#Grab type ship unloader

[little-p-eng-engineering]

Little P.Eng. Engineering: Pioneering Bulk Material Transfer Design across Canada and the USA

When it comes to the intricate world of bulk material transfer, North America's industrial backbone relies heavily on robust, efficient, and innovative machinery. Operating at the forefront of this industry is Little P.Eng. Engineering, a name synonymous with exemplary structural and mechanical design across Canada and the USA.

Bulk Material Transfer Design: The Pulse of Modern Industry

Transcending borders, bulk material transfer is central to the heartbeat of contemporary industries. From the sprawling mines of Canada to the bustling ports of the USA, the movement, deposition, and retrieval of large-scale materials demand a seamless blend of precision, durability, and adaptability.

Journeying Through Little P.Eng. Engineering’s Pan-North American Impact

Single-boom Spreaders:

Functionality: Essential in the processing of minerals, ores, and coal, these machines promise uniformity in layering vast material amounts.

Little P.Eng. Across Continents: Adapting to the varied terrains and industrial needs of Canada and the USA, Little P.Eng.'s designs optimize weight distribution, longevity, and operational flexibility.

Mobile Stacking Bridges:

Functionality: Mobile and versatile, these units aid in the strategic stockpiling of materials in expansive stockyards.

Little P.Eng.’s Transnational Signature: Ensuring a balance between agility and stability, the design innovations address diverse geographic and operational needs across North America.

Transport Crawlers:

Functionality: These titans manage the internal transportation of massive equipment, streamlining logistical challenges.

Little P.Eng.’s North American Adaptability: By designing crawlers that focus on energy efficiency and terrain adaptability, they address the unique challenges of both Canadian mines and American industrial facilities.

Stackers and Reclaimers (Single & Combined):

Functionality: While stackers deposit materials systematically, reclaimers specialize in their retrieval. Combined machinery handles both roles.

Little P.Eng.'s Pan-American Approach: Catering to the varying scales and nuances of industries across the two nations, designs prioritize transition fluidity and spatial optimization.

Bucket Wheel Reclaimer (Boom & Bridge):

Functionality: With an array of buckets, these reclaimers ensure efficient retrieval from vast stockpiles.

Little P.Eng.’s Cross-Border Excellence: Be it the Canadian cold or the American heat, precision-focused designs ensure efficient operations under diverse conditions.

Scraper, Drum, and Portal Reclaimers:

Functionality: Each variant is uniquely designed to retrieve stockpiled materials, adhering to specific operational demands.

Little P.Eng.’s Continental Precision: By crafting machinery tailored for the specific needs of locations from Alberta to Alabama, the emphasis is on tailored efficiency.

Portal and Bridge-type Scraper Reclaimers:

Functionality: These reclaimers excel in longitudinal stockyards, merging efficiency with compactness.

Little P.Eng.’s Broad Vision: The designs seamlessly integrate with North American industrial landscapes, maximizing space and operational potential.

Ship Loaders & Unloaders:

Functionality: Vital cogs in maritime logistics, these entities manage the intricate process of loading and unloading materials.

Little P.Eng.’s Coastal Touch: With an understanding of the varied port dynamics across the two nations, designs ensure faster operations, minimizing ship turnaround times.

Grab Type Ship Unloader:

Functionality: Specializing in rapid unloading, they promise efficiency at its best.

Little P.Eng.’s Harbor Mastery: Emphasizing precision and speed, designs cater to the bustling ports of both Canada and the USA, ensuring peak operational performance.

Circular Storage with Stacker/Bridge Reclaimer:

Functionality: These units epitomize the optimal utilization of circular stockyards, promising swift stacking and retrieval.

Little P.Eng.’s Circular Innovation: By integrating space-saving techniques with high-speed operations, designs redefine the contours of material storage and retrieval.

Beyond Borders: Little P.Eng. Engineering’s Vision

For Little P.Eng. Engineering, the journey isn’t just about creating machinery. It’s about crafting solutions, ones that resonate with the industrial ethos of both Canada and the USA. Recognizing the unique challenges and potentials of each nation, the company's designs embody adaptability, sustainability, and the future.

Conclusion

Read more:

Transforming the Landscape of Bulk Material Management through Structural and Mechanical Design

Tags:

Little P.Eng. Engineering

Structural design

Mechanical design

Single-boom spreaders

Mining equipment

Bulk material transfer

North American industries

Mobile stacking bridges

Transport crawlers

Stacker and reclaimers

Bucket wheel reclaimer

Boom & bridge reclaimer

Scraper reclaimers

Drum reclaimers

Portal reclaimers

Bridge-type scraper reclaimers

Ship loaders

Ship unloaders

Grab type ship unloader

Circular storage

Stacker/bridge reclaimer

Material handling machinery

Industrial logistics

Maritime logistics

Stockpile management

Heavy machinery design

Port equipment

Tailored efficiency

Material storage solutions

Sustainable machinery design

Bulk Material Handling & Processing

Engineering Services

Structural Engineering Consultancy

Located in Calgary, Alberta; Vancouver, BC; Toronto, Ontario; Edmonton, Alberta; Houston Texas; Torrance, California; El Segundo, CA; Manhattan Beach, CA; Concord, CA; We offer our engineering consultancy services across Canada and United States. Meena Rezkallah.

[hugmekenobi]

S3: The Bad Batch (11)

Chapter Eleven: Point of No Return

Gif by @moonstrider9904

Hunter x femaleJedi!reader

Series Summary: Ever since Eriadu, Clone Force 99 had been a fractured squad. Months have passed but you're finally back with the Batch but Omega is still out there and you won't stop until you find her again.

Chapter Summary: The Empire closes in on you and the Batch

Masterlist for S1 and S2

<Previous Chapter

Genre: Friends (idiots) to Lovers (we're in the lovers stage now)

Chapter Warnings: Canon-typical violence, threats, food mentions, flash of PDA and fluff in the beginning, referenced character death, rip a certain ship :(, self-blame, brief injury mention, humour as a tool for deflection, overall angsty vibes

Word Count: 4.2K

Author's notes: Still sticking very close to the episode here but hope it's still enjoyable and episode 12 is in progress!!

Getting into the pirate’s ship had been all too easy. He wasn’t going to fail this time. CX-2 decrypted the coordinates before he put the transmission for Scorch through, “The Trandoshan’s intel paid off. I tracked the pirate and accessed her navicomputer. She tried to cover her tracks but I broke the encryption.”

“What did you find?”

“She frequented a planet in the Outer Rim. I’m headed there now to do recon.”

“Send the coordinates. I’ll have a full division on standby if you require a visual on the targets.” Scorch provided before he signed off.

CX-2 entered the coordinates for Pabu.

--

“That’s gotta be all of it, right?” Wrecker asked in disbelief as he saw the three of you approach and unload the next round of supplies.

“We still need to grab the rations.” Hunter told him. “Keep loading up the ship. We’ll be back.”

Wrecker groaned, “Fine. But at least bring me back an ice cone.”

“Just one?” You questioned with an enticing grin as you walked backwards away from him and the ship.

“No, no, no. You’re right! M-Make it two!” Wrecker corrected his error.

You gave a two-fingered salute in reply before you turned around and jogged to catch up with Hunter and Crosshair.

--

“I wish you didn’t have to leave.” Lyana said lowly as she led Omega through the Archium.

“Me too, but Hunter thinks it’s safer for everyone if we do.”

Lyana led her over to a gap in one of the ledges. “What do you think of this spot?”

“It’s perfect.” Omega said with a thankful smile.

“So, which treasures did you bring?” Lyana asked, her tone curious but respectful of what this moment meant to those that left things here and Omega would not be treated differently.

Omega tucked Lula under her arm and brought out Tech’s cracked goggles. She held them delicately in her hands as she let the memories that they brought wash over her.

“You sure you wanna leave these behind?” Lyana double checked gently.

“Pabu was the first place that felt like a home.” Omega placed both objects down with the utmost care. “This way, a piece of us is still here.”

Lyana laid a supportive hand on her friend’s shoulder. “Well, I’ll make sure these stay safe until you come back.” She looked at Omega with a new type of seriousness. “Because you will come back, right?”

“I hope so.” Omega replied, the harsh reality of the day quickly catching up to her as she realised this would be the last time she would see her for a while.

--

“And where are you going?” Hunter asked with a questioning smile and tilt of his head as you separated from them. “We’ve got rations to get.”

You feigned disgust at the very idea. “Hey, I have the very important ice-cone mission. I cannot be diverted with a mere ration run.” You said with a coy grin before you pressed a swift kiss to Hunter’s cheek and sauntered off with exaggerated determination.

“Get that lovesick smile of your face before I throw up.” Crosshair snickered with a roll of his eyes as he saw the way Hunter watched you go.

“Shut up.” Hunter shoved his brother’s shoulder before they carried on with their own search.

--

“I don’t even think there’s room on this ship for all this gear.” Wrecker complained to Gonky as he saw all that was still to be shifted and he knew there was still more to come. However, Gonky’s cheeky honks of reply were not the commiseration he was looking for. “Oh, yeah? Well, maybe I should leave you behind.” He retorted, smirking at the offended honks he got in response.

Wrecker brought more of the stuff on board, completely unaware that the proximity sensor had been flashing a half second before.

--

CX-2 landed the ship in the cavern and began his hunt.

--

Hunter paused as he heard the nervous squeaking on the island birds, their tone matching his own growing sense of unease.

“What is it?” Crosshair asked.

“Not sure, but I don’t like it.” Hunter brought out his comm. “Omega, time to go.”

Upon hearing that, you gave up your spot in line and joined up with Hunter and Crosshair. You’d make it up to Wrecker another time.

--

CX-2 scanned the bustling market stalls from above and that was when he caught sight of the two clones and the targets he’d been sent to acquire. He touched the control panel on his sleeve and got Scorch on his comm.

“Report.” Scorch demanded.

“I’ve got eyes on the targets.”

“Ground them and wait for the division. They must be recovered unharmed. No mistakes this time.”

“And the clones they’re with?” He asked as he saw the group of you leaving the area.

“If they get in your way, eliminate them.”

--

“We’re sorry to see you go, but you’re all welcome here anytime.” Shep said sincerely. “Those homes will be waiting for you when you get back.”

You bowed your head in gratitude.

“Thanks for everything, Shep.” Hunter said, shaking his hand.

Omega and Lyana shared in a hug.

“I’ll see you soon.” Lyana said as she parted from Omega.

The four of you and Batcher started to make your way back to Wrecker.

--

The sun had almost set by the time Wrecker finished getting the most recent batch of supplies onto the ship, but he just took relief in the fact that he wouldn’t be alone in shifting the next round of gear.

As he went to grab the last crate, he paused on the steps as he picked up on a faint but rapid series of beeps.

He recognised the sound.

He knew exactly what that meant.

He reacted quickly and with a shout, he abandoned the ship and grabbed Gonky just as the Marauder exploded, hurling both of them into the sea.

With the last of his strength, he managed to pull himself onto a piece of debris before his vision went dark.

--

Upon hearing the harsh echoing boom of an explosion, you all instantly ran to the edge of Upper Pabu and your heart thumped in a frantic panic as you saw the distant flames and charred remnants of what was once the Marauder.

Hunter brought out his binoculars and took in the scene. He saw Wrecker and Gonky floating in the water and felt his own panic set in at seeing his brother unconscious. He put on his helmet and started running for the docks.

You did the same with your coverings and Crosshair put on his helmet before the three of you followed close behind.

--

One of the locals had grabbed a boat and brought Wrecker and Gonky back to port.

You pushed your way through the crowd of people and stopped short as you saw Wrecker’s body.

Omega knelt down by Wrecker’s side. “Wrecker? Wrecker!” Omega gasped, desperately shaking his shoulders to try and rouse him but it did no good.

Your stomach dropped to your feet. It took all the training you had to not lose control upon seeing the lack of response from Wrecker. He was strong, he was always so strong. He had to be alright.

“Mox and Stak, take Wrecker to Shep’s. Deke, get Az-3 to patch him up, and fast.” Hunter ordered the regs. He needed his brother back on his feet. He needed him to be okay.

“Ships don’t just blow up. We’ve been compromised.” Crosshair realised.

Hunter turned his head from Wrecker to the sound of a deep rumbling from above and what he saw sent both a deep anger and dread through his veins. The Imperial Star Destroyer hovered above the Archium and a series of gunships swarmed down. “Everyone, get to cover!”

Amidst the crowds of panicked and screaming people, the four of you regrouped and found cover of your own.

--

Shep was helpless to stop the hordes stormtroopers from moving in. He could only watch in despair as his people ran in fear.

--

“Cut off all escape routes. Destroy any ships or sea skiffs in sight.” CX-2 ordered as he remained unphased by the chaos around him. It wouldn’t affect what he needed to achieve; it would only help.

--

You and Omega both paused as you saw the destruction the Empire was causing to the docks.

The only light in the night were the fires caused by the Imperial gunfire.

The only sounds the whirr of gunship and cried of fear that echoed around the island.

Kamino, the Marauder, Pabu… How many more homes was the Empire going to take from you?

From these innocent people?

And how much longer could you let it go on?

A glance down at Omega told you she was thinking similarly to you. You indicated your head back and you both joined the others in an alleyway.

“Is this our fault? Are they attacking because of us?” Omega whispered up at you as she kept Batcher calm.

You wished with every fibre of your being that you could tell her no. That they were the ones at fault but the own guilt residing in your heart made the words die before they left your lips. How could you reassure her when you couldn’t believe the words yourself? It was never meant to go this way. The very thing you had wanted to avoid had happened and now you knew there was only one real way out of it.

Hunter crouched down. “It’s the Empire’s fault. Not yours. You have to stay focused. Both of you.” He implored with a helmeted look in your direction too.

“They’re destroying all means of escape and jamming our comms.” Crosshair said as he tried his comm, but it was only static. “We have to steal one of their gunships. Once we’re out of range, we can contact Echo.”

“I’ll handle it.” Hunter said. “You three, get to Shep’s and wait with Wrecker until I signal you.”

You caught his vambrace and pulled him back to you. You pressed your forehead against his helmet.

Hunter had a distinct and sinking feeling that this was you saying goodbye, but he wasn’t going to let that be the case- this plan would work… it- it had to. “I’ll see you soon.” He said as he stepped away.

You couldn’t quite meet his helmeted gaze as you nodded before you, Omega and Batcher split from him to head to Shep’s.

Hunter gave Crosshair a last meaningful look before he went in the opposite direction.

Crosshair knew what that look meant- keep them safe. And he would do everything in his power to do that. He followed you and Omega.

--

“Lock down the town. Search every domicile until you find them.” CX-2 ordered the squadrons of troopers.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Shep demanded as he approached the black-armoured soldier that seemed intent on ruining the lives of so many people.

“Who are you?” CX-2 replied with equal parts disdain and curiosity.

“The mayor of this town. You’ve opened fire on my village and its people without warning and without reason. Under what pretence are you attacking?” Shep seethed.

“We’re here to collect some fugitives you’ve been harbouring.” CX-2 brought out the puck and flashed the two images.

Shep made sure to keep his true reaction at bay- he wouldn’t give you and Omega away if he could help it. “You can’t just barge in here-”

“I’ve barely done anything yet.” CX-2 interrupted coldly.

“You destroyed our docks and fishing skiffs. Our livelihood.”

“I have simply cut off their means of escape. But I can do worse. I know they are here. Until they are turned over to me, your island will burn.” CX-2 threatened as he walked away.

--

The path to Shep’s had been fraught with troopers and each time like this where you had to hide from the next roaming patrol only slowed things down more.

You peered round the corner of your hiding spot to see one of the villagers being forced out of her home and you heard her distressed plea.

“You can’t do this! It’s our home!”

You were fighting the urge to go out and it seemed Batcher also shared in your current sentiment as Omega was doing her best to keep the dog quiet and calm.

And the cruel reply from the trooper that you heard next only confirmed what you already dreaded.

“We know they’re here! Where are the Jedi and the girl?”

“I don’t know! I swear-”

The familiar sound of a slap made your blood boil. You went to reveal yourself to stop them but Crosshair’s hand on your arm prevented you from doing so.

Omega couldn’t hold Batcher back though. The dog snarled and charged for the soldiers before they could do anymore harm.

“Batcher can handle herself. Let’s go.” Crosshair said to you both as he made sure Omega didn’t go to follow the dog either.

--

You had managed to scale the wall up to Shep’s and opened the door.

“Lyana!” Omega said with a relieved gasp.

“Omega! My-My dad, he said to hide here.” Lyana said fearfully. She ran up to her friend and hugged her tight, “I’m so scared.”

“I know. I’m so sorry.” Omega replied as she parted from her.

You and Crosshair took off your coverings as you saw AZ attending to Wrecker.

“How’s Wrecker, AZ?” You asked.

“He is still unconscious, but his vitals are stable.”

You allowed yourself to feel some semblance of relief at that, but you hastily pushed it to one side as you heard another gunships sound outside.

The three of you ran back out to take in what was happening and what you saw made your chest tighten and curl your fists in rage- stormtroopers were everywhere, removing people from their homes, tossing them to the ground, arresting them. It was unnecessarily cruel, and it was all because you were still here.

--

Getting onto the gunship had started out as a stealth mission but quickly became one where Hunter just had to get inside without getting shot.

He’d managed to do so but the pilot was making his life extremely difficult with erratic flying designed to fling him out. He had to take a tight grasp of the handles inside to remain upright.

--

Something else then caught your attention as you saw the unstable and irregular flying patterns of an Imperial gunship and a whole different kind of emotion swept through you. You knew the exact cause of that particular situation, but you were not reassured by the sight in the slightest.

“Is that, Hunter?” Omega asked both you and Crosshair as she noticed the ship in the air.

“Yes.” You said through clenched teeth.

“Uh huh.” Crosshair echoed nonchalantly.

But then, something shifted, there was a blaster shot and vessel nosedived down towards the sea in a way that showed that neither Hunter nor the pilot was in charge of the ship anymore.

A strained breath caught in your throat as you watched the ship plummet into the sea. “Where- where is he?” You choked out as you saw Crosshair grab his macrobinoculars.

Crosshair scanned the water anxiously but let out a relieved sigh as he saw his brother resurface and swim for the shore. “He’s fine.”

You bent forwards as you braced your hands on the wall and let out a slow calming breath before the distant sound of comm chatter reminded you of your current situation.

“He’s safer than we are at the moment.” Crosshair hissed as the three of you retreated back inside Shep’s.

--

“What do we do? Troopers will be here soon.” Omega asked anxiously.

“Hunter would want us to stick to the plan.” Crosshair replied, internally scrambling to think of a way out of this.

“There’s no hiding, Crosshair. The Empire knows we’re here. They won’t stop searching until they find us!”

Whilst they were talking, you were coming up with a plan of your own. If you handed yourself in and convinced them that you’d already shipped Omega off-world, then maybe they’d leave Pabu and the rest of them alive and in peace.

You glanced between Wrecker and Lyana and the door. You took a calming breath as you came to terms with what you had to do but a squeeze of your hand brought your eyes downwards. No. You said as you saw her nod at you.  

“You promised.” Omega reminded you.

This is different, Omega. It’s not a choice you should need to make. It-

“You’re going, I know you are!” Omega interrupted. “But that won’t be enough, they’re here for me too! They won’t stop and you know it. It is my choice!”

Crosshair clued in and realised what the two of you were arguing about. “Absolutely not.”

“It’s our only option, Crosshair.” You said heavily.

“What? No, it’s not. We-”

“Look at what they’ve already done.” You said, a flash of anger coming through. “We can’t let the people here suffer any more because of us. That’s why we were leaving in the first place- to avoid this. We can’t let it carry on. We just can’t.” I’m not risking anyone else. Wrecker already got hurt, I’m not risking you and I’m not risking Hunter. If I could help it, Omega wouldn’t be coming but I can’t and it kills me that I can’t, but it’s how it has to be.

Crosshair went to respond to you, but Omega got in first, “If we let them take us, it stops.” She emphasised.

Crosshair focused on the young girl, distress in his voice. “You’ll be taken back to Tantiss.”

“Exactly. We’ve been trying to find those coordinates, and nothing’s worked. But if we keep our comms on us, and turn ourselves in, you can track us to Tantiss. This is our chance. Our chance to finally rescue the clones imprisoned there.”

“No. They’ll search you and find it. It won’t work.” Crosshair argued.

“Then shoot a secondary tracker onto the ship that they take us away on.” You suggested.

“Too many unknown variables. It’s not a viable plan.”

“It’s all we’ve got.” You countered.

“And it’s our choice.” Omega reminded him again.

Crosshair looked imploringly in your direction now. “Tantiss is different. This isn’t some random Imperial that’ll take you this time. It’ll be Hemlock. Who knows what he’ll do to you there.”

You also saw a genuine fear behind his eyes, and it unnerved you. It won’t be for long, I’ll be alright. “Focus on the bigger mission, Crosshair.” You said aloud and you came to stand behind Omega and rested your hands on her shoulders.

“Yeah, we’re just a small part of it.” Omega agreed.

Crosshair found himself in a position where he was forced to reflect on that, and he had to agree with you both.

--

The two of you got ready to depart but you noticed the reluctance that still graced Crosshair’s face and you approached him.

“He’s going to kill me.” Crosshair said to you quietly.

So, tell him he was right that Hemlock was after me too, that outta smooth things over.

“It’s not funny.” Crosshair snapped. He didn’t want to lose you both either. Not when he knew how important you both were to Hunter, to this squad… to this family. He’d finally made ground with you, you were one of them, you always had been, and he’d welcomed that feeling again. And Omega, well, Omega had seen and been through it all with him already, he owed her much more than a half-baked rescue plan.

Yeah sorry, it’s a bad habit. You went serious again and shook your head. “He’s not going to do that, Crosshair. Six months ago, maybe he would’ve, but not now. He’s not going to lose the progress he’s built with you either, not anymore. He’ll understand.” You glanced back to Omega who was standing by the door and regret stabbed your heart over the fact that this was to be her fate too, but you also knew that she wouldn’t have it any other way. “We’re very stubborn and determined individuals.” You said fondly before you looked back at him and placed a reassuring hand on his upper arm. “Just don’t miss.” You said with a light but resigned smile that didn’t quite reach your eyes.

With that, you and Omega exited the hut.

--

You caught Omega’s shoulder just before you rounded the corner to make yourselves known. You crouched down to her eye-level. “Omega… you know if there was any other option that I could think of that would get us- particularly you- out of this, I would do it in a heartbeat.”

Omega nodded. “I know, but it’s what we have to do.” She said bravely.

Your heart broke a little bit more right then and there- this was something no kid should ever have to do, “You had to grow up far too fast.” You murmured, both with sadness and a hint of pride in your voice as you gave her a loving hug before the two of you stepped out of your hiding spot.

--

“Stop.”

CX-2 signalled the troopers with the flamethrowers to disengage as he heard the voice of a woman.

“We surrender.” Omega said as all eyes, both Imperial and Pabu civilians turned in your direction.

“Stay alert. I neutralised the other two clones with them, but not the third.” CX-2 advised as he approached you two.

“Take us and leave the island alone.” You said as you held your wrists out.

“The people here are innocent.” Omega did the same thing as you.

CX-2 first put the cuffs on the young girl, “Then you never should have come here in the first place.”

“I’m assuming these are the special cuffs made just for me?” You said dully as the operative attached a second pair to your wrists, and you noticed the slightly different design of them compared to Omega’s.

“Why don’t you try them and find out?”

The harsh modulated voice sent a cold shiver of fear down your spine, but you covered it up. “Nah, you seem like someone who is on top of things, so I’ll take your word for it.” You were determined to not flinch under the unwavering glare of his helmet.

“Scan them for tracking devices.” CX-2 ordered as he confiscated your knife and Jedi weapon.

As expected, the comm devices were picked up immediately.

“Give them to me.” CX-2 demanded.

You and Omega reluctantly handed them over before you were both shoved and made to walk between the squadron of troopers as they got ready to transport you off the planet.

--

Crosshair had watched the surrender take place and had been stealthily tracking and making his way to a vantage point where he could tag the ship that you were to be taken away on.

--

Hunter staggered to shore and collapsed to his hands and knees.

He felt the water seeping through the gaps in his armour, weighing him down, and it was choking him beneath his helmet.

He removed it and took a few recovering breaths before he became alert to the sound of rustling just ahead of him. He instantly got to his feet and guardedly drew his blaster as he waited for the threat to show.

But he was able to relax his stance as Batcher came into view and ran over to him with a happy bark. He bent down and rubbed her side with a slight grin before he glanced up at the Archium and the rest of the island, but he didn���t see as many ships anymore.

And the realisation at what was about to happen hit him harder than he had hit the water.

Hunter grabbed his helmet and started running back, Batcher close at his heels.

--

You swallowed thickly as you and Omega were marched to the docks and forced to walk past the wreckage of both the sea skiffs and the Marauder.

CX-2 tapped the band on his arm and his ship came flying to meet the three of you.

You and Omega paused before boarding but an insistent jab of the butt of the operative’s rifle prompted you both to step up.

--

Crosshair got into position and readied himself to take the shot when the flashlight hit him.

“Over there!”

He fired back at the small squad of troopers that had found him and dealt with them as quickly as he could, but the interruption had moved him out of the prime position.

He had to run for it.

His gait was rushed.

His aim unsteady.

But there was no more time.

The ship’s engines were powering up.

He had no choice but to fire.

The ship took off.

His tracker missed.

And he could only look on in complete and utter dismay and horror as the ship flew out of view.

--

“Targets acquired. Returning to base.” CX-2 transmitted before he put the ship into hyperspace.

You and Omega sat side by side on the metal floor.

Omega took off her hat and leaned against your shoulder. “We’ll have each other there.” She murmured, doing her best to keep her voice composed.

“Yeah, we’ll be okay.” You whispered back.

Next Chapter>

Tagging: @noeasyisnoisy, @arctrooper69, @dominoeffectsworld, @andreaaxy, @notgonnaedit, @nightmonkeysstuff , @jellybeanstacey0519 @callsign-denmark @allthingsimagines, @superbookishhufflepuff

[nico-di-genova]

palex+particular

and/or

alex+hinch+tension

👀?

Both, both is good :).

Palex + Particular

“You’re doing it wrong,” Alex comments from where he’s watching Pato load the dishwasher across the kitchen island, looking up from his laptop long enough to point out Pato’s inadequacy, before focusing back on the emails he’s clearing from his inbox.

Pato pauses from where he’d been propping a bowl against the side of the top rack and arches an eyebrow in amused annoyance.

“Oh, so now there is a particular way to load a dishwasher?”

“Always has been,” Alex answers, deadpan, missing the way Pato narrows his eyes at him in his continued typing on the keyboard. Not missing the dishtowel Pato grabs from where it’s hanging over the sink and throwing it at him playfully, grabbing it midair before it can make a direct hit.

“Bowls in the middle, angled. Cups on the side.”

“I think the cups should go on the bottom though,” Pato jokes, just to see the affronted look Alex gives him. He smiles, teasingly, and Alex tries not to, but his lips twitch up in a way that prove to Pato he’s winning.

“You would be thinking wrong then.”

“Okay. Dishwasher expert.”

“Yep.”

Pato rolls his eyes, and then arranges the dishes ‘correctly’ aside from the singular bowl he leaves on the bottom rack, a surprise for Alex when he unloads the thing tomorrow.

Alex + Hinch + Tension

Alex doesn’t mean to get as drunk as he does, doesn’t mean to stay at James’ place as late as he is. He certainly doesn’t intend to end up with his head in James’ lap as he rambles on about proper plant care, the maintenance of the bushes in his backyard becoming his newest obsession. Somehow, the casual after dinner beer had turned into a visit to James’ basement bar, two fingers of his newest bourbon had turned into four, and so forth, until they were both on the other end of pleasantly buzzed and it was nearing midnight.

“The soil type is important too…,” he hears himself droning on, the encyclopedia amount of internet knowledge he’d acquired in a week spilling out of him the same way the bourbon had gone down.

Above him, James nods, stares down at Alex and listens with his usual rapt attention.

Alex always finds it a bit unnerving, the way James lets him speak and doesn’t try to stop him, lets him ramble in a way other people rarely do. He is not used to the level of attention James pays him, isn’t sure how to act under the weight of his gaze. So he continues to talk, to fill the space between them, to distract from the building tension.

James listens, as he always does, despite the fact that he pays for a landscaping company to manage his backyard. Despite the fact that plant maintenance is not information he desperately needs to acquire. He listens, and Alex talks, and the tension building between them is ignored in a way the bourbon is not.

Send me a ship/character(s) and a one word prompt and I will write a 5 sentence fic about it.

[pluppsauthor]

Fallen Stars and Clouded Skies - Chapter 1

Hiya! New WIP and more writing!

Fallen Stars and Clouded Skies is a gothic/cosmic horror and low-fantasy story. It follows *Thomas Taylor II as he investigates a strange series of disappearances. (*More about him here)

Enjoy!

(Tag list for writing: @illarian-rambling, @casualsuitturtle, @tildeathiwillwrite, @thecomfywriter, @the-letterbox-archives. Message me, or comment/reblog this saying you want to be on/off of the tag list)

-----

My name is Thomas Taylor II, and I am a fool.

It began as any other day would.

I awoke to the sunlight beaming in through the open curtains. The autumn breeze and salty ocean scent flowed in when I opened my window. The sound of ships and dockworkers echoed down the streets as they began their day loading and unloading the various cargo ships.

That day was as good a day as any, with just the right amount of warmth and breeze.

I grabbed some fresh clothes and checked my door. A blank letter and unmarked package rested just in front of the opening. It seemed to be hand delivered, and when I went to pick it up, I found it to be strangely weightless. 

At first, I didn’t think much of it. The only thing that puzzled me was the nature of its arrival. It was hand delivered after all, so someone clearly wanted me to receive it. Perhaps it was some kind of evidence and formal request for investigation. However, it didn’t appear to be an urgent matter, so I placed it atop my kitchen table and stepped outside.

I briefly tended to the garden, making sure the remaining plants would last until winter. A few more were ripe for eating than yesterday, so I took what was good to eat and left the rest.

Heading back inside, I put the fresh fruit away, lit the stove, and prepared to boil some water. No matter what happens, I can’t start my day without a nice cup of tea.

As I waited, I sat down at the table, took the letter, and opened it. The seal on the outside was quite unique. It didn’t have the seal of any country or city state I knew of, so it either came from someone who hailed from a far flung part of the world, or it was custom.

Admiring the look of the seal, I took great care to open the letter without disturbing the wax. Thankfully, that wasn’t too difficult, and so I read what lay inside the letter. I still remember every damn word of it.

“Dear Detective, I hope this letter reaches you sooner rather than later. I’ve recently uncovered a string of disappearances in and around the town of Helorgrove to the northwest. I ask for you to explore and investigate this matter. I know you aren’t the superstitious type, however, I do not believe these disappearances to be something mundane. There hasn’t been any explanations, and seemingly no one has bothered to notice yet. Assuming it’s something mundane, there should be something pointing to it. But there simply isn’t. In your care I have left you a package. Inside of which is a revolver and 40 rounds of silver bullets. I do not know what you’ll find, but I hope this helps you, even if it is only a little bit. I also left you with 300 gold, I hope this pays for any and all expenses you should need. I don’t have much left, but if you resolve this problem I would be in your debt. Sincerely, Robin”

I didn’t know anyone named Robin - I still don’t. However, intrigued by the letter, I opened the accompanied package. Inside, just as the letter said, was a carefully wrapped revolver, six sets of seven bullets, all coated in silver, and two leather pouches that, upon slightly shaking them, sounded as though they did contain gold, and a lot of it by the rough weight I felt.

Honestly, I was slightly dumbfounded by it. I didn’t think the letter was genuine back then, so when I opened it I was kind of taken aback by the contents being real.

Actually, after I counted everything in the package, I learned the writer had actually under-exaggerated. Firstly, there were 42 total rounds and 303 gold coins. Despite the strange seal on the letter, the currency was legit and had the symbol of the king on it, so this “Robin” clearly lived here, or close enough to get the right currency.

However, while there were 42 rounds of ammunition, there was something odd about the revolver. Nothing seemed wrong with it, at least by my cursory understanding of firearms, if anything it was in good condition. However, the cylinder had seven openings, instead of the usual six.

I thought it strange for a revolver to be made to hold seven rounds at a time, but maybe that made it lucky. Who was I to say?

Regardless, I put my thoughts away for a minute. The water had finished boiling by that point, and so I turned my attention to finishing my morning tea. When I sat back down, it was with a fresh cup of tea. 

I reread the letter and reinspected the package as I waited for it to cool. I found nothing new and no evidence of foul play. This wasn’t how I intended to begin my day, yet here I was holding a revolver and a letter detailing people disappearing in a town three days away by ship.

I spent several hours toiling away at the decision to act or not.

On one hand, I was just paid 300 gold coins, told about a string of disappearances, and given a weapon on the off chance I run into something unfriendly. On the other hand, I have no obligation to trust these words, not to mention they stated the disappearances not to be natural, whatever that means, and this town they listed is three bloody weeks away by ship.

I truly, truly did want to ignore it, pocket the money, and do something– Anything else! And I wish I had. But, no, I was a fool. So, against my better judgement, I chose to believe the person behind the letter and package, and travel to Helorgrove.

Unfortunately for me at the time, there weren’t any ships headed that way until the next day at the crack of dawn. 

So, I spent my day preparing.

I put my most precious belongings into a single suitcase. I put any tools I would need, along with the letter and contents of the package, into a travel pack. Then, I put all of it by the foot of my bed, ready to pick up and go come morning.

I don’t know why I was so eager and ready to go. I think it had been so long since I had any jobs that I relished having something to do. 

But, regardless of what the reason may have been, the day passed swiftly and soon so did the night. 

When the next day came, a small bell chimed early into the morning waking me from my slumber. I got dressed, took my bags, and left my home. I made sure to lock the door on my way out, and inform my neighbours the day before about my sudden leaving.

The cool, crisp air sliced against my skin, as I made my way down to the harbour.

There were several large and imposing ships docked there, made from steel and larger than any building I’d ever seen. However, I wasn’t looking for a cargo ship, so I continued down the line and towards the docks for passenger ships.

Then, I saw it.

The White Maiden, a ship made to travel along the lower coast of Ys’thor’ii. From this town, it will take three weeks at the slowest, two if I’m lucky. 

The ship was nearly 100 years old and beautiful in its construction. It was like an invitation, calling me to board it. Maybe that’s because I can only see it in hindsight, but I swear there was a grim aura to the whole thing.

Perhaps it was a ship ferrying me to some cruel afterlife.

I recall hesitating back then, but, for a reason unknown to me even now, I decided to board that ship.

-----

I hope you enjoyed!

I'm still a little unsure of how to write this story. It's first-person/past tense, from the perspective of Thomas retelling the story, actively looking back on it. But it's unique, to me, so I like it.

[ideasarestuckinmyhead]

Okay so since I read Manhwa's or however you spell it I can't help but think of that setting for the YV boys. Think of all of these as AU's bc I have too much brain space to day dream.

Like the trope of the cold Duke of the north bc I'm a slut for that

For our Cold Duke

Rook is the child of some type of noble but was promised to the crown prince bc they were child hood friends. But the crown prince is shitty bc why not?

So since the crown prince is being a dick they go to the cold Duke of the north bc he's the only person they trust to protect them from rumors and scandals.

They obviously make a deal with auron since no one trusts or likes him they give him information of things the crown prince is trying to do to him that they overhead. Auron uses this to his advantage and marries them.

Think my in laws are obsessed with me for this story. Bc everyone at Aurons mansion ends up loving Rook bc they try their best for them and its amazing. Rook fixes up the mansion to be more lively and even helps Auron around with political things bc that's the reason why the crown prince kept Rook.

But the crown prince tries to 'win' them back. Dosent work it gets him punched by Auron bc the Prince insults Rook and grabs them roughly. Auron also knows everything he did to Rook and had been waiting to fuck his shit up.

Faust comes to check up on Rook since that's his in law they're awesome how dare thus lowlife hurt them. Rook for some fucking reason dosen't see how Auron loves them and Faust smacks their head basically and says dude he's obsessed with you?!

In the contract they did it said don't fall in love. And we all saw how that turned out. So Rook rushs to him and asked for a divorce Auron shocked says why? And Rook confessed their feeling and Aurons does too and it's all Mushy then Faust says told you. He gets yelled to get out and the new couple plan their own personal wedding.

For the bittersweet boys:

But also like a isekai one where it's Boo helping their otp Seth and Al get back together and fix their relationship. Take it how you will if both boys break it off peacefully and you get with one of them or it's a poly thing bc slay either way.

All three of then can be noble or commoner bc why not? So in the og story Seth and Al have a fall out but Boo is devastated by that bc it shows why both sides why they did what they did to eachother. There was a character the one boo ended up being was Al's partner Seth kills bc he wants Al back it was suppose to be a tragedy story about a man lost in love.

So bc of tropes Boo got hit by Truck Kun and wakes up younger think like....late teens? Where everything of Seth's dad started talking shit. Boo tries to act normal but both boys kinda see through it but not really? Boo who's parents are food people starts talking about how Seth's dad is a dickwad and wants him safe.

Seth goes between both houses to not make him go off to the traveling thieves that Jessie go's with since Boo's parents own a bakery he worked there since you get and Al's parents also help Seth out.

One day at the tavern Boo goes to it and smacks the shit out of Seth's dad and tells him off throwing out all the dirty laundry they know of him. All the people there know Boo is a good kids bc of their parents and start to question why Seth's dad did all of that. Boo then looks him in the eyes "If you every try and say some shit about MY boys I'll take your fucking teeth you pig!" And stalks out of the tavern to be with their boys.

Boo is on the sidelines helping their relationship bloom healthily as they get older. Seth's dad works on himself and Al's parents DO died but naturally. It was sad but both boo and Seth were there.

When all three got to adulthood the boys wanted to leave the town for the big city and asked boo if they wanted to come. They do and both Boo and Al run a shop together while Seth helps work unloading products and shipping. Slowly the boys either come to realization they don't want to be together tor want Boo to be with them too since Seth scares away the admirers that Boo had and Al throws away the presents bc that's their friend no one is good enough for them!

The ending can be taken as whatever everyone wants.

For our pizza rat

Casper is the villainous for a story and just dosen't want to die bc that happened so much. They also fall for a particular servant boy who grew up as their play pall when they were younger. Charlie's parents could have been servant's for Casper's and became friends but sadly Casper's parents couldn't keep them since they had to marry Casper off to get money.

Casper not loving the Duke they were married off too. For drama it's Auron. But Auron is in love with a maid and to fix this Casper demands a divorce and Auron is happy to do so. So Casper gets money and is trying to win Charlie back but miss compunction bc Charlie thinks he's not good enough for them bc they were married to a Duke and was a Dutchess. But Rook helps Charlie to see hello you dumb blond they love you.

It works out bc Casper runs to Charlie at an event and kisses him saying they were always in love with him. Auron takes this as a chance to show everyone that both of then weren't happy in the relationship and are in love with different people. So it's all good. They have a happy time bc Casper and Charlie now work for Auron and Rook since Casper can help Rook with their duties of marring Auron.

Can you tell I read too much or Manwha's?

[nightmare-angel-ao3]

Small Part of Call Of The Sea Chapter 1

     I sit at the pier reviewing the files on the type of wildlife living in the coral reef. As I get through the files, I relax as no sirens have been seen in the area for over fifty years. I was lucky that the house on the island had been renovated last year, so I didn’t have to worry about it falling to pieces. I put the files back in my bag as I get up and head over to see if the boat to take me to the island is ready, “Captain Murray, is the ship ready to head to the island?”

          “We’re almost ready, just need to load the food for your first three months,” Captain Murray looks over at me as I let out a sigh. This causes the captain to laugh, “Don’t worry, it will only be a few more minutes, lass.” I nod before going to grab some food, then sit down to watch the men load the last of my food for the island. After a few minutes, Captain Murray would walk over to me, “Ready to go, lass?”

          “I am,” I quickly get up before following Captain Murray to his ship, getting on and sitting down on a seat.

          “If ya don’t mind me asking, lass, but why are you going to Grimland Island?” Murray looks over at me as we set out on the ocean towards the island.

          “I’m going to study Storm Key Reef and the wildlife that lives there,” I look over at Murray, “It is the last reef that has no sirens interference.” I look at my bag where all my files are, “That is extremely rare nowadays.”

          “Well, that is interesting,” Murray hums as his eyebrow raises, “Why have none moved into the reef?”

          “That is one of the mysteries that I hope to solve while I am studying the reef,” I answer with excitement in my voice as I continue to tell Captain Murray about the reef, “It’s the safest reef in the world.”

          “Don’t jinx yourself, lass,” Murray hums as he looks out over the water, “After all, the tides are always changing.” I look confused at Murray, who just laughs, “I’m messing with ya, lass.” I huff at this as I turn to look out over the water, the waves cascading over the water with some hitting the boat.

          After a while, I hear one of the deckhands call out, “Land in sight, we are almost at Grimland Island.”

          “Looks like you are almost home, lass,” Murray smiles at me as I get up with my bag. Murray hums as he leans back, “Is my company that bad, lass?”

          “N-No, I’m just excited to get back to get to work,” I stammer as embarrassment fills my face.

          “I’m teasing ya, again, lass,” Murray laughs loudly as I relax at this allowing a small smile to show. Murray guides the boat to the pier, “Slowly… Slowly… Ah, there we are, right in the perfect spot.”

          “Captain don’t tell me you got off on lining the boat up,” the first mate jokes with Murray, who huffs at the joke.

          “Well, lass, let’s get you all set up and unload everything,” Murray smiles at me before smirking at the first mate, “You get to unload all the diving equipment and the tech.”

          “Seriously! Cap, please, all that stuff is heavy,” the first mate whines as he looks at Murray, who just keeps smirking.

          I giggle at their interactions as I grab my bag, before getting off the boat, and heading up to the house following the sailors. “Wow,” I look over the house that looks like a mansion more than like a house, “I was told it was a normal house.”

          “Damn, lass, you’ll be living like a queen,” Murray whistles as he looks at the mansion.

          “Didn’t know it was a mansion,” I stare in awe, “Was just told there was a house on the island and close to the reef.”

          Murray nods at this as most of his men have finished unloading my stuff, “So, lass, do you have any siren protection?”

          “No, there are no sirens around the reef, so I will be safe without it,” I inform Murray, who frowns at my answers.

          “No, I will bring you some just to be on the safe side,” Murray would motion to one of his men to get some from the ship, “While there may not be any sirens right now, that can change in the moment.”

          “Um…Thank you,” I mutter as I look down not sure why Murray was so adamant that sirens will settle here.

          “No problem, lass,” Murray nods towards me with a kind smile, “Well now that everything has been unloaded, lass… We’ll be heading out, but don’t worry, lass, we will be back in three months.”

          “Okay, thank you, Captain Murray, I will see you in three months,” I smile at him before watching them leave. I let out a sigh before heading into the house, “Alright, let’s get the scuba gear before heading down to the beach to go to the reef.” I grab my gear before heading down to the beach, I look over the ocean, “The call is still the same.” For all my life, I have been drawn to the ocean and sea life, well except for sirens, but this has always worried my family since when we went to the beach, I disappeared only to be found with different sea life around me, none of them ever hurt me.

From all my resources during my studies, sirens damage the reefs and sea life by the destruction of ships and hunting of sea life. I get my gear on before getting into the water and heading to the reef to get a quick look at it. The reef is thriving, I move forward into the reef with all the wildlife moving around me, when I notice a burnt orange tail going into a cave. I decided it was best to leave the reef and get back to the beach, only to be stopped by something grabbing my leg. I turn to look back to see a skeleton with stars in its eyes, it moves up closer to me, allowing me to see a light blue tail.

          I quickly recognize the tail of a leopard seal as the creature swims happily around me. I try to move towards the beach, this makes the creature pout as it follows me. Once I reach the beach, the creature pops its head out of the water as I take my helmet off, “HI NEW FRIEND! WHEN DID YOU MOVE TO THE AREA?”

          “I just came here today…” I answered as I was frozen to my spot since there was a siren right in front of me, and where there was one, there were many.

          “DOES THAT MEAN WE WILL SEE EACH OTHER MORE?” The siren asks as it looks at me with anticipation of my answer.

[antivanruffles]

💜Kanej with a side of Wysper

💜 surprise kiss / impulsive kiss (huehuehue)

________________________________

It would be a lie to say he hadn't thought of it. He had, on multiple occasions, in multiple iterations. He might even admit to that, too, if he were asked outright by certain people. Or person, rather.

The truth was that the thought was never far from his mind.

Kaz would wake up and think about kissing Inej. He would go over reports and pieces of intel and think about kissing Inej. He would meet with his crew, his employees, other bosses of The Barrel, and he would think about kissing Inej.

In his mind it was appealing, something he practically yearned for, if he were being honest. Although he might not admit to it, no matter who it was that was asking.

In reality it was... daunting.

Kaz had never wanted these types of things before, and yet here he was, pining away like a silly school girl and too damaged to do anything about it.

It was at times like this Kaz was truly jealous of Jesper; who was always so easy and free with his affection. Who could--and would--happily fawn over Wylan, professing and displaying his love. Jesper never worried about holding Wylan's hand, or offering up a comforting hug. And Jesper certainly never worried about kissing Wylan. It was easy for them.

For Kaz and Inej it was more... difficult.

That didn't stop him from thinking about it though. Eventually he would have to do more than think, however.

He was at the Van Eck estate one evening, pretending to ignore Jesper and Wylan as they played footsie under the dinner table, when Kaz realized he'd had quite enough of pining.

Across the table Jesper, quick as you like, grabbed Wylan's hand and pressed a kiss to the back of his hand. It was a simple gesture, and rather innocent, but it gave Kaz an idea. And that was all he needed to form a plan.

***

It was a week later when The Wraith sailed into the harbor, taking its spot in berth twenty-two, and Kaz went to greet its captain. Kaz would never say he rushed to fifth harbor, he merely went there with the utmost efficiency. 

The dawn had barely broken when he arrived, and the crew was already in the process of unloading the ship and preparing it for some much needed maintenance, the dock a flurry of action. Even so it was easy enough to spot Inej in the chaos and barking orders, her long braid streaming behind her in the salty breeze, her shoulders back and feet braced as she adjusted to being on dry land once again.

The early morning sun glinted off her until she looked like she was gilded in gold; a saintly statue come to life.

"Inej," he called and if he sounded a little breathless, well, nothing for it now.

She turned and started moving toward him in one fluid motion, her face lighting up with a smile as soon as she saw him. And not for the first time Kaz wondered what he had done in his twice damned life to have earned her affection.

Regardless, he would not be ungrateful. Kaz Brekker knew a treasure when he saw one, and Inej Ghafa was the most precious of treasures.

"You came," she said as she stopped before him. If she sounded a little breathless, he wasn't going to say anything.

"I said I would." At her last visit he had all but promised to always greet her at the docks when she arrived, after she commented on how much she looked forward to it.

"I know, but we're a day early."

"And you could be a week early or a week late, I would still come," he vowed. 

Inej didn't say anything, just beamed at him instead. They stood there for a long while, her crew working diligently behind them as the sun slowly rose on the horizon and the world started to come to life around them.

Eventually Kaz back to himself and remembered his plan. He stepped a little closer to Inej, enough to hear her slight intake of breath at his proximity. 

"I had a thought," he said. "If I may try something?"

"Of course." She nodded, tilting her head back to look up at him, eyes curious and full of trust. 

This was a game they had played many times before, learning what was permitted, what wasn't, and what might need to be revisited again later. Kaz lifted his bare hand slowly, his gloves tucked away in his pocket, as they always were when he welcomed her to Ketterdam and when he saw her off.

Inej watched as he moved it slowly toward her face. He paused, and she met his gaze. Kaz lifted his brows in question. Inej looked torn between amusement and bewilderment, but nodded nonetheless. Permission granted he gently laid his hand over her mouth, almost as if he were trying to shush her. Her eyes were amused and he could feel her lips twitching.

Kaz was happy to learn that this type of contact wasn't a problem.

Then, before he could lose his nerve, he ducked his head toward hers. His hand acted as a barrier, stopping any contact between their lips, but the motion was the same. The intent, he hoped, was clear.

They were so close that Kaz could see each individual eyelash framing her eyes, could count them if he were so inclined. Instead he watched as her eyes widened in surprise, and then softened considerably once she realized what he was doing.

After a moment she pressed a matching kiss against the palm of his hand.

Kaz felt his breath hitch, and pulled back slowly. He dropped his hand from her mouth, fingers opening and closing against the tingling of his palm. Inej was simply grinning at him.

He cleared his throat, and tried to ignore the fact that his cheeks felt overly warm.

"Welcome home, Inej," he said at length.

"It's good to be home." She stuck out her hand, offering it to him. He obliged her, lacing their fingers together before Inej started to tug him up the dock by their joined hands.

They would go find breakfast, and discuss whatever news she brought from the sea. They would trade information and secrets, as was their routine when she returned to Ketterdam, and Kaz would think about kissing her--as he always did.

Only now he would follow through on the thought, and next time... maybe next time they wouldn't need the barrier. 

[dh5ryxhgbctgr]

Bulk Cargo Grab Market Evaluation and Future Growth Market 2024 - 2032

The bulk cargo grab market is a critical segment of the maritime and logistics industries, providing essential equipment for the efficient handling of bulk materials in ports, harbors, and shipping facilities. Bulk cargo grabs are specialized devices designed for loading and unloading various types of bulk materials, including coal, grains, minerals, and fertilizers. This article delves into the bulk cargo grab market, exploring its features, applications, advantages, challenges, and future outlook. The bulk cargo grab market is positioned for substantial growth as global trade continues to expand and the demand for efficient bulk handling solutions rises. 

Understanding Bulk Cargo Grabs

1. What are Bulk Cargo Grabs?

Bulk cargo grabs are mechanical devices used to lift and transport bulk materials. They are typically mounted on cranes and come in various designs, including clamshell grabs and orange peel grabs. These devices are engineered to efficiently pick up large quantities of materials and transfer them with minimal spillage and damage.

2. Key Features of Bulk Cargo Grabs

High Capacity: Bulk cargo grabs are designed to handle substantial volumes of material, enhancing efficiency in loading and unloading operations.

Durable Construction: Made from robust materials, these grabs are built to withstand the harsh conditions often found in port environments.

Versatile Design: Different grab designs are available to accommodate various types of bulk materials, ensuring adaptability in diverse applications.

Market Analysis

1. Current Market Trends

The bulk cargo grab market is experiencing growth driven by several key trends:

Increasing Global Trade: The rise in international trade and shipping activities is boosting the demand for efficient bulk handling equipment in ports.

Expansion of Port Infrastructure: Ongoing investments in port and shipping infrastructure, especially in emerging economies, are fueling the demand for bulk cargo grabs.

Technological Advancements: Innovations in grab design and materials are improving efficiency and performance, attracting more users to advanced bulk cargo handling solutions.

2. Market Segmentation

The bulk cargo grab market can be segmented based on various criteria:

Type: This includes clamshell grabs, orange peel grabs, and other specialized grabs designed for specific applications.

Application Area: Key applications span across ports, shipping yards, and industrial facilities handling bulk materials.

Region: Major markets include North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America, each exhibiting unique growth dynamics.

Advantages of Bulk Cargo Grabs

1. Enhanced Efficiency

Bulk cargo grabs enable quick and efficient loading and unloading of bulk materials, reducing turnaround times for ships and improving operational productivity.

2. Reduced Material Loss

The design of bulk cargo grabs minimizes spillage and damage during handling, ensuring that more of the material is successfully transported and reducing waste.

3. Flexibility in Operations

With various designs available, bulk cargo grabs can handle a wide range of materials, allowing operators to adapt to changing demands and material types.

Challenges Facing the Market

1. High Initial Investment

The cost of acquiring advanced bulk cargo grabs can be significant, posing a barrier for smaller operators and port facilities.

2. Maintenance Requirements

Regular maintenance is essential to ensure the efficient operation of bulk cargo grabs, which can lead to increased operational costs if not managed properly.

3. Competition from Alternative Technologies

The bulk cargo grab market faces competition from other material handling solutions, such as conveyor systems and bulk handling machinery, which may be preferred in certain applications.

Future Outlook

1. Innovations in Design and Technology

Ongoing advancements in grab technology, including automation and remote operation capabilities, are expected to enhance efficiency and safety in bulk handling operations.

2. Growing Demand for Sustainable Solutions

As industries increasingly focus on sustainability, there will be a growing demand for environmentally friendly bulk handling solutions that minimize waste and energy consumption.

3. Expansion in Emerging Markets

Emerging economies are likely to see increased investments in port infrastructure and shipping activities, creating significant opportunities for growth in the bulk cargo grab market.

Conclusion

With their numerous advantages, including enhanced efficiency, reduced material loss, and operational flexibility, bulk cargo grabs are becoming indispensable tools in the logistics and shipping industries. As technological innovations drive improvements in design and functionality, and as emerging markets invest in infrastructure, the bulk cargo grab market will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of material handling in ports and beyond.

[the-firebird69]

There are several other things to mention one of them is we are all loyal to the cause but he has a wife and she wants things a certain way. And he's trying. We have several updates for projects we started and their master projects and some subsets.

- One such project update is on cars regular cars and we have a large number of them rolling out no we tried to get the factories going this week and people are in the way solidly and they won't move we've tried to grab things and draw them off and they're not really that interested and they started to fight us on all sorts of other dumb things but we hope to get it going next week we have a huge problem here in the United States where most of the people coming in are more lock or pseudo empire and they're fighting and we wanna stop that and we're working on now with this project has been delayed so many times it hurts and I'm trying to find areas it wants to assemble and we did and we're shipping them there and it's good 'cause he says he doesn't want to bring them here anyways that's true.

- Another project is motorcycles and brand new and we have the same issue and we're providing the same solution and they can't tell where they're from with the motorcycles which is good there's a ton of them going out all over the world except for here because of these ****

- And other things are coming out campers we were shipping those to the East Coast and the S and by the load they come out on ships and there's tons of containers full of them each container usually can hold two trailers that are 22 foot long and they measure from the box part to the box part not the tongue and yeah these containers are 54 foot I think and they're shipping tons of those and they have short ones that go in the long ones and so on and the rvs fit in these containers and they've been putting them in them for several years but not in this volume there's a huge huge number of them every day and they drive them right to the place and unload it is a humongous operation humongous I've never seen people move so many campers in my life and it's getting bigger and today there's an evacuation in Florida and they're buying campers huge numbers of campers. Every size every type every shape and they're going out the door faster than you can blink this is a big huge day here they'll probably evacuate three to 5% of the population and a big chunk of it dies in combat everyday and it's more areas than just the rings that they're fighting like that outside Orlando outside Miami on the approach to Miami and up in Tallahassee there's a circle they're fighting like hell all day every day. But these campers are needed in this. Well they're sending so many down here I hope the hell they don't stay here. Campers here getting ready to leave it's going to be in a huge exodus in the sight to see is too damn hot it's too many people here it's congested with people who are very mean and it's going to be battles everywhere all the time.

- There's another update of an event it is this game that these people are playing they want to eliminate everyone Earth by riding and be the last ones here and so be the case we did figure it out there's a way to move them and we're going to do it they'll demand our somebody over there and they'll fail and we want to get rid of them and that's how we're going to do it.

- Further we want you to stop praying calling our son is a 813 exchange and you're trying to threaten him and it was Florida law enforcement it was really John Remaillard and his brother who showed up at his mom's house. And it was about messages and things but they were having it done and at sunset the Mac Daddy I want them arrested they're having me send this stuff and they came in and they looked for you as they're leaving they saw undercover vehicles right at them and said ohh boy we've been ratted on said yeah you've been ratted on everybody sees you coming in everybody sees you harassing her and they're going to arrest you and hopefully you'll rot in prison and burn. So you got really excited and got on the radio started telling them off and they got on the radio and said You're provoking him and inciting him and your actions on him are illegal we're instructing you to return to your base and turn in your gun and badge well you'll be arrested so he goes into work puts the stuff in the locker and says there I dropped it off so they took it out and he showed up the next day and they told him to leave and he got really mad and there are people there asking him questions so he said who are you and it was the media and then people that he's running against they've been holding things like that secret and they think that they might tell people that's going on right now.

- Couple other updates we are experiencing a large number of calls about John Green Millard and his activities right now. He is dressed up as Woody Harrelson across the street and he is trying to intercept the male no no he's not he's trying to intercept the mail in Woody Harrelson is there to stop him it's a little early so we're kind of upset with people because they don't understand what they're doing and we are mad because it leads in and he doesn't get it but it looks like some kind of trap on purpose but the guy has to leave and there's.... but the guy has to leave and there's several things in motion but they're very weak and we're getting **** **** at all these idiots. So we're going to introduce a new round of lawsuits

- With the advent of people discovering Tommy F he's going to dig in and start suing everybody and we are too and we have a way of doing it and we have many lawsuits against John Remallard and we're going to start winning them and getting some money for our son and it will be money that he's owed. David and Mary or Carol as it is they were taking money from his personal places and putting them into stashes and caches and that money he was using to hit people and then collect it and the way that's done with Social Security is that you have to have him go certain places to take cash out well one of those is Publix and Walmart And eventually the bank here so people are getting ready for that now there's a lot of stuff going on but he needs funding and we're going to sue for money. There were several battles that have recurred it's like 5 so far in July there's a total of around 9 in April may and June they were 5 the Bunker Hill Battle Lexington Concord 3rd one in Pennsylvania and two more in Massachusetts area and they're small battles but they were to extract a large amount of stuff and they did it as Giants and nobody thought they could and those sums of money have not gotten to our sun yet and it's been months and he was appointed general on in June no it was July 3rd so it's very recent and yeah they were not using the money until that happened you'll see I have some control over Joel and he was thinking of laundering the money but couldn't figure out how to do it so went on for awhile and it was terrible terrible eventually he figured out what to do he's spending it and buying things he needed and Joe Watts was getting hit so people should be up to figure that out because they sort of have a little in the past and it works and we are watching them try and figure it out and they're kind of going slow. But there is a date that he would get to use money or he would get money and buy some things and it is coming up and it is going to be a little bit better there was a delay as you know then he became general on the 3rd of July and then they declared independence and they began to start to arrange to support him and that would be BJA and he's getting stronger so that's what they're gonna do. He's upset with them all the time it says you won't let him do anything you always deem dinging him and we need you to stop so there is a few things happening because of that one of them is he is attacking Social Security and with a lot of force it's gonna go on for awhile but it's another update that it is changing these battles have occurred here in reality on the East Coast and they are meaningful and the money is being sought it would pay it out and be used and it's our son's money that he used as a child and it was around the same time he started to get some money and they're taking it from Joel watts. and not much but hurt now they take tons and hurt hijm badly need their code they say. and actiavate itshortly.

[deadspace2411]

Surviving the Horrors of Dead Space

The original creators of Dead Space, like Glen Schofield, were super into sci-fi flicks like Alien and Event Horizon, and horror games like Resident Evil 4, which is why revisiting this remake has me itching to delve into and buy Xbox games that capture that same intense atmosphere. Schofield, who’s now behind the chilling Callisto Protocol, which dropped in December, gave major props to EA’s Motive team for totally nailing the Dead Space Remake. It was some serious praise, and I'm totally feeling it too. This game totally freaked me out on so many levels, sometimes just by leaving me solo in the dark with my heart racing. Basic sounds like hummin' engines and screeching trams can totally spook you when everything suddenly shuts down, and then BAM, a monstrous roar. From tiny creepy-crawlers to huge bosses with arms like a freakin' octopus, Dead Space throws every type of horror at you. At the start, it's all about the mystery. You've got no clue why these beasties, the Necromorphs, are wiping out everyone aboard this mining spaceship. Isaac Clarke isn’t some superhero from the get-go. He's just a regular mining dude in deep space who’s stressed about his girlfriend on the USG Ishimura mining ship. His crew hops onto this wrecked "planet cracker" to figure out why it went quiet in some far-off star system. There are things lurkin' in the shadows aboard that ship, and all you've got to see 'em is a flashlight with a super narrow beam.

Combat Tactics Against Necromorphs

Motive has added some sick gameplay features. It amps up the intensity on the fly if it feels like you need more action, which really enhances the overall immersion. It's the kind of innovation that makes me eager to buy PS5 games and explore what else is possible in gaming. And there's this peeling system where when you hack up the Necromorphs, you don't just get a messy pile of goo. You see layers of flesh, tendons, and bones that actually break apart. You might blast off a chunk and find there's still more to strip away. Imagine creatively slicing off a limb and then skewering the Necromorph to the wall with a spike. The game sticks with the main mechanic of strategic dismemberment. If you don't chop off their legs to slow them down, these beasts will trap you in a corner. These Necromorphs aren't always slow either, so it’s smart to use either the cutting tools or Stasis beams to put them in slo-mo. They’re so ugly and loud that your first instinct is to freak out, but that’s not the move. You wanna stay calm, take aim, and one-shot blast off a limb. It’s the ammo-savvy way and kinda like an art form for Dead Space pros.

Advanced Weaponry and Strategic Upgrades

In space, there’s no solid ground to tread on, and Dead Space really messes with your head with its 3D puzzles. You’ve gotta stay on top of your direction using landmarks or adjusting your orientation, but I often thought I was going the right way, only to get spun around and end up totally off course. There are also puzzles to crack inside the ship. Sometimes, a door’s stuck or blocked by junk. You peek through a window, use telekinesis, or shoot a fuse to pop it open. Plus, you’re constantly rewiring stuff or plugging in batteries to get things moving. When it comes to combat, you start off with just a mining tool. The plasma cutter shoots lasers that can slice through targets, but I’m not the best shot, so it took me a few tries to chop up the Necromorphs, so they’d stop coming at me or swiping with their massive spikes. You can twist your gun to blast off limbs, but that takes focus. Usually, I’d just keep shooting and end up low on ammo. Once you cleverly slice up an enemy, you can close in for a melee attack to save bullets. Or better yet, grab something with telekinesis and jab it right through them. As you progress, you snag better guns. The pulse rifle sprays rounds fast, perfect for unloading on these bigger, scarier Necromorphs. The Contact Beam eventually became my go-to—it dishes out major damage when you keep blasting. The Ripper was awesome too, sawing through legs as these creatures charged with spikes. Watching them fall was oddly satisfying. And setting traps with the Line Gun was sick; they'd walk right into those laser beams. Upgrading these babies at the Bench? So satisfying, man.

Intense Sound Design and Terrifying Encounters

The graphics upgrade in Dead Space totally amps up the creepy vibe. Picture Isaac floating in zero-G, surrounded by tons of tiny debris floating and spinning, with crazy lighting and shadows making everything eerie. I took a breather in a room filling up with decontamination smoke—it’s nerve-wracking 'cause you can’t see where the baddies are creeping in from. The sound is insane; all that bending and grinding metal messes with your head. Whether it’s screeching metal, Necromorphs jumping out at you, or terrifying horror music blaring, it’s all super intense. The crew’s infected, and even the ship’s captain turns into these freaky, powerful enemies. Even those little acid-tossing baby imps are a pain, especially when you’re low on ammo.

Strategic Weapon Upgrades in the Dead Space Remake

Even though I’ve played Dead Space before, this remake is way more fun. They made a bunch of small tweaks that really add up to a big improvement. The game keeps you on edge 'cause one wrong move or missed shot and you’re toast. It stays true to the original but the story’s even better now. You really get into Isaac’s head, seeing his mental health spiral and his complicated relationship with Nicole, 'cause now they can actually talk and interact, moving the story forward. Plus, you’ve got tons of control. You pick which guns to beef up, how much health and ammo to lug around, and where to pump those crucial upgrades into your weapons. It’s a prime example of taking a clean slate, polishing up all the graphics and gameplay, and ending up with a way better product than the original. This remake of a classic proves why video games just keep improving over time.

[ajetromat]

Getting Around the World of Rigging Supplies and Equipment: A Complete Guide

Rigging supplies and equipment are the unsung heroes of the heavy lifting and complex maneuvers world, making it possible for manufacturing, transportation, entertainment, and construction as well as other industries to proceed safely and effectively. Rigging gear is essential to the practical management of large loads, from towering cranes on building sites to carefully planned stage setups. This thorough book explores the many facets of the world of rigging supplies and equipment, including their various types, important uses, safety precautions, and important factors to take into account when choosing the appropriate equipment for any operation.

Comprehending Rigging Supplies and Equipment

The term "rigging equipment" refers to a wide range of instruments and materials that are painstakingly created to guarantee the secure and effective transportation of large loads. Below is a summary of a few typical types:

Hoists: Used to lift or lower heavy items vertically, hoists are mechanical workhorses. Different weight capacities and operational requirements are met by variations such chain hoists, lever hoists, and electric hoists, which provide versatility in a range of applications.

Slings: Slings offer flexible support for lifting and securing loads. They are made of materials such as nylon, polyester, wire rope, or chain. With configurations like endless slings, double-leg, and single-leg options, they can adjust to a variety of lifting situations.

Shackles: U-shaped connections with bolts or pins holding the opening secure, shackles are strong connectors. Shackles with bolt-type, round-pin, and screw-pin designs provide unique benefits and safe attachment locations for rigging elements.

Hooks: Hooks serve as a link between the loads that rigging equipment lifts and itself. They are essential links in the rigging chain, with alternatives like eye hooks, clevis hooks, and grab hooks, each suited to particular load capabilities and attachment requirements.

Hardware for Rigging: Turnbuckles, wire rope clips, thimbles, and swivels are the parts of hardware needed to put together and modify rigging arrangements. These elements are essential for preserving load stability and enabling efficient lifting operations.

Uses for Rigging Supplies and Equipment

A wide range of businesses and endeavors employ rigging equipment, including:

Construction: To lift and move heavy machines, steel beams, and concrete panels, construction sites mostly depend on rigging equipment. The skyline is dominated by cranes with rigging gear, guaranteeing the secure lifting of cargo to the desired heights.

Shipping and marine: Rigging equipment is essential to marine operations because it makes it easier to load and unload cargo, secure containers for transportation, and perform repairs on board ships. Everywhere in the world, ports and shipyards depend on rigging gear to remain operational.

Entertainment Industry: The elaborate setups of stage lighting, sound equipment, and scenery for plays, concerts, and live events are made possible by Rigging Equipment and Rigging Supplies, which takes center stage in this sector. Prioritizing safety, motorized hoists, truss systems, and rigging accessories turn imaginative ideas into real experiences.

Manufacturing: To move large machines, parts, and completed goods along assembly lines, manufacturing facilities need rigging equipment. Rigging gear-equipped overhead cranes optimize industrial operations, increasing productivity and workspace utilization.

Safety Factors to Take Into Account When Rigging

Safety is the cornerstone of rigging operations, and there are strict procedures in place to guard against mishaps and safeguard people and property. Important safety factors consist of:

Training: Employees who operate rigging equipment safely receive in-depth instruction on a variety of subjects, including hazard identification, load calculations, and rigging procedures.

Inspection: Rigging equipment is routinely inspected to look for indications of fatigue, damage, or wear. To preserve operational integrity, any compromised equipment is quickly removed from service and replaced.

Load Capacity: To guarantee safe lifting operations, rigging equipment is never subjected to loads more than its rated capacity. Load weights are precisely calculated.

Secure Connections: To reduce the possibility of load shifting or detaching during lifting, rigging components are firmly fastened to loads using the proper hooks, shackles, and slings.

Selecting Appropriate Rigging Equipment

When choosing the right rigging equipment, it's important to take a number of things into account, such as:

Load Requirements: Choosing rigging equipment with the right capacity and configurations is influenced by the load's weight, size, and center of gravity.

Environmental Conditions: The choice of materials and coatings for increased durability is influenced by environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and exposure to corrosive substances.

Application-Specific Needs: Optimizing performance and safety through the customisation of rigging equipment to meet specific needs such as clearance height, reach, and maneuverability is important.

Compliance with Standards: In order to guarantee adherence to strict safety standards, rigging equipment conforms with industry standards and laws, such as those outlined by agencies like OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration).

In summary

For companies that depend on the secure and effective handling of large weights, rigging supplies and equipment are essential. Organizations may increase productivity, reduce risks, and promote a safety culture in rigging operations by being aware of the many kinds of rigging gear, following safety procedures, and choosing the right equipment for given applications. Investing in top-notch rigging equipment guarantees seamless operations and protects the safety of people and property alike, whether it's on a busy construction site, a busy shipping dock, or an enthralling concert stage.

[santek-equipments]

Grab Crane Manufacturer in India - Santek

Leading Grab Crane Manufacturer in India - Santek Equipments Private Limited

Santek Equipments Private Limited stands tall as one of India's premier manufacturers of high-quality grab cranes, catering to diverse industrial needs across the nation. With a legacy of excellence spanning several years, we have established ourselves as pioneers in the field, delivering cutting-edge solutions tailored to meet the unique requirements of our esteemed clientele.

Welcome to Santek Equipments Private Limited, your trusted partner in the world of material handling solutions. As a leading grab crane manufacturer in India, we take immense pride in our commitment to innovation, precision engineering, and delivering solutions that empower industries to efficiently handle bulk materials. Elevate Your Material Handling Efficiency with Santek Equipments, a Leading Grab Crane Manufacturer in India. Our precision-engineered grab cranes are designed to optimize bulk material handling processes. As a trusted manufacturer, we provide top-quality grab crane solutions that enhance productivity and minimize downtime.

What is grab crane? A grab crane is a type of crane equipped with a grabbing device, typically a grab bucket featuring hinged jaws or tines. This mechanism allows the crane to efficiently lift, transport, and release bulk materials such as sand, gravel, or scrap metal. Grab cranes are widely used in industries like construction, mining, shipping, and waste management for their ability to handle loose or irregularly shaped materials in a controlled and systematic manner.

What is the function of grab crane? The function of a grab crane is to efficiently handle and transport bulk materials. Equipped with a grabbing device, typically a grab bucket featuring hinged jaws or tines, the crane can lift, secure, and release loose or irregularly shaped materials such as sand, gravel, scrap metal, or waste. The primary function is to streamline material handling processes, providing controlled and systematic loading, transportation, and unloading of bulk materials in various industrial applications, including construction, mining, shipping, and waste management.

What are the advantages of Grab Crane? The advantages of grab cranes include:

Efficient Bulk Material Handling: Grab cranes are designed for efficient handling of bulk materials, allowing for quick and controlled loading, transportation, and unloading.

Versatility: The grab mechanism enables the crane to handle various materials, including loose bulk commodities, scrap metal, and irregularly shaped items.

Increased Productivity: By streamlining material handling processes, grab cranes contribute to increased productivity, reducing the time and effort required for loading and unloading operations.

Precise Control: The grabbing device provides precise control over the material, allowing operators to pick up and release loads with accuracy, minimizing the risk of damage.

Adaptability to Various Industries: Grab cranes find applications in diverse industries such as construction, mining, shipping, and waste management, showcasing their versatility in different operational environments.

Reduced Labor Requirements: The efficient material handling capabilities of grab cranes can lead to reduced labor requirements, as fewer manual interventions are needed for loading and unloading tasks.

Systematic Waste Management: In waste management applications, grab cranes facilitate the systematic handling and disposal of waste materials, contributing to environmentally friendly practices.

Cost-Effective Solutions: The streamlined material handling processes and increased efficiency make grab cranes a cost-effective solution for various industries.

Enhanced Safety: The controlled grabbing mechanism, when operated with proper safety protocols, can enhance overall safety in material handling operations.

Customization Options: Grab cranes can be customized to suit specific operational requirements, ensuring that the equipment is tailored to the needs of the application.

These advantages make grab cranes valuable tools in industries where the efficient handling of bulk materials is essential for operational success.

Our Commitment to Quality: At Santek Equipments, quality is ingrained in every aspect of our operations. We adhere to stringent quality control measures throughout the manufacturing process, ensuring that each grab crane that rolls out of our facility is built to the highest standards of reliability, durability, and performance. Our team of skilled engineers and technicians leverage state-of-the-art technology and best practices to craft grab cranes that excel in efficiency and safety.

Customized Solutions: Recognizing that every industrial setting has its own set of challenges and requirements, we offer customizable solutions to suit varied applications. Whether it's for material handling in ports, construction sites, or heavy industries, our grab cranes can be tailored to meet specific load capacities, operational environments, and regulatory standards. We work closely with our clients to understand their needs and provide bespoke solutions that enhance productivity and streamline operations.

Innovative Design: At the heart of our grab crane solutions lies innovation. We continuously invest in research and development to stay ahead of industry trends and technological advancements. Our team constantly explores innovative design concepts and engineering techniques to enhance the efficiency, performance, and safety features of our grab cranes. The result is a range of products that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of our discerning customers.

Exceptional After-Sales Support: At Santek Equipments, our commitment to customer satisfaction extends beyond the point of sale. We offer comprehensive after-sales support services, including installation, maintenance, and repair, to ensure uninterrupted operation and maximum uptime of our grab cranes. Our dedicated team of service professionals is readily available to address any queries or issues, providing prompt and effective solutions to keep our clients' operations running smoothly.

Environmental Responsibility: We understand the importance of environmental sustainability in today's world. That's why our grab cranes are designed with energy efficiency and environmental responsibility in mind. We incorporate eco-friendly materials and technologies wherever possible to minimize our carbon footprint and contribute to a greener tomorrow.

Choose Santek Equipments Private Limited for your grab crane needs and experience unmatched quality, reliability, and innovation. Contact us today to learn more about our products and services. Choose Santek Equipments as your Grab Crane Manufacturer in India for advanced technology, reliability, and performance that exceed industry standards. Discover how we’re transforming material handling across India and beyond.

[talenlee]

Piton, Jura, Carpathia, Northumbria

You hear the term, in most any discussion of the nations of Cobrin’Seil. You’ll hear the phrase The Halfling Trade-Ships, or sometimes, Halfling Hulks. They’re a feature of the world and its politics, something so important that cities care about them, even though they aren’t, officially, part of that country at all.

The experience of the Hulks is pretty standard. Depending on which port you are in, wherever you are in the world, every few weeks or so, or perhaps once every few months, a single vessel cruises into the port, parks in the harbour in a space set aside for them, and spends a week completely unloading, then reloading up. These giant boxy vessels are often described as a totally different kind of ship to other vessels on the sea. They’re larger than even the largest naval ships, and they command small armies of people to manage and maintain, and all that money, all that profit they make just moving things from port to port, just sits in what, great and dreadful vaults, owned by ‘The Halfling Trade Houses.’

It’s more complicated than that.

Of course.

The first, the boats. A Halfling Hulk is an enormous building of a boat, between one hundred and two hundred meters long, thirty to fifty meters broad, and kind of square at one end, with minimal prow at the front to maximise the storage area within the Hulk’s frame. They are also extremely ‘tall’ – they’re designed to sit in the water, and fully loaded, they can draft some ten meters down. Fully unloaded, they can sit much shallower in the water, meaning that an empty Hulk can often look as much as five meters taller when it’s empty.

In the real world, the largest wooden boat ever to successfully take to sea was the Wyoming, a vessel 140 meters long that sank at sea because, amongst other things, its wooden make made it flex and distort in rough weather, resulting in it taking on water. The wood of the Hulks is magically treated to give it some resistance comparable to a modern day freighter.

They’re not technically Hulks. A Hulk is a vessel that can float, but isn’t seaworthy. The Halfling traders that eventually turned to the Halfling Trading Houses did start with hulks, but the name stuck because what else are you going to call a boat so big it needs harbours to be redesigned for them? They’re immense!

They’re also not sail boats, in the technical sense. They don’t have masts on them, because masts would occupy space on the deck and that would be space that could be used for storing goods for moving. Storing goods on a ship is a logistical mess, because the load is carefully and intricately packed and subdivided to ensure that the overall mass of the boat is equally distributed. They want it to sit flat in the water, and with enough mass being transported, they can find ways to do it. The plan for loading goods to flatten out is one of the most complicated pieces of math that the Hulks’ loading crews ever do and if they mess up, they can result in stress fractures that can, hypothetically, break or destroy a Hulk. Huge deal. Don’t mess up.

Instead of sails, then, they’re driven by enormous kites – a huge magically reinforced sail of fabric that’s launched off the front of the boat, propelled by magical assistance to get into place when the wind isn’t favourable. These kites are phenomenally complicated and reinforced in all sorts of ways to make the hulk move, which means that they move very slowly but also relentlessly.

Historical Note: This might also be enough of a reason that a modern day mariner wouldn’t consider a Hulk a proper ship, because it lacks an engine, and is instead a type of sailboat

Hulks are so big that, docked in most ports that can’t service one directly, they have tender ships, that are designed to sail out to the Hulks in harbour and unload something off them. And if you want something off the Hulk, you better be able to get it out of it properly, because it’s not like a bookshelf, you can’t grab something off the bottom shelf and everything else is fine.

That leads to the task of who manages the Hulks:

It’s an old idea that a Halfling Hulk is crawling with Halflings, just thousands of them, and when they arrive in town they’ll empty out the Hulk, buy up everything you got, then flee. That’s untidy. Plus, Halflings aren’t fools: they know that smaller heritages (what the company officially calls Midfolk) are great for piloting and steering the vessel, but loading and unloading? Nope, bigger people with broader backs can do that job better.

Any given Hulk can have a crew as small as twelve people, and if the right skills are employed (like mages and druids) that crew can drop to four. The idea of these absolute buildings being crewed by so small a number is bad for business, of course, so they often have crews in the thirty to fifty even when they don’t need it. Having crew keeps the crew from going weird over time left to their own devices.

The actual majority of what the Halfling Trade Houses own isn’t the Hulks, or even the service boats. The thing they own the most of is real estate, because in almost every Hulk-servicing town, there’s a small army of dockworkers whose job is, when the Hulk arrives, to empty that Hulk into a warehouse, and then empty another warehouse into that Hulk. They have to do it in a week. They have to do it right, too, they have to do it efficiently, and they have to do it without loss or destruction of goods.

Hulk Dockers exist in a strange space for most dock workers. They don’t do a lot of work, on average. They’re on contract – if you unload a Hulk, you need to sign up to unload one, load it again, then unload a second Hulk and then load it again. That’s the minimum contract – two ‘Full Reloads.’ During the time you’re on contract, you need to be accountable to the company, that treat you like an investment. You need to do training, for example, and the training includes some safe handling and care measures, but also includes a lot of double-checking and verifying handling, and even more checking to see if you can obey complex orders consistently with your memory. Remember, the way the goods are getting packed onto the Hulk is part of how the Hulk gets to survive the sea at all!

This means that Hulk Dockers are often employed to do very little most of the time. Unloading a Hulk is basically one full week of on-call shift work, and then you have sometimes as much as four months of doing nothing. But you’re still under contract, and you need to be able to fulfill your side of it. So if you spend that time under contract doing things that endanger your health, like adventuring or getting into fights, or dangerous hobbies, you might find yourself getting your payment severed.

Severance is how the company punishes bad contractors. Your contract is ended, you can’t work for them for a year, and they keep a very significant quantity of what money you earned.

But this doesn’t mean while you’re waiting for your money you’re screwed. Hulk Dockers have a stipend, a small amount of spending money that you can use to entertain yourself or send regular money home. You also have lodgings, and those lodgings include free access to staple foodstuffs like flour, bread, water and (admittedly cheap) protein like beans and ham.

The culture of Hulk Dockers is really interesting. The rules say they don’t endanger themselves. The contract says to take care and be safe. But also, it’s a boring life a lot of the time. Sometimes some folk are fine with how boring it is, able to just happily take a month break between huge back-breaking sessions of work, and become lifetime Dockers. Some of them take up the task of being Lodge Managers – people who keep track of the Hulk Dockers and make sure they’re available and trained when the time comes. When you try and start a fight with Hulk Dockers, if their Lodger isn’t a real asshole, and the Hulk’s not due for a few weeks, you might find that suddenly twelve people grab you out of the crowd, wrestle you to the ground and sit on you until you’re unconscious, because they shouldn’t be fighting, they shouldn’t be endangering their hands, but they absolutely are not going to let you mess up the practice they’ve put into the next shift.

When a Hulk needs unloading, Hulk Dockers can lock up a whole dock area, just by moving so much stuff as fast as they do and as quickly as they do. Unloading a Hulk is a task comparable to dismantling a building and they do it fast and efficiently over a course of a few days. And for the first few days after an unload? Chances are good the Hulk Dockers are having a party because a bunch of them just got paid the kind of money that can, in poor places, buy a house.

There are currently three Halfling Trade Houses. They are officially known as Halfling Trade Houses. They are not, by any definition, actually segregated to heritage, and as their dock workers, managers and accountants can most obviously attest, they are by no means limited to employing Halflings. When they were founded, they were, that’s for sure.

Ships and trade have always been important to Halflings culturally. Even the ones who live well away from the coasts have been renowned for their relationship to the sea, referring to their caravans as ‘schooners’ and ‘cutters,’ and a lot of Halfling slang has a maritime bent to it.

A brief history: When Halflings first re-established contact with major cities, it was after twenty years surviving after being ‘lost’. They had had full generations, lost elder members and had even raised children before they made their contact back with people, and there’d been some cultural drift. It wasn’t great, and in this early period, Halflings had to deal with a lot of simple prejudice about not being ‘real people.’ The result was, in some of the places these sailors had grown up, they weren’t considered acceptable people any more and they weren’t allowed to buy or sell property.

Since they were plucky seafaring people who had built their own boat to make their way out of their isolation, they started to just build on this idea: the first Halflings bought Hulks, which is a term for boats that can float, but aren’t seaworthy, and made homes in them. Then, because they all had experience managing and building and rebuilding boats, they started to make Hulks seaworthy, and built wealth that way, buying bad boats, fixing them, and selling them. Before long they were buying good boats as family units, and using those boats to sail and do trades between cities, creating a trade network. The lack of support they received from the existing trade houses and networks meant they just made their own, and eventually, as their experience and shared wealth grew, they began to consider new systems for defraying risk.

First, they started to buy warehouses on the land; then they started to buy boats and rent them to the crews that drove them; then they hit on the idea of Shares. Basically, for any given boat, if you owned 100% of that boat, and the boat sank, you were out the entire cost of the boat. But if every major trading family owned a share in all the boats, then any given boat failing would only hurt everyone involved a little bit, and could be replaced communally. This system was seen, at first, as communalist and entirely in keeping with their previous status as marginalised others.

Anyway, it took only a little time before people were buying and selling Shares in the companies and Halflings started to run Share systems for other companies, resulting in three major Trading Houses, that negotiated and estimated prices for other businesses. This was part of the change that led to the current situation, where three major businesses, known as Halfling Trade Houses, run a market for shares and operational costs of businesses and their debts. The systems of Trade House operation can make rich people richer and poor people confused.

Over time, the twenty or so different Halfling families’ holdings were consolidated into four businesses; the Piton, the Jura, the Carpathia and the Northumbria. Each trade house kept scrupulous records with one another, positioned in four different cities around the world, and you could go to one of these houses and make negotiations about the potential fluctuations in price for a product that was being moved from one city to another without you ever even seeing it.

The Hulks are a byproduct of this consolidation and expansion. Northumbria was the first to devise them – a system where if a sufficiently large ship could do sufficiently large amounts of work, in every exchange, it could monopolise the entire trade force of a dock and both make huge profits and shut out everyone else in the area. This was nearly fifty years ago when Northumbria made its plan to claim all the docks for Halfling Hulks. It failed, for reasons, and the collapse of Northumbria resulted in its compatriot businesses cannibalising it for parts.

But the system of Hulks and vessels was a good one, and the Halfling Trade Houses – which were by this point only majority Halfling staffed and not even vaguely ideologically inclined towards Halfling communalism – began to buy up docks and real estate. The state of affairs for the workers is the result of negotiations with the Unions of each dock, which was fought for and designated with labor action, worker power, and no small amount of blood.

The actual businesses do claim to be family businesses; purely for the show of things. Because of this, it means that senior positions often involve an individual member of the business adopting their successor, legally. For this end, there are members of the ruling boards in each business who aren’t Halflings, and weren’t adopted by Halflings, but who nonetheless have the surname of the Trade House into which their parents or relatives were once adopted. It’s an interesting little ceremonial flourish, but also done entirely to extol the idea of long-term family commitment. It’s good branding.

Of course, this is a multi-national trading corporation using Sending spells to make negotiations on an hourly basis of the going rates of fractions of businesses. It’s not like this engine of erasing responsiblity and managing details is going to be blameless. Things get lost and injustices happen. Shitty Lodgers sever workers before their third round for bad reasons to build profit margins on the edge of a ledger.

And in this history there is the story of Northumbria.

Northumbria collapsed, sure. The business tried to grow too fast, too much. It tried to run Hulks constantly, and it managed it for a few months before the ships started to sink. Northumbria’s deals went wrong and the debts caught up and the whole organisation collapsed, but that’s a word on paper that doesn’t encapsulate what it means. To manage and maintain the Hulk Dockers for their expanded business, the Northumbria quadroupled their work force. The immense lift of it! The scale!

When Northumbria collapsed, then, its holdings were divided up amongst organisations that could afford it. But what of the workers? What of the Dockers who had been hired for four years of contract, and held their breath on the long payout knowing now that they would never see any of it? What of the people who had a year of work lined up? How were they going to get made whole?

Well, you might not be surprised that the Trade Houses cannibalised the company from the top down. The richest managers of Northumbria had money to retire on, made their apologies and paid their debts. But below them? The managers, the paperworkers, the people who tracked Sendings and the people who quickly noted down spoken words? They were all professional workers and every business could just happily scoop them up. They all got jobs in the other Trade Houses.

And then, below that… the problem of the Dockers.

The Hulk Dockers of the Northumbria were all owed. And if you scoop up those workers, to work on your vessel, what’s to stop them collaborating together to negotiate for being made whole out of those debts? After all, it’s a troubled time. The details of how Northumbria fell is a confusing mess. Blame is going all around. It’s best to not touch that kind of investment. Boats? Those are assets. Sailors? They are linked to the assets? Papertouchers and notetakers? They don’t care about what colour of office they’re in. But the Dockers, they do things like unionise and get mad and do work stoppages. That’s volatile.

Without necessarily any kind of public meeting, or agreed upon policy, the Trade Houses froze out the Hulk Dockers who worked for Northumbria for a full year, to abrogate even the appearance of responsibility for these debts. This created an identity of people in this context, many of whom suffered at the hands of the Trade Houses, who resent them, and who have in many cases very legitimate cases against the very principle of a multi-national company that couldn’t be reasonably sued for their failings. They’re also Dockers, so after that year frozen out, a lot of them returned to work for other Houses, and that results in some paranoia from the trade houses about any given work slippage, delay, any problem, any agitation. The fear was of a criminal network (?!), using the badge of the collapsed business, of a badger’s face, and with their own insurance policies and support networks. These people, this network of Hulk Dockers that may not even be real, have a name.

They call them The Northumbrians.

And that’s the Halfling Trade Houses, and their Halfling Hulks. Of course, they’re not Trade Houses of Halflings and they’re not Hulks. But that’s how businesses warp things, and how what people assume to be true is often more important than what is actually true.

Check it out on PRESS.exe to see it with images and links!

[godigitalbuzzpro]

Uncovering the Best Ways to Sell Your Gold and Maximize Your Profits

Are you ready to turn your old gold jewelry into cold, hard cash? Selling your gold can be a great way to make extra money, but it's important to do it right to maximize your profits. This blog post will walk you through the best ways to sell your gold and get the most for it. From online marketplaces to pawn shops and beyond, we'll cover all the options so that you can decide how best to unload your unwanted gold. So sit back, grab a cup of coffee (or tea!), and let's dive in!

Introduction

When it comes to selling your gold, you want to ensure that you get the best possible price for your items. With so many different places to sell gold, it can be difficult to know where to start. This article will look at some of the best ways to sell your gold and maximize your profits.

What is the best way to sell gold?

There are several ways to sell gold, and the best way depends on several factors including the type and amount of gold you have, your timeline for selling, and your personal preferences.

The most common way to sell gold Perth is to take it to a pawn shop or jewelry store. However, this is not always the best option as you will likely only receive a fraction of the actual value of your gold. Another option is to sell online through sites like eBay or Craigslist, but again, you may not get the full value for your gold.

The best way to sell gold is to find a reputable gold buyer who will pay you the full value of your gold. You can find these buyers online or in person at Cash for gold businesses. When selling to a reputable buyer, get everything in writing and paid upfront before turning over your gold.

Is it better to sell online or in person?

While you may get a slightly higher price per ounce when you sell your gold in person, selling online is often the better option overall. First of all, it's more convenient—you can do it from your home. Secondly, you'll likely get paid more quickly when you sell online. And lastly, you'll have a wider range of buyers to choose from, which means you're more likely to find a buyer willing to pay top dollar for your gold.

Tips for selling your gold

When you decide to sell your gold, you'll want to do everything possible to get the best return on investment. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your sale:

1. Know the value of your gold. The first step is to determine how much your gold is worth. The spot price of gold fluctuates daily, so it's important to stay current. You can find the spot price online or through a local jeweler or coin dealer.

2. Choose the right buyer. Not all buyers are created equal. Some will offer you a lower price than others, so it's important to compare offers from multiple buyers before deciding. Check reviews and ratings to ensure you're working with a reputable company.

3. Determine the purity of your gold. The purity of gold is measured in karats, with 24 karats being the purest form of gold. Most jewelry is not 24 karats, so you must test your gold for purity before selling it. You can usually find a purity testing kit at your local jewelry store or online.

4. Decide what form of payment you prefer. When selling gold, you'll typically be paid in cash or check. Some buyers may also offer payment through store credit or a bank wire transfer. Choose the option that best suits your needs and preferences.

5. Keep your paperwork. Be sure to keep all receipts, invoices, and other documents related to the sale of your gold in case any questions arise later.

6. Insure your shipment. When sending gold to a quality gold buyer today, it is important to insure the package to protect you in case of loss or theft. Many shipping companies offer insurance for an additional fee; mention this when arranging the shipment.

What options are available for payment?

There are a few options available for payment when you sell your gold. Cash is the most common form of payment, but you can also receive a check or money order. Some companies may offer other forms of payment, such as store credit or a gift card, but these are not as common. You should always ask what form of payment the company offers before you agree to sell your gold to them.

Conclusion

By understanding how to maximize your profits when selling gold, you can ensure you get top dollar for your gold. Choose a reputable dealer or use an online marketplace and research current market prices to ensure you receive the highest value possible. With careful investigation and preparation, you can come away with great satisfaction knowing that you got the most money for your gold.

[wonderlandleighleigh]

(you ship literati too? AAAAH you truly are the best) how bout an ASP/Fashionable Ppl Extended Universe sandbox?😁 say, Jess and Rory meet Joshy (he's looking into Truncheon,idk -depends on what you see his career path looking like- if he himself wants to publish smth or-) and his parents come up. or something along those lines?

(One does not ship Midge/Lenny and turn around and not ship Literati lol. Also I'm an ooooooooollllllllld Lit shipper. If you dig through ff.net you'll find some intensely ancient litfic)

How about a different thought, though.

Let's call this season 3 of GG

Jess hates it when Luke calls his name like that, because it means Jess has to do work. And it's not that Jess is work-averse. He just...

Hates Stars Hollow.

A lot.

"I just need you to take an order over to Maple," Luke tells him. "No big deal. Just take it over to 36 Maple."

Jess narrows his eyes. "Are you sure you don't mean 37 Maple?"

"Rory didn't order food," Luke tells him, amused. "Mrs. Schneider ordered food. Do not drop by Rory's place until after you deliver the food."

Jess gives an eyeroll, but he grabs the takeout bags and heads out.

At least the Schneiders are nice. They tip well, too. They're only here in the fall, though, September through November, and otherwise disappear for the rest of the year. They're good friends with Babette and Maury, and they certainly make town meetings interesting (not that Jess bothers with those normally. Still. Nothing quite like Mr. Schneider calling Taylor a "fucking twat" that one time, scandalizing everyone, except Mrs. Schneider, who had done her best to hold back laughter).

Their house on Maple is painted a darker blue than the Gilmore's place, but it's the same kind of bungalow-type, with a nice porch, and when Jess knocks on the door, Mrs. Schneider calls out from inside.

"It's open!"

Jess frowns. Usually one of them comes to the door. He awkwardly opens the door and steps in, greeted with a well-decorated front hall, the walls decorated with family photos and old show posters.

He hears someone struggling from a room off to his left, and he when turns, it's to find Mrs. Schneider pulling herself up off the floor.

"Whoa." He rushes forward, setting the takeout bags down, and helping her. "Are you okay?"

"Oh, I'm fine," she assures him, looking a little winded, but otherwise okay. "Go figure that the second Lenny goes out of town for the day, I have a 'help I've fallen and I can't get up' moment." She gives him a sheepish smile and smooths out her dress. "Thank you."

"Sure," Jess says, grabbing the takeout bags again, noticing his surroundings for the first time.

The room is painted a tastefully light pink, and the walls are lined, again, with old photos and show posters. Mostly comedy shows.

Mostly those of Midge Maisel, world-famous comedienne.

Above a cluttered desk is a large print of a man with his back to the camera, cigarette in hand, lit up by the lights of a large stage.

It's a pretty famous image. Taken sometime in the sixties, and used in Rolling Stone Magazine and on posters, too.

Jess slowly turns back to the older woman, who has grabbed her cane. "Uh..."

Mrs. Schneider looks a little sheepish. "Yeah."

"Seriously?"

She shrugs.

"What are Midge Maisel and Lenny Bruce doing in Stars Hollow?!"

Mrs. Schneider laughs softly. "Bring those bags to the kitchen, and I'll tell you."

He does, following her slow movements through the first floor of the house, and he sets the bags down, helping her unload them.

"So. Back in the early eighties, Lenny fell off the wagon," she explains. "A combo of deep stress over trying to write a film script, and a few years hanging out with Richard Pryor. And after throwing his stupid ass into rehab, we decided that maybe getting out of the city for a little while wouldn't be the worst thing. Lenny's old buddy Maury was living here already, and he recommended we come check it out. So we stayed at the Dragonfly Inn - before Lorelai bought it - and we fell in love with this weird little town. So we bought a place, and we've spent a few months a year here ever since."

"And only Maury and Babette know you're...comedy legends."

"Lorelai knows," she tells him. "We had dinner at the Independence Inn one night when she was working there, and she recognized us immediately. But other than that?" she shrugs. "Mr. and Mrs. Schneider shop at Doose's and we do the Bid-a-Basket festival every year - which - Lenny hates, but plays along anyways, and we won the Dance-a-thon in 1990, though I'm pretty sure we almost died."

Jess stares at her. "Huh."

Mrs. Schneider shrugs again and smiles before turning to one of the kitchen drawers and pulling out money for the order. "I will give you way more money than this is all worth, if you promise not to tell anybody but that cute girlfriend of yours."

Jess nods as he accepts the cash. "Deal."

"Good boy."