#Coach Chet

[goldenherc9]

A Golden Adventure

"This is a story for our amazing Coach and owner of an island that is mysterious in every way, hope you like your Christmas present Coach!"

In the heart of a mythical forest, Coach Chet and Captain Hercules Gold of the Golden Army Team embarked on a quest of legendary proportions. Their mission: to find Odin’s spear, Gungnir, said to grant unparalleled power to its wielder. The air was thick with anticipation as they ventured deeper into the enchanted woods, guided by ancient runes and whispers of old.

After days of navigating treacherous paths and deciphering cryptic symbols, they arrived at a clearing bathed in an ethereal golden light. There, embedded in a stone pedestal, stood Gungnir. Its aura was both mesmerizing and intimidating, radiating an ancient energy that seemed to pulse with life.

Hercules, ever the cautious leader, studied the spear with reverence. “This is it, Chet,” he murmured, his voice filled with awe. “We’ve found Gungnir.”

But before Hercules could devise a plan, Coach Chet’s curiosity got the better of him. Driven by a mix of fascination and an inexplicable urge, he stepped forward and reached out to touch the spear. The moment his fingers brushed against its surface, a brilliant burst of golden light engulfed him.

Hercules shielded his eyes, struggling to see through the radiant glow. When the light finally dimmed, he stared in astonishment at the figure standing before him. Coach Chet had been transformed. His once mortal form now shimmered with divine energy, and his eyes glowed with the wisdom of ages.

“I am the new Golden Odin,” Chet declared, his voice resonating with newfound power. “With this spear, we shall lead the Golden Army to greatness, and protect our realm from any threat.”

Hercules nodded, a proud smile spreading across his face. Together, they had not only found Gungnir but had also unlocked a destiny greater than they had ever imagined. With the power of the golden Odin on their side, the Golden Army Team was destined for legendary glory.

[chetter-holmgren]

My heart is broken 💔

[gutrabies]

tags, p1.

[brodygold]

Join the Golden Army: Where Brotherhood, Sports, and Transformation Await!

The Golden Army is more than a team—it’s a way of life. We embody the spirit of competition, camaraderie, and growth, not just on the soccer field but across all sports. Whether it’s dominating the basketball court, hitting homers on the baseball diamond, or crushing it in the weight room, we play every sport with passion and a golden pride that shines through. Our golden jerseys unite us, and the bond between teammates is what makes the Golden Army truly legendary.

The Power of the Golden Jersey

When you wear the golden jersey, you’re not just joining a team—you’re embracing a new identity. That’s what happened to Nate, a self-described nerd who spent more time with his books than on the field. But once he put on the iconic golden jersey, everything changed. The jersey gave him a new sense of confidence, strength, and athletic prowess. The team took him under their wing, and within weeks, Nate had transformed into a jock, a powerful athlete who could keep up with the best. His new name? Griff, a nickname earned through hard work, sweat, and determination. The golden jersey doesn’t just change how you look—it changes who you are, bringing out the jock within every man.

Led by the Best

Under the leadership of Captain Richard and co-captain Jackson, the Golden Army doesn’t just win—we thrive in every sport we play. Brody and Scott, our two recruiters, make sure of that by only accepting the best of the best for each sport. Manager Walter, with his noble and haughty demeanor, as well as Coach Chet, ensures that the team stays on track and that every player pushes past their limits. No matter where we play—on the field, court, or track—the Golden Army is a force to be reckoned with.

More Than a Team—A Brotherhood

The Golden Army isn’t just about becoming the best athlete you can be; it’s about finding a family that will support you every step of the way. Whether you’re winning championships or hanging out after a game, the bond between teammates is unbreakable. We push each other, we challenge each other, and we grow together.

Are you ready to transform? Ready to wear the golden jersey and join a brotherhood that’s dedicated to sports, growth, and your success? The Golden Army is waiting for you. Become part of our legacy, and let the jersey transform you into the athlete you were meant to be!

[polodrone-099]

Coach has brought out his old uniform once again. Coach chet is gone. 099 has returned.

[wassupmygays]

when chet moved to tulsa in the 3rd grade, his first friend was this friendly boy on his little league baseball team. he was the first boy to welcome chet to the team, and his contagious laughter helped rid chet of his new-kid nerves. they quickly became the jokester duo of the team. they'd often get distracted out in the outfield, miming jokes to each other across the grass during a boring inning. when chet hit his first ever home run, there was one cheer he could hear above the rest of the crowd.

in the 5th grade, when their little league team got new coaches, chet noticed that some of the kids didn't join the team. his friend included. chet's parents said it was a good thing, that the new league fees kept out the "wrong crowd". chet didn't really get the point of that, but he still had fun at the games. some of his new friends from school joined the league, and his parents seemed to like these boys a lot more than his old friend.

by the time chet was in 8th grade, he barely remembered all those inside jokes from the outfield. he had a new baseball team, new friends to cheer him on, new sports to try out for, and new things to worry about. like how his essay was absolute trash, or how his crush just started dating his best buddy, or how his head throbbed from a fight him and his buddies started with some kids last night. he vaguely recognized the laughter of one of those boys before the fight, how he tossed out smiles and jokes to ease the tension before the first punch was thrown.

in the middle of their sophomore year, when the newspapers were covered with headlines of a train accident and orphaned brothers, chet found himself wondering how sodapop curtis was doing. obviously he wasn't doing well, his parents just died horribly. and chet doesnt even know if he should go offer condolences, or if hes allowed to. socs dont offer support to greasers, he knows that. but he notes how quiet the halls in school sound without that familiar laughter ringing through them. he hadnt really, truly spoken to soda in years, aside from the rare school project that chet barely participated in.

he hadnt really noticed how much that boy's laughter had followed him through his days at school or at the drive-in or around town, until it was gone.

[totaled-drama]

hi

uh...

Can you explain Little League? Thnaks..

Hi!! Thank you for the question.

The Little League AU places the gen 4 cast onto little league hockey teams based on their teams in season 1. The Frogs of Death team is called the Leap Frogs, and the Ferocious Trout team is called the Flying Fish in this AU. All of the gen 4 characters are 9-10 years old.

Lightning and Svetlana are the coaches for the Leap Frogs team, while Jacques and Josee are the coaches for the Flying Fish team. Sky and Jo are assistant coaches for the teams. The other alters in the system will coach the team as well if Svetlana isn’t fronting.

Plot lines in this AU directly reference canon!! They do not line up 100% correctly, and I have heavily edited the plot lines to make them make sense with the new setting, but they use canon as a guideline. For example, Millie still writes about everyone, but she writes in a diary with glitter pen, and all of her notes are just silly complaints that a kid would have (“Axel wouldn’t let me use her green marker to color in my picture :(” or “Ripper is mean! >:(”).

Some plot lines don’t take place at the hockey rink. For example, S1E6 is trip to an amusement park that has a catapult ride. S2E1-5 all take place at the school during field day, so the kids are on field day teams (their season 2 teams) during those plot lines. Their hockey teams remain the same during this time; those don’t change at all in this AU. The Frogs are still Frogs in season 2, and the Fish are still Fish.

The hockey program in this AU is directly connected to their school, so the hockey program is kind of like an after school club. The three main locations in this AU are the hockey rink, the school, and the theatre. The theatre is where Nichelle performs at (instead of being a famous actress).

The gen 1-3 and RR casts also show up in this AU. They mostly work at the hockey rink, school, or theatre, but some of them work elsewhere (Chet and Lorenzo work at a card shop in town and host D&D games there, for example). All of the gen 1-3 characters in this AU are in their mid-late twenties.

A lot of the plot lines for gen 1-3 also have parallels to canon in this AU, but the vast majority of them happened when they were still in high school.

I’m going to eventually write a fic for the LL AU, so it’ll probably all make more sense once the plot lines are written out completely, but this is most of the basic information about the AU!! If anyone has any questions about a specific plot line or character, please let me know. :)

I always tag my LL AU posts with “#td little league au,” so you can look through that tag if you want to see my previous art for this AU and answers to questions people have asked me in the past!!

[devilsrecreation]

Thoughts on the 5th and 6th episodes

I kinda like having to learn more about Tylor’s family. Grandma Tuskmon is the best

Love the 40’s-59’s film noir subplot with Duncan. Did not know he was into GILFS 😭

JENNIFER COOLIDGE MY BELOVED GIRLIE’S ROLE WAS PERFECT

Fritz is an angel here, raising the prices and saying everything has a history just aaaaa

WE FINALLY GOT OK CAMEOS AS SCARE CARDS! AND TYLOR HAS A BOBBLEHEAD OF THE PERRYS TOO THIS IS THE BEST. I need to know where they are now

Javier’s been mentioned a couple times as well! I wonder if we’ll see him again

I can kinda relate to Val a little bit. There were a lot of things I wanted to pursue when I was younger until I stuck with one

Not gonna lie, the softball game is lit. Speaking of lit, JOY CAN BREATHE FIRE, APPARENTLY. I like her even more now!

Also Joy is amazing at pitching holy-

LOVE Claire and Cutter’s trash talk. And how Claire gained respect after Cutter insulted her back like what queens

Chet’s mama told him he’s valid jfhfhfhf that’s cute. Also I think he may or may not have daddy issues

Of course the new guy’s name is Skylar. He seems like a himbo (and may or may not be high)

Loralie has her mother’s enthusiasm jfhhfjt. I love the parallel with her yelling about making it a bloodbath

“Batter can’t hit!”

“But that’s mommy.”

“Oh I know 😏”

RESPECT FOR MISS LORALIE

Fritz being an awesome player while being such a cinnamon roll is adorable

Smh at Tylor…that’s all I’m gonna say

F in the chat for George Sanderson’s lack of softball skills

I KNEW DUNCAN WOULD HATE DECLAN I KNEW IT

Pretty sure that coach is dead…..oof

Wait nevermind he was just asleep

Johnny seems like a nice hubby. “Kids, did you see your mom out there?”

Fuck that was intense…

[yuri-cosmos]

one thing that should be talked about more in maw spaces is the end tags bc those are so fun to listen to. like what do you mean people who skip the credits dont know about

tylers mom being less funny than his dad

duncan going crazy (not duncan crazy i mean no circulation crazy) after the creep show

the fact that theres a full version of it scare you babe (and on spotify)

Chet sending himself affirming voicemails

Jennifer coolidge telling chauncey to pretend to be a dying child for monetary value

the crepees coach whos name i can never remember pushing his bookie down 2 flights of stairs, breaking both his legs and hospitalising him bc he didnt wanna pay his debt, and then surviving 2 heart attacks in 1 day

Cutter losing her 5th leg and her 7th stepmother leaving when she was 6

Crumminghams wife leaving him over the sweets

Needleman and Smitty (😒) are there too ig (i like needleman but smitty is actually my worst enemy “thats what i tell the police” GO TO PRISON ???)

the obligatory roz ending

and thats only in season 2, season 1 had all that plus the comedy class scenes

[fizzigigsimmer]

Moonwood Part 4

|Part 1|

Just in case Steve somehow missed the fact that Schiller takes its basketball team very seriously, there’s a big plaque above the gymnasium door the proudly proclaims he’s in the home of the Schiller High Timberwolves, state champions!

The memo about the coach only drafting moonie guys doesn’t seem to have gotten around because Friday afternoon tryouts come and it looks like every guy in school who can tie his own shoes has had the same idea as Steve and has come out to try and earn their spot on the bench - even some guys who look like they can’t tie their shoes. He does see a good handful of moonwood guys though - including two of the guys who tried to jump him. 

The number of guys he’s got to compete against doesn’t make Steve too nervous, but the amount of people who seem to have shown up just to watch makes him a little jittery as he leaves the locker room and heads into the gym. He saw at least a dozen kids sitting up in the bleachers on his way in and there’s bound to be more by now. The bleachers were never empty at a game back in Hawkins, but everyone knew that had more to do with the limited number of thrills to find in their small town on a friday night than school spirit. It’s different when he knows people are watching because they expect the team to be good. Better than good - state champions!

Steve warms up and joins a couple of the guys who are shooting hoops at one end of the court, showing off while they covertly scope out the competition. It helps actually. Once he’s got a ball in his hands and has made a couple of shots it’s easier to relax and have fun. He makes most of the shots he takes, unlike some. This kid Hank is clearly the best though. Guy is easily six feet tall and sinks shots from half court like it’s easy, but Steve’s far from the worst. He can totally do this.

It’s fifteen after when a shrill whistle finally interrupts the sound of balls thudding against the hardwood. Steve tosses Hank the ball and turns towards the sound, and his heart skips a beat when Billy strides onto the court, flanked by Dave and Chet. Billy stops at about half court and blows the whistle between his lips again as if he doesn’t already command the attention of everyone in the gym, and Chet sets a box full of red and blue numbered jerseys on the ground at his feet.

“Alright listen up closely guys cause I won’t repeat myself. If you don’t already know I’m Chet, co-captain, and this here is Billy,” Chet gestures to Billy with a sardonic twist to his lips. Cause everybody there knows who Billy Hargrove is. “He’s team captain. There are only a few spots open on the team and a lot of you so come over and take a jersey.”

There’s an immediate scramble for the box. Steve doesn’t get what the rush is, but there’s something about the energy in the room that has him pushing forward without thinking and elbowing his way into the crush to make sure he can snag a jersey. It turns out to be a good thing, because the box empties and there are six guys left empty handed looking like they might cry.

 “Red team you’re home court, blue team you’re the visitors side. Hopefully we don’t have to tell you which team you’re on.” Chet instructs, and there’s some nervous laughter. Steve pulls his jersey over his head - he’s B3.  He’s excited to see that Hank is also on the blue team. They’re giving each other high five’s and clapping each other on the back as one of the guys who got left out, clears their throat and asks what the rest of them should do.

Steve’s mouth falls open in shock when Billy scoffs and sneers, “I don’t know, jerk off? I don’t care what you do. Scram.”

Billy being an ass isn’t the shocking bit, it’s the way the extra guys actually start to leave and nobody stops them.

“Wait a minute. They don’t even get to try out?!” pops out of Steve’s mouth before he can stop himself, and it’s like darts to the chest when blue eyes snap to him and Billy stares at him like he’s trying to peel back his skin.

“They either didn’t want it bad enough or weren’t strong enough to fight for it. So no they don’t get to try out. But you’re welcome to give up your shot if you want to.”

Steve can feel six pairs of hopeful eyes shift towards him. He grits his teeth and guilty does not meet any of their gazes. His gaze snaps back to Billy when the other teen speaks again, full of smug delight. Steve wants to be there, too much to give it up to someone else and Billy seems to relish that. His gaze is too intense and too probing.

“Any more questions Princess, or can we get on with the next test?”

Yeah Steve’s got questions. And he’s gonna ask them too cause fuck Billy Hargrove.

“What do you mean test? And where’s the coach? I’m not here to get my chain yanked Hargrove.”

Hank gives Steve a look, obviously shocked that he has the nerve to go up against Billy but kind of low key impressed too. Steve doesn’t get it. Yeah Billy’s built and he’s top of the food chain, but Hank’s not small. Six foot, wide shouldered, and muscled, Steve doesn’t even need to ask if he’s from moonwood. He just has that look. Steve’s starting to get used to it and the more he does the weirder it is to him that everyone acts like they’re scared to cross Hargrove. 

Sweaty palms and weird heart palpitations aside, Steve is not afraid of Billy Hargrove. But the dark glower Billy fixes on him at being challenged warns him that maybe he should be.

“Aww, don’t say that. You’re gonna break Billy’s heart Harrington.” Dave teases, and a couple of the other guys snicker. Those watching in the bleachers follow their cue and the gymnasium buzzes with amused sounds.

“Shut up Dave.” Billy grumbles without venom. He saves all of it for Steve as he snaps out, “Lap-ups, now! All of you pipsqueaks. Anyone who stops before I blow the whistle can hand over their jersey and take their sorry ass off my court.”

There’s some groaning but the guys immediately start shuffling towards the boundary lines to start their laps around the court. Steve hesitates for a fraction of a moment, caught in Billy’s gaze. Billy stares back at him unblinking, daring, and Steve thinks for a fraction of a second that his eyes don’t look human anymore. It’s like staring into the gaze of a predator. It sends a shiver down his spine.

He’s snapped out of the moment by Hank’s hand landing on his shoulder, the taller boy leaning close as he urges Steve to come on, explaining, “the team captains always run the first half of try-outs. It’s tradition.”

Steve frowns. It seems odd to him, especially for a winning team, for the coach to be absent for half of the try-out but what does he know? The Hawkins Tigers never won a regional title, let alone a state championship. 

The red and blue teams run laps around the court. Dave passes each of them a ball to dribble under the visitors basket and Chet catches their rebounds at the home basket. He passes them to Billy, who passes them back to Dave in between his shouts for them to pick up the pace or stop dribbling like grandmothers. 

Steve and Hank fall into stride next to each other, until one or the other has to pull ahead to catch a ball or take a shot. But they always fall back into step after, and Hank makes conversation with him. It makes it easier to ignore the burning in his legs, and the eyes he can feel digging into his back, so that Steve can just focus on showing off his control of the ball and making his layups. 

He’s a cool guy Hank. Laid back and confident with none of the usual highschool awkwardness. He kinda reminds Steve of his grandpa, which makes more sense when Hank admits he’s lived in Moonwood his entire life and has never been anywhere else.

“Really? Like not even on vacation?”

Hank shrugs his big shoulders and grins.

“What for? Got a beach if I want to swim and a whole national park on my doorstep. Plus it’s hard, you know, for folks like us planning around the cycle.”

Steve has no idea what he’s talking about or what he means by ‘folks like us’, and he doesn’t get the chance to ask because a ball comes flying towards Hank fast and hard. The other boy just barely manages to catch it, but the loud way it THUDs against his chest makes Steve wince in sympathy. Hank stumbles and his head snaps up, and Steve swears an honest to god growl rumbles out of his throat as his eyes lock with Billy.

“Stay alert ladies!” Billy mocks before he brings the whistle to his mouth and blows it sharply for everyone’s attention. “Alright game of knock-out, red against blue. Follow me!”

Billy sets off toward center court without looking to see if anyone will follow - knowing they will.

Hank mutters something under his breath that Steve doesn’t quite catch but it sounds like ‘alpha, dick-head’.

They don’t get much chance to talk after that. Billy announces that only the winning team will make the cut and continue on with the tryout.

“That’s not fair Hargrove, they’ve got Hank!” one of the guys on the red team complains. It’s this big lunkhead named Brian, one of the guys who tried to shove Steve into a locker. His pal Virgil nudges him in the side and shout whispers for everyone to hear.

“Yeah but they also have the pipsqueak. Harrington will be an easy out.” 

“Not as easy as your mother Sanchez. I’d watch how I was running my mouth if I were you.” Billy drawls in reply. Not even a snap or a bark, but still there’s something in it, like a growl, that makes the hair on Steve’s arms raise and his throat feel tight like there’s a hand squeezing the back of his neck. And he can tell it’s not just him by the way Virgil and Brian immediately clam up and avert their eyes. 

The game starts, one player from each team taking a shot from the key line at the same time until one of them makes a basket. It’s up to the next player on their team to try and out hoop the opposing player and knock him out. The last team standing wins.

Steve tries to just have fun with it, but pretty soon it’s a whirlwhind. Steve’s ears are full of the sound of pounding feet and his frantic heartbeat. A strange electric rush fills his blood as the competition heats up, the stands alive with cheers and heckling as the game becomes a chaotic scramble to try and stay one step ahead of the guy in front of him. It’s dizzying. Steve can barely focus and Billy doesn’t help.

If it’s not - “What was that? Come on Harrington! My little sister could have made that shot with her eyes closed.”

Then it’s - “You’re damn lucky Reeves has got his head up his ass today Pretty Boy. You’d be out if you were shooting against anyone else!”

Fuck you, man. Steve thinks more than once. Nearly says a couple of times. Has to bite his tongue to keep the words in when they are three blue and two red and his first shot falls off the rim and he’s a hair too slow on the rebound.

“You’re out!” Billy snaps before the red player’s ball has even made it completely through the net. “You deserved that Harrington. You call that a hustle?”

Steve calls this cruel and unusual punishment actually. He has sweated through his shirt, his face is flushed, and his chest is itchy with heat. He’s got the strangest urge to march up to Hargrove and sink his teeth into him.

He can just imagine his mom’s humiliation if she gets called to the school because ‘Stevie bit another boy’ like this is the second grade all over again. And then he remembers that he’s eighteen and technically an adult and he could get sued or worse, and keeps his teeth to himself.

Even without him the blue team wins, largely thanks to Hank. While the rest of his teammates celebrate, Steve can’t help but feel a little glum. The hour is ending, the coach never showed and he knows there’s no way in hell he’s making the cut. Not after the way Billy rode his ass the entire time. He’s kinda bummed about it because despite everything he had fun. It was challenging, but in a good way. Like it made him wake up or something. There’s something about this place that makes Steve feel more alive.

After the red players have filed off the court in defeat, Billy, Dave, and Chet have the blue team line up and congratulate them on their win.

“Really good job guys. We saw some great stuff out there today.” Chet praises and the tension in the room releases. Steve can feel the way the other guys start to relax, chests puffing out with pride and trading tired grins.

“The good news is, all of you are moving on.” Dave leads and Steve jolts. He can’t believe he heard that right. Does this mean he’s on the team?

“The bad news is that means you’re going to have to spend a week smelling each other's farts.” Billy adds dryly and some of the guys chuckle.

Steve frowns in confusion. He doesn’t understand. The try-out isn’t over? And what does he mean they’ll have to spend a week smelling each other’s farts? 

As if he can hear Steve’s brain racing Hank leans down and whispers, “The basketball team goes on a retreat at the beginning of the year. It’s like boot camp. Coach will finalize the roster after the retreat.”

“They let the basketball team take a whole week off school to go camping?” Steve asks a little weirded out. It just seems unusual to him, but this wouldn’t be the first example of special treatment he’s witnessed the basketball team getting.

Hank nods.

“The volleyball and soccer teams too. Though the soccer teams go in spring. Don’t worry. Most of the teachers will give you your assignments in advance so you don’t fall behind.”

Steve supposes that makes sense since it was early in the semester. And he supposes when the athletic teams are actually good, the school sees it as an investment in the students' futures. He’s willing to bet there is a lot of scholarship money to go around for state champions.

“Basketball camp is mandatory for the entire team, not just the rookies.” Chet explains to the group. “Dave is passing around a permission slip. Your parents need to sign it for you to get on the bus.”

“The bus leaves at seven A.M. sharp Sunday morning. If you’re not on it, tough titties.” Billy finishes. 

Sunday morning…right after the bonfire.

|PART 5|

Friendly Tags for those who expressed interest: @darleenjade @sweetwaterangel @dragonflylady77 @natchula @tip-tap-tired @sparklingsprinkles @adelacreations @bluetree76 @deadfromtheneckdown @heavensfinest @marklee-blackmore @slightlydepressedmelon

[sondheim-girly]

ooo wait about the ice skating au, what’s the whole gang doing?? like ik marcia is a figure skater and two bit does hockey but i can’t rlly remember what others r doing.. :0 and anything u wanna yap abt them hehe

ok so all the socs do figure skating- Bev and Brill do partner routines, Marcia and trip used to do partner routines until their very messy breakup, now they’re both solo skaters, cherry and Bob both solo skate, Chet used to solo skate until Cecilia moved and they started skating together. Paul is a solo skater turned private coach. In this au we’re going with his age in the book, so he’s in college rn

All the greasers are on a hockey team (including Ace) plus the Sheppards, (other than Angela) and some of the Brumly gang. The Curtis dad used to be the coach, but when he died Darry dropped out of school to become their coach and work another job as well. Dally is the team captain.

[midnight-stormm]

The sapnap content was definitely needed today. I fell asleep a bit and miss the ending but chet did good coaching sapnap in valo. I miss the valo sap alot.

I hope he streams soon bc I miss him dearly but I also hope he's doing well.

[dodgebolts]

chet and sapnap coaching stream I WIN!

[brookstonalmanac]

Birthdays 12.23

Beer Birthdays

Philipp Jung (1845)

Conrad Binding (1846)

Brent Ainsworth (1963)

Jon Abernathy (1972)

Five Favorite Birthdays

Chet Baker; jazz trumpet player (1929)

Paul Hornung; Green Bay Packers RB (1935)

Anthony Phillips; rock guitarist, composer (1951)

Harry Shearer; comedian, actor (1943)

Eddie Vedder; rock singer, songwriter (1965)

Famous Birthdays

Richard Arkwright; English inventor (1732)

Adrian Belew; rock guitarist, singer (1949)

Robert Bly; writer (1926)

Carla Bruni; French model (1967)

Wesley Clark; politician, military officer (1944)

Dan Devine; Green Bay Packers coach (1924)

Carol Ann Duffy; Scottish poet (1955)

Frederic Forrest; actor (1936)

Harry Guardino; actor (1925)

Corey Haim; actor (1971)

Susan Lucci; actor (1946)

Harriet Monroe; poet (1860)

"Little" Esther Phillips; jazz pianist (1935)

Holly Ryder; adult actress (1970)

Ronnie Schell; comedian, actor (1931)

Al "Cheese" Schweitzer; St. Louis Browns OF (1882)

Joan Severance; actor (1958)

Samuel Smiles; writer (1812)

Joseph Smith; cult leader (1805)

Otto Soglow; cartoonist (1900)

Dick Weber; bowler (1929)

Victoria Williams; pop singer (1958)

[brodygold]

Turning the Coach

Coach Chet could sense something different in the air even before Captain Richard and Brody stepped into his office that evening. There had been whispers among the players, stories of private meetings and special drills, of something called the Polo Drones. He hadn’t paid them much attention, dismissing them as another of the team’s phases. But now, seeing the stern expressions on both men’s faces, he realized this wasn’t just a rumor.

“Coach,” Richard began, his voice low and even, “it’s time to discuss where the Golden Army is heading. We’ve formed a new group within the team: the Polo Drones.”

“Polo Drones?” Chet leaned back, arms crossed. “What exactly are these Polo Drones, and why do you need me to join?”

Brody’s eyes were intent, almost hypnotic as he watched Coach Chet closely. “The Polo Drones are more than just a squad,” he said. “They’re a team within the team—a group that embraces perfect synchronization, unity, and loyalty. Each member is given a number, a role, and a purpose. They’re no longer distracted by individuality. They’re fully dedicated to the mission of the Golden Army.”

Chet shook his head, a slight laugh escaping his lips. “Loyalty? You think I’m not loyal enough as I am? I’ve given years to this team. I don’t need to strip away my identity to prove that.”

Richard’s expression grew more severe. “Coach, this isn’t just about loyalty; it’s about total dedication. You’ve done well, but you’re still… separate. The Polo Drones operate as one mind, one purpose. This isn’t optional.”

Chet’s amusement faded, replaced by a flash of irritation. “Not optional? I think I’m done with this conversation.” He stood up, moving to leave, but Brody quickly stepped in his path, placing a firm hand on his shoulder.

“Coach, don’t make this difficult,” Brody said, his voice steady. “We respect what you’ve done, but you need to trust us. This will make you better—make us all better.”

Chet clenched his jaw, unwilling to move. But before he could protest further, he felt a sharp prick at the back of his neck. His vision blurred, and his muscles weakened as whatever they had injected into him began to take effect. Unable to resist, he was guided back to the chair and strapped in, his arms and legs bound.

His vision cleared just in time to see Richard and Brody fitting a strange headset over his eyes, its dark lenses covering his field of view. The headset came alive with a gentle hum, and suddenly, Chet was immersed in a cascade of golden patterns, swirling, flowing, merging together in endless loops and spirals. He tried to close his eyes, but the light seemed to seep into his mind, tugging his focus deeper and deeper into the trance.

“Listen carefully, 099,” Richard’s voice cut through the haze, cold and commanding.

“099?” Chet mumbled, his voice weak, almost unrecognizable to his own ears. “That’s… not me…”

“That’s exactly who you are,” Brody replied firmly. “You’re 099. Your purpose is to serve the Polo Drones. You’re not Coach Chet anymore. You’re a number, a unit, a part of something greater than yourself.”

The golden patterns pulsed in rhythm with their words, syncing with the steady beat drumming in his ears. As each word sank into his mind, the name “Coach Chet” felt more distant, more alien. He tried to hold onto it, but the beat grew louder, more insistent, washing over his resistance like waves eroding a stone.

“Repeat after me, 099,” Richard commanded. “I am a Polo Drone. I serve the Golden Army.”

Chet’s mouth moved against his will, the words falling from his lips in a lifeless monotone. “I… am a Polo Drone. I serve the Golden Army.”

The mantra echoed in his mind, binding tighter with each repetition. Images began to flash within the patterns, scenes of the Polo Drones training together, executing drills with perfect precision, each player in flawless sync. They wore identical uniforms, their faces blank, focused only on their task. Chet could feel himself slipping into that vision, a faceless figure moving with them, responding to commands without hesitation.

“Good,” Richard’s voice was calm, almost pleased. “You are 099. Your purpose is unity, discipline, loyalty. You are part of the whole.”

A sliver of resistance flared in Chet’s mind. This wasn’t who he was—he was a leader, a mentor, someone who’d built his career on his own terms. But as quickly as the thought formed, it was smothered by the hypnotic lights, the rhythm hammering away at any lingering defiance. His sense of self blurred, shifting, fading, until he could barely remember why he’d resisted in the first place.

“Tell us your purpose, 099,” Brody prompted, watching him with a smile of satisfaction.

“To serve the Polo Drones,” 099 replied automatically, his voice empty of emotion or thought. The name “Coach Chet” no longer meant anything to him. He was 099, a loyal, obedient member of the Polo Drones.

Richard and Brody exchanged a glance of approval. They removed the headset, and as the swirling patterns vanished, 099 blinked, his expression blank and compliant. He stood at attention, awaiting orders, every trace of his former identity erased.

“Welcome to the Polo Drones, 099,” Richard said with a nod. “From now on, you’ll operate as part of our unit, following instructions without question.”

099 nodded, a spark of obedience lighting up his eyes. “Ready to serve,” he replied in a monotone, the words flowing without hesitation. Any personal ambition, any trace of resistance, had been extinguished, replaced by a single, unyielding drive to serve the Polo Drones and bring their vision of unity to life.

As he followed Richard and Brody out of the room, he no longer felt any sense of conflict. The memory of who he’d been was gone, lost in the golden lights and rhythmic beat. He was simply 099 now, a loyal drone ready to serve the Golden Army’s new vision.

[trashcanplant]

Ideas for Paulie’s family since I got an ask to see them with butterfly wings. That will be coming, but giving reworked Jonesy a good color palette is killing me. Read on to learn about Paulette’s family!!

Paulette has (as we know this far) 6 siblings!

Chet, who is a brash banker and burly businessman. Chet’s a bit of a bummer, but his family loves him cause he’s like no other.

Nannette is a suave swimmer and stupendous sailor. She’s spends her time selling seashells by the sea shore and scooping up shiny loot in her short and scenic schooner.

Daisy, who’s a bit ditzy and dreamy.(And a bit of a druggie, but we won’t tell if you won’t!) She’s a devoted member of her dear den of friends, where she’s a decent and decisive department head! Daisy loves a dainty and delicate touch in her work!

Bret, who’s a cheerful coach with charm that comes by the arm! He’s got a champion little league and children who fill ‘em! Bret’s the chipper twin brother of Chet, who’s frankly rather bossy. But Bret chooses to let his big brother take charge.

Henry Pillar is a handful within the pillar family! Hardly ever heeds helpful advice, leaving his whole family hurdling over to fix his hiccups.

Yolonda (Yall) Pillar is yappy yarn spinner. She’s a yearned-after lady although she’s a lying youngling without much yolk in her shell! Yall is unyielding in her journey to get her brother Henry out of any jam he may or may not have.

Some extra members include:

Tommy and Mara Pillar, the twins who do basketball and ballet are Paulette’s nephew and niece from his brother Bret. They’re sweethearts, but always looking for the future and wanna know what’ll be over the horizon!

And of course his mother Mollie, a motherly mare-do-well, and matron to her many manic family members.

Paulette, then, our anxious astronomer who needs attention and assurance from her friends. He admits that the astronomical world assumes an abundance of her time, but avoids to mention the absence of action they take to observe it. Academic and awkward, Paulette Pillar is the most avoidant and observant neighbor in Home.