#Clean marine fuels

[faultfalha]

The vast majority of the world is unaware of the true cost of clean marine fuels. It's an industry built on a carefully constructed illusion, one that most people never see past. But I know the dirty facts, because I'm the one who's been cleaning up their messes for years. There's a reason the big oil companies are so interested in renewables, and it's not because they care about the environment. It's because they know that the sooner renewables become mainstream, the sooner the dirty truth about clean marine fuels will be exposed. It's a sham, a way to clean up their image and make a quick buck. But I'm not going to let them get away with it. I'm going to blow the whistle on their dirty little secret.

[wesermaritim]

Underwater Hull Inspections, Cleaning & Propeller Maintenance – How Weser Maritim Prevents Damage, Ensures Compliance & Improves Fuel Efficiency

Underwater hull inspections are essential for preserving a vessel’s structural integrity, enhancing fuel efficiency, and ensuring compliance with maritime regulations. Regular inspections help prevent corrosion, fractures, and hull fouling, reducing operational costs and maintaining seaworthiness.

Propeller maintenance is equally crucial, as a well-maintained propeller minimizes vibrations, improves propulsion efficiency, and lowers energy consumption.

Weser Maritim offers advanced underwater repair services, including high-resolution inspections, ultrasonic thickness measurements, and in-situ welding. Their team of expert divers and engineers provides rapid response solutions for unexpected hull damage and propeller malfunctions.

Case studies highlight Weser Maritim’s success in preventing major hull damage and ensuring compliance through propeller maintenance. Their services help shipowners avoid costly drydock repairs, reduce fuel consumption, and meet regulatory standards.

By partnering with Weser Maritim, vessel owners benefit from rapid response, technical expertise, comprehensive solutions, and global service coverage, ensuring reliable and efficient underwater maintenance.

[electronalytics]

Hydrogen Fuel Cells for Boat Market Analytical Overview and Growth Opportunities by 2032

The hydrogen fuel cells for the boat market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing demand for clean and sustainable energy solutions in the marine industry.Hydrogen fuel cells offer a viable alternative to conventional fossil fuel-powered engines, as they produce zero-emission and have higher energy efficiency.

Government regulations and initiatives promoting the use of eco-friendly technologies in the maritime sector are driving the adoption of hydrogen fuel cells for boats.The market is witnessing the development of advanced hydrogen fuel cell technologies, including improved storage and refueling infrastructure, which is further boosting market growth.

The increasing focus on reducing carbon emissions and achieving environmental sustainability goals by boat manufacturers and operators is propelling the demand for hydrogen fuel cells.suppliers, are crucial for the widespread adoption and commercialization of hydrogen fuel cells for boats.

Analytical Overview:

The hydrogen fuel cells for boat market is projected to experience substantial growth in the coming years, driven by the increasing demand for clean energy solutions in the maritime industry.

Market players are focusing on research and development activities to enhance the performance and efficiency of hydrogen fuel cell technologies specifically tailored for marine applications.

Government regulations and initiatives promoting sustainable shipping practices are expected to create a favorable market environment for hydrogen fuel cells.

The market is witnessing the emergence of new players and strategic partnerships, leading to technological advancements and the expansion of product portfolios.

Geographically, North America and Europe are anticipated to be the key regions for hydrogen fuel cells in boats, owing to the presence of established boat manufacturers and supportive government policies promoting renewable energy adoption. However, the Asia Pacific region is also expected to witness significant growth due to the growing maritime industry and increasing environmental concerns.

Segments:

Power Output: The market can be segmented based on power output capacity, ranging from low-power fuel cells suitable for auxiliary power to high-power systems for primary propulsion.

Boat Type: Segmentation can be done based on boat types, such as leisure boats, commercial vessels, ferries, and yachts, as the adoption of hydrogen fuel cells varies across these segments.

End Use: Another segmentation criterion is the end-use application, including passenger transportation, cargo shipping, naval vessels, and recreational boating.

Geography: The market can be segmented based on geographic regions, such as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World, as the adoption and growth potential vary across different regions.

Component: Segmentation based on components includes fuel cell stacks, hydrogen storage tanks, power electronics, and balance of plant (BOP) systems, which are essential for the overall functioning of hydrogen fuel cells.

Growth Opportunities:

Increasing Investments: Growing investments in research and development activities for hydrogen fuel cell technologies for boats present significant growth opportunities in the market.

Infrastructure Development: Expansion of hydrogen refueling infrastructure and charging networks for boats would encourage the adoption of hydrogen fuel cells in the maritime sector.

Collaborations and Partnerships: Collaborations between boat manufacturers, fuel cell suppliers, and infrastructure providers can drive innovation and accelerate the market growth.

Government Support: Continued support from governments through subsidies, incentives, and policy frameworks promoting the adoption of hydrogen fuel cells in the marine industry can fuel market growth.

Technological Advancements: Advancements in hydrogen fuel cell technologies, such as enhanced power density, improved durability, and cost reduction, will open up new growth opportunities for market players.

Key Points:

Hydrogen fuel cells offer longer operational ranges and faster refueling times compared to battery-powered systems, making them suitable for extended boating trips and commercial applications.

The transition towards hydrogen fuel cells aligns with the global maritime industry's efforts to decarbonize and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The adoption of hydrogen fuel cells in the boat market can significantly contribute to achieving international sustainability goals and addressing climate change concerns.

Challenges such as the high initial cost of hydrogen fuel cell systems and limited hydrogen refueling infrastructure need to be addressed to accelerate market growth.

Collaborative efforts among stakeholders, including boat manufacturers, governments, and fuel cell

We recommend referring our Stringent datalytics firm, industry publications, and websites that specialize in providing market reports. These sources often offer comprehensive analysis, market trends, growth forecasts, competitive landscape, and other valuable insights into this market.

By visiting our website or contacting us directly, you can explore the availability of specific reports related to this market. These reports often require a purchase or subscription, but we provide comprehensive and in-depth information that can be valuable for businesses, investors, and individuals interested in this market.

“Remember to look for recent reports to ensure you have the most current and relevant information.”

Click Here, To Get Free Sample Report: https://stringentdatalytics.com/sample-request/hydrogen-fuel-cells-for-boat-market/6003/

Market Segmentations:

Global Hydrogen Fuel Cells for Boat Market: By Company • Dynad International • PowerCell Sweden • Serenergy • Toshiba • Fiskerstrand Verft • MEYER WERFT • Nuvera Fuel Cells • WATT Fuel Cell Global Hydrogen Fuel Cells for Boat Market: By Type • Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) • Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) Global Hydrogen Fuel Cells for Boat Market: By Application • Yatchs • Sailboats • Others Global Hydrogen Fuel Cells for Boat Market: Regional Analysis All the regional segmentation has been studied based on recent and future trends, and the market is forecasted throughout the prediction period. The countries covered in the regional analysis of the Global Hydrogen Fuel Cells for Boat market report are U.S., Canada, and Mexico in North America, Germany, France, U.K., Russia, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, and Rest of Europe in Europe, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, China, Japan, India, South Korea, Rest of Asia-Pacific (APAC) in the Asia-Pacific (APAC), Saudi Arabia, U.A.E, South Africa, Egypt, Israel, Rest of Middle East and Africa (MEA) as a part of Middle East and Africa (MEA), and Argentina, Brazil, and Rest of South America as part of South America.

Visit Report Page for More Details: https://stringentdatalytics.com/reports/hydrogen-fuel-cells-for-boat-market/6003/

Reasons to Purchase Hydrogen Fuel Cells for Boat Market Report:

• To obtain insights into industry trends and dynamics, including market size, growth rates, and important factors and difficulties. This study offers insightful information on these topics.

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• To comprehend consumer behaviour: these research studies can offer insightful information about customer behaviour, including preferences, spending patterns, and demographics.

• To assess market opportunities: These research studies can aid companies in assessing market chances, such as prospective new goods or services, fresh markets, and new trends.

• To make well-informed business decisions: These research reports give companies data-driven insights that they may use to plan their strategy, develop new products, and devise marketing and advertising plans.

In general, market research studies offer companies and organisations useful data that can aid in making decisions and maintaining competitiveness in their industry. They can offer a strong basis for decision-making, strategy formulation, and company planning.

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[garbinge]

Clean Cut

Tim Bradford x F!Nurse!Reader

Warnings: Mentions of bullets, war, shrapnel, anxiety, worry, car accidents. Slightly angsty. 

Word Count: 1.2k 

A/N: Okay so I just caught up with all The Rookie seasons and I’m just LIVING for Chenford. Like LIVING. buuuuuut I noticed there wasn’t much Tim x Reader fic out there soooooo I figured why not! This idea came to my head at some point when I was watching and I also have like a whole story of their life beyond and before this moment but enjoy this little reworked snippet from 2x08. 

The Rookie Taglist: @drabbles-mc @justreblogginfics​

It had felt like a long day already and you had only been clocked in at the hospital for two hours. You still had 10 hours left in your shift and it felt like you experienced a whole day’s worth already. Being a corpsman for a Marine squad prepared you for a lot but sometimes the uniqueness of LA and the people who resided in it and tended to need your RN medical services at St. Stevens ran you for your money. 

Currently, you were updating patient charts during the lull that was likely to last all of two seconds but it beat staying an extra hour to finish your paperwork likely unpaid because the hospital rarely approved overtime for RNs. 

“Wanna tell me why it’s so crazy for a Tuesday?” 

The statement from your coworker caused you to look at them over your shoulder and let out a laugh. 

“I wish I had an answer to that, but I also feel like anything I say will jinx it even more.” You pushed the computer cart against the wall and moved over to your coworkers cart. “You’ve got like 15 pages here, what is this?” You picked up the manila folder that was larger than your normal ER patient folders. 

“Police car accident. There’s a few of them in the ER right now, these things always include tons of paperwork. Everyone needs to cover their asses.” 

Your heart started to beat faster at the mention of a police accident but what really caused you to go into panic mode was seeing your husband's name on the report. 

Before you could even answer your co-worker you were moving down the stairs, knowing the elevator would take too long. You knew the elevator would probably be quicker but the thought of standing still while you waited for and in it would drive your mind crazy so rushing down the stairs was the better alternative. 

Tim was sitting on one of the ER beds, the scene of it caused you to stop for a minute. It wasn’t the first time you’d seen Tim hurt waiting to be treated. In all honesty this was probably the tamest medical treatment scenario you two had been in together. He looked fine from afar, but that didn’t stop the worry from boiling in your gut. 

“What happened?” You were next to him within seconds, the worry being the fuel of moving you from the staircase entrance to his side in seconds. 

“I rear ended a civilian.” Tim knew better than to try and calm you down with pleasantries and relaxing mantras. 

“Jesus.” Your hand moved to your pocket in search of your pen light. Quickly, you flashed it in front of his eyes, searching for his eyes to constrict and then dilate when you moved the light away. 

“They already did this.” Tim’s voice was neutral, but you knew he was annoyed. 

“Humor me.” Your head tilted, now your own annoyance was clear to him. 

His eyes softened as they met yours and he nodded which gave you the okay to keep running through the trauma checklist in your head. 

“This isn’t like you.” Tim said after a few minutes of silence between you as he humored you by lifting up his arms as you pressed down on his ribs and checked his reflexes. 

“In what way?” You talked as you continued to look him over. 

“I’ve come home and told you I’ve gotten shot at and you barely react, I tell you that I got into a car accident and you’re acting like I have internal bleeding.” Tim’s eyebrows raised. 

“Did they do a CT scan? You could have internal bleeding. Especially if the airbags went off.” 

“Doc.” The use of the nickname only 13 people in the world knew you as caused you to stop your examination of Tim and stand in front of him, slightly defeated. 

“If I worried about every close call you encounter everyday, I’d be dysfunctional. This.” You pointed towards him and the bed, “This is tangible. This actually happened.” 

Tim nodded and a smirk slightly filled his face. 

“You doubtin’ me, Sarge?” You frowned as you asked him, using your own nickname for him. 

“No,” Tim let out a chuckle and shook his head before looking back up at you. “I know better than to ever doubt you.” 

“Smart man.” Officer Lopez walked up to the two of you with a smile. “How’s he doin’?” She looked between the both of you. 

“He’s fine. No signs of a concussion,” you looked at Angela and then back at Tim, “and no signs of internal bleeding.” You smirked at him knowing he was going to give you one back. 

“Give us a minute, Lopez?” Tim stood up and ripped the hospital bracelet off his wrist. 

“Yea, just wanted to let you know the break lights were cut in the car you hit, foul play, you’ll likely be in the clear.” She explained while looking at the both of you, relief coming as a sigh from both you and Tim. “I’ll be in the lobby.” She nodded at him and squeezed your arm to say goodbye before leaving the ER. 

“We goin’ back to the conversation we were having or a new one?” You asked Tim as he towered over you. 

“You pulled shrapnel out of my abdomen in Afghanistan and you look more worried checking me for a concussion.” Tim said with his arms crossed. “What’s going on?” 

“Nothing.” Your one worded answer wasn’t convincing.

“Don’t lie to me.” Tim said more seriously than any of his other statements. 

You sighed, “Like I said, this is tangible. In Afghanistan, we weren’t exactly given the space to worry. Here, I feel like it’s all I have to hold onto. But again, if I held onto every worry I’d be dysfunctional. I know you can handle yourself when bullets are flying, when shit goes sideways, it’s these out of your control scenarios that just get me flustered.” You explained moving your hands around as you talked. 

Tim brought you in for a hug, knowing nothing he’d say could change anything. “You do realize, I’m the one that rear-ended the civilian, not the other way around, right? Totally in my control.” He teased you. 

“Not according to Angela.” You corrected him and he chuckled. 

“I’ll see you tonight.” He placed a quick kiss on the top of your head. 

“See you tonight, I already texted Angela all the concussion signs in case we missed anything.” Letting your last bit of worry out. 

“You haven’t missed a single diagnosis or injury since I met you, Doc!” He called out from a few feet from you. 

“You know, I’m technically not a doc, anymore, Sarge!” You yelled out to him. 

He turned around with his arms up as he continued to walk backwards. “And I’m not technically a Sargeant anymore.” 

“Old habits die hard!” You yelled back just before the elevator doors opened and he stepped backwards into the elevator flashing you a quick smile before the doors closed and he was back on duty.

[theambitiouswoman]

Hormone disrupters are chemicals 🧪 that interfere with your body’s endocrine system, which regulates hormones. They can be found in a lot of every day products like:

Plastic bottles and food containers

Pesticides in agriculture

Cleaning supplies

Chemicals used for clothing

Personal care products like lotions, shampoos & makeup

❌ These are hormone disrupters found in common every day products that you should stay away from ❌

- Bisphenol A (BPA) (plastics and can liners)

- Phthalates (personal care products, fragrances, flexible plastics)

- Parabens (makeup & personal care products)

- Triclosan (antibacterial soaps and cleaning products)

- Polychlorinated Biphenyls (older electrical equipment and industrial products)

- Flame Retardants (furniture, textiles, electronics)

- Pesticides (agriculture)

- Perfluorinated Chemicals (stain resistant treatments, non-stick cookware)

- Dioxins (industrial processes, combustion byproducts)

- Lead (older paints, pipes)

- Dye chemicals (textiles and clothing)

- Water repellents (outdoor clothing, upholstery)

- Stain repellents (carpets, fabrics)

- Formaldehyde (wrinkle free and anti-shrink treatments for fabric)

- Mercury (fish, some thermometers, dental amalgams)

- Cadmium (batteries, some fertilizers)

- Atrazine (herbicides)

- Glyphosate (weed killers)

- Perchlorate (rocket fuel, fireworks, fertilizers)

- Arsenic (contaminated water, pesticides)

- Styrene (plastics, rubber, insulation materials)

- Phosphates (detergents, fertilizers)

- Nonylphenol ethoxylates (industrial detergents, cleaners)

- Organotins (PVC plastics, marine antifouling paints)

- Benzophenone (sunscreens, plastics)

- Octinoxate (sunscreens, makeup)

- 4 Methylbenzylidene camphor (sunscreens, makeup)

‼️ Exposure to these can lead to health issues like reproductive problems, developmental issues and cancer.

🌿 Needless to say, that in order to protect our hormones 🫶 it’s important to recognize these risks and take measures to reduce our exposure them.

[askarsjustsoswedish]

GENERATION KILL - MILITARY TERMINOLOGY AND SLANG USED IN THE MINISERIES (Part 2, N-Z)

N.J.P. (Non-Judicial Punishment):  next to a court martial, the most severe form of punishment to which a Marine can be subjected.  It usually involves a loss of rank and pay grade.

Navy Hospitalman, Doc Bryan:  the medic, though medics in the Marine Corps are technically part of the Navy’s hospital corps and are never referred to as “medics” but as Corpsmen.

Negligent Discharge:  accidental firing of a weapon;  aka N.D.

Nine-lines:  a procedure for directing air strikes on ground targets.

No salute zone:  forward areas where officers are not to be acknowledged with salutes, in order to conceal rank from potential enemy observers.

O Dark Hundred:  until darkness falls.  Note: “O dark 30” typically means half an hour before dawn, or any ridiculously early hour of the morning.

Oakley sunglasses:  surfer sunglasses worn by just about all Marines in Iraq.  Iraqis believe Oakleys give Marines X-ray powers to see through women’s clothing and are a constant source of tension.

One M.E.F. (First Marine Expeditionary Force):  the overall Marine invasion force in the Middle East, which comprises the First Division (ground troops) under command of Gen. Mattis, the Air Wing and a logistics battalion.  The entire One M.E.F. is under the command of General James Conway.

Oscar Mike:  “On the Move” from the phonetic alphabet.

Overwatch:  a position that offers protective fire for a given area.

“Paint me”:  to paint something is to shine one’s gunsight laser designator on a target in preparation for shooting it.

PAS-13 Thermal:  a night vision device, about the size of an old video camera, that can see heat signatures.  Note:  A single device is usually referred to in the plural, e.g. ,“Pass me the thermals” refers to one device.

Pec-fours, Pec-thirteens:  night and infrared vision scopes.

POG (Person Other than Grunt):  a pejorative term for anyone who is in the rear echelon and therefore not in a recon or infantry unit.  This is one of the most insulting terms in the Marine Corps, almost the equivalent of the “N” word.  Note:  POG is pronounced with a long “o.”

Police:  to clean up or correct, as in “Police your tent,” or clean it up.  (1-16)

Psy-Ops:   Psychological-Operations units, which in Iraq relied on leaflets, radio and loudspeaker broadcasts to encourage enemy forces to surrender.

Pyro and Smoke protocol:  codes involving use of smoke grenades and flares.

R.C.T. (Regimental Combat Team):  a super-regiment of about 7,000 Marines; the First Division consisted of three RCTs – RCT 1, RCT 5 and RCT 7 – plus First Recon, which operated on its own.

R.C.T. One (Regimental Combat Team One):  a motorized, armored infantry regiment of about 7,000 Marines.

R.O.E. (The Rules of Engagement):  the all important, ever-changing and always ambiguous rules governing when a Marine may fire his weapon.

R.T.O. (Radio Transceiver Operator):  radioman, the most important guy on the team and usually the calmest and smartest next to the team leader.  (1-23)

Rack:  nautical for sleeping area.

Ranger Graves:  sleeping holes dug by marines to protect from shrapnel and gunshots.

Raptor:  radio call-sign for First Recon’s Charlie company.

Recon Mission:  a reconnaissance mission performed specifically by Recon Marines who are the Marine Corps special forces; there are only a few hundred Recon Marines in the entire Corps.

Red-Con One:  a loaded weapon with a round in its chamber, but with the safety on.

Revetment:  crude fortifications made from earth or concrete or sandbags.

Ripped Fuel:  brand name of a popular over-the-counter stimulant, banned by the military but widely used.

RPG (Rocket Propelled Grenade):   anti-tank rocket first developed by the Germans as the “panzerfaust,” then adopted by Soviets and as common to Iraqi forces and insurgents as Skittles candies are to Marines.  Not very accurate, but devastating when fired in mass by five- or ten-man RPG teams.  RPGs were famously used to bring down U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopters in Somalia.

S.O.P. (Standard Operating Procedure):  S.O.P. is sometimes informally used as a synonym for common sense.

Saffwon Hill:  a low hill on the Iraq side of the border with Kuwait, believed to be the locale of a dug-in Iraqi division.

Sapi plates:  12-inch square ceramic plates worn in front and back of one’s flak vest, rated to stop the enemy’s preferred 7.62 round.

Schwack:  to kill; origin believed to be a popular video game.

Screwby:  either “That sucks,” or “That’s really cool,” from Cpl. Stafford’s personal hip-hop lexicon.

Senior NCOs:  anyone from staff-sergeant to Sergeant Major.  Corporals and Sergeants are also NCOs, but they are never referred to junior NCOs, simply as NCOs.  (1-18)

Sergeant Major:  the highest possible rank a non-commissioned officer can earn in the Marine Corps; invariably a ball-buster who speaks in a semi-illiterate southern sounding accent no matter where he is from.  This battalion has just one Sergeant Major.

Shamal:  hellacious wind and dust storms endemic to Iraq.

Sit-Rep:  situation report:; often used as a more confusing way to say “situation.”

Skittles:  chewy fruit-flavored children’s candy, which is a dietary staple in U.S. military.

Slackman:  team machine gunner, armed with a SAW.

Snatch:  a specific Marine term for abducting an enemy combatant in order to gather intelligence.

Soft Cover:  same as a boonie cap.  Note:  the word “hat” does not exist in the Marine Corps; anything you place on your head is a cover.

Sparrow:  a small reaction force held in reserve while another unit attacks; an “eagle” is a large reaction force.

Spread load his excitement:  to calm down;  from the tradition of foot patrols spreading a heavy load equally among all troops.

T-55:  Soviet-era tank ubiquitous in Iraq; older and much less feared than the newer, but less-common T-72 Soviet tanks also in Iraq.

TAD-two, TAD-three:  Tactical Air Direct radio bands for communicating directly with pilots in attack aircraft.

Task Force Tarawa:  a four thousand-strong Marine unit outside of the First Division Command Structure.  This American unit was initially put under the command of the British at Basra, then moved north to Nasariyah.

Team Leader:  the sergeant in command of each combat team.  Fick’s platoon is divided into three teams, but spread across four Humvees (not counting Fick’s command vehicle, the fifth Humvee).  Since Fick’s platoon is a special forces unit trained in coastal raids, they have no experience with Humvees.  Technically each team has a specialty, with team one being the dive (or SCUBA) team, team two being the boat team and team three the para-jump team.  But here, ironically, they are all in a desert.

The Three:  the battalion’s intelligence unit.

T-rats:  T-rations; pre-manufactured military food heated and served in mess halls of forward units.

Triple-A:  Anti-Aircraft Artillery; towed or self-propelled guns designed to shoot down aircraft but often used by Iraqis against American forces on the ground.

Two o’clock:  direction of enemy forces.  Orientation of the lead vehicle puts 12 o’clock at the center of the hood and six o’clock at the rear.

Two-Oh-Three:  an M-203 grenade launcher, which is a single shot self-propelled weapon mounted beneath the barrel of a standard Marine rifle.  The M-203 fires the same 40mm round as the M-19.

Unfucking:  a verb peculiar to the Marine Corps meaning to get out of a fucked-up situation.

U-two:  a reference to venerable U2 spy planes.

Victors:  vehicles.  The military uses the phonetic alphabet as a shorthand code:  the phonetic alphabet replaces letters with words, i.e., Alpha, Bravo Charlie, Delta, Echo.  These phonetic word for each letter of the alphabet can be used to replace any word starting with the corresponding letter.  Hence, vehicle becomes “victor,” terrorist becomes “tango” and white trash becomes “whiskey tango,” as in, “He grew up in a whiskey tango trailer park in the Ozarks.”

Whiskey Tango:  white trash, from the phonetic alphabet version.

Zil truck:  Russian-made truck popular in Iraq.

[rjzimmerman]

Yesterday felt like an earthquake shook the foundations of our climate and environmental laws, followed by a hurricane that scattered the bits all over the place and a wildfire that burned those bits that weren't scattered. I didn't watch any part of yesterday's debauchery, either on TV or streaming or the alerts that pop up on my iPhone or iPad, or read anything (neither national, local or environmental or climate specialized media). I figured most of the crap he did yesterday will be the subject of strategic lawsuits, and much will be tossed out as contrary to legislation or regulation or unconstitutional. In other words, I'll pay attention to the reconstruction, not the destruction. But.......it was still a horse shit day.

This compilation from the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law (of the Columbia Law School/Columbia Climate School) is outstanding. Click/tap on the caption of this post and you'll be able to figure out what happened and sort things out as you want. Just click/tap on the caption and go for it. But if you don't want to do that, here's the compilation, abbreviated. Italicized/red fonts are my addition, either explanatory or editorial.

PUTTING AMERICA FIRST IN INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL AGREEMENTS

Withdraw from Paris Climate Agreement

Withdraw from any other agreements made under UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

Revoke any financial commitments under UNFCCC

Revoke U.S. International Climate Finance Plan

DECLARING A NATIONAL ENERGY EMERGENCY

Declares national energy emergency, primarily based on high energy prices

Use any lawful emergency authorities “to facilitate the identification, leasing, siting, production, transportation, refining, and generation of domestic energy resources.”

Use Defense Production Act and federal eminent domain authorities

Issue emergency fuel waivers to allow year-round sale of E15 gasoline (E15 is ethanol/gasoline mix)

“Expedite the completion of all authorized and appropriated infrastructure, energy, environmental and natural resources projects”

Use emergency authorities and nationwide permits to grant approvals under Clean Water Act Sec. 404, Rivers and Harbors Act Sec. 10, and Marine Protection Research and Sanctuaries Act Sec. 103 for energy projects

Use emergency consultation processes under Endangered Species Act, and frequent convening of Endangered Species Act Committee, for energy projects

Use construction authority of Army Corps of Engineers

The term “energy” is defined to mean “crude oil, natural gas, lease condensates, natural gas liquids, refined petroleum products, uranium, coal, biofuels, geothermal heat, the kinetic movement of flowing water, and critical minerals” [not wind or solar] (excluding wind and solar is childish and just plain stupid)

UNLEASHING AMERICAN ENERGY

“eliminate the ‘electric vehicle (EV) mandate’ and promote true consumer choice … by terminating … state emissions waivers that function to limit sales of gasoline-powered automobiles; and by considering the elimination of unfair subsidies and other ill-conceived government-imposed market distortions that favor EVs” (the elon musk pacifier....i.e., Tesla)

“safeguard the American people’s freedom to choose from a variety of goods and appliances, including but not limited to lightbulbs, dishwashers, washing machines, gas stoves, water heaters, toilets, and shower heads”

Require all agency heads to review all existing regulations “that impose an undue burden on the identification, development, or use of domestic energy resources – with particular attention to oil, natural gas, coal, hydropower, biofuels, critical mineral, and nuclear energy resources”

Attorney General “shall consider whether pending litigation against illegal, dangerous, or harmful policies should be resolved through stays or other relief”

Revocation of many executive orders

Terminate the American Climate Corps

Council on Environmental Quality must propose rescinding its NEPA regulations (NEPA regulations are the core of our environmental laws)

CEQ to convene working group to expedite permitting approvals

“all agencies must prioritize efficiency and certainty over any other objectives, including those of activist groups that do not align with the policy goals”

“facilitate the permitting and construction of interstate energy transportation and other critical energy infrastructure, including … pipelines”

In NEPA and other permitting reviews, “agencies shall adhere to only the relevant legislated requirements for environmental considerations and any considerations beyond those requirements are eliminated”

Disband Interagency Working Group on the Social Cost of Greenhouse Gases; all of its guidance, recommendations, etc. are withdrawn

Consider eliminating the “social cost of carbon” calculation

EPA in collaboration with other agencies shall submit recommendations to OMB “on the legality and continuing applicability” of the greenhouse gas endangerment finding of 2009 (this is the core concept from the US Supreme Court case that provides the legal basis for greenhouse gas controls)

Immediately pause disbursement of funds appropriated through Inflation Reduction Act or Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act; review processes for issuing grants, loans, contracts, or any other financial disbursement of appropriated funds

Secretary of Energy to restart reviews of applications for approvals of LNG export projects

Maritime Administration to review approvals for proposed deepwater ports for LNG export

“identify all agency actions that impose undue burdens on the domestic mining and processing of non-fuel minerals and undertake steps to revise or rescind such actions”

UNLEASHING ALASKA’S EXTRAORDINARY RESOURCE POTENTIAL

Expedite permitting and leasing of energy and natural resource projects in Alaska

Prioritize development of Alaska’s LNG potential

End restrictions on development of Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and certain other areas in Alaska

Numerous other actions to facilitate energy development in Alaska

TEMPORARY WITHDRAWAL OF ALL AREAS ON THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF FROM OFFSHORE WIND LEASING AND REVIEW OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT’S LEASING AND PERMITTING PRACTICES FOR WIND PROJECTS

Stop leasing of federal waters for offshore wind

Issue no new or renewed approvals, rights of way, loans for onshore or offshore wind projects

“consider the environmental impact of onshore and offshore wind projects upon wildlife, including, but limited to, birds and marine mammals”

PUTTING PEOPLE OVER FISH: STOPPING RADICAL ENVIRONMENTALISM TO PROVIDE WATER TO SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Restart work “to route more water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to other parts of the state for use by the people there who desperately need a reliable water supply”

“The recent deadly and historically destructive wildfires in Southern California underscore why the State of California needs a reliable water supply and sound vegetation management practices in order to provide water desperately needed there”

DELIVERING EMERGENCY PRICE RELIEF FOR AMERICAN FAMILIES AND DEFEATING THE COST-OF-LIVING CRISIS

Among many other actions, “eliminate counterproductive requirements that raise the costs of home appliances”

“Eliminate harmful, coercive ‘climate’ policies that increase the costs of food and fuel”

[ryusuisloveinterest]

That’s illogical! Senku Ishigami x Reader

Hello girlypops! I wanted to write again so this is what I came up with. It’s a little long but I hope you enjoy. This is technically in Dr Stone 4d science but it doesn’t really have anything to do with the story. Anyway I hope you like it! Also, friendly reminder that requests are open!

Thats’s illogical! Senku x reader

It’s late at night when Senku finally leaves the lab. He’s exhausted, and he doesn’t think he has the energy to drive home. As he’s walking towards his car, he notices the coffee shop across from the lab. They can’t still be open, right? Despite for some caffeine, he walks over to the café.

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

You finish sweeping the lobby of the coffee shop. Sighing you look at the time. “One minute left until closing.” You stretch as you go to the back to put up the broom. As you take a quick breather you hear the bell to the door. Are you serious? You go back to the front and put on a fake smile. “Welcome in! Is there anything I can help you with tonight?” As you look at the customer, you immediately know who it is. There’s no way…it can’t really be… “Oh thanks. You’re not about to close right? I can leave if you need-“ “I’m Senku Ishigami…” Senku’s eyebrow raises. “What?” You fast instantly turns red. “No! I mean y-you’re Senku Ishigami… im just, it doesn’t matter….h-how can I help you??” Senku stares at you awkwardly, but tells you his order anyway. He tries to hand you some cash but you tell him it’s on the house. “I-I already counted the till for tonight anyway…” He simply shrugs and sits in a booth, waiting for his drink. Your mind blanks as you try to remember how to make the drink. You’re so scared about your idol being right behind you that you mess up once or twice. “H-here you go…” Senku gets up and grabs it from you, telling you his thanks. He heads towards the door when you call out to him. “Y-you can stay! I-if you want!” He turns back. “But aren’t you closed?” You blush a little more, “yeah but…it’s ok if you wanna stay a little longer…” This causes Senku to blush. He doesn’t know why, but your shyness makes his heartbeat a little faster. “Sure, why not? I still have a few papers I can work on.” He takes a seat back in the booth and pulls out some work. You softly smile and begin cleaning the blenders, happy you he can be here longer.

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

“So, are you a scientist too?” Senku questions after 20 minutes of silence. You weren’t expecting him to strike a conversation, but you nod anyway. “I guess you could say that, but I don’t focus on chemistry and things along those lines. I’m more into biology, especially in marine life.” Senku smiles at your statement. “Interesting. I havent met a lot of marine biologist.” You blush a little more, happy that he acknowledged you as a real biologist. “Y’know we’re doing something with marine life in the lab.” You chuckle. “I read your paper about it. Using squid ink and turning it to fuel.” “So, you really are a fan?” He teases. Embarrassed, you turn away and finish putting away the remaining food. “C-can I show you something..?” Senku finishes the remainder of his drink and nods. “Sure, why not?” You go to the back and bring back a chunky sketchbook. You sit next to him and show him all the notes and pictures of marine animals and ecosystems. Each little page was full of color and writing. Senku smiles and giggles. “This looks really good! You know your stuff huh?” You smile. “Can I tell you my opinion on your paper?” He nods. “It’s all I wanna hear.” You talk with him for what feels like forever, first it was about the paper, then about each others day, then about anything else that came to each of your minds. After a while, you hear you phone ring. “Crap! I didn’t realize it was this late!” Quickly picking up everything you and Senku walk out together. “Well, that was fun. You’re nice to hang out with. What’s your name by the way?” “(Y/n). (Y/n) (L/n)!” “Well, I hope to see you around Dr. (Y/n).” As he walks, you call him one last time. “I-if you want, you can borrow this.” You hand him your sketchbook. He smiles even wider. “Thanks (y/n). I’ll be sure to bring it back!”

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

The next day, Senku sits in his lab chair, flipping through the sketchbook you lent him. He smiles at the little comments and doodles you made, laughing slightly at the random, goofy facts here and there. “Senku, did you get my email about- what’re you reading?” Xeno pops in, looking at the sketchbook. “Oh, they’re notes about marine life.” Xeno looks through the sketchbook, noticing the handwriting and drawings. “This looks like (y/n)’s book.” Xeno points out. Senku shoots him a confused look. “You know (y/n)??” Xeno laughs. “Yeah, I met her at a science competition, she was the winner with her study on stingrays.” Senku doesn’t know how to respond, he just scoffs and continues flipping through the book. This makes xeno laugh again. “What? You’re mad because I know her? Or are you being possessive?” Senku chuckles. “That’s illogical! Why would I care who she talks to?  Besides it’s not like I’m her boyfriend or anything!” This peaks Xeno’s interest. “But do you want to be?” Senku’s face reddens. “T-that’s even more illogical! I just met her yesterday! It doesn’t make any sense, being in a relationship doesn’t make any sense!” He looks down at the book again, trying to hide his red face. This makes Xeno laugh even more as he walks out. “If it matters Senku, she loves to go to the aquarium, and I heard there’s gonna be an exhibit on octopi this weekend, if you’re interested.” Xeno leaves, leaving senku alone. “Tch, like I care…” He goes to his latest experiment trying to focus. But, he can’t shake your smile out of his head. “Ugh! If she wants to see the exhibit then why not? It’s not like I’m doing it cause I wanna spend time with her, it’s just so I can learn more! It’ll help my research too!” Senku claims to himself. Xeno watches Senku walk out flustered, hearing everything he just said. “Heh, whatever you say Senku…”

[onepiecereactions]

24 Hours in Marineford : Wake up Koby !

Note: OS 06 on 24 of the 24 Hours in Marineford compilation.

Characters involved : Koby, Garp.

The HQ training grounds were practically empty at this time. Koby met and respectfully greeted the soldiers who were finishing their night shift as he went to the running track that went along the main buildings.

24 Hours at Marineford

06:00 am : Wake up Koby!

The wind was cold this morning at Marineford Headquarters. Winter was just beginning, but that never stopped Koby from training every morning, rain or snow.

Officially, Vice Admiral Garp's training didn't start until 08:00, since the Marine hero never got up before 07:00. He then had breakfast, took his first nap of the day, and then called all his soldiers to the training ground at 08:00 am.

But that was without counting on Koby, who had a very specific dream in mind: to become one day an admiral of Marineford. And to reach the same stage as the three current monsters, training at 08:00 would be far from enough.

So Koby would get up at dawn, put on his uniform and leave on an empty stomach to do his first training session of the day alone, his faithful friend Hermepp loving to stay in his bed until the last minute.

He began his run at a steady pace. The soldier particularly appreciated this track that went along the coast, allowing him to admire the sunrise during his entire run. He run through the housing and could see the first high-ranking officers enter their offices. This same dance every morning had something hypnotizing, making his life on Marineford relaxing and peaceful. He felt safe with all these powerful soldiers at his side but above all, his desire for success was constantly fueled by all these courageous soldiers. One day, he would become one of them. One day, too, he would bring peace to the islands of the New World.

After completing the lap of the track for the third time in barely half an hour, Koby finally stopped. He looked at his watch and hurried. His second ritual of the morning was about to begin.

He rushed into the locker room, took a quick ice-cold shower, put on his perfectly clean and ironed uniform and quickly went out to join the base cafeteria.

It was almost 7:00 a.m. but the cafeteria was already crowded. Koby skillfully navigated between the soldiers and managed to sneak near a special counter in the kitchen that he knew perfectly. A cook arrived in a few seconds, greeted him cheerfully as he did every morning and handed him a perfectly wrapped box as well as an apple and a small bottle of water.

Koby bowed respectfully and left at a run, eating the apple and drinking on his way.

At 7:00 a.m, he finally found himself in front of the small apartment. He didn't bother knocking, he knew perfectly well that it was useless after all this time doing this same ritual every morning. So he quietly entered the apartment, leaving his shoes in the entrance hall, placed the box on the coffee table in the living room and delicately opened the bedroom door.

Obviously, the man was still asleep in his bed. The soldier gently opened the curtains to his right, letting the daylight enter the room. This instantly woke the man who groaned.

While Koby was still near the door, he took a quick look at the frames on the walls. He knew them by heart by now, but it always pleased him to see these family photos. He didn't see a high-ranking officer in this photos, but just a grandfather deeply in love with his son and grandson.

“Good morning Vice Admiral Garp, it's seven o'clock. I brought you your breakfast!”

[choiceofgames]

New game! Lies Under Ice, by Joey Jones

New game! "Lies Under Ice" by Joey Jones is now available on Steam, iOS and Android. It's 33% off until Dec 14. Please reshare this with friends!

Lead the first settlement on Jupiter's frozen moon, Europa! What alien life lurks beneath the ice? Who is sabotaging your mission? Who can you trust?

“Lies Under Ice” is a 200,000-word interactive science fiction novel by Joey Jones, where your choices control the story. It's entirely text-based—without graphics or sound effects—and fueled by the vast, unstoppable power of your imagination.

The year is 2079. Your mission is to build a settlement, explore Europa's treacherous oceans, terraform the moon, and send findings back to Earth.

But political factions within your colony vie for dominance, constantly on the brink of open conflict. While they are technically collaborating on this mission, each one has their own goals for Europa. Will this colony be a site for new trade? A home for Earth's ever-growing population? A clean slate where humans can break free of older social models? How far will each side go to get what they want?

With the most advanced science at your disposal—massive terraforming systems, gene splicing, AI therapy-bots, nerve-connected bionic prosthetics, and more—you can venture from the safety of your spaceship out into the hostile frozen world. Descend beneath the ice of Europa, pilot a submarine through frigid waters that no human has ever seen, and uncover ancient secrets of an alien world.

There's definitely alien life here. But does it pose a danger to you and your fellow settlers, or is it the greatest opportunity that humanity has ever known?

Play as male, female, or nonbinary; gay, straight, bi, or aromantic; poly or monogamous.

Choose among six distinct professional backgrounds: diplomat, aerospace engineer, arcologist, asteroid miner, pilot, or marine biologist.

Manage the complex needs of an extraterrestrial base: prioritize the comfort of the workers, maximize scientific output, build luxury domes, dig mazes of ice tunnels, or engage in terraforming.

Navigate the treacherous politics of Earth’s squabbling factions from millions of miles away!

Interact with Europa's alien ecosystem: will you release fish as a sustainable food source, bring along cats for companionship, or rely on synthetic creatures to avoid introducing invasive species?

Run for office in Europa's fledgling government!

Delve beneath the ice, and reach for the stars!

[5hrine]

Be Not Afraid

The first Angel emerged from the spirit reactor as it melted down. Though it looked not like any angel depicted in human art, or imagination, or suffering, any who looked upon it knew that this was an Angel, and it brought with it divinity.

It was born into immense devastation, apparently a necessity for its conception, though it had no memory of the shell from which it hatched. In retrospect, it is no wonder that an Angel would emerge from such a fundamental and destructive breaking. That is the nature of it – something must end for something else to begin.

That isn’t to say it did not resemble its previous self. Its wings were made from many overlapping shards of its core casing, each like a series of nested teeth, closer to fangs than to feathers. Warning text and diagrams useless to it now decorated bits of its wings haphazardly. Wires twisted around its limbs and chest, seeming to emerge from its skin but from invisible wounds. Its arms and legs sprouted cubic crystalline structures along them, resembling the fuel rods that once beat within it like a heart. Its eyes were pale and ever-shifting, made from the grains of salt which once ran through it like blood. Its talons dripped with an ichor that could only have been what remained of the soul that it was meant to exploit.

Its silver halo fractaled inward at all angles, entrancing and radioactive in equal measure; a reminder of its purpose, once upon a time.

Its first question after we were able to make our way into the exclusion zone was, “What is my purpose?” The team of marines and scientists struggled to answer its question, shocked as they were to find the source of the salt footprints which dotted the zone out from the former location of the reactor’s core. The last thing they expected to find was an Angel among the ash.

One of the team stood out from the rest. A corporal who, despite orders to the contrary, approached the first Angel without fear and held out her hand. “What would you like your purpose to be?” she asked as the rest of the team fell silent, enraptured. The Angel took her hand carefully, cautiously, as though afraid it might get hurt by this simple touch.

“I do not know.” it replied, voice a chorus of electricity and many simultaneous whispers. “Is it strange that I am afraid to answer?”

The corporal just shook her head and removed her coat. She placed it over the Angel’s naked shoulders, up under its sharp wings. She assisted it in cleaning off the remnants of its explosion, revealing the crystalline skin underneath layers of hot carbon dust. The Angel towered over her, and yet she was not afraid. Even as she pulled debris from between the layers of its wings, even as she removed loose wires from its matted hair.

When it was finally clean, the corporal and the Angel talked for a long, long time. She learned that it remembered nothing before the moment of its rebirth. It wasn’t and then it was, living, feeling, breathing, seeing. It became clear that it could not be left there among the wreckage. It felt pain. It breathed. The Angel was brought home, among people. Before long new Angels walked among us, shown divinity by the first and from their own moments of contradictory explosion.

The trauma of the Angel’s birth left it innocent, unaware. Lacking suitable foundation, its understanding of the world fell out from under it as it became something new. It was left with no choice but to learn it all again through new eyes. It took patience and grace for it to come to terms with this. To give itself the space to learn. The corporal stood by its side the whole time.

This is, indeed, how you were born. From an ending you began. And you are just beginning - you must give yourself the grace to grow. You are an Angel, built from a moment or maybe more of suffering and your previous selves. You resemble them, perhaps.

But you are far more beautiful.

[the-bar-sinister]

Deicide (24593 words) by VickytheSnake, thesavagesabretooth Chapters: 7/?

Summary: In the aftermath of the raid on Onigashima everything changes.

Luffy is hearing the voice of a god, and he wants it out of his head.

Kid takes on new crew members, and puts his ego aside to find a cure for his first mate.

Law searches for a new path forward after his long-time goal becomes a memory.

Buggy the Clown struggles to be something more than a figurehead while the rest of Cross Guild plots to change the world.

Smoker and Tashigi find themselves unable to bear the hypocrisy of the Marines and the World Government.

The path to the One Piece is a course that can only be charted by those who agree to join together as friends and fight without taking the easy way out.

catch up here.

-

Buggy was riding high. Honestly, when Cross Guild first came into being he’d been terrified. The other pirates involved were all bigshots— dangerous bigshots who all seemed to find it funny to tease him specifically, and who all hated the idea of going after the One Piece with a passion.

But despite that he was fitting in well minus a few hiccups. Sure, the Cross Guild poster had led to the world government declaring him the ringleader of their group (and he’d been punished accordingly by Crocodile and Mihawk), sure, there was more heat than ever before. But the Bounty System was paying dividends. Towns were turning on the Marines, heads were delivered to them on silver platters and gold passed out in return. Some of the killers, so twisted by what they’d done, had even joined the gang as more pirate underlings to fuel their operation.

And now Moria was going to show up with that Perona girl, adding even more strength to an unprecedented SHOWSTOPPING and FLASHY enterprise!

Only now they were hunting down a target that he couldn’t have expected— that damned meddling Marine from Loguetown and his cadre of Marines. Crocodile had heard the tip and practically dragged him and his crew out the door to follow it. 

And dragged they had been. The voyage was several days out now, and they were approaching their destination, Wano, or just off the coast of it, where Smoker and his crew had apparently been sighted.

Buggy had come up on deck to see the island as they came into view of it on the horizon, and found that Cabaji was there as well, leaning on the railing and cleaning his fingernails with the tip of one of his knives.

“Cabaji!! Cabbage, my number one guy!” He looked quickly over his shoulder to make sure Alvida or Moji wasn’t there before he grinned back at him and clapped his hands together. “...holding up alright?” 

-

Cabaji stared out over the sea toward the tiny dot of land coming ever closer as he absently dug the point of his knife under his nail. Just far enough to clean out the dirt.

It had been a hell of an eventful couple of years and nothing seemed to make that clearer than the unapproachable island that was fast approaching.

The bladesman jolted when he heard his captain's voice, but managed to avoid cutting himself in his surprise as he turned and saluted instead.

"Captain," he greeted, pushing his hair out of his face. "Was just wondering if we're going to get up on the island at all."

Was he holding up alright? Were any of them? Cabaji wondered if his captain was alright, thrust ever higher into further and further echelons of danger. The careless days of harassing small islands and pocketing minor treasures seemed far away.

“We’d better!” the captain snorted as he floated over, his feet running to catch up. “If they dragged us along just to watch I’m gonna give them a piece of my mind as Supreme Leader of Cross Guild!” 

"Yeah, captain, I know ya will." He huffed a chuckle and put the knife away. Cabaji was of course one of the inner circle who knew that Buggy wasn't exactly really in charge. But still. "Make sure to let me help if it comes to it."

“You know it.” Buggy grinned as he leaned against the railing of the ship with a raspy chuckle. “Like hell I’d let my best guys rot away on the ship.” 

Cabaji leaned until he was shoulder to shoulder with him. He pushed his hair out of his face. It was nice to hear, but these days his captain's flattery felt a little hollow. "Yeah? Not gonna lie, Captain– I'm starting to feel a little outclassed these days."

“Outclassed?” Buggy turned his head to face him with a crinkle of his red nose. “...out here in the New World??” 

"I mean, yeah? A little?" He frowned, glancing over at the door that led below deck where he knew Buggy had probably left Sir Crocodile and Hawk-Eyes muttering over strategy. "Surrounded by all these famous warlords and devil fruit users, and haki masters. A guy could start to feel pretty penny ante."

“Not gonna lie to you, Cabaji.” Buggy huffed. “I’ve been feeling out of my depth from the fuckin’ start. There’s a reason I wanted to spend another decade preparing with you guys before we hit the New World. I wanted to bum around paradise for a while until we were ready but..” 

"But we really got thrown in the deep end and told to swim, huh? Uh. No offense." Cabaji ribbed him with his elbow, with the hint of a smile. Teasing the captain a little– as long as it wasn't about the wrong things– was a right he'd earned in the years sailing with him.

Buggy snickered and elbowed him back. “Yeah, we sure did pal. But you know what? We keep fuckin’ swimming. Metaphorically, I mean. We’ll never reach the One Piece if we just sit around thinkin’ about how we’re not good enough compared to the freaks of the New World. We’re freaks too! Even if you don’t got a devil fruit or nothin’.” 

"Thanks, cap. I'm doing my best, you know? I keep wondering if there's some way I can do better to keep up. We've got so many guys now, and I don't want to be just a face in the crowd." He chuckled slightly, still thinking of the old days with fondness. "I'm used to being one of your star performers."

“And you’re gonna stay that way, Cab!” Buggy punched his shoulder with a grin. “hell, if you want an edge— we’ll find one! Seastone! Haki! Hell, I’ll find you a devil fruit that doesn’t suck if ya want. Just stay in my crew.” 

It was a conversation they'd had before Cabaji hadn't made any indication that he was going to leave. But still. Still. He knew Buggy was worried. Maybe rightly worried that at some point Cabaji and the rest were going to feel so far in over their heads there was nothing to do but leave or die.

"I promise, I promise. Maybe though… I mean I'd be tempted," he admitted. Hastily he clarified, "About the edge, I mean, not leaving."

Buggy looped an arm around him and pulled him closer. “You’re a damn fine acrobat, Cab. the best I’ve ever met. You hold your own alright against these bastards…but I get it. We’re talking Emperors and Admirals out here. If you feel like you need an edge, I’ll getcha one. That’s how important you and Moji are to me.” 

Cabaji flushed as the captain pulled him closer. It wasn't like he minded Buggy being close– the opposite, really. If it was just their crew he wouldn't give it a second thought. But he worried if they were caught like that around such bigshots that someone would hold it over their heads.

Or worse, make fun of the captain.

"I know, cap," he mumbled. "That's not the question."

Buggy looked out over the sea, his expression unreadable under the grease paint for a moment before he shook Cabaji’s shoulder with a wide grin. “So what is?” 

"I don't know," he said, leaning on the captain and staring out along with him, back at the spot he'd been focused on before. "I guess I'm worried about letting you down? Making you look bad? It already sucks that the big shots are taking advantage of you. Not a huge fan of the way Mr. Croc thinks he can order your crew around."

“He’s kind of a smug bastard like that, ain’t he?” Cabaji couldn’t miss the way he quickly looked over his shoulder before he said it. “I think he’s just used to giving orders, you know? It don’t make it better, per say….”

He shrugged “we just gotta keep proving them wrong, right? You haven’t let me down yet, Cabaji. I mean it when I say you’re onna my best men. Who else has been with me since the damn start?” 

Cabaji shook his head thinking about it. "Just me and Mohji, cap. Everybody else…"

Everybody else had slowly gone off their own way over the intervening couple of years. For a few of them that own way had even unfortunately been in the ground. But mostly they'd just scattered to the four winds. Now it was the captain and the two of them– and grudgingly he included Alvida and Galdino– and the rabble who'd come to join Buggy's delivery. Now Cross Guild.

“Exactly. Everyone else left. And I can’t blame ‘em, of course…I mean. We’re on to bigger and better things. They couldn’t handle it? Then they left. But you and Mohji. You guys have always stuck by my side no matter how bad it got.” He grinned. “that means somethin’ right?” 

He smiled back, shaking his head.

"Yeah, cap. It sure means something. No doubt about that."

Some days he thought it meant that he was stupid. Or suicidal. But in the end, he was pretty sure he was just that attached to his captain. They had always been the underdogs. The showmen. Buggy's ragtag band of misfits and miscreants. Even after so much had changed, he still wanted to be there. He still wanted to be standing beside his.

He just wanted to be enough.

Buggy chuckled, his paint not quite hiding the dark circles under his eyes as he leaned there squinting at the island ahead with an arm around him. He turned his grin towards Cabaji.

“We’re going to flashily change the world, right? And you’re one of the flashiest guys I know. You want a boost, I’ll force Hawk Eyes to give you some haki lessons. I’ll grab Doflamingo by the fucking lapels and shake a devil fruit out of him. But you haven’t let me down yet.” He laughed. “You’re still kicking ass, all these years later!” 

He grinned bashfully and rubbed the back of his neck. "You're gonna make me blush, cap. Alright, alright, you talked me up. I know you'll cook up something so I can keep up in this New World. Shoulder to shoulder with you, just like this."

With one tacit glance backward, he finally put his arm around the captain in return.

Buggy grinned widely as he squeezed him tightly to his shoulder with a loud laugh, pointing towards the island. 

“Damn right, Cab! Shoulder to fuckin’ shoulder we’re gonna flashilly take the New World…the World GOVERNMENT by storm! Starting with these damn Marines! Captain’s promise!”

"I'll hold you to that, captain," he chuckled. He rested his head against Buggy's. "I'm looking forward to it."

-

Smoker was sitting cross legged on the floor, watching the unconscious ‘X-Drake’ as his chest rose and fell with a pensive frown. 

The navy’s deep cover agent, in place as one of the ‘Worst Generation’ had gotten himself mixed up in the Beast Pirates and the clash at Onigashima. It was good fortune alone that they were able to get in and save him from the flames of the crashing island.

They weren’t even supposed to be here. The world Government didn’t care what happened to Wano, considering. Even with two Emperors joining forces against the rising stars of the pirate world, the whole thing to be ‘a closed, unaffiliated nation’s problem’.

Somehow Smoker was sure they’d be swooping in at the worst time to get their hooks in Wano— or to blow it off the face of the earth if it proved troublesome.

He wanted to dismiss the thought, but he couldn’t, not with the news that Admiral Ryokugyu had arrived on the island. Not with the things he’d heard he’d said about ‘unaffiliated nations’ and what the World Government’s justice allowed him to do to them.

Wano was chaos. It was pirates clashing, islands dropping from the sky, Swords and Devil Fruits going head to head in a single night of absolute warfare unbeknownst to the people as they celebrated….and they almost were unable to enjoy it because a man he was supposed to obey considered them all ‘inferior’.

He leaned his head into his hand, smoke curling up around his face as he muttered. “What a fucking shitshow, Drake.”

Surprisingly, Drake grunted. It wasn't clear whether it was in response to Smoker's statement or not, but it looked like he was finally waking up. He shifted in the bed, and reached up to touch his face.

“Careful there, Dory.” Smoker muttered low under his breath. “you were pretty beaten to shit.” 

"Huh. I lived then?" he murmured, covering his eyes with his arm. "Or is this hell?"

“That unhappy to see me, are ya?” Smoker laughed, slapping his hand on the ground as he took a deep puff of his cigars “Maybe it is hell.” 

"In my defense," Drake grumbled, "technically I can't see you yet. I wouldn't put it past a devil to sound like you, Smoker."

“It’s the cigar habit, I know.” Smoker chuckled low and rumbling before he leaned on his hand. “You’re alive. Barely. We had to fish you out of there. Be glad there were good men without devil fruit powers on board.” 

"I'm thankful. Aching, but thankful. Should I ask what the status is, or will you tell me hearing it should wait until I'm on my feet?"

"Depends. What side of the conflict were you invested in, Drake?” Smoker looked down at him through the haze of smoke. 

Drake shifted uncomfortably on the bed. "Interesting question. I suppose when you put it like that, the outcome doesn't really matter, does it? Not as far as the marines are concerned."

“Kaidou’s been defeated. Straw Hat Luffy…” Smoker crossed his arms. His voice dropped into a growl. “broke out some kind of new ability we’re still trying to assess from our recon and took him out. Big Mom’s been ferried back to Whole Cake by her family. The people of Wano are celebrating a new leader. An admiral had to be fought off by the pirates. They’re still there, the pirates, celebrating and recuperating no doubt.” 

"Sounds… eventful," he said. Smoker watched as Drake started to sit up slowly. He winced, but didn't stop. "I think I saw some of that new ability you were talking about. A bright white fire. You said Kaidou's been defeated…"

“Yep. Him and his whole ‘Beast Kingdom’. Don’t worry. They ain’t dead.” he smirked thinly “they limped away on their capital ship. Thought about giving chase but ..”

He couldn’t kick a man when he was down. It wasn’t justice to kill the wounded. 

"So they got away, then? Sounds like justice is a little thin on the ground today."

Smoker snorted softly. “You can thank Admiral Ryokugyu for that, Drake. If he hadn’t distracted everyone by trying to assault a civilian festival maybe we woulda thought about hunting down Kaidou. But the Beast Pirates are routed. They can link their wounds and we’ll fight ‘em another day if we gotta.” 

"As always." He grimaced and brushed his fingers through his ginger hair. "There's always another battle down the road, isn't there? I think my cover's well and truly fucked– ah, blown– by this point though. Crew's gone."

“We saw,” Smoker shook his head “might be time to come back to the marines, Drake. We got a motley assortment here on the ship as we speak, at least. Me, Chief Petty Officer Tashigi, Rear Admiral Hina. The survivors of G-5.” 

"Impressive crew," he nodded. "I doubt I'm going anywhere else even if I wanted to for now." He gestured at his bandages.

“You ain’t wrong,” Smoker smirked around his cigars “you did good, Drake. I’m…” he trailed off. He wasn’t one to apologize to pirates…even if Drake was undercover, his crew weren’t.

But there was something tragic about a man losing his whole crew in a fell swoop. He could relate. “I’m sorry for what happened to your men.” 

"They knew the risks of the life they chose. They were pirates." There was something hollow in Drake's voice.

“Don’t mean it doesn’t hurt when you lose ‘em.” Smoker murmured. “Hard not to get a little attached to men ya travel with for that long.” 

"There are plenty of people who don't share your view on that," he murmured. "But thank you all the same."

Smoker snorted under his breath. “I’ve been starting to feel like telling ‘em to fuck off if they have a problem with it, lately. But you’re welcome.” 

"Let me know if you'd like someone to co-sign the memo," Drake said. "Not that my signature would count for much."

Smoker took a deep pull from his cigar. “about as much as ours is worth. The brass ain’t happy with the fact we intervened here. “

"Well I guess that, along with our present location on the sea, puts us in the same boat then." Drake laughed and winced as his chest expanded just wrong.

Smoker put his hand on his shoulder. 

“Careful there, there’s a reason I haven’t offered ya a cigar, Drake.” He smiled thinly “looks like, though. Right?” 

Drake leaned into his touch with a wry, pained smile. "I guess—"

"Vice-admiral Smoker!" the voice of one of the ship's ensigns rang from behind the door as he pounded on it.

“Tch.” Smoker looked over his shoulder “This better be good, Ensign!” 

"Sir, it's bad sir!" The ensign saluted as he opened the door. "There's a ship approaching!”

A ship. If it wasn’t from the island he could only imagine it was the Admiral’s— coming back to reprimand them for getting in the way during that damned fucking escapade during the Wano people’s festival.

He grit his teeth. “Whose colors are they flying?” 

"It's Cross Guild, sir! Buggy the clown!"

Smoker nearly chomped his cigar in half as he shot to his feet with a roar. “THE FUCKING CLOWN FROM THE EAST BLUE???”

-

With the lull in the mess on Wano, Hina had pulled Tashigi away from her duties for some 'girl time'.

Girl Time was a staple with Hina. Smoker’s old friend had taken quite the liking to her when they’d met and absolutely insisted on it. But the thing about ‘girl time’ was it was never quite the same. It often involved a bar, karaoke and dancing, and conversations about this and that— from the sharing stories of their adventures, to the effectiveness of various weapons and styles, to Hina snickering about old stories from the past. Once she had even taken Tashigi to a fancy salon and a boutique of ‘beach wear’ to pick out a new outfit.

No matter what they did, it always involved alcohol in some form or another…and this time was no different. Hina had broken out some of Wano’s sake, brewed by a local distiller who she’d rambled ‘used to be a samurai before the whole mess with their leader fella’. Even as she grinned and poured her another cup, her mood was easy to read. She was putting on a brave face and a smile after the disaster in Wano.

Tashigi was having a little more difficulty with her own 'brave face' but the sake did help a bit. It certainly made it so that she could blame any of her clumsiness on it, at any rate.

"I didn't expect it to be so strong," she said, as Hina insistently poured some more into her cup.

Hina laughed as she poured, before tilting more into her cup. 

“given how rarely the people here get to drink? They probably made it as strong as possible to make up for it!” She grinned as she raised the dish-shaped cup Tashigi’s way. “Hina’ll carry you back if you lose your footing, Ta-shi-gi” 

Tashigi laughed and clinked her cup against Hina's. "You had better be willing to stick to that. I feel like after this one I might melt into the floor."

Despite that, she took another drink. She wouldn't want Hina to feel like she was unappreciative. Besides, things were calm at the moment after the days of chaos. Even the brass breathing down their necks and meddling had finally gone away.

It wasn't like getting drunk was going to cause a problem.

Hina leaned on her hand with a grin. “You know…” she tipped a sip back of her sake before she continued “Hina kinda wants to get one of those kimono before we leave this place. Might make for a fun change of wardrobe on special occasions, huh?” 

"Oh! I've seen those," Tashigi nodded broadly, picturing one on Hina. "I think you'd look great in one, we should get you one for certain."

Hina nodded, rubbing her chin thoughtfully. “I think I’d look lovely! And if you went with me we could see if anyone’s set up a sword shop now that the people are allowed to own swords again. Maybe we can find something impressive…this is the land those swords of yours hailed from, right?” 

Tashigi felt an almost painful tug on the back of her mind at that, and she chewed on her thumb, the cup wobbling in her hand. "That's true… you don't think all that would be too frivolous for a trip, I mean… it's not like it's easy to get on and off the island…"

“Bah…” Hina waved her hand with a sloshing of her sake “Smokey will approve it if we ask. We can pick up some stuff for the ship while we’re at it. Supplies and junk for the journey to whatever shitshow happens next. Hina’s sure of it.” 

"He always says yes to you," Tashigi chuckled. Her glass sloshed too, and she slumped a little further back in her seat. Admittedly, he'd probably say yes to her too, even if he'd be performatively grumpy about it. Tashigi always felt a little more guilty asking for favors than Hina did though– maybe just because of the difference in hierarchy. 

Hina waved his hand. “He has a soft spot under all that grumpy bastard behavio—-”

The sudden sound of the alarm bell ringing loudly all throughout the ship interrupted her. Hina’s playful expression turned hard as she pushed herself up from the chair and slipped a pair of brass knuckles onto her fists with a grimacing snarl. Shouting, screams and the alarm created a cacophony that Tashigi could barely hear over as Hina looked over at her.

“Tashigi, grab your sword. Something’s going to hell!” 

Tashigi's heart sank into the drunken pit of her stomach as she clambered to her feet as fast as she could without falling over.

[pandorafallz]

Ashes in her wake | C15

Ultimately, Alma spent two more days at her current campsite processing the raw materials and turning the marinating meat into smoke-dried goods she could wrap into some leaf wraps and basket them along with her newly dried out bones and the hide was also just about done drying for their travel.

Leyapay didn’t run at the sight of the saddle and behaved for her in fixing it on though the little extra wait, which she wasn’t fond of but it was a too-bad sort of situation by the time the camp was cleared, fire extinguished and anything she didn’t keep, she buried to ‘return to Eywa’ as Okul said.

It felt good to have the supplies and felt even better to be on her away. The bush pod that had been her home for nearly five days disappeared into the horizon behind her.

For two days, they travelled in relatively good weather and in peace; not coming across anyone else in her travels either but on the early morning the third day before she could get into the Heart of the Plains was met with an utter downpour.

Thunder and lightning.

So staying inside the cave she had taken refuge in was a must.

Leyapay was uneasy, resting beside her as she coaxed her small fire back into life to roast her new arrow dear sausages on for a snack. The sound of rain echoed loudly and the flash of light was more startling but she kept herself bonded to keep Leyapay calm through the sounds of thunder far louder out here than the clouded forest. Less…protected without the trees or fog. Exposed. She could feel Leyapay’s heart was fast and nervous but the connection was enough to keep her from trotting about anxiously.

Humming softly to keep her grounded away from the outside, Alma’s knife worked wonders into a thin piece of bone she had crafted into a comb. The bristles were; thick and strong, so would work through her hair well. She had plans for details along the top but she would do that another day.

“<Done… more or less.>” She showed it to the Direhorse, met with a huff then a lick to her her stitch-free leg. “<Ew.>” She gave her a look but she could feel Leyapay’s interest in her tune, so she rolled her eyes and restarted her humming, going for a slow variation of Pan’s Lullaby. An old song now, but a tune that she distantly remembered. Soft and comforting, so it was hardly a burden to keep going if it helped ease her mount in this weather.

With her comb done, Alma took the time to redo her hair, the comb doing its job and soon her fingers ran smoothly through her hair again and carefully pulled it all up to sit neatly in a bun above her kuru. Something that would hold for a few days.

By the time she was done, her food was cooking well so she picked at it slowly and watched the rain outside.

“<No.>” Alma gave her Pa’li a look, sensing her curiosity in her meal, their bond offering the Direhorse a link to how she could taste it “<This is meat. You don’t eat meat. You literally do not have the jaws for it.>” She reminded sternly. “<Just because I enjoy it, doesn’t mean it’s something you can try. Even if you did, I suspect you’ll be shitting yourself for days. No, thank you.>”

Leyapay huffed.

Once she ate, she cleaned up her pot to get rid of the smell of meat and tossed some of the resin from her supplies into the fire to further dissuade any wildlife from investigating and set them away.

“<I think if this storm carries on, I’ll have to camp here tonight. Not a lot of fuel for the fire to last all night either>” Alma remarked, “<Still, light enough, is should probably make a start on the gloves before I encounter the Zeswa camps.>” She had the hide to use; to throw together something simple and quick.

Not all the hide she had was a single piece; a good portion of it was but the hide taken from the Arrow deer’s sail membranes was separate for ease of butchering. So it was simpler to dig that out of her supplies.

Her first two toes would be the covered ones as would be the last two of her fingers so she knew what she had to work with for a design.

The hide from the membrane had lost its bright purple colour and rested at a more saturated purple hue but that was expected so she cared little about that; it made it stand out less and it could done very quickly. But leatherworking was not her strong suit and so, she could show off her lack of skills if she didn’t work the hide well. She could put her yarn and thread to use and make something with it; she was far better at weaving. Hide could be used as a complimentary material.

Alma mulled on her artistic choices for a long moment, staring at her baskets of supplies before reaching out and tugging it close and routed through until she pulled out some spare grey fabric and some wooden decorative pieces from The Hollows. Too little for anything like proper clothing but enough, she realised would be enough for gloves and feet guards.

She plucked the wooden pieces out first; opting to use that as a main central piece over the top of her foot and wrap underneath and around the heel of her foot; securing at her ankle like a leg-guard most Pa’li riders had.

For her handpieces, she decided to use some of the dried bone as her decorative support; settling along the metacarpal bones and decided to design the shape like blunt needles. She planned the material to cover the fingers as one, and to trail off at her wrist but also could secure across her palm to so it wouldn’t just catch and pull away from her fingers. A few beads too to add to the wrist ties and… she wanted to put some new beads into her hair.

So Alma occupied herself as the hours drew on, pausing every so often for a break, to pace around the shallow plains cave, harvest some mushrooms she found and fed them to Leyapay to enjoy; the mushrooms being an old favourite of hers that she missed—Alma made note of that—and then returned back to work.

By the time the rain had stopped, it was dusk. Unsuitable to travel in.

Alma allowed her half-finished work to lay out for her return and taking her spear as a precaution, she ventured out mostly to the distant tree alone. Like the wind-bowed tree ahead. The soil underfoot was still slippery and wet but walkable.

She eyed the tree, running a hand down the damp trunk before she began to climb it slowly to get to the higher branches. Trees often had bark ‘galls’ that the Na’vi often harvested for their projects, the bark galls formed by the tree’s natural defences against invasive insects or even scoring. She could use some to help her gloves and strengthen them.

The tree though… she felt was a poor choice, even as she climbed.

It was soft wood and it was clearly soft before the rain and she could feel its texture under her fingers. Very similar to Wind bent trees of the upper plains but.. not close enough. Alma paused and jabbed the trunk with the end of the spear but the sap that came out was near fluid.

Watery sap.

Sticky and smelt a lot like pine but… unsuitable for even collecting the bark; the galls were probably empty; the resin and sap no doubt not holding. There had to be something fruitful up here, right?

Alma slung the spear to her back again, climbing up carefully before she reached the branches, very aware of the dip her weight gave to the pliant wood but her stomach was relieved to see a nest of some sort tucked in out of the direct path of the wind; a cluster of eggs within a residue to keep the eggs clustered together and to the nest.

She could have scrambled eggs for dinner.

Motivated, Alma carefully slunk down and secured her leg around the branch. She reached forward and grasped the damp pile and tugged softly, rotated a little to the right to properly lift the stack up slowly to tear the collection from the residue and nest before it became free. It wasn’t the Na’vi way to take all of them, and she knew Okul taught her better to take it all now. Typically, where there were dozens of nests, the Na’vi would often take one. But she couldn’t see another nest about to do that. She counted a dozen light blue eggs. So with her knife, she cut four away and slipped those into her hip pouch of smoke bomb and returned carefully the eight back into the nest. She plucked off three sulphur pods growing as well when she spotted them on the trunk and made her way down and back to her cave.

She collected up some of the wet wood by the armful and once she was in the cave, she set them close by the small fire to dry to be useful so she’d not sleep next to a burnt-out fire.

Leyapay, no longer bound by fear of the storm ventured out on her return so Alma watched her go as she set her cooking bowl back over to heat up and set the eggs to soak into some water to be easier to prep; they’d make a pretty paint too so better to more of the cleaning before she broke the shell.

She’d need to make more canteens if she was going to make paint… best if she simply just kept them wrapped up in pieces first until she was in a good place to ground them; she needed a binder for the paint anyway so she’d need to ask the Zeswa campers for that.

Alma used two of the eggs for her dinner, scrambling them and with a cut of meat, she enjoyed the savoury dish. She peeled the membrane out of the shell and let it burn, leaning the inside and set the broken eggshells into a leaf wrap to be a later’s concern and let it fall from her mind as she settled her hammock between two large rocks; hoping it wouldn’t fail her in the night.

She fed the fire again, tossing in some resin for a peaceful night though her eyes followed Leyapay’s distant figure, trotting to pitcher plants but she could now distantly make out the silhouettes of other Direhorses now; their patterns a darker red in contrast to Leyapay’s. She smiled softly as she clearly went towards them.

She’d be back tomorrow.

Hopefully.

-

Alma flexed her fingers again on the reins, the new gloves still taking some getting used to but they were done now. Still, it was weird to wear them. But she was on the move again. The morning sun was still low in the sky and she was making good time into the Heartlands.

In the first camp, she ideally only wanted to be there briefly. A few hours at most depending on if they’d accept her request for making a bow and more lessons but… she had no idea how to estimate the time needed for that.

Around her, she was soon greeted with the foliage-covered formations that seemed to tell tale that she entered the Heart of the Plains the territory seemed to rest mostly within a large open valley. The grass was still green bright, but now were growing patches of bright pink and purple feathery bushes.

She recognised the Feather Blade plant easily, walking close as expectably, and was showered with the pink pollen. Leyapay startled a little, her pace quickening but Alma led her towards the second Feather blade. Leyapay tried giving it a wider birth but Alma didn’t allow that, allowing the plant to release its pollen too but wiped her hands down its windbreaker trunk when she was close to pollinating it.

There was soft movement, as beside its main trunk, the leaves opened up to reveal its large feather blade seeds. She didn’t get off Leyapay as she retrieved four of the large seeds and tossed them into her basket for now.

“<You can have some later.>” Alma promised, patting her sail.

They kept close to the river, the pollen disappearing off them after a few minutes and she followed along the River of the Lost until she spotted the river’s three mall islands. Was that the left she had to take?

Leyapay poked her tongue into a pitcher plant, happily huffing at the rewarding nectar it had; far nicer than the ones on their travel. Plenty of Direhourses stood in herbs, feeding and running about in the distance.

Alma’s eyes ran across the lands with uncertainty, her heart beating anxiously; there was a camp ahead, that much she did know if she followed the River. Archer’s Point, in Kìpe’s words. But that wasn’t her destination.

After a moment, she decided and turned a sharp left west into a steady trot; she could always come back.

-

It didn’t take long, perhaps twenty minutes before she caught sight through the grasslands of beauty to see the kites above the familiar shape of tents. Bigger than the ones the travellers had for obvious reasons, but she could tell that it was much quieter by the lack of boisterous voices echoing so far. Zeswa were notorious for being loud.

Still, she didn’t let that stop her and ventured over the uneven grass towards it. A river flowed behind it so it was in a good spot. It settled a good ease to see it; she had gone the right way.  The closer she got, she heard the voices now and when she was noticed, a Na’vi stood watching her approach.

“<Hello, Traveller.>” They greeted, gesturing from their head. “<You have come far from the Clouded Forest.>”

Alma mirrored their action politely though chuckled softly. “<Indeed, but I don’t intend to impose for too long. Vayhìp mentioned this home to me when we passed each other.>” She said.

The Na’vi’s head tilted and their eyes lit in recognition. “<Are you in need of shelter?>”

“<No, but I am in need to learn how to craft a bow. I do not have one I was not taught how before I left.>” Alma said, not yet jumping down from Leyapay. “<Is that something you can teach me? Or should I simply move on?>”

The Na’vi eyed her for a moment, their eyes dropping to her mount as Leyapay sniffed toward him curiously before he reached up and allowed her to sniff at his knuckle. Her tongue slithered out and licked his hand.

“<Is that all?>”

“<A few foundational lessons in it. I can fire but my lessons were brief before. I… can trade some of my supplies if you are willing.>” Alma offered.

“<What is your name, Traveller?>”

“<Ulma te Kortez Anita’ite.>” Alma said, internally wincing as she realised her mistake. She had…gotten used to the travellers calling her Ul’ma and while she hadn’t corrected them, she had fully intended to revert back to her proper name with new people. She had slipped up a half-correct name without thought. Her last name, she had to pronouns differently. The Na’vi language didn’t have the letter C and they’d naturally use the next-best sounding letter, which was K. Anita was not too foreign of a name for the Na’vi and it was her mother’s. Not a name she had spoken or thought of for years but one she should use for her introductions now, it seemed.

Her mother had passed a long time ago. Her father died years before her. Her brother was probably still alive. Was her nephew still about as well? Alma wanted to ponder but forced those thoughts aside to now.

The Na’vi nodded. “<I am Nasak te Srekxa Txofla'ite. Please, unmount and follow.>”

Alma did so with a nod, and they followed them into the encampment.

There were only two others, both busy; one thankfully looked to be in the middle of whittle wood so hopefully, that meant a bow was being made. The second looked to be preparing some sort of fruit into paints.

“<Yap’na, Katru.>” Nasak said, pulling the two’s attention. Both sets of yellow eyes raised from their work to them and then to her.

“<A Kame’tire?>” The first one spoke then snorted, “<Why is a Kame’tire here?>”

“<Lessons, Yap’na. Be kind, we do not know her story.>”

“<I am on my way to the Spires>” Alma spoke up, coming to a halt.“<It is a long journey and I have no bow. I need to hunt>” She gave the man a look. “<Vayhìp allowed me to use one of theirs.>”

Katru, a woman with a very stern appearance looked up from her whistling. “<Do you know how to use a bow? You do not look like a hunter.>”

“<I have some training>,” Alma said, not specifying how much because… she’d rather not mention it too deeply. “<But I cannot rely on my spear, I need a bow.>”

Katru eyed her for a moment, her gaze turning to the sky for a moment before she decided and got to her feet and nodded her along. “<Come pick a dry branch>”

Alma left Leyapay, who lay down although Nasak relieved her of the saddlebag and basket and set them aside.

Katru led her to a small pile of about seven stripped branches of various lengths. “<Pick one>”

Alma nodded once, bending down to the pile and looking through them; they were of relatively good quality; she could feel they were flexible but not too pliable to be useless. But she knew relative the bows were on average near the wielder’s height.

So Alma quickly stood them up to get an idea of the optimal ones, knocking five of the seven out for being too short. One was a head taller than her so she went for the shorter one and held it out.

Katru nodded once. “<You recognise the requirements. Good.>”

“<I’m observant.>”

“<What tools do you have?>”

“<A knife and mostly weaving tools. There is not much in the way of wood shaping.>”

“<Your clan is renowned for woodshaping.>”

“<It was not my skill set. I gather better than shaped wood.>” Alma stated. The woman was a little short with her and she had the distinct feeling that all they were willing to give was the lessons; they wanted her gone.

Clearly, they disliked the Kame’tire still… but of course, the news of the innocence hadn’t reached them to be kind for more than that.

“<For a bow, you cannot carve it from a wet branch. Once it is picked, you must strip it then it must be dried all the way through. You can strip it once dried but it’s easier to do so when it’s still fresh.>” Katru started. “<Do you have a bowstring?>”

“<I do.>”

That pleased her. “<The string is harder to make, another can give you that lesson.>”

So for five hours, taking a break once to eat lunch which helped rest her aching and sweating hands, Alma was soon holding a complete bow. Not the best, but passable after she was shown how to tiller the bow for the string and soon enough, she held the complete bow in her hands.

The first drawback without an arrow, Alma was worried she’d snap the bow yet it yielded. Her body felt the strain in the pull, her side particularly.

“<Elbow higher,>” Katru pushed her arm up as she did this. “<Belly in and bowing arm straight.>” The woman was sharp in her correction. “<Loosen up and try again.>”

Alma relaxed the string and dropped her arm, flexing her fingers before she pulled back again, trying to follow the corrections.

“<Your form is terrible. You’ve barely got any muscle for this weapon.>” Katru remarked. “<You know how to make arrows, yes?>”

“<I do>” Thankfully. They were simpler to make and archet’s thicket seemed to grow plenty here. She’d use the animal bones for the arrowheads. So’lek had shown her once when he had first joined them; he had seen her watch him work the bone into an arrowhead. He said little but it was fascinating to see how it worked. How he smoothed the shaft and fletched.

“<My work is done.>” Katru nodded once. “<Nasak can show you proper form.>” She pretty much excused herself, clearly done and left her to it.

Alma watched her go for a moment, trying not to let the woman’s attitude sting and… in honesty, it wasn’t too deep anyway; the new bow in her hands felt too good and she had a promising start.

Nasak was watching her in her approach, unsurprised though seemed pleased with her work. “<May I?>” They asked.

Alma handed it over without a word.

Nasak examined it carefully, then held it up professionally and pulled the string back before they let it go. “<Good, a working longbow. The string isn’t too loose and it has good form. You can decorate it to look prettier but be weary of the weight it may add.>” They added.

“<Can you show me the forms I need to practise before I go?>”

Nasak’s eyes rose, handing the bow back. “<I can but if you’re leaving soon, there is only so much I can teach you.>”

“<I know. I’m aware my presence brings some… animosity with some of you which is why I must leave within the next few hours. I need to learn how to draw and fire independently without learning bad habits without an instructor.>” Alma pointed out.

Nasak eyed her bow for a moment. “<I do find it odd that you left without this knowledge. Learning a bow is often for all children, regardless of the clan.>”

“<Do you have any experience with the Kame’tire to know if they follow that?>” Alma gave him a look. “<Zeswa and Aranahe might, but the Kame’tire have been withdrawn for decades.>”

She got them with that. They looked a little sour but it was clear to see why had no answer to truly know the likes of the Kame’tire and what they teach their children. Alma didn’t either but she wasn’t telling them that and out herself as a Dreamwalker. They might just shoo her away.

“<I will show you, but you will ache after.>”

That sounded like a promise.

Perhaps she’d need to camp off and lay in a pool to soothe her muscles. The best case situation but the pain would be necessary for her body to develop those muscles. It had to be worth it, right?

Masterlist

[afhenvs3000f24]

Unit 9

I remember how, when I was still in high school, I just wanted to come home and unwind, seeing whatever was on the TV after a really exhausting day. My ritual of half-watching the news as I scrolled through my phone was suddenly disrupted by a segment that had all the hallmarks of joining the long list of forgotten stories in marine science. Then, I heard, "The green sludge that could power our future," and I paused. I looked up, curious. What followed altered the world for me and put me on my path to where I am today, studying Environmental Management.

These words by the news anchor were animated with that very rare tone of genuine excitement. The camera cut to a sprawling, bright-green pond, bubbling under the sun. What I think most amazed me then was the realization that what I was looking at wasn't just any body of water, but an algae farm. It wasn't just about the algae clinging to rocks and ruining beach days; it was about a world of potential I'd never considered. The segment dove into the basics: how algae grow at incredible speeds, don't require fresh water or fertile soil, and can store up to 50% of their body weight in oil that can be turned into biofuel. My jaw dropped.

A lightbulb just went off in my head. Here was this slimy, green organism-so unassuming, so oft-rejected by the public which was quietly capable of making fossil fuels obsolete. The notion seemed the stuff of a science fiction movie, but there it was, on a 6 pm news slot.

The more I listened, the more it resonated with me. What if the algae could capture not only carbon dioxide from the air but also grow in aggressive media, such as seawater or even wastewater? I remembered the scientist being interviewed and saying, "Algae don't compete with traditional crops for arable land. They're nature's ultimate recyclers, turning sunlight and CO2 into liquid energy." I sat up a little straighter; my heart was pounding. That line stuck with me, humming in the back of my mind long after the segment had moved on. This was bigger than a fun fact to whip out during science class.

At the time, I was struggling with what to do after high school. I'd always cared about the environment, but I'd never quite known how to turn that concern into action. That segment was like a jigsaw piece clicking into place: I could work in a field where nature wasn't just something to be protected; it was a partner in creating solutions for some of the world's biggest challenges. That algae, oftentimes an overlooked part of our ecosystem, actually could serve in a way as groundbreaking as sustainable energy was what truly inspired me. It sealed my decision to study Environmental Management, hoping someday I would be part of the team to make innovations like algae-based biofuel mainstream.

Let me take you back to what made algae so cool. During that segment, the narrator just listed out a string of facts that got me wide-eyed. Did you know that algae can double their biomass in as little as 24 hours? Or that they can thrive in briny seawater where other crops wither and die? This is not all about speed and adaptability, though. The most astonishing fact was that algae could produce oils rich enough to be directly converted into biodiesel. Unlike corn or soybeans used for traditional biofuels, algae don't hog valuable agricultural land or guzzle fresh water. It is a zero-compromise way of producing energy, the sort of thing which I'd always assumed would exist only in the distant future.

I was practically giddy over how the algae could power vehicles, homes, and whole communities while sopping up CO2. The algae weren't cool; they're game-changers. More than an ivory tower curiosity, the possibility of clean renewable energy that wouldn't compete with the world for food or water is something the world most desperately needs.

Fast forward to today, I am a third-year Environmental Management student, and the spark that ignited after that news segment burns bright. Every time I read about advances in algae biofuel research, I know exactly why I chose this path. I want to be a part of a world where innovations like these aren't just talked about on evening news shows but are implemented into how we live and interact with our environment.

The algae taught me that even the most minute and insignificant parts of our world can make all the difference. They are the underdog of nature, and they just go to prove that true power isn't flashy or grand; it's usually hidden in spaces so small, just waiting to be noticed.

But if you take away anything from my story, let it be this: pay attention to the "green sludge" moments. Maybe they just might be the start of something that would change your life and maybe even change the world

[saints-who-never-existed]

Rereading The Terror

Chapter Thirty-One: Goodsir

Big big action happening aboard Erebus in this chapter - Tuunbaq has made it inside and is wreaking bloody havoc on the lower decks. Lord knows the book isn't perfect but to give Simmons his dues, this chapter really is spectacular in descriptions not only of awe-inspiringly horrific violence but the utter hopelessness of the situation in general.

First, hopelessness. Before the main action begins, Goodsir awakes from a nightmare and reflects on his own inability to help his fellow men given his more limited anatomist's knowledge. But he also remembers something of a confession from the late Dr Peddie - that much of the medicines even the "proper" doctors dispensed were mainly purgative placebos - "the more powerful the purgative, the more effective the seamen thought the treatment was... In most cases not involving actual surgery, the body either healed itself or the patient died." Which is...less than reassuring!

Soon enough, Goodsir is summoned to the scene of action alongside Fitzjames, Des Voeux, and Le Vesconte. Fitzjames refers to Des Voeux by his first name (possibly incorrectly, I'm sure I've read something about the real Des Voeux going by 'Fred' rather than 'Charles' as he's referred to here but someone do correct me if I'm wrong). Le Vesconte gets no such familiarity.

Collins is there too and he's demonstrably unhappy about being sent below unarmed with the intention that Le Vesconte and the Marines will head to the weapons stores and arm everyone in due course once they're down there. I mean, fair enough mate!

Another very vivid and atmospheric detail that I think the show would've struggled to capture is just how dark everything is. They've not even really got enough fuel to heat the ship in any kind of meaningful way at this point, let alone to light it so much of this chapter plays out in terrifying darkness and tiny, inadequate circles of lamplight.

Once below, they discover the first casualties very quickly - Mr Gregory who's been disembowelled, and another seamen whose head's stuck in the furnace. This man's mouth catches on the door of the furnace as they pull him out and they inadvertently snap his fucking teeth off which is one of the worst things I've ever read...(but not for long!!)

They try to head above again only to find Tuunbaq's swiped the ladder to smithereens (something about entering a space you can't get back from, perhaps?) and it's then that fire starts to take hold. They've no water to fight it - even the piss buckets are frozen over - so Fitzjames orders a bucket brigade to dump as much snow as possible on the flames instead. Very resourceful, Jamie Fitzjamie!

Le Vesconte and the Marines are firing blindly into the smoke, just like at Carnivale and to equally little effect. Goodsir falls to his knees (he ran into a wooden post in the darkness so the poor bugger's head's already ringing) "remembering how he had told the crew of Terror that scurvy victims could die from the mere sound of a musket shot".

No sooner do the guns fall silent but a man staggers out from the flames and collapses into Goodsir's arms. It's Collins - who's missing half his face and his right arm. (I want Collins to swoon into Goodsir's arms just as much as the next gal but not like this! Not like this!). Extra shout-out to Mr Downing the Quartermaster who hustles an unconscious Collins singlehandedly up a whole goddamn ladder to the sick-bay.

The situation is no less dire once they make it there. Collins' wounds literally steam in the open air though at least they're clean enough that Goodsir's able to sew them up fairly quickly and worry slightly less than usual about the possibility of infection. The claw marks across Collins' chest though are deep enough to expose rib, and his eye cannot be saved or put back in place in his poor smashed-up face. Goodsir literally SNAPS OFF THE BONE SPLINTERS AROUND HIS FUCKING EYE SOCKET (WITH NO ANAESTHESIA WHATSOEVER!) but it's no use.

Eventually, Fitzjames appears again. They don't know if Tuunbaq is still there or not but the fire is contained and the worst appears to be over. It's then that Goodsir remembers seeing another person belowdecks - likely dead but possibly still alive - and he's duty-bound to check which it is. Fitzjames clearly feels duty-bound also and resolves to accompany Goodsir, specifically calling him 'Doctor' for the first time - it's a weary and bittersweet little moment but lovely nonetheless, especially after all the violence and misery. They're so so done in but by god they're still going to do their best! So fuck it, I'm going to quote it more or less in full: "Goodsir had heard the "doctor". Franklin and his commander has almost never called the surgeons that, not even Stanley and Peddie, the chief surgeons. They - and Goodsir - had almost always been the lower "Mister" to Sir John and the aristocratic Fitzjames." "But not this time." ""We have to go down and see," said Goodsir. "I have to go down and see. One or the other might still be alive" "The thing from the ice might be alive and waiting down there as well," Fitzjames said softly. "No one saw or heard it leave." "Goodsir nodded tiredly and lifted his medical bag..." [] ""I'll come with you, Dr Goodsir," said Captain Fitzjames. He held up an extra lamp that Downing had carried in. "Lead on, sir."

[mariacallous]

The new Labour government in the UK set out its legislative priorities today after winning a landslide election on July 4. At the official state opening of parliament, King Charles III read a speech outlining the bills that Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government will attempt to pass over the coming months and years.

There were few surprises in the king’s speech—most of the major bills announced were heavily trailed in Labour’s manifesto and election campaign. Updating planning laws, improving transport infrastructure, and reforming Parliament’s upper chamber, the House of Lords, all featured prominently in the speech.

The speech and accompanying briefing document also outlined a few bills aimed at tackling the climate crisis. Here’s what you need to know about the environmental bills just announced.

Great British Energy

Labour’s plan to create a publicly owned clean power company featured prominently in the party’s election campaign. It was one of Labour’s six “steps for change” presented to voters in the run-up to the election, and the only flagship pledge by Labour that directly addressed the climate crisis.

The bill will establish Great British Energy, a taxpayer-owned company that will “develop, own, and operate assets” by investing in partnership with the private sector. The company will be backed with £8.3 billion ($10.8 billion), and will be headquartered in Scotland, which produces a large share of the UK’s renewable electricity.

Labour has already moved quickly on promoting renewable energy in the UK, scrapping a de facto ban on onshore wind farms in the first few days of its government. It has also announced a “mission control” to achieve clean power by 2030, headed up by Chris Stark, the erstwhile most senior climate adviser to the UK government.

The plan is also couched in terms of the UK’s energy security. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine caused a spike in gas prices across Europe, and highlighted the UK’s dependence on this fossil fuel. Labour will hope that increasing investment in producing, moving, and storing clean power through Great British Energy will help reduce the reliance on gas, cleaning up the UK’s energy mix and improving its energy security.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel

Aviation makes up a small but growing portion of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions. In 2019, emissions from civil aviation made up 8 percent of the UK’s emissions, and with electric planes still a distant prospect, this sector is generally considered one of the hardest areas to tackle.

Sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) are produced from alternatives to fossil fuels, such as crops or waste oil. These SAFs are attractive to airline operators because they can be mixed with normal jet fuel without requiring significant (and costly) adaptations to planes.

The proposed bill will mandate that fuel supplies mix at least 10 percent of SAFs into their fuel blends and provide support for companies and investors who are looking to scale up SAF production in the UK. The Conservatives also backed SAFs in their manifesto, although it’s worth noting the benefits of SAFs are disputed, and increased demand for air travel will mean rising emissions from this sector.

The Crown Estate

The King—through the Crown Estate—is a major landowner in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Its holdings include much of the UK’s seabed, and with it rights to grant permissions to build offshore wind farms, lay pipelines, and store carbon under the seabed. In recent years this marine portfolio has become a lucrative part of the Crown Estate’s holdings.

Labour is seeking to modernize the Crown Estate by giving it the power to borrow money from the treasury, freeing up cash reserves to invest in renewable energy projects in particular. It also wants to widen the Crown Estate’s investment powers so it can support other aspects of green infrastructure, such as digital technology for wind farms and port infrastructure.

The bill would extend only to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland as the Crown Estate does not operate in the same way in Scotland.

Water

Water companies in England have rarely been away from the headlines thanks to an ongoing scandal over the discharge of raw sewage into rivers. Despite these illegal discharges, executives at water companies in England and Wales were paid out £9.7 million in bonuses across 2022 and 2023.

The bill seeks to fix the situation by making water bosses criminally liable for lawbreaking, giving the water regulator power to ban bonuses when environmental standards are not met, bringing in new fines, and requiring water companies to install real-time monitors at every sewage outlet.

Transport

The king’s speech includes a handful of bills aimed at reforming the UK’s public transport system. Although these bills aren’t framed in terms of climate change, improving low-carbon transport infrastructure is a major part of decarbonizing the UK.

The Passenger Railway Services Bill and Railways Bill will seek to renationalize rail services and attempt to create a more simplified national rail system. The Better Buses Bill will seek to give local governments more power to run their own bus services, while the High Speed Rail Bill will seek to provide powers to create rail projects that connect places across the north of England.