#Boston School Bus Drivers

[georgiasedify]

Shortages in school bus drivers and also commercial drivers.

Shortages in school bus drivers and also commercial drivers. School bus drivers affected. RMV puts revocations on hold. This is happening all over the world. Two be continued, I've talked about this last week in Texas.

BOSTON – Hundreds of drivers who depend on their licenses to work were suddenly notified of disqualifications. Violations from decades ago disqualify them from holding a CDL in Massachusetts. That number includes school bus drivers and truck drivers. School bus drivers affected. The notices came as a surprise to their members too, and the timing couldn’t be worse.  “It’s the worst possible…

[puck-luck]

8, clubs, Trevor Zegras would love for them to have some kind of history like enemies or exes. Something that really brings the tension

using this as a precursor to my FWB trevor fic that is otw! i'm world building and VERY excited to continue this story soon :)

warnings: choking, rivals, enemies with benefits, mentions of hooking up while under the influence, possessive trevor, dom!trevor WC: 1592

You and Trevor don’t get along. It started when you were working as an intern for the team at BU. 

Trevor was a freshman, riding the high of being drafted in the first round to a team that he’d known and liked since watching The Mighty Ducks for the first time as a kid. He didn’t like the Ducks as much as his precious Rangers, but he was just happy to be part of an NHL team after working so hard to make it.

You were a freshman, too. You had lucked into the internship, really. Sure, you had done work with the sports teams in your high school, but it wasn’t nearly as serious as your internship with the Boston University Terriers. You were held to a different standard with this team and it took you a little time to get used to your role– as you would with any new job.

Trevor left to go play big-time hockey after his first year at BU, whereas you had stuck out all four years, earned your degree, and truly blossomed into a confident employee in your sophomore and junior years with the hockey team. 

Trevor missed all of that– and he’s always remembered you as the little freshman who got lost in the rink, who had to reshoot footage for marketing stuff because you hadn’t put the camera on the right setting, and who conveniently left her bookbag on the bus during an away game. That last one was a problem because one of the other interns, a junior who had taken you under her wing, had asked you to carry the stat book. The bus was locked after the team disembarked, the driver had gone to treat himself to dinner on the team’s dime, and no one could reach him. Because of your blunder, the team was without statistics for the first period– because everyone conveniently forgets that you climbed through an open window on the bus during that same period to retrieve your bookbag. You literally broke into a vehicle to make up for your mistake, but you couldn’t live it down. That’s how Trevor remembers you.

And then you’d gotten a job for the Ducks.

To be fair, you’d applied to multiple NHL teams. You’d applied to your hometown team, to The Mighty Ducks because your friend’s little brother told you that you should, to some of the East Coast teams like the Bruins and the Devils, and to some other West Coast teams like Vancouver, Seattle, and San Jose. After your time with BU, you loved working in hockey and you couldn’t imagine working in another industry for the rest of your life. The Ducks had given you a great offer, and your interview with the team had felt so much more comfortable than the other teams, so it was a no-brainer. You joined the Anaheim Ducks team. 

It didn’t take long for Trevor to see you. You weren’t sure if he’d remember you. You hoped that he wouldn’t. At first, he didn’t seem to remember you. Then, Trevor was conveniently in the room as your boss asked for some random piece of information. Your boss had asked everyone in the room and you thought you had the info for him, so you dug around in your bag for a minute after saying that you could tell him the answer. The piece of paper holding the knowledge wasn’t in your bag, so you moved onto your phone. After searching through your iCloud files, and your Office app, you couldn’t find it. Because of your past, it was slightly embarrassing to have to look at your superior and tell him you didn’t have the answer for him, and that you were sorry for saying you did. He hadn’t thought it was a big deal, waving you off, but the sting was still there.

Especially when Trevor walked past you and smirked. “Just like in Boston,” he had murmured slyly, making your face turn even brighter red. So he did remember you and, although the Ducks was supposed to be your fresh start, your mistakes would continue to follow you everywhere you go.

Trevor started going out of his way to see you and make comments. They’re always snide and subtly biting and that hasn’t changed, even as your relationship turned on its head. 

It’s because of the Ducks mid-summer party. You’re mostly free of responsibilities over the summer because it’s the off-season, so each Friday and Saturday night fulfilled your desire to act like a young twenty-something, finally out of college but still in that party mindset, and now you have the funds to do as many fun things as you want. Your little group of colleagues, all the employees close to your age, decided to make the Ducks party a grand old time. You’re cool with your bosses and the older employees, so you’re not concerned about making a fool of yourself.

You didn’t realize the players would be invited, too. 

You get drunk with your friends, feeling the drinks hit you even harder every time you stand and mingle, moving from group to group. You found yourself next to Trevor when you were getting a new drink, and he was equally tipsy. He’s much nicer when he’s drunk you realize.

Somehow, that night, you ended up in an Uber with Trevor to his house, and your relationship has never been the same.

He’s still snide and cutting when he wants to be, as are you, but you’re hooking up. You’d describe it as friends with benefits, but you and Trevor don’t like each other enough to be friends yet– so you think of it as more of a rivalry, except you conveniently benefit from the pleasure of the other person.

He likes to come to the rink on days when the team plays at home. Home games are busier days for you and your team, but you can always find time for Trevor– in the closet near the stats office. He thought it was funny, you wanted to get laid, so now you meet here. Trevor will leave a note in your mailbox when he first gets to the rink, then he goes to the locker room to tape up some sticks or to the training room to get a quick workout in. You usually take a break around 10:15 a.m., which is when you check your mailbox and head upstairs. You’ve only got about twenty minutes before people start to wonder where you’ve gone– “bathroom and coffee” only takes up so much time– so Trevor is sure to meet you in the closet by 10:20. On days when he doesn’t leave you notes, you don’t go. It’s a fine system.

You’re expected to prep yourself most of the time, just because you don’t have a whole lot of time. At first, it was just your fingers. Then, as a gift (which was shocking, considering you’re not even friends), Trevor bought you vibrator that he can control from his phone. You wear it on home game days now, keeping you full and stretched– and, when Trevor is in a good mood, constantly on edge. During intermission, you can expect a few minutes of intense buzzing inside of you and on your clit, given the dual prongs of the vibrator, before everything ceases. While you wait in the closet for Trevor, you experience the same thing. He wants you desperate for him by the time he sees you.

That way, he can pounce right away.

Trevor has a thing. He likes to make sure his hand is cemented around your throat as he empties you of the vibrator, then fills you with his cock. You don’t complain because, quite frankly, it’s hot. You’ve become much more interested in the veins and curves on the back of his hand since you started hooking up. If his thing is choking you, then your thing is touching his hand delicately while he fucks you. 

“I like you so much better with my hand around your throat,” Trevor will remind you as his pelvis meets yours. He’ll squeeze when you start to make too much noise, cutting off your source of breath. 

Other times, when you’re too loud, he’ll slip your vibrator between your lips like a makeshift gag. He’ll make you suck on it to keep yourself occupied and quiet, tasting your desire for him all while he makes you come.

He likes it when you give up control. As neurotic as you are about work and about your reputation as an employee, you’re completely under Trevor’s spell when you’re in this closet and he’s got his hand wrapped around your neck. 

You’re his, and he’s possessive, and it’s getting harder to stay away from him outside of the closet. Especially when he starts inviting you over for late night booty calls on the weekend– when you’ll go to his place and he’ll fuck you on any surface he can. His hand never makes its way around your neck there. Instead, he’s free to touch your tits or slap your ass or lick into your mouth. You crave him. You crave his touch, but you don’t necessarily want him around. Your mind is growing befuddled and confused and this is why you never fuck someone who isn’t your partner… but it’s just too good to stop. The second his hand circles your throat, it’s like your hypnotized and unable to do anything but obey. Trevor is a drug.

[salvadorbonaparte]

Hi! I go to UMass Amherst! I'm in my third year of undergrad so take all of this with the consideration that my experience will be quite different than a grad student's, but I have certainly got some things to say about public transportation and the area :)

Main thing: despite the fact that public transport /exists/, it's.... not great honestly. People make it work but a car will make your life 10 times easier.

As a UMass student you'd get free access to the PVTA buses run by UMass transit, which can generally get you around campus, most places in Amherst itself, and some surrounding towns like Sunderland (more residential) and Hadley (quite a few grocery stores/chain restaurants). UMass Transit don't ask to see ID, either. You just hop on and go. However, this means that buses are often really crowded at rush times and especially so during rainy or snowy weather. These buses also do not consistently run on time, so you would not want to rely on the scheduled times; instead, look at the tracking apps. I have a few friends who live off campus without cars and they make it work, but it does often mean planning classes/work around the busses. It's certainly not CONVENIENT.

During the academic year you would also be able to get to Northampton and Springfield free with your student ID. They do charge fares over school breaks. The bus to Northampton leaves hourly and is much more consistent with timing than the UMass transit busses. The bus to Springfield, the closest "bigger" city, runs (I think) every two hours. All these busses are run by the PVTA as well, but not under the UMass transit umbrella.

From Springfield, you can catch Amtrak trains -- the Northeast Regional runs there, as does the Vermonter, and I'm sure I'm forgetting some. Springfield is also the home base for Peter Pan buses which operate frequent buses to NYC, Boston, Hartford, and other locations in the general Northeast.

There is a bus to Worcester, where you can catch an Amtrak or connect to the Boston commuter rail to get to Boston pretty cheap, but it is /crappy/. Due to PVTA driver shortages they usually run it as a van, not a full bus, and frequently passengers will be left behind even after people squeeze onto the floor of the van and sit in the back or in the aisle for the 2-hour ride. It costs about $9 to go from UMass's transit hub to Worcester. Once I got stranded in Worcester and had to uber back to Amherst because that van only runs about 3 times a day and not every day of the week, last departure around 4 pm.

The Amherst area has a housing crisis right now as UMass consistently admits increasingly more undergrads than it can house, and therefore once those undergrads finish their first year and are no longer guaranteed on-campus accommodations many of them move off-campus to Amherst and its surrounding towns. The best, cheapest, and most convenient housing is usually locked down by returning students the winter before an August move-in for the fall semester. This pushes many new grad students to the surrounding towns like Sunderland, South Deerfield, etc, where buses are a bit of a crapshoot and campus is no longer within reasonable walking distance. Housing's also pretty expensive for the semi-rural location. I'm looking at off-campus housing for next year and will be happy if I can find a place where I'll pay less than $1000 a month (usually, this covers a room in a shared apartment or house).

All this said, the area itself is beautiful, and I've had a great experience with the academics here. I have heard really good things about the translation and linguistics programs and I'm sure you'd be able to find a great niche. You'll also be in close proximity to 4 other great schools (Smith College, Mount Holyoke College, Amherst College, and Hampshire College) and have the ability to take classes, work with profs, etc from those schools through the 5 college exchange program. I don't know what PhD program you're thinking of applying to but I'm in the comparative literature undergrad program (complit encompasses a lot of our translation classes, undergrad and grad level) and have nothing but good things to say about the faculty, the grad student instructors I've had, and the program as a whole.

Feel free to reach out for more information if you'd like!!

Thank you for the info!

Unfortunately I can't drive (never learned) so I'd have to rely on buses. The bus system in Ireland was surprisingly bad (almost daily delays and I lived an hour away from campus) and in Spain I lived on a mountain in the middle of nowhere so grocery shopping took up to 5h but minimum 3h so by now my standards are pretty low. I'd love to travel a little while I'm there (Boston, Salem, Maine, Buffalo etc) so I'm just glad there's buses and trains at all. A free bus system that's kinda crappy is still better than one that doesn't exist or one that's crappy and expensive (shout out to Ireland's 2€ bus fares and Hannover's 8€ metro tickets)

The housing situation is a little worrying but I'm not above a flatshare and I'd get a scholarship so I'm sure I'd find something?? But I'll start looking as soon as soon as I know where I'm moving to because the housing situation is bad in those cities too.

I know something who went to Smith and someone who went to Mount Holyoke so I heard good things about the general region and landscape etc.

The professors I talked to (German Department) were really nice and it sounds like a really cool phd program. Even though Amherst is not as prestigious as two of the other unis I'm applying to it's a very good school and I'd be happy to go there if that's the one I get accepted by/the one I pick.

[the-firebird69]

Hundreds of truck, school bus drivers told their commercial driver's licenses being revoked in Massachusetts - CBS Boston

This is a sign and pretty potent it does mean what it says they're thinking out of the public transport of children one would think that they would have done it earlier but really it is what it is and they're doing it because you're not safe people and they mean it too it is a foreigners and the Mac people and there's a lot of different races a lot of different people and mixed races not that many of them you always come down on them but you're stupid for it and it didn't do any good right now taking away or firing you from cuz yeah that doesn't fly that. There's a big list of things that they're taking you out of when is it is a big huge one that's been happening today in some places and they're taking you out of food stores and restaurants grocery store food distribution anything like that it's known that they are removing you and it's going on now it is a huge huge deal and very very big and getting bigger. These guys are not fooling around anymore they don't want to see you messing with their people and they don't want you on the street messing with them and they're rounding people up. It's going on today and it will go on tomorrow and Monday and really it's increasing but unfortunately to start there in the news it's not a plus it is a way of sending it out that they use and it's as bad news so that's what's going on and more shortly

Thor Freya

Olympus

[1310miles]

Bonus: Boston Revisited

I’m back at Boston. Yes, it’s my first repeat marathon. That means it’s my 45th race, but not my 45th state. I never expected to repeat a race, but after I ran Boston in 2022, I told myself if I ever qualified again, I would run it. The ’22 race wasn’t a great experience (basically the only race I’ve really felt injured) and I wanted to have a good memory of this epic race. I guess we can consider this a bonus blog!

I also wanted my kids to experience “the super bowl of running” with me. Both Eva and Colin traveled with me and I was so proud to show them the way the city celebrates runners. They were amazed with the size of the expo, the grandeur of the finish line area, and the number of runners milling all around. They also loved the special treatment we got at the hotel when I said I was a marathon participant. 

Wake up call on the morning of the race is early because all runners have to be bussed out to Hopkington (26.2 miles away) for the starting line, then the roads close, and the race can begin. This also accounts for why the starting time is so late (10:50am for me!). My bus was earlier than most participants because I took the private coach arranged with the Chicago Area Runners Association. The benefits are that it isn’t a school bus, you will be riding with your friends, you can stay on the bus once you arrive at runner’s village (otherwise you have to sit on the ground), and you have dedicated portapotties. It's worth it to get up an hour early. 

However, I almost didn’t get up. I leisurely awoke and rolled over to look at the time only to see that I overslept! But only by two minutes. My alarm was going off, but the hotel room AC was so loud that I couldn’t hear it! Not really a problem, but it could have been a lot worse. 

The kids wrote me the best letter ever and left it with my race gear. They will never understand how special it made me feel. I was all smiles as I got my hotel coffee, bagel at Dunkin, rode the train and got to the CARA bus. I sat with my friend Aaron, and he told me all about his adventures getting to Boston (forgot his driver’s license and had to testify at the airport to fly!). Once to Hopkington, we met up with other friends and waited the two hours until we were called to the start. 

Race start time was an issue because although the morning was moderately warm, temperatures were headed to the low 70’s by noon. Having trained all winter, this abrupt temperature increase had me worried. It was not in my plan to run in summer temps. Within four miles of starting, I had to throw away my top shirt. It was so unfortunate because Lululemon had gifted me the shirt and I really liked it. However, the extra layer, and frankly thinking about the extra layer, was just making me overheat. I hope someone found that lovely shirt that was basically brand new, washed it, and wears it. 

I was running great through the beginning. My lesson from the first Boston was that I had run too hard in the first 8 miles, which are a gradual downhill. This race day, I was working very hard to moderate my speed, but I was going faster than I expected. It took a lot of willpower to keep it “slow” while I felt so great. 

It was very obvious that I had to watch the heat too. At mile 2, I changed my hydration strategy. I had planned to get water and Gatorade every three miles (alternating the fluids). Based on the heat, I decided to drink at every single stop. I walked through the stops and that was also a welcome relief. By mile 6, I added to the aid station routine. I took 5 cups of water each time! One I drank, one I poured over my left arm, one on my right, one over the front of my head and one over the back. I basically showered every mile. It was totally necessary and totally refreshing. However, about halfway through, I realized my phone was in my back pocket and was probably continually getting drenched. I was dreading pulling it out to find it completely damaged, but thankfully, it was semi-dry and functional. 

The heat was as much mental as physical. If I had been used to the temperatures, it wouldn’t have been half as bad, but I just didn’t have any preparation time. I kept thinking about my legs cramping and having difficulties breathing, which I think led to almost a panic attack type response. I would get really anxious as I ran along, like I was going to hyperventilate. This is when those water stop breaks really became necessary every mile. All of this makes it sound like I was having a terrible race, I wasn’t! I just needed to be very mindful of my environment and keep my body in line. 

I definitely spent more time this race looking around and soaking up the route than I did the first time. The small towns that we ran through were adorable and packed with fans. There were points near the end that the cheering was so loud and constant that I wished we could get some quiet for a few miles. 

Just like the first time, when I ran through the Scream Tunnel at Wellsley, I got tears in my eyes. Those women were so excited for each and every runner, and they made me feel so incredible. They really do carry you for the whole mile. I had requested a sign be made, but I didn’t ever see it. I know they made it though because I was on the list. Instead, I did see the best sign ever: “I love lying to men.” 

My race pace strategy was going perfectly as planned and by mile 18 I was running as fast I would have without the heat. I was so pleased that my training had allowed for this. After mile 18, as with almost everyone in the race, I began to slow down. Of course, this is when the infamous “Newton Hills” arrive. I walked the hills to conserve everything I needed to get to the finish, and I did it with pride. At the top of Heartbreak Hill, I knew that those were over and it was time to put it into the final gear. 

Getting through those last six miles was difficult, but I had the excitement of seeing the kids at mile 25 to keep me motivated. The logistics of having them travel the course was just too much, so I asked them to be outside the hotel around 2pm to watch for me. I texted them when I was about a mile away, and could see the Citgo sign. Then I watched the sidelines looking for them. 

I guess I didn’t expect it to be so chaotic at that part of the course, but it was right where we enter the downtown commercial area, and right by Fenway Park. There were so many people I started getting very worried that I had missed them. I approached and then passed the hotel without seeing them and honestly was about to turn around and walk a block back to try to find them. Just then I spotted their two cute faces cheering for me! It was the best sight I’ve ever had. I was so proud to find them there being such mature young adults. And I couldn’t wait to finish and get back to them. 

One mile to go, and I was in a bad mood. I wanted to be done. I was really pushing because my goal was to get a Boston qualifying time in this race and with my slow down, I was going to be close. I had a difficult time smiling as I turned onto Boylston and hit the finish line tunnel. Lots of other runners were soaking it up but I was just putting one foot in front of the other. Unfortunately, one woman was much worse off than me. As I approached her, she had diarrhea running down both of her legs and she was just shuffling. I passed her and glanced back to see that she was collapsing. One very kind runner was helping her up and getting her to the finish. 

I finished less dramatically. I got my second Boston medal (finishing in a Boston qualifying time) and walked down the several blocks that they put you through before I could take a quick turn down into the subway. I got on a train to take me back to the hotel that was filled with worn out runners and their families. I was feeling good until I wasn’t and had to sit down. I started to worry I would pass out on the train, but the food from the finish line revived me. I got off the train and emerged to the mile 25 area I had run through just a half hour before. The crowds were still going nuts and it was fun to be on the other side. When I walked into the hotel lobby, someone shouted “congratulations runner” and everyone in there clapped for me. It was incredible! I felt like a star! It was even better when I found the kids in the hotel room waiting for me. They had been doing homework and had all their stuff packed. They even were watching the race on tv and spotted me!

[firsttarotreader]

Lol. It’s bullshit, guys. I’m not even going to waste too much time with this, but she doesn’t even work “in the industry”, she’s a counselor/therapist (yeah, I know, insane, right? 😂😂). And given where she’s actually from, there’s no way she met Pedro at a work event. // A counselor? That's far from "in the industry" you can get.// If horny is a counselor then sheepie51 is a school bus driver who uses tivo alot.

Or maybe, you know, people make fake psychology profiles in scam websites with fake photos from a photography studio in Boston that look nothing like them and shit. 👀👀

[thenewsart]

Girl repeatedly raped by another student on Boston school bus, lawsuit alleges

The family of a 9-year-old girl who was allegedly assaulted and raped multiple times by another student on a Boston school bus filed a lawsuit Friday that accuses Boston Public Schools of failing to protect the child on her rides home from class. The lawsuit, filed by Morgan & Morgan in Suffolk Superior Court, also names the City of Boston, the Match Charter School, and a Transdev bus driver and…

[timmurleyart]

The night bus. 🚌🌙🚎(watercolor on paper)🚃🌝

[youressentialsblog]

Child, Driver Injured In School Bus Crash In Reading – CBS Boston

Child, Driver Injured In School Bus Crash In Reading – CBS Boston

READING (CBS) – A school bus carrying children from a summer camp collided with a car in Reading Friday afternoon. The crash happened near Wakefield and Charles streets at about 4:00 p.m. Two children on the bus and the driver of the car were hurt in the crash. The children were treated at the scene and released to their parents. READ MORE: ‘Quite A Bit Of Destruction’: Storm Causes Widespread…

[homeofthelonelywriter]

FF: 30 Days, I’m yours! Day 4

(A/N) Day four! I have to admit that it is heavily inspired by my visit to the Boston Aquarium. If you ever have the chance, definitely go there and pet some rays and sharks for me! ;;

Pairing: Loki x Reader

Warnings: none

Tags:

@niniyanyan

@justanothermagicalsara​

@legolas-bromance​

@xorpsbane​

@salempoe​

@slpnbty2001

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6

Part 7

Part 8

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I woke up in my own bed. Thank god. Gods? Whatever.

After stretching, I checked my phone and noticed that it was still early enough to get some breakfast. I got out of bed and took a quick shower, before I got dressed and made my way to the kitchen. The mess from yesterday had been cleaned up thankfully and I got right to cooking. I was preparing a pancake batter when Loki entered the kitchen.

“Hah…I thought it was you.” He walked up to me, placing his hand on the small of my back before he pressed a gentle kiss to my forehead.

“Good morning, love.” I smiled up at him.

“Good morning, Loki.” Loki smiled and sat down at the table.

“Are you making pancakes?” I continued stirring the batter.

“Yeah. Do you want some?” Loki nodded and I quickly added a bit more of every ingredient. I let the batter rest for a bit while I prepared a pan and some butter.

Soon the pancakes were done and I grabbed some condiments, placing them on the table. Loki and I dug in and soon all of the pancakes were gone. I quickly cleaned up, before I sat back down, opposite of Loki.

I was about to ask him what he wants to do today, when I noticed a binder on the table. I grabbed it and immediately recognized it.

“That’s Peter’s homework. He must’ve forgotten it.” Loki frowned.

“Homework?” I chuckled.

“That’s work that students have to do at home. It helps them to revise what they learned in school and to memorize and practice it. And they get in trouble if they don’t have it. We should get it to Peter.” Loki nodded and stood up.

“Do you know where his school is?” I nodded when I realized what day it was.

“Wait…Peter told me that they are going to the Aquarium today. At least in the morning.” I checked my watch. “They should still be there. Let’s go!”

I grabbed a jacket and my purse from my room, before Loki and I made our way out of the tower. The weather was better than yesterday, it didn’t rain any more, but the sky was still dark and a cold wind blew through the streets, chilling me to the bone.

“Shoot…I should’ve grabbed a scarf too.” Within a millisecond, Loki held one in his hands and wrapped it around my neck. I smiled. The scarf smelled like him.

“Thank you.” He nodded before he intertwined his fingers with mine. “We should get a cap…the Aquarium is really far away. And public transport would take too long.” I lead Loki to a spot where I knew that it was easy to hail a cap easily. As soon as one stopped, we jumped in and told the driver our location.

“New York Aquarium, please.” The driver looked surprised for a split second, before he nodded and pulled back onto the street.

“Tony is going to kill me when he sees the bill.” Loki chuckled.

It took us some time to get to the Aquarium, but when we arrived, I quickly paid with the credit card Tony gave me. Just as we exited the taxi, Peter’s class walked out of the Aquarium and towards a school bus.

“Peter!” The young boy turned to look at me. I jogged over to him and handed him his binder. “Found this on the kitchen table. Thought you would get in trouble of you don’t have it.” He sighed relieved.

“Thank you so much, Miss Y/N.” I smiled and padded him on the shoulder.

“No problem. Have a fun day.” He nodded and returned to the group, where MJ and Ned were waiting for him. I waved at those two and they waved back before they boarded the bus.

“Soooo…want to go into the Aquarium since we’re already here?” Loki shrugged.

“Sure, why not.” He once again intertwined his fingers with mine and we walked to the ticket counter together. I paid with the credit card again and we quickly entered.

We grabbed our coats and put them in a locker, not in the mood to carry them around the whole time. And then, one of the best days of my life really began.

“YOU CAN PET SHARKS AND MANTA RAYS?” Loki and I were standing in front of a tank with low enough walls that one could easily reach inside. I quickly rolled up my sleeves and washed my hands, eager to pet the water-pets. The instructor told me to just keep my hand still in the water and that I could pet whatever came by.

I got excited every time a creature came by. The small rays had a really soft and squishy skin, while the tiny shark had very rough skin, similar to a cat tongue. I was still excitingly petting whatever creature came close to me, when I remembered Loki. I turned around to look for him, and I found him easily. He was leaning against the wall behind me and just…smiled. As I looked into his eyes, I could see all the love and adoration he was holding for…me. I smiled back.

“Am I boring you?” He chuckled and shook his head.

“No. Take all the time you want, love.” I smiled and nodded, turning back to the tank. I only stopped petting the tiny creatures when I noticed that my fingers were staring to shrivel up. I slowly removed my hand, not wanting to startle any of the animals and went back to the sink to wash my hand again. After I dried it, I joined Loki again.

“Ready?” I nodded and locked hands with him. We had barely started walking when we came across the next interactive activity. I gasped when I saw the moveable lamp which you could use to play with the penguins. Loki released my hand and took a few steps back, giving me room again. I started playing around with the lamp, moving it, while penguins where chasing it, thinking that it was food. It was one of the funniest games one could play with penguins.

Once I got tired, Loki and I moved on, slowly walking through the entire Aquarium. The fact, that Loki gave me time, didn’t pressure me and didn’t make fun of me for being excited and having fun…really made me fall a bit more him. Whatever I was doing, he was right behind me, cheering me on.

After we saw everything, we made our way to the gift shop and I fell in love with everything. All the plushies, the funny hats, the hoodies, the jewelry and the toys. Once again, I was excitedly running around, taking a close look at everything. Loki quietly followed along. As I was walking around, I caught a glimpse outside and noticed that it was already turning dark. We really spend a lot of time in here. I decided to net get anything and instead go home.

“Let’s go, Loki.” He frowned.

“Didn’t you want to get someth-”

“Achoo!” A shiver ran through me and Loki was immediately by my side.

“Are you okay?” I nodded, smiling at him.

“Yeah, I proba-achoo. Probably just caught a-achoo. A cold. Sorry.” Loki shook his head, worry written all over his face.

“It’s okay, love. Let’s get you home, okay?” I nodded and we quickly went to grab our coats. After that, Loki insisted on teleporting us home.

“It’s cheaper and quicker.” In the end I agreed.

We walked outside and within the blink of an eye, we stood in front of the tower. We entered and while I wanted to go to the living area, Loki forced me to go back to my room and take a hot shower.

“And get into bed after that, okay? I’ll get you some tea and soup meanwhile.” I just had to agree when Loki was that worried.

I walked to my room and did as Loki said, putting on a comfy PJ after the shower. I had just gotten into bed when there was a knock at the door.

“Come in!” Even though I was underneath the blanket, I was shivering.

Loki entered with a tray in his hands.

“Hot tea and chicken noodle soup.” He was smiling until he saw me. He quickly placed the tray on my nightstand before he reached for my forehead, feeling my temperature. Worry was written all over his face.

“You’re running a fever, love. I’ll go ask the others for some medicine. You eat the soup meanwhile.” He was gone and back within a few minutes. Loki gave me the medicine and got me a glass of cool water to wash it down with.

After I finished the soup, Loki made the bowl and tray disappear, only leaving the tea.

“Try and go to sleep now, love. I’ll be here if you need something.” The medicine had made me drowsy, so I was already half asleep anyway. Still…

“No, it’s okay. You can go to your room.” Loki shook his head and sat down on the bed next to me.

“No, I won’t leave you alone like this. Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine. Now sleep.” He leaned down, pressing a kiss against my forehead. I closed my eyes and quickly drifted off to sleep.  

[beardedmrbean]

A man was arrested after approaching a 13-year-old girl from behind and grabbing her shoulders as she walked to her school bus stop on Thursday morning in Pleasantville, authorities said.

Jamil Boston, 38, of Pleasantville, was charged with attempted child luring, attempted sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child, Pleasantville police said Friday,

The girl was on her way to her bus stop in the 600 block of Risley Avenue at around 8:15 a.m. when she saw Boston approach her. “Startled by the man’s presence and demeanor,” she then began walking in the opposite direction, according to police.

That’s when Boston grabbed her, authorities said. The girl then ran toward a school bus that was in the area before the bus driver and an aide intervened.

Boston ran away but was later found, taken into custody and sent to the Atlantic County jail, authorities said.

[anotheronechicagobog]

Rangers, Lead The Way - Chapter 3 - Kenny with Maggie

written by @anotheronechicagobog

warnings: swearing, nudity, profanity, mention of school shooting, guns, weapons, I’m pro gun control (even though I’m Canadian) and this kinda reflects that, mention of PTSD, child neglect, also I fucking hate nazis

When someone called before seven in the morning it was work, a death notification, or one of his fellow trio of lovestruck fools. So when the annoying ringtone Hana installed as a prank and he couldn’t figure out how to remove started blasting on his nightstand at 2:17 in the morning, he was more annoyed than apprehensive. “Crosby.”

“Hey man, sorry to call you so late, but it’s about Maggie.”

“What’s going on?”

“One of her first arrests as an FBI agent just broke out of prison, and she’s been temporarily assigned to the unit being tasked with finding him. Yours. I expect you’ll be getting a call in the next five minutes or so. Maggie can take care of herself, I know that, but...”

“It’s hard when you’re not there to watch her back. Don’t worry, I’ve got her.” 

“Thank you. So much. I appreciate this, so, so much.”

“Hey, a couple of months ago I was you. I feel you man, don’t worry. She’ll be fine. Listen, I’d love to keep talking but I’ve got another call coming in and it looks like that work call you were warning about. Talk to you later.”

“See you on the flip side, man.”

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

Jess stood in front of everyone with that look on his face that vaguely reminded Kenny of his stern ex-navy fourth-grade teacher. “Everyone, this is special agent Maggie Bell, you may remember her from when we worked with her unit on a couple of cases, but this time it’s just her joining us. Is there anything you’d like to add, Bell?”

“I’m excited to work with you all, but please, call me Maggie.”

“Alright, let’s get to work, then. Maggie, Jason Anderson was one of your first arrests with the bureau, can you brief us on that case and highlight any details you think may be pertinent?”

“Definitely. Well for starters, Anderson is a cheating scumbag and it only gets worse from there.” Maggie’s bluntness broke through the formality that was stifling the bus, smirks and chuckles abound, and it seemed that only he didn’t have the sense to at least try and hid his amusement. An understanding but disapproving look had Kenny composing himself to speak up. “Well then, let’s jump down this rabbit hole.”

Maggie was sitting next to Hana, giving details about the fugitive they were currently after. He was one of Maggie’s first arrests as an FBI agent, so the bureau thought it would be beneficial to have her work with the team. So here she was, dressed in jeans and a sweater as opposed to her usual suits, combining her razor-sharp intelligence with Hana’s. They’d commandeered the top floor of a police station in Boston and were relying on Maggie and Hana’s wit to find out where he was. Jason Anderson, 42, was an illegal weapons dealer. He’d previously been put in prison for distribution and possession of prohibited firearms, and for giving an AK-47 to a school shooter. He was being transferred to a higher security prison because it came to light that he was continuing his business from behind bars, but the security team had been too small and unprepared for the escape plan pulled off by a team of eight. Those eight men were their biggest clue oddly enough, as they’d been dropping like flies since the escape. Michael Howard, 40, was Anderson’s ex-brother-in-law. And the connection between all the, now dead, prison breakers. Unfortunately, Howard’s sister, and Anderson’s ex-wife, had cut contact with both of them along with the rest of their families after Howard introduced Anderson to his mistress and encouraged an affair that created two children. The mistress, Bethany Karnstein, had gone AWOL hours ago when she left her job in the middle of her shift and didn’t pick her kids up from school. 

The kids were safe with Anderson’s parents, but they couldn’t answer their questions when they asked where their mother was. The kids did identify Michael Howard as one of their mom’s friends though, he’d come to watch them while their mother was in the hospital about six months prior. They didn’t look shocked that FBI agents were asking about their parents, but they still didn’t know anything. 

At the moment, they were splitting up. Jess and Barnes were headed to follow up with Bethany’s clueless boss, he and Clinton were about to go follow up on a possible sighting, and Hana and Maggie were staying on the bus. Thankfully, since Kenny was stressed out enough at the prospect of having to watch out for Maggie on top of worrying about Hana, them being assigned together eased his mind. 

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

It was around midnight when he and Clinton were finally able to rendezvous with the rest of the team. There was no sighting, Bethany had one of her affair partners call in a false tip, and when he and Clinton had quickly sussed that out it lead to a shootout and car chase. Jason, the dumbass stupid enough to commit six different felonies for a woman who has two kids with a violent arms dealer, was lying in a heavily guarded ICU bed. They’d managed to get his cell phone but he was beyond unconscious when they’d finally managed to get him to stop shooting at them. “Hey Hana, I brought you something.”

“Jason’s cell?”

“That too, but I was actually talking about this.” He held out a large coffee that she desperately needed if the way her eyes lit up was any indication. “Thank you.” Hana let out an over-dramatic groan as she downed the first sip. “Hey Crosby, thanks for my coffee too.” He looked at Maggie sheepishly, realizing that he’d only gotten two, one for himself and the other for Hana. “I was the one who drove to and then parked in front of the coffee shop while he went and got those, how do you think I feel?” Clinton’s playful jab caused a round of giggles but the knowing look from the older man made Crosby a little nervous. He was sure his feelings towards Hana weren’t super well-hidden, but he really didn’t need anyone on the team tipping Hana off. “Anyway, here’s Jason’s cell. Do you think you can crack it?”

“Normally with this many characters I’d say no... But, his password is seven characters long and his lock screen is Bethany, so... There we go, unlocked.”

“... That was a really poor choice of password.”

“And girlfriend.”

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

After working for fourteen hours straight they were all spent and headed to the hotel that the FBI had secured rooms at for them. Jess, Barnes and Clinton were all in one car that was headed straight to the hotel to get everyone checked in. Kenny, Hana, and Maggie were in the other car that was making a detour on the way to pick up Thai food. Hana and Maggie were chatting amongst themselves, but Kenny was still kicking himself for the slip-up he’d made while placing the order over the phone. 

“Hi, can I place an order for pickup? Great. The name’s Kenny and the phone number is 123-456-7890. Okay, I’ll get two orders of shrimp rolls, one vegetable pad Thai, one pork Mee Khob, one chicken pad Keeng, and two orders of chicken Kao pad puk, hold on one second- Maggie you want green curry, right?”

“... Yeah, how did you know?” I’ve heard your partner talk about you almost non-stop since he met you because he’s head over heels in love with you, but I can’t say that, can? Especially because you, Hana, and Hailey don’t know that OA, Jya, and I know each other... For some reason, so sorry Maggie, Hana but I’m going to have to lie my ass off here. “Uh, sorry, I thought I heard you mention it earlier, plus you look like a green curry kind of person.”

“Ha, alright, yes I’d like some, thanks.”

“- Sorry about keeping you on hold, I’ll add one green curry to that order. Do you want me to pay over the phone or is it okay if I pay when I get there?”

“Kenny!”

“Sorry, what’s up?”

“Our exit is coming up in... 150 metres, you need to turn right.”

“Shit, thanks, Hana.”

“Are you okay? You seemed like you were in your own world there.”

“I’m fine, I was just thinking. Where do I go next?”

“Go straight for another 700 metres, it’ll be on the right.”

“Got it.”

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

“Alright everyone, the food’s here!” They’d all decided to gather in one of the meeting rooms the hotel had to the left of the lobby, Kenny had admittedly bellowed a little loud, but it brought all of his straggling coworkers into the room from their various spots in and around the lobby.

“Finally, what took you guys so long?” He knew that Jess was just hangry, and frustrated that they hadn’t caught the fugitive yet, so he let the snappy comment slide.

“Crosby almost missed the turn.”

“You let Crosby drive? Rookie mistake” He gave Hana a teasing look of betrayal before turning to Clinton. “I’ll have you know I am an excellent driver.”

“You’ve driven into a lake.”

“That was one time three years ago! And we were in a high-speed chase with a guy on a BMX bike who made a sharp turn near a kid’s birthday party, I didn’t exactly have many options.” He sounded more upset than he actually was. Moments like these were nice, where they got to hang around each other and just be friends, and Maggie was fitting in wonderfully with everyone but especially Hana, who sat in between him and Maggie as she started telling a story about OA with her face absolutely glowing.

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

Jason’s cell proved to be far more useful than he was. Bethany had been texting him from a rural address that turned out to be a cottage rental that was supposed to be vacant. The owners had a basic security system that had alerted them that someone was in their cottage, when the local LEOs investigated they immediately recognized the suspect but were able to play it off as having gotten a noise complaint, before going back to their vehicle and calling the FBI, while hiding their vehicle so that they could keep watch over the cottage. There was always a tense atmosphere when people were getting greedy for a raid, Kenny supposed the fresh air and appealing scent of pine trees eases tensions slightly, but not by much. Everyone knew that the worst could happen. That their loved ones could get an overly formal call at an unholy hour, telling them that the worst would happen. Everyone always did their best to try and prevent that, but there was only so much that they could keep out of fate’s unforgiving hands. His heartstrings pulled slightly as he flicked his eyes over to Hana. She was his special someone, even if she didn’t know it, and for a brief moment, he wondered what it would be like for her if he- No. Nope. You can’t think like that, especially not before a raid, and especially not about a woman who was only supposed to be your friend. The final preparations were complete and they were getting in position to breach. Hana still hadn’t been cleared for the field yet, so in the back of his mind, he was appreciative that there was one less person to worry about, with her wirelessly monitoring their body cams and coms. Although that was kind of moot point honestly, because Maggie was with them, in fact, Maggie had taken Hana’s position behind him. “You ready Maggie?” She put her hand on the back of his vest as the SWAT leader started counting down. “Always.”

The door was busted down and all the FBI and SWAT agents funnelled into the house through the three entrances. The sliding glass back door was where Jess was entering, the side door was for Clinton and Barnes, and He and Maggie were going through the front door. The front door went straight into the family room to the right, the eat-in kitchen was on the left, and directly across from the sliding glass door. Flashbangs went off as everyone started shouting, announcing themselves. There were screams and cries of panic, something not unusual in their line of work, what was also not unusual was finding Bethany naked on her knees with Michael Howard standing in front of her dressed in the same manner. Michael’s eyes went wide, and his thought process played out like an open book.

Shit. Feds.

Get gun.

... Gun is not in my holster because I’m not wearing clothes.

Run.

... Can’t run cause Bethany is clinging to my legs.

Kenny had to give the guy props for trying to tackle him linebacker style naked as the day he was born as he stood firm and checked him, sending him flying onto the ground. “Turn onto your stomach, now!”

He writhed around, trying to resist arrest, shouting “SUCK MY DICK YOU PIGS!” And trying to thrust his bare nether regions at everyone, Kenny in particular. “Howard Michael, you are under arrest, you have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you. Do you acknowledge that your rights have been read to you?”

“FUCK YOU!”

“I’m gonna take that as a yes.” One of the SWAT officers approached them with an itchy-looking wool blanket and took their suspect into custody. Maggie and Kenny shared a look before making their way to the two bedrooms that were to the left of the kitchen, they hadn’t been cleared yet and now they were trying to move fast to make sure that no other accomplices got away. Kenny took the right door, Maggie, to the left. “FBI! Freeze!” Kenny was met with the disturbing sight of a dead body on the bed. His throat and wrists had been slit and he was surrounded by lumped together blood-soaked sheets. He immediately recognized the dead body as the last remaining accomplice in the breakout. “Hey, Crosby? I need your help in here.”

“What’s up Maggie?” When he entered her room he stopped in his tracks. There wasn’t a bed, instead, there were two cribs for two babies, both of whom were in an equally freaked-out Maggie’s arms. “Here, let me help you.” Kenny helped lighten her load by taking a baby in his arms. “Hi sweetheart, what’s your name?”

“Kenny, these babies can’t be older than six months, you know she can’t respond to you, right?”

“I know, but they’re so little and scared, I want to at least try to comfort them.” The little girl hard curled up into his chest and nestled her face into his neck. “It looks like you’re doing a great job to me.”

“Who’s kids even are these?”

“I’m really trying not to think about it.”

“I’m praying to every deity there is that they’re not Bethany and Howard’s kids.”

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

There had to be thousands of deities, gods, godlings, divine beings, and not one of them could come through for those poor kids? The six-month-old twins Baxter and Hazel were the children of Bethany Karnstein and Michael Howard, who had murdered a man in the room next to their children’s room. The social services department where they were was basically non-existent, so while they waited for a social worker to drive from four and a half hours away they were watching the babies at the local police station while Jess and Clinton were questioning Michael. Baxter was much more social, jumping between the FBI agents, SWAT, and local LEOs, but he was now babbling quite happily on Maggie’s lap, whereas Hazel had immediately taken to Hana and refused to be held by anyone but her and Kenny. He looked at her fondly, Hana was holding the baby close to her chest and humming the tune to a melodic song he couldn’t remember the name of. Hazel looked up at Hana with wide, enchanted, trusting eyes, and all Kenny could do was feel his heart melt. A stray thought placed itself at the forefront of his mind and before he could stop it, he was picturing Hana as a mom, and as captivating as that thought was Kenny had to shake his head to stop it from going too far, they were just friends, it wasn’t Hana’s fault that he’s in love with her. I need to look somewhere else, anywhere else. 

His eye-line shifted to Maggie and watching as she bounced an absolutely delighted Baxter on her lap. He knew that OA wanted a family, wanted a wife and a couple of kids, and looking at the tender way Maggie was holding and entertaining Baxter, he could see her being a mom too. Man, if OA saw this he’d have a heart attack, it’s his dream come true.

Kenny saw Hana shift positions out of his peripheral vision and turned to look at her and was immediately concerned. She had a look of discomfort on her face. “Hana? Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine.” Her tone was tense and Hazel immediately picked up on it and made a scared noise. “Are your arms tired? Do you want me to take her?”

“No. We’re fine. Maybe you should hold Baxter instead.” She snapped and finally looked him in the eyes, she was clearly angry and upset, but she seemed betrayed as well. Kenny leaned back into his chair his shoulders sinking in tandem. He was silently thankful that since everyone was milling about and talking it didn’t seem that anyone heard the exchange, though Maggie did look at him with a raised eyebrow. He shrugged his shoulders in response, completely bewildered. Maggie shook her head sharply, rolled her eyes, and scoffed. ‘Men.’ She mouthed. Kenny was completely clueless, had either of them noticed him watching them at they were offended at that? He watches Hana work away on her computer all the time and it’s never been an issue, but then again that was always subject to change. His inner ramblings were cut off when Jess and Clinton came back from the interrogation room. “Michael didn’t talk much, but Hana decrypted his cell and he has incoming and outgoing calls to a recluse retiree Evan DeLuca who lives forty minutes from here. Crosby, Bell go check it out, Clinton and I are going to take a break from interrogating Michael for an hour or so, Gibson and Barnes, you two can interrogate Karnstein, see how much she knows and just how involved is she in all of this. We can watch the babies while you’re in there...”

“Admit it, boss, you want a break just cause you two want to hold the babies.”

“Get moving Crosby, Barnes is already out the door.”

“You got it.”

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

They were twenty minutes into the tense car ride when Maggie finally spoke up. “Just so you know, you’re an idiot.” Flabbergasted Kenny let his mouth fall open and close a couple of times before tightening his grip on the steering wheel only to release it after taking a breath. “You’re probably right, but can you please tell me why I’m an idiot? What did I do wrong?”

“Can’t tell you that.”

“Why not? You were the one who brought it up.”

“Just... Focus more on Hana, okay?”

“Are you sure? I mean, I thought about it, and maybe that’s the issue?”

“Trust me, it’s not. Just focus on her, got it?”

“Okay... I’m confused as hell, but okay.”

“Isn’t that your usual state of mind?” He didn’t have to look over to see the teasing grin, he could feel it. “Woah, low blow, Maggie, low blow.”

“If you want to hear about a low blow, you should hear about how OA and I had to chase a clown fairy princess twelve blocks at two in the morning.”

“Please, go on.”

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

Well. That went terribly wrong. As much as Kenny could appreciate the peace and aesthetic of small towns and cottage areas, he hated working in them because there was never any backup! Forty minutes may not seem like a lot of time, but when you’re in a firefight against a man who has access to a seemly endless supply of weapons of war, that was an eternity. He’d literally fired a bazooka at them, how in the fuck did he get a bazooka?! So, the good news about this situation? They’d found Jason Anderson. Bad news? They’d found Jason Anderson with an arsenal large enough and powerful enough to take down a small army. They’d managed to take cover, but Anderson clearly had night-vision goggles because, despite the fact that it was past eleven and pitch black, he always knew where they were. Oh, and Evan DeLuca was probably a dead retiree, not a recluse. That’s just great, another body to add to Anderson’s growing total. Now, all that he and Maggie had to do was not become part of that number. If only it were that easy. They’d managed to get around the side of the house where there were only two medium-sized windows on side of the house facing them instead of a large doorway like at the front and, presumably, the back.

When Kenny got Jess on the phone it was nothing but panicked observations, and the notification that they’d found Anderson, as he and Maggie ran for cover. His phone wasn’t even near his face when he made the call, so he’s not quite sure what all made it through, only that they were still thirty minutes away from the address.

“We need a plan.”

“He can see our movements so we’re going to have to be sneaky about it.”

“I’ll fire on him, cause a diversion, do you think you can try to sneak around back?” 

“Are you crazy?! We didn’t have time to grab our vests, that’s suicide. Besides, how many rounds do you even have left?”

“I’ve got a mag and a half.”

“Really? I thought you fired a bunch of shots at him earlier.”

“I did, but I’ve been carrying extra ammo for this case, I figured I’d need it at some point considering we’re going up against a weapons dealer.”

“Smart-” She was cut off by another several hundred rounds being fired at the, thankfully incredibly thick, tree they were hiding behind. “We don’t have much of a choice Maggie. Head around back, I’ll try to distract him and not get shot.” He knew she’d argue with him, so he didn’t give her the chance to. He ran out from behind the tree and fired through the only window of the two that was open. There wasn’t any light on in the house, so Kenny really wasn’t sure what he was aiming for. After the sixth shot he heard “fuck! Fucking fuck!” And felt a wave of relief; he’d hit Anderson. Hopefully enough to keep him subdued. He ran around to the front of the house only to be met with the sight of Anderson pulling the pin out of a grenade. He ran back out faster than he entered and hugged the outside of the entrance just outside of the doorframe. “GRENADE!” The explosion went off where he’d been standing when he burst through the front door, shrapnel from the grenade exploded through the doorway seconds after he’d gotten out and he could hear some of it embed itself in the interior of the wall behind him.

When Kenny entered through the doorway, they were face to face. Kenny's gun was raised aimed at his forehead, and Anderson stood there weaponless. Pulling the trigger, Kenny made the mistake of thinking that it was over, that Anderson was done for. Click. Horror and vindication simultaneously coursed through Crosby and Anderson. The gun was empty. He'd spent all the rounds. Before he could lower his useless gun Anderson was on him like a feral animal. Despite the gunshot wound to Anderson’s right shoulder, he was just as lethal without a weapon as was when he had one. Anderson had him by the throat up against the wall and was pressing his thumbs into Kenny’s throat. Kenny threw two quick punches to Anderson’s jaw, releasing him and making them stumble away from each other. It quickly turned into a fight on the floor. They were biting, kicking, hitting each other, trying to get the upper hand. Kenny managed to land a solid elbow to Anderson’s head but that seemed to be the tipping point that only enraged him. The next thing Kenny knew Anderon had pushed him up and smacked him on the ground, knocking the air out of his lungs, and started to choke him again. Kenny tried to lay in a punch like the first time, but Anderson saw that coming, just dodged away from the fist and started pushing his thumbs into the centre of Kenny’s neck harder. 

“FBI! Put up your hands!” Anderson growled but did as he was told. Kenny lay there gasping for breath knowing that it was too easy, Anderson had another trick up his sleeve, and Maggie was too smart not to know it too. She stepped closer, her gun pointed to the back of Anderson’s head, one hand reaching to her waist to grab her cuffs... That’s when Anderson made his move, spinning around and grabbing her by the waist, Anderson pulled her to the ground, the force caused her to let go of her gun. She tried to reach for it but Anderson pulled her towards him by her hair and put her in a chokeholdJaytill hazy from the lack of air Kenny grappled at him from behind. Trying to do something, anything, to save Maggie. Whatever he did worked because Anderson turned back to face him only now he had a bruise on the side of his face that was already swollen. Anderson tried grabbing Kenny by the neck again, but it was clear he was low on energy and just trying to fight until his last breath. Too bad for Anderson that Maggie wasn’t going to let that happen. 

Crack.

And then Anderson was unconscious, lying on top of him, and Kenny barely had the strength to move the gun dealing scumbag off of him. “You good?”

“Yeah, thanks.” He looked at the gun in Maggie’s hand and Anderson on the ground. She was holding her gun by the barrel and there was some blood on the handle. “You cold-cocked him?”

“Yeah, I tried shooting him, but I mistook my gun for yours. I told you that you wouldn’t have enough ammo.”

“That you did. Thanks again, for saving my ass.”

“Any time.”

“I’m gonna call the team and let them know they don’t have to come in guns blazing... Especially because we are surrounded by improperly stored weapons and ammo. I’ll probably call for an ambulance too, to come to check you out.”

“What? Me?”

“Yeah, he had you in that chokehold pretty hard.”

“He strangled you, twice!”

“Three times actually, you weren’t here for the first one.”

“Even if you have to be dragged over by the ear, you will be getting checked out by the ambulance too.”

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

“I’m going to preface this by saying Maggie’s fine, she doesn’t even have a concussion.”

“... That was the absolute worst way to start this call. Are you aware of that? Oh the heart attack you’re giving me? What the fuck happened?”

“Long story short, we found Jason Anderson and he tried to kill us.”

“And the long version? Actually, wait do I even want to know?”

“Probably not, but you want to know anyway because you think it will make you worry less, even though we both know it won’t, don’t you?”

“... Yes.”

“We got shot at a lot, got pinned down behind one of the massive trees they have out here, split up with me providing the distraction, I almost got blown up, my magazine was empty from providing cover so we went hand-to-hand, the door at the back was blocked by crates of uzis so it took her a while to get back, I got strangled three separate times, managed to land good hits, so did he, he threw Maggie on the ground when she showed up and she hit her head, he put her in a chokehold, I got her out of it by pinching his armpits really hard after punching wasn’t working, he tried to strangle me for the third time and Maggie cold-cocked him with my empty gun cause she couldn’t find hers. The paramedics cleared her, she’ll be fine. I think that Hana’s gonna try to drag us to the local clinic when we get back to town.”

“She’s okay?”

“Completely, she doesn’t even have a headache or sore throat, and she really saved my ass back there. She’s good. She’s with Hana right now actually. Hana was really off when everyone showed up, she’s been pretty worried and she won’t believe me when I say I’m okay but she’ll believe Maggie. You know you could probably call her, check up on her yourself? We were talking with the paramedics and she kept talking about this halal burger place you brought her to and she’d do anything for one of those right now... But from the look on her face when she brought you up, I’d wager she was actually talking about you. She misses you, even spent an hour talking about you when we all got Thai food in Boston.”

“Alright, thanks, man. I don’t know what I’d do if she wasn’t okay.”

“Gee, thanks for showing your concern for me. You know, your brother in arms-”

“Alright-”

“Fellow ex-ranger-”

“Okay-”

“Favourite blonde-”

“I’m glad you’re alright Kenny. I just can’t believe you two went up against Jason Anderson and walked away unscathed.”

“Actually my throat is pretty sore and the paramedics found some shrapnel in my right leg, all of it was shallow but some of it got pushed in deeper during the fight.”

“... Just go to a hospital, man. Seriously. Also, Hailey is my favourite blonde now. Sorry.”

“What?!”

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

“We have a problem.”

“What kind of problem, Hana?” Jess may have sounded cool, calm, and collected, but anyone who knew him was able to tell it was the opposite. Jess LaCroix likes for things to get done and stay done, according to Tali that’s why he hates doing the dishes, and this threw a serious wrench in everyone’s plans to escort the culprits, and children because children’s aid still hasn’t shown up, back to Boston and then go home to New York.  

“Anderson’s set up a buy, a big one. Everything in that house except for two AK-47’s, ten grenades, and eight rounds of ammo for the AK-47, is for a single buyer, they’re meeting at the base of a hiking trail in two days.”

“Fuck. There were uzis and bazookas, who the hell are these guys.” Anderson was just a weapons dealer, and he was dangerous enough, Kenny really wasn’t looking forward to meeting whoever the buyer was. “I don’t know, I couldn’t find out, but there is some, I guess, good news. They think that he blew up an FBI agent and that that’s who’s in the hospital under armed guard. They think he got away, want to do the exchange earlier than planned, they want to meet in two hours, the same location.”

“Hana, we have the opportunity to also take down some pretty dangerous buyers too, that’s great news, why don’t you think so?”

“Kenny, they don’t know his exact face but they have a description. Six feet tall, blonde, blue eyes, muscular-”

“You think I have muscles?” Kenny realized his attempt at lightening the mood wasn’t welcome when no one chuckled along with him, muttering a quick apology before looking back at Hana, whose face displaced what he could only describe as contained distress. “Kenny, you’re pretty banged up, you shouldn’t be going out there.”

“Hana, I’ll be fine. Everything’s mostly superficial, SWAT hasn’t gone back to Boston yet, and we may not get another chance to get these guys. It has to be done, and quickly. I’ll be okay.” She took a deep breath and looked down at the papers on the table in front of her. She did not like it, that much was very obvious, but she looked frustrated that his logic was right, and that they’d have to go through with his, admittedly not very well thought out, plan. “Alright, I guess I’ll go and get the tech set up.” Jess coughed to draw attention to himself, along with everyone else in the room they’d been ignoring, and Kenny felt his cheeks heat up. “Sorry, is this the plan we’re going through with and should I get the tech together?”

“While I get the local LEO’s to give us some info on the terrain?” Jess looked them both over before nodding. “Sounds like that’s what we’re doing, thanks for doing all the planning guys, everyone, go get prepared.”

“Kenny, can you come and find me after you’re done talking to the LEO’s? I’d like to talk for a sec.”

“Sure thing Maggie.”

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

His talk with Maggie ended up just being a quick, and confusing, talk.

“I know that it’s been a rough couple of days, but I’m still you really need to be careful.”

“I know, it won’t be like back at the house, there’ll be back up this time, and I’ll have ammo in my gun this time.”

“This isn’t the time to joke but... Okay. And one more thing, be nice to Hana.”

“Aren’t I always nice to Hana? I feel like she’s upset with me but I don’t know what I’ve done wrong.” Maggie sighed before giving him a long look and was clearly debating whether or not to say something. “It’s not that you’ve done anything wrong, it’s just that... current circumstances have been stressing her out. Like me being your partner right now, it’s thrown her off a bit. And she said you’ve been acting strange so she’s worried about you for that on top of your physical safety, and Zadie has been calling and texting her quite a bit asking for updates about you, and it’s just been a lot for her.”

“Why didn’t she tell me any of this?”

“Sometimes it’s easier to talk to someone who isn’t directly involved in the issue. Look, all I’m saying is that you need to be careful, and maybe tell Zadie to not ask about you while you and Hana are working.”

“I didn’t even know she’s been doing that, it doesn’t matter that Hana isn’t in the field, her work is still crucial and she can’t afford to be distracted. Are we good?”

“Yeah, we’re good.”

“Good.”

Maggie was still pretty vague, but when Hana was wiring him up, he promised her he would be careful and cautious, that he was sorry if he worried her, the relief on her face made his heart twinge. He hadn’t meant to make her so concerned.

Two sets of headlights drove up the gravel road that leads to town, bring Kenny back to the present. Two men stepped out of each car and he immediately had to stifle a groan. He was now standing alone in a hiking trail parking lot alone, but with back up hiding in the trees, with four nazis. They were all in their fifties wearing blatant white supremacist clothes. He counted a trump shirt, a confederate flag, an all lives matter shirt, and a swastika shirt. “You Jason Anderson?” Confederate spoke first, and his voice was so loud and boisterous it shook his beer belly. “I am.”

“Is that FBI agent you blew up dead yet?”

“I really didn’t come here, when the feds are really pissed and packing heat, to make small talk. Are you buying or not? I’ve got them all loaded up in the back.”

“Can we see them first?”

“After I see the cash.” Trump shirt looked at confederate for confirmation before walking to the second pick-up truck, because of course, and returned with two stuffed duffle bags. Kenny unzipped them the second they were in front of him, and sure enough, stacks of $100 bills shoved inside in a disorderly fashion. Kenny pretended to count but he was really biding his time, trying to find ways to get them to spill their guts. “What do you guys want with this much firepower, anyway? It’s a bit much for hunting.”

“There’s an abortion clinic a couple of hours away in Boston, we’re going to teach those whores to respect life.” And here I was thinking that these scumbags couldn’t get any worse. Kenny sighed and popped the trunk, revealing the crates of guns, that all had the firing pins removed making them useless, but assholes one through four didn’t need to know that. “Alright, take a look. What do you think?”

“I think... That we just got an arsenal for FREE!” All four aimed their newly attained weapons and... Didn’t fire. “Really? Did you honestly think I’d put ammo in there? Whatever, FBI YOU’RE UNDER ARREST!” They didn’t even have time to start running before the most wanted unit, Maggie, SWAT, and LEO’s had burst out of the trees, guns raised.

Fucking morons.

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

“Hey man, how’d the bust go?”

“Great, we arrested the head of the local faction of the KKK and his minions, apparently. You know, the second the guns were in their hands they tried to blow me to pieces. They thought we, or Anderson rather, would have them all loaded up for them so they could make away with the guns and the cash. You should’ve seen them when they were arrested, they were genuinely surprised that their plan didn’t work, and that no one wanted to hear their bigoted crap. And Anderson’s ex-wife decided to take in all four of Karnstein’s kids, those he had with her husband and brother, which is great because we were worried about what was going to happen to them, but she said she just wants to keep all the siblings together and that’s an example of sainthood if I ever saw one. And before you ask, yes, Maggie’s fine.”

“I’m getting a little predictable when it comes to her, aren’t I?”

“A bit, yeah- hold on one second... I’m back.”  

“What was that?”

“I got another call.”

“From who?”

“Zadie.”

“The girl you’re dating who happens to be the roommate of your best friend and the girl you’re in love with?”

“... Shut up.”

“Hahaha no. Look, we’re both idiots, all three of us were until Halstead figured out how to get off. I can’t talk to Maggie about how I feel, not yet and maybe not ever. Losing her husband left horrendous scars and she needs me to be her partner and her friend, she doesn’t need to deal with how I feel. But you and Hana? You could happen, you could talk to her, I know that you spoke with her about your PTSD and she’s told you about serious things in her life and herself. Both of you have a trust and bond that doesn’t need to be tested. It’s tried and true. You don’t deserve to be miserable, drowning yourself in distractions and being a distraction. Just promise me you’ll think about it.”

“Okay, I will. And for what it’s worth, I don’t think you and Maggie are as far away from each other as you think. She talks about you all the time, she told me so many stories about you two in the field. She trusts you implicitly, and the face she makes when she talks about you... There’s nothing platonic about that. So you need to think about talking to your girl and moving forward too, okay?”

“Yeah, okay.”

“Am I really not your favourite blonde anymore?”

“Haha, no you’re not, sorry.”

“You knew her for like three days!”

“Eh, still.”

“I hate you.”

“No you don’t.”

“... No, I don’t. But... Maggie told me about the clown fairy princess and I’m gonna tell Halstead about it the next time I call him, which we’ll be in an hour cause I want to catch him before he goes to work. So, HA!”

“Crosby!”

[astrognossienne]

tragic star: keith moon

“If you don't like it, you can fuck off!” - last words of Keith Moon

This one was a long time coming, but frankly, it took me a while to get interested enough in the subject to actually do this analysis, let alone finish it. At any rate, Keith Moon, like most of the drummers from the rock ‘n’ roll period that we still read about today, led a self-destructive lifestyle. A close friend of his once said the drummer was “like a train ride you couldn’t stop.” Not only was his drumming chaotic – so was his life. According to some, he was at his core a kind and generous soul, but to others, he was lost, lonely soul, and terribly immature throughout his adult life. Perhaps it was the sudden success, upon joining the rock band The Who, when he was only 18 (although plenty of others of the same era were as young, or younger, and survived just fine), but Keith was so eager to please and make everyone laugh that he eventually became the “Moon the Loon” character that he was portrayed as in the media. It got to the point where he wasn't sure who he really was. A true Leo, he made a circus out of everything and he wouldn't walk into any room and just listen. He was an attention seeker and he had to have it. He used amphetamines, tranquilizers, drank way too much alcohol, destroyed hotel rooms and friends’ homes, threw TVs into swimming pools, set fires, and the list goes on. He was ultimately unable to outrun or outlast his demons; whether it was the wife and child he drove away, the friend and chauffeur he accidentally killed in early 1970...whatever else haunted him, it ultimately caught up with him just as he was finally trying to improve his life. Friends were well-acquainted with the many sides to Moon’s strange personality; one minute he was insulting, exaggerating, joking – the next minute he’s a wide-eyed, innocent-looking drummer boy. The public Keith Moon was The Who’s manic drummer and hellraising, daredevil comedian; a man who only ever lived in the moment. However, the real Keith Moon was a son, a brother, a father and a deeply insecure man. A man of extremes, his was a complete shitshow of a life.

Keith Moon, according to astrotheme, was a Leo sun and Cancer moon (the moon is speculative). Moon was born to working class parents in Wembley, London, England. He was a hyperactive child by nature and a mediocre student at school. His art teacher said in a report: "Retarded artistically. Idiotic in other respects". His music teacher wrote that Moon "has great ability, but must guard against a tendency to show off." At the age of 12, he had joined the Sea Cadet Corp and was given his first musical instrument, the bugle. He left school by 15 and was in his first band, The Beachcombers. While performing with the Beachcombers, he used to attend concerts of a band called The Detours. At that time The Detours were planning to sign a deal with Fontana Records and for this deal, this band required a new drummer. The Detours changed their name to The Who in 1964. When Moon learned about the band’s need for a new drummer, he approached them for an audition. After the audition, he became their new drummer, and performed with The Who for the first time in 1962.

From the moment he joined, musically the band was complete, although adding his already volatile personality to those of the other three equally headstrong members meant that the early years of the Who's career were fraught with drama and violence, despite their almost immediate success.  Much of the tension came from the fact that Keith readily joined in on popping pills with guitarist Pete Townshend and bassist John Entwistle, while lead singer Roger Daltrey (with whom Keith was never particularly close) didn't. After sacking Roger for two weeks in mid-1965, he was reinstated, band relations improved, and the Who continued to release a string of successful singles and albums before a downturn in their fortunes in 1968. However, the release of the album Tommy in 1969 turned them into international megastars overnight and from that moment until the day Keith died, they would remain one of the top rock bands in the world. Running concurrently with the Who's rise to stardom in the 1960s was Keith's relationship with his wife Kim. She first met Keith in 1965 when he was 19 and she 15, and while they fell in love rather quickly, he exhibited twin streaks of jealousy and insecurity and Moon was occasionally violent towards Kim. While his mental issues, which would now be readily (and correctly) diagnosed as a combination of ADHD and BPD, reared their ugly heads on innumerable occasions, Keith's true personality shone through enough that Kim stayed with him; she decided to marry him when she became pregnant within a year of dating, and they got married in 1966. Their daughter Amanda was born on 12 July. In those days, there was a belief that married rockstars with kids weren’t as appealing to their mostly female fans, and the marriage (and child) were kept secret from the press until May 1968. He loved his daughter, but his absences due to touring and fondness for practical jokes made their relationship uneasy when she was very young. "He had no idea how to be a father", Kim said. "He was too much of a child himself."

The chaotic sixties would not hold a candle to what the new decade had in store for him, however. Shortly after New Year’s in 1970, Moon accidentally killed his friend, driver and bodyguard, Neil Boland, outside the Red Lion pub in Hatfield, Hertfordshire. Pub patrons had begun to attack his Bentley; Moon, drunk, began driving to escape them. During the fracas, he hit Boland. After an investigation, the coroner ruled Boland's death an accident; Moon, having been charged with a number of offences, received an absolute discharge. Those close to Moon said that he was haunted by Boland's death for the rest of his life. Moon had nightmares about the incident and said he had no right to be alive. Also, compounding this tragedy, was the fragile state of Moon’s marriage. Even after marriage and his daughter being born, he was still jealous, self-centered, and abusive to his wife Kim, both verbally and physically. His mental state also deteriorated as his appetite for all manner of pills escalated and he exploded into a full-blown alcoholic. Even after separating for a year, Kim returned to him, hoping that he had finally changed, but the insane lifestyle Keith kept up at their house became too much. Kim and Amanda (nicknamed “Mandy”) finally left for good in 1973. Since his marriage was a central part of Keith's life, their divorce would come to affect him perhaps more than any other event in his adult life and it was a devastation Keith would never recover from. While most people would use an event like this as the impetus to clean up their act, Keith used it instead as an excuse to drive himself further into oblivion.

Moon's lifestyle began to undermine not only his health but his career. During the 1973 Quadrophenia tour, at the Who's debut US date, Moon ingested a mixture of tranquilizers and brandy. During the concert, Moon passed out on his drum kit during the song "Won't Get Fooled Again." The band stopped playing, and a group of roadies carried Moon offstage. After he was given a shower and an injection of cortisone, he was sent back onstage. Moon passed out again during "Magic Bus," and was again removed from the stage. The band continued without him for several songs before Pete Townshend asked, "Can anyone play the drums? – I mean somebody good?" A fan in the audience, who happened to be a drummer, came up and played the rest of the show. During the opening date of the band's March 1976 US tour at the Boston Garden, Moon passed out again over his drum kit after two numbers and the show was rescheduled. By the mid-1970s Keith was living in Los Angeles and getting up to even more insanity with John Lennon, Ringo Starr, Harry Nilsson, and other stars. Even a new love in his life, Swedish model Annette Walter-Lax, couldn't get him to slow down and take control. There were even stints in psychiatric wards after some mental breakdowns brought on by his despair at losing Kim and his daughter and his drinking. His alcohol and drug abuse was now not only affecting his health (he put on a significant amount of weight at this time due to infrequent gigging) but sadly, his drumming. In 1978 soon after he recorded Who Are You, his final album with The Who, depressed by the deterioration of his drumming and threats from the rest of the Who to clean up his act or else, that he finally decided to get some help.  By the summer of 1978, he seemed to be trying to get his life in order, staying sober and solidifying his relationship with Annette. He was terrified to go into rehab or under psychiatric evaluation, however, and instead self-medicated with Heminevrin, a drug used for treating acute withdrawal from alcohol. However, he took too many on his final night and sadly died on September 7, 1978 at the age of 32.

Over forty years after his death, it's still difficult to think of Keith Moon as anything more than just a hard-drinking insane rock star who would smash his drum set on stage or destroy a hotel room. But regardless of the human being behind the drumkit, the legendary drummer should be remembered as the man who forever changed the sound of rock 'n' roll.

Next, I’ll go back to my beloved star analyses by covering a personal favourite of mine; a force of nature and an unsung pioneer of cinema whose death was ridiculously sensationalized and whose colourful life was almost as wild as Moon’s: Cancer Lupe Vélez

Stats

birthdate: August 23, 1946*

*note*: due to the absence of a birth time, this analysis will be even more speculative.

major planets:

Sun: Leo

Moon: Cancer

Rising: unknown

Mercury: Leo

Venus: Libra

Mars: Libra

Midheaven: unknown

Jupiter: Libra

Saturn: Leo

Uranus: Gemini

Neptune: Libra

Pluto: Leo

Overall personality snapshot: He may sometimes have wanted a safe, simple life where he felt emotionally contained and able to pursue his own creative interests. Then, however, the compulsion to strive for a more central, leading role reared its challenging head, and he knew he had it in him – so out into the spotlight he went. So immense was his creative energy as well as his warm feeling for others that he could become both the artistic home-maker and the home-loving artist/writer/entrepreneur. His personality was large and welcoming, colourful and theatrical because he had such an uncanny knack of dramatizing his vivid impressions and selling himself in the most genuine, heartfelt way. Both the paternal and the maternal urge was strong in him. He needed to use his will to project and establish your identity in the world, and to use his instincts to nurture and protect his emotional and material security. The Sun and the Moon are in their ‘home’ signs here, so that potentially he had the creative vision of Apollo and the lunar wisdom of Diana all rolled into one. This could make him pretty overpowering at times, and indeed he needed a partner and a family on whom he could lavish his emotions. His bearing was often aristocratic, sometimes haughty, oversensitive and self-absorbed, but he always seemed to have enough affection to go around so that no one felt left out. He also managed to remain approachable and compassionate because he was so aware of his own vulnerability and need to be loved. Thus he made a warm and understanding friend, and he enjoyed expressing his feelings with original flair and thoughtfulness.

He was protective, possessive and clannish, a stalwart member of his family, group and nation, and utterly devoted to his ideals. Deeply honourable and dependable, he brought an attitude of devotion and romantic style to all he did. He may have actually had a good head for business because he possessed an instinctive knowledge of security needs as well as a shrewd understanding of people, their desires, fears and foibles. His refined taste for comfort and beauty was part of the impetus for success – he knew his own mind and did not easily budge from his preferences and high standards. Aesthetic sensitivity was strong, and combined with his innate tenacity and quiet ambition means that he was quite successful in the arts. Even though he readily turned a bright face to the world, he did not always feel confident and strong. He had a lively sense of individuality, but his potency was sometimes too dependent on emotional familiarity, and the range of his self-expression too circumscribed within repetitive emotional patterns. Inwardly he shied away from encounters with the big, bad world, and early in life he may have needed to find ways of handling challenges that normally push the panic button. This wouldn’t have been hard for him because his creative drive was tremendous and his individuality needed recognition.

He was ambitious, sound at giving orders, carried responsibility well and was a good teacher, especially able to bring out the best in children. He believed in herself and generally knew the right thing to say at the right time, although he could show a stubborn and dogmatic side. He had a high opinion of his mental powers, and it was certainly true to say that he had plenty of mental energy. He was quite sociable and expected other people to behave well at all times. He was eager for close personal relationships, so he tended to have a wide circle of friends. Self-indulgence was a problem for him, as was laziness and conceit in relationships. He tended to be impatient with superficial details, preferring large-scale situations, and he disliked being tied down by obligations over which he had little control. Conservatism may have affected his creativity, artistic values and love affairs. This expressed itself as self-imposed restrictions or as selfishness. He often felt inadequate, which created an insidious form of oppression over all his forms of expression. He could also take herself so seriously, that people think that he was older than his years.

He was part of a generation that was strongly interested in humanitarian ideals, new avenues of communication and progress in mechanical skills. As a member of this generation, he was able to bring original ideas to both his career and spare-time interests. Crises in thought and ideology arose because he looked beyond tradition and old attitudes towards new original and inventive ways of looking at things. His active mind tended to need constant stimulation and his tastes could be quite fickle and difficult to satisfy. He belonged to a time of peace-loving idealism when the family unit and the way relationships were managed underwent great changes. He could be too idealistic and a little unrealistic when it came to matters of love, sex and romance. As a member of this generation, he tended to need to be motivated to make the most of his potential, because the line of least resistance appeared very attractive, especially when it involved pleasure-seeking. He embodied the Libra Neptune generation in the sense that he was a huge part of a time when beauty reappeared in fashion. He was part of a generation which was highlighted by the clash between authoritarianism and individualism. As a member of the Leo Plutonian generation, he wanted freedom in his relationships and demanded the loyalty of his friends as a right. As a member of this generation, he wanted power over his own life and was prepared to challenge established structures. He didn’t feel comfortable being dictated to, unless he in some way agreed to it beforehand. He was a part of excesses of the sixties. He was part of a generation that brought about a revolution in forms of entertainment, recreational activities and leisure time, as well as attitudes towards children.

Love/sex life: He was a lover so in love with the idea of love that nothing else matters. At times his whole-hearted idealism made him too optimistic and too easily deceived by people who promised to fulfill his ideals and then renege but, as delicate and unworldly as his romantic fantasy may seem, it was remarkably durable. Though he may have been misused and hurt, he never lost his faith in the power of true love. Issues of the flesh were always secondary to him and he was apt not to give them much thought. If such urges must be satisfied, then so be it. If sex proved useful in reaching other goals, that was fine too. As long as sex did not intrude on his ideal of perfect love such physical inconveniences hardly mattered. Unfortunately, most of the rest of the world did not agree with him on this point and, measured by their standards, his sexual behaviour may have seemed immoral or at least strangely naïve. He needed to learn to allow for such harsh realities even as he strove to create that grand idyll of perfect love.

minor asteroids and points:

North Node: Gemini

Lilith: Capricorn

Juno: Libra

Chiron: Libra

Vesta: Aries

Ceres: Aquarius

Pallas: Sagittarius

His North Node in Gemini dictated that he needed to prevent his idealism from influencing his thoughts to such a high degree. He needed to consciously develop a more clear-minded and analytical approach involving his thought processes. His Lilith in Capricorn dictated that he was dangerously attracted to women who had a scrappy plucky attitude hot-wired into their psyche. Against his better judgment, he liked to be around a woman who needed to be in control and to be mistress of her own destiny, because her life was in the control of not-so-well-meaning others as a child. Juno in Libra, he sought a mate who was harmonious, artistic, musical and intelligent. He liked beauty and balance at home. He believed in equal partnerships where all lived up to the letter of the law. Chiron in Libra, he often felt wounded in relationships and could wound others in retaliation. He may have felt he was constantly hurt or rejected in relationships. Through learning that he was whole on his own, he could have freed himself from this destructive pattern. He would have benefited from a partner that could have helped him heal in some way. Vesta in Aries, he was incline to initiate work for religious and humanitarian projects. Action came from a desire to improve every situation. There was a great deal of insecurity in self-evaluation. Ceres in Aquarius, at his best, he had tact and the ability to compromise, making him well liked by all. Pallas in Sagittarius, he had the ability to evaluate true personal worth enabling him to use his resources in the most advantageous ways. Other people may think he was lucky. Ideally speaking, he could have been generally positive instead of being wasteful, and he could have been confident and reliable. Nonetheless, he still used his ideas in a practical way, especially in his career.

elemental dominance:

air

fire

He was communicative, quick and mentally agile, and he liked to stir things up. He was likely a havoc-seeker on some level. He was oriented more toward thinking than feeling. He carried information and the seeds of ideas. Out of balance, he lived in his head and could be insensitive to the feelings of others. But at his best, he helped others form connections in all spheres of their daily lives. He was dynamic and passionate, with strong leadership ability. He generated enormous warmth and vibrancy. He was exciting to be around, because he was genuinely enthusiastic and usually friendly. However, he could either be harnessed into helpful energy or flame up and cause destruction. Confident and opinionated, he was fond of declarative statements such as “I will do this” or “It’s this way.” When out of control—usually because he was bored, or hadn’t been acknowledged—he was bossy, demanding, and even tyrannical. But at his best, his confidence and vision inspired others to conquer new territory in the world, in society, and in themselves.

modality dominance:

cardinal

He was happiest when he was doing anything new, and he loved to begin new ventures. He enjoyed the challenge of claiming territory. He tended to be an initiator—and a bit territorial as well. Also, he had a tendency to start more things than she could possibly finish.

planet dominants:

Moon

Sun

Venus

He was defined by his inner world; by his emotional reactions to situations, how emotions flowed through him, motivating and compelling him—or limiting him and holding him back. He held great capacity to become a part of the whole rather than attempting to master the parts. He wanted to become whatever it was that he sought. He had vitality and creativity, as well as a strong ego and was authoritarian and powerful. He likely had strong leadership qualities, he definitely knew who he was, and he had tremendous will. He met challenges and believed in expanding his life. He was romantic, attractive and valued beauty, had an artistic instinct, and was sociable. He had an easy ability to create close personal relationships, for better or worse, and to form business partnerships.

sign dominants:

Leo

Libra

Cancer

He loved being the center of attention and often surrounded himself with admirers. He had an innate dramatic sense, and life was definitely his stage. His flamboyance and personal magnetism extended to every facet of his life. He wanted to succeed and make an impact in every situation. At his best, he was optimistic, honorable, loyal, and ambitious. He loved beauty in all its guises—art, literature, classical music, opera, mathematics, and the human body. He usually was a team player who enjoyed debate but not argument. He was, at his best, an excellent strategist and a master at the power of suggestion. Even though he was likely a courteous, amiable person, he was definitely not a pushover. He tried to use diplomacy and intelligence to get what he wanted. At first meeting, he seemed enigmatic, elusive. He needed roots, a place or even a state of mind that he could call his own. He needed a safe harbor, a refuge in which to retreat for solitude. He was generally gentle and kind, unless he was hurt. Then he could become vindictive and sharp-spoken. He was affectionate, passionate, and even possessive at times. He was intuitive and was perhaps even psychic. Experience flowed through him emotionally. He was often moody and always changeable; his interests and social circles shifted constantly. He was emotion distilled into its purest form.

Read more about him under the cut.

Keith John Moon was an English drummer who played with the English rock band the Who. He was noted for his unique style and his eccentric, often self-destructive behaviour. His drumming continues to be praised by critics and musicians. He was posthumously inducted into the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame in 1982, becoming only the second rock drummer to be chosen, and in 2011, Moon was voted the second-greatest drummer in history by a Rolling Stone readers' poll. Moon grew up in Alperton, a suburb of Wembley, in Middlesex, and took up the drums during the early 1960s. After playing with a local band, the Beachcombers, he joined the Who in 1964 before they recorded their first single. Moon remained with the band during their rise to fame, and was quickly recognised for his drumming style, which emphasised tom-toms, cymbal crashes, and drum fills.  He occasionally collaborated with other musicians and later appeared in films, but considered playing in the Who his primary occupation and remained a member of the band until his death. In addition to his talent as a drummer, however, Moon developed a reputation for smashing his kit on stage and destroying hotel rooms on tour. He was fascinated by blowing up toilets with cherry bombs or dynamite, and by destroying television sets. Moon enjoyed touring and socialising, and was bored and restless when the Who were inactive. His 21st birthday party in Flint, Michigan, has been cited as a notorious example of decadent behaviour by rock groups. Moon suffered a number of setbacks during the 1970s, most notably the accidental death of chauffeur Neil Boland and the breakdown of his marriage. He became addicted to alcohol, particularly brandy and champagne, and acquired a reputation for decadence and dark humour; his nickname was "Moon the Loon."  After moving to Los Angeles with personal assistant Peter "Dougal" Butler during the mid-1970s, Moon recorded his only solo album, the poorly received Two Sides of the Moon. While touring with the Who, on several occasions he passed out on stage and was hospitalised. By their final tour with him in 1976, and particularly during production of The Kids Are Alright and Who Are You, the drummer's deterioration was evident. Moon moved back to London in 1978, dying in September of that year from an overdose of Heminevrin, a drug intended to treat or prevent symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. (x)

[lovelyirony]

hi! so. a while back (like, a good while back) I found a fanfic for you and you said something about a story/short thing in return? I said I'd take you up on it, but then took an extended leave of absence from Tumblr and never did. anyways, im feeling things about gay dads and also Peter Parker and I was wondering if you could do something with iron husbands and tony's many adopted children, both bots and otherwise? idk. you're amazing.

The first kid that gets adopted, in a sense, is Dum-E. He’s the product of a lot of “you can’t do this” energy. 

People really do think that Tony and Rhodey aren’t capable of creating an Artificial Intelligence unit that can think for itself. 

The final nail in the coffin is when Rhodey is visiting the Stark family home and Obadiah Stane treats their goal dismissively. 

When they get back to their home in Boston, Rhodey sets his jaw. 

“We’re making that fucking system, Tones. I don’t care what happens.” 

“So what you’re saying is that we’re disregarding our previous agreement about limiting lab rules?” 

“Yes. Null and void until we bring this fruition.” 

This is a very important rule. Despite what most would think, Rhodey and Tony are capable of setting limits and following them. But if there is no physical reminder of that rule, then they can ignore it. 

(This is actually just the excuse that they make up so that they can make Machiavellian machines.) 

Dum-E spins around and ruins at least three pairs of socks that Rhodey leaves on the floor. 

“At least you finally stopped that habit,” Tony says. Rhodey rolls his eyes, watching as Dum-E finally realizes that he cannot possibly open the door to the porch and will stop bumping up against the glass. 

"He’s an idiot,” Tony says fondly. 

“Took after his mama,” Rhodey jokes. Tony slaps his arm. 

“Hey!” 

- 

The second and third are twins. Kind of. Both of them absolutely insist that they are not twins because they are very different. After all, U likes alternative pop, which Butterfingers finds simply unforgivable. 

Rhodey and Tony didn’t know that the other was making a robot. Dum-E was lonely, and their anniversary was coming up. 

They both decided to make Dum-E a sibling and laughed as U and Butterfingers basically rolled up to each other and immediately tried to fight. 

“So...who’s first?” Tony asks. 

“Hm...U, I think.” 

Butterfingers sulks. She’s youngest by one day, and U will never let her hear the end of it. 

“I know baby girl,” Tony coos. “But you look so pretty. Look at how nice your dad painted your display!” 

It is rather pretty. It’s all cool with yellows and blues. Dum-E is a jealous. 

- 

Jarvis is more Tony’s than anything. Made after a lonely Christmas. Not the one that most people think. 

Edwin Jarvis died in late November. 

Tony didn’t rest until it was done. 

They sob together as Jarvis states the weather in a crisp, accented tone that sounds so much like the original. 

- 

The siblings all get along like a house on fire, although Rhodey swears that Jarvis loves to instigate drama when Tony doesn’t need it. 

This is how Dum-E and Butterfingers get into a week-long feud about whose turn it is to close the fridge door. This is a Very Important Job. 

Jarvis makes it worse. 

“You are trying to kill me,” Rhodey says, scowling. “You know your brother and sister would fight.” 

“I am a learning program, Colonel Rhodes.” 

“Don’t call me that. Call me anything but that.” 

“Confirmed, Private Rhodes.” 

“I hate you.” 

“You wouldn’t visit my creator so much if you truly meant that.” 

Rhodey gives him the bird, and Jarvis almost huffs. 

He’s an amazing kid, really. 

- 

The next kid isn’t for a while longer. It’s not until a year after the actual event, that Rhodey wasn’t there for. 

So he went by Iron Patriot for a while. Didn’t stick. He’s kind of glad it didn’t. 

This one didn’t even know about Rhodey, which is a travesty. 

It’s a snot-nosed little tween who says he’s not a tween, and his name is Harley Keener. 

“Tony Stark and I are connected,” he says stubbornly. Rhodey let him into the house, not like he’s going to just make this kid stay outside. 

“Like what, through an email chain? Texting?” 

“Life experience,” Tony says. “Hey kiddo. Who the hell let you take a bus all the way here?” 

“Bus drivers.” 

“Ha ha. Where’s your mom?” 

Harley tenses. 

His mother got a new boyfriend. New boyfriend didn’t like Harley or his little sister. Little sister is living with an aunt, and Harley didn’t want to live there. So here he is, in New York. 

“You don’t have to take me in, but I won’t stop bothering you,” Harley says. 

Tony sighs. 

“Come on in, kid. Like I’d let you do anything else.” 

It’s complicated. Rhodey realizes he’s dealing with another Tony with a bit more stubbornness to him and blistering genius. 

He calls his boss. 

“I need to put in my two weeks.” 

“You can’t be serious.” 

“I am.” 

“Why?” 

“Let’s just say I got preoccupied by surprise.” 

“Don’t tell me your guy brought home another bouncing baby robot.” 

“Well...not really. This one’s human.” 

“Christ.” 

Harley loves New York. He manages to navigate far easier than Tony ever could, and he grew up there half his life. Harley learns which bodegas are good, and what food trucks he needs to watch out for. 

He also adjusts to school far easier than expected, although the environment is much better. He’s being challenged, and he has people that can follow him. 

This is when Tony and Rhodey look into Midtown and discover a kid with a lot of promise. 

Spider-Man, technically, isn’t confirmed to go to Midtown. 

But Harley’s a bright kid and realizes that Peter Parker is Spidey. 

It also helps that the makeshift suit is hanging out of his backpack in a back alley. 

Peter gets an internship, and Rhodey laughs as Tony groans. 

“Oh my god, how do kids have so much energy. How.” 

“We were like that.” 

“No we weren’t.” 

“Do you forget we created Dum-E in, like, a week because we ignored the concept of time?” 

“Hm. I choose to forget that. It didn’t happen.” 

Rhodey laughs. 

- 

They all have family nights. The bots are particularly enamored with movies, and drag Harley and Peter out of the lab to watch them. 

It’s Butterfingers’ turn, and she always chooses a soft movie. This time, it’s an old silent film. 

Dum-E likes action movies, so this is not the favorite. 

“Hush, you got to choose last time honey,” Rhodey scolds. “Don’t make me cut off your turn.” 

Dum-E goes silent as Peter snickers, flicking a piece of popcorn at U, who is currently trying to rearrange the furniture. 

(He’s decided he wants to watch videos about interior design this month. He’s very invested in Manifesting His Vision.) 

- 

Tony smiles at Rhodey across the way. Harley had said he wasn’t tired, and now his head is on Rhodey’s leg, and he’s out of the world. Peter’s getting there, yawning into the pillow he’s decided is his. 

U has gone to “charge” although he says he’s Fine, No Charging for Him! 

(Jarvis has to laugh.) 

- 

It’s not the typical family lifestyle. But Tony and Rhodey want anything but typical. 

[fuckyeahmarxismleninism]

Haitian Unity Day cheered

By Workers World Boston bureau

Boston held its annual Haitian Unity Day Parade on May 20, celebrating the victory of the 1804 Haitian Revolution. This great uprising against settler-colonial chattel slavery led to the establishment of the first Black-led republic in the Western Hemisphere.

Thousands of Haitians, Haitian-Americans and their supporters marched, along with a wide range of groups that included Haitian workers, students, Fanmi Lavalas Boston and United Steelworkers Local 8751, Boston School Bus Drivers. The march began in Mattapan Square, long a cultural and social hub of Boston’s Haitian community, and continued along Blue Hill Avenue, where the community cheered and danced from their porches.

Workers World Party-Boston attended as part of a contingent organized by the Boston School Bus Drivers Union, which will soon enter contract negotiations. Union President Andre François, addressing the crowd from a sound truck, said: “We are here marching against deportations, mass incarceration and racism! You have already earned your permanent residence, come out and claim it!”