those two sets of beautiful eyes.

"I just need you," her voice trembled. He didn't need to be told twice. With a gentleness that contradicted the desire burning within him, he laid her back against the pillows, his body covering hers, shielding her from the world. His hands roamed over her skin, touching her as if she were something precious, something to be cherished. Because she was, to him. He entered her warm wetness gently and then went completely still as a cracking sound halted his pursuit.

"Fuck, the bed is making noise." Arnav groaned in her neck.

Her whole body shook with the force of her laughter, barely muffled by her hand. "I completely forgot my bed makes noise." It was a relief and a delight to see her laugh like that after so many days, and Arnav's eyes shone with laughter as a result as well. He missed her smiling face.

"Tumhari bistar hai na, chup kaise reh sakti hai?" he couldn’t help but tease her.

"Shut up," she swatted his shoulder lightly. "Bistar ki bezzati mat kijiye. Teak ki lakdi hai, pachaas saal se Raiput Haveli mein hai."

"Hmm, pata chal raha hai kitni purani hai, ab?"

"We have to move to the floor."

"Ugh, my knees will be very sorry tomorrow."

Khushi looked at him with her big, expressive eyes and laughed at his grumpiness. She grabbed a pillow and a quilt and dropped them on the floor. She pushed on his shoulder to lie back on it. His eyes locked onto hers as she straddled him, her slender legs on either side of his hips. Her hands rested on his chest, feeling the rapid beat of his heart beneath her fingertips, mirroring her own.

He inhaled sharply as he felt her warmth enveloping him. The feeling of her softness around him, so pliable against his hardness, was breathtaking. His strong hands found their way to her hips, his touch firm yet tender, guiding her with an unspoken understanding. Leaning forward slightly on his chest, her fingers splaying out over the firm muscles beneath his skin, grounding herself as she began to move, slowly at first, her rhythm uncertain. Her body adjusted to the exquisite sensation of him deep within her. His gaze never wavered, his silent encouragement fueling her confidence.

Every slight shift of her hips sent waves of pleasure radiating through her. She bit her lips as her head tilted back, her hair cascading down her shoulders as she rode him with increasing fervor. The tips of her hair grazed his thigh as the tension between them built with each rise and fall of her body.

Her breath came in shallow gasps. Her body completely in tune with his as they found a shared rhythm. He gazed up at her entrapped, reveled in the sight of her above him, lost in her own pleasure. His hands glided over her thigh to her hips, to encircle her waist in both hands, feeling the tremble in her stomach muscles. He could feel every subtle shift, every flex of her muscles as she took him deeper.

Her nimble fingers gently covered his hands holding her waist. She looked down, gazing at him, with eyes full of stars. Her lips quivered, unable to form the words she didn’t need to voice. He could hear them in his head, loud and clear. His gaze moved to where they were joined. Arnav had accepted that he would never get enough of her a long time ago. Just like, he would never get enough of the way she looked at him right after he entered her every damn time or the visual his hands created across her body, or the sight of himself disappearing into her, over and over again.

His hands roamed from her waist to her breasts, cupping and squeezing them a little, before one of his hands moved higher to her chin. He ran his thumb over her slightly parted lips. A breathtaking pleasure overwhelmed her and she threw her head back once again. His hands slipped from her lips to her throat. And his fingers, as if having a mind of their own, wrapped around her soft neck.

Like always, his touch set her entire body on fire, but the irony was that the only balm for this burning was his touch as well. Her pace quickened and she cried out sweetly, as her mind went blank, tiny specks of light danced in front of her eyes. Arnav pulled her closer by her neck, covering her lips with his to suppress her moan.

"Shh, be quiet"

"I can't." she pants against his lips.

"Try."

"We haven't been together for quite some time. I miss you."

His eyes softened, and he captured her whimpering lips once again. His hands traced her back, pulling her closer until her chest was pressed against his. He snaked his arm around her waist to steady her as she lay on top of him. With his other hand on her rear, he pulled her harder toward his body. Then he started moving inside her.  She spread her legs wider and arched her back so he could pick up the pace.

Her hair fell around them, creating an intimate space where only they existed. Their lips met in a searing kiss, desperate and consuming, as if they had been waiting to kiss each other for hundreds of years. Her breath hitched as she felt his fingers dig into her skin, grounding her, anchoring her to the moment. As he moved faster, harder, her body responded to the primal urge to merge, to lose herself in him.

Arnav gathered her hair in his fist and pulled slightly exposing her neck to him as his lips found the sensitive spot at

the base of her neck. His voice, rough with need, whispered her name against her skin like a prayer. Her hands tangled in his hair, giving herself over to the sensations building within her. The world outside ceased to exist. There was only Arnav, only the warmth of his skin against hers, the sound of his breathing mingling with her own. Time seemed to stretch and contract,.moments blurring together in a haze of pleasure.

As she approached the peak of her desire, her body trembled with the intensity of the emotions coursing through her. Arnav held her steady, his hands never leaving her, his lips never straying from hers as he guided her through the storm.

He flipped her over when his lips failed to keep her quiet. He covered her mouth with his palm, her body convulsing around him encouraging him to follow her into the abyss of pleasure. He bit his bottom lip. A few hard and rough thrusts, and he poured himself deep inside her.

It felt surreal to have him with her in this room. With all the tension and sleeplessness, she had almost forgotten how many dreams she had woven around him here. This was the room where she had heard her first "dhak-dhak" for him, where they had shared their first kiss, where she had prayed to Devi Maiya to write him into her destiny. And now, in this room, with Arnav's touch guiding her, Khushi let go of the nightmare, that haunted her for so long.

His kisses, his caresses-they became her sanctuary, his whispered words of love a shield against the shadows that threatened her peace of mind. As their bodies began to move together again in a rhythm as old as time, Khushi felt the darkness recede, replaced by the warmth and light that only Arnav could give her. In his arms, she found not just escape, but a reminder that she was more than her past, more than the pain she had endured. And when the night finally gave way to the soft light of dawn, Khushi fell asleep in his arms, her body spent, but her heart full. She knew that as long as she had him, she could face anything.

<previous> | <next>

@featheredclover @arshifiesta @phuljari @chutkiandchotte @msbhagirathi @jalebi-weds-bluetooth

[batnbreakfast]

Zoom, Booze, no Doom

The 4th Year Anniversary Zoom

Hi everyone,

honestly, I feel like by now we're all kind of expecting to make the fourth anniversary happen - and yet it still comes as a surprise. Holby City might have been cancelled, but we're still going strong.

What started as a great idea by @danceswithcows01​ for the Berena fandom to connect during complicated times, became a weekly Saturday evening meeting for all of us who wanted to see our two favourite doctors being loveable idiots.

Then we decided to not just stop there, but to continue meeting up to chat and watch things.

Inspector Lynley, Bramwell, Chandler & Co, Frankie. Doctor Who, The Grid, Halloween specials, What The Butler Saw, Bernie's resurrection, the rooftop proposal, ESC, Buddha of Suburbia, and so many other things.

Last year we even had a live Zoom crowd meeting in the UK to watch Jemma and Catherine on stage (unfortunately separate ones).

The whole thing is great fun. A constant between all the changes during the last years. It transitioned the fandom quite a bit.

Therefore I hope that many of you who've joined in during the last four years will also join in to celebrate

Four Years of Zoom, Booze, no Doom

on

Saturday, 13th April

at the usual time

Germany 9pm

UK 8pm

Wisconsin 2pm

It doesn't matter if you haven't been part of this for ages, if you only joined in once, or if you always thought about joining in, but never actually did so. Message me if you got any questions.

We're going back to our roots and we'll watch the fandoms ten eleven favourite Berena moments.

I'm looking forward to seeing you all!

[phantriicks]

The Most fashionable duo around @fyeahghosttrick's Ghost swap exchange 2023, Swap Recipient is @dreamdancerdotfile

It's wild to think this is the final ghost swap, it's Ghost trick's 13th anniversary AND and it wont be long until the remastered port of Ghost trick releases. What a good time for ghost tricking!

So what better way to celebrate it then with Inspector Cabanela and Missle being snazzy per one of my swap recipients requests ~

[randomquadballpun]

DAY 4 (attempt no 2)

John padded into the living room while towling his hair dry and stretching out his sore shoulders. Todays shift at the clinic had been gruelling and on more than one occasion had included people sneezing, drooling and bleeding all over him. So the first thing he had done when getting back home had been a long scorching hot shower.

This afternoon Mrs Hudson had taken over child-rearing duties while Sherlock had been off on a case with Lestrade. He had sent them a message approximately an hour ago that the investigation would be wrapped up within a maximum of two hours and was way less interesting than the Inspector had promised. At least he would be back in time for dinner with the rest of the family.

By the smell of it, Mrs Hudson and Rosie had spent their afternoon together cooking said dinner and were now exploring the experiments on the crowded kitchen table together, while their meal simmered on.

"So first you have to mix the DNA with the bacteria!", Rosie explained with a serious expression, as she continued to show off what she had learned earlier this week. "You have to always keep them on ice because they don't like the liquid that they are stored in - but if you keep them cold they are sleepy and won't realise that." She gave John a sly look. "It's like when Dad tricks Sherlock into having breakfast right after he just woke up because then he won't remember that he does not like eating while he is on a case."

"That makes sense", Mrs Hudson encouraged with a twinkle in her eyes before turning to John. "There is tea on the coffee table, if you want some, dear!"

He gave her a thankful nod and left the towel slung around his neck as he walked over to the teapot in question. With a sigh, he poured himself a mug and revelled in the familiar warmth against his fingers.

"Then next, you dunk the tube in warm water for a few seconds", Rosie continued. "That is called heat shock and the bacteria will be so surprised and distracted that the DNA can sneak right in." She flailed her arms around in an attempt to visualise the process. "That is a bit like …", she paused, her nose scrunched up in thought. "Like two weeks ago when Sherlock gave me the hand sign to 'accidentally' drop my plate so that Uncle Greg would be distracted while Sherlock slipped his police badge back into his pocket."

John almost dropped his mug at that and hissed when hot tea sloshed all over his fingers. "He did what now?"

To no ones surprise his indignant question was ignored masterfully. Mrs Hudson gave Rosie an indulgent smile. "Well, you will have to tell me if your experiment worked out so that I can come and have a look at it myself!" She raised one finger in mock admonishment. "But you cannot do it today. It's Friday the 13th. If you repeat it today that will be bad luck and it will just go wrong once again."

Rosie looked up at her with big earnest eyes. "Well, that's just silly superstition with no base in scientific reality so Sherlock won't like it." She lowered her voice conspiratorily. "But I will convince him to do it tomorrow anyway - just to be safe. Just don't tell him about this!"

Mrs Hudson gave her an enthusiastic thumbs up.

--------------------

Troubleshooting, part 3/?

-> Take a guess whose experiment did not work out again. I am not bitter, just disappointed (but on the flip side there is just plenty of inspiration to keep writing these! :))))

-> The next snippet can be read here!

-> Start reading right at DAY 0 or read the previous part (DAY 1).

[todaysdocument]

Happy Juneteenth! 

General Order No. 3, June 19, 1865. 

Record Group 393: Records of U.S. Army Continental Commands

Series: General Orders Issued

File Unit: General Orders Issued

Transcription: 

[stenciled or stamped (?) ; page numer; near upper-right corner:] 1

{"OldBook[...]" below seems to have been added]                                                                                                                                                           [text below handwritten:]

Old Book 33.13 ac [? (unclear after "a"]                                                                                                                                                                              Head Quarters District of Texas

[blue [circular] stamp  [:; seen in left margin; following text:]  ]    [above central line:] WAR RECORDS                                                           Galveston Texas June 17th 1865.

                                                                                                                             [central line (larger letters):] COPIED

                                                                                                                             [below central line:]         1861-1865   [/stamp (transcribed lines from "Galveston[...] to bracketed header transcribed below seen to right of stamp in Image]                                                                                                                                     

General Orders}

No. 1                }

---------                        [short separating line extended to right of left margin line]

  I Pursuant to orders from the Head Quarters Military Division

of the South West, dated New Orleans, June 13th 1865, the undersigned assumes

command of all troops within the State.

-------------  [another short separating line]

   II No passes or permits will be recognized on the coast of Texas except

by authority from Head Quarters Military Division of the South West, or from

these Head Quarters.

                                                                                      [signature:} G., Granger [/signature]

                                                                                    Major General Commanding.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [long (separating) line from left margin to right edge]

Printed [handwritten in red ink[; seen in left margin] ]

[ [stamp also to left of left-margin line in Image:] [circular] blue stamp[with following text within it:] ] [above & below center; inside perimeter:] WAR RECORDS

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1861-1865

                                                                                                                                                                   [between the 2 lines transcribed just above; in larger letters:]     COPIED           [/stamp]

          [following 4 transcribed lines seen to right of stamp in Image:]  

                                                                                            Head Quarters District of Texas

                                                                                                            Galveston Texas June 19th 1865

General Orders}

No. 2                }

                                                                               The Staff of the District is announced as follows:

Major [underlined:] F. W. Emery[/underlined],    U. S. Vols.          Asst. Adjt. Genl.

Lieut. Col. [underlined:] J. C. Palfrey[/underlined], U.S. Vols.           Asst. Insp[']r. [abbreviation for "Inspector"] Genl.

Lieut. Col. [underlined:] R. G. Laughlin[underlined],   94th ["4" faint] Ill's  [abbreviation for "Illinois"] Vols.   Provost Marshal Genl.

Lieut. Col. [underlined:] J. G. Chandler[/underlined],  U. S. Vols.           Chief Quartermaster

Captain [underlined:] F.G. Noyes[/underlined],          U.S. Vols.           Chief Comy. [abbreviation for "Commissary"] of Subsistence

Surgeon [underlined:] C. B. White[/underlined],        U.S. Vols.           Medical Director

Captain [underlined:[ G. W. Fox [/underlined],           26th N. Y. Battery, Chief of Artillery

Captain [underlined:] S. Howell[/underlined],  [?]          6th Mich. Hy. [abbreviation for "Heavy"] Artillery   Chief of Ordnance

1st Lieut [underlined:] J. L. Baker[/underlined],     23[']d Wis. Vols.  Commissary of Musters

Major [underlined:] W. L. Avery[/underlined],           U. S. Vols.           Aide-de-camp.

Captain [underlined:] C. S. Sargent[/underlined],  U. S. Vols.           Aide-de-Camp.

                                                                                             G, Granger [signed]

                                                                          Major General Commanding.  [this line written in same writing as the writing above the signature]

Printed. [handwritten in red ink [in left margin]]

                                                                                                ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [separating line in Image from left margin to right edge]

                                                                                                                                             Head Quarters District of Texas

                                                                                                                                                            Galveston Texas June 19th 1865.

[blue stamp of WAR RECORDS COPIED 1861-1865]  

General Orders}

No. 3                }

                           The people of Texas are informed that in accordance with a proclamation

from the Executive of the United States, "all slaves are free". This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former

 [continued]

[page 2]

[continued]

masters and slaves and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes

that between employer and hired labor.

                                                                              The freedmen are advised to remain quietly

at their present homes and work for wages. They are informed that they will

 not be allowed to collect at military posts and that they will not be supported

in idleness either there or elsewhere.

                                                                        By order of Major General Granger

                                                                         F.W. Emery [signed]

                                                                       Major A.A. Genl.

Printed [handwritten in red ink]

                                                                                               Head Quarters District of Texas

                                                                                                      Galveston Texas June 19th 1865

General Orders

No. 4

[blue stamp of War Records Copied 1861-1865]

                            All acts of the Governor and Legislature of Texas since

the Ordinance of Succession are hereby declared illegitimate.

                                                          All military and civil

officers and agents of the so-called Confederate States Government or of the State

of Texas, and all persons formerly connected with the Confederate States Army,

in Texas, will at once report for parole at one of the following places, or such

other as may be designated hereafter, to the proper United States officers to be

appointed:

                   Houston, Galveston, Bonham, San Antonio, Marshall and Brownsville.

                                       Although their long absence from their homes, and the

peculiar circumstances of their State, may facilitate their desertion from their organizations,

this order will be strictly and promptly complied with.

                                                                 The above mentioned, and all other

persons having in their possession public property of any description whatever, as arms

horses, "munitions", etc., formerly belonging to the so called Confederate States, or State

of Texas, will immediately deliver it to the proper U.S. Office, at the nearest

of above mentioned places.

                                    When they cannot carry it, and have not the means of

transporting it, they will make to the same officer a full report of its character,

quantity, location, security, etc.

                                         All persons not complying promptly with the order

will be arrested as prisoners of war, sent North for imprisonment, and their

property forfeited.

                 All homeless persons committing acts of violence such as bandits,

guerillas, jay-hawkers, horse-thieves, etc., etc., are hereby declared outlaws, and enemies of

the human race, and will be dealt with accordingly.

                                                                                                             (carried forward)

[secretmellowblog]

I love the @lesmisletters email subscription thing, so I decided to track when major characters will appear for the first time! : D If I did my math right— feel free to correct me— the dates should be:

January 1st: Bishop Myriel

January 15th: Jean Valjean

January 29th: Fantine

February 6th: Cosette, Madame Thenardier, Monsieur Thenardier, Eponine, and Azelma

February 13th: Inspector Javert

February 14th: Pere Fauchelevent

April 3rd: Gavroche

June 9th: Gillenormand

June 14th: the Momes

June 16th: Marius Pontmercy, Mademoiselle Gillenormand, Theodule Gillenormand, Georges Pontmercy (by implication—he is mentioned in more detail in the following chapter)

June 18th: Father Mabeuf

June 25th: Enjolras, Grantaire, Combeferre, Courfeyrac, Bahorel, Feuilly, Bossuet, Joly, Jehan Prouvaire (yeah it’s That Chapter(tm))

One interesting thing I noticed is that— I’d always felt that Les Mis kept introducing major characters all the way through the novel, but that’s not true? All the major players have been introduced by the midpoint of the book (with Les Amis’s intro chapter coming as chapter 176 out of 365). From that point on many bit characters are introduced, but the primary drama of the story is the complex changing relationships between the core cast introduced in the first half.